“They escape once more… We’ve got ourselves in quite the mess.” Aldeen, took out the injured Scion and disappeared from the scene.
The whole block that was close the city walls was decimated, only rumble, and burned charcoal remain.
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Ragon Academy.
Kuroma knocked on the door of Mashle’s room in the dormitory, “Yo, Mashle, Yo, open up!”
“It’s not locked, just come on in Kuroma” replied Mashle.
“how you doing buddy?” said kuroma while extending his hand to greet Mashle.
“I’m fine, thanks. Just working on some blueprint from an old book, Mr Tristan gave it to me.” replied Mashle
“Ha ha ha! studies again, take it easy man. You’ll go crazy if you keep up like this.” Kuroma replied. He then jumped on the bed of Mashle and said “You know you should get yourself a girl, party or something, life is more than just studying and training. You ll end like that freak Kyros if you continue like this.”
“Huh! Girls you say. I think its heredity or something. I often don’t have luck with them you know. Most of gotten it from my old man.” Replied Mashle.
Then Kuroma stood up from the bed, he then walked over towards him, he closed the book which Mashle was reading. With a smile on his face, “let’s change that man. I have an idea come on.”
“Euh, what? Nah man… I think..” said mashle before being interrupted and taken over by Kuroma’s enthusiasm.
“Let’s go! Just trust me! I think a change of air is good for you.”
Mashle changed his clothes.
“Where are we going?” said Mashle, the two walking in a long corridor, inside Ragon academy.
“Ey, Mashle relax a bit, when was the last time you went for a date?” Kuroma teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Mashle chuckled, “You know me Kuroma, I’m more interested in books and Chrono-technology than romance”
“Come on buddy, you can't spend all your time buried in books. A little adventure wouldn't hurt." Kuroma persisted, slinging an arm around Mashle.
Their conversation was interrupted by a passing group of students, laughing and chatting animatedly about an upcoming magical exhibition.
Mashle conceded with a thoughtful expression. "Perhaps a change of pace wouldn't be so bad."
“You still haven’t told me where we are going though?” said Mashle, his curiosity piqued.
Kuroma chuckled. "There's a party happening in an apartment close to the academy. It's hosted by Marie. Her father is a prominent businessman, and rumor has it she never stays in the dormitory. Instead, she has an entire apartment to herself."
Intrigued, Mashle raised an eyebrow. "Sounds interesting."
Kuroma nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! It'll be a chance to unwind and have some fun outside of our usual routines. Maybe you could connect with a girl, and secure a date." a mischievous smile on his face.
With their interest piqued, Mashle and Kuroma made their way to the apartment where the party was in full swing. As they entered, they were greeted by the lively chatter of fellow students and the pulsating rhythm of music filling the air.
"Oy, Boy, look at that!" Kuroma exclaimed, his eyes fixed on Marie, his cheeks flushing crimson. Everyone in her presence seemed enchanted, drawn in by her allure.
Marie wore a figure-hugging ruby red dress that left little to the imagination, the fabric clinging to her curves in all the right places as it cascaded down to her ankles. With each step, the dress swayed seductively, teasing glimpses of her shapely silhouette beneath.
Her choice of footwear only added to the sensual allure, a pair of dainty gold heels that accentuated her slender legs, elongating them to perfection. With every movement, the soft glow of the enchantments woven into the fabric cast a tantalizing shimmer around her feet, drawing attention to their delicate beauty.
But it was Marie's hair that truly captivated, swept up into an intricate braided updo that showcased the graceful curve of her neck. Adorned with delicate pearls and jeweled hairpins that glittered in the soft candlelight of the room, her golden locks framed her face in a halo of ethereal beauty.
"Quite the blonde, ain't she?" Kuroma wishpered to Mashle under his breath, his gaze lingering on Marie's captivating figure. "Look at those tits! Brrrr!"
Mashle nodded in confirmation.
Kuroma was completely in awe at the sight of Marie, unable to tear his eyes away from her mesmerizing presence.
As the party buzzed around them, Marie found herself drawn to Mashle, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she approached him.
"Hey there, Mashle," she purred, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Having fun?"
Mashle, caught off guard by Marie's sudden attention, blinked in surprise before returning her smile. "Yeah, it's been great so far. Thanks for inviting us."
Marie's laughter was like music to Mashle's ears as she leaned in closer, her touch lingering on his chest. "I'm glad you came. You know, you're quite handsome, Mashle."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by teasing banter and lingering gazes. Marie's flirtatious gestures became bolder, her touch lingering a little longer than necessary as she leaned in closer, the electricity between them palpable.
Feeling a rush of heat at her words and the proximity of her touch, Mashle's heart raced. However, just as he was about to respond, he caught sight of Emiara across the room, her expression clouded, she wasn’t having a good time.
"Excuse me, Marie," Mashle said abruptly, as he gently stepped back from her touch. "I... I need to check on something."
Marie's expression softened as she nodded in understanding, a hint of disappointment flickering in her eyes. "Of course, Mashle. Take your time."
Despite the tempting allure of Marie, Mashle resisted the temptation and made his way toward Emiara. She was adorned in a simple yet elegant pale blue dress, its fabric modest yet graceful. Her hair, while not intricately braided like Marie's, cascaded in silky waves around her shoulders, radiating a healthy sheen in the soft glow of the room. Despite its simplicity, there was a natural beauty to Emiara's appearance.
As Mashle approached Emiara, a warm smile gracing his lips, he couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in his chest. Memories of their past encounters flooded his mind, the late nights spent pouring over xeno-arcanery projects.
"Hey there, Emiara," Mashle greeted, his voice soft yet confident as he reached her side, a playful glint in his eyes. "Fancy meeting you here."
Emiara's smile was warm as she greeted him, her hand casually resting on a glass of juice. "Hey Mashle," she replied, her gaze meeting his with a hint of curiosity.
"I'm kinda surprised to see you here," Mashle began, his voice lowering suggestively as he leaned in closer to her.
Emiara chuckled softly, a playful twinkle in her eyes. "I would say the same to you. You're not exactly the party type. I expected you to be drowning in some books or tucked away in the lab."
Mashle couldn't help but chuckle in agreement. "Yeah, I have to admit, these parties aren't exactly my scene. It was Kuroma's idea, and I figured a change of pace and scenery could be helpful." He flashed her a mischievous grin. "But hey, look at you—pure magic," he added, playfully pointing at her as if she possessed some enchanting powers.
Emiara laughed, the sound like music to Mashle's ears. "Same here, it wasn't my idea to come here either. It was actually my friend's idea."
Mashle's expression turned thoughtful as he shifted the conversation. "You know, Emiara, I've been thinking about that xeno-arcanery spell you used on my eyes during my fights with Kyros. And all those various xeno-arcanery projects you've helped me with... I never got to properly thank you."
He glanced towards the dance floor, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "How about we dance for a bit? I've got some moves up my sleeve. Maybe I can help change the pace of your evening a bit."
Emiara raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk curling her lips. "You think you can dance? Let's see who would embarrass himself more," she countered, her tone teasing yet tinged with anticipation. "I'm always up for a little friendly competition, especially when it comes to outdancing you."
Mashle and Emiara swayed to the music, their bodies moving in sync. With each step, they drew closer, their laughter filling the air. Mashle's hand found Emiara's waist, pulling her close as they moved together. Their dance became intimate, their movements infused with desire. Suddenly, they stumbled, falling into a fit of laughter. As they picked themselves up, their eyes met with a shared sense of joy. Hand in hand, they continued to dance, their laughter blending with the music.
“Ohh! I haven’t have this much fun in a long time” said Emiara with a warm smile on her face.
As the music swirled around them, Mashle felt a surge of desire to be alone with Emiara, away from the crowded party. With a subtle glance towards the exit, he leaned in close to her ear, his voice low and husky.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“It’s a bit crowded in here, let’s talk outside"
Emiara's gaze met his, her expression softening with warmth. "As much as I'd love to, Mashle," she replied, a hint of regret in her voice, "I can't stay much longer. I have to go. I need to pay my father a visit, in the morning, I already told you about his illness.”
"I understand, Emiara," he said, his tone tinged with disappointment. "Duty calls, I suppose. But let's make sure we catch up soon.”
Emiara returned his smile, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Absolutely, Mashle. I wouldn't miss it for the world." She then kissed him in his cheek.
"Alright, at least let me escort you to your room. I've had enough of this party anyway," Mashle said to Emiara, offering her a reassuring smile.
Emiara nodded in acceptance.
Exiting together, Mashle and Emiara found themselves in an alleyway. Their conversation was suddenly overshadowed by the chatter around them, discussions of zombies and an impending lockdown in Eldoria following the rebels' attack from Jambodia.
A worried expression crossed Emiara's face as she turned to Mashle. "Your father must be going through a tough time right now. Do you think he'll be alright?"
Mashle's brow furrowed with concern, but he nodded reassuringly, "Ah, that old man. He's the least person you should worry about. Anyway, how's your father's illness going?"
Taking confident strides through the alley near Ragon Academy, Mashle and Emiara finally arrived at the academy's door. Emiara's expression betrayed a sense of defeat as she sighed, her shoulders slumping.
"Ahh! His sickness is getting worse," she lamented, her voice heavy with concern. "Plus, I can no longer sell potions because of the attacks by the mercenaries right now. But, it's going to be okay." Despite her troubles, she tried to maintain a semblance of optimism.
Mashle nodded, recalling Emiara's dedication to finding a cure for her father. "You told me you were working on a potion that could cure his illness."
Emiara sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Yeah, I did, and I was making good progress, thanks to Modsi. I crafted multiple potions that cure different illnesses, rid fighters of fatigue, and even gave them new second winds. But the one my father needs... it requires a massive amount of energy. Only something akin to a Fuel from the ChronoEssence Forge can provide such energy. Then, I have to fuse it with multiple herbs and plants."
The complexity of her task weighed heavily on Emiara, but determination shone in her eyes as she spoke of her efforts to save her father.
"I see, that is a very difficult task," Mashle acknowledged, understanding the gravity of Emiara's situation. "We do have a ChronoEssence Forge in the academy, but its potency is very weak. You need the one in the lab of Cicatricia."
Emiara nodded, her expression reflecting both determination and concern. "Yeah, I already submitted a request to use it. Or buy the energy. But the price is too high..."
Mashle placed a comforting hand on Emiara's shoulder. "It's gonna be okay, don't worry."
With a shared understanding, the two exchanged farewells and parted ways, each determined to face their respective challenges head-on.
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A couple of hours later. (04:00)
Emiara stirred from her sleep, the subtle knocks on her window pulling her from her dreams. Frowning in confusion, she sat up in her bed, the darkness of her room enveloping her. With With a swift motion, she raised her palm in panic, ready to unleash a spell if she were to be attacked. Yet, as she strained to listen, a small voice, muffled by the glass, reached her ears.
"Open, it's me, Mashle."
Relief flooded Emiara's body as she recognized the voice.
With a gasp of surprise, Emiara quickly drew back the curtains, revealing Mashle clinging to her wall using the wires from his Chrono technology boots. His arm and leg appeared strained and fatigued, adding urgency to his plea.
"Hurry up! Open up or I'm going to fall!" Mashle urged, his voice strained with exertion.
Emiara wasted no time. With a swift motion, she opened the window wider, allowing Mashle to catch her for support as he released the wires from his boots. With a grunt of effort, he crawled through the window, his fatigue evident. Emiara steadied him, grateful that he was safe but curious about what had prompted his precarious position.
Emiara's voice carried a mix of concern and incredulity as she addressed Mashle. "Mashle, what in the world! What are you doing?"
Mashle took a moment to catch his breath before responding. "I needed to talk to you urgently,"
Emiara frowned, her worry growing.
"But you know men are forbidden from entering the women's dormitory," she reminded him, gesturing towards the divide separating their living quarters.
The regulation was put in place by the academy administration to maintain order and prevent any potential distractions or romantic entanglements among the students.
Emiara's voice tightened with concern and a hint of fear. "If the guards catch you, they could expel both of us! This better be important!"
Mashle nodded gravely, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I wouldn't risk it if it wasn't," he assured her, his expression serious.
"What brings you here?" Emiara asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I have an idea. It never crossed my mind before, but I can get you access to the lab! We need to go now!" Mashle exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency.
"What?! Are you out of your mind!" Emiara responded, taken aback by the sudden proposal.
"Shhh, lower your voice, the guards are going to hear you!" Mashle cautioned, glancing nervously towards the door.
"Listen, I never thought of it. But we can get access to the lab if we go now," Mashle blurted out, his words rushed. Emiara raised an eyebrow, ready to interject, but Mashle, still catching his breath, gestured for her to be patient.
"It's risky, but we can get the energy you need for your father's cure!" Mashle exclaimed, his eyes alight with determination. Emiara's eyes widened in concern as she absorbed his words. "I overheard my father the other day," Mashle continued, "he mentioned that security is low during the night. He also said that the best defense mechanism they have is not the guards, but a blood gate."
Emiara's frown deepened as she listened intently. "This evening, I was reading a book given to me by Mr. Tristan," Mashle added, his voice urgent. "It mentioned something about the blood gate. To enter, you need the blood of the one who created it."
"So how are you going to get the blood?" Emiara pondered, her brow furrowing with concern.
Mashle paused, considering her question carefully. "I am his son. I never thought of it. I can freely access the lab since I have the blood of Aldeen, my father," he explained confidently.
Emiara's expression softened, but she still had reservations. "What if your father didn't use his own blood and used someone else's?" she objected, voicing a valid concern.
"Nah, it's a possibility, but I don't think he would give the blood gate any blood other than his. I know my father, he's an arrogant control freak," Mashle asserted confidently.
Emiara hummed thoughtfully before responding, "What about the guards? They're still guards there!"
"I know, but they swap at around 5 am. If we use your concealing cape, we can get there," Mashle suggested optimistically.
Emiara's expression turned grave as she weighed the risks. "This is very risky. We could end up in prison. Consider this. They might think I am a traitor or something. You could get away because of your father. But if something were to happen to me, the least I would get is a sentence for life," she explained, her voice tinged with concern.
"It's very risky, but you know, I think it's the only way to save your father," Mashle insisted, his voice filled with conviction. "You've been using pain-killing potions on him for like what, three years now? Every time I ask you, you say his condition is getting worse. I don't know why, but I have a feeling this is going to work. You know I always calculate possibilities and probabilities. This time, I have a strong feeling it's the right thing to do. Just trust me, Emiara."
"Fine, if this doesn't work, I'll kill you myself, even if I have to come back from the dead!" Emiara exclaimed, a mix of excitement and stress evident in her voice.
Mashle replied with a smile as Emiara went to get dressed, hiding an invisibility cloak under her arm pit.
"Excuse me, turn around, I'm getting undressed," she requested, her face flushed with embarrassment.
With a red face, Mashle obliged, turning away as Emiara prepared herself.
"Let's go, we have to get there before 5 am," Mashle added, his tone urgent as they prepared to embark on their risky mission.
"Let's meet in front of the Academy door!" Emiara suggested, zipping up her blue jacket.
"Nah, we'll lose too much time. The administration is going to ask you to register your exit time and stuff... We need to leave no trace as well," Mashle countered, emphasizing the need for stealth and efficiency.
"No, no, no, I'll meet you in front of the door. There's no way I'm going down with your shaky boot wires," Emiara insisted firmly.
Mashle gently grabbed her hand, drawing her close to him. A warm smile graced his lips as he looked into her eyes. "Just trust me," he said softly, his gaze unwavering.
Her mouth agape, Emiara hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to go with him. With a tight hug, she embraced Mashle, her heart racing as they descended from her window to the ground, a distance of 10 meters. Mashle skillfully utilized the wires of his boots, while Emiara's heart beat wildly in her chest. Despite the danger, she felt a rush of exhilaration being so close to him.
Mashle couldn't help but feel the warmth radiating from Emiara as they landed safely on the ground. They shared a brief moment, their closeness palpable, before steeling themselves for the task ahead.
With the invisibility cloak shrouding them, Mashle and Emiara slipped outside of the academy unnoticed. Once in the clear, they walked casually towards the lab, blending in with the night as if they belonged there. Though the weight of their mission hung heavy in the air, they remained focused and determined as they approached their destination; Cicatrica -- Chrono-Technology Lab.
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3 hours earlier, somewhere in the Jambodia desert.
"So, how did it go?" Sven asked, seated by a campfire in the desert of Jambodia. To his right lay countless scrolls, the attire of the capital with the sigil of Faurecia, and numerous maps, alongside a table of chess. Casting a spell, he communicated with Jenkins through the flickering flames of the campfire.
"We didn't manage to get him, it's Aldeen after all," Jenkins reported through the mystical connection. "However, I think it's a huge win for us. Eldoria's economy is now ruined, a whole block was decimated. And I will instruct the minister to ensure a lockdown."
"Good, very good. Now all that is needed is to destroy their lab," Sven declared, his eyes burning with determination. His blond hair and blue eyes shone like beacons through the night as he raised his strong fist in the air. The veins on his arm, bearing scars from heavy training, stood out as a testament to his strength and resolve.
"Renault is up to it, right? Are you sure he's the right person for this?" Jenkins questioned skeptically, his doubt evident in his tone.
"He's been waiting so long for this. That crazy idiot came in handy after all! I promised him relics of Xelar, and that idiot will do anything to obtainthem," Sven remarked with a hint of dark amusement.
"But a pawn in a game of chess that would determine the future of humanity!" Jenkins remarked with a somber tone.
"We are all pawns, Jenkins," Sven added, his voice carrying a sense of resignation.
"I have some additional good news for you, Sven," Jenkins continued, shifting the conversation to a more positive note.
"Oh, what is it?" Sven's smile widened slightly, a reserved anticipation in his expression.
"I had a hunch that Aldeen would escape that blast from the zombies. So I infused the zombies with a poison. I'm sure it won't kill him, but it will take him out of the battlefield for a couple of hours at least!" Jenkins revealed, his tone tinged with satisfaction.
"Every small advantage we can get is a plus," Sven intoned with a sense of authority, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "I learned that when I faced formidable enemies, enemies that took away my confidence."
"Aldeen is the toughest man in the world right now," he continued, his words measured and deliberate. "I expect him to block my way many, many times later. It's painful that he will be a thorn in our path, but we will manage around him eventually. His strength will be his downfall."
"Indeed! When you aim high, you sometimes come across fights not worth fighting," Jenkins added with a nod of agreement.
To the left of Sven, another campfire blazed. He reached for a yellow cube, which transformed into yellow smoke before revealing the face of Renault, near the cascade on the left side of the wall of Eldoria where he was hiding with his troops.
"Hey Renault, sorry for keeping you on standby this long. I have good news for you," Sven announced.
"Hooo, finally we're attacking the lab? And what's the good news?" Renauld responded eagerly.
"Aldeen is temporarily disabled. Destroy the lab and confiscate the weapons. Even the elite forces of Eldoria are concerned and focused on the wall right now. I'll say this: failure is not an option," Sven commanded sternly.
"Hmph! Failure? You still don’t trust me. Well, fine. Just prepare that relic of Xelar you promised," Renauld replied, his tone tinged with annoyance.
"I'll contact you later when I destroy not just the lab, but all of Eldoria!" Renault declared with determination before the connection was severed.