When Mary and Toby arrived at Yuvan's room, they found him in the midst of meditation, utilizing a mana crystal to enhance his cultivation. The gentle hum of the crystal filled the air, and Mary and Toby waited patiently for him to conclude his meditation.
Six months had passed since their classes had commenced, during which time they had received instruction in the fundamentals of the available paths of cultivation. The academy had offered the students the flexibility to choose six tantras from among the various paths. For Yuvan, a requirement had been imposed by Darryl: he needed to select at least one tantra from the bhūmipada, (earth path). With that in mind, Yuvan made his choice.
Further decisions saw Yuvan opting for two tantras from the vyūhapada, (formation path). This decision aligned with his intention to make the formation path a primary focus. Additionally, he selected two tantras from the sattvapada, (wisdom path). This selection was strategic, aiming to allocate his attention and efforts between different paths while enhancing his meditative abilities.
At the present moment, Yuvan was engrossed in a sattvapada tantra. This specific tantra enabled him to construct an artificial "will" using his inner Qi. The purpose of this technique was to expedite his cultivation speed by creating a separate mental state solely devoted to focusing on the mana crystal. Consequently, the crystal's energy was absorbed more rapidly and efficiently.
As the mana crystal neared the end of its effectiveness, Mary and Toby patiently awaited Yuvan's transition out of meditation.
Emerging from his meditation, Yuvan was introduced to Mary by Toby, the person he had mentioned the day before. Mary approached with an aged, rust-covered dagger gripped in her hand. It was a diminutive assassin's blade; a weapon type Yuvan was well-acquainted with.
Addressing Mary, Yuvan requested, "Tell me about this dagger."
Suppressing her emotions, Mary began to explain, "I seek your assistance in seeking vengeance…"
Interrupting her, Yuvan redirected the focus to the dagger itself.
Yuvan's interruption stung, leaving Mary slightly wounded by his brusqueness. Recognizing Toby's imminent intervention, she chose to respond to Yuvan's query, not wanting to exacerbate the situation. "This dagger holds a profound legacy," she began. "Originally belonging to a renowned warrior, from a few centuries ago, it was wielded against a horde of Asuras. He faced them alone, sacrificing his life for the well-being of his kin. This dagger encapsulates his remorse and suffering. Passed down through generations, it's a cherished family heirloom that found its way to my sister. Unfortunately, her circumstances…" Her voice quivered with emotion, and tears welled up as she spoke about her sister's situation.
"What does it do?" Yuvan's impatience was evident in his tone.
Mary's response was direct, "With a single stab, you can kill anyone."
Eager for specifics, Yuvan pressed, "Explain in detail."
"As an initial stage C grade talent, you could even eliminate our headmaster, who is at the heart chakra level, if he's caught off guard," Mary elaborated.
Seeking the catch, Yuvan inquired further.
"However," Mary continued, "there's a grave catch. When you stab someone, the dagger absorbs your internal energy until you're drained, then transfers it to the target. This action disrupts the targets' internal energy, and when this negative exchange reaches their core, it triggers an explosion that engulfs everything nearby. By stabbing the victim, you seal your own fate."
Amidst the detailed explanation, Yuvan's irreverent remark about kamikaze went unnoticed by Mary.
Despite her focus, Yuvan addressed the issue he saw, "Don't you think your price is too modest? You're proposing the assassination of someone with extensive connections, an heir apparent to a super force like Lucas. He's an A grader protected by the academy, not to mention the senior instructor guarding him. And even if I managed to eliminate him, dire consequences would inevitably follow."
Mary's reaction was sharp and furious, "What?! An epic ranked artefact isn't sufficient for you? How much greed can you harbour? This 'fatty' promised me you'd heed my request."
Yuvan acknowledged the value of an epic ranked artefact but distinguished it from the cursed artefact Mary presented. His words held a stern warning, "While an epic ranked artefact would indeed have sufficed, cursed artefacts hold different significance. Also, don't you dare insult my subordinate again? There will be severe consequences if you do."
“I had enough of this nonsense, what a waste of time” Fed up with the situation, Mary vented her frustration, hurling curses as she attempted to leave.
"Where do you think you're going?" Yuvan's voice held a veiled threat.
Mary retorted, "That's none of your business."
Yuvan responded with a taunting assurance, "Make sure you're safe on your way back."
Taking offence, Mary questioned him, "Are you threatening me?"
Yuvan brushed off the implication, stating, "No, I'm not. However, Lucas is a different story. If he discovers someone is plotting against him, I shudder to think what a volatile person like him might do. I'm just advising you to be cautious."
Mary's outrage was palpable, "You! How can you be so shameless?"
Yuvan met her challenge head-on, "I suggest you practice what you preach. Now, come back and discuss the terms with me, or you can leave."
After a brief contemplation, Mary decided to acquiesce, admitting, "I possess a rare ranked vyūhapada (formation path) tantra, specifically a battlefield formation."
Yuvan dismissed the offer, explaining that he already had access to a battlefield formation, generously provided by someone after his victory against Rana Prathap.
Seeking another option, he inquired about the ātatipada (path of darkness), which Mary confirmed she didn't possess. When he turned his attention to the sattvapada (wisdom path), she presented an option—the higher-ranked version of the academy's Dvimana tantra, enabling the creation of an independent will.
Taking charge, Yuvan commanded Toby to prepare the bond. Toby complied swiftly, handing the contract to Mary.
Yuvan requested her to sign it, solidifying the agreement. As she scrutinized the contract, she questioned certain clauses, expressing concern about an envelope and being subject to his requests.
Yuvan directed her attention to the next clause, assuring her, "If the task harms or implicates you, Mary Ziegler, this clause can be nullified."
Satisfied with the explanation, Mary agreed to the terms. However, she insisted on adding a stipulation to keep the discussion confidential.
With her demand met, the contract was signed, sealing their agreement. After Mary left the room, Yuvan and Toby discussed her query about eliminating Lucas with his formidable protector.
"Don't worry, Toby. I have a plan," Yuvan reassured.
As they continued their preparations, Yuvan took note of Toby's reports, acknowledging their value. Toby, noticing Yuvan's thorough review of the reports, asked whether they were helpful, receiving confirmation that they indeed were.
Within the Silver Fang clan's headquarters,
"Horrible news, my lord! horrible news!" Edmund burst into a chamber where the elders and clan leader were engaged in a discussion.
Cedric, outraged by the intrusion, scolded, "What's the meaning of this? Do you possess no manners? This chamber is sacred, reserved for the elders and clan lord only. Someone of your status isn't permitted inside. Leave immediately!"
"Hold on, Cedric. Let's hear why he's behaving so rashly," Alfred Thorne intervened, diffusing the tension. The attention shifted to Edmund, awaiting an explanation.
"Lord! Geoffrey has made contact with the Naga clan, and it appears they've reached some sort of agreement."
"What? Preposterous!" Cedric interrupted before Edmund could continue, "That traitor was branded a demon by the righteous faction. On what grounds would the Naga clan entertain him? Your report must be inaccurate."
"Do you vouch for the authenticity of this report?" Alfred Thorne inquired, sceptical of the situation.
"My lord, Geoffrey employed various means to reach out, ensuring his traceability was minimized. That's how we learned of this deal. Currently, the Nagas are mustering their forces, preparing to take action as soon as Geoffrey discloses his location."
Alfred Thorne stood, walking a few paces while massaging his temples. "This is indeed troublesome."
"Should we contact the Celestial Hawks?" Cedric suggested.
"No use. Our relationship with them has soured since the incident."
"Why not, my lord? Wouldn't they also face consequences if Geoffrey testifies against us?" Cedric pressed further.
"No. Unlike us, they have little to lose. If anything comes their way, they can shift the blame onto the commander they recently expelled. We must make preparations," Alfred Thorne asserted.
Addressing Edmund, he continued, "Yes, my lord?"
"Acquire the time and location at any cost. I'll ensure you're granted access to this chamber freely as you desire."
"Lord?" Cedric attempted to interject, sensing the implications, but Alfred Thorne continued, disregarding him. "The crisis looming over us has the potential to upend our clan's existence. Whoever contributes to averting it shall be rewarded fittingly." With his response, Cedric decided not to further contest the matter.
"Prepare the army. Inform them of an impending surprise inspection on any given day. Ensure readiness. The specifics of our conversation must remain within these walls."
"Understood, my lord," the assembly responded in unison.
"Very well, you may leave."
"The headmaster, often absent from the academy due to his duties as a first tower master, is also missing for today's hunting event," Darryl remarked to his students.
Mahendra Varma took a step forward and directed the instructors to organize themselves into divisions based on their respective classes. Once the divisions were established, he began summoning students individually, starting with the A graders. Each student, as their name was called, approached an oval-shaped portal radiating a blue hue. Upon entering the portal, they vanished from sight. Some students entered with confidence, resembling the top graders, while others exhibited reluctance, mirroring many of Yuvan's faction members. Meanwhile, most D graders chose not to participate.
As the students entered the portal, only a few hundred remained outside. Eventually, it was Yuvan's turn. When his name was announced, he stepped forward confidently and entered the portal, disappearing in an instant. Suddenly, he found himself within a dense jungle where the towering trees blocked out most of the sunlight. Uncertain of his precise location, Yuvan began assessing the terrain and nearby surroundings while remaining alert for other students in the vicinity.
Having determined his location to be the north-west corner of the jungle, Yuvan knew he needed to head south-east to reach the designated battleground he had prepared beforehand. The key was to avoid being detected by the top graders before reaching his destination. He had taken precautions to confuse potential enemies, instructing Toby to provide masks for all members of his faction. This was the reason for their fear – they understood that the top graders might mistake them for Yuvan himself, making them targets. Yuvan further fuelled their apprehension by promising vengeance against the top graders.
With swiftness, Yuvan manoeuvred through the dense jungle, engaging some of his adversaries in combat while others narrowly evaded his grasp, rushing to notify their companions of Yuvan's position. As top graders joined the pursuit, the numbers against him increased, resulting in attacks converging from all directions. Undeterred by the relentless assault, Yuvan maintained his rapid pace, his determination unfaltering amidst the onslaught.
Finally, he reached his destination and came to a stop. His sudden halt caught his pursuers off guard, anticipating some kind of trap. Tense moments ticked by as both sides remained still, watching each other warily. Then, someone among Yuvan's opponents shouted, "Attack him! He's weary and trying to regain his breath. Don't be deceived – keep him from escaping. The A rankers are here."
The shout spurred action, and Yuvan's foes charged forward, capitalizing on the perceived vulnerability of their target.
Despite his weariness, Yuvan had strategically timed his pause, awaiting Lucas' entry onto the field. His trump card was the chakra-vyūha, a battlefield formation he had meticulously arranged by bribing the guards. His substantial wealth had allowed him to sway them with a generous offer of a hundred mana crystals each. This covert preparation bought him precious seconds.
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Leveraging the weight of his presence, Yuvan utilized the brief respite to his advantage. However, with Lucas yet to make an appearance, Yuvan found himself without the option to activate the chakra-vyūha. He had no alternative but to confront his adversaries directly, temporarily foregoing the potential advantage his preparation could offer.
The first one to charge in was Rana Prathap; his determination to avenge his previous defeat was evident in his attack. Yuvan met his charge head-on and countered with remarkable force, sending shockwaves through the onlookers as Rana was forcefully propelled away. Astonishment rippled through the crowd as they questioned how Yuvan could exert such dominance over Rana, who was known for his defensive tantra. Speculations ran rampant, with some suspecting the activation of a formation to explain the sudden turn of events. The stand-off persisted as nobody dared to rush in and potentially suffer the same fate as Rana.
Whispers of Yuvan's unprecedented power spread through the observers, and they began to draw parallels between his strength and Henry's. Little did they realize that the overwhelming strength Yuvan displayed was a result of a compact formation, specifically designed to enhance physical power. Opting for the initial strength path within the vyūhapada (formation path), Yuvan aimed to project an image of invincibility to gain crucial moments until Lucas entered the fray. Beyond the primary formation, Yuvan had strategically positioned additional smaller vyūhas within the battle formation, each isolated from the others.
As the situation unfolded, Serena Briggs, another A ranker, entered the scene but chose to remain on the periphery, watching the events unfold. Unbeknownst to most, Serena's decision wasn't due to fear of Yuvan; instead, she held her own reasons. However, this only fueled the speculation that she was intimidated by Yuvan's might, buying him precious additional time.
Though Yuvan was aware of Serena's true intentions, he still monitored her movements. Spotting Henry charging towards him from a distance, Yuvan's concern deepened. He couldn't help but think, "Where is that coward?" Yuvan understood that facing such a formidable group, including the academy's top talent, would be an immense challenge without activating the chakra-vyūha. Yet, Yuvan also knew that triggering the formation in the absence of Lucas could jeopardize his plan to eliminate him. Faced with a difficult decision, Yuvan opted to take a calculated risk and wait a little longer for Lucas. He anticipated that Lucas would seize the opportunity to confront him when Yuvan was in a precarious situation, surrounded by powerful adversaries.
Summoning his resolve, Yuvan chose to confront the situation head-on. With a taunting gesture, he beckoned Henry to face him, a calculated move meant to provoke a reaction. Aware of Yuvan's tactics to incite him, Henry understood the game being played, yet he couldn't resist the urge to charge at Yuvan. Henry's confidence in his own strength and his conviction in what he believed furled his determination.
Amidst a crowd of onlooking students, the clash between Yuvan and Henry commenced. The impact of their collision resonated, drawing the attention of the gathered spectators. Yuvan found himself forced back, stumbling a few steps before regaining his balance. The realization struck him that Henry possessed even greater power than he had anticipated. As a practitioner of the dhāmanapada (strength path), Henry was Yuvan's natural adversary, and against sheer and overwhelming might, complex techniques often pale.
Sensing Yuvan's vulnerability, other students seized the moment and charged at him, their confidence boosted by Henry's initial success. Among them was Yuvan's ultimate target, Lucas, concealed within the group of assailants.
Having patiently orchestrated the circumstances, Yuvan seized the opportune moment and activated the chakra-vyūha, channelling a tremendous amount of mana into the formation. As the formation's power surged to life, its effects cascaded over the battlefield, diminishing the strength of everyone caught within its grasp. A sudden heaviness descended upon the combatants, slowing their movements and sapping their vitality. To Yuvan's opponents, it felt as though invisible shackles had been placed upon them, hindering their every action.
Within the confines of the chakra-vyūha, Yuvan assumed a position of unparalleled dominance. As the master of the formation, he wielded authority over its energy flows, effectively becoming an omnipotent force within its boundaries. The formation's design siphoned energy from his adversaries, channelling it to enhance his own might. A mix of fear and astonishment swept through the ranks of those ensnared in the formation's grasp, their abilities considerably diminished under its influence.
However, amid the alarmed and suppressed reactions of most participants, two figures stood apart. Lucas and Henry appeared unfazed; their composure unwavering in the face of Yuvan's strategic move. Though surrounded by the same aura of diminished strength, their confidence in their abilities remained resolute, and they remained poised, refusing to succumb to panic or doubt.
"Henry, how long do you think you can maintain such a large formation?" Lucas inquired, directing his gaze toward Yuvan.
"A minute at most," Henry replied.
"If an A-grade genius like you can only sustain it for a minute, how long do you think this low-grade can?" Lucas mocked; his attention fixed on Yuvan.
"He would be faltering any moment now. But he could have asked for somebody's help to maintain the formation," Henry answered.
"Could you do something like that?" Lucas feigned surprise as he questioned.
"Of course, Lucas. In an actual battle, a warrior initiates the chakra-vyūha and engages the enemy. Then, he employs his subordinates, who are positioned slightly farther from the formation, to sustain the chakra-vyūha. This allows the warrior to remain the formation's master, conserving his mana and focusing solely on eliminating the enemy," Henry explained.
"But what if that warrior's subordinates betray him and he remains oblivious to it?" Lucas inquired with a veneer of concern.
"Then, he would expend an immense amount of mana to sustain the formation. By the time he realizes the betrayal, it would be too late. His only recourse would be to deactivate the formation and flee for his life," Henry responded, casting a glance at Yuvan, whose strength was gradually waning. Yuvan had strategically embedded numerous mana crystals into the formation, functioning as capacitors to alleviate the burden of sustaining such a colossal formation.
"Oh, I think he's still waiting for his little bird to sustain the formation," Lucas taunted. "He's oblivious to the fact that his little bird has already left the nest and joined our flock, even before the hunting competition began."
"No, Lucas. He's not waiting for the little bird but the fat cat," Henry chimed in. "You've certainly put a lot of thought into this, Ethan. Anticipating the possibility that we might learn about the chakra-vyūha and your companion's betrayal, you've established an alternative focal point for formation maintenance, for your friend – or should we say slave – to activate. And yes, we were aware of the blood pact."
"None of this would have transpired if you had simply respected your place and not defied the system," Lucas continued. "You remind me of an ancient myth in which a commoner, like you, using his talents and skills, ascends through the ranks and amasses enough power to overthrow the mightiest emperor of his era. Charging at the emperor, victory seemingly within his grasp, he is brought down by a stray arrow."
"I must admit, Ethan, I do hold some admiration for you," Henry said, his voice laced with a hint of respect. "It's regrettable that it has to come to this."
"Enough of this banter, let's make him suffer for all the humiliations and put an end to him," Lucas interjected, impatient to conclude the confrontation.
"Hold on!" Henry commanded, and Lucas begrudgingly restrained himself.
Henry turned his attention to Yuvan and proposed, "Release the formation, kneel, and beg for mercy. If you do, I'll end your suffering quickly."
Yuvan gradually ceased channelling mana into the formation, causing the effects of the chakra-vyūha to weaken. As the power drain lessened, everyone felt their strength returning. With the formation's influence nearly faded, Henry, confident in his triumph, ordered, "Very well! Now, KNEEL!"
Yuvan began to assume the posture of kneeling, but to everyone's astonishment, he suddenly broke into a sprint in the opposite direction.
"What a coward!" Lucas jeered. "I'll get him!" With those words, he dashed after Yuvan, a mixture of laughter and taunts echoing through the surroundings.
"Lucas, wait!" Henry's voice carried a sense of urgency, sensing that something was awry. He could tell that Yuvan hadn't completely deactivated the chakra-vyūha formation. However, Lucas was too engrossed in his pursuit to pay heed to Henry's warning. With his laughter ringing out and taunts flowing freely, Lucas continued his chase after Yuvan. "Where do you think you're scurrying off to, tough guy? Come on, show me what you're made of!"
A few hours earlier.
Mary's turn came to enter the jungle, and she emerged at the southern end after stepping through the portal. She retrieved the envelope that Yuvan had given her earlier and opened it. The message inside read, "Proceed to the coordinates 3.4653° S, 62.2159° E. You will come across a deceased boar; drag it and enter the chamber beneath."
With a grumble and annoyance at Yuvan's commanding tone, Mary made her way toward the provided coordinates. Taking her time, she finally arrived at the designated spot, a fair distance away from the ongoing chakra-vyūha battle. As she reached the location, she noticed that everyone had already rushed towards the confrontation between Yuvan and the top graders. Given what she knew about Yuvan's intentions, she could piece together his plan.
Amid the surroundings, Mary spotted a large decaying boar. Despite the foul odour, she held her nose and dragged the carcass aside. Beneath it, she discovered an entrance, which she entered without hesitation. The interior held a sub-formation featuring a central, sizable mana crystal and several others arranged around it. It was evident that Yuvan intended for her to maintain the chakra-vyūha.
A note was placed atop the formation, which she read, "Activate and sustain the formation when you sense fluctuations. Utilize the mana crystals to maintain it for as long as you can. Once done, destroy the evidence by burning everything."
And so, Mary patiently waited, biding her time until she detected the initial signs of the formation's fluctuation.
Inside the chakra-vyūha,
As Lucas pursued Yuvan, he leaped forward, wielding a blazing sword in both hands, poised to strike down his target. In a split second, the chakra-vyūha formation was suddenly reactivated, its power surging even stronger than before. Yuvan swiftly pivoted on his heel, his body charged with determination. With precision and finesse, he flung a mana-enhanced kunai towards Lucas, its trajectory set for his exposed neck. Lucas found himself caught off guard, unable to mount a proper defence in that crucial moment. The guardian that had been protecting Lucas, Malki Tzedek, had momentarily eased its vigilance, assuming that Yuvan's actions indicated safety after the formation's deactivation.
In an instinctive reaction, as if a reflex ingrained through conditioning, Malki Tzedek sprang into action. With remarkable speed, it hurled a kunai with pinpoint accuracy, aimed to intercept and neutralize Yuvan's incoming kunai. The two projectiles collided in mid-air, nullifying each other's threat. However, cleverly obscured by the shadow of the first shuriken, the second one emerged- shadow arts.
Shadow arts, a weapon throwing tantra available to every student in the academy, wasn't considered a high-level technique but rather a skill that demanded arduous mastery. Most first-year students overlooked it, as martial arts paled in significance when compared to other mana-related tantras. In a world where the pursuit of more potent and battle-effective skills reigned, it was no surprise that such martial arts went unnoticed. Only those who had reached the pinnacle of their abilities and established personalized combat systems would pay attention to refining these skills.
Malki Tzedek, an adept at the third chakra - the fire chakra - didn't anticipate encountering such a technique from a first-year student. Even experts at the second chakra rarely delved into this skill. As Yuvan's second shuriken materialized under the cover of the first, Malki Tzedek's realization struck him. He mused, "By throwing the first to gauge my blind spot and the second within the shadow, even someone like me might have missed it without vigilant attention. This boy accurately pinpointed my location and threw the shuriken to exploit my blind spot, not Lucas'. Is he attempting to eliminate Lucas?"
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Malki Tzedek abandoned caution and allowed his own internal energy to surge forth in response. He swiftly launched another kunai to intercept Yuvan's, a move born from instinct more than calculation. Despite successfully deflecting Yuvan's projectile, a sense of unease gnawed at Tzedek. The kunai rocketed through the air at lightning speed, deflecting Yuvan's projectile and finding its mark, striking an unfortunate bystander on the battlefield. Unperturbed by this unintended consequence, Tzedek remained unwavering in his focus on the imminent clash with Yuvan, closing the distance between them with unwavering determination.
Tzedek's instincts proved accurate as the true nature of the shadowy projectile became evident. It wasn't a mere kunai but a sinister object that emanated an aura of demonic energy. Its appearance was darker than the deepest black, reminiscent of the flames that engulfed Lucas's hands. Despite the battlefield's active state, Tzedek had no time to ponder the origins of this mysterious object; his only course of action was to respond swiftly.
Driven by his unwavering determination and confidence in his abilities, Tzedek made a split-second decision. He charged forward, determined to intercept the enigmatic projectile with his own hand. With the battlefield formation in full force, others within its range felt constrained, but Tzedek believed he could overcome this limitation to engage the threat. After all, while the battlefield might hinder one's ability to leave, it imposed no restrictions on entering its bounds.
However, Tzedek's calculations had a flaw; the formation's persistence exceeded his expectations. The chakra-vyūha demanded an immense and sustained amount of mana, particularly for someone of Tzedek's exceptional calibre. He had assumed that his entry into the formation would cause it to dissolve instantly, freeing him from its constraints. The slight delay, though barely perceptible to others, proved to be crucial for Tzedek's timing.
The elongation of the formation's duration threw off Tzedek's carefully timed intercept. His confidence wavered as he realized he might not be able to block the mysterious projectile and save Lucas as he had intended. Despite this setback, Tzedek's determination remained unwavering. How could he stand by and let someone perish under his watch, especially someone who had yet to awaken? His personal feelings about Lucas were secondary; the core principle of protecting those entrusted to him took precedence. While he might not hold Lucas in high regard and would not miss Lucas's characteristic charm, he couldn't live with the shame of failing to protect him. Tzedek resolved that he would sooner take his own life than endure that level of disgrace.
Summoning his reservoir of energy and determination, Tzedek surged forward, his movements swift and purposeful. He managed to intercept the shadow blade's path, barely by the tip of his middle finger. The blade deviated slightly from its trajectory. Despite the resistance offered by Tzedek's magical barrier surrounding his fingertip, the shadow blade managed to pierce through, finding its mark in Lucas's throat.
The devastating result was immediate: Lucas crumpled to the ground, his hands instinctively reaching for his neck, attempting to stem the flow of blood gushing from the fatal wound. As the seconds ticked away, the darkness that had consumed Lucas's hands before began to spread further. It overtook his body, engulfing him in its inky tendrils. The obsidian veil expanded relentlessly, ensnaring him within its ominous embrace.
The battleground fell silent, the chaos of the conflict giving way to an eerie stillness. The onlookers stood frozen, struck by the abrupt and haunting turn of events. In the space of a few heartbeats, victory had been transformed into tragedy, and the aspirations of one young man had been cruelly extinguished. As the darkness continued its inexorable advance, it became increasingly evident that whatever Lucas had been, whatever potential he might have possessed, was now forever consumed by the encroaching abyss.
The sight that unfolded left everyone in stunned disbelief. The tables had turned in the most astonishing way imaginable. Yuvan, who had been fleeing from Lucas's pursuit just moments ago, now stood over the lifeless body of an A-ranked student. The abruptness of the transformation was nothing short of surreal.
Tzedek, amidst his shock and frustration, managed to regain his composure. He gazed at the formation beneath Yuvan's feet, sensing an aura that set him on edge—a sinister energy that emanated from this unfamiliar arrangement of mana. He couldn't help but voice his question with a mixture of anger and bewilderment, "Were you using an asurapada (demonic path)?"
In response, Yuvan's calm demeanour persisted as he uttered just one word, "ātatipada (path of darkness)."
Tzedek's mind raced, grappling with the ramifications of what had transpired. The task of explaining the death of an A-ranked student, particularly to a mere first-year, loomed like an insurmountable challenge. A headache was inevitable as he contemplated the aftermath of this unforeseen turn of events.
As Lucas' death sent shockwaves through the battleground, Malki Tzedek's attention shifted to Henry. The presence of another senior instructor positioned behind him signalled that the situation was under control should Yuvan decide to act impulsively. Tzedek exchanged a brief glance with his colleague, conveying unspoken understanding, before leaving the scene silently.
With Lucas's demise, Yuvan could sense the fading of the old man's presence that had been haunting him. A sense of stability began to return to his internal energy. Achieving his target, he turned his gaze towards the bewildered crowd surrounding him, his own exhaustion masked behind a façade of collectedness.
"The show is over! You can all leave now, but before you go, place your tokens on the ground," Yuvan's authoritative demand snapped the stupefied students out of their daze. Despite his weariness, he concealed his fatigue well; it was his display of terror that ultimately played a significant role in his triumph.
Quickly reacting to Yuvan's command, the shocked students discarded their tokens and fled the scene, driven by an instinctual fear of the enigmatic figure before them. Henry, however, left the vicinity accompanied by his vigilant companion, intentionally withholding his tokens. Serena Briggs, seizing Rana Prathap, made her departure as well, leaving behind the remnants of a chaotic encounter.
Amid the chaos, the sudden surge of energy did not go unnoticed, drawing the attention of other instructors from the academy. Senior Instructor Mahendra Varma, appointed by the headmaster to oversee the event, arrived on the scene, accompanied by a growing number of his colleagues. The sight before them was perplexing and concerning.
"What in the world has transpired here?" Mahendra Varma demanded to know, his eyes scanning the massive battlefield formation and detecting traces of a sinister, demonic energy.
“Ethan happened, sir”, one of the instructors responded.
"Are you telling me that a first-year student caused all of this? And how do you explain the presence of this demonic aura?"
"It is because of the ātatipada (Dark path) tantra Ethan used, sir," an instructor responded.
"You expect me to believe that a mere first-year could orchestrate something of this magnitude?" Mahendra Varma questioned sceptically. "And you say it's due to some dark path technique?"
"Yes, sir."
"Hmm..I recall the headmaster mentioning that Ethan had taken up a dark path skill book. But for a first-year to execute something like this..."
"The top graders pursued him into this area, where Ethan had already set up a chakra-vyūha and placed someone to maintain it. He managed to trap them all within the formation and defeat them," explained the instructor.
"How could a first-year possess such cunning tactics? And what about the sudden surge of energy we detected earlier? It doesn't match Ethan's capabilities. It seemed to emanate from someone at the third chakra level," Mahendra Varma pondered aloud.
"It was Malki Tzedek, sir. He was trying to save Lucas," the instructor informed.
"So you're saying a senior instructor like Malki Tzedek went all out to aid a first-year student. Wait... What? Trying to save Lucas? Don't tell me this charred body is Lucas'," Mahendra Varma exclaimed, his gaze fixed on the burnt remains.
"Unfortunately, yes, sir," the instructor confirmed.
"This is inconceivable! How could this happen? The headmaster entrusted me with this event, and now I have to face him with this debacle," Mahendra Varma muttered in frustration. "Where is Ethan?"
"He left the scene, sir, after collecting all the tokens," the instructor reported.
"And what about Malki Tzedek? I'll reprimand him severely for losing to a first-year student. How utterly disgraceful!"
"He departed after Lucas' death," the instructor replied.
"I want both of them in the headmaster's office immediately. Cancel the hunting competition and summon them without delay. I need to notify the headmaster of this situation, if I can reach him. The deceased individual was an heir of a powerful clan and a significant supporter of the academy. There will undoubtedly be dire consequences," Mahendra Varma concluded, his tone filled with concern and urgency.
*******************
As Yuvan approached the briefing room, a cloud of contemplation hung over his thoughts, casting a shadow on his demeanour. The atmosphere inside was tense, filled with the presence of fellow members from units thirteen and fourteen, gathered alongside Liebert, their expressions reflecting a mixture of anticipation and curiosity.
Upon noticing Yuvan's solitary arrival, Liebert's curiosity got the better of him, prompting him to vocalize the question that echoed in the room, "Yuvan, where's the captain?"
Yuvan's response carried a note of uncertainty, revealing the weight of his thoughts, "He's still with the General."
A hint of mockery seeped into the next voice that filled the room as Lucas seized the opportunity to add a touch of taunt, "Scaredy-cat! I'll go get him." His words cut through the air, resonating with a challenge that carried more than just a playful edge.
With Yohan and Lucas's arrival, the atmosphere in the room shifted, anticipation building as the Major prepared to unveil the details of the impending missions. The room's dim lighting cast elongated shadows on the walls, setting the stage for the disclosure of two distinct endeavours that would soon unfold in the expanse of North Africa.
As the Major's voice resonated through the room, he outlined the intricacies of the upcoming operations. The first mission aimed to disrupt the British forces by dismantling essential bridges and severing vital supply routes. These were lifelines that the enemy relied upon, now slated for obliteration. The second mission, a venture sanctioned by Ahnenerbe, focused on procuring an artefact hidden within the ancient, enigmatic jungle ruins.
The Major's briefing was thorough, every detail meticulously conveyed, leaving no room for ambiguity. As the last echoes of his words faded, silence hung in the air, anticipation lingering like static electricity before a storm. The moment stretched before the Major's voice reasserted its authority, charging the atmosphere.
"Now, gentlemen, the die is cast. Reinhardt," the Major's gaze turned to Yohan, "I'm entrusting you with a separate assignment. Your skills are required elsewhere." The weight of Yohan's abilities was evident in the Major's decision to divert him from the imminent missions.
Yohan, accepting the decision with grace, moved to allocate roles for the missions that lay ahead. Amidst the hushed tension, he designated Yuvan for the second undertaking—the pursuit of the artefact within the jungle's ancient enclaves. The leadership of this mission was bestowed upon Lucas, a decision that held more than met the eye. A subtle grin crept across Lucas's face as he locked eyes with Yuvan, the unspoken challenge apparent between them.
A tapestry of motivations and dynamics was woven within that glance—an assertion of competence, a declaration of rivalry, and the latent promise of a clash of wills. The room remained poised in this charged moment, each participant a player in the symphony of fate, instruments of destiny about to unfold.
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