Author here, before u guys read this chapter I wanted to say this. I wasn't planning on releasing this chapter today but I changed my mind when I saw the amazing amount of power stones u guys are contributing to this ff. So many of you are new supporters as well , so thank u guys a lot and a big thank u to ZombieJack who hit 300!! power stones on this ff, at the rate he's going he might beat me for the number one spot! Again big thank u to everyone and enjoy the bonus chapter.
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Once they arrived back at the academy, Ali handed Drogath over to the soldiers stationed in the hangar. The soldiers, accustomed to seeing acolytes battered and broken from their rigorous training or dangerous missions, quickly carried Drogath away to the medical bay. It was just another day at the academy—a place where injuries were as common as breathing, a necessary cost for the pursuit of power.
Ali stood in the hangar for a moment, watching as Drogath was taken away, then turned and made his way to the elevator. As the lift ascended, the doors opened into the vast central hall of the academy. The space bustled with activity as acolytes and apprentices moved about, some walking in tight groups while others strode confidently on their own.
Ali leaned casually against the elevator frame, silently observing the social dynamics at play. 'Some acolytes stick close to apprentices, hoping for protection or favours, essentially becoming servants. Others band together in groups of equals, sharing the burden of survival in this harsh environment. Then there are those those who walk alone, relying only on themselves.'
He stepped into the hall, his sharp gaze noting every detail. 'Not a single Sith Warrior in sight,' Ali mused. He remembered the conversation he'd had earlier that morning with a captain in the hangar. The soldier had explained that Sith Warriors—those ranked above apprentices—were often assigned long-term missions across the galaxy, commanding ships and overseeing operations for the Empire.
Ali continued to the dining area, drawing glances from both acolytes and apprentices as he entered. His striking features and commanding presence ensured that he rarely went unnoticed. Ignoring the attention, he approached the droids at the food counter and ordered his meal.
Sitting alone, Ali allowed himself a rare moment of quiet as he gazed out the window at the sprawling red desert. The view was mesmerising, the endless expanse of Korriban's unforgiving landscape stretching as far as the eye could see.
'Let's test this again,' Ali thought, his expression calm as he activated his Force sense. Without drawing attention, he focused on the room, feeling the currents of the Force flow around him. The density of the energy varied, he noticed, particularly around those who wore lightsabers at their sides—the apprentices, whose uniforms were slightly more decorated than the acolytes'.
Ali's attention zeroed in on one apprentice sitting nearby, eating alone and seemingly absorbed in his meal. Concentrating, Ali used telekinesis to nudge the back of the apprentice's head, just enough to make him notice.
The apprentice shot up from his seat, his hand instinctively going to his lightsaber as he looked around defensively. His sharp eyes scanned the room, narrowing in suspicion as he surveyed the other Sith. A few acolytes glanced at him curiously, but most quickly returned to their own meals.
Even as the apprentice's gaze swept past Ali, who continued staring out the window with a neutral expression, Ali didn't move a muscle. After a tense few moments, the apprentice muttered something under his breath and sat back down, visibly annoyed.
'So they can't sense me' Ali thought, a small smirk forming on his lips. 'At least not at this rank. If I wanted, I could've broken his neck…'
His thoughts turned to something he had read in the library. 'The books said that hand gestures help channel and control the Force, especially during early training. But they're unnecessary in the long run. Someone like Malvok probably doesn't need to move his hands anymore—it's just a habit from his early days. One I won't allow myself to develop. The gestures give away your intent to an opponent, even if it's just for a split second. An unnecessary weakness.'
Ali's thoughts were interrupted as the droids arrived with his food, placing multiple trays on the table. The sheer volume of food drew stares from the other Sith in the dining hall. Even for someone of Ali's size, the amount was excessive, rivalling the portions eaten by the largest alien species.
Ignoring the looks, Ali calmly worked through his meal, taking his time and savouring the sustenance after a long day. Once finished, he stood, pushed his chair back, and left the dining area.
'And still', he thought as he walked through the hall, 'I haven't seen a single other player. Am I the only one on the side of the Sith? Did all the others die during the selection process?'
He smirked to himself, his thoughts dripping with scorn. 'What a bunch of useless trash. At least this way, I'll have the pleasure of taking on every player on the opposite side by myself.'
As he approached the mission board, Ali paused to give the poster another look. With his newfound connection to the Force, he began reconsidering whether to sign up for the mission to Vorrath.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
Ali's comms device buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. He moved to a quiet corner of the hall, stepping behind a large pillar before answering the call.
A hologram flickered to life, displaying the image of a stunning Zygerrian woman with sleek brown hair and piercing feline eyes. Her voice was soft yet commanding as she introduced herself.
"Hello, acolyte Ali. My name is Sivara Vel'Rahn, and I am your direct supervisor for the next month while Lord Malgrith completes his studies of the tomb. Report to me in two hours. Only you."
The message ended with a small, enigmatic smile from Sivara, her sharp features lingering in Ali's mind as the hologram faded.
'I've never seen that species before, Ali thought, intrigued. She gave off a psychiatrist vibe, though.'
Deciding to prepare himself, Ali returned to his quarters, where he showered and changed into a fresh uniform. Two hours later, he found himself standing before a metallic door.
"Come in," a soft, melodic voice called from within. The door slid open automatically, revealing a large, elegant office filled with greenery. Plants lined the windows and shelves, their vibrant colours complementing the faint floral scent that filled the air.
Ali's sharp gaze fell on Sivara, seated behind a sleek desk with a steaming cup in her hand. She gestured for him to approach with a tilt of her head, her feline eyes watching him intently.
'Even better looking in person', Sivara thought to herself, her lips curling into a slight smile. 'I wonder what he'd taste like.'
"Ali," she began, her voice smooth and warm, "you've only been here a few days, and already I've heard great things about you from Lords Malgrith and Malvok. You've impressed them greatly."
Ali remained humble, his tone even as he replied, "I only did what I was asked. I haven't done much."
Sivara's smile widened slightly as she set her cup down, her tail swaying lazily behind her in a way that didn't escape Ali's notice. "Is that so?" she said, amusement lacing her words. "Well, Ali, tell me—what are you currently training?"
"I'm working on my Force sense. Progress has been good so far," Ali replied.
"That's excellent," Sivara said, leaning forward slightly. "Keep working hard, and you'll unlock the Force in no time. If that's all, you may return to your quarters and wait for further instructions."
Ali shook his head. "Actually, I have a request."
"Speak," she said, her curiosity piqued.
"I want to sign up for the mission to Vorrath," Ali said firmly.
The warmth in Sivara's expression vanished instantly. "No," she said sharply. "Vorrath is far too dangerous, especially for an acolyte who can't fully use the Force."
Ali didn't respond verbally. Instead, he locked eyes with her, his expression calm and unwavering. Slowly, without lifting a finger, he reached out with the Force. The decorated pot on her desk floated into the air, gliding smoothly toward her cup. Tilting slightly, the pot refilled her cup with precision before returning to its original position.
Sivara's sharp feline eyes narrowed. "Since when?" she asked, her tone more serious.
"Since this afternoon," Ali said with a faint smirk, deliberately feigning arrogance. "Turns out using the Force is much easier than it looks."
Sivara's gaze softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. "Even so, Vorrath is too much for an acolyte."
"Danger is part of the Sith's journey," Ali said coldly, his voice laced with determination. "Avoiding it would weaken my connection to the Dark Side. Fear of taking what I want is not the Sith way."
Sivara studied him for a long moment, impressed by his conviction despite her reservations. Finally, she sighed and leaned back in her chair. "Fine. But you must return in one piece. The academy cannot afford to lose another talent to that cursed planet."
"Thank you," Ali said, nodding before turning to leave.
Sivara watched him go, her mind racing with thoughts. 'He's going to be interesting.'
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