Aura's eyes sparkled with interest. "An adventure, huh? You do know how to intrigue a woman."
Diaz winked. "Consider it a small token of my appreciation. So, what do you say?"
Aura pretended to ponder for a moment, then smiled. "Alright, Diaz. An adventure it is. But you better make sure it lives up to the hype."
Diaz chuckled. "I promise, you won't be disappointed."
As they walked deeper into the woods, Diaz couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. His scheme seemed to be working, and he was getting a chance to spend quality time with Aura. Little did she know that the adventure would lead to a series of humorous mishaps, unexpected discoveries, and a deepening connection between them.
As Diaz continued to converse with Aura and plan his scheme to impress her, his thoughts were occupied by a parallel agenda that he had set into motion. He had been investigating certain matters using his unique skills, and he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss within the sanctuary.
His mind raced as he considered the pieces of the puzzle he had gathered. He had made a discreet mark on Gordon and Gorlan, using his wind skill "Attachment" to track their movements and hear their conversations. The skill's utility in gathering information was a remnant of his days as an underground boss, and it proved to be incredibly useful in his current situation.
Diaz's expression remained composed as he listened to the sound carried by the wind, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He had always been meticulous in his approach, and his skills allowed him to be several steps ahead of his targets.
To his surprise, the whispers carried by the wind revealed a startling revelation. Gorlan, the seemingly loyal guardian, was an insider—a pawn of the very organization Diaz had been investigating, the Obsidian Order. The purpose of his presence became clear: to monitor Aura's movements and gather valuable information for the Order's sinister plans.
Diaz's eyes narrowed as he listened to the conversation unfold. Gorlan had been tasked with a significant mission—to steal the core of the sanctuary. The core held the power to stimulate life within the forest, making it an invaluable artifact. Diaz's mind whirred with possibilities as he absorbed this information.
'So, Gorlan is the insider tasked with stealing the core,' Diaz mused to himself, his fingers absently tapping against his thigh. He was impressed by the Order's cunning strategy to infiltrate even the sanctuary—a place of tranquility and protection.
As the conversation between gorlan and the order via Gem Comunication continued, Diaz learned that Gorlan had already discovered the core's location through manipulation. He had taken advantage of Gordon's while he drunk to extract the secret. Diaz couldn't help but admire the audacity of the plan.' Such a weak captain you have there aura-nee'.
His lips curled into a subtle smirk as he considered his next move. He had already set his own arrangements in motion, ensuring that Gorlan wouldn't escape his grasp tonight. The satisfaction of foiling the Order's plans and exposing their insider was tantalizing.
However, Diaz's intrigue didn't stop there. His eyes glinted with determination as he contemplated the potential gains from stealing the core for himself. The allure of its power was irresistible, and he envisioned using it for his own purposes. But first, he needed to ensure that Gorlan's theft proceeded according to plan.
Diaz's thoughts turned to the artifact he had prepared—a device that would temporarily immobilize Aura, preventing her from intervening in Gorlan's theft. It was a calculated move, designed to create chaos and confusion while he executed his schemes. 'gorlan will activate a transportation talisman to transport the item with him', but as long as I remembered, the talisman can be used directly if only 1 object being transferred, but it's different with 2 object or more, it's need a time activation, 1 minutes to prepare, to bring them out, and how come, aura will let him success, the moment he stole the core, aura will get noticed, and not only I will not hindering you, I also will help you steal the core, gorlan. 'the order is cunning, he brainwashed gorlan and make him do suicide mission, the order maybe only want the core and leave gorlan alone, or gorlan will be killed with some skill or curse planted within him' Diaz Speculated the cunning of the order
Heavenly Artifact- 'Stasis Shard'
The "Stasis Shard" is a rare and enigmatic artifact that holds within it the power to momentarily immobilize even the strongest of individuals. Crafted with meticulous precision, the shard radiates an otherworldly glow, casting an aura of subdued energy. When activated, a mere touch of the shard's smooth surface unleashes a surge of ancient magic, creating a field of temporal stasis around the target.
In that fleeting moment, time itself seems to pause, rendering the formidable unable to move, react, or respond. It's as if the world holds its breath, awaiting the release of its captive. The Stasis Shard's effect is temporary, lasting only for a brief span that feels like an eternity for those ensnared within its grasp.
Legends speak of its origins being intertwined with a forgotten age, when it was crafted by a reclusive sorcerer women once again being tricked by a young dragon emperor to restrain some strong women to be seduce. Its power, while extraordinary, is said to be rooted in the preservation of equilibrium, a reminder that even the mightiest must yield to the natural flow of time. And once again a young dragon girl saved the day and steal the artifact (Dragon Emperor: now that's personal)
"Artifact in place, and the stage is set," Diaz murmured, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and satisfaction. The intricate web of his plans was weaving together, each thread contributing to a tapestry of intrigue.
A dark chuckle escaped him as he contemplated the culmination of his schemes. Once Gorlan had stolen the core, Diaz would seize it from him, leaving no trace of his involvement. And to add the final touch, he would deftly redirect the blame onto Gorlan, turning the Obsidian Order's own pawn against them.
As Diaz's eyes scanned the serene surroundings of the sanctuary, he couldn't help but feel a rush of exhilaration. The night was filled with the promise of excitement and revelation, and he was determined to make the most of it. The events that would unfold tonight were just the beginning of a grand orchestration—one that would expose the truth, test his abilities, and shape the destiny of those around him.
With his schemes in place and his objectives clear, Diaz's mind was focused on the impending drama. The wind whispered secrets to him, carrying with it the promise of change and transformation. The sanctuary's tranquility was about to be shattered, giving way to a cascade of events that would forever alter the course of their lives.
As their conversation flowed, Diaz skillfully interjected anecdotes that tugged at her heartstrings. He spoke of his own experiences, masterfully molding them to mirror Aura's adventures. He mirrored her emotions and aspirations, allowing a connection to flourish between them, albeit one that he knew was based on artful deception.
Aura's laughter rang out in the moonlit room, her guard seemingly lowered as Diaz shared an amusing anecdote about his supposed mishaps. Unbeknownst to her, every word he spoke was calculated, designed to elicit warmth and familiarity. Diaz skillfully wove humor into his tales, drawing genuine smiles from Aura's lips as their conversation deepened.
Yet, amidst the laughter and shared moments, Diaz's mind remained focused on his true objective—the core of the sanctuary. His scheme had multiple layers, and as the conversation flowed, he discreetly hinted at a matter that required her attention, all while maintaining an air of innocence.
"You know, Aura-nee," Diaz remarked, his tone casual, "sometimes, secrets are hidden in plain sight. Even the most well-protected places can have unexpected vulnerabilities."
Aura's expression shifted subtly, a glint of intrigue sparking in her eyes. She regarded Diaz with a newfound interest, sensing that his words held a deeper meaning. "Vulnerabilities?"
Diaz's smile was enigmatic, his gaze locking onto hers. "Yes, vulnerabilities that can stem from unexpected sources—a misplaced trust, perhaps, or an insider who knows where to strike."
Her intuition sharpened, Aura's gaze never leaving his face. Diaz's words had struck a chord, resonating with an inkling that had been lurking at the back of her mind. She pondered his words, considering the implications of his cryptic message.
"Insider..." Aura murmured softly, more to herself than to Diaz.
He offered a nonchalant shrug, as if he had merely voiced a passing thought. "Just something to think about, Aura-nee. Sometimes, in the pursuit of protection, we forget that danger can come from unexpected quarters."
A silence settled between them, pregnant with unspoken understanding. Aura's thoughts raced as the puzzle pieces clicked into place, revealing a hidden truth that had eluded her. Diaz's words had offered a revelation—one that she knew she couldn't ignore.
With a subtle nod, she met Diaz's gaze with newfound determination. "Thank you for the reminder, Diaz. You've given me something important to consider."
Diaz's smile held a touch of mystery, his eyes dancing with a glint of mischief. "My pleasure, Aura-nee. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can unveil the hidden threads of the tapestry."
With a parting nod, Diaz left the room, his mind abuzz with the details of his scheme. As the moonlight continued to cast its gentle glow, he couldn't help but marvel at the complexity of his web of deception—one that would soon challenge not only his skills but also the very essence of the sanctuary itself.
Author Note:
Volume one is about to conclude (Chapter 25 to 30), I apologize for the numerous fillers and seemingly unimportant information, but these fillers are crucial for the upcoming storyline. However, I assure you that Volume 2, "Academy Arch," will be more engaging with even more intricate scheming, of course.
Please consider adding this story to your library, and your support/Stone power will be greatly appreciated.
See you soon!