Chapter 10: Veils of Deception
As the group of ten adventurers ventured through the thick jungle, they chanced upon a small and unfamiliar structure. One of them swiftly alerted their leader, proclaiming, "Hey, boss. You might want to see this. There's some sort of building up there."
The leader paused, his mind racing with thoughts. "What secrets could this remote jungle hide? Could there be resilient inhabitants enduring these harsh conditions? For now, let's maintain our distance and avoid unnecessary engagement."
"Note its location on the map," the leader directed, "but let us press on. If there are people residing here, we must respect their habitat. Nonetheless, we must exercise caution, for they might have already discovered this place before us."
As worry etched across the leader's mind, he couldn't help but hope that the notorious Shadow and Tiger schools wouldn't stumble upon the unknown structure. Renowned for their reckless behavior and propensity to pillage everything in their path, their presence would only complicate matters.
Acknowledging the leader's concerns, a team member swiftly responded, "Understood, the location has been marked on the map."
Guided by a young and radiant boy with piercing blue eyes and striking golden irises, the group, adorned with sun emblems on their chests, boasted an exceptional leader. Despite his youthful appearance, no older than fifteen years, his slender and unassuming frame belied his true strength. He held the remarkable distinction of being the youngest peak foundation rank in the past century, a testament to his extraordinary abilities.
What truly set him apart as a leader of his generation was not only his unwavering determination and clear objectives but also his humble attitude towards both his rivals and elders. However, it was his awakened power of telekinesis that truly defined his prowess. While telekinesis had become a commonplace ability in recent times, his awakening granted him a unique advantage—unparalleled manipulation of matter, even behind formidable mana barriers. Such a feat was previously deemed impossible before reaching the moon rank. This extraordinary capability further elevated his status among his peers, evoking both reverence and awe.
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[Back to Ethan]
As Ethan turned around, preparing to make his way back with his grandfather by the following day, a bright smile adorned his face. With his awakening and newfound abilities, he had set a clear goal for himself. Determined to uncover the true motives of his father and restore his family's name, Ethan refused to lead a life on the run, constantly in hiding. He yearned for strength, recognizing its paramount importance in his journey.
There was an indescribable feeling within him, a deep-seated conviction that strength held the key to his destiny. Perhaps subconsciously, he recalled the life he had led with his father, sensing that there was more to the story than met the eye. The memories lingered in his subconscious, hinting at the true reasons why his father had relinquished control over their lives.
Reflecting on his past, Ethan realized the stark contrast between the first nine years of his life, spent in what could only be described as a laboratory-like existence within confined walls, and the subsequent years living with his sister and grandfather in the remote jungle, far removed from society's grasp.
With determination in his heart and the weight of his family's legacy on his shoulders, Ethan embarked on a path of self-discovery and uncovering the truth, knowing that his journey would require unwavering strength, both physically and emotionally.
As Ethan made his way through the dense jungle, he couldn't help but notice an unusually high number of birds flying in his direction. This sight puzzled him, as he had rarely encountered such a gathering of regular birds in the past years spent exploring the jungle with his grandfather and sister. Curiosity piqued, he quickened his pace, sprinting through the foliage for about ten minutes.
Suddenly, he heard a distinct yet unfamiliar sound cutting through the air. It was the unmistakable clash of swords, but it differed from the controlled clashes he had heard during training sessions with his sister and grandfather. This was a clash filled with unrestrained intensity, a direct confrontation with the intent to overpower. What perplexed him even more was the presence of multiple swords engaged in the battle.
As confusion swirled within him, a deep unease settled. The shadows on the ground seemed to darken, and he could sense the faint but unmistakable flow of mana coursing through the earth. Something formidable was unfolding before him, shrouded in mystery and danger.
As Ethan neared the group with caution, he hid himself behind the bushes, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. He watched the fierce battle unfold before him, the clash of swords resonating through the air. It was a chaotic scene, with combatants engaged in a relentless struggle, their movements fueled by determination and the pursuit of their respective goals.
The fight raged on for what seemed like an eternity, but eventually, one member of the group, adorned with an eagle emblem on their chest, was forced to retreat. Suddenly, reinforcements arrived from both sides, and the confrontation escalated, now involving a larger number of combatants. The clash of weapons and the flurry of intense exchanges echoed through the jungle.
From his concealed vantage point, Ethan observed the unfolding drama with bated breath. His senses were on high alert, attuned to every detail of the spectacle. The weight of the moment, the significance of the clash, and the unknown motives of the shadow school left him intrigued and wary.
As the tension mounted, a figure among the group, exuding the power of a high foundation rank, raised his hand and called out with authority. His voice boomed above the cacophony of battle, demanding answers. "What's going on here? Aren't we supposed to be focusing on finding that dungeon?"
Ethan absorbed the words, his mind racing to make sense of the unfolding situation. The intensity of the confrontation, the clash of powers, and the presence of different factions ignited a burning curiosity within him. He yearned to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic encounter and the motives that propelled these warriors into conflict.
"Hahahahahahahahahaha," a sinister laughter resounded through the forest, sending chills down Ethan's spine. The sudden eruption of malevolent amusement shattered the tense atmosphere, adding an eerie layer of uncertainty to the already chaotic scene. Ethan's heart skipped a beat as he strained to identify the source of the chilling laughter. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end, and a shiver ran down his spine. Who could be lurking in the shadows, reveling in the chaos and adding a sinister twist to the unfolding confrontation?
The laughter seemed to hang in the air, casting an ominous veil over the jungle. It was a sound that echoed with a sense of foreboding, suggesting that a dark presence lingered, hidden and observing the clash between the warring factions. Ethan's mind raced, his thoughts entangled in a web of questions and unease. Who was behind this disturbing laughter? What were their intentions? And how would this unforeseen twist impact the already precarious situation?
Just when Ethan thought he would be caught, the apparent leader of the group with an eagle emblem on his chest exclaimed, "Stop trying to scare us with such stupid methods. It's not like I don't know you, Eric of the shadows. You can stop multiplying your sound through mana in the shadows. This is childish and once again shows me how immature you are. So just answer my question!"
"Hahaha," Eric started laughing again. Then the same voice continued, "Don't act stupid. Our schools have always been on the edge of each other. By stopping you from moving forward, we will still be able to find the portal before you. And the fact that speed is not your forte makes it much easier for us to hold you back and enter the dungeon before you." The voice took on a taunting tone, saying, "And I don't understand why you're trying to keep the village-like place a secret from us. It's not like you can hide anything from a shadow. Hahahaha-."
Eric stopped his laughter at this instant and swiftly threw a needle-like object at Ethan. The projectile whizzed through the air, aimed with deadly precision. At this critical moment, Ethan's instincts kicked in. His training and honed reflexes allowed him to react with lightning speed. His senses heightened, he expertly dodged the incoming object by a hair's breadth, evading the potential danger with incredible composure.
However, as Ethan prepared to flee, he realized it was already too late. He found himself surrounded by ten individuals donning completely black outfits, their chests adorned with emblems darker than the blackest void. The sight of the emblem sent an unsettling shiver down his spine, as if staring into a deep abyss of nothingness.
The leader of the group fixed a vicious gaze upon Ethan and demanded answers with an air of hostility. "How were you able to stand among us without being recognized? Which school are you from, and why are you not wearing the uniform?" Eric's voice dripped with venomous intent.
Fear gripped Ethan's heart, for he had never been prepared for a situation like this. He felt overwhelmed, unsure of how to respond, as he pondered the harsh reality of the outside world. Just as he struggled to find words, another group with a sun emblem on their chests arrived, immediately dismissing the situation.
"He's with us," said the youthful leader of the group with the sun emblem.
Eric's pupils constricted as he locked eyes with the newcomer, displaying a predatory intensity. "Is this so?" he sneered. "It doesn't appear that way to me, as he is not wearing the school uniform. And the boy grew highly agitated when I mentioned the village-like place in the forest. It seems you're trying to protect him, as you always do with strangers, my dear younger brother, Henry."
Ethan grasped the intention behind Henry's actions and chose to remain silent, aware of the fragile balance between these conflicting forces.
Suddenly, Ethan felt a myriad of different mana energies scanning him from head to toe, causing an extreme discomfort. It was as if invisible eyes were scrutinizing every inch of his being. In response, Henry spoke up, addressing the situation. "As you have already sensed, he is a newly awakened individual. Eager to witness the appearance of a special portal, he ventured into this dungeon, only to get lost amidst the irregularities of this jungle."
Henry locked eyes with Ethan, a brief expression of deep frown and confusion crossing his face. Though it flashed by in an instant, Ethan's keen intellect allowed him to decipher its meaning. Before he could contemplate further, one of the individuals with the dark emblem whispered something into Eric's ear. The effect was immediate as Eric erupted into laughter once again, louder and more sinister than before. "Hahahahahahaha! And here I thought you would be forthright and honest, Henry. I shall release him and order my people to withdraw, but answer me one question. You both must speak at the same time. What is this boy's name? Hihihihi!"