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Tales of the Descendants
Chapter 28: Preparations

Chapter 28: Preparations

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In the dining hall of Veledot’s royal palace, Velle stood across from Edward while Leo lounged at the far end of the table, his demeanor relaxed but his presence anything but. As Edward recounted his brother’s history, Leo seemed uninterested, his posture slouched, yet Velle’s sharp gaze never left him.

“Leo, along with three others, started the underground arena under Theodore’s supervision a couple of years ago,” Edward explained, his voice tinged with a strange mix of pride and unease. “They ran it for a while before leaving it to me and moving on to other ventures with Theodore.”

“And now your brother has come back to... reconnect?” Velle asked, her tone sharp, her arms folded tightly.

“Yes. He said he wanted to catch up with me,” Edward said, placing a hand to his chest, eyes closing briefly as if savoring the sentiment. A faint smile played on his lips, naive in its sincerity.

“But he works with Theodore, doesn’t he?” Velle pressed.

Edward hesitated, his hopeful expression faltering slightly. “Yes, but right now, I’d like to see him as my brother, not an enemy. I hope you can understand.”

Velle’s gaze hardened. She wasn’t one to trust easily, and Edward’s blind loyalty did little to reassure her. She turned toward Leo, her sharp eyes narrowing.

“Are you really here just to pay your brother a visit?” she demanded.

Leo looked up lazily, leaning back further in his chair. “Correct. Theodore told me to stop by, though, if you must know. Something about keeping in touch with the family or whatever.”

“Then I have a few questions for you,” Velle said, taking a step closer. Her voice dropped, sharp with authority, as she stared down at him. “Did you break Coby out of jail?”

Leo tilted his head, his smirk growing wider. “Oh, we did that? Interesting. First I’m hearing of it.”

Edward, sensing the rising tension, stepped forward in an attempt to diffuse it. “Miss Velle, I know how you feel, but my brother isn’t an evil person. He just—”

“Does what he wants,” Leo interjected, leaning forward now. “And what I want is to become stronger. I’m not here to play politics or care about Theodore’s little schemes. I want to fight strong people and win. Simple as that.”

He stood then, his imposing figure towering over Velle. Despite the height difference, her sharp gaze remained fixed on him, unwavering.

“And I hear the descendants are supposed to be strong. Real strong.” His voice was laced with excitement, almost like a predator anticipating a hunt.

Velle stared at him coldly for a long moment before turning to leave. As she stepped away, she called over her shoulder. “You should join the Hunter Guild Tourney, then.” She paused briefly. “Oh, wait, you can’t. Your Mana weapon isn’t from Alchemist Corp.”

Leo’s smirk faltered, just slightly, before it returned. “And how would you know that?”

Her steps slowed as she glanced back. “…What did you say?”

“I said,” Leo repeated, his smirk sharpening, “how would you know my weapon isn’t from Alchemist Corp?”

The words struck her like a sudden blow. Her mind reeled, her thoughts racing back to Howl’s earlier warning about the cult leaders and their possession of alchemist badges.

What is he implying?

Without another word, Velle resumed her march out of the hall, anger and frustration knotting her stomach. Conversations with Leo were a dead end—or worse, a distraction.

The two brothers were too alike, she concluded. Either painfully honest or masterful liars.

But if Edward wasn’t the spy, who was? The other alchemists didn’t know about Howl’s plans, so they couldn’t have leaked the information. Were there multiple spies? Was Theodore’s group somehow linked to the cults?

Too many questions, not enough answers.

As she departed the palace, Velle’s thoughts lingered on the book about ancient beasts she had borrowed from Kaska’s royal library. The identities of the spies no longer mattered—not if she kept her plans to herself. By withholding information from both Renn and Howl, she could ensure the enemy remained in the dark, a strategy she suspected Howl had already adopted.

Her jaw tightened with resolve as she quickened her pace toward the mana rail station. The triangular marking from the book’s drawing pointed to a possible location for the cult’s hideout. If Aster’s hunch was right and Cryonethys’ cult was indeed there, she’d confront them alone.

No distractions, no risks of leaks—just her and her mission.

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Back inside the palace, Leo and Edward resumed their conversation.

“Sorry about that… If I’d handled things better, maybe you and Velle wouldn’t have been at odds.” Edward’s voice was laced with guilt, his shoulders slumped.

“Don’t beat yourself up over it.” Leo shrugged, his gaze briefly lingering on the hallway where Velle had disappeared before returning to Edward. “You’re too soft sometimes, you know?”

Edward flinched, fumbling with his words. “I-is that so?”

Leo smirked but didn’t push further. “Anyway, I should head back. The team’s waiting for me.” He turned on his heel, ready to leave, but Edward called after him.

“Wait!”

Stopping mid-step, Leo turned, one eyebrow raised. “What?”

Edward hesitated, his confident demeanor faltering. For a moment, he looked less like the operator of an underground arena and more like a worried younger brother. “Will… will you come back to visit?”

Leo paused, his expression softening. “Good question.” He looked away in thought, then back at Edward with a faint grin. “If I don’t come back, well… just assume I’m dead or something.”

The words hit Edward like a punch to the gut. His face went pale, his lips trembling as he realized the dangerous reality his brother lived in. Yet, Leo’s casual tone carried an odd reassurance. Edward clung to that glimmer of hope, managing a shaky nod. “O-okay…”

Without another word, Leo strode down the corridor, his heavy footsteps echoing until he disappeared around the corner.

Once alone, Leo glanced around to ensure no one was watching. He pulled a small, palm-sized device from his pocket and clicked it. The mana core embedded within hummed softly as it released a deep blue mist that coiled around him, engulfing his entire form. Within seconds, the mist contracted, pulling him into its swirling depths.

In a flash, Leo reappeared inside the teleporter room at Theodore’s facility. Scholars in white coats bustled around the room, their focus shifting as Leo stepped out of the shimmering mist.

“Ah, Mr. Leo!” One of them called out, hurrying over. “Perfect timing! Mr. Theodore is gathering the squad in the main hall.”

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Leo gave a curt nod and exited the room, his boots echoing lightly against the tiled floor. He navigated the corridors until he reached the grand entrance hall. The expansive space was bustling with activity, groups of people clustering together, a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces.

Among them were his co-founders of Veledot’s underground arena—Kole and Gust—each standing apart with their distinctive presences.

“Oh, look who decided to show up!” A sly, youthful voice called out. Leo turned to see a hooded figure standing among the others. Despite her obscured face, her wide grin was unmistakable.

“Rudie?” Leo raised an eyebrow, approaching her. His gaze swept over her hunched, beastlike posture. “What’s with the cloak?”

“She took another dose,” Kole, the dark-haired man in his thirties, answered from nearby. His martial artist garb, a mix of dark green and gray, clung to his broad frame. “I tried to stop her, but—”

“She insisted,” Theodore interrupted smoothly from the front of the crowd. Dressed sharply in his usual suit beneath a pristine white coat, he exuded control. “And now she’s dealing with the side effects.”

Leo’s eyes narrowed as he shifted his focus back to Rudie. Something about her silhouette beneath the cloak made his stomach twist. The fabric bulged unnaturally—horn-like shapes pressed against the hood, and something long and sinuous moved beneath the folds, lifting the cloak ever so slightly.

It didn’t look human.

“Hm.” Leo muttered, his tone dismissive as he shrugged off Rudie’s strange transformation. Turning his attention back to Theodore, he asked, “So, what’s the plan this time?”

Theodore cleared his throat, his voice commanding the room’s attention. “Now that everyone is present, I’ll explain our next operation. We’ll be working in collaboration with some… new allies.”

“New allies?” Charlotte’s voice rose from the crowd, skepticism evident.

Theodore nodded. “Yes, I’ve successfully formed an alliance with the ancient beast cults. It wasn’t easy, but Howl Cladun’s relentless pursuit of them helped tip the scales in our favor.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Theodore continued, unbothered. “In return for our support, they’ve agreed to share information about the ancient beasts’ locations.”

The room buzzed with whispers, disbelief mingling with intrigue.

“They actually know where those beasts are hiding?” Dina whispered, her dark blue hair catching the dim light as she leaned closer to Charlotte.

“We’ll know soon enough,” Theodore replied with a knowing smile. “This alliance is also the perfect opportunity to test our mana soldiers in real combat. Now, let’s move on to squad assignments.”

He began dividing the group into three teams. The first squad, led by Ray, included Charlotte and Dina. Their mission was to infiltrate the Hunter Guild Tourney, a rare chance to investigate a restricted region controlled by the guild.

The second squad, co-led by Rudie and Kole, would assist Merlina’s cult with their plans. The third squad, led by Leo and Gust, was assigned to Leclarc’s cult. The remaining hunters, including the mana soldiers, were split between the squads, with Ray’s squad receiving the largest number.

“Wait a second!” Dina raised her hand. “Aren’t there three ancient beasts? Shouldn’t there be another cult?”

Theodore’s calm smile didn’t waver. “Leclarc informed me that the third cult may be dismantled soon, thanks to Howl Cladun. There’s no need for our involvement.”

“Ah, of course…” Dina muttered, lowering her hand.

Leo stepped forward, his voice cutting through the chatter. “Speaking of that prince, he’s probably joining the tourney too, right?”

“It’s possible,” Theodore replied. “Why?”

Leo smirked, his eyes gleaming with a challenge. “Let me join Ray’s squad. I want to see how much that guy’s improved in the past four months. Plus, the tourney will be packed with strong opponents. I’m gonna take them all down.”

Kole crossed his arms, glaring. “Stick to the plan, Leo. This isn’t a game.”

“Cut the crap, Kole.” Leo shot back, his smirk widening. “I’m not asking for your permission.”

Before Kole could fire back, Gust interjected with a steady, measured tone. “It’s fine. I’ll handle the squad on my own.”

All attention shifted to Gust. His dark attire shrouded him in an aura of intrigue, with his short, dark brown hair and vivid orange eyes standing out as the only visible features beneath his headgear. The quiet confidence in his composed stance made it clear there was no room for debate.

“You sure about this, Gust?” Kole asked, concern flickering in his tone.

Gust’s nod was resolute, his silence speaking volumes. “I will be fine.”

With a resigned sigh, Kole yielded. “Alright.”

Leo’s voice, sharp and decisive, echoed through the room. “Then it’s settled. I’m teaming up with the lightning kid for the tourney.”

Theodore’s smile widened slightly, his tone as composed as ever. “Your choice.”

With that, the meeting concluded. The crowd dispersed, some heading off to prepare, others seeking rest before their missions.

Meanwhile, Theodore strode down the dimly lit corridors of the facility, his coat trailing behind him, the faint hum of Mana conduits accompanying his steps. He reached the mana injection chamber, a sprawling room alive with an eerie glow. Cyan Mana liquid bubbled within tall glass tubes, casting an otherworldly shimmer on the scholars bent over their tasks at various stations.

Theodore’s gaze swept across the room before settling on the central containment tube. Inside, Coby floated, suspended in the glowing liquid. His eyes were closed, his features unnervingly serene. His form had undergone a startling transformation—his once-pudgy frame now tall and imposing, his muscles taut and defined. Though he remained human in appearance, an undeniable air of menace surrounded him.

“How’s his condition?” Theodore asked, his tone cool and detached as he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his coat. He stood before the glass tube, head tilted slightly as he examined Coby with a faint smile of intrigue.

A nearby scholar, hunched over a clipboard, straightened up and adjusted his glasses. “His system is stable, sir. He’s adjusting to the Mana absorption without signs of rejection.”

“Good,” Theodore replied, his voice calm but edged with authority. His eyes never left Coby as he added, “Increase the dosage.”

The scholar hesitated for the briefest moment before giving a curt nod and retreating to his station.

Theodore’s smile stretched wider, the glint in his crimson eyes betraying an almost childlike fascination. No subject in the mana soldier project had ever withstood this level of Mana injection before. Even Rudie, who had received the highest doses so far, was already showing grotesque physical mutations—a stark reminder of what happened when the Mana waves clashed instead of harmonizing.

But Coby… Coby was a marvel. Though his body had changed, his form remained remarkably intact, almost unnervingly so. His Mana wave aligned with the injected Mana far better than anyone had anticipated. Theodore’s fingers twitched with the urge to test the limits of this anomaly. How much more could this young man endure before the threads of his humanity unraveled completely? The thought sent a thrill down his spine. The possibilities were endless—and deliciously dangerous.

As plans for the operation solidified in Theodore’s mind, he made a decision. Leo’s alliance with Ray had shifted the board. Sending Coby with Gust to Leclarc’s cult felt like the logical move.

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Far from the sterile chambers of the facility, Ray walked briskly through the bustling streets of a nearby town, his mind buzzing with thoughts of his new assignment. Eventually, he reached a quiet orphanage on the outskirts.

Under the shade of a gnarled tree, Ella sat, her blonde hair catching the sunlight as it danced in the breeze. Her eyes followed the children playing in front of the weathered building, their laughter and chatter filling the air with a rare kind of peace.

“Watching the kids again?” Ray called out, his voice cutting through the noise as he approached. He plopped down beside her, resting his arms on his knees.

Ella turned, her lips curling into a soft smile. “Oh, hey. Yeah. They’ve started giving me grown-up duties around here,” she teased with a chuckle, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

Ray leaned back against the tree, his gaze fixed on the children. “I’ve been assigned to lead a squad for the Hunter Guild Tourney.”

Ella’s smile faded slightly as her eyes narrowed in thought. “Be careful out there,” she said, her tone laced with quiet concern.

Ray glanced at her and grinned. “I’ll be fine. Charlotte and Dina are coming with me.”

Ella arched an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t rely on those two too much if I were you.”

Ray laughed. “Maybe not, but they’re all I’ve got right now.”

Ella tilted her head, studying him. “You already know where we are, don’t you?”

“Yeah,” he replied, his gaze shifting to the sky. “I want to see more, though. Travel, explore, meet people. There’s so much out there I’ve never seen.”

Ella rested her chin on her knees. “The wilderness isn’t exactly friendly these days, what with all the monsters roaming around.”

“That’s why I want to help clear them out,” Ray said firmly, his voice brimming with conviction. “Even the ancient beasts.”

Ella’s eyes widened briefly at his resolve before softening. A small, wistful smile crept onto her face. “You really are a hero’s descendant, aren’t you?”

Ray flushed slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well… I’m curious about my past, too. Don’t you ever think about your parents?”

Her smile faltered, and her voice dropped. “Maybe they’re dead,” she said flatly, her gaze shifting back to the children. “Or if they’re alive, they probably don’t want to see me.”

Her words hung heavy in the air, catching Ray off guard. Without thinking, he reached over, draping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her gently against him.

“I’m sure they’re as kind as you are,” he said softly, a reassuring smile tugging at his lips.

Ella blinked, her cheeks tinged with pink. “That your way of flirting?” she teased, her voice light but her eyes betraying a flicker of gratitude.

“I’m serious!” Ray shot back, feigning indignation.

“Uh-huh, sure you are,” Ella replied, giggling.

Ray chuckled and shook his head, letting the moment settle. For now, he was content to sit there with her, basking in the fleeting peace. Whatever challenges lay ahead in the tournament, he’d face them head-on. Not just for himself, but for the promise of a future worth fighting for—a future with Ella.

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