"I agree," the guy with dark skin spoke for the first time. "I doubt he is heading to where the other rank 6 sorcerers are like he claimed. During our battle with the mutants, I managed to attach one of my shadow servants to him, giving me insight into his current trajectory. However, there's a limitation – if he ventures beyond a 3-mile radius from my position, I'll lose my connection to the shadow."
The young woman instinctively scrutinized her form and shadow, searching for any concealed attachments. She furrowed her brow and confronted the man with a question,
"Did you attach one to me as well?"
The guy responded with a nonchalant shrug, "Who knows?"
Her anger intensified, and she raised her hands, summoning her elemental power into her palms. Recognizing the escalating tension, Aei swiftly bridged the distance between them, positioning himself between the two potential combatants.
"Now is not the time for this," he intervened with his ever-calm expression. "If that sorcerer decides to flee, it could spell the end of our secrets getting out. I cannot afford the Order targeting me. I'm going to confront him immediately. If you still wish to act childishly, you're free to do so," he declared in a resolute but calm tone.
With that, he began his pursuit of the rank 6 sorcerer.
The black guy joined Aei in chasing after the rank 6 sorcerer. " I was right", he said. " Just now he changed directions. He seems to be heading in the direction we traveled from, The Central Station."
The girl swiftly joined the other two in the pursuit.
...
Wen Li, feeling the weight of his unease, hurriedly made his way toward where the two rank 6 sorcerers were fighting the mutant. His mind was racing, contemplating the implications of his discovery about Aei, the Black guy, and the girl. He couldn't shake off the feeling that they would try silence because he found out about their secrets.
He turned his head and realized that the three were pursuing him."Shit! They are really coming to kill me", he said in anguish and increased his speed. The three continued to chase no matter how he increased his speed.
Realizing that they would sooner or later catch up to him, Wen Li stopped abruptly, he quickly gathered his focus and summoned his spells. Energy crackled around his fingertips as he conjured powerful projectiles to launch at his pursuers. With swift motions, he sent the projectiles hurtling toward the three chasing him.
The projectiles soared through the air, aiming directly at his assailants. But to Wen Li's surprise, they effortlessly deflected his attacks with their abilities. The three displayed their skills and experience, countering his projectiles with precision.
Realizing that his initial attack wasn't enough to deter them, Wen Li knew he had to come up with a different plan. He swiftly analyzed the situation, searching for any advantages he could exploit. Spotting a nearby alley, he made a split-second decision and dashed into it, hoping to lose his pursuers in the labyrinthine streets.
As he weaved through the narrow paths, Wen Li's mind raced again, trying to piece together the puzzle of Aei, the Black guy, and the girl. His discovery had unsettled him, but he knew he couldn't afford to dwell on it at that moment. Survival took precedence.
Wen Li's heart pounded in his chest as he glanced back, confirming that the three were still hot on his trail. Determined to shake them off, he pushed his body to its limits, maneuvering through alleyways and leaping over obstacles, using his knowledge of the city to his advantage.
Though his pursuers were relentless, Wen Li's agility and resourcefulness allowed him to maintain a slight lead. He knew, however, that it was only a matter of time before they closed in on him. Desperation fueled his determination as he sought a way to turn the tables and escape their clutches.
As he continued to navigate the intricate maze of streets, an idea sparked in Wen Li's mind. He recalled a hidden passage he had stumbled upon during one of his missions—a secret tunnel system that connected different parts of the city. If he could reach it, he might find a means of escape.
With a surge of hope, he altered his course, heading toward the entrance he remembered. The pursuit grew more intense as the three closed in, their relentless determination evident in their pursuit. But Wen Li remained focused, his mind fixed on the goal of reaching the secret tunnel.
Finally, he reached the concealed entrance, concealed beneath a pile of discarded crates. Without hesitation, Wen Li plunged into the darkness, the sound of his pursuers echoing behind him. As he ventured deeper into the underground passages, he hoped he had given them the slip.
Breathing heavily, Wen Li slowed his pace, allowing himself a moment to gather his thoughts. He knew he couldn't stay in the tunnels for long, as they were likely to be discovered eventually. But for now, he had bought himself some time and a temporary respite from his relentless pursuers.
Unfortunately for him, he had the black guy's shadow servant still latched onto him, effectively showing the black guy his exact location.
After a few minutes, the three caught up to him and a fascinating battle began.
Wen Li summoned his spells and began hurtling projectiles on the three.
"Eat this! You sneaky little piece shits!" he shouted in frustration.
Amidst the chaotic backdrop of their chase, the confrontation between the trio and the rank 6 sorcerer unfolded in a dazzling display of magical prowess.
Aei immediately paused and summoned his seals with graceful precision. These intricate, glowing symbols spun in the air before her, each one pulsating with energy.
With a swift motion of his hand, he hurled the first seal toward the sorcerer's magic projectile. The remaining two hurtled through the air with remarkable speed, aiming to strike their target with devastating force.
The girl brought her elemental flames into play. With a fervent cry, she ignited her palms, conjuring a swirling vortex of fire. Flames danced and roared at her command, forming a protective barrier around her. As the sorcerer launched his projectiles, they met the wall of flames, extinguishing harmlessly against the searing inferno.
The black guy, a master of shadows, melded seamlessly into the dim, inky haze he summoned around himself, rendering him elusive and unpredictable.
The sorcerer's projectiles often found nothing but fleeting shadows as they passed through the space where he once stood. From within the darkness, he launched counterattacks, sending shadowy tendrils to ensnare and hinder the sorcerer's movements.
And just like that, their battle continued in the tunnel.
Wen Li exhibited exceptional control over his magical projectiles. He cast intricate spells, each one manifesting as a gleaming bolt of energy. These projectiles crackled with power as they streaked through the air, seeking their targets with unerring accuracy. He shifted between offense and defense, using protective barriers to deflect Aei's seals and launching devastating attacks against the others.
The battleground became a whirlwind of spells and abilities, with the trio relentlessly pressing their advantage. Aei's seals collided with explosive impact, sending shockwaves through the area. The young woman's elemental flames surged and swirled, creating waves of scorching heat. The dark-skinned man's shadowy tendrils coiled around the sorcerer, disrupting his aim and sapping his strength.
As the battle raged on, Wen Li began to realize that he was losing ground, his star energy reserves were dwindling at an alarming rate. Desperation crossed his face, and he shouted out to his assailants, "Wait! I have valuable information about the true reason behind the arcane reversal. I'll share it with you if you promise to let me go!"
As the battle raged on, the rank 6 sorcerer began to realize that he was losing ground. Desperation crossed his face, and he shouted out to his assailants, "Wait! I have valuable information about the true reason behind the arcane reversal. I'll share it with you if you promise to let me go!"
The three abruptly paused, each one exhibiting different reactions. The black guy's eyes gleamed coldly and Aei's face was marred with obvious surprise. The girl narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "The true reason behind the Arcane Reversal?", she asked with a mix of surprise and confusion.
"Yes. The true reason.", he said with a frustrated sigh while remaining on guard.
"Wait so you lied to everyone before?", she asked, her face contorted in anger.
"Yes-No-I mean technically yes but that was what I have been ordered by the Order to tell you. In fact, I also believed it was just an accident that those black and white pillars of light appeared changed this world till recently. I swear I'm telling the truth!", he hurriedly cleared himself before the girl could hurtle the flame she was summoning in her palm.
"Even if there is an actual reason behind the Arcane Reversal like you claim, there still remains the question; Why should we believe you?", Aei hurriedly intervened.
Wen Li, his resolve unwavering, continued, "Because the truth I hold is a powerful weapon. With it, you can change the course of events and reshape the balance of power in our world. But you need me alive to wield that weapon effectively."