I woke up feeling refreshed. I felt no pain from my body and I was feeling okay. Since I woke up early,I quickly did my daily exercise before meditating. Then I showered and got ready for class. On my way out of the dorm, I stopped by Kofi room. Knocking,I heard a voice and not before long, the door opened.
"Oh Femi", Kofi said yawning a bit. "An early morning to you. How are you feeling today?"
" I'm good", I answered. Look, I'm sorry for causing you guys trouble yesterday."
"Huh", Kofi hummed bemused. "Yesterday? Are you still asleep"
What's he talking about, I thought
"Yesterday was Tuesday right?", I asked wanting to clear it out.
"No", Kofi answered shaking his head. "That was two day's ago"
"I slept for 60 hours?"
"You texted me saying you won't be available so I covered for you", Kofi said. So I explained to the professors and instructors the reason you were absent. So there's no trouble or penalty for you.
"Penalty?", asked again wanting to know what it means.
"Yeah",Kofi continued. "Some teachers do hand out penalties like removing of assessment points or melting out some troublesome punishment and the likes. You are lucky you have me".
"Un hun"
"Are you ok?", Kofi asked concerned again.
"Yeah yeah sure", I said sounding confident to cover my perplexity. "Are you ready?"
"Oh",Kofi replied checking himself. "Give me a few minutes".
"Ok"
He closed the door and I waited for him
I feel okay and energetic,I pondered while waiting. My guess is that my cell were at the brink of exhaustion. I was using up energy without supplying any in return. I need to be careful using this power.
It took 3 minutes before Kofi came out.
"We should branch Kwami side",He said straightening his coat.
"Ok"
We went to Kwami side. He was already out, maybe he was waiting for us. We greated one another and went to met up with the girls before moving to D class.
"So what about the duel", I asked while on the way to the class. "Were you guys part of the people qualified to fight against her?"
"Only Aluna qualified",Kwami said curling his lips in a sneer.
"Ah",I smiled secretly
"Yeah"Kwami continued. "Unfortunately we faced each other in the next round and I allowed her to win".
"I didn't ask you too", Aluna said frowning. "I'm as strong as you, you know".
"Anyways",Kofi interjected. We will be seeing her fight with Ife after lunch. I heard students are coming especially the combat minor classes.
"Do your best", Annika cheered while I made a small "oh"
We got to our class and sat down near one another.
"You know", Kofi said beaming. "This is the first time we entered as a group. Let's be like this more often".
"Sure".
"Yeah".
The class started but I noticed my fellow students minds were distracted. I guess they were all thinking about the duel. How to defeat the strongest in class? One would need series of planning to do so while some of them would wager on who will win so they had to calculate the odds. Well it's understandable.
Soon the classes ended and it was lunch time. We all made way to the cafeteria and took our lunch. We ate and chatted. While chatting with my group, i noticed more people looking at me.
"They still recognize me huh",I mused.
"Yeah", Annika said
"I even heard that a second year looking for you", Kofi added.
"Ah", I said remembering what happened yesterday. "That reminds me Kofi, do you know the Fear Duchess?
There was silence in the table as the others just kept slient all of a sudden
"I do envy you", Kofi said breaking the silence. "You get to meet top rank students even if it's at bad circumstances but it's expected as well after all you did see the Forbidden Damsel eye to eye. Fear Duchess is ranked 5 in the second years and she is said to be the guardian of the forbidden damsel. So it's understandable she came to you. I heard it's a family thing,not sure about it.
" What's.., I wanted to ask about their family but I remembered Kofi's warning. "Never mind".
I need a picnic, Annika cried. We have been training so much and I feel stress creeping up in my body.
'We can do it after the duel", Kwami suggested. Ha has been quiet for a while. Is it because he won't get to fight Ife? "Are you all going to be free by that time?"
"I won't be free by that time", I answered. "I'd be training".
"Oh right"
"Then I suggest the night",Aluna said gazing at the sky. Instead of a picnic,we can go sightseeing. Watching the stars and talking trash.... Wouldn't it be nice?"
"Looks good to me", Kwami said. "We just have to be back before 10 pm".
"It seems okay".
Everyone agreed, nodding and while doing so, I felt a gaze watching me and I looked back to trace the gaze but I couldn't find anyone. Most students were enjoying the lunch and chatting merrily.
"Are you going to train after lunch",Annika asked trying to confirm my schedule.
"Yeah", I answered. " Since it's an added experience for me,It's better if I go now in order to mark my attendance with the instructor later and practice for a while".
"Ah but will you be able to watch the duel",Aluna asked widening her eyes.
"I should be able watch your duel", I replied assuring her. " I'll try to finish up early. I'm rooting for you Aluna".
"Thanks".
After jisting about random stuff a bit ,I left them and headed to my normal training point with the huntress. She was there as usual waiting for me.
"Are you okay now", She asked with a low tone.
"Yeah", I answered rotating my arm. "Except for the fact that I slept for almost 3 days, I'm good".
"Oh that",she smiled. "You needed that rest so I took care of that. You don't have to thank me. You had your meditation today right?
"I did".
"Ok", Gladys said as she walked to the center of the hall. Clasping her hand together,she formed a circle on the floor. "We are not training today instead we are going to try something unique. Change into these.
I collected the clothes she gave me and hurriedly changed in the changing room
"Now stand in that center",Gladys said pointing to the circle. "You displayed a fearsome strength the last time we fought and I need to check you".
"But ", I protested fearing for my safety. "The last time you did,you ended up tampering with my body and it reduced the months for my skills to fully activate".
"That is the point", she said with a strong voice. "I think your skill is active, you just have a seal to prevent you from using it though it's wearing off. I just want to confirm this".
"Okay",I said shrugging my shoulders. Secretly, I wanted to know how it will end.
"You trust me?"
"I don't sense any evil intent so.."
"Ok", She smiled activating her skill
[Seal path: Revelation]
A light binded me and I felt something accessing my body careful. I didn't know how long it took but a while had passed.
"I see"
"What happened?", I asked wanting to know the result.
"I was right", Gladys answered narrowing her eyes. The moment the skill was given to you, it just took some days to activate....
"But", I interjected cutting her off. "I didn't feel pain like my bones popping or something...."
"You were asleep", she replied. "That was what your body did to protect you, like a trigger mechanism but there's also a seal in you preventing you from using that strength. Though I don't know why , my guess is your lack of mana".
So that's was it, I thought. She's on point.
"That's why you need an awakening potion", Gladys continued. "That way,your body won't be sucked dry when it finally activates".
"Don't worry, i have that covered", I said smiling at her.
"But".
"You forget my treasure map", I said still smiled
"You mean".
"Yep".
"Then, let's go",Gladys said ready to leave the training hall. "what are we waiting for?"
"Well,I said scratching my head. "I plan to go after my mock examination. I don't know what will happen if I take the potion now and I don't even know the dangers waiting for me there. So the best chance for me is after the mock exams. I heard a week break will be given to us after the mock. That way, I can break free from the eyes of the academy".
"I see", Gladys replied looking downwards. " You want to escape from the eyes of the academy? It's true the academy monitors everyone's movement even though it doesn't interfere unless if needed. You are right. The best time is after your mock exams but I won't be free during those days".
"Don't worry", I assured her. "I have got friends".
"You don't want...," Gladys mused before pausing for a while, thinking. "Well then, I have taken most of your time. You should hurry up if you still want to watch the duel".
"Right".
I changed back to my uniform before dashing out. I ran to the training hall and straight to the dueling hall. I went to the seat of the spectators and found Kofi after searching for a while
"Hey Kofi", I said waving my hand.
"Femi!", Kofi exclaimed. "Where were you?"
"I thought you would miss this", Kwami added.
"You know I wouldn't", I answered taking a seat with the group. "I had things holding me up. So..."
"Well", Annika cut me off as she fixed her eyes on the stage. "It's Aluna's turn now and you kept your promise. You didn't miss her match".
"Ife has defeated the first four already", Kwami began as he started to fill me up with what I had missed. "She's a beast, I tell you. Now, it remains Aluna's match. Look, they are about to start".
I saw Aluna moving up to the stage with her spear. Ife was there waiting with two short swords.
They stood opposite each other and waited for the instructor to signal the start of the match.
"Start".
They both moved clashing at the same time
CLANK CLANK CLANK
They both exchanged moves striking and parrying. It was like a warm up exercise. Soon ,Ife saw a clear opening and gave her a kick, sending her backward.
"She's good", I commented. "In a fight between a spear user and a short sword user, we all know spears have the advantage but even against a long range weapon, she still has the advantage".
"It's also because Aluna skills are below her",Kofi added.
"What's the skill Aluna wanted to test",I asked wanting to know.
"I don't know", Kwami answered. "She never said anything. Look she's getting serious now".
Aluna moved, increasing her speed . She thrust her spear directing it to a critical point in her torso. Ife jump, flipping in the air. She threw her sword while in the air sending it to Aluna's position. Aluna dodged at the last moment tilting to the side. A streak of blood came from her face as a small tear appeared. She touched her face, wiping the blood. Enraged,Aluna sprinted forward swinging her spear dangerously towards Ife. Ife sidestepped to the right blocking the spear with her short sword. Soon after seeing it was impossible to attack. She jumped flipping over Aluna and landing at the position of her other sword. Picking the sword up, she turned around and crossed her hand with her two swords stopping the blade of the spear from reaching her face. She then used her strength to raise her swords upwards causing Aluna's spear to move in an upward direction which led Aluna to be off balance for a second. Seeing this opening she moved with speed, sending a kick to her gut and face. This caused Aluna to spin midair before landing on the ground.
Aluna stood up using her spear to balance her weight. Her breathing was heavy and rough. After a short while, she raised her spear upwards before swinging it in an arc.
[ Mirror Images: Multiple Forms]
Different images of Aluna appeared still swinging the spear. There were about 10 of them.
That's her limit?, I pondered.
With speed, all of Aluna's clones rushed to meet Ife surrounding her even in her blind spot..
"Tch I didn't know she had this trick up her sleeve", I heard ife say from where I was. My hearing picked it up. "The others didn't force me to do this".
Ife quickly manifested a warrior stance drawing lightning all over her body.
[Lightning Stance : Dance Of A warrior]
Suddenly she moved, with lightning all over her body and on her swords in a dance format. The attack boosted her speed and she, moving unpredictably fast, defeated all the clones and the real Aluna as well. Everyone in the hall was stunned. It was like we saw a real expert move. One could hear the murmurs of people all over
" It was so fast that I couldn't see".
"Do you guys also know her technique. Moving in a dance format, interesting".
" She even used the lightening element"
"Right? Isn't lightning even rare?".
"Is she this strong?. Scary".
" I'm even surprised a element user is in class D. Even some students in class C can't even bring out their element affinity as a weapon user".
" She's still not yet at the level of B class or A class but she's a C class candidate".
"That's right", I said facing Kofi in the midst of the mummers. "What was the admission requirements of this school? How did we get placed into D class".
"Ah", Kofi sighed resting his back. "You must have forgotten. We had the theory section and the practical section where we battled with different programed puppets. It was a bit hard".
"I see", I replied looking at the stage. "It was just survival of the fittest huh. I have to go. I have training to do".
"Right", Annika said watching me leave. Don't forget our meet- up".
Leaving them, I took my attendance and started my training. I trained with guns on moving targets and that took somes hours as the targets moved at different speed. it was a bit dark when I left the training hall.As I was going back to my hostel to freshen up, a voice stopped me
"Why didn't you fight me?"
"Why should I Ife?", I replied looking in hee direction.
"You sense me following you and you didn't do anything"
"What are you implying", I asked wondering why she wanted to meet me.
"You are strong", She answered moving closer to me. "Why then didn't you fight me".
"Because I don't want too".
"What!",Ife exclaimed surprised before looking downwards. "That explains it. Ever since I saw you, I felt a presence. One that I haven't felt before. It was even higher than most of our professor".
She can sense ranks higher than her, I thought. Interesting.
"That's why I looked forward to fighting you", Ife continued. "But...."
"I don't need to fight for a chair that have no use to me", I said moving closer to her face before smiling.
"Yeah", she scoffed moving a step back. I think she was nervous. "You are right".
"Are you nervous?", I asked.
"Huh"
"Being the strongest in our class".
"I'm not even the strongest of the First years so.., she said with a low tone.
"Well with your power", I replied looking at the stars in the sky. "You can make a change to our class. Even if we're the weakest of first year,we should have something the other classes lack. That's trust and cooperation. Those two things will help us to grow stronger don't you think?"
I extended my hand and patted her on her shoulder. The wind blew while I was doing this causing her hair to sway.
"I believe you",I said smiling. "I have to go as it's getting late and I'm dirty. I'd see you later.
I left her and headed to my hostel. I wonder why she didn't reply. Maybe it's because I was in a hurry to leave so as to catch up with my group.
Anyways I wonder what the MC is doing right now.
Oh, Matilda resolve arc. Interesting.
*******
"System how strong is he?",James asked maintaining his cool and position even after seeing black fumes rising from his body.
< Incredibly strong user. It seems the potion he took increased his rank to B rank>
"Impossible!", James exclaimed as he was very surprised. "He reached that rank just by drinking a potion. I can't believe it".
Frank ran forward, reaching James in a blink of an eye. He then slammed him into the wall breaking it completely
"He is too fast and strong",James said in his mind while taking damage. Tch..I can't take him head on . I have to avoid his punch.
Moving backwards and balancing himself,he moved also with speed when he saw Frank heading towards him
[Flashy Steps First Form: Afterimages]
"Oh impressive", Frank commended chuckling. "A technique aimed to deceive me but it's too bad, I can see you".
Frank moved passing through the afterimages and reaching James who was also moving with speed,hitting him with shoulder slam causing James to tumble mid air before crashing on the floor.
"He can sense me",James pondered using the back of his left hand to rub the left side of his mouth. "No, he can see me. As expected,he is B rank after all. This is troublesome".
He took his sword and lunged forward to strike him. Frank vanished in an instant and the attack passed through slicing only the air. Suddenly James felt danger and he crossed his arms. Soon, he felt pain as Frank gave him a rear hook before giving a uppercut. James flew upward before landing on the ground.
Somehow, he's able to make me bleed, James said in his thoughts as he spat out blood. He cleaned his mouth before standing back up again. His 1 percent is enough to damage me and make me bleed. So, this is the power if B rank.
"Don't you think it unfair for me using fist in this battle?", Frank said smiling shrewdly. "Let me show you my real power".
[ Fire style : Conflagration]
A small fire appear on Frank's hand. Raising his hand up, the fire became large and disruptive. Smiling, he put his hand down slowly.
This is dangerous, James thought as he braced himself for the attack. My Revoltz technique won't work. Then I just have to defend myself.
[Earth Art: Multiple Mud Wall]
BAM BAM BAM
Different walls of mud arose from the ground blocking the attack of Frank causing large tremors and smokes underground.
"I barely made it out", James said as he managed to stand up. His clothes had been torn and burnt revealing his chest and part of his legs. Different burns were in his body as he took a deep breath. This is the power of B rank no doubt. I need to train more.
"Oh", Frank smirked. " I'm surprised you survived. It's for my benefit if I end you now, you will just be in my way in the future".
System, James called. Can I forcefully use telekinesis?
Tch... I'm on my own.
"Are you scared", Frank jeered. "That's right, if you bow and grovel at my feet I might just spare you".
I can at least inflict some serious injuries on his body,James thought as he clenched his fist. I just need to go fast.
[ Flashy Steps Third Form: Speeding Bolt]
This form allowed the user to move like a missile locked on its target. On hitting the target, the shockwave resulting from the short bust of speed is then transmitted into the target causing tremendous pain and injury.
This is the last move I could reach, James thought as he prepared himself for the next move. I won't lose.
Voooooooooommmmmmmm
He moved, cracking the ground as he advanced toward Frank. Covering himself with fire, he hit Frank like a missile or so he thought. Alas, Frank dodged the attack at the last moment causing James to only graze the side of his trunk. In that moment,Frank outstretched his hand towards James, releasing fire from his hand counteracting James's attack.
[ Fire style: Conflagration]
BAM BAM BAM
The air was filled with great smoke as fire spread round the underground. A silhouette was seen lying face down on the ground filled with wounds and bleeding profusely.
I can't move, James thought as he tried moving his body. It's the first time my regeneration can't keep up with the wound inflicted on me. My fire resistance also failed. I miscalculated as I didn't predict my opponent moves well.
Soon he heard a loud laughter interrupting his line of thoughts.
"Ha ha",Frank laughed wickedly. "Even with my increase in rank, you managed to make me use up 50 percent of my mana. Still you underestimated me. If I was still at D rank....no even C rank, I would have been wounded a lot by that last move but I'm in B rank and I will be the one to end..."
Suddenly Frank felt danger and he jumped moving backwards. He then saw a paper lying in the same spot he was. Not knowing what the paper was, he moved backwards cautiously. Not long after, the paper exploded and a large amount of acid was directed towards him.
[Fire Style: Fire Blast]
Frank sent a blast made of fire towards the acid, annulling the attack. Soon he saw a girl standing in front of James's body with both hands extended in a blocking stance.
"Oh", Frank sneered. "If you had just kept quiet and convinced your father, maybe you wouldn't die like you are about to know".
"Even if you kill me",Matilda said. "You won't get what you want".
"Ha", Frank laughed. "You make me laugh young lady. Any last words".
"R.. run",James struggled to speak as he tried his best to be conscious. "Run Matilda. Leave me".
"Prepare to die",Frank said as he raises his hand bring out fire higher than what he had brought before. "This should be enough to kill both of you".
"James",Matilda called. "You remember my promise? Of course, you can't remember. We were kids that time but I promise to save you if you were in a grave danger just as you saved me from that beast. It's a tie now".
Matilda smiled at James before tossed him out of harm's breath.
Stop Matilda,James cried inwards as he landed far away from Matilda before losing consciousness.
Matilda then faced Frank breathing deeply. She also raisws her hand to the sky bringing forth lighting.
[ Fire Style: Holocaust]
[ Lightning style: Fumes Of Destruction]
The two attack collided destroying the whole section where they were all to the surface. Different size of debris were around threatening to collapse to the ground as a huge hole was seen clearly in the dark.
"Yare yare", A man said coming out of the shadows holding both Matilda and James who were unconscious. "That was dangerous. What an interesting fight. I can't wait to see these young one grow".
"Who are you", Frank asked completely on his guard. He was hurt from the last attack and he felt threatened by the man in front of him.
"My name is Isamu Yamamoto", He said introducing himself as he stepped into the moonlight coming from the big hole made. He then placed the two teens in a safe corner before moving towards Frank. "Nice to meet you even though you have to die soon. These teens were fun. Even though you received a boost,you should have gone easy on these kids. Now because of what you did, I will end you with one move but before I do can you tell me where you got that potion?"
"Like I will tell",Frank replied scoffing.
"I thought so", Isamu said smiling. Well then...
[Mind Reading: Revelation]
"I see , that's how it's"
What did you do,Frank said angrily as he came out of the influence of Isamu's skill. He then prepared his next skill.
[Fire Style...]
He stop before coughing out blood holding his chest
"Yare yare", Isamu said taking concern. "You had used almost all your mana with that last attack since it was an high tier skill. Coupled with my mind attack, you have no mana to activate that skill. On the other hand, I have plenty".
He then moved with great speed giving different combinations of punches causing great damage to Frank .
"He's fast", frank said in surprise. "I couldn't even block or land a hit. He's on another level. What a monster. If I can..."
Reaching out to his watch, he tried to retrieve a mana potion but Isamu slashed his hand cutting it off completely before he could even retake the potion.
Taking a stance, Isamu placed his Katana in a diagonal position.
[Decapitation Style: Clean Slash]
He disappeared and appeared beside Frank. Soon enough, Frank's head separated from his body causing an instant death.
"Sate", Isamu said sheathing his Katana. "Let's get you guys to safety".
He then took the two wounded kids and vanished in the air with them.
*********************************
In a big office, a man sat on the chair reading a report brought to him. The man had a large face with a big moustache.
"Are they safe", He asked dropping the report on the table.
"Yes sir", Isamu answered who had been in front of the man while he was reading the report. "They are all right and are receiving treatment".
"I can't believe this happen", The man said, his tone indicating anger. He then adjusted his name tag which read Evan Stone; President of Hero Organization. "I thought it would have been checked and solved in Africa. Who knew it had found its way here in London".
"What are your orders regarding the mastermind making the potion?", Isamu asked waiting for an order
"Find out the scientist", Evan commanded tapping his fingers on the desk. "If you can't bring him to our side, kill him. Presuming he isn't a plus to humanity,he will end up destroying all of humanity".
"As you wish Evan-sama", Isamu replied bowing his head before disappearing.
..........
..........
"Em.... Gladys, you checked Femi's body and found out some information. Do you want to share more to us readers?"
"Hmm..... like I said, we have to find an awakening potion which is very rare but I'd leave it to him. Helping Femi might cause trouble for him. I believe that's why he didn't want me to help. Come to think of it, why should the old man give Femi a powerful skill unless.... He's either hiding something or protecting something. No, it is to protect Femi. Protect him from what...."
"Don't look at me. I am also clueless like you".
"Liar, you just don't want to say. I'd give you 5 S rank equipment if you tell me".
"No".
"3 SS rank artifact".
"No".
"1000 powerstones".
"You see, the reason is...."