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Spectral Regalia
V4: Chapter 103 Delusional.

V4: Chapter 103 Delusional.

Thank you to Draconis for pring this chapter ! please give him some rep for his troubles. :D Also Mytsy is on break to handle his own things, so i went over this chapter myself and did a bit, although probably not much as i am not good at pring other then splitting paragraphs :3. Though i think draconis did a very good job on his own.

thank you to Srs donators for supporting the story ^^

Not much i have to say really, blade and soul came out yesterday, i was planning to download it but it didnt seem all that appealing to me, id rather wait for black desert to give that a shot.

i hope you all enjoy this chapter, i expect a few mistakes because i didn't get the usual 2 people to pr this, but i hope most of my readers wont find their experience ruined by it, i don't think their is any experience ruining errors, but if you guys find some nasty ones be sure to let me know so i can fix them asap.

P.S it seems the artwork for kael/eitri/erebus was somehow deleted from the artwork thread? but that's ok i added new versions with spectral regalias new logo so it saved me those few seconds of deleting them myself, but yes under the spectral tab scroll down to find those 3 new pictures, thanks for the people who let me know of this issue.

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As if on cue, a large rock troll came dashing out from the nearby shrubbery and charged towards him with it's bare hands.

“Get lost....” He uttered to the creature before he slashed towards it. The air split and five claw blades shot towards the rock troll, which seemed too dumb to know what was happening. The attack wasn't anything special on Asura’s part. As his claws retracted, at the same time several thumping sounds could be heard as the rock troll was dismembered, with its limbs falling onto the ground.

Raising his large palm, Nebula Mist surged out, engulfing the troll. He knew the creatures couldn't be eaten normally, but with Nebula Mist, nothing was off the menu. It would be converted to dark matter and used as energy.

Asura grumbled to himself before heading off again. During the two hour travel towards the area Erebus had thought the source of the trolls was, Asura encountered many more on the way, proving that Erebus was right.

“This makes the twentieth one. These bastards are so plentiful here..” He laughed heartily as he absorbed the corpses of three rock trolls that were ripped apart by his heavy claws. He suddenly stopped and sniffed, catching a heavy scent.

“this way it is then…” Leaving the corpses half absorbed, he rushed forward for a minute, before he came across a slight hill where there was a small fortress built upon the side of a mountain.

It was currently being sieged by just over a hundred or so rock trolls, throwing boulders at it from a distance. The moment they got close, they would be shot at by arrows that, although not doing much, still managed to pierce and sting them.

Asura, though, did not come to the aid of the fortress. He watched carefully. He could see from this distance that the fortress had many houses, which also meant people were living here and it wasn't just used as an outpost.

From the hill, as well as with his sight, he managed to catch glimpses of innocent civilians running about frantic and afraid. Women, children and elderly people alike. Of course, during his time with the Spectrals, Asura had grown slightly soft.

“If I help them, will it be the right thing for my people?... Hmmm.” Asura began to weigh the pros and cons. He could see the rocks the trolls were throwing were already doing damage to the makeshift stone wall, as well as wooden palisades that had been constructed from the trees in the forest just west of the fortress. Asura’s managed to catch onto something.

He could see that the forest had been cleared somewhat, and many trolls were coming out of it. “.. Could they have disturbed those rocky bastards’ habitat?..” He considered it. He started to feel these creatures were territorial, but he wondered why they went so far as to go near the mountainous area where the Spectrals were living.

An loud roar shook the air. A towering creature dashed out, followed by many more rock trolls. This figure was indeed a rock troll, but much larger and more menacing. It had rocky protrusions that looked like small hills. A rock troll was a few metres tall, but this rock troll was a stunning sixteen, enough to tower over the walls of the fortress.

Asura’s thoughts began to run wild. “-If I let the rock trolls kill them, maybe people will see this area as dangerous, and it will be less risky for the Spectrals...but if I let them live, maybe more people will come visit this area, and there’s a high chance people will find us-”

The large rock troll grasped one of the fallen trees that had been abandoned during the troll invasion. It picked it up with ease and brandished it like a club as it rushed towards the fortress. It smashed the palisades in one hit, leaving only the makeshift stone wall to protect the people.

At the sight of their leader destroying the palisades, the other rock trolls roared out in victory, which only caused the humans in the fortress to panic. The guards were riddled with fear and looked as if they wanted to abandon their posts.

“You bastards! Don't you dare leave your positions! It won't do you any good! Once they break in, we are all dead anyway! just hold on!” A man with large sideburns, who also seemed to be missing an eye, roared, causing the guards to steady up again and continue firing arrows.

The large rock troll help the cracking tree with both hands, smashing it against the rock wall, shattering both and making an opening. At this sight, the hundred rock trolls all roared again and charged towards the opening. Asura snapped out of his thoughts and spoke. “If Master was here, he would use this to his advantage… If Master was here, he would, uhh, befriend these people and use them! I'll do that!”

Asura turned into a black blur, shooting towards the opening and arriving within moments. Several rock trolls were near the opening, where the guards had dashed to to try and protect. Suddenly, those near the opening were blown away or torn to pieces.

In front of them, a black, cloaked figure stood steady. This caused the guards, who were nearly wetting themselves, to gasp at the appearance of this figure. Asura, who had killed the trolls, glanced over. His appearance had caused the invading trolls to stop.

But the large rock troll, who just watched it's children die, was infuriated. It was not in the least bit afraid of Asura. “RARGH!” It roared before charging towards him barehanded.

The troll swung it's large fist, which could turn a normal human to mashed pulp, towards Asura. Asura also swung his right, balled up hand towards it. The air seemed to ripple, but as their fists met, a crack echoed before a shattering sound similar to a boulder splitting was heard. The large rock troll’s fist had been shattered with ease. Some blood fell to the ground as it roared in agony and it tried to hold it's wound.

The sight caused the guards, who were on the walls and behind Asura, to drop their jaws in amazement. “j..just who is this Expert. So powerful..” One man managed to say, while another laughed and replied, “Maybe he is truly that! An Expert passing by has helped us! We won't die after all!” Several guards began to talk and cheer, but Asura ignored them.

The large rock troll began to run away, but Asura wasn't having any of it. This large rock troll may be responsible for leading the other trolls. Although hitting it made his fist a little numb, it wasn't anything big. He dashed towards it, his claws extending out. A mad look filled with bloodlust entered his eyes as he pounced towards the creature that dwarfed him, his eyes shining purple.

“Play a bit more!” Asura laughed out as he shot towards it.

While Asura was enjoying himself, Avrin was within his room in a meditative position. Pulses of dark matter and Nebula Mist surged within the room, felt by no one but him. The very sight looked magnificent, like a real nebula cloud. Although at that moment, a heavy knock sounded out. The Nebula Mist and dark matter shot towards Avrin and was absorbed in seconds.

Avrin’s eyes slowly opened, revealing his shining blue eyes emitting a heavy glow before they grew dimmer and returned to normal. “Herth, are you in there? I had heard you are missing classes.” Avrin blinked. He remembered the voice.

It was Norith, the man who helped him enter Laymist. He figured as much. This man saw his potential and would keep an eye on him, maybe using him to increase his standing. Though Avrin didn't feel he had bad intentions.

Avrin kept his meditative position and spoke out. “Sorry, teacher, but I'm currently doing closed door training.” Norith remained quiet before laughing. It seemed he didn't mind Avrin not even standing up to open the door. “Hmm, that's good and all, Herth, but I figured you may have wanted to watch the tournament in five hours to see some other geniuses we have.”

Avrin’s eyes widened “Five hours?! Have I been training until this day?” Avrin quickly stood up and stretched a bit. He owed Norith. He may have not even been able to attend this tournament if it wasn't for him.

Walking over, Avrin opened the door and gazed casually at Norith. Avrin could see some curious students gazing over at them. After all, it was quite rare for a teacher of Norith’s status to pay attention to Copper ranked students.

“Mr. Norith, have I missed out on being able to enter the tournament?” Avrin asked. Norith simply rubbed his chin and smiled. “Ah, so it's like that. Well, you're lucky that I am here. I know, with your potential you're a gem for this school, so let me handle the tournament. just be careful. You aren’t the only powerful student here, and there are several oddities in this year's tournament” He gave a soft laugh.

Norith was elated. If Avrin could make a name for himself, Norith could receive proper credit for finding him. Norith also remembered Avrin was after making himself known. This tournament was perfect.

“Thank you, Mr. Norith, I owe you one.” Avrin bowed, and Norith replied. “No need, Herth my boy. Actually, this is your luck. This tournament will be the chance you're after. We have some special guests from Altea and Gaia who are in the area for business, so it's up to you if you want to catch their eye. This is all I know, though.”

Before speaking, Norith was emitting a slight surge of mana that surrounded Avrin and himself. Of course, the purpose for this was to not let any of the students nearby hear their conversation. Norith even gave some of them cold looks, which made them scatter.

“I will take your word for it, Mr. Norith. Please sign me up. I'll prepare myself and then head over.” Norith nodded and spoke. “Good, good. I look forward to your battles, then, to see what you can do.” With that said, Norith turned and vanished in a grey blur.

Norith was a little cautious about Avrin despite all this. Avrin seemed different. Norith felt as if he were talking to someone on his own level, and not a child at all. It was an interesting feeling.

Avrin walked off down the hall. He intended to head to the cafeteria. Not to eat, but for something else. After he arrived, gotten a simple meal and found an isolated seat, he began to eat at a slow pace. He listened carefully for information. He knew the cafeteria always had people talking about current events. This was a good way for him to get information, and he was not let down.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“I can't wait for the tournament! I can't believe the Phoenix Alliance and Lotus Alliance would go as far as to threaten people not with one of them to stay out of the tournament. What do you think the reason is?” One youth spoke to another, who also wanted to give his two cents.

“Simple! I heard rumors of some special guests or something from the capital. Maybe they are trying to show who is the superior force here and establish a good connection. There is also the Dark Abyss Chasm training this year.”

Avrin narrowed his eyes a little “-How arrogant of them. Well, it doesn't matter. It won't make any difference-” He listened a bit more, hearing a few more pieces of information. Ley, the boy who was Yuvi’s brother and had acted rudely to Avrin, was also entering. Avrin showed a menacing smile, as he wanted to torment that kid for what he did. But it wasn't as important as his real goal.

“Ley, the Lotus genius? Woah.. I was wondering why Nia, Claire and Sya were entering. Maybe they want to see who is fit for him?” At this, the small group of youths chuckled and one responded. “Yeah, probably. Damn I'm jealous of Ley. To have so many strong beauties. That guy is truly blessed by the gods. Curse my boring life.” The youths laughed again.

Avrin stayed for an entire four hours and had received as much information as he wanted. He heard that Lilia had chosen not to enter the tournament. He felt less that she was threatened and more that she put her hopes in Avrin.

Avrin was making his way towards a crowd of students. He knew, at the very least, where the tournament combatants would need to go, and he made his way towards there. “-This is perfect. If there are important guests from Gaia and the capital, I can use their resources, and finding a dragon or a piece of Skymetal will be that much easier. As well as the established connections to benefit my people-”

Avrin gave a rare smile. Of course, he wasn't just thinking of his own benefit. He pitied Lilia somewhat, going so far for her father. It even made Avrin wonder if he had parents and they were in the same position, would he react the same? He was cut off as he noticed the students grow more excited and someone called out.

“Guys, listen, quick! I just heard both the current leaders of the Lotus and Phoenix alliance are entering this tournament!!” After this student called out, the hundreds of other students frenzied and whispers and shouts could be heard as they rushed towards the stadium entrance to try and grab the best seats.

Avrin didn't react much, as he took a different turn and headed towards a staff member at the end of the hall. Smiling softly he spoke “Hello senior. Could you please direct me to the combatant locker rooms?”

The man looked at Avrin and noticed his copper uniform. He felt disdain and quickly spoke, “Piss off. You think this is a joke? Some Copper trash entering. I haven't heard of such a thing.” At this man’s words, Avrin’s face didn't change. He was about to use Norith’s name, but a familiar voice spoke out.

“Ah, friend Herth, is that you?!” Mahck came over with a happy look and gave Avrin a heavy pat on the back. “Oh, Mahck, I forgot you were entering.” Avrin spoke, but Mahck simply laughed and nodded. “Indeed I am. This is the entry to the locker rooms, after all. Hmm, did you come here looking for someone?”

As Mahck arrived, the staff member quickly showed a look of respect towards him. He knew that one day Mahck would outclass him by leaps and bounds. He grew nervous as he saw that Avrin and Mahck were friends. Avrin shook his head.

“Actually, I was trying to enter, but...this man wouldn't let me in, so I was going to get Mr. Norith to handle the issue since he personally added me to the list a few hours ago.” At Avrin’s words, the man’s face grew even more pale. The man laughed. “Oh, please forgive me. I didn't know you were friends with the genius Mahck as well as senior Norith. Ahh, could you please tell me your name?” He spoke nervously.

Mahck blinked a bit. He was about to handle the issue, but it seemed it handled itself. Avrin nodded and chuckled softly. His intention was to frighten the guard a bit. “Herth. I should be on the list.”

The guard nodded and quickly retrieved a small parchment that emitted a faint glow. This was a parchment enchanted in pairs. Whenever something was written on one, it would appear on the other paired parchment.

The man scanned the list and saw Avrin’s fake name. He gulped at his mistake, which may have cost him dearly, “Oh, here you are, junior Herth. Well then, room 18 down the hall to your right. And for Mahck, room 1, to your left.”

The large doors behind the guard slid open on their own, revealing a well lit stone and marble hall. Mahck and Avrin entered and began to converse. Mahck had confirmed that the Lotus Alliance leader was joining, and heard it was to try and seek a connection with some person.

After Mahck found his room, they bid farewell to each other, and Avrin moved to his room. It was a small, cold, stone room with barely anything but a light and a wooden bench that had seen better days. Avrin sighed a little. He had walked passed some rooms and had seen how lavish they look. Of course, he felt that these were reserved for top level contestants.

It didn't bother Avrin much. After all, he had his own plans. He was interested in seeing Mahck. Before they parted, Mahck wished him luck and told him not to get beaten up too much. Mahck thought Avrin was weak, but he wouldn't stop a friend and a fellow fighter from wanting to prove himself. This made Avrin respect him a little more.

Avrin could hear the cheers of the crowd and the sound of the announcer, which told him that the tournament had started. Basically, the list of who would fight who would be randomised by magic and then given to several staff members. Then, the announcer to call up whoever was next.

Avrin was bored while waiting in the room, but internally, he was excited. Not for the fight, but to finally take a good step within this world. The area trembled a bit as the crowd cheered. Many fights had passed and several would be enough for the crowd to go wild. Avrin could even hear who was called out. Mahck had fought, including Yuvi and Ley, and he had even heard the names of the Phoenix Alliance members from the village.

Interestingly enough, they all seemed to win their matches fairly quickly. But the ground was shaking quite a bit, and often, flashes of light surged enough to brighten the hall somewhat. One could tell that against each other, these two alliances barely showed any mercy, wanting to go all out to show who is superior.

It was unfortunate that Avrin set his sights on winning the entire thing while using his opponents as stepping stones. He had already devised a way to get the best effect.

The arena grew quiet as another fight was finished. After some repairs were done, Avrin didn't wait long before it was time. “This next match will be Diamond ranked student Lazgen, the current leader of the Phoenix Alliance, which is recognized as an official inner school sect.“

A tall, muscular man wearing the student uniform suited for Diamond ranked students walked over towards the tournament arena as he waved and gave a prideful look, as if he stood on top of the world. Though for several people, he was an existence they would never reach. The crowd erupted in cheers again, although one could see the people on the Phoenix Alliance’s side really loyal.

“His opponent will be! Uhh?...” The announcer grew quiet and the cheers stopped due to confusion. The announcer looked carefully at the name and cleared his throat. “I apologize. His opponent will be a Copper ranked student called... Herth?”

Hearing his name, Avrin didn't waste time and left the room with a faint flash before he appeared at the entrance of the hall and exited. He could see the look of astonishment, confusion and disdain on nearly everyone’s faces, though he didn't care much about them.

He looked around, examining everything. The arena for the tournament was in the shape of a coliseum, with the middle holding a large, circular pillar made of marble-like material, which must be hard for some people to break. Of course, it must be durable to handle constant fights.

“Who the hell is this?..” one person called out. “A Copper rank? Is this a joke? Is he a Lotus Alliance member? What the hell?” another replied, followed by someone from the Lotus Alliance, who grinned. “Maybe he is part of the Phoenix Alliance to surrender and give Lazgen an easy win! What a joke..”

Arguments, debates and laughter echoed in the crowd. “Who is this child?” One of the staff members seated up in a special section spoke. “I’ve no idea, but this is a sham. To have a Copper rank student fighting against Lazgen...” He spoke, showing he supported Lazgen.

“Indeed. A true sham. We have a guest from Gaia to check on our progress as well as a visitor from the capital who gave us a bit of face to even come watch this tournament, and now this shitty joke? Hmph..”

Of course, seated not too far away, was Norith, who gave a soft grin. Beside him were the staff members who had also been there when Avrin revealed his strength. “N..Norith, did you know about this?...” This man was Geon, who was somewhat conflicted. He knew Avrin had strength, but Lazgen was incredibly strong. Despite this, he didn't show disdain towards Avrin like the others.

“Indeed I did...I will take full responsibility if something tragic happens.” Hearing the words said by Norith, a teacher who was considered senior to him and against him spoke. “So it was you, Norith! You think this is a joke?! Very well. I will report this to the headmaster...I will enjoy seeing you demoted..” He snickered, which made the old man’s already skinny bald head and skeleton looking face uglier than it already was.

“So be it..” Norith said calmly. But inwardly, he was quite nervous. “-Herth, don't let me down...or I will drag you down with me..-” He thought quietly. Meanwhile, within the arena. After Avrin had casually made his way up, he kept looking around before a heavy voice sounded out.

“What a joke! You little bastard! Because of you, I'm losing my reputation. They think you're part of my prestigious Phoenix Alliance to give me an easy win...no way I'm letting you surrender. Watch me beat you to a pulp…”

Avrin finally glanced at Lazgen, before giving an inward chuckle. Lazgen had the hairstyle of a rooster in Avrin’s eyes, and it was even dyed a fiery red. “Ah?, beat me to a pulp?.. Have you eaten something rotten you delusional twit?” Avrin spoke, taunting Lazgen. This was intentional. The more he taunted Lazgen, the harder he would try to fight Avrin, which made it look better for when Avrin revealed himself.

“You!!..You're fucking DEAD!” Lazgen roared, which made the crowd cheer a bit. And as everyone continued to debate, the announcer finally spoke out, which made everyone settle down and focus, eager to see Avrin turn bloody and beaten. “BEGIN!”

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sorry about that nasty cliffhanger at least it keeps people wanting to see what happens next week i'm also practicing a bit with achieving what i want in chapters this way i will be more flexible and have more experience for certain tasks.