Chapter 83 - The Plan begins! First group
The group gathered in a tight semicircle around Park Zhen, their expressions mixing wariness and reluctant curiosity. The Don’s calm demeanor, marked by his ever-present aura of false cordiality, did little to soothe the lingering tension. Adam sat with his hands folded, his eyes flicking to the others every so often, gauging their reactions as he explained his idea.
“I’ve been thinking about our approach.”
Adam started, looking around at the group briefly before locking eyes with Park Zhen.
“The tiger in the dungeon—it calmed down for a moment, long enough for us to gain the upper hand. I believe I can replicate that effect with Lord Varek.”
Park Zhen raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious.
“Calm him down? And how exactly do you propose to do that?”
Adam’s lips pressed into a thin line for a moment, feigning hesitation.
“It’s a skill of mine. It works through... let’s just say, a specific interaction. It doesn’t necessarily require direct contact, but it’s most effective if I can target an open wound or even his eyes.”
He leaned back slightly, deliberately vague as his words hung in the air. He could feel Park Zhen analyzing him, probing for any sign of deceit or weakness. Adam wasn’t going to give him more than necessary.
“The result would be a temporary disruption. Something to throw him off balance, like it did with the tiger. It’s not a permanent solution, but it might create the opening we need.”
The room felt heavy with tension, and Adam's words were carefully crafted to reveal just enough to be convincing while keeping the full truth veiled. He wasn’t about to lay all his cards on the table—not for Park Zhen, not for anyone. Not again, not after what happened last time, the boy thought, his mind flickering briefly to the betrayal that still haunted him.
“So you’re saying your skill could subdue him, even if only briefly?”
Said the Don. Adam nodded.
“That’s the idea. But let me be clear—it’s not without risks. If it fails, it could backfire, and the reaction could be... less than ideal.”
Shu, who had been standing quietly by Park Zhen’s side, stepped forward.
“I can confirm that the abyssal tiger was indeed affected by his skill. However, the beast grew significantly more violent afterward, to the point of irrationality.”
Adam hesitated for a fraction of a second before replying, his tone measured.
“That was a side effect. I’ve since analyzed it and know how to mitigate the risks.”
The confidence in his voice masked the uncertainty in his mind. He didn’t have a clue why the tiger became so fixated on him, it could be the nature of the skill itself or something else entirely. Either way, He needed to make it work against Lord Varek.
Park Zhen watched Adam closely, his serene expression unchanging.
“If your skill is as useful as you claim, it might be worth testing. But even so, our focus must remain on stalling him, and for that, we need to understand him.”
With a wave of his hand, Park Zhen shifted the conversation. His tone became sharper, more authoritative.
“Let’s move on. I have vital information regarding Lord Varek’s abilities. Pay attention; It’s gonna be a long list.”
The room grew silent as Park Zhen began listing the skills Lord Varek possessed. One by one, he described each in vivid detail.
A defensive skill that created a barrier impervious to physical and Ki attacks.
A long-range technique that could summon spectral chains to immobilize multiple targets.
An offensive ability capable of generating concentrated beams of destructive energy.
A skill that allowed him to manipulate gravity, altering the battlefield to his advantage.
Techniques to enhance his speed and strength beyond human comprehension.
And the list went on. With each new skill, the group's unease deepened.
Li’s jaw slowly dropped as Park Zhen continued, his normally stern expression giving way to disbelief. By the time Park Zhen finished, Li’s voice broke the tense silence.
“How... how do you expect us to fight against someone like that? That was at least twenty skills! Twenty! We can’t even plan around something like this!”
Adam leaned forward, his brow furrowed as he processed everything.
“If Lord Varek is proficient in all of these skills, then yes, it’s impossible. But I doubt someone like you, Park Zhen, would send us into a completely hopeless battle.”
The Don’s lips curved into a smile—a genuine one for once, though it was far from comforting. Malice lingered at the edges of his expression.
“You’re correct. Lord Varek does have a weakness. His obsession with acquiring powers from other worlds has left him with an overwhelming arsenal. But rarely does he use these skills in combat, aside from testing their initial efficacy. His lack of practical experience with coordinated use means he cannot fully optimize them. This creates moments of hesitation, moments we must exploit.”
The group exchanged glances, a glimmer of hope flickering amid their shared apprehension.
“Every second we can force him to pause is invaluable. We need to use that time wisely, especially as Emir works to absorb his energy.”
At the mention of the kid, Park Zhen turned to the boy, who had been quietly observing from the side. Reaching into his robe, the Don produced three additional cubes, each perfectly smooth and faintly glimmering under the dim light.
“These are empty.”
Park Zhen said, handing them to Emir.
“Keep them with you, just in case.”
Emir accepted the cubes with a solemn nod, his small hands gripping them tightly. The room fell silent again, each person processing the enormity of what lay ahead. Adam’s gaze drifted to the cubes in Emir’s hands, then back to Park Zhen.
Drake, who had been quietly absorbing the conversation, finally spoke up. His deep voice carried a tone of curiosity, but there was a subtle edge of concern beneath it.
“So…”
The blond began, his eyes narrowing slightly as he addressed Park Zhen.
“The place where we’ll face Lord Varek—does it have any... unique characteristics? Like the area where the first group was sent?”
Park Zhen’s expression remained impassive, but his answer came swiftly, devoid of hope.
“Unfortunately, no. There is no such place for this encounter. The location selected is the very palace we’re standing in now.”
The room fell silent. The weight of Park Zhen’s words settled heavily on the group, especially those who would be confronting Lord Varek directly. Adam, Li, and Drake exchanged uneasy glances, each lost in their own thoughts.
The Don continued, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of strategy.
“This palace is remote, isolated from anything of significance and from Lord Varek’s forces. My hope is that, with luck, this familiarity might provoke a moment of hesitation in him. Even a single second of doubt would be invaluable. Every additional moment we can gain is precious.”
The words lingered in the air, drawing the team into a collective contemplation. The implications of fighting in a place that lacked any distinct advantage were not lost on them. Still, there was a faint, grim sense of comfort in having practiced within these very halls—if only slightly.
For the next hour, the room buzzed with a tense focus as the group deliberated strategies. Park Zhen led much of the discussion, guiding them through possible actions and contingencies. Adam, ever resourceful, had taken the initiative to request paper and a pen from Shu, who silently handed over the materials.
The boy’s movements were deliberate as he wrote down every skill of Lord Varek that Park Zhen described. The list grew with alarming speed, detailing abilities, effects, and added notes from Park Zhen’s own observations.
As Adam handed the first sheet to Li, the latter groaned audibly, holding it up as though the sheer weight of the information threatened to crush him.
“There’s no way we’re memorizing all this.”
Li grumbled, his tone half-serious, half-exasperated.
“In fact, remembering them in the middle of a fight? Are you kidding me? That’s just impossible”
Adam blinked at him, the faintest hint of incredulity flashing across his features.
“That’s not true, three pages in a day and a half? That’s even less than leisure reading.”
He said matter-of-factly, adjusting the papers in his hand. Drake laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Uh, yeah, sure, Adam. Totally sounds doable... for you, maybe”
Li snorted, crossing his arms.
“Bullshit. If you really think you can memorize all this, prove it.”
He jabbed a finger at the papers in Adam’s hand, his challenge clear. Adam didn’t hesitate. He handed the pages to Li and began reciting, his voice calm and precise. He went through each skill, one by one, without pausing, stumbling, or missing a single detail. The effects, the nuances, every piece of information Park Zhen had provided—it all flowed seamlessly from Adam’s lips as though he were reading straight from the page.
When he finished, the room was dead silent. The others weren’t so much impressed as unsettled by how effortlessly Adam had managed it.
Li muttered something under his breath before reluctantly conceding.
“Okay, fine. I admit it’s possible to memorize all this. But not for me. No way.”
Drake nodded in agreement.
“Same here. I could try, but... let’s just say I’m not optimistic.”
From his spot sprawled lazily on a nearby couch, Nikolai stretched and let out a half-hearted yawn.
“I could give it a shot, I guess, no promises, though.”
He said, his tone indifferent. Emir, seated cross-legged on the floor, looked uncomfortable.
“Reading’s... not exactly my strong suit, I’m sorry.”
He admitted, his voice barely audible. However, Nikolai, in a rare display of camaraderie, tilted his head toward Emir and spoke with an uncharacteristic sincerity.
“Don’t worry, kid. I’ll remember it for both of us.”
Adam raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised at Nikolai’s unanticipated gesture. He said nothing, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward ever so slightly in approval.
Park Zhen broke the moment of camaraderie, his tone practical and straightforward.
“Impressive as it is, Adam, the most useful thing you can do with this is to keep it in your own mind. You may not have time to relay every detail mid-battle.”
Adam’s brows furrowed in thought. He leaned back, one hand tapping the table as his mind worked through the problem. After a moment, he snapped his fingers, the sound sharp and decisive.
“I have a better idea.”
He announced, picking up the papers once more. Using the pen, he underlined specific skills on the list, a careful selection based on his judgment.
He handed the sheet back to Li and explained.
“These are the only ones you need to memorize. Forget the names—focus on the effects. I’ll assign each one a number. When my ‘Cursed Eyes’ see them activate, I’ll call out the number so you can take the proper countermeasures immediately.”
Li studied the list, his skepticism giving way to cautious acceptance.
“Okay, that I can manage.”
He said with a nod. Drake scratched his chin, nodding slowly.
“Might take me a bit, but yeah. This could work.”
Nikolai smirked.
“I’ll keep them in mind. Can’t promise perfection, though.”
Adam raised an eyebrow again, this time unable to hide his surprise. The faint camaraderie forming among the group was a rare sight, and though he didn’t comment on it, he knew they would need every ounce of teamwork in the coming battle.
Park Zhen took a moment, his brows slightly furrowing as he seemed to contemplate Adam’s plan. Finally, he nodded and said:
“That’s an excellent idea.”
His tone carried a mixture of approval and curiosity. After a pause, he added:
“Adam, have you ever had military training in your world?”
The boy blinked, his expression one of genuine surprise.
“No, nothing like that. It’s just common sense.”
Nikolai, lounging casually in his seat with a faint smirk, interjected with mockery.
“Common? There’s nothing ‘common’ about you.”
Adam’s lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes narrowing slightly in Nikolai’s direction. He didn’t respond with words, only letting out a soft, exasperated sigh. The exchange elicited a chuckle from Drake, who found Nikolai’s teasing amusing.
The group continued their discussions for a while longer, analyzing Adam’s plan and considering adjustments. The room, while heavy with the tension of what lay ahead, felt focused—until an interruption shattered their concentration.
The door creaked open, revealing Xian standing there, alone. Her face was pale, her hands clutching the edges of the doorway for support. Shu, who had been pacing near the back of the room, immediately stepped forward.
“Xian? Why do you look like that? Where are the other two?”
His voice held concern but was tempered by a sharp edge of urgency. Xian hesitated, her lips parting as though to answer, but the words failed to come.
“They’re…”
She stammered before trailing off. But before she could finish, something massive loomed behind her. An enormous muzzle appeared at the doorway, the size of it making the entrance seem comically small. The creature sniffed the air, its nostrils flaring as it scanned the room.
Every muscle in the room tensed.
Drake was the first to mutter under his breath.
“Is that the Voidshadow Abyssal Tiger?”
Li shot up from his seat, his hand instinctively moving toward his weapon.
“What the hell is that thing doing here? Did it escape?”
Park Zhen, who rarely showed visible emotion, stood abruptly, his usual composure giving way to a rare flicker of confusion.
The tiger’s massive jaw parted slightly, revealing fangs the size of tree trunks. Its nose locked onto Adam’s scent, and for a moment, the room froze. It let out a low growl, its intention clear—it had recognized him, or perhaps mistaken him for someone else, again.
Adam’s heart raced, but he stood his ground, his fists clenching. The air was thick with the potential for chaos when suddenly, a voice rang out.
“Wait!”
Everyone’s heads whipped toward the source of the voice. Kazue’s small figure squeezed into view, wedged awkwardly between the doorway and the tiger’s massive muzzle.
“Move over!”
She grumbled at the beast, pushing against it with her hands. The absurdity of the sight made everyone momentarily forget their panic.
The tiger, despite its overwhelming size and presence, allowed Kazue to push past, its growl softening into a low rumble. Once inside, the girl turned to the tiger and, without hesitation, began patting its massive teeth.
“Good boy, Kurayami.”
She cooed, her voice soft and reassuring. Her hand looked minuscule against the beast’s fangs, each one larger than her own body. She patted them as though they were no more intimidating than a house cat’s. The tiger’s growl dissipated entirely, and it lowered its head until its massive nose nearly touched the ground. Kazue moved her hands to the top of its snout, stroking it gently.
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The room remained silent, everyone too stunned to react. Even Park Zhen seemed at a loss for words.
“See? Kurayami’s just misunderstood.”
Kazue said, her tone light as though nothing unusual was happening. She then glanced at the tiger.
“Calm down, okay? We already talked about this. Adam isn’t who you think he is.”
The tiger gave a low huff, its massive body relaxing visibly. It nudged Kazue affectionately with its nose, a gesture so gentle it almost seemed impossible for a creature of its size.
“OI!”
The shout came from behind the tiger, and a moment later, Katya appeared, forcing her way into the room in the same awkward manner Kazue had.
“Enough with the bonding!”
she snapped, her tone irritated.
“This thing has no sense of personal space, and I am done with it for today.”
Katya barely had time to finish her sentence before the tiger extended its enormous tongue and gave her an affectionate lick across her whole face.
“Ugh!”
Katya recoiled, her hair now thoroughly disheveled. While the tiger’s tongue wasn’t wet enough to leave her drenched, it was rough, leaving small scratches on her skin.
“Why do you let it do this?”
She demanded, glaring at Kazue, whom burst into laughter, clutching her stomach.
“Don’t take it so personally! He likes you.”
Katya groaned, shooting a glare at the tiger.
“Well, I don’t like him.”
Kazue gave Kurayami one last pat on the nose.
“Okay, that’s enough for today. Go rest, big guy. We’ll go for a walk tomorrow morning.”
The tiger let out another huff, pulling its muzzle out of the doorway. It lumbered outside, its footsteps causing faint tremors in the ground, before settling down just outside the ruins.
When Kazue turned back to the room, she froze. Everyone was staring at her with expressions ranging from bewilderment to sheer disbelief.
Her cheerful grin faltered as she glanced around.
“What?”
She asked, her voice hesitant… The silence that followed stretched uncomfortably across the room. Everyone was too stunned to form coherent thoughts, their faces frozen in varying degrees of shock, disbelief, and apprehension. The moment was broken by Nikolai, who burst out with a mix of terror and incredulity, his voice louder than intended.
“How the hell could you bring that thing here!?”
He shouted, pointing toward the door as if the Voidshadow Abyssal Tiger’s presence lingered in the air.
“It almost killed us barely half a day ago!”
The accusation hung in the air, mirroring the thoughts running through everyone else’s minds. Shu’s expression darkened, his mouth slightly ajar as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words. Li narrowed his eyes at Kazue, his posture rigid, while even Park Zhen crossed his arms, his ever-calm demeanor slightly perturbed.
Kazue, oblivious or deliberately unbothered, tilted her head, placing a finger on her chin in exaggerated thought.
“Ahhh, you won’t believe this, but…”
She finally said, her voice stretching the syllable as though she had just realized what the problem was. Her tone was casual, almost conversational, which only added to Nikolai’s exasperation.
“But what!?”
Nikolai snapped, his hands flailing as he gestured toward the door.
“Well, when we found the tiger—after you all were talking about how badly it had been treated—I figured I’d just… try touching it.”
The room collectively stiffened, every person seemingly holding their breath. Kazue continued as if she didn’t notice the tension, her tone light.
“And as soon as I did, my skill [Synchrony] activated. Turns out, Kurayami and I have a 100% affinity match.”
“100% Affinity? What does that even mean?”
Li interjected, his voice skeptical
“It means, we’re soulmates.”
Kazue explained, her voice taking on a slight singsong quality, and at the same time Katya was letting out a faint snarl. The girl’s declaration was met with dead silence once more. Shu blinked slowly, his confusion evident. Nikolai, still flabbergasted, opened his mouth to retort but failed to produce any words. Even Park Zhen’s normally composed expression faltered.
“Soulmates?”
Li echoed, his tone laced with disbelief. His gaze bore into Kazue, as though trying to determine whether she was joking.
“Yes! It even gave me a little window that says I have one soulmate now. Apparently, I can have more if I get 100% affinity with others.”
Kazue said brightly.
“That’s… bizarre.”
Nikolai muttered, rubbing his temples.
“Oh, but that’s not all! When the skill activated, I felt like I truly understood the tiger—as if we’ve known each other our whole lives. Even the name I gave him, Kurayami, just… felt right!”
She paused, coughing lightly and adding in a quieter voice.
“It also happens to be the name of a character from a light novel I like.”
“Of course it is…”
Nikolai mumbled under his breath, rolling his eyes. Kazue ignored him, her enthusiasm undeterred.
“But the most amazing thing happened afterward. Watch this!”
She stepped forward, raising her hands. Her body tensed, and an instant later, her skin began to glow faintly as a current of energy erupted from her form. Sparks crackled around her, snapping and hissing as her hair stood on end, the air around her charged with raw power.
The group recoiled slightly at the sight.
Park Zhen, ever the scholar, observed intently, his eyebrows knitting together.
“That’s… Electric Ki.”
He murmured, his voice calm but tinged with genuine astonishment. Park Zhen nodded slowly, his eyes not leaving the sparks dancing around Kazue’s form.
“It’s a force of nature. Ki is typically just a conduit for energy, not something that takes on elemental properties. This… this is something only certain creatures of Murim are capable of. Kazue, did you acquire this through the ‘system’ you keep mentioning?”
Kazue grinned sheepishly.
“Yup! That’s exactly what it says.”
Adam’s ‘Cursed Eyes’ had already activated instinctively, his irises glowing faintly as he focused on the sparks surrounding Kazue. His jaw tightened as the information flooded his vision.
[ Skill: Electric Ki Generation Lv5 ] [Additional Information] [A specialized Ki generation technique that transmutes standard Ki into electric-charged energy, amplifying its power with the volatile properties of lightning. This electrified Ki can supercharge attacks and techniques, making them faster and more destructive.] [ Cursed Vision Knowledge ] [Warning: The unstable nature of electric Ki poses a risk to the user, potentially causing self-inflicted damage unless they possess adequate resistance to the thunder element.]
“This… this isn’t just any skill, it’s one of the Voidshadow Abyssal Tiger’s skills.”
He said slowly, his voice heavy with disbelief. The room erupted in shocked exclamations.
“What?!”
Nikolai shouted, his hands thrown up.
“How is that even possible?”
Li muttered, his voice barely audible over the noise.
Adam ignored them, his gaze fixed on Kazue.
“You said the system gave you this, right? Did it mention anything else?”
Kazue tapped her chin thoughtfully.
“Well… now that you mention it, the system also said that one of my skills was transferred to Kurayami… Oooh! Now I get it.”
Adam’s eyes widened in realization.
“So the bond allows you to copy one of each other’s skills?”
Kazue snapped her fingers.
“Exactly! Isn’t that amazing? I got this super high-level technique for free!”
The room fell silent again as everyone processed the implications. Adam broke the silence.
“If that’s true… does that mean you could do the same with another person if you reached 100% affinity with them?”
Kazue’s eyes lit up.
“Oh my god, that would be incredible! I could do it with Drake!”
She turned toward Drake eagerly.
“Let’s do it right now!”
Drake blinked at her, bewildered.
“Uh… how exactly do we raise affinity?”
Kazue froze, her enthusiasm faltering. She frowned, scratching her head.
“Hmm… good question.”
It was Nikolai who spoke up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
“Maybe you have to spend more time together. Didn’t you say your affinity with the other group increased after working in the designated place 1? How about you and Drake spend the night together?”
The atmosphere in the room shifted rapidly from tension to awkwardness as Nikolai's comment echoed through the space. Kazue's face flushed bright red, so much so that she immediately buried her face in her hands, hoping to vanish from the world. The heat from her cheeks spread all over her, and she could feel the embarrassment suffocating her. It was as if every possible thought in her head had vanished, replaced only by the overwhelming need to hide. She could hear the soft, muffled chuckles from her companions, but she couldn't bring herself to look up just yet. It felt like the ground should swallow her whole.
Drake, on the other hand, raised a single eyebrow in clear disapproval, his lips curling into a slight frown. The expression on his face was one of distaste, as if trying to process exactly what Nikolai had just said. His gaze lingered on the man for a moment longer, before he shifted his attention elsewhere, though his discomfort was evident.
Li, unable to suppress the amusement bubbling inside him, fought to keep his laughter in check. His lips twitched, and his hands fidgeted as he struggled to maintain his composure. Finally, a quiet chuckle escaped him, though he quickly smothered it, not wanting to add to Kazue’s already evident embarrassment.
Adam, ever the stoic one, stayed quiet, unable to think of a response. His expression was neutral, but the confusion in his eyes betrayed him. What could he even say to that? He simply stayed silent, unsure whether to comment or let the awkwardness pass in peace.
Emir, completely unaware of the nature of the situation, furrowed his brows, his innocent voice cutting through the thick tension.
“What does that mean? We all sleep together, don’t we?”
His words were loud and clear, as if he had just asked a perfectly reasonable question, completely oblivious to the consequences of his innocence. But before anyone could respond, an explosion of movement sent everyone into full alert. A massive, jagged scythe, appearing to be forged from bone and flesh, flew through the air at an incredible speed. The weapon nearly struck Nikolai, its blade gliding dangerously close to his form, but it missed by a hair, plunging deep into the stone floor instead. The impact was brutal, and the sheer sharpness of the weapon was evident from the way the floor cracked under its weight.
In the next instant, the source of the attack appeared: Katya. She seemed to materialize out of thin air, her bloodshot eyes glaring with fury. She didn’t blink, her gaze fixed on Nikolai with an almost unhinged intensity, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
“I will kill you!”
Her words came out with a venomous snarl, each syllable dripping with more drama than anyone could handle. In her head, Kazue was hers and hers alone, so comments like Nikolai’s were an insult she couldn't tolerate, not even as a joke.
Nikolai’s reaction was pure fear. He froze, his eyes wide, his mouth opening and closing as if he were about to speak but couldn't find the words. The sheer terror was evident in his trembling body, and for a moment, he didn't know how to react. He had barely avoided being skewered by the scythe, and now he had to face the wrath of Katya, whose obsession with Kazue made her completely unpredictable.
Drake, always quick to act, stepped forward and grabbed the blonde's arm, halting her attack mid-motion. His grip was firm, his voice calm but firm as he spoke.
“Calm down. Nothing is going to happen. It’s just a misunderstanding.”
Katya glared at him, her face contorting with hatred.
“Don’t touch me!”
She hissed, jerking her arm away from his hold. Without a second thought, she tried to swing the scythe at Drake, her movements wild with anger. But the blond was faster. With a quick step back, he evaded the attack, his expression unchanging. Katya, furious beyond reason, prepared for another strike, but before she could act, Drake’s voice cut through the air again, this time more forceful.
“Even if we knew how to increase our affinity with each other, it’s pointless. Our skills are weak and they don’t match. They’re not even remotely compatible. There’s no reason to waste a future opportunity on something that won’t benefit us.”
Adam’s surprise was evident as he raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected Drake to speak so logically about the situation, but as the words sank in, he nodded slowly.
“Drake’s right, Kazue’s option is incredible, but now isn’t the time to use it.”
Adam said, almost with a hint of admiration. Katya, however, didn’t seem convinced. She sneered, her eyes narrowed with contempt.
“I don’t care, I’ll make sure of it. I’ll cut off his—”
She muttered darkly, her voice low and dangerous. She didn’t finish the sentence. Her words hung in the air, left unfinished, as she realized the absurdity of what she was about to say. Kazue, still red with embarrassment, muttered a soft plea, her voice barely audible.
“Please… stop. You’re only making this worse for me.”
The room fell into an awkward silence, as Katya’s anger seemed to deflate just as quickly as it had flared up. With a final glare at everyone in the room, she made her weapon disappear and turned to walk toward her friend.
The absurdity of the situation wasn’t lost on anyone, and Park Zhen, who had been silently observing the chaos unfold, sighed deeply. His patience, worn thin by the spectacle before him, was evident as he finally spoke.
“It’s probably best if you all sort this out among yourselves. This circus is not my problem.”
He gave them one final, long look before his expression hardened.
“I’ll be leaving now. But tomorrow, you will all train in my absence. I’ll leave instructions with my disciples and provide you with teleportation orbs. You’ll also each receive two ‘Jade Sage Pills’.”
His voice grew more serious.
“I don’t need to remind you, but use those pills only in case of emergency during combat. They are basically two extra lives, and you will very likely need them.”
There was a brief pause before he added with a subtle smile.
“And don’t worry. I’ll personally ensure that neither Sung Ja-In nor Lord Varek will have access to any.”
–––––––
The night passed in a rather strange way, and Adam was almost certain that some of the group didn’t seem particularly comfortable. There was an unease in the air, a subtle tension that lingered despite the quiet. However, after a certain hour, Adam noticed that everyone eventually succumbed to exhaustion, falling into a deep sleep from the fatigue of the previous day’s events. The silence of the night settled over them, but the boy remained awake, his thoughts drifting aimlessly.
It was then that something caught his attention: Emir. The young boy, who had been so quiet for most of the day, had silently gotten up from his resting spot. Adam, from his position, watched as the child carefully tiptoed away from the group, his movements almost imperceptible. Emir made his way toward Jianfeng, who was sitting apart from the rest, deep in thought, and as Adam observed, he could see the boy’s intent to speak with him. However, it seemed Jianfeng didn’t notice or simply chose not to acknowledge him. Emir, undeterred, stood there for a moment, almost as if waiting for a sign from the man, but Jianfeng remained silent.
Adam, not wanting to intrude on what seemed like a private moment, decided not to eavesdrop. He had the feeling this was something Emir didn’t want anyone to know about, something that might not be meant for others’ ears. The air seemed to grow thick with an unspoken tension, but Adam kept his distance, moving further away to give the child and the silent warrior space.
The next day arrived, and to Adam’s surprise, the hours seemed to slip away quickly. It felt like time sped up without any warning. Kazue, much to everyone’s astonishment, was proven right. The tiger, who had initially seemed like an uncontrollable force of nature, had taken quite a liking to her. Kazue, along with Katya, found themselves allowed to climb onto the tiger’s back, an act that should have been impossible given its initial hostility. The creature still shot cold, murderous glares at Adam every time it saw him, even from a distance. Yet, as if by some unspoken command from Kazue, it refrained from attacking. Adam couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable every time those red spiral eyes locked onto his, but he made a conscious effort to avoid crossing its path.
The rest of the day was filled with practice. The teams went their separate ways once more, resuming their training sessions. The second group, in particular, had their work cut out for them. They spent most of the day trying to memorize the commands Adam would use during combat. It wasn’t an easy task by any means, but they didn’t give up. They drilled repeatedly, their focus unwavering despite the difficulty. Adam watched, his expression serious, as the group pushed themselves. Eventually, he was satisfied with the results. They weren’t perfect, but they were getting there, and that was all he could ask for.
When the first group returned, they were no longer covered in dirt, but their exhaustion was clear. Their faces were tired, their bodies weary from the day’s physical exertion. For the first time in several days, they were allowed to properly wash and clean themselves. The group took turns in the makeshift bathing area, each of them silently appreciating the rare luxury of being able to bathe in peace. There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the event—it was a simple, quiet moment, one that provided the comfort of routine in the middle of all the chaos.
That night, much like the previous one, the group fell asleep almost immediately, their bodies too worn out to stay awake any longer. Adam, however, used the time to reorganize his statistics window. He had grown increasingly frustrated with how cluttered and disorganized it had become. It was giving him a headache just looking at it. Now that he realized he could customize it to suit his preferences, he decided to take the opportunity to make it more manageable.
The hours stretched on as Adam worked, fine-tuning the layout to his liking. He adjusted the various stats, shifting them around, making sure everything was clearly visible and easy to navigate. It felt good to finally have control over the chaos that had been his interface. He didn’t mind the time he spent on it—it was a quiet, solitary task that allowed him to focus, clear his mind, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Before he knew it, the first rays of sunlight began to pierce the dark sky. The soft glow of dawn crept over the horizon, signaling the start of another day. Adam took a moment to stretch, feeling the soreness in his muscles, but also the satisfaction of having accomplished something—albeit something small, like organizing his window. It felt like a necessary step forward, one that would help him stay on top of everything in the days to come.
–––––––
Everyone waited anxiously for the designated time. It was a strange feeling, knowing they had no reliable means to track the hour except for a sundial located in one of the nearby gardens. The hours seemed to stretch on indefinitely, a vague uncertainty hanging over the group as they watched the sun’s gradual descent, its rays casting long shadows across the landscape. No one said much, their thoughts focused on the task ahead, but there was a palpable sense of anticipation.
Finally, the moment arrived. The first group gathered, forming a loose circle to go over the plan one last time. It was time to set things into motion. But to everyone’s surprise, the transport was far easier than expected. Kurayami, the massive tiger, allowed them to climb onto his back at Kazue’s request. He stood there, calm yet powerful, waiting as Kazue climbed on first, followed by Katya, Chloe, Gregor, and Sebastian. Falk, as usual, was perched atop Kurayami’s head, steadying himself as the group settled into place.
Adam stepped forward, offering a smile as he looked at them.
"Good luck."
He said, his voice steady but filled with unspoken concern. He knew the dangers they were about to face, but he trusted them. Kazue flashed a confident grin, raising her right hand in a victory sign.
"Don’t worry, We’ll take care of our part of the plan. We’ll meet up again soon and share the tale of our victories!"
She said with a reassuring tone. Adam couldn’t help but smile back, the energy of her optimism infectious. Sometimes, her enthusiasm made everything feel a bit lighter. He nodded, unable to resist.
"Be careful."
With a final flash of light, the group disappeared.
The next thing they knew, they reappeared in what seemed like a rural path surrounded by rolling hills and distant trees. The area was peaceful at first glance, but in the distance, Adam could make out the faint outline of a military camp. It was a large, organized settlement, surrounded by wooden fences and watchtowers. The entire atmosphere was tense, as if the land had been shaped by years of conflict and strategic importance.
Kazue, sensing the strategic position of the area, immediately recognized it as the location where they needed to strike to draw Lord Varek's attention.
"Position yourselves!"
She commanded. The group moved quickly, their training kicking in. Everyone, except for Kazue and Katya, dismounted from Kurayami. With swift precision, the tiger, at Kazue’s signal, launched forward, charging at full speed toward the military camp.
The camp came into view fully as they neared—an impressive military installation, made up of multiple tents and wooden barracks. Several soldiers, dressed in a mix of heavy armor and martial arts attire, stood watch at various points. The girls noticed the swords, spears, and bayonets they carried, the unmistakable signs of a force prepared for battle. The soldiers looked shocked at the sudden appearance of the tiger, their faces filled with confusion and disbelief. But they wasted no time—shouting orders and drawing their weapons in defense of their camp.
Kazue, however, stood tall, a wide grin spreading across her face. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she looked at Kurayami, who was now in the center of the camp.
"Ready, Kurayami?"
She asked, her voice confident.
"Let’s go!"
With a roar that seemed to shake the very ground beneath them, Kurayami’s body crackled with energy, releasing a wave of electricity, sending sharp bolts of lightning crackling from its body, coursing through the air in wild arcs, it was the tiger’s own [Electric Ki Generation] skill, since last night Emir had talked with Kazue, offering the cube that had the tiger sealed energy to return to it. The energy surged and crackled, filling the area with the sharp scent of ozone as it spread in every direction. It wasn’t enough to kill anyone—just enough to stun them for a brief moment—but that was exactly what Kazue wanted. She didn’t need raw power, just volume, to create chaos and confusion.
Kazue’s voice rang out again, sharp and commanding.
"Now!"
At her command, a system window popped up in front of her, confirming that Kurayami had activated the skill [Burn the Witch!], a skill that it had copied from Kazue herself. The moment the tiger’s electrical energy made contact with anything—be it the soldiers, their weapons, or the ground itself—it erupted into supernatural flames. The fire, though not deadly, was intense, scorching everything they touched. The heat was unbearable, and the fire spread quickly, enveloping the camp in a chaotic, crackling inferno.
Soldiers screamed in confusion and pain as the electric fire caused their weapons to melt, their armor to sizzle, and the ground beneath them to catch fire. Some tried to defend themselves, using their weapons to swat at the air, but the flames were relentless. The soldiers’ attempts to put out the fire were futile, and the sheer unexpectedness of it all created utter chaos. The camp, once a well-organized military installation, was now in disarray, with men scrambling, shouting, and falling into confusion.
Kazue’s eyes sparkled as she watched the chaos unfold.
"This should do it."
She murmured, the thrill of the moment evident in her voice. The chaos was exactly what they needed to draw Lord Varek’s attention, and it was working. The military camp was now in full disarray, with the soldiers unsure of how to respond. Everything was going according to plan, and Kazue’s heart raced with the thrill of the successful execution.