Chapter 78 - The perfect battle plan
The group sat sprawled around the training grounds, exhaustion radiating from every pore after the grueling thirteen-hour session. Their clothes clung to their bodies, damp with sweat, and the faint smell of metal and dust hung in the air. Adam leaned against a nearby rock, his hands resting on his knees, while Drake sat cross-legged a few feet away, his head tilted back as he stared up at the sky, chest rising and falling in deep breaths.
Li was unusually silent, his usually sharp gaze softened as he stared at the ground, hands idly rubbing at sore muscles. Nikolai, on the other hand, sat off to the side, his face impassive as he scribbled something in the dirt. It was a scene of quiet recovery, though the tension of the earlier sparring still lingered in the air.
Shu, perched on a stool nearby, was methodical as ever, his pen scratching against paper as he reviewed his notes. His small clipboard was almost overflowing with pages filled with precise observations about each team member. Occasionally, he glanced up, his sharp eyes scanning the group before returning to his writing.
The training session had been intense, not just physically but mentally. Over the long hours, everyone had been pushed to their limits, showing everything they had to offer. No one held back, as Shu had made it clear from the start that this wasn’t just practice—it was an evaluation.
Adam had been his usual dependable self, displaying a refined control over his ghostly skills. Drake’s raw strength and adaptability shone through, his moves precise and devastating. Li’s agility and quick reflexes using his spells were unmatched, though he had moments of hesitation that Shu had been quick to note.
Kazue was a whirlwind, her enthusiasm driving her forward, though she often overextended herself, much to Shu’s exasperation. Katya, however, was the one who had truly caught everyone’s attention. She was an enigma, and her abilities were both strange and awe-inspiring.
The blonde’s summoning skill wasn’t just impressive—it was frighteningly effective. She had conjured not one but two monstrous entities with nothing more than the power of her mind. These Tulpas, as she called them, were terrifyingly efficient in combat, attacking with precision and ferocity. Yet, it became apparent that there was a price to her abilities: every injury the Tulpas sustained was mirrored on her own body. Despite this, she fought on, her focus unshakable.
When Xian, the second disciple, had pointed out the apparent weakness in Katya’s reliance on her summons, the girl’s response had been as unexpected as it was breathtaking. Without hesitation, she activated her skill, [Tulpa Shroud], “sacrificing” one of her Tulpas to manifest a massive, monstrous-looking scythe in her hands.
The transformation was shocking. The scythe seemed alive, its blade gleaming with an unnatural, ominous glow. Katya wielded it with surprising skill, moving with a fluidity that belied its cumbersome size. The clash between her and Xian was intense, and for a moment, Katya seemed unstoppable.
Kazue had been particularly enthralled, her cheers echoing across the training grounds.
“That’s incredible, Katya! You’re amazing!”
She had shouted, her voice filled with genuine excitement. But the distraction had cost the blonde dearly. In the brief moment her focus wavered, Xian capitalized on the opening, delivering a sharp blow to Katya’s head.
Katya had stumbled back, her hand instinctively reaching for her head as she winced in pain.
“Damn it.”
She muttered, frustration clear in her tone. Kazue’s expression shifted to one of guilt, her excitement dampened by the realization that her cheer had caused Katya to drop her guard, so she had no other choice than to comply with her friend's demand for head pats.
On the other side of the training grounds, Gregor had been a different kind of spectacle. While not as flashy as Katya, he had drawn the group’s attention with his quiet, deliberate explanation of his experiences with the [Karma Devil Ball].
He had stood in the center, his voice calm and steady as he recounted what he had endured in prison with the mysterious artifact. His tone was detached, as though he were recounting someone else’s story. Yet, his words carried a weight that was impossible to ignore.
“What made it choose you?”
Adam had asked at one point, his voice thoughtful. However, Gregor had hesitated, his gaze lowering for a brief moment.
“I don’t know.”
He replied simply. His expression was unreadable, and it was clear that he wasn’t going to elaborate.
Adam, ever analytical, had inspected the [Karma Devil Ball] closely, noting that its description hadn’t changed, though he could now read it fully. The artifact’s mysterious abilities still loomed over the group, a question mark that no one could ignore.
[ Karma Devil Ball - Rank A- ] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠A floating black sphere infused with dark karmic energy. Drawn to those burdened by heavy misdeeds, it silently seeks out the individual with the highest negative karma in its vicinity, attaching itself to them and recognizing them as its master. Once bound, the sphere will provide its user with the following skills: [Karmic Suppression Barrier Lv2] and [Infernal Karma Manifestation Lv2]. Depending on the compatibility with its master, the ball has more or less freedom of movement around the user.⌡
[Skill: Karmic Suppression Barrier Lv 2] [The skill generates a translucent, cube-shaped energy prison. This barrier is virtually impenetrable, requiring overwhelming superhuman strength to shatter its walls. Inside the cube, all skill usage and system-related functions are completely nullified. Furthermore, the barrier is impenetrable from the outside—neither attacks nor abilities can cross its boundaries, ensuring total isolation for its occupants.] [Cursed Vision Knowledge] [Notice: Skills nullified by the ‘Karmic Suppression Barrier’ do not trigger effects that require skill nullification/destruction.]
[Skill: Infernal Karma Manifestation Lv 2] [The technique summons forth the user’s dark history, drawing power from the immeasurable bad karma accumulated over a life of bloodshed. By chanting the name of the demon providing the power, the user can awaken the dormant wrath of every spirit he has wronged, binding their hatred into a volatile, blackened aura around him. This aura pulses with sinister energy, amplifying the user’s attacks with the essence of the souls he has condemned, each strike imbued with their despair and vengeance.] [Cursed Vision Knowledge] [Notice: The duration and effectiveness of the skill depend on the amount of stored innocent souls the user has killed in his life.] [Notice: The amount of souls condemned for this technique is calculated as [Calculating…] worth of vengeance and dread turned into energy.] [Warning: At the end of the skill's use, the user will experience a temporary reduction in their physical and spiritual abilities equal to the increase they received, as they are struck by the accumulated karma of all the souls utilized.]
The group’s collective exhaustion hung heavy in the air as Adam stepped forward, and began to read all the skill descriptions. Gregor's earlier demonstration with the Karma Devil Ball had sparked something in him, a mix of curiosity and contemplation. He took a deep breath, the weight of everyone's gaze pressing down on him, but he remained focused.
Adam spoke up, his voice steady yet thoughtful.
"The first skill is undeniably powerful. Being able to interfere with skills and system abilities is extremely useful. Against regular inhabitants of this world, it might not be of much use, but against figures like Don Sung Ja-In or Lord Varek..."
He paused, his gaze shifting momentarily to Shu.
"It could make all the difference. They're closer to what we'd consider other users rather than mere inhabitants."
The group nodded, murmuring in agreement, though Adam’s expression grew more serious.
"The second skill, however... It’s fascinating, but the toll it takes—corrupting the soul—makes it a last resort at best. We don’t know enough for you to use it safely."
As Adam spoke, Gregor was distractedly manipulating the Karma Devil Ball, which now floated effortlessly around him. It moved with a strange sentience, responding to his subtle gestures. The man tossed it lightly, testing its weight and responsiveness, and slammed it down against the ground with force. A deep, jagged hole appeared where it struck, the sound reverberating through the space like a thunderclap.
Drake whistled low, visibly impressed.
"That thing’s got some serious punch. Looks like a cannonball."
Gregor shrugged, catching the orb mid-air.
"It’s more useful than it was with Bai Huolong, that’s for sure. It seems to... obey me now."
Shu watched the display in silence, his expression unreadable. The man’s attention shifted to Drake, who stood leaning against a nearby wall, sweat-drenched but still exuding energy.
“You, step forward.”
The man called out suddenly, his voice sharp enough to cut through the lingering buzz. Drake blinked, standing upright and moving closer, his golden hair sticking to his forehead from exertion.
“Are you certain you have no formal training?”
Shu’s tone was skeptical but held a trace of genuine curiosity.
“Your body says otherwise. It’s as if you’ve been molded by years of disciplined practice—your ki flow, in particular, is exceptionally precise. Yet, your combat style is... crude, at best. Amateurish.”
Drake scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
“I’ve never trained in any school or sect, if that’s what you mean. Everything I know, I’ve figured out on my own.”
Shu studied him intently, his brows knitting together.
"A contradiction, then. You possess a physique akin to a disciplined martial artist, and your control of ki is unusually refined—impossible without dedicated meditation over years. And yet, your fighting technique is less refined than a child’s from a basic sect. A shame, truly.”
Despite not being entirely convinced, Shu gave a small nod of acknowledgment before turning his attention to Adam.
“And you, show me your understanding of ki and the meridians. You’ve absorbed everything so far like a sponge—impressive.”
He began, gesturing for Adam to approach. The boy stepped forward, his face a mask of concentration. Shu began an elaborate explanation, his tone growing more formal as he spoke.
“The flow of ki within the body is governed by the meridians—pathways that distribute energy to every vital point. For a martial artist, controlling this flow is the key to balancing yin and yang energies, amplifying strength, and accessing higher levels of power. Disruption of this flow leads to instability, and improper handling can cause irreversible damage. Observe closely.”
Shu’s fingers moved gracefully as he traced an imaginary path along his forearm, demonstrating the circulation of energy. Adam watched without blinking, his mind racing to absorb the intricate details. Shu continued, his voice unwavering.
“Ki charged with yin energy focuses on endurance, preservation, and stability. Yang energy, however, is volatile—destructive by nature. Harnessing it requires discipline beyond most practitioners’ capabilities. Now, apply this knowledge.”
Adam nodded, stepping into the center of the room. The air around him seemed to shift as he concentrated, drawing on the cursed energy that coursed through him. He visualized the meridians Shu had described, attempting to channel his energy as if it were akin to ki.
Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he focused, his cursed energy responding sluggishly. Slowly, it began to flow, though not with the smooth precision of ki. Still, it was enough to create a noticeable change in the air. A faint shimmer of dark energy surrounded Adam, crackling with raw power.
The room fell silent, everyone watching in awe. Shu’s eyes widened slightly, though he quickly composed himself.
“To manipulate pure yang energy is no small feat. It’s a power meant for destruction, always at the cost of the user. Yet, you’ve managed to channel it, even if only partially. Impressive.”
Adam straightened, his breathing heavy but controlled. He looked at Shu, his expression contemplative.
“This gives me an idea... something I’ll have to test later.”
Shu regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and caution.
“You’re treading dangerous ground. But if you can succeed...”
He left the sentence unfinished, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The group exchanged glances, the weight of Adam’s words hanging in the air. Whatever idea he had, it was bound to be something extraordinary. For now, however, they would have to wait and see.
Eventually, the group gathered at the end of the training area, their exhaustion evident as the day’s grueling activities drew to a close. The atmosphere was heavy with fatigue, though the subtle energy of accomplishment lingered in the air. As the others sat on the stone benches or leaned against crumbling columns, Kazue stood nearby, practicing small bursts of her elemental Ki manipulation. Her movements were fluid yet deliberate, a sign of her increasing confidence in the technique. Each flicker of energy that danced from her fingertips drew faint ripples in the stagnant air around her. Shu observed quietly, his sharp eyes missing nothing as he occasionally scribbled notes on a weathered parchment.
Sebastian, on the other hand, was seated cross-legged a few meters away. He appeared calm but focused, his hands resting on his knees as he willed the massive ‘Steamtread Goliath’ to materialize. The enormous machine emerged from a faint shimmer of light, its towering frame settling heavily onto the stone floor. The mechanism hummed softly, its gears shifting as though alive. With a nod of satisfaction, Sebastian made the robot vanish as effortlessly as it had appeared, earning a brief but approving glance from Shu.
Finally, Shu clapped his hands together, signaling the end of the session.
"That’s enough for today, you’ve done well, all of you.”
He announced, his voice firm yet not unkind. The group let out collective sighs of relief, their bodies slumping from the release of tension. Water skins and small parcels of dumplings were passed around. The combination of sweet and salty flavors, though modest, offered some solace after the day's trials.
Shu and his fellow disciples, Xian and Luo, guided the group to a sheltered area within the ruins of the palace. The space was surprisingly well-kept despite its dilapidated surroundings. Pillars supported the high ceiling, and faint remnants of decorative carvings adorned the walls. Mats and thin blankets had been arranged across the floor. It wasn’t luxurious, but after the day’s efforts, it felt like a haven.
“This is where you’ll rest tonight.”
Shu said, his tone carrying an unspoken reminder of the early wake-up call.
“You’ll rise with the first light. Every moment counts, and you’ll only have proper rest on the final day. Until then, endure.”
The group nodded silently, some already spreading out to claim sleeping spots. Kazue hesitated, glancing at the room. Though large and open, it wasn’t as intimidating as the cramped hotel quarters where they’d once argued over sleeping arrangements. She gave a small sigh, her expression softening.
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“It’s fine if we all stay here, it’s spacious enough.”
She said, her voice barely louder than a murmur. Her statement was met with nods and faint smiles, and the group began to settle in.
The quiet murmur of conversation filled the room as they unwound. Adam leaned back against an old sofa, his eyes closed but his mind racing with thoughts of the day’s training. Gregor was reclining on his mat, tossing the small sphere he’d trained with earlier into the air and catching it repeatedly, its metallic surface reflecting the dim light. Drake sat cross-legged, methodically wrapping his hands in strips of cloth, his movements slow and contemplative.
The moment of calm was interrupted when the heavy door at the far end of the hall creaked open. All heads turned as Park Zhen entered, followed by Chloe and Amir. The pink girl’s usually sharp features were softened with a look of exhaustion, though her lips curled into a faintly amused smile. Amir trailed behind her, his tiny shoulders slumped slightly, but his eyes sparkled with a playful glint.
“Well, that was… interesting.”
Chloe said, breaking the silence. Amir chuckled, wiping a sheen of sweat from his brow. Their presence drew everyone’s attention, the previously relaxed atmosphere shifting into curiosity.
Li was the first to step forward, his expression serious but his voice steady.
“Did it go well?”
He asked, his gaze moving from one face to the next, lingering briefly on Park Zhen’s familiar calmness before settling on Chloe.
Chloe’s lips curled into a restrained smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she answered.
“Perfectly, Abbess’s [Brainwashed] effect has been successfully removed.”
She said, a barely concealed laugh dancing in her tone. Her shoulders trembled slightly as though suppressing a giggle. She then exchanged a fleeting glance with Emir, who stood a few steps behind her, his small figure practically vibrating with contained laughter.
Even Park Zhen, usually composed and inscrutable, seemed different. His ever-present smile carried an unusual warmth, lacking the artificial edge that often marked his expressions. He said nothing, letting the quiet humor pass between the three of them like an unspoken joke.
Kazue’s sharp gaze darted between them, her instincts picking up on something peculiar. She frowned slightly, crossing her arms as she asked.
“What’s so funny?”
None of them answered immediately. Instead, the three of them silently stepped aside, revealing someone standing behind them.
It was her…
Abbess Xinhui.
The room shifted in an instant. Every ounce of calm dissipated, replaced by a palpable tension as the group reacted. Items were drawn and postures stiffened.
Adam, who had been seated just moments before, acted unconsciously. His body tensed by instinct, his muscles locking as his breath caught in his throat. The sight of the woman sent a wave of adrenaline coursing through him, his body reacting before his mind could catch up. Memories of pain, fear, and unrelenting stress surfaced unbidden, tightening his chest. He sprang to his feet, his hands trembling slightly as he unconsciously prepared to summon his Spectronomicon.
Abbess, however, made no move to attack. She did not speak. Her gaze swept across the room, lingering on each face with an expression that was unreadable yet strangely calm. Her silence only heightened the unease in the air, and the group exchanged uncertain glances.
It was Park Zhen who broke the tension.
“She will be joining us. Former Don Abbess Xinhui will be part of our team for the offensive against Lord Varek.”
He announced, his tone steady, almost casual, as if what he had just said were entirely reasonable. The words landed like a thunderclap.
“What?!”
Kazue’s voice cut through the silence, her disbelief evident.
Adam stared at Park Zhen, his mouth opening as though to protest, but no words came. The rest of the group looked equally stunned, their expressions ranging from confusion to outright distrust.
However, before anyone could voice their objections, Abbess Xinhui took a step forward. The sound of her movement seemed deafening in the tense room. Slowly, deliberately, she walked across the stone floor until she stood directly in front of Adam.
The boy’s heart raced. Every instinct screamed at him to act, to defend himself. His hand twitched, ready to summon a skill at a moment’s notice. But then…
She knelt.
The motion was slow and deliberate. The woman lowered herself to the ground, her head bowing deeply. Her posture radiated submission, her hands resting on the floor in front of her.
The group froze, stunned into silence.
When she finally spoke, her voice was soft but unwavering, carrying a weight that seemed to fill the room.
“My memories are in disarray.”
She began, her head still bowed.
“Nothing makes sense. Yet, in the chaos of my mind, there is one constant truth: you.”
Adam blinked, too stunned to respond.
“In my memories, you have always been there. My teacher. My savior. My benefactor. My lover. Even my master. I cannot reconcile these memories with logic, but I cannot deny them either.”
She continued, her voice growing firmer. She lifted her head slightly, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of vulnerability and resolve.
“I have tried to resist these feelings, but it is impossible. My life is no longer my own.”
She bowed her head again, her voice trembling slightly as she finished,
“I owe you more than I can ever repay. So please… accept me as your servant. It is the least I can do to atone for everything.”
The room fell into stunned silence.
Adam stood motionless, his mind reeling. The words didn’t register at first, their weight was too much to process. His throat was dry, and he struggled to find something—anything—to say.
Before he could speak, a notification appeared before him, hovering in the air:
⌠The skill [Soul Corruption Lv2] has successfully taken root in the character Abbess Xinhui thanks to the infection caused by the treasure [Overmind Parasite] now residing in her body.⌡ ⌠The main storyline character Abbess Xinhui has sworn eternal loyalty to user Adam Scholar.⌡ ⌠Do you accept Abbess Xinhui as your subordinate?⌡ ⌠Y/N⌡
Adam stared at the glowing words, his breath shallow as the gravity of the situation settled over him, his mind whirling in turmoil. His heart pounded as he tried to piece together what had just transpired. His hands trembled slightly, and he opened his mouth, struggling to form coherent words. Finally, he took a deep breath, trying to muster some semblance of composure.
"This is absurd."
He said, his voice tinged with frustration as he looked down at Abbess Xinhui, still kneeling before him.
"I haven't done anything to deserve this… devotion or whatever this is. You don't owe me anything. Please, get up. This—this doesn't make sense."
He gestured toward her with a flick of his hand. Abbess raised her head slightly, her gaze locking onto his. There was a strange, almost tragic sincerity in her eyes, a combination of clarity and despair.
"I know…"
She said softly, her tone unwavering despite the absurdity of her own words.
"I know it doesn't make sense. I know it's ridiculous. But as I said, I can't fight these feelings. My memories… they're fractured. Confused. But in all of them, you're there. You… you are everything. My teacher, my friend, my savior…"
She hesitated, her cheeks flushing faintly.
"Even the only lover I ever had. I don’t remember their faces anymore, they are all you, I don't know what you've done to me, but I can’t help it. Please, take responsibility for me."
Her voice broke. The room fell into stunned silence, except for Chloe, who suddenly let out a loud, uncontrollable laugh. She doubled over, clutching her stomach as tears formed at the corners of her eyes.
"Oh my god, Adam!"
Chloe managed between bouts of laughter.
"I didn’t know you were that kind of guy! Playing with women’s hearts and then trying to walk away? That’s low!"
Her tone was teasing, but the sheer hilarity of the situation left her unable to stop laughing. A few chuckles rippled through the room. Even Li, usually serious, smirked faintly before quickly regaining his composure. Adam, however, shot Chloe a sharp glare.
"You're not helping…"
He snapped, his voice cutting through her laughter.
Chloe merely waved a hand dismissively, still giggling.
"Sorry, sorry."
She said, clearly not sorry at all. Li stepped forward, his face more composed but still reflecting a hint of amusement.
"Adam, you should accept this. It’s a Don we’re talking about, an important character, she would be a massive asset to the team. We can't afford to waste an opportunity like this, and you know it."
He said firmly. Meanwhile, Sebastian, standing a little further back, cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Adam, you're very young to take care of someone like this. But..."
He began, his voice gentle but tinged with nervousness, offering a small, awkward smile.
"You're never too young to take responsibility for your actions."
Chloe burst into laughter again, her voice echoing through the room.
"That sounded so wrong! Hahaha!"
Adam clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. His emotions were a mess—frustration, embarrassment, confusion, and even a sliver of guilt, though he didn’t fully understand why. Internally, he felt like screaming, but outwardly, he forced himself to remain still. His logical mind screamed at him to not reject this situation, no matter how absurd it may seem, to ignore his feelings... She wasn’t lying. The system itself confirmed her claims, so there was no risk, and then he remembered... It was the heart's replacement he put inside her after extracting the Jiang Shi's one, that must have been the beginning of her infection without Adam noticing since he use his own biomass for it... Damm it.
Finally, with a heavy sigh, Adam raised his hand and pressed the glowing option before him: [Y].
The system responded immediately, its cold, detached notifications appearing before his eyes:
⌠Character Abbess Xinhui has become your subordinate!⌡ ⌠You have transformed a major rank A character into your subordinate.⌡ ⌠Congratulations!⌡ ⌠Notice: Due to the power disparity between master and servant, the majority of Abbess Xinhui’s skills will be sealed after the current scenario ends.⌡ ⌠Notice: Due to the nature of the relationship between user Adam Scholar and character Abbess Xinhui, she will be treated as a summoned entity through a skill after the scenario ends.⌡ ⌠Warning: This decision is final and cannot be undone.⌡
As the notifications faded, Adam exhaled sharply, his shoulders sagging as though a heavy weight had settled on them. Abbess Xinhui looked up at him, her expression a mixture of relief and unwavering determination.
"I swear to serve you faithfully, thank you for accepting me."
She said, bowing her head again. Adam stared at her, utterly speechless. He glanced around the room, hoping for some kind of support or understanding, but all he saw were varying degrees of amusement, shock, and concern. Chloe grinned at him, clearly relishing his discomfort, while Li gave him an approving nod.
Finally, after such a weird spectacle, Park Zhen fully entered the room and gestured for everyone to gather closer. His sharp, authoritative gaze swept over the group, ensuring there were no stragglers. Adam instinctively moved with the others, though the presence of Abbess lingering so near to him made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. She stood just slightly behind him, silent and poised, her proximity a constant reminder of the earlier scene. Adam glanced at her nervously, but she seemed wholly focused on Park Zhen, her expression unreadable.
Shu handed his master the small tablet he’d been using to meticulously record the details of their training and observations. Park Zhen accepted it without a word, his fingers brushing lightly over the inscriptions as he quickly scanned its contents. His eyes narrowed slightly as he processed the information, and for a few moments, silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the occasional shifting of feet on the rough ground.
Finally, the Don raised his head. His expression was calm yet firm, his voice carrying the weight of a man who had long since mastered command.
"I will explain the plan in detail."
He began, his voice clear and measured.
"Lord Varek is currently residing in the fortress of the last remaining Don, Sung Ja-In. Infiltrating this location directly is not an option. Even with inside assistance, his network of defenses and surveillance is too thorough, not to mention his numerous skills. He would detect any intrusion almost immediately. We cannot lose the element of surprise."
The group listened intently, their faces reflecting a mix of apprehension and determination. Park Zhen paused briefly, letting his words sink in before continuing.
"The plan’s initial phase will require a team to engage a small squadron of Lord Varek's forces. The objective is to eliminate them swiftly. The moment they are engaged, Lord Varek himself will most likely intervene. At that point, the only thing that team must do is run."
"Wait, what? You're saying we have to run? Just run?"
Li interrupted, his voice incredulous. Park Zhen turned his gaze to him, his expression unyielding.
"Yes. Fighting Lord Varek head-on, even with our combined strength, is not an option. It would be suicide. The sole purpose of this confrontation is to delay him. You will need to buy time—no more than a minute, perhaps less. Once the objective is achieved, Lord Varek will retreat to Sung Ja-In's fortress."
Kazue frowned, raising her hand slightly as though in a classroom.
"Wait, why would Lord Varek just leave us alone and go back? That doesn’t make any sense."
A faint, almost imperceptible smirk flickered across Park Zhen's face.
"That part, you can leave to me."
He replied cryptically. The response did little to assuage the group’s doubts, but Park Zhen continued, unfazed.
"After the first team distracts Lord Varek until he comes back to the castle, they will use a teleportation orb to escape to Designated Site 1. This location has been specifically prepared for Don Sung Ja-In, who will be transported there as well. The objective is to defeat him."
At this, murmurs rippled through the group, but Park Zhen raised a hand to silence them.
"Simultaneously, another team will infiltrate the fortress. With Lord Varek temporarily absent, his defenses will be at their weakest. This team must seize the opportunity to prepare the second teleportation orb, this will be the only moment that most certainly will have Lord Varek with his guard down, it’s gonna be impossible to eliminate him in one attack, so we will use that moment to transport him and the group to Designated Site 2—another location optimized for combat against him.”
Every part of the plan sounded very risky, but it was much to Adam’s pleasure that at least it included even terrain advantage of some sort.
"Finally, there is a third designated site, prepared as a failsafe. The team responsible for engaging Lord Varek will carry this orb. If any unforeseen complications arise, they will have the option to retreat to Site 3. Each of these locations has been selected not only for strategic advantages but also to ensure that none of Lord Varek’s forces can reinforce him. They are too many, we would be overrun by nuisances and Lord Varek would certainly use it to eliminate us alongside them."
As Park Zhen finished, the gravity of the plan settled over the group. The complexity of the operation was evident, as was the immense risk involved.
Li, still visibly unsettled, muttered under his breath.
"So basically, some of us will be bait."
His tone was bitter, but he didn’t voice further objections. Park Zhen's voice broke the tension in the room as he began designating the teams for their respective missions. His tone carried a weight of authority, leaving no room for dispute.
“Based on your aptitudes during training and the observations noted by Shu, the assignments are as follows.”
He said, gesturing to his disciple, who stood silently to the side.
“Team 1, responsible for drawing Lord Varek's attention and subsequently engaging Don Sung Ja-In, will consist of Kazue, Katya, Gregor, and Sebastian, with Chloe as support.”
The names hung in the air as the group exchanged glances. Kazue straightened her posture, her expression unreadable, while Gregor crossed his arms, nodding to himself as if preparing for the responsibility. Chloe and Sebastian seemed a bit nervous and Katya was thrilled to be in the same group as her best friend.
Park Zhen continued without hesitation.
“The remaining members—myself, Adam, Drake, Li, Abbess, and Emir—will face Lord Varek directly. Nikolai will serve as support for this team.”
A murmur spread through the room. Adam clenched his fists, his mind already racing through possible strategies. Drake frowned, his gaze immediately darting to the young Emir, who stood quietly near the back of the group.
“What?”
Drake’s voice cut through the quiet.
“You’re putting the kid in the front lines? That’s insane. He should stay hidden. He’s too young for this.”
The blond’s words seemed to resonate with the others. Emir shifted uncomfortably, looking down at the floor, but he didn’t speak.
Kazue, however, raised her hand sharply, her usual excitement tempered by the gravity of the situation.
“What kind of terrain are we fighting on? Are we at least familiar with it?”
Park Zhen held up a hand, silencing the growing tide of questions.
“Calm yourselves, I will answer all your concerns.”
He commanded, ensuring he had their full attention.
“Each team will have two days to familiarize themselves with their respective terrains. We will provide detailed briefings on the enemies you’ll face and their capabilities. We aim to minimize surprises.”
He turned his gaze toward Drake, addressing his earlier concern.
“As for Emir, he is a crucial part of the plan to defeat Lord Varek. Without him, this mission will fail. Nikolai will be responsible for his protection.”
Nikolai scoffed audibly, raising an eyebrow.
“And how exactly am I supposed to do that? What do you expect me to do if things go south?”
“It say’s here that you are fast.”
Park Zhen replied simply, his voice as steady as stone.
“Your task is to move Emir to safety and allow him to work if danger arises.”
Adam’s brow furrowed at the mention of “work.” His suspicion grew, and he finally spoke.
“Work on what?”
Park Zhen reached into his pocket, pulling out two small cubes. The room seemed to freeze as everyone focused on the mysterious objects. Adam’s eyes widened slightly—he recognized them.
“This.”
Park Zhen declared, holding one of the cubes aloft. He tossed it into the air.
The cube began to glow, emitting a bright, searing light that filled the entire room. Several people shielded their eyes or turned away from the intensity. When the light finally faded, a figure sat slumped on the floor, head buried in their arms, it was a man with long white hair that everyone in the room recognize instantly.
“He will be the final member of the team facing Lord Varek. That is, if you can convince him to join.”
Park Zhen said, his voice softer now. Gasps rippled through the group. Jianfeng, once a formidable martial artist, now looked like a shadow of his former self.
“What happened to him?”
Li asked, his voice tinged with concern. Park Zhen sighed deeply, his expression grim.
“He has lost his soul as a martial artist. After everything that happened, I cannot bring him back to reason. That task falls to you. If you fail to convince him in the next two days, our chances of defeating Lord Varek will be significantly diminished.”
Park Zhen straightened, his usual commanding demeanor returning.
“That’s all for now. Rest and prepare yourselves, tomorrow we will have specific training for each of you.”
Before anyone could voice further questions, Park Zhen turned on his heel and exited the room, leaving a trail of confusion and unresolved tension in his wake.
The remaining group exchanged bewildered looks, the weight of their mission sinking in deeper. Kazue stepped forward cautiously, her gaze fixed on Jianfeng.
The room fell into a contemplative silence, each person grappling with the enormity of what lay ahead.