Back at the academy, within the walls of a stunning ancient mansion, a few individuals stood, injured and supporting each other, facing Gabriel. As he sat regally behind his desk, savoring a sip of tea.
Gabriel placed down his tea then leaned forward, his gaze piercing through the air "Say, who destroyed Brother Bai's Nexus core," he demanded.
One of the injured Nexarc across the table shifted uneasily, as if he sensed the coldness behind Gabriel's words. "I... I don't know," he stammered.
Gabriel's eyes narrowed, his gaze growing colder. "You don't know? That's not an acceptable answer," he stated firmly.
A tense silence filled the room as Gabriel's gaze bore down on the Nexarc before him. "I'll give you one last chance to tell me the truth," he said with his voice low "If not I'm sure you know the consequences."
The atmosphere in the room felt heavy with tension as Gabriel's intense gaze seemed to pierce through each person present. Finally, one nexarc unable to withstand the pressure any longer, gathered the courage to speak up.
"M-Master," he began,, his words instantly faltering as he struggled to meet Gabriel's eyes directly. "In the Enigma Grove, we encountered a Nexus adept. Senior John and the others were easy beaten by him unconsciousness ," he recounted "And when we awoke, Boss Bai's core was passed out and his core was destroyed. W-We suspect it must have been that Nexus adept who defeated us," he admitted.
Gabriel's expression remained stoic as he processed the information, questioning in his mind who can really defeated his men like that four nexus spirt and one magi not a lot of people can do that in the grove. "Did you find out who that person was before coming here"
"Y-Yes master his name is Lennox I also heard he a friend of Kira and Theo" The nexarc said.
Gabriel's voice cut through the air like a knife "Lennox," he began with his fist clenched tightly on his desk. "So, he's still alive. Last time Alexander failed, I thought maybe he had caused permanent damage. But he's still out and about."
Gabriel's gaze shifted to the side of the room, where a man dressed in light leather and iron-brown armor sat in a lotus position, a calm demeanor surrounding him despite but a powerful Nex emanating from his body with each breath.
"Wyatt, you go deal with Lennox," Gabriel ordered. "Last time Alexander failed me, and I don't need another failure right now."
Wyatt nodded in silent acknowledgment, his expression impassive as he rose from his meditative position. Without a word, he strode purposefully out of the room. Gabriel watched him go, his gaze unwavering and cold, leaving no room for doubt that failure was not an option thid time he knew that Lennox was surely dead this time.
"You can go now," Gabriel's voice cut through the tense silence, prompting all the Nexarcs to nod weakly, with relief washing over them as they quickly turned to leave, fearing the repercussions of lingering under Gabriel's watchful gaze because he might quickly change his mind.
As they made their way towards the exit, a sudden command from Gabriel froze them in their tracks. "Wait!" His voice rang out, causing them to shiver involuntarily as they slowly turned back to face him.
"Y-Yes, Master?" one Nexarc stammered, their voice barely above a whisper.
"Make sure to kill Bai. He has no more use to me," Gabriel stated matter-of-factly, before nonchalantly returning to his tea.
"Yes, Master," All the Nexarcs replied. A sense of sorrow tugged at their conscience for their brother Bai, but the instinct for self-preservation outweighed any sentimentality. They knew better than to question Gabriel's orders; survival in the world of the Nexarc demanded unwavering loyalty and obedience, even at the cost of one's own moral.
...
Walking through the forest, Lennox walk heavily, his body still bearing the wounds from the lightning-tiger encounter. His health had taken a turn for the worse, deteriorating gradually as he faced off against various creatures in pursuit of finally completing his tasks. Now, with his injuries weighing him down, he made his way straight back to the portal leading to the academy. Most of his wounds had begun to heal, but the smaller ones remained.
While walking, regret started to fill his mind, particularly his decision to trust Ayame. He had hoped for some benefit from saving her, but he now realized the stupidity of his assumption. In his experience, most powerful and affluent families like Ayame's cared little for others, their self-interest overshadowing any sense of unselfishness.
The betrayal stung deep, fueling a simmering anger that manifested in his interactions with the creatures he hunted. Trust was a rare commodity for Lennox, something that further reinforced by his Emberflare eyes. He knew all too well the dangers of revealing too much of himself to others, as there were always those willing to exploit his eyes maybe even kill him even he did some good in the world.
As thoughts of revenge against Ayame gnawed at him, Lennox felt solitude. Enemies surrounded him, and he lacked any true allies, only enemies he didn't need and gained on his own accord.
Finally reaching the portal, Lennox a scene of relief washed over him but them he paused, his perception felt multiple nexus energies swirling around him. Among them, he detected the presence of Nexus Spirit ranks but there was something stronger,
"Why are you hiding?" Lennox's voice echoed around him. "Come out! Only mice hide. Are you a mouse?" he taunted.
'I don't need another fight right now. I'm too hurt for this,' Lennox thought to himself. 'Also, who could possibly send them after me?'
Lennox's senses sharpened as his muscles tensing in preparation for the possibly of any attack. Four Nexus Spirits came out, accompanied by a Rank 5 Nexus Origin who was Wyatt.
"Lennox, you've kept us waiting," one of the Nexus Spirits taunted. "Now, we'll make sure your suffering surpasses even death itself."
Lennox's gaze swept over the nexarcs, his mind racing as he tried thinking out a plan to turn the tide in his favor.
"And what, may I ask, have I done to deserve such attention?" Lennox responded. "Remind me who sent you here."
Wyatt, presence looming ominously, finally spoke, his mouth releasing wisp of smoke from it.
"Master Gabriel has tasked us with ending your life," he murmured. "But...unless you agree to one of two options."
Lennox's mind whirled with suspicion. Gabriel's motives remained shrouded in mystery everytime he uncounted anything with Gabriel, but Lennox couldn't shake the feeling that Kira and Theo were at the heart of the matter.
"What are these choices?" Lennox inquired.
"You either surrender obediently or stay away from Kira and Theo," Wyatt stated, his fiery gaze locking onto releasing Nex ."If not, I won't hesitate to end you.". The force of the Wyatt Nex sent Lennox staggering backward,
"I won't abandon them," Lennox declared. "There's a rivalry between Kira, Theo, Gabriel, and Lysandra, and I won't be coerced into forsaking my allies." he finally realized why Gabriel wanted him away from them.
Wyatt response was a resigned sigh, accompanied by a billowing plume of brown smoke. "Your potential is undeniable ever since joining the academy now. Defeating Junior Bai showcased your prowess that yo can possibly be a Peerless Genius ," he conceded. "But you lack the discernment to distinguish between right and wrong caused your death..."
...
In the world of Nexus Talent, Nexarcs are categorized into five types: Ordinary, Genius, Peerless Genius, Evildoer, Heavenly, and Peerless Saint. The Grade of a Nexarc Warrior is determined by their Nexus Talent, which measures how swiftly and efficiently they can absorb nexus energy. Even the ability to harness nexus energy directly influences their combat prowess and overall strength.
When a Nexus Spirit faces off against a Nexus Magi, their battle prowess is not solely determined by skill but also by the absolute disparity in their boundaries. The rank of a warrior plays a crucial role as it reflects the amount of nexus energy they possess within them.
Jumping ranks is a testament to true Nexus talent, relying on factors such as bloodline, perception, nexus energy, and combat prowess. A fighting genius may excel within their own boundary but may struggle with nexus growth speed, ,bloodline limiting their overall potential.
True Nexus Geniuses, like Peerless Geniuses, possess the ability to jump ranks in combat, earning them the title of combat geniuses within their bloodline category. Those who can consistently challenge higher-ranking Nexarcs are known as Evildoer talents, particularly in higher realms.
...
As Wyatt signaled to the four Nexus Magi, Lennox realized his only option was to flee. Unable to take on all of them, he slammed his feet down deploying his Scorching Mirror Maze, trapping the Nexus Magi momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, Lennox sprinted towards the portal at full speed he never moved before.
But behind him, he heard a thunderous impact and sensed Wyatt Nex approaching rapidly as he destroyed his Scorching Mirror Maze easily. Then transforming into a cloud of smoke, he closed in on Lennox with a astonishing speed, far surpassing any speed he had encountered before.
'To Fast!' Lennox thought, raising his Fire Cloak as a last resort. But the Wyatt dagger pierced through the cloak, slicing Lennox's neck just as he disappeared through the portal, narrowly escaping.
Upon realizing Lennox's escape, Wyatt turned to the Nexus Magi, issuing orders to pursue him through the portal. Despite their efforts searching around constantly and asking, Lennox was nowhere to be found on the other side.
"He's already escaped."
"Master Gabriel won't be pleased."
"We needn't worry too much. He won't elude the boss Wyatt for long, ."