Zuol-Ki, reeling from the sensation of the Han sect's secret art—Misty Steps of 1000, took a moment to steady himself. The art had served its purpose, helping him escape Jeok-Myung's room undetected with the incriminating letter and secret map in his possession.
He caught his breath, the implications of his discovery coursing through him. A thunderous surge of thoughts crashed against his mind, each one pressing for immediate attention. Jeok-Myung, his supposed ally, was a traitor. The sect he had dedicated his life to was being undermined by one of its own, conspiring with a rival sect at that. The realization was bitter and harsh, an acrid taste that left him grimacing.
Absorbed in his thoughts, Zuol-Ki nearly missed the voices of the passing disciples. Their hushed conversation, the mention of the 3rd master's son, Finis. A spark of hope flickered within him. Perhaps the 3rd master could help, could rectify this twisted predicament.
"[Please select an option:]"
▶ [Keep the evidence and continue the mission alone]
▶ [Go to the 3rd master's room and show him what you have found]
▶ [Burn the evidence and pretend you know nothing]
He didn't even need to think twice. There was a clear course of action before him now, a course that might change the entire tide of this situation. He reached out, selecting the second option—
▶ [Go to the 3rd master's room and show him what you have found]
Zuol-Ki stealthily traversed the winding corridors of the Grand Palace, the secret map and letter clutched tightly in his grasp. His destination was the private quarters of the Third Master, a child of the Great Demonic Crimson Phoenix, whose reputation was as intriguing as it was tragic.
He'd heard the whispers around the palace, how the Third Master, despite being born of divine lineage, suffered from an unfortunate frailty. "The weakest among the siblings..." the disciples would murmur, their voices laced with pity and morbid curiosity. Rumors spoke of an ailing health, a doomed destiny with only five years left to live. Yet, amidst the despairing chatter, there was always mention of the Third Master's intellect, a mind capable of strategizing with uncanny brilliance.
As he neared the room, Zuol-Ki spotted guards stationed at the entrance. They stood in a casual posture, seeming disinterested and unobservant. But Zuol-Ki couldn't risk detection. The evidence he held could ignite a tumultuous upheaval within the palace. Not wishing to leave anything to chance, he opted to employ the Han Sect's secret art—Misty Steps of 1000.
"[Activating: Misty Steps of 1000]"
Instantly, he felt his form dissipate into a fine mist, slipping past the unsuspecting guards undetected, and reassembling within the Third Master's room. Now, he was alone in the room, the door between him and the guards. And the evidence of the betrayal still clutched in his hand.
"[Please select an option:]"
▶ [Knock and wait for the Third Master]
▶ [Leave the evidence and escape]
▶ [Hide and wait for the Third Master]
Zuol-Ki chose the first option. ▶ [Knock and wait for the Third Master]
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Taking a deep breath, he knocked thrice on the inside of the heavy wooden door. Now, it was up to the Third Master to respond.
A voice responded from within, a delicate murmur that seemed to carry the burden of a thousand lifetimes. "Enter," it beckoned. The Third Master's voice, though weak, held an undisputed authority that made Zuol-Ki swallow nervously.
"[New dialogue options:]"
▶ [Bluntly state the situation]
▶ [Introduce yourself first]
▶ [Ask how he is feeling]
With a dry chuckle, Zuol-Ki chose the second option ▶ [Introduce yourself first]
"Greetings, Third Master. I am Zuol-Ki, a humble disciple of the Phoenix Palace." He bowed courteously, despite being unseen.
There was a pause. "Zuol-Ki...?" The name was said as if being tasted, rolling around in the mouth of the speaker. "I know of you. You are the disciple who beat Jeok-Myung, my nephew."
Surprise flickered across Zuol-Ki's face. "Indeed, Third Master. I'm honored you know of me. I have something important to discuss."
"Proceed."
Zuol-Ki took a deep breath, holding out the secret map and letter, the undeniable proof of a brewing treachery. "I believe Jeok-Myung and the Second Strategist... they're conspiring with Elder Han of the rival sect." He braced himself, watching the Third Master's reaction.
The air in the room suddenly turned heavy, as if an invisible storm was brewing. The Third Master's aura erupted, his previously frail voice now a thunderous roar. His eyes, previously half-lidded and dull, were now wide open and burning with an infernal fire. The serene expression on his face was replaced by a grimace, his gaze piercing like a hawk's.
"And why should I believe you, Zuol-Ki?" The words rolled off his tongue like a death sentence. "You could be a spy from the rival sect, trying to spark a civil war within the Phoenix Palace. Did you think of that?" His voice echoed, resonating within the silent room.
"[New dialogue options:]"
▶ [Defend your credibility]
▶ [Present the evidence]
▶ [Offer to swear a blood oath]
"Well, shit... I didn't think this far," Zuol-Ki thought, cursing under his breath. "This is worse than facing Jeok-Myung in the training hall." Taking a moment to compose himself, he reached out and selected the second option.
▶ [Present the evidence]
"I understand your suspicion, Third Master. But I have evidence right here," he calmly stated, holding out the map and letter once more. "I've found these in Jeok-Myung's room."
Suspicion still lingered in the Third Master's gaze, but it softened slightly. "Let me see them." His voice echoed again, but this time it held a note of curiosity. Zuol-Ki passed the items over, feeling a sense of unease slowly lifting off his chest.
The following silence was deafening as the Third Master read the letter and examined the map. Zuol-Ki dared not to breathe, waiting for the verdict. A war was brewing, and his words were the match that could ignite it.
Examining the letter and map carefully, the Third Master's eyes were filled with a distant sadness, the weight of betrayal etched into the lines of his face. The room was filled with an unspoken grief as he broke the silence.
"So, Jeok-Myung... my own nephew, has decided to walk a treacherous path." He sighed heavily, glancing at Zuol-Ki, "You seem surprised, but I've had my suspicions for quite some time."
Zuol-Ki was taken aback, unsure how to react to this revelation. He simply nodded, allowing the Third Master to continue.
"I noticed changes in him... his behavior, his secret rendezvous. But I was in denial. I hoped he was merely preparing for the looming war, not conspiring against us."
"[New dialogue options:]"
▶ [Console the Third Master]
▶ [Suggest a course of action]
▶ [Point out the gravity of the situation]
Opting for the third option ▶ [Point out the gravity of the situation]
Zuol-Ki responded, "Third Master, we are facing a dire situation. This betrayal could destabilize Phoenix Palace."
The Third Master nodded solemnly, the gravity of the situation apparent in his expression. "I understand, Zuol-Ki. Rest assured, I'll handle this."
"But shouldn't we inform the Great Demonic Crimson Phoenix?" Zuol-Ki dared to suggest.
His words were met with a daunting surge of the Third Master's aura. His features hardened, his eyes raging, and face could only simple be described as if death was staring at you. "Do you think I am so incapable of managing a situation of this magnitude?"
Zuol-Ki instantly regretted his words but before he could apologize, the Third Master continued, "From this moment, you're under my wing. You no longer serve the Second Strategist. Prepare yourself, I will send a messenger to escort you to the Hall of Trials. We can't have just anyone claiming to be one of the Great Master's people, now can we?" A smirk touched his lips as he dismissed Zuol-Ki, leaving him to digest the vast shift in his destiny.