Lady Ioanna stands tall, her piercing gaze fixed on Sage as she taunts, "Alright, come on, show me what you got." Sage's eyes blaze like embers, burning with a fierce intensity as he draws two gleaming red dragon daggers. With a fierce battle cry, he charges towards Lady Ioanna, the daggers at the ready.
Lady Ioanna's expression turns skeptical, her thoughts betraying a hint of disappointment. "Another head-on fighter," she thinks, expecting a straightforward attack. But Sage's movements belie her expectations.
As he closes in, the daggers begin to glow with an eerie light. Whips of flame erupt from the blades, dancing across the air with a mesmerizing ferocity. The flames crackle and hiss, casting flickering shadows on the arena walls. Lady Ioanna's eyes narrow, her interest piqued. This young warrior may be more than meets the eye…
Lady Ioanna's eyes widen in surprise as she feels her foot being pulled by an invisible force. "What the?!" she exclaims, looking down to see the whips wrapped around her ankle. Her gaze snaps up to face Sage, but instead, she sees a duplicate of him standing behind her, holding the whips that bind her.
The crowd erupts into chaos, their minds reeling from the sudden revelation. Gasps and cheers fill the arena as they realize they've been duped by Sage's clever illusion. The mirage-Sage winks at Lady Ioanna, its eyes gleaming with mischief.
"I might be a kid," the real Sage says with a grin, "but I'm not just any kid!" The duplicate Sage disappears, leaving Lady Ioanna stumbling forward, her foot still bound by the flaming whips. The arena is electric with excitement, the crowd chanting Sage's name as he takes a triumphant step forward.
Lady Ioanna's eyes narrow, impressed despite herself. "A mirage," she repeats, acknowledging Sage's clever tactic. "Smart thinking, kid."
Sage smirks, his confidence growing. With a flick of his wrist, the whips release Lady Ioanna's foot, and the daggers transform back into their solid form. He drives one of the daggers into the ground, and the arena erupts in a blaze of flames. Lines of fire shoot out from the dagger, encircling Lady Ioanna in a ring of fire.
"I'm not finished," Sage declares, his eyes gleaming with determination. The flames dance higher, casting a fiery glow over the arena. Lady Ioanna's expression turns calculating, her mind racing with strategies to counter Sage's move. The crowd is on its feet, chanting Sage's name as the tension builds.
With a swift swing of her sword, Lady Ioanna cuts through the flames, her blade slicing through the fire like a hot knife through butter. She charges straight at Sage, her eyes blazing with determination. Sage stands his ground, his daggers at the ready. He blocks her attack with a swift motion, the blades clashing in a shower of sparks. With a powerful push, he sends Lady Ioanna stumbling back.
Undeterred, Sage seizes the moment, dashing towards Lady Ioanna with a fierce battle cry. Their blades clash in a flurry of strikes, the two combatants exchanging blow for blow. The arena erupts in a cacophony of cheers and shouts, the crowd on the edge of their seats as the battle rages on.
The two fighters dance across the arena, their movements lightning-fast, their blades flashing in the light. The air is electric with tension, the outcome hanging precariously in the balance. Who will gain the upper hand? The crowd holds its collective breath, awaiting the next turn in this thrilling duel!
Lady Ioanna's eyes widen in surprise, her chest heaving with exertion. She grabs Sage's wrist, her grip like a vice, and flings him across the arena. Sage crashes to the ground, sliding across the floor before coming to a stop.
Lady Ioanna stands tall, her chest still heaving, her gaze fixed on Sage with a mix of annoyance and admiration. "A child!!" she exclaims, her voice laced with disbelief. "Making me lose breath? The Yaragashi family is no joke, they're tough!" She shakes her head, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
Sage slowly gets to his feet, his eyes never leaving Lady Ioanna's face. He rubs his wrist, a faint grin spreading across his face. "You're not too bad yourself, Lady Ioanna," he says, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "But I'm not done yet!"
The crowd erupts in cheers, sensing the battle is far from over. Lady Ioanna's eyes narrow, her gaze fixed on Sage. "We'll see about that," she says, her voice dripping with determination. The two fighters face off, their eyes locked in a fierce stare-down, the tension building once more.
Sage sheathes his daggers and raises his hands, a fierce determination in his eyes. But just as he's about to unleash his next move, a mysterious figure in the crowd whispers a single word: "Gate..."
The air seems to vibrate with an otherworldly energy as black rods fall from the sky, encasing Sage in a cage of dark metal. Lady Ioanna's eyes widen in confusion, her gaze darting from Sage to the rods and back again.
Sage's expression turns from determination to paranoia, his eyes scanning the crowd frantically. "What's going on?!" he demands, his voice laced with fear.
The black rods begin to twist and contort, forming a giant black box around Sage. A heavy lock clicks into place on the outside, trapping him inside. The crowd erupts into chaos, screams and shouts filling the arena as people scramble to get away from the mysterious box.
Lady Ioanna's face sets in a determined expression, her hand on the hilt of her sword. "What sorcery is this?!" she demands, her eyes fixed on the box. "Release him at once!"
The mysterious figure in the crowd remains hidden, their presence unknown to all but a select few. The box remains sealed, Sage's fate hanging in the balance. The crowd continues to panic, the arena descending into chaos.
In a flash, the two hooded figures appear beside the black box, their movements eerily synchronized. They raise their hands, and their fingers make contact with the box in unison. Then, in an instant, they vanish into thin air - taking the box and Sage with them!
Lady Ioanna's eyes widen in shock, her sword hovering in mid-air. She stares at the empty space where the box and Sage once were, her mind reeling with disbelief. "What sorcery is this?!" she exclaims, her voice laced with outrage and confusion.
The crowd erupts into chaos, their screams and shouts echoing off the arena walls. Some people faint, while others run wildly, seeking answers that don't come. The arena is in turmoil, and Lady Ioanna stands at its center, her eyes fixed on the spot where Sage and the box disappeared.
The mysterious figures seem to have pulled off an impossible feat, leaving behind only questions and fear. What lies ahead for Sage, and what secrets do the hooded figures hold? The crowd's panic continues to build, as the arena descends into chaos.
In an instant, the hooded figures reappear, their presence as sudden as their departure. Lady Ioanna's eyes lock onto them, her sword flashing in the light as she charges forward with a fierce battle cry.
But the figures are ready for her. With a swift motion, one of them reaches out and grasps Lady Ioanna's sword with a single hand, their grip like a vice. The sword shatters like glass, the sound echoing through the arena.
Lady Ioanna stands in stunned silence, her eyes fixed on the broken blade in disbelief. The figure slowly lifts its head, its hood falling away to reveal a pair of glowing green eyes, ethereal and otherworldly. The eyes seem to bore into Lady Ioanna's soul, their intensity mesmerizing.
But the figure's face remains hidden, shrouded in shadows. The green eyes seem to float in mid-air, unblinking and unwavering. Lady Ioanna's breath catches in her throat as she feels a creeping sense of dread. Who are these mysterious figures, and what powers do they possess?
The crowd holds its collective breath, frozen in terror as the scene unfolds. The arena is silent, except for the sound of Lady Ioanna's ragged breathing. The green eyes seem to hold her entranced, a captive of their unblinking gaze.
The second figure points a bony finger at the door leading to the Advancement Room, its voice low and ominous. "The other one is in there."
Lady Ioanna's eyes widen in horror as she realizes they're talking about Jairen. She yells at the top of her lungs, her voice echoing off the arena walls. "JAIREN RUN!!!"
Jairen, oblivious to the danger, is laughing with Lani in the Advancement Room. But Lady Ioanna's warning cry pierces the air, and his smile falters. He exchanges a confused glance with Lani, then makes a split-second decision that will change everything.
Instead of fleeing, Jairen's curiosity gets the better of him. He opens the door to investigate, his eyes scanning the arena for the source of the commotion. And that's when he sees them: the hooded figures, their green eyes fixed on him like predators.
Jairen's heart skips a beat as he freezes in the doorway, his mind racing with a growing sense of dread. He realizes, too late, that he's made a terrible mistake…
Jairen's eyes widen in horror as the thought hits him like a thunderbolt: "Where's Sage?!" The question echoes in his mind, a desperate refrain that grows louder and more insistent. He remembers the little brother he only just reunited with, the one who was captured by these mysterious figures.
With a fierce cry, Jairen rushes forward, his heart driven by a mix of fear and determination. "SAGE!!!!" he yells, his voice echoing off the arena walls as he charges towards the hooded figures.
The figures don't flinch, their green eyes fixed on Jairen with an unnerving intensity. They seem to be waiting for him, their presence both captivating and terrifying. Jairen's mind races with thoughts of his little brother, his heart pounding in his chest.
As he closes in, the figures raise their hands in unison, their movements eerily synchronized. Jairen feels a strange energy building up around them, like a storm about to unleash its fury. He knows he's running into danger, but he can't stop himself. He has to save Sage, no matter what.
Just as the mysterious figures are about to attack Jairen, a familiar figure steps in front of them. It's Hanishi, his eyes fixed on the two figures. He says only one word: "Ha..ni..shi."
Then, in an instant, all three of them - Hanishi and the two mysterious figures - disappear into thin air, leaving Jairen stunned and confused. The arena falls silent once more, the only sound Jairen's ragged breathing.
Jairen's mind races with questions. What just happened? Why did Hanishi intervene? And, most importantly, where is Sage? The uncertainty is suffocating, and Jairen's heart feels heavy with fear.
Jairen's mind races with questions, but one thought dominates all others: Why did Hanishi step in? What was his motive?
Before Jairen can formulate any answers, the other students rush out of the Advancement Room, their faces filled with concern. "Jairen, what's going on?!" Ito asks, her voice laced with worry.
Lani, Kael, Jack, and the others swarm around Jairen, bombarding him with questions. But Lani notices Jairen's overwhelmed expression and intervenes. "Guys, give him some space," she says, her voice firm but gentle. "He can't answer right now."
The crowd hesitates, then backs off slightly, their faces still filled with concern. Lani steps forward, her eyes locked on Jairen's. "Hey, Jairen, it's okay. We're here for you. Just take a deep breath and try to calm down."
Jairen nods, his eyes fixed on Lani's, and tries to slow his racing heart. But his mind is still reeling with questions, and the uncertainty is suffocating. Where is Sage? What did Hanishi want? And what lies ahead?
Lady Ioanna's voice rings out across the arena, her words unexpected but welcome. "Due to the extraordinary circumstances that have unfolded, I declare that all of you will advance to the Advancement League!"
The crowd of students erupts in cheers and applause, their faces flushed with excitement and relief. But amidst the celebration, confusion and worry linger. They exchange nervous glances, their minds still reeling from the shocking events that just transpired.
"Wait, what about Sage?" someone asks, their voice laced with concern. "Is he...is he okay?"
Lady Ioanna's expression turns somber, her eyes clouding over. "Sage's fate is unknown, but we will do everything in our power to ensure his safe return."
The cheering dies down, replaced by murmurs of worry and fear. The students' faces reflect their mixed emotions - excitement for their advancement, but also concern for the missing boy. The arena, once a symbol of competition and triumph, now feels like a place of uncertainty and danger.
Lady Ioanna's voice is firm and commanding as she calls out, "Eine, come forth!"
In an instant, Eine appears on the stage, his tall, lean figure towering over the students. His fierce eyes are fixed on Lady Ioanna, his expression attentive. "Yes, my lady?"
Lady Ioanna's gaze is intense. "Search the area, Eine. Find any signs, any clues that could help us track the two figures who took Sage."
Eine nods, his eyes flashing with understanding. "As you command, my lady."
With a swift gesture, he raises his hand, and a soft, orange glow emanates from his palm. The light envelops the arena, illuminating every nook and cranny. Eine's eyes scan the area, his gaze piercing and intense, as he searches for any hint of the mysterious figures' whereabouts.
Eine's gaze sweeps the arena, his eyes probing every inch of the space. But after a moment, his expression turns puzzled. "Nothing, my lady. It's as if they vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind."
Lady Ioanna's face sets in a determined mask. "They opened a gate," she concludes, her voice firm. "Which means that green-eyed one-"
But Eine interrupts her, his voice laced with disbelief. "Gate?! You're telling me a green ghost eye user can access the power of a gate?" He takes a step forward, his eyes wide with astonishment. "That's impossible. Gate magic is forbidden, and even if it weren't, it requires a level of power that's-"
He stops abruptly, his gaze locked on Lady Ioanna's. "Unless...unless they're not just any ordinary green ghost eye users." His voice trails off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.
Lady Ioanna's eyes narrow slightly. "They had two green ghost eyes, Eine. They were on the verge of evolving, but still..."
But Eine interrupts her again, his voice rising in disbelief. "There's no way a dual green ghost eye user could possibly access a gate! The power required to open a gate is immense, and even then, it's only possible with the proper knowledge and training. And besides, gate magic is forbidden for a reason - it's too dangerous!"
Eine's eyes flash with excitement and concern. "Lady Ioanna, are you suggesting that these...creatures have somehow managed to circumvent the laws of magic? That they've found a way to access gate magic despite the ancient seals and protections in place?"
Lady Ioanna's expression remains calm and collected, but her eyes hint at a deeper concern. "I'm saying, Eine, that we need to consider all possibilities. We can't afford to underestimate the power of these...beings."
Eine's eyes widen in disbelief. "I don't even have a gate! How am I supposed to help you track them down?"
Lady Ioanna's gaze drifts away, her eyes losing focus as she sinks into thought. "We have to find him..." she murmurs, her voice barely audible. "Jairen's going to explode if something happens to his brother..."
Eine's expression turns puzzled. "Explode?? What do you mean, Lady Ioanna? Jairen's not...not capable of-"
But Lady Ioanna's gaze snaps back to the present, her eyes locking onto Eine's. "Never mind, Eine. Just...just help me find Sage. We can't waste any more time."
Eine's face sets in determination. "I'll do everything I can, Lady Ioanna. But I need your help too. We need to figure out how those creatures opened a gate and-"
Lady Ioanna's hand rises, forestalling his words. "Later, Eine. First, we find Sage. Then, we worry about the hows and whys."
Lady Ioanna's mind races ahead, her thoughts consumed by the possibilities. She sees glimpses of a future where Jairen's anger and desperation push him to the brink, his eyes flashing with a purple light that signals the awakening of his true power. She sees herself facing him, her own eyes locked in a fierce stare as they clash in a battle that will determine the fate of the world.
But then, she shakes her head, dispelling the vision. No, that can't be right. Jairen needs her help now, needs her guidance and expertise to find his brother. He's not a threat, not yet. And even if he were, she wouldn't be facing him alone. The thought steadies her, and she focuses on the present moment.
"Eine," she says, her voice firm and decisive. "We need to track down those creatures. We need to find Sage before it's too late."
*Gate*
A rare and powerful technique that allows the user to tap into the fabric of reality, creating a dimensional portal with various applications.
*Types of Gates:*
- *Dimension Gate*: Transport yourself and your opponent to a new realm, where you hold the advantage. This realm can be tailored to your abilities and preferences, allowing you to gain the upper hand in combat.
- *Veil Gate*: Create a protective barrier that keeps enemies at bay, trapping them in a contained space. This gate can also be used to prevent escape or entry.
- *Threshold Gate* (Rare): Embed the Gate within your eye, granting you a subtle yet potent ability to manipulate reality. Only a select few possess this rare variant.
*Gate Users:*
- Keyholders: Trained individuals who have mastered the art of Gate manipulation.
- Threshold Gate Users: Elite Keyholders with the rare ability to wield the Threshold Gate.
*Consequences:*
- Overuse or misuse of Gates can lead to dimensional instability, causing unforeseen consequences.
- Prolonged exposure to Gates can have physical and mental repercussions.
- Gates can only be open for the maximum of 5 minutes
Lady Ioanna's voice rings out across the kingdom, her words carried by the sounding of the alarms. "Gather the North District's Eyes! We have a situation that requires their unique skills!"
Knights from all corners of the kingdom begin to assemble, their faces set with determination. They are the North District's Eyes, a special group handpicked by Lady Ioanna for their ability to see beyond the veil of reality.
Sir Valric, a grizzled veteran with eyes that see into the spirit realm, steps forward. "My lady, what is the nature of the threat?"
Lady Ioanna's expression is grim. "Sage, Jairen's brother, has been taken by creatures with the power to open gates. We need your skills to track them down and bring him back."
The knights nod, their faces set with resolve. "We won't fail, my lady," Sir Valric says. "We'll leave no stone unturned, no realm unexplored."
Lady Ioanna's eyes gleam with gratitude. "I knew I could count on you, Sir Valric. Let us move out! We have a trail to follow, and not much time to waste!"
Sir Valric nods and turns to his team. "Alright, let's move out! We need to find Sage and those mysterious figures. Keep an eye out for any Gate residue, they could be using it to escape."
With that, Sir Valric and his team disperse to begin their search.
Lady Ioanna approaches Jairen, her expression reassuring. "Jairen, I promise you, we will find Sage and make sure he's safe. I won't let anything happen to him."
Jairen looks up at her, his eyes filled with worry. "B-but what if...what if they hurt him?"
Lady Ioanna places a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We'll do everything in our power to prevent that. We'll search every corner, every Gate, until we find him. I promise."
Jairen nods slightly, seeming to find some comfort in her words. Lady Ioanna offers a warm smile before turning to join the search effort.
Lady Ioanna turns back to Jairen and says, "I'll let you know immediately when I find him." She snaps her fingers, and suddenly the students who had been dispersed throughout the academy grounds reappear in the training room, as if teleported back. Some of them stumble slightly, looking disoriented, while others look around in confusion.
The training room erupts into a chorus of questions and concerns, with students asking what happened and where Sage is. Lady Ioanna raises her hand, and the room falls silent.
"We will find Sage," she says firmly. "Sir Valric and his team are on it. In the meantime, let's get back to our training. We can't let our guard down, not even for a moment."
Some students nod, while others look worried but resigned. The room slowly empties as students make their way back to their dorms or other parts of the academy, while Lady Ioanna watches over them, her eyes still scanning the horizon for any sign of Sage or the mysterious figures who took him.
Lady Ioanna vanishes to go help Sir Valric, the training room falls silent, with only Jairen remaining, his eyes fixed on the ground. His usual spark is gone, replaced by a deep sadness and concern. He looks like he's lost a part of himself, his soul crushed by the weight of Sage's disappearance.
The room seems to darken around him, as if the shadows themselves are reflecting his sorrow. His breathing is slow and labored, his chest heavy with worry. He doesn't even notice the other students leaving, his focus solely on the empty space where Sage once stood.
Time seems to stretch out, the silence deafening, as Jairen's thoughts race with worst-case scenarios and fears for his friend's safety. His eyes well up with tears, but he doesn't let them fall, his grief and anxiety locked in a tight grip.
Lani's voice is soft and gentle, her hand on Jairen's shoulder a comforting presence. But Jairen's gaze is distant, his eyes red-rimmed and brimming with tears. He looks at Lani, but his gaze is unfocused, as if he's staring into a void.
The tears finally begin to fall, streaming down his face like a river of pain. His body shudders with a silent sob, his shoulders shaking with the weight of his grief. Lani's grip on his shoulder tightens, her hand warm and reassuring.
"It's going to be alright, Jairen," she whispers again, her voice a soothing melody. "We'll find Sage. He'll come back to us."
But Jairen's eyes only well up further, his tears flowing like a torrent. He doesn't speak, his voice lost in the depths of his sorrow. Lani's words are a balm to his soul, but the pain runs too deep, the wound too fresh. All he can do is weep, his heart shattered into a million pieces.
Sage's cries echo through the darkness, his small fists pounding against the box's walls. "LET ME OUT!!" he screams, his voice hoarse from shouting. But only silence responds.
Tears stream down his face as he collapses to his knees, his body shaking with fear and despair. "I'm only 11... I'm not supposed to die this early..." he sobs, his voice cracking.
Just as he thinks he's alone, a familiar voice booms through the box, making Sage's heart skip a beat. "Enough, Sage!" Principal Ryker's stern tone echoes through the darkness. "Shut up and wait patiently."
Sage's eyes flash with anger, and he yells back, "WHO ARE YOU?! I'LL DESTROY YOU!" But his words are met with silence once more. The darkness seems to swallow Principal Ryker's presence, leaving Sage alone and frightened.
The box remains still, its walls unyielding, as Sage's tears continue to fall, his hope dwindling with each passing moment.
Principal Ryker's laughter echoes through the box, sending chills down Sage's spine. "Oh, Sage... I know your father, and your brother too," he says, his voice dripping with malice.
Sage's eyes widen in fear as Ryker holds out the fake White Ghost Eye, its eerie glow illuminating the darkness. "I killed your father, Sage... and I'll do the same to your brother," Ryker hisses, his voice dripping with malevolence.
But Sage's reaction is not what Ryker expects. Instead of horror or anger, Sage's face contorts in confusion. "I... I didn't know my dad," Sage stammers, his tears continuing to fall. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Ryker's smile falters for a moment, his eyes narrowing in surprise. He seems taken aback by Sage's words, his grip on the White Ghost Eye tightening. "No... that's impossible," Ryker mutters, his voice barely audible.
Sage's confusion only seems to enrage Ryker further, his eyes blazing with an unsettling intensity. "You'll learn the truth soon enough, Sage," Ryker growls, his voice dripping with menace. "And when you do, you'll wish you never crossed me."
"Show yourself!" Sage yells, his voice echoing off the walls. But there's only silence.
Suddenly, the darkness seems to shift, and Sage senses a presence moving away from him. He hears the sound of footsteps, heavy and deliberate, and then they stop.
Professor Ryker's voice cuts through the darkness, his tone dripping with malice. "You'll see me when I want you to, Sage. Not before."
With that, the darkness seems to swallow Ryker whole, leaving Sage alone once more. The glow of the fake White Ghost Eye is gone, plunging Sage back into the inky blackness.
Sage blinks hard, his eyes straining to adjust to the darkness. But there's nothing to see. No shadows, no outlines, just an oppressive, suffocating blackness that seems to press in on him from all sides.
He's trapped, alone and frightened, in a room that seems to be shrouded in an impenetrable veil of darkness. And Sage has no idea where he is, or how to escape.
Jairen's fists fly through the air, his pulse blazing with a fierce intensity. He's been training for hours, ignoring the pain and fatigue that scream through his body. His hands are a mess, skin ripped away, bleeding, and smoking from the constant strain.
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Tears of anger and frustration stream down his face, but he doesn't stop. He can't stop. He's driven by a fierce determination to master his ability, to save Sage, and to prove himself.
His cooldown timer is long gone, but Jairen doesn't care. He's willing to push himself to the limit, to risk injury and exhaustion, to achieve his goal. His pulse surges forward, a wild and uncontrolled force that threatens to consume him whole.
The blast of energy from Jairen's pulse sends shockwaves through the training room, punching a crater in the wall and sending dust and debris flying everywhere. The sound of the explosion echoes through the academy, waking up some of the students in the nearby dorms.
Jewel, groggy with sleep, pokes her head out of her room, rubbing her eyes. "What the heck is going on?" she mutters, seeing the damage to the training room wall.
But when she sees Jairen, still practicing his pulse with a fierce determination, she just shakes her head and goes back to bed. "Guess it's just Jairen being Jairen again," she says to herself, rolling over and closing her eyes.
Jairen doesn't even notice, too focused on his training to care about the commotion he's caused. His pulse continues to blaze, his fists flying through the air with a speed and ferocity that would be impossible for a normal human. He's a man on a mission, driven by his desire to save Sage and prove himself.
Lani bursts into the training room, her eyes wide with worry. "Jairen, stop! Please, just stop!" she begs, her voice husky with exhaustion.
Jairen's pulse falters, his fists slowing to a stop as he turns to face her. His eyes are wild, his face flushed with exertion, but he takes a deep breath and nods.
Lani rushes over to him, grabbing his arm and pulling him towards her dorm. "Come on, Jairen. You need to rest. You're going to hurt yourself."
Jairen doesn't resist, his body trembling with fatigue. He lets Lani lead him to her dorm, where they both collapse on her bed, exhausted.
As they lay there, Lani wraps her arms around Jairen, holding him close. "You're going to be okay, Jairen. We'll get through this together," she whispers, her voice soothing.
Jairen's eyes flutter closed, his body relaxing into her embrace. For the first time in hours, he feels a sense of peace, his mind and body finally surrendering to rest.
BOOM!!!
Earthquakes and shockwaves begin to occur sending Lani flying off the bed
Lani's voice echoes through the dorm halls, her words sparking panic and chaos. Students rush out of their rooms, bleary-eyed and confused, as the ground continues to shake and the air is filled with the sound of crashing and booming.
"What's happening?" someone yells, as the lights flicker and the walls creak.
"Jairen's gone!" Lani screams, her voice hoarse with fear. "He was just here, and then he vanished!"
The students rush to Lani's room, finding it empty and in disarray. The bed is overturned, the windows shattered, and the door hanging off its hinges.
"Where's Jairen?" someone demands, as the earthquakes intensify and the shockwaves grow stronger.
Lani's eyes are wild with fear. "I don't know! He was here, and then he was gone! We have to find him!"
The students quickly organize a search party, scouring the academy grounds and beyond. But as they search, they realize that Jairen is not the only one missing. Sage is still gone, and now Jairen has vanished as well.
Lady Ioanna's eyes narrowed as she gazed out at the night sky, her mind racing with the implications of the sudden energy surge. "5 minutes... whenever someone activates a gate, it can only stay active for 5 minutes…” she thought to herself, “THEIR GATE, IT’S BROKEN! LET'S MOVE OUT NOW!" she yelled, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her sword.
Sir Valric's eyes flashed with intensity as he activated his All Sense skill, his senses expanding to scan the surrounding area. "There's Gate Residue 15 miles south! Let's hurry!" he exclaimed, his voice low and urgent.
Eine's ghost eye blazed to life, casting an eerie orange glow over the rooftop. His feet seemed to hover above the ground, ready to launch himself into action at a moment's notice. "I'm ready when you are, Lady Ioanna!" he declared, his voice steady and focused.
Lady Ioanna drew her sword, its blade shimmering in the moonlight. "Then let's move out! We have a gate to find, and Sage to rescue!" she declared, leading the charge off the rooftop and into the unknown.
Lady Ioanna gets there instantaneously, leaving Eine and Sir Valric behind. Lady Ioanna,above the site where the residue was found and below her are the two mysterious figures.
Lady Ioanna's sword strikes the ground with a deafening crash, sending shockwaves through the earth. The two mysterious figures dodge effortlessly, their movements swift and precise.
"I'LL END YOU!" Lady Ioanna yells again, her sword flashing in the moonlight as she attacks with a flurry of strikes.
The figures weave and dodge, their faces obscured by the shadows of their hoods. They seem to be toying with Lady Ioanna, their movements almost lazy as they avoid her attacks.
Suddenly, one of them darts forward, their hand extending in a swift strike. Lady Ioanna barely blocks it with her sword, the force of the blow sending her stumbling backward.
Eine and Sir Valric finally catch up, their faces set in determination. "Lady Ioanna, we're here!" Sir Valric calls out his All Sense skill on high alert.
Eine's ghost eye blazes brighter, illuminating the dark surroundings. "Let's take them down, team!" he declares, his fists glowing with orange energy.
The two mysterious figures turn to face the new arrivals, their eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. The air is charged with tension as the two sides face off, ready to clash in a battle that will determine the fate of Sage and the world.
Eine's fists fly through the air, but the mysterious figure dodges each punch with ease, their movements almost ethereal. With a swift kick, the figure sends Eine flying across the ground, his body sliding to a stop just short of Sir Valric's feet.
Sir Valric's eyes widen in concern, but he doesn't hesitate. He charges forward, his sword flashing in the moonlight. "Hey, you two! Let's see how you handle a real fight!"
The figure who kicked Eine turns to face Sir Valric, their eyes glinting with a strange energy. They raise a hand, and Sir Valric feels a strange force field surround him, slowing his movements.
Meanwhile, Lady Ioanna continues to exchange blows with the other figure, her sword clashing with theirs in a blur of steel and sparks. Despite her skill, she can't seem to land a hit, her opponent dodging and weaving with an unnatural grace.
The figure's sword flashed, striking Lady Ioanna's blade with a shower of sparks. "You're no match for us, Ioanna," they hissed, their voice like a snake slithering through the grass. "We are the keyholders of the gate, you will not win."
Lady Ioanna's eyes widened in realization. "Both of them are Keyholders... this changes everything!"
But she doesn't have time to ponder the implications. The figures continue to dodge and weave, their movements almost identical. Lady Ioanna's sword clashes with theirs, the blades ringing out in a deadly rhythm.
Eine's voice rings out, his breathing heavy. "Sir Valric, go find the kid! We'll handle this!"
Sir Valric nods, his eyes flicking towards the figures before he leaps away, his sword flashing in the moonlight as he disappears into the darkness.
Lady Ioanna and Eine continue to fight, their movements swift and deadly. But despite their skill, they can't seem to land a hit. The figures are too fast, too agile, and their swords seem to be everywhere at once.
"This isn't working..." Lady Ioanna mutters, her eyes locked on her opponents. "We need a new plan..."
But before she can come up with a strategy, the figures suddenly change their tactics. They attack, their swords glowing as they strike with a precision that sends Lady Ioanna and Eine flying across the ground.
"Got the kid!!!" Sir Valric yells, his voice echoing through the night as he sprints towards the academy.
The two figures' eyes lock onto him, their faces twisted in a snarl. But before they can give chase, Lady Ioanna snaps her fingers.
The world around them blurs, and the four of them - Lady Ioanna, Eine, Sir Valric, and Sage - disappear from the battlefield. When they reappear, they find themselves in the academy's training room.
But something is terribly wrong. The room is in shambles, the walls cracked and broken, the training equipment shattered and strewn about. The doors are hanging off their hinges, and the windows are blown out.
As they stumble out into the dorm hallway, they're met with a scene of chaos. Students are running wildly, some crying, others shouting. The walls are cracked, and debris litters the floor.
"What... what happened?" Lady Ioanna stammers, her eyes wide with shock.
Eine's ghost eye blazes bright orange as he scans the area. "It's the work of the Keyholders," he growls. "They've destroyed the academy."
Sir Valric's face sets in determination. "We need to get the students to safety. Now."
Sage, still shaken, looks up at Lady Ioanna. "Miss... what's going on?"
Lady Ioanna's face is grim. "We'll explain later, Sage. Right now, we need to get out of here. The Keyholders could return at any moment."
"But wait, Eine, that's not right!" a student calls out, rushing forward. "It wasn't the Keyholders who did this. It was Jairen!"
The hallway erupts into chaos as students begin arguing and shouting. "Jairen? But why would he do this?" Lady Ioanna asks, her brow furrowed in confusion.
Eine's ghost eye flickers, his expression uncertain. "I sensed the energy of the Keyholders... I was sure it was them."
A student steps forward, tears streaming down her face. "Jairen was acting strange yesterday... he was talking to himself and muttering about 'pulses or something'... and then, we found the academy like this!"
Sir Valric's face sets in determination. "We need to find Jairen. Now."
Sage's eyes widen in fear. "But what if he's... what if he's gone too far?"
Lady Ioanna's face is grim. "We'll worry about that later. First, we need to find him and put a stop to this."
The group sets off, determined to find Jairen and uncover the truth behind the academy's destruction. But as they search, they can't shake the feeling that they're running out of time... and that Jairen may be more lost than they ever could have imagined.
Lani runs to lady Ioanna and tries to explain everything in a fast manner but can’t seem to get her words out.
Lady Ioanna's eyes widen in realization. "Wait, Lani, slow down. You're saying Jairen just... vanished from your room? And there were shockwaves?"
Lani nods, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Yes, Lady Ioanna! We were sleeping, and then he just... exploded! I mean, not literally, but he disappeared, and I felt this huge energy release, like a shockwave! And then... and then the academy started shaking, and I heard the sounds of destruction, and..."
Lady Ioanna holds up a hand, her expression stern. "Lani, slow down. Take a deep breath. Tell me exactly what happened, step by step."
Lani takes a deep breath, her words slowing to a more manageable pace. "Okay... we were resting, and Jairen was getting more and more angrier, he started talking in his sleep. He was saying something about the pressure, the pain, and how he couldn't take it anymore. And then... he just vanished. One minute he was there, the next he was gone. And then the shockwaves hit, and I felt like I was being pulled apart."
Lady Ioanna's face sets in a grim mask. "I think I know what might have happened to Jairen. His powers... they might have consumed him."
Lani's eyes widen in terror. "CONSUMED?! Oh no, no, please no! That can't happen, Ioanna! Jairen can't... he can't just disappear like that!"
Lady Ioanna's expression is solemn, but she tries to reassure Lani. "Calm down, Lani. We don't know for sure what happened yet. Consumed is just a possibility, but it's the only explanation that makes sense right now."
Lani's voice trembles. "But what does it mean? Consumed by what? His powers? The Gate? Oh no, Ioanna, what have we done?"
Lady Ioanna's face softens slightly. "We'll figure this out, Lani. I promise. But first, we need to find Jairen. We need to know what happened to him."
Lani nods, her eyes welling up with tears. "Y-yes. We have to find him. We have to make sure he's okay."
Lady Ioanna places a hand on Lani's shoulder. "We will, Lani. We will." But her eyes betray her concern, and her mind races with the possibilities. Consumed by his powers... it's a fate worse than death.
Jairen stands in a vast, open field, surrounded by nothing but white as far as the eye can see. The only exceptions are the vibrant purple flowers that dot the ground, glowing with an otherworldly light. He looks around, disoriented and confused, with no memory of how he got there.
Suddenly, a warm voice breaks the silence. "Hey Kiddo... didn't expect you to be here this early."
Jairen spins around, trying to locate the source of the voice. A mysterious man stands a short distance away, dressed in a long, flowing robe with a gentle smile on his face.
Jairen's eyes narrow, his mind racing with questions. "Who are you? How did I get here? Where is here?"
The man doesn't respond, instead gesturing to a small table and two chairs that seem to materialize out of thin air. He busies himself preparing a steaming pot of tea, his movements graceful and precise.
Jairen's confusion and frustration grow, but the man's calm demeanor puts him at ease. He hesitates, then approaches the table, sitting down in one of the chairs.
The man hands him a delicate cup, filled with a fragrant, shimmering liquid. "Let's have some tea, kiddo. We have a lot to talk about. I heard you let your brother get kidnapped.”
Jairen's eyes flash with anger, his face reddening as he slams his fist on the table, shattering the cup. "LET HIM?! WHAT DID YOU SAY?! DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!" he thunders, his voice echoing across the field.
The man's smile never wavers, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course I do, Jairen. But it doesn't seem like you know me," he says, his voice calm and gentle, like a summer breeze.
Jairen's anger falters, his confusion returning. "Who are you? How do you know my name? What's going on?" he demands, his voice still sharp but laced with uncertainty.
The man leans forward, his eyes sparkling with knowledge. "All in good time, Jairen. But first, let's talk about your brother. Sage, isn't it? And the Keyholders... Ah, yes. That's a story worth telling."
Jairen's eyes widen in astonishment as the cup of tea reappears in his hand, the broken pieces magically mending themselves. "Woah... what the...?" he trails off, his mind reeling with questions.
"Wait, am I dead?" Jairen asks, his voice laced with uncertainty. He looks down at his body, half-expecting to see it translucent or fading away.
The man chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "No, Jairen, you're not dead. At least, not in the classical sense." He waves a hand dismissively. "You'll learn more about that later. For now, just enjoy the tea."
Jairen hesitates, still trying to wrap his head around the strange occurrences. But the man's warm smile and the soothing aroma of the tea calm his nerves, and he takes a tentative sip. The flavor is surprisingly familiar, like a warm hug on a cold day.
As he drinks, Jairen feels a sense of clarity wash over him, his mind slowly unraveling the threads of confusion. He looks at the man with newfound curiosity, sensing that there's much more to this enigmatic stranger than meets the eye.
“Dad…” Jairen says softly and the man finally says yes revealing his identity “yes my warrior of a son you finally remember”
Jairen's eyes light up with wonder, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’re my dad..”
Yoon's face softens, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Yes, my child. I am your father Yoon Yaragashi.”
Jairen's mind races as the memories come flooding back. His father, Yoon Yaragashi. The man that would change the world. The man he thought was dead.
Yoon's eyes shine with pride as he looks at Jairen. “You've grown strong, my son. Stronger than I ever could have imagined.”
Jairen starts to glow with a bright smile “wait if you’re my dad, that means loom walker is yours..” Yoon nods “so why is it 400 TONS?!”
Yoon chuckles, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah, Jairen, my son, you always had a way of making me smile!"
He pauses, a faraway look in his eyes, as if remembering a fond memory. "Loom Walker, yes... that sword has a story behind it. You see, it was forged in a time long past, when the ancient warriors walked the earth and ghosts became a thing."
Yoon's eyes refocus on Jairen, a mischievous glint in his eye. "And as for its weight... Well, let's just say that Loom Walker has a bit of a... unique history. You see, it was forged with a special metal, one that's said to hold the power of the earth itself."
Jairen's eyes widen, his mind racing with the implications. "Whoa, that's crazy! So, it's like a... a super-sword or something?"
Yoon chuckles, nodding. "Something like that, my son. Something like that."
Yoon continues laughing and says, "I don't have much time." He places a hand on Jairen's chest, his eyes serious. "I'm not dead, kid. Just somewhere I can't move and that’s okay."
Jairen's eyes widen in alarm. "What do you mean? Where are you? How do I find you?"
Yoon's gaze drifts away, his eyes clouding over. "You have a lot more within you, Jairen. You just gotta find it."
Jairen's panic grows, his mind racing with questions. "What do you mean? How do I find it? Father, don't leave me again!"
Yoon's form begins to fade, his voice barely audible. "Void... watchers..."
Suddenly, a loud boom echoes through the air, and Jairen feels himself being pulled away from the mysterious realm.
As the boom echoes through the halls, students pour out of the training room, curious and concerned. They rush towards Lani's room, where the sound seemed to originate.
When they burst through the door, they find Jairen sitting on the bed, rubbing his head, looking dazed and disoriented. Lani is by his side, concern etched on her face.
"Jairen, what happened?" one of the students asks, rushing to his side. "We heard a loud boom and... and you're here!"
Jairen looks up, still trying to clear his head. "I... I don't know. I was just... somewhere. Talking to my father."
The students exchange confused glances. "Your father?" one of them repeats. "But Jairen, your father is... he's not alive, is he?"
Jairen's eyes falter, and he looks away, trying to process the events. "I don't know what's going on. I just need a minute to think."
Lani puts a hand on his shoulder, her voice soft. "Hey, it's okay. We're here for you. Whatever happened, we'll figure it out together."
Lani's expression turns to concern as she sees Jairen's discomfort. "Jairen, what's wrong? You're starting to scare me," she says, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Jairen's eyes squeeze shut, his face contorting in pain. "Ah, my head... it hurts so much," he groans, his voice strained.
The other students gather around, worried. "Dude, what's going on? You're freaking us out," one of them says, trying to hide his concern.
Jairen's eyes snap open, and he looks at Lani with a pleading expression. "Lani, I... I remember something. My father... he said something... 'Void...'"
Lani's eyes widen. "Void? What does that mean?"
Jairen's face twists in concentration, trying to recall more. "I... I don't know. But it feels important. And this headache... it's like my brain is trying to tell me something."
Suddenly, the room begins to spin, and Jairen's vision blurs. He feels himself being pulled into a dark vortex, the word "Void" echoing in his mind.
Lady Ioanna's eyes scan the room, taking in the scene before her. "What's all the commotion about?" she asks, her voice firm but concerned.
Sage, standing beside her, looks at Jairen with a curious expression. "Is he okay? He looks like he's in pain."
Lani stands up, her eyes locked on Jairen. "He's been getting these... visions, I guess. He's been saying something about 'Void' and 'Watchers'."
Lady Ioanna's gaze snaps to Jairen, her eyes narrowing. "Void Watchers?" she repeats, her voice low and serious.
Jairen's eyes are still closed, his face contorted in pain. "Void... Watchers...," he mutters again, his voice barely audible.
Lady Ioanna strides over to Jairen, her movements swift and decisive. "Sage, help me get him to the infirmary. Now."
Sage rushes to assist, and together they carefully lift Jairen off the bed. As they carry him out of the room, Lady Ioanna's eyes linger on Jairen's face, her expression a mix of concern and something else... something that looks almost like fear.
Sage looks at Lady Ioanna in confusion as she suddenly disappears into thin air. "Wait, Lady Ioanna! Where are you going? What's going on?" he calls out, but she's already gone.
He looks down at Jairen, who's still muttering "Void Watchers" in a dazed tone. Sage's eyes widen with concern as he realizes he's the only one left to care for Jairen.
He quickly rushes Jairen to the infirmary, his mind racing with questions. What did Lady Ioanna mean by her sudden departure? And what are these "Void Watchers" that Jairen keeps mentioning?
As he lays Jairen on a bed, the infirmary's healer, Elara, hurries over to assist. "Sage, what happened? What's wrong with Jairen?"
Sage takes a deep breath, trying to process the events. "I'm not entirely sure. He was talking to his father, and then... and then this happened."
Elara's eyes narrow. "His father? But Jairen's father is... deceased."
Sage's eyes lock onto Elara's. "That's what I thought too. But Jairen seems to think otherwise."
Jairen's eyes flutter open, his gaze hazy. "Sage... where are you going?" he asks weakly, his voice still strained from the headache.
Sage hesitates, his eyes apologetic. "I'm sorry, Jairen. I have to go. My watch just alerted me to something important. But I'll come back and check on you, okay?"
Jairen's eyes droop, his head nodding slightly. "Okay... be careful, Sage."
Sage gives Jairen's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You too, Jairen. Get some rest. We'll catch up soon."
With a final glance at Jairen, Sage turns and hurries out of the infirmary, his watch still buzzing with an urgent message. As he disappears from view, Elara turns to Jairen, her expression soft. "Don't worry, Jairen. You're safe here. We'll take care of you."
Jairen's eyes drift shut, his mind still reeling from the encounter with his father and the mysterious "Void Watchers." What did it all mean? And where was Sage off to in such a hurry? The questions swirled in his head as he slipped into a fitful sleep.
Jairen's eyes open, and he takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of clarity wash over him. The headache and dizziness are gone, replaced by a sense of determination.
Elara smiles, relieved, as she checks his vital signs. "Welcome back, Jairen. You've been through a lot. How are you feeling?"
Jairen sits up, his eyes scanning the room until they land on Lani, sleeping beside him. He smiles softly, grateful for her presence.
"I'm better, thanks," he says, his voice stronger now. "What happened? How long was I out?"
Elara hesitates, choosing her words carefully. "You've been asleep for a few hours. As for what happened... well, that's a bit of a mystery. Lady Ioanna seemed to know something, but she vanished before explaining. And Sage had to leave abruptly, receiving some sort of urgent message."
Jairen's eyes narrow, his mind racing. "Void Watchers," he whispers, the words echoing in his mind once more.
Lani stirs, her eyes opening slowly. "Jairen?" she whispers, her voice husky with sleep. "You're okay?"
Jairen smiles, his heart warming. "I'm okay, Lani. Thanks to you and Elara."
As Lani sits up, her eyes lock onto Jairen's, filled with concern and support. "We'll figure this out together, Jairen. Whatever is going on, we'll face it no matter what."
Elara's eyes widen, surprised by Jairen's sudden intensity. "Jairen, wait! You're not well enough to go anywhere yet," she protests, trying to reason with him.
But Jairen's grip on her hand remains firm, his eyes blazing with determination. "I have to go, Elara. I can't explain now, but I promise I'll be back. Take care of Lani for me."
Lani's eyes are fixed on Jairen, her face pale with worry. "Jairen, what's going on? Where are you going?"
Jairen's gaze softens slightly as he looks at Lani. "I'll be back, Lani. I promise. But I need to do this."
With a gentle but firm gesture, Jairen releases Elara's hand and steps around her, his movements swift and decisive. He strides towards the door, his eyes fixed on some unknown destination, his jaw set in a resolute line.
As he disappears into the corridor, Elara and Lani exchange worried glances. "What's gotten into him?" Elara whispers.
Lani shakes her head, her eyes still fixed on the door. "I don't know, but I think we're about to find out."
Jairen stands on the rooftop, gazing out at the stars, his mind racing with thoughts of his father's words and the mysterious "Void Watchers." The wind whispers secrets in his ear, but he's no closer to understanding the truth.
"What does it mean, Father?" he whispers, his voice barely audible over the wind. "What am I supposed to do?"
The rooftop's silence is his only answer. Jairen's eyes narrow, determination burning within him. He knows he must uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
With a resolute breath, he makes a decision. "I'll find out, Father. I'll uncover the secrets of the Void Watchers, no matter where it leads me."
The wind howls in response, as if echoing his vow. Jairen's eyes gleam with determination, his heart pounding with anticipation. The journey ahead will be treacherous, but he's ready to face it head-on.
As Jairen's ghost eye glows with a soft, ethereal purple light, his ghostly companion materializes before him. The ghost's presence is marked by an aura of shimmering purple energy, which seems to pulse with an otherworldly power.
"I still don't know your name..." Jairen says, his voice barely above a whisper.
The ghost remains silent, its presence both captivating and unsettling. As the moon reaches its zenith, its silvery light illuminates the rooftop, casting an eerie glow over the scene.
The ghost's aura responds to the moon's light, growing brighter and more vibrant. The purple energy swirls around it, like a living, breathing entity. Jairen feels an inexplicable connection to this mysterious being, as if their fates are intertwined.
Suddenly, the ghost's aura surges, and a low hum fills the air. The purple glow envelops Jairen, imbuing him with an energy that feels both exhilarating and terrifying. He senses that his ghostly companion is trying to communicate with him, but the language is one he can't quite understand... yet.
"JAIREN!!" Lani's voice rings out across the rooftop, her concern and relief palpable.
Jairen's gaze snaps towards her, his eyes still aglow with the soft, ethereal light of his ghost eye. "Lani? How did you find me?" he asks, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Lani rushes towards him, her footsteps echoing off the rooftop's surface. "I felt your ghost's power, Jairen! Its aura is so strong, I could sense it all the way from the infirmary!" she explains, her eyes fixed on the ghostly figure beside him.
Elara follows closely behind Lani, her eyes scanning the rooftop with a mix of caution and fascination. "Jairen, what's going on here?" she asks, her voice measured.
Jairen's gaze flicks between his friends, his expression a blend of wonder and wariness. "I... I was just trying to understand my ghost's power," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to worry you."
The ghostly figure remains silent, its presence both captivating and unsettling, as if watching the scene unfold with an otherworldly interest.
Elara's hand approaches the ghostly figure, and it suddenly assumes a defensive stance, its ethereal energy flaring with a faint, pulsing light. "Woah there, easy now..." Elara says, her voice calm and soothing.
Jairen's eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing, Elara?" he asks, his gaze fixed on the scene unfolding before him.
Lani's eyes are equally wide with wonder. "You can touch it?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elara's hand makes contact with the ghost's energy, and she closes her eyes, focusing her senses. "I'm analyzing its abilities," she explains. "As a ghost eye expert, I need to understand how ghosts manifest and interact with the world."
Jairen and Lani exchange a look of surprise, both of them saying "Ohhhhh" in unison.
But as Elara concentrates, her expression changes from focused to puzzled. "That's strange... I can't feel anything," she says, her brow furrowed in concern. "I can't measure its power or understand its abilities. It's as if your ghost is... different, Jairen."
The ghostly figure remains still, its energy pulsing with an otherworldly power that seems to defy understanding. Jairen's eyes narrow, his mind racing with questions. What does this mean? Why is his ghost so unique?
“It’s name…” Elara says confused
"Night!" Elara announces, her voice firm and clear.
As soon as the name leaves her lips, the air around them erupts in a spectacular display. The clouds above split open, revealing a slice of dark sky, and a deafening roar shakes the rooftop. The sound is like nothing they've ever heard before - a primal scream that sends shivers down their spines.
Jairen's eyes widen in awe, his gaze fixed on the ghostly figure before him. "Night!" he repeats, his voice barely audible over the din.
Night, the ghost, seems to swell in size and intensity, its energy surging with a fierce, wild power. The purple glow around it pulsates faster, like a heartbeat racing with excitement.
Lani takes a step back, her eyes wide with fear and wonder. "What's happening?" she asks, her voice trembling.
Elara stands her ground, her eyes fixed on Night with a mixture of fascination and trepidation. "I think we've awakened something," she says, her voice steady. "Something powerful."
Jairen takes a deep breath and calls out again, "Night!"
This time, the ghostly figure responds differently. It ceases its wild energy fluctuations and slowly settles into a serene, meditative pose, its ghastly hands resting on its knees. The purple glow around it dims to a soft, pulsing light.
"Thank you, Elara," Jairen says, relief evident in his voice. "I couldn't have done it without your help."
Elara smiles, her eyes still fixed on Night. "No problem, Jairen. Now that you know your ghost's name, you can control its summoning. You can call it forth and dismiss it at will."
Lani finally finds her voice, still laced with shock. "H-how did you do that, Elara? How did you know its name?"
Elara turns to Lani, her expression serious. "As a ghost eye expert, I've studied the ancient arts of ghost manipulation. Knowing a ghost's name is key to understanding its power and harnessing it."
Jairen's eyes never leave Night, his mind racing with the implications. "What does this mean for me, Elara? What can I do with this power?"
Elara's gaze lingers on Night before shifting to Jairen. "That's for you to discover, Jairen. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility."
Jairen's face lights up with a mischievous grin. "Yeah, yeah, I know! Like that one hero said in a comic book somewhere – 'with great power comes great responsibility... and a whole lot of weird looks from my friends!'"
Lani rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "You're such a nerd, Jairen."
Elara chuckles. "Well, at least you're taking this seriously... sort of."
Jairen shrugs, still grinning. "Hey, when you've got ghost powers, you might as well own it!"
"How were you able to touch my ghost, Elara?" Jairen asks, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Is there a ghost you can't touch?"
Elara's expression turns thoughtful. "Yeah, I had one instance... this guy I met four years ago. His name was Yoon... never got his last name, but his ghost was unique. I genuinely couldn't measure it, like yours, Jairen, but I couldn't touch the ghost either, which is weird."
Jairen's eyes narrow, his mind racing. "Yoon??? Are you sure that was his name?" he asks, his voice laced with a mix of disbelief and excitement.
Elara nods, her eyes locked on his. "Yes, I'm certain. Yoon. It's a name I'll never forget, because his ghost was so... unusual."
Jairen's eyes search hers, seeking answers to questions he's barely formed. "What was he like?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
Elara's expression turns somber. "I don't know much about him, but his ghost... it was like nothing I've ever seen. So powerful, yet so elusive."
Jairen's eyes drop, his gaze fixed on the rooftop floor, his mind reeling with the revelation. "He's my father," he says silently, his voice barely audible.
Elara's eyes widen in shock, her mouth agape. "WHAT?!" she shouts, her voice echoing across the rooftop. "ARE YOU FOR REAL?!"
Lani's eyes dart between Jairen and Elara, her expression a mix of confusion and amazement. "Wait, what's going on? Who's Yoon?"
Jairen's eyes still fixed on the floor, his voice barely above a whisper. "My father. He disappeared when I was a kid. I thought he was dead, but... but it seems he somehow is still out there."
Elara's face is a picture of disbelief. "No way! That's crazy! What are the chances?"
Jairen's gaze slowly rises, his eyes locking onto Elara's. "I know, right? But I think this is connected to my ghost eye, to Night... everything."
The rooftop falls silent, the only sound the wind rustling through the city streets below, as they grapple with the mind-blowing revelation.
“Let's get down from here” Elara chuckles, but right before they reach the stairs
CRASH!!
"The green ghost-eye one!" Lani wails, her voice trembling.
The figure's gaze fixes on Jairen, its eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. "You really have no control over your power, do you?" it says, its voice low and menacing.
Elara and Lani back away, fear etched on their faces, but Jairen stands his ground. His eyes lock onto the figure, his expression fierce and ready to kill.
"I don't need control," Jairen says, his voice low and deadly. "I have Night, and together we'll take you down."
The figure chuckles, a cold, mirthless sound. "Night? You mean the ghost you summoned? It's no match for me."
Jairen's eyes narrow, his face set in a fierce determination. "We'll see about that."
With a swift motion, he summons Night, the ghostly energy surging around him like a dark aura. The green ghost-eyed figure raises a hand, and a blast of energy shoots towards Jairen, but Night intercepts it, absorbing the attack with a faint glow.
The rooftop erupts into a fierce battle, Jairen and Night facing off against the mysterious figure, with Elara and Lani watching in awe and terror.
Night's ghostly fist strikes the figure's rib cage with a loud crack, sending them flying sideways with a pained grunt. The figure crashes into a nearby air vent, the metal creaking and denting from the impact.
Jairen takes advantage of the momentary distraction to charge forward, his eyes blazing with determination. "Night, let's finish this!"
Night responds by unleashing a flurry of swift and precise punches, each one landing with a loud thud. The figure stumbles back, struggling to defend against the ghostly assault.
Elara and Lani watch in amazement, their fear momentarily forgotten in the face of Jairen and Night's impressive teamwork. "Whoa, Jairen, you're a natural at this!" Elara exclaims.
The figure, however, refuses to go down without a fight. With a snarl, it launches a powerful blast of energy that sends Jairen flying across the rooftop. Night swiftly moves to intercept, absorbing the attack and protecting Jairen from harm.
The battle rages on, the three combatants exchanging blows and energy blasts in a spectacular display of ghostly powers.
The figure's hood falls away, revealing a shocking sight: a female with vibrant,white flowing hair, bright green ghost eyes, her gaze fixed intently on Jairen. Her voice, once menacing and deep, is now revealed to be modulated, her true tone sweet and mocking.
"Ah, the famous Jairen," she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I've heard so much about you."
She scoffs, her green eyes gleaming with amusement, before quickly replacing her hood, restoring her mysterious and intimidating aura.
Jairen's eyes narrow, his mind racing with questions. Who is this woman? What does she want from him?
Night, sensing Jairen's uncertainty, moves closer, its ghostly energy swirling protectively around him.
The woman's gaze lingers on Jairen, her expression unreadable. "This isn't over, Jairen. Not by a long shot."
With that, she vanishes into thin air, leaving Jairen, Elara, and Lani staring at the spot where she once stood, their minds reeling with wonder and trepidation.
Lani throws up her hands in exasperation. "Okay, what the heck is happening!? Can we get just a moment... without fighting?!"
Jairen's expression turns grim, his eyes scanning the rooftop as if anticipating another attack. "I don't think we can, Lani. Not when I exist."
Elara's eyes widen in understanding. "You mean, because of your ghost eye?"
Jairen nods. "Yeah. I'm a target, Lani. And as long as I have this power, we're not going to get a moment's peace."
Lani's face is determined. "Well, we'll just have to figure out how to deal with it then. Together."
Jairen's gaze softens, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thanks, Lani. But we need to get out of here, now. That woman won't be the only one coming for me."
As if on cue, a faint hum fills the air, growing louder by the second. The trio exchanges a nervous glance, sensing the approach of another mysterious foe.
Kael rushes onto the rooftop, his eyes scanning the scene before him. "What's going on?! Why are you guys on the rooftop?!"
His gaze lands on Elara, and a charming smile spreads across his face. "And who is this fine piece of chocolate?"
Elara's eyes drop, her cheeks flushing with a subtle blush. Lani rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "Kael, stop. It's not the time for your flirting."
Kael's grin falters, and he looks at Lani with a more serious expression. "What's going on, then? You guys look like you've seen some crazy stuff."
Lani takes a deep breath and fills Kael in on the events that transpired, from the mysterious figures to Jairen's ghost eye and the battle with the green ghost-eyed woman.
Kael's eyes widen as he listens, his expression growing more intense with each passing moment. "Whoa, that's heavy. We need to get Jairen's ghost eye under control, and fast."
The group settles into Lani's dorm room, surrounded by familiar comforts and the sense of safety that comes with being in a shared space. They gather around Lani's desk, brainstorming and strategizing.
"Okay, so we know she's after Jairen's ghost eye," Lani says, her brow furrowed in concentration. "We need to figure out why and how to stop her."
"I think I can help with that," Elara says, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I've been researching ghost eyes and I think I know how to harness Jairen's power."
"That's great, Elara!" Kael exclaims. "But we also need a plan for if she shows up again. We can't just sit around and wait for her to attack."
"Agreed," Jairen says, his jaw set in a firm line. "I don't want to be a sitting duck. Let's come up with a defense strategy."
As they continue to discuss and plan, the atmosphere in the room shifts from fear and uncertainty to determination and solidarity. They're in this together, and they're ready to face whatever comes their way.
Elara smiles, her eyes shining with relief. "Exactly! I can't deal damage, but I can help keep us alive. And with my analytical skills, I can help us understand what we're up against."
Jairen nods, a grin spreading across his face. "That's perfect, Elara. You'll be the healer of our team. We'll call you... 'Medica'!"
Elara chuckles, her cheeks flushing with pleasure. "I like it."
Kael nods, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "And I'll be the muscle. I'll take point on defense and offense."
Lani smiles, her eyes shining with determination. "And I'll be the strategist. I'll help us stay one step ahead of our enemies."
Jairen's grin widens, his eyes gleaming with pride. "And I'll be the wild card. With my ghost eye, I'll be the unpredictable factor that keeps our enemies guessing."
Together, they high-five, their bond and determination solidifying their team. They're ready to face whatever comes their way, as long as they have each other.
But little did they know.. what was truly about to hit them.
CRASH!!!!
The ground trembles beneath their feet, the dorm room shaking violently. The team stumbles, grabbing onto each other for support.
"What the heck was that?!" Kael exclaims, his eyes wide with alarm.
"No way she returned so fast!" Elara says, her voice laced with worry.
Lani's eyes dart towards the window, where a massive cloud of dust and debris is rising into the air. "It's not just her... something's happening outside!"
Jairen's ghost eye glows bright green, his vision blurring as he senses an immense energy surge. "Guys, I think it's a... a massive ghost energy burst!"
The team exchanges fearful glances, their minds racing with the implications. What could cause such a catastrophic event? And what does it have to do with Jairen's ghost eye?
Suddenly, the dorm room door slams open, and a panicked student rushes in. "It's the Academy's research lab! It's been destroyed! And something's coming our way!"
Lani's eyes widen in horror as she takes in the scene outside her window. The training room is in ruins, debris scattered everywhere, and the mysterious female stands amidst the destruction, her green ghost eyes scanning the area.
"Oh no... she's looking for us," Lani whispers, her heart racing.
The female's gaze sweeps across the dormitory building, but fortunately, she doesn't spot Lani watching her from the window.
"Guys, she's here," Lani warns her friends, her voice barely audible over the sound of crumbling concrete and debris.
Kael's eyes narrow, his face set in determination. "We need to get out of here, now."
Jairen nods, his ghost eye glowing brighter. "I'll take point. Let's move."
Elara's eyes flash with anxiety, but she steels herself. "I'm ready. Let's do this."
The team moves swiftly, grabbing what they can from Lani's dorm room before making a hasty exit, hoping to escape the destruction and the mysterious female's notice.
Lady Ioanna yells "HEY!" and points towards the mysterious lady, her eyes blazing with determination. She prepares to face her, ready for battle.
Kael, still unaware of the tension, yells "Hey, it's Lady Ioanna!" pointing towards her.
Lani facepalms, her eyes rolling in exasperation. "Kael, no! We were trying to hide!" she whispers urgently, gesturing towards the mysterious lady.
The mysterious lady's gaze snaps towards the team, her green ghost eyes locking onto them with an unnerving intensity. A sinister smile spreads across her face, and she begins to stroll towards them, her pace deliberate and menacing.
"Well, well, well. Looks like I've found what I'm looking for," she says, her voice dripping with malice.
Lady Ioanna dashes forward with incredible speed, her sword flashing in the light as she strikes. But the mysterious woman is surprisingly quick, her hand shooting up to deflect the attack with ease. The sword ricochets off her palm with a loud clang, leaving Lady Ioanna momentarily off balance.
The woman's expression remains serene, her green ghost eyes fixed on the team as she continues her slow, deliberate march towards them. Her hand, which deflected Lady Ioanna's attack, shows no signs of injury or strain, as if the sword had merely grazed her.
Lady Ioanna recovers quickly, her eyes narrowing as she reassesses her opponent. "You're... quite strong," she says, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and admiration.
The mysterious woman doesn't respond, her gaze fixed on the team with an unnerving intensity. Her slow, steady approach seems almost... deliberate, as if she's savoring the moment before striking.
Lady Ioanna's eyes widen in shock, her face pale with disbelief. The woman's words cut deeper than any sword, striking at the very heart of her pride. "You're weaker than the boy," she continued marching, her voice dripping with contempt, as if the mere idea is laughable.
Lady Ioanna's gaze drops, her sword arm faltering as she struggles to process the insult. Jairen, the boy she had been protecting, the one she thought she was stronger than... The realization hits her like a ton of bricks, shattering her confidence and leaving her feeling vulnerable.
The team watches in silence, unsure of what to say or do. Kael's eyes are wide with surprise, Elara's face is etched with concern, and Lani's expression is a mix of shock and disbelief. Jairen, however, seems unfazed, his ghost eye gleaming with a knowing intensity, as if he had expected this all along.
The mysterious woman continues her slow approach, her eyes fixed on Lady Ioanna with a cold, calculating gaze. "You're no match for me, Lady Ioanna. And neither is the boy."
Lady Ioanna unleashes a flurry of slashes, her sword moving at incredible speeds, but the mysterious woman blocks each one with ease, her movements almost lazy. The clash of steel on steel rings out, the sound echoing through the air as Lady Ioanna's attacks grow more frenzied and desperate.
Finally, with a mighty scream, Lady Ioanna puts all her strength into one final slash. The sword slices through the air, and for a moment, it seems like it will be blocked like all the others. But this time, Lady Ioanna's determination and fury manage to break through the woman's defenses.
The sword bites deep into the woman's arm, causing her to stumble backward, her eyes narrowing in surprise. A thin line of blood trickles down her arm, and for an instant, her gaze flickers to Lady Ioanna with a hint of admiration.
"Well done," she says, her voice dripping with sincerity. "You've managed to scratch me. But it won't be enough to save you."
With that, she raises her hand, and a dark energy begins to swirl around her, building in power and intensity. The team watches in horror as they realize she's preparing to unleash a devastating attack.
As the woman speaks, her words hang in the air like a dark incantation. "Gate... close us... Veil." The green energy swirls around her, building in intensity, and then bursts outward, creating a shimmering barrier that encloses the area.
The team watches in horror as the barrier materializes, trapping them inside. Elara's eyes widen in terror, her whisper of "no..." trailing off as she realizes the extent of the woman's power.
The barrier pulses with energy, its surface rippling like water. Jairen, Kael, Lani, and Elara are trapped, unable to escape.
The barrier's radius is approximately 10 meters, encasing the entire school within its confines. Lady Ioanna, who had been fighting the woman, is now trapped alongside the team, her efforts to escape or counterattack thwarted by the impenetrable green energy barrier.
The team's eyes dart frantically, searching for a way out, but the barrier seems to be impossibly strong. Kael's face sets in determination, his mind racing with strategies to breach the barrier. Lani's eyes widen in fear, her breath coming in short gasps. Elara's gaze is fixed on the woman, her eyes blazing with anger and frustration. Jairen's ghost eye glows brighter, as if sensing an opportunity to strike back.
Lady Ioanna, realizing her predicament, takes charge. "Alright, team! We need to work together to get out of this! Kael, can you try to find a weakness in the barrier? Lani, see if you can sense any energy fluctuations? Elara, can you use your knowledge of the arcane to understand how this barrier works? Jairen, be ready to strike when the time is right!"
The team nods, their faces set with determination, as they begin to work together to escape the mysterious woman's deadly trap.
The team had completely lost their plan but they were ready to adapt and face the challenge at hand.