Date: 18th Tempestia, 1763 (Starday)
Time: 8:45 PM
Location: Unknown Underground Area, Kingdom of Stormgarde
Vajra's POV:
"Hey, Adolas, I think something just happened in the main hall, I felt my protection "mantra" on Mohini weaken for a split second." A sense of unease prickled at the back of my neck, signaling something was wrong, something out of the ordinary had happened!
Adolas nodded slowly in response, "I think so too, suddenly, something is disturbing my connection with Christine, The connection feels ... strained" he replied back.
I'm heading back, you remain here, I'll finish up whatever's happening there and meet up with you soon, " I said to him determined to figure out what happened back at the hall.
{No sooner had Vajra turned around than he felt a cold air brush past him. It felt out of place but he paid no attention, then suddenly a sharp sword swung at him, and almost instinctively, he jumped aside and dodged it in a split second}
who dared to raise his weapon against me? I looked around but could find no one!
Is he using some invisibility spell? It has to be a damn high-level one, such that even I am not able to perceive his presence!
"Who are you, come and fight me, if you want!" I shouted, angry, they were not stopping me from reaching my daughter. Silence was the only answer I received
In anger, I turned around to the direction I came from and noticed that even Adolas was attacked and enacted a barrier on himself.
I immediately reached back to him.
"I thought you left? What are you doing back here?"
"I was stopped in my tracks, a sharp sword-like instrument attacked me. What about you?" I shook my head in frustration.
"I don't know as well, I suddenly felt someone behind me ready to attack and that's when I enacted my barrier! But now I can't feel his/her presence! I don't think it was some illusion or manipulation spell, they do not affect me! That's why I do not understand how they are so perfectly able to hide their presence."
"Same for me, I am unable to pinpoint their location, Mastery of this level? To not just evade my presence but also yours?" I mused aloud in disbelief
"I might have to unleash my aura into the surroundings but that would also mean our location will be discovered," said Adolas
"At this point, I don't care but I am not going to let this person leave today alive, They just switched off my happy mood," I said to Adolas, he understood and finally began to release his aura. There was absolute silence around us. Soon frost and cold began to cover everything around us.
As Adolas started "leaking" his mana to the surroundings to "smoke out" the individual, I could feel the "frost helm's frost" through his aura. I had to coat myself with a layer of my own aura to protect myself from the cold that freezes a person to their very bones.
His Aura is like a predator that will not stop until his prey is devoured, If you coat yourself with your aura like I did, your location will be discovered, and the surrounding Aura will start accumulating on top of your coated Aura, as per his direction, and essentially overload your aura cover to break or force you to let go if you don't want to freeze in your place. If you, however, are stupid enough to "try" and withstand his aura, you would freeze to absolute zero and essentially die.
Let's say instead of Aura, you are stupid enough to use a spell or some gear to protect yourself, it still finds you, due to the anomaly in surroundings that happens upon using gears or spells, that is why even invisibility spells, that essentially, tune your frequency to that of the surrounding and make you invisible, cannot avoid his aura, as he starts to freeze the entire area, thereby reducing or decreasing the frequency of vibrations of the surrounding, essentially creating an interference, which again makes you visible. Well, I am usually not the type of person to think deeply about magic spells and stuff but I learned about the uniqueness of his aura out of sheer respect I have for him!
A truly marvelous technique made possible only as he is the citizen of the kingdom of Frosthelm, and is one of the individuals on the pinnacle of magic!
"Interesting, really interesting!" said Adolas, as he continued to spread his aura in the surroundings. His voice carried a sense of intrigue that seemed out of place in the current situation.
"What, what happened Adolas?" I asked, I was already low on patience and Adolas wasn't helping in any way.
"Well, it seems we are the birds in the cage, Vajra," said Adolas, as he chuckled at the situation.
"What, what do you mean ?, " I asked, I didn't like his casual demeanor.
"Well, someone enacted a barrier, or a domain with us being inside it, and the moment we try to reach the edge of the domain or "plan to get away", it attacks us,"
"How is this possible, I didn't sense someone casting that barrier or domain, and by the way you are speaking, it seems you also didn't know about it, why are you so calm right now?"
"Being calm is very easy Vajra, I mean, we won't be attacked until either of us reaches the edge or plans to leave, if we remain here, nothing will happen, so it gives me some time to think about how to dispel this barrier" he just casually shrugged his shoulders
{Vajra's gaze narrowed on Adolas, noting the shift in his demeanor—a cold, analytical mask that replaced his usual warm self}
"I still cannot process, this cold and almost inhuman behavior of yours sometimes," I said as the realization struck me or I should say, as I remembered what Adolas explained to me the last time he released his aura. Wait, It's been years since he did that, so it's just so unbelievable to see it again.
Adolas didn't say anything but his face made an expression that asked, "What do you mean by that? I am my normal self!"
"Well, you won't understand as you are not Adolas anymore, I forget that the reason, Adolas doesn't release his Aura, isn't cause it's so cold, it because, it brings out you, the inner Adolas, in him, the cold, and calculated one"
"That Big dude, he always keeps me hidden in my chamber within him, and only lets me out sometimes," Adolas chuckled but there was no warmth in his voice.
Through years of practice and training, Adolas has finally managed to form a sort of partnership with the duality that lurks within him.
His Transformation was unsettling but we have bigger tasks at hand, "So what do you mean we are inside the barrier? can we not just break it?"
"Well, it's not that easy, The moment our Aura struck the barrier, the Big guy within me, that handed me the reigns, was visibly angry, I guess it makes sense if you think as the barrier's magic reminds him of his old master, you know the Previous Principal of The Octagon Academy?"
"He is angry but at the same time cannot understand how someone can use his master's barrier technique. I mean, it's not that no one can learn it but the issue is that the magic power, in simple words, resembles in so many ways to his master that it seems impossible that anyone other than his master cast it! But what even intrigues me is both of us, me and the Big guy, witnessed his Master's death, so how can there be a barrier technique/spell cast by his master on us? And that too, this one is pre-created, meaning someone knew we might visit this location, so he cast that spell before and I think the condition for it to activate was that anyone could enter this region but could not escape, so until no one tries to escape nothing will happen but the moment we think of leaving, the barrier will activate! Truly, a fine creation, worthy of someone revered as the Principal of Octagon before the Big Guy!" said Adolas, specifically, the dual one within him as he is in command right now, completely devoid of any emotions.
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"So, in essence, our enemy is someone I can properly fight with, right? I said joining my fists together.
"If.... I dumb it down to your understanding then, yes! Go break a leg" he waved at me.
{Unbeknownst to them, a figure slowly appeared above them}
"Do you have no idea, how to catch the one who evaded us?"
"Well, if that person is really, what I and the Big guy think, she will attack us first, and that would be just about now"
And the moment he said it,
We both were engulfed by a sudden golden beam of light and were transported,
As the light faded, I noticed my surroundings, we were far away from the underground area, and Celebrations Hall, in a matter of seconds, the situation just shifted from "mild irritation" to an issue.
Before us stood two individuals, a man and a woman. The man was dressed in warrior armour but there was something unnatural about him. The woman on the other hand was so calm.
The woman spoke first, she was somewhat recognizable, "I expected no less from my student, you immediately deduced my tactic, and formed a shield above you and your friend."
"The Big Guy is your student, not me, Old Hag, dead people should remain dead, that's nature's law"
"EHHH, it's you, I thought I was just about to have a heartwarming union between me and my student, Adolas" A blink and both of them were in front of us, with the woman, leaning closer to Adolas,
"Old Hag, don't come close to me, you smell of death, I will have to bathe afterward, I am done here," said the inner Adolas, this guy, he sure knows how to get on someone's nerves.
I chuckled, so how about we get started here, I don't want to delay any further, I need to reach Mohini!
{
As Vajra prepared to face his opponent, he adopted a stance that felt as natural to him as breathing. His left hand was open, signaling he wasn’t just there to defend but also to welcome the challenge head-on. It showed he was open to whatever attack might come his way, ready to counter it with his own strength. His right hand, clenched into a fist, was the embodiment of his power ready to strike his opponent.
This stance was classic Vajra—a perfect mix of defense and ready-to-attack. It reflected his deep understanding of combat, a balance between being adaptable and being assertive. He stood firm, a testament to his experience and readiness for the battle ahead.
To those who had seen Vajra in combat, his stance seemed almost multidimensional, like that of a deity with multiple limbs. Each appeared ready to spring into action, creating an aura of omnipresence on the battlefield. His lower body, anchored in a strong, wide-legged lunge, displayed stability and grounding, a clear sign that he was immovable, steadfast in his resolve.
Opponents/Comrades who witnessed his stance and were alive to talk about it often felt overwhelmed, as if facing not just a man but a mythic figure, it felt as if he didn't have just two arms but several arms extending in different directions. It looked as if his "multiple" arms were raised and bent at strategic angles in a display reminiscent of a warrior with an arsenal of invisible weapons at his command. Each hand seemed poised for a different purpose—some shaped to strike with lethal precision, others curved as if to cast spells or command the very elements. This unique arrangement of "imaginary" limbs suggested a circular defense mechanism, allowing Vajra to react swiftly to threats from any direction, embodying the versatility and readiness of a seasoned fighter who had mastered the art of war.
No one knows what his stance is called, It's like a riddle whose answer is in front of you but you can't find it, some curious minds and eager challengers have tried to come up with a name for it but Vajra himself has never talked about it. His only response ever: "Come show me what you got and if you qualify maybe I'll tell you all you wanna know about it!" This is his challenge thrown to people who are brave or foolish enough to fight him!
}
Just as I finished my stanze, a heavy and long sword attacked me, I caught it with my hands, "Not bad, not bad, it's a good sword, ohh, I see, it has some ancient enchantments as well, It's a pity that it's user lacks the strength to wield it" as I picked the person on the other end of the sword using the sword as a lever and tossed him in the air, and as he fell, I jumped up to his height and kicked him, as he went flying into the ground away from my landing point.
"One down, One to go," I said as I focused my attention back on the woman, who didn't seem even a bit bothered that her partner was done for.
"Ahh, your friend here, is a muscle head, ohh, now I remember, he is that young guy from back then, right, who was under training in the Kingdom of Celestia?" said the woman.
"I don't have any time to waste on you," I said in anger as I positioned myself to punch her as well,
"You shouldn't be so impatient, mighty Vajra, and You shouldn't be so hasty,"
Just as she said this, that sword came flying at me propelled by some unknown force, I concentrated my aura on my fist to stop it, and as it pushed me back away from my original position, the ground beneath me was the eye witness of the clash of powers.
And the sword then just flew back as the dust cleared in front of me, I saw that guy standing, holding it as he readied himself to attack again.
"Well, I guess, it won't be as easy as I thought," I muttered to myself, as that guy launched himself toward me,
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"What do you think of my creation, Adolas? Will that swordsman be enough to challenge Vajra?" the woman asked Adolas.
"How many times must I tell you, Old Hag? The Big Guy isn't in control now, and I'm not your student. But yes, I did pick up a few tricks from you," Adolas retorted, attempting to distance himself from her.
"Anyway, I have a question for you. How are you alive, and who are you really? The woman I knew wouldn't do this to her student."
"OHH, me, ahh, after all this time, you won't even come out and greet your Master, Adolas, and now you are asking questions?"
"Well, Since you're still my student in my eyes, I'll tell you: I was reborn to fulfill my master's wishes. He gave me a new life and name—Scarlet. Today's just a warning. Interfere again, and I'll have to punish you," Scarlet explained, her voice laced with a concealed threat.
"The Big Guy isn't pleased," Adolas noted. "And your creation? Pretty weak."
And just like that, the sword was sent flying at great speed toward Scarlet, but she just held out her hand as the sword was absorbed by her hands,
Meanwhile, Vajra shouted from afar, "Wasn't even a good warmup!"
"Hmm, not bad, he lasted for a couple of minutes against Vajra,", analyzing Vajra, "No real loss in stamina or power", guess foot soldiers will always be foot soldiers, still I would regard it to be a successful experiment, an army of these will indeed be helpful," she said quietly but Adolas heard her.
"No, Big Guy, it's not your turn yet. I'm still in charge," Adolas grunted, clutching his head as if fighting immense pain., "No, you don't let me out ever, you don't let me loose, impose so many restrictions on my power, jail me in a corner, Noooooo ...., Noooo..."
Hearing his friend's shout, Vajra quickly moved to Adolas's side. "Everything okay, Adolas?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.
"Ya, everything is fine now," said Adolas as he came back
"Oh, my student is back," said Scarlet
Adolas retorted, anger sharpening his words, "You're not my Master, My master passed away while protecting me and the entire world, don't soil her honor. State your objectives," anger, and sadness visible in his eyes.
"It's been such a long time, 17 years ago was it? I sacrificed myself but see, now I am back, shouldn't you be happy,
I already stated my purpose, it seems age had a bad effect on you!"
With eyes filled with anger and resolve, Adolas just said, " I am the Principal of THE OCTAGON, my duty is to safeguard the future of my children, I will never let him succeed,"
"You are a fool, my brightest student" It was difficult to explain but Scarlet felt a sense of pride upon hearing Adolas for an instant but it was soon overpowered by her master's wishes, "Then the next time will be your death, Adolas," as she vanished along with the lifeless body of the soldier that Vajra laid behind them.
As soon as she left, Adolas collapsed, but Vajra caught him, "Are you really alright Adolas," he asked,
"This is the price for breaking my rule, It's just the punishment that I had imposed on myself when I let the inner me out and forcefully take back control, Sorry, I won't be able to use any power for now, neither magic nor aura, we are still inside her barrier but this one can be destroyed with your power, I think about 10% will be enough,"
"You sure, 10% of my power isn't that a lot for a barrier"
"Trust me, Vajra," Adolas said, his voice heavy with somber realization yet underscored by a steely resolve, "she is not something, we can handle without using our strengths, creating that soldier, for her, that's nothing, while people with our strengths can handle those soldiers easily, not all will be like us in a full-fledged battle, and she is not even at her full-strength right now, it's her way of saying next time she'll go all out!"
He paused, his gaze distant, reflecting a storm of emotions. "If her master, could bring her back to life, it is safe to assume that there might be other noble heroes, now bound to her master's will."
Adolas's words occupied the entire atmosphere, a testament to the gravity of their situation. On one side was the weight of his sorrow for what he lost and what he saw today and on the other there was the unmistakable determination in his eyes. The path ahead would be long and daunting. He knew that but he also knew he could not stop!
It was a resolve born from his despair as well as the promise he made to his dying teacher! a commitment to stand against the shadows trying to take upon their world.
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To be continued