The aftermath of the battle left the cave in a state of eerie calm. Elara cautiously approached Lucius, who was struggling to regain control of his own body. The malevolent being that had possessed him, known as Doomsday, seemed weakened but defiant. As Elara watched over Lucius, a sudden presence interrupted the silence. A figure emerged from the shadows, exuding an air of calculated confidence. His presence was imposing, reminiscent of a tactician assessing a battlefield. This was no ordinary man; he carried an aura of authority and power that demanded attention.
"Ah, Doomsday," the newcomer spoke smoothly, his voice carrying an undertone of intrigue. "Impressive display. You've certainly caused quite a stir."
Doomsday, though visibly weakened, straightened within Lucius's body, his eyes narrowing at the newcomer. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice a raspy echo of the power he once wielded.
The man's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I am Nezia," he introduced himself calmly, his presence unruffled by the tension in the cave. "And I believe we have matters to discuss. You see, I was the one who sent the Wyvern here."
At the mention of this, Elara and Lucius were shocked. "I knew it had to be someone's doing," Doomsday said after a moment of thought. "There's no way a Tier 5 creature would be in a Tier 2 mana vein. It just doesn't make sense. The amount of mana here isn't sufficient for it."
"That's correct," Nezia said calmly. "I sent it here after I spared its life. I wanted it to be the catalyst that enabled our young prince Lucius there to awaken you."
Doomsday's eyes narrowed. "And why would you do that?"
Nezia's smile grew wider. "So I could finally be able to absorb you and further my plans. I have waited a long time for this. Now, I will kill you and absorb your power. Are you ready to die?"
A cold laugh echoed through the cave. "So, you think you have the power to kill me? The boy's body may be weak, but a weak human like you stands no chance against me," Doomsday sneered menacingly.
Before Doomsday could finish laughing, a cold aura swept through the entire mana vein, knocking every student unconscious. Even Doomsday struggled to stand, his weakened state evident. "I heard Doomsday was a proud being, and it seems the rumors were correct. But, you see, I am not just a human. I am a Tier 6 human, far stronger than the humans you remember," Nezia said, his eyes gleaming with confidence.
As Nezia condensed two mana balls, Doomsday felt a surge of energy, but it was no match for Nezia's strength. Despite his efforts, Doomsday's attacks were futile, and he grew tired with each passing moment. Lucius, still struggling to regain control of his body, realized the futility of their situation.
"Brat, this man is extremely strong. You know you don't stand a chance against him, even if you take back control of your body. What's going to happen? You'll still get killed. So, just let me deal with him. I'm your only chance," Doomsday said, his voice laced with desperation.
Lucius hesitated, and Nezia took advantage of the momentary distraction. "Oh, I thought the legendary Doomsday would be stronger. What a disappointment. Maybe I don't even need to take your power from you. If this is all you have, then it's a useless power to have," Nezia taunted, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Doomsday, unfazed by the jabs, analyzed the fight, his mind racing with strategies. He had fought countless battles,In the past he had once lost a battle, and then emerged victorious every time after that. It wasn't just strength that had won him those battles, but also his intelligence and calmness in the face of adversity.
Just as Doomsday was thinking, Nezia struck, landing a blow to his gut that sent him crashing to the ground. "That was boring. The great Doomsday didn't live up to his name at all. I guess it really sucks to meet your hero," Nezia said, his voice dripping with disdain.
As Nezia approached Lucius, Doomsday burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the cave. "Who cares if you're stronger? Who cares if you won this fight? I can just blow up this entire planet, and you'll die because humans can't breathe in the vacuum of space. The boy will survive because he has my energy in him. You have lost, Nezia."
"Is that so? You think destroying the planet will save you from being killed? And here I thought you were smart. You may be able to destroy the planet, but it would easily rejuvenate itself if any part of it is destroyed. Humans have undergone lots of evolution, and so has the planet we live on. It's now stronger than it was before. You're currently in a weakened state and lack the power to do this. And even if you did, who says I'll let you?" Nezia sneered, immediately kicking Doomsday in the head.
As Nezia charged up a blast to kill Lucius and obtain Doomsday's power, a man appeared out of nowhere, blocking the attack. He looked no older than 30, with brown skin, golden eyes, and long, well-kept black hair.
"So, it's you, Nezia Lelo. You attacked the mana vein. I knew something was wrong when I sensed my students energy weaken, but I didn't think it was you," the man said, his eyes narrowing.
The man was none other than Lewis, the legendary Tier 6 mage who had sent the class on the expedition. "The legendary Lewis Hogg... the chances of you getting here in time were extremely low. I'm almost shocked that you were able to get here to save your precious student. That almost shocked me," Nezia said, his eyes gleaming with disdain.
Lewis Hogg, his long black hair messy and his golden eyes gleaming with a hint of sleep deprivation, stumbled into the cave, his eyes scanning the scene before him. "What in the world...?"
Elara, her eyes wide with worry, rushed to his side. "Lewis! Thank goodness you're here,a wyvern attacked us then Lucius turned into something strange and killed the wyvern then Nezia attacked the mana vein and-"
Lewis held up a hand, his eyes fixed on Nezia. "I know, I know. I sensed it. That guy's like a dark cloud on a sunny day, always causing trouble."
Nezia's eyes narrowed. "Lewis Hogg. I should have known you'd show up eventually. You're like a bad penny, always turning up at the worst times."
Lewis yawned, his eyes never leaving Nezia's face. "Hey, someone's got to keep you in check, Nezia. And it might as well be me."
Elara's eyes flicked between the two, her brow furrowed in concern. "Lewis, be careful. Nezia's not to be underestimated."
Lewis grinned, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "Don't worry, Elara. I've got this one covered. Besides, I've been dealing with Nezia's antics for years now. I know how to handle him."
Nezia's eyes flashed with anger, but Lewis just chuckled. "Oh, come on, Nezia. You know I'm the only one who can keep up with you. You're like a pesky little brother, always trying to get under my skin."
Nezia's face twisted in rage, but before he could attack, Lewis raised a hand, his eyes gleaming with a hint of magic. "Not so fast, Nezia. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."
The air seemed to vibrate with tension as the two mages faced off, their eyes locked in a silent challenge. Elara watched, her heart pounding in her chest, as the scene unfolded before her.
And then, in a flash of movement, Nezia vanished, leaving Lewis staring at the empty space where he had stood.
Lucius's eyes fluttered closed, his body slumping to the ground. Lewis rushed to his side, catching him before he hit the stone floor.
"Lucius, don't leave me now!" Lewis's voice was a desperate whisper. "Don't leave me, not now."
Elara's eyes filled with worry as she knelt beside Lewis, her hands reaching out to touch Lucius's face. "Lucius, wake up! Please, don't leave us!"
But Lucius's eyes remained closed, his chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. Lewis's eyes filled with a fierce determination. He would not lose his student, not now, not ever.
"Sir, it seems you were unable to kill the prince and absorb Doomsday. Our plan has failed," one of the individuals present in the room Nezia teleported to said.
"Who says our plan failed?" Nezia countered, a sly smile spreading across his face. "It unfolded exactly as I expected. And soon, the real fun will begin. At the tournament, we'll strike and eliminate the prince once and for all."
Nezia's eyes gleamed with malevolent intent as he turned to leave. "The game is far from over... and the next move is mine."
With a chilling laugh, he vanished into the shadows, leaving his cohorts to tremble at the ominous promise.