Chapter 10: The Unexpected Encounter
Benzamin Red'lux stood in the training hall, sweat dripping from his brow as he pushed himself to his limits. His leave of absence had given him the time he needed to focus on his training, and he was determined to make the most of it. His eyes narrowed as he concentrated on his technique, his movements swift and precise.
Meanwhile, in another part of the academy, a girl with an ethereal beauty walked down the hallway, her long, silver hair cascading down her back like a river of moonlight but tied to a ponytail. Her piercing emerald eyes seemed to gleam with an inner light, and her delicate features were chiseled to perfection. She wore a Platinum rank badge uniform, the symbol of her exceptional strength and ability. As she walked, her elegant strides commanded attention, and several male and female students couldn't help but stare in admiration.
The girl's expression, however, was almost...strange. It was as if she was perpetually observing something that no one else could see, her gaze fixed on a point beyond the horizon. Her beauty was undeniable, but there was an aura of mystery surrounding her that made people hesitant to approach.
As she arrived at the headmaster's office, the girl knocked softly on the door before entering. The students who had been watching her from afar couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity. Who was this enigmatic Platinum rank student?
Back in the training hall, Ben was still pushing himself to his limits. He had been training for hours, using only his natural abilities to decrease his weight to levitate as high as possible, and increase his strength to supplement his speed. His cousin, who had been watching from the sidelines, approached him with a concerned expression.
"Ben, you need to take a break," his cousin said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're pushing yourself too hard, and i can see you've made a huge progress."
Ben shook his head, his eyes burning with determination. "It's not enough,I need to get stronger," he said, his voice firm after all he knew his condition better,"And I have a duel coming up, so I need to be prepared as much as possible."
His cousin nodded thoughtfully. "I understand that, but there's something else you should consider then. Have you thought about trying out the rift in the academy?"
Ben's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"The rift is a simulated environment that mimics real-world conditions," his cousin explained. "It's an excellent way to gain experience and test your skills in a controlled setting. Plus, it'll give you a chance to earn some valuable points and badges, and you don't want to fail your grades and lose your badge before the duel, right."
Ben's mind began to whirl as he considered his cousin's words. Could the rift really help him prepare for his duel? He thought about it for a few moments before his cousin left him to his thoughts.
Two hours passed, and Ben was still contemplating the idea of trying out the rift. He wondered if he could gather the necessary numbers required to raid the artificial rift. Just as he was starting to doubt himself, a familiar figure appeared in the distance, flying at incredible speeds with his handmade booth thrusters.
It was Magnus.
"What brings you here, Magnus?" Ben asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
Magnus landed smoothly, a grin spreading across his face. "I heard you were looking for a way to improve your skills," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I think I can help you with that."
Ben's eyes narrowed, a sense of anticipation building within him. What did Magnus have in mind?
"What are you talking about?" Ben asked, his voice cautious.
"I'm talking about the rift," Magnus said, his grin growing wider. "I've been thinking, and I believe we can ,no we should gather a team to raid the artificial rift. It'll be a great way to gain experience, achievement and test our skills, and I have someone in mind to join us, what do you say."
Ben's mind began to whirl as he considered Magnus's proposal. It was a risk, but it could also be a great opportunity.
"I'm in," Ben said finally, a sense of determination building within him.
Magnus's grin grew even wider. "I knew I could count on you, Ben," he said, clapping Ben on the back. "Now, let's start gathering our team. We'll need at least five people to raid the rift."
Ben nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. Who would they recruit for their team? And what challenges would they face in the rift?
As Ben and Magnus continued to discuss their plan to raid the artificial rift, Ben's comm link suddenly beeped, signaling an incoming message. He glanced at the small screen on his wrist, and his eyes narrowed as he read the message.
"What's wrong?" Magnus asked, noticing Ben's expression.
"I've been summoned to the headmaster's office," Ben replied, his voice neutral.
Magnus's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "The headmaster's office? What do you think it's about?"
Ben shrugged. "I have no idea, but it seems he wants to discuss something with me, well I'd better go find out."
Magnus nodded. "Yeah, you don't want to keep the headmaster waiting. I'll keep working on gathering our team for the rift. Meet me back here later, and we'll discuss the details."
Ben nodded, and with a sense of trepidation, he made his way to the headmaster's office. As he walked, he couldn't help but wonder what the headmaster wanted to see him about. Had he done something wrong? Or was it something related to his upcoming duel?
Ben arrived at the headmaster's office, and with a deep breath, he knocked on the door.
"Enter," a deep voice called out from inside.
Ben pushed open the door and stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting in the office. The headmaster, a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression, sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed intently on Ben.
"Ah, Benzamin ," the headmaster said, his voice firm but not unkind. "Thank you for coming. I've summoned you here today to discuss a matter of great importance please sit down."
Ben's heart began to beat faster as he wondered what the headmaster had in store for him. He stood up straight, his eyes locked on the headmaster and the person sitting in front of the headmaster desk, and waited for him to continue.
Ben's eyes met those of his childhood friend, Terra, and he couldn't help but smile. Terra looked at him with her signature "what the hell do you think you're doing" expression, but Ben knew her well enough to see the hint of joy and happiness behind her eyes.
"What are you doing here, Terra?" Ben asked, his voice low and friendly.
Terra's expression quickly changed, and she looked away, trying to hide a smile. "Just a little meeting with the headmaster, Ben. Nothing to worry about."
The headmaster, Mr. Elijah Nightshade, cleared his throat, interrupting the exchange between Ben and Terra. "Ah, Benjamin, I'm glad you're here. I wanted to ask you about your plans before your upcoming duel. Do you have any strategies in place?"
Ben nodded, his mind focusing on the task at hand. "Yes, sir. I plan to venture into the artificial rift with my friend Magnus and gain some battle experience. I believe it will help me prepare for my duel."
Terra's eyes narrowed slightly, and Ben sensed a surge of bloodlust emanating from her. But it wasn't the usual kind of bloodlust he was used to sensing from her. This time, it was different. It was tinged with a hint of jealousy.
"Wait, you're going to venture into the rift with Magnus?" Terra asked, her voice low and even, but with a hint of tension.
Ben nodded. "Yeah, that's the plan. We're going to try and clear the rift and gain some experience."
Terra's expression didn't change, but Ben sensed a faint tremor in her voice. "I see. Well, be careful, Ben. The rift can be a treacherous place."
Mr. Nightshade nodded. "Yes, indeed it can. Which is why I must inform you, Benjamin, that the artificial rift is not for the faint of heart. It's a challenging environment that requires skill, strategy, and teamwork."
Ben nodded, his eyes fixed on the headmaster. "I understand, sir. But I'm willing to take the risk. I need to get stronger if I'm going to win my duel."
Mr. Nightshade nodded. "I see. Well, in that case, let me explain the basics of the artificial rift. We have five artificial rifts in the academy, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. The rifts are maintained by a monster core of a defeated actual rift that has been integrated with a quantum pulse reactor technology."
Ben's eyes widened in surprise. "A monster core? You mean, like, a powerful artifact?"
Terra nodded. "Exactly. The monster core is what gives the artificial rift its power and stability. But it also makes it more challenging to navigate."
Benzamin spoke up, his voice curious. "What kind of materials can be found in the rift?"
Terra replied. " The artificial rifts contain a variety of even ancient artifacts. But be warned, the rifts are also home to powerful monsters and treacherous terrain."
Ben's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds amazing, sir. I'm definitely in."
Mr. Nightshade nodded. "I thought you'd be interested, Benjamin. Now, let me explain how you can earn points and rewards by venturing into the rift. You'll need to form a team of at least three people and work together to clear the rift. The team that clears the rift the fastest will earn the most points and rewards."
Ben nodded, his mind racing with strategies and plans. "I understand, sir. Thank you for explaining the rules."
Mr. Nightshade smiled. "You're welcome, Benjamin. I have no doubt that you and your team will do well in the rift. Just remember to stay safe and work together."
As the meeting came to a close, Ben turned to Terra and whispered, "Hey, Terra, want to join me and Magnus on our rift adventure?"
Terra's expression changed, and for a moment, Ben saw a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. But then, her expression quickly changed back to her usual calm and collected demeanor.
"I'll think about it, Ben," Terra said, her voice neutral. "But for now, I have some other things I need to attend to."
Ben nodded, sensing that there was more to Terra's decision than met the eye. But he didn't press the issue, instead turning his attention back to the headmaster.
"Thank you, sir," Ben said, bowing his head in respect. "I won't disappoint you."
Mr. Nightshade smiled. "I have no doubt that you won't, Benjamin. Now, go and prepare for your adventure. The rift awaits."
Mr. Elijah's expression turned serious, and he leaned forward in his chair. "Benjamin, I almost forgot the reason why I summoned you here today."
Ben's eyes narrowed slightly, curious about what the headmaster had in store for him.
"I've decided that it's time for you to have a duel exchange with my top student," Mr. Elijah announced, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
Ben's eyes widened in surprise, and he turned to Terra, who was sitting quietly in the corner of the room. "You mean, Terra?" Ben asked, his voice incredulous.
Terra's expression didn't change, but Ben sensed a hint of surprise and curiosity emanating from her.
Mr. Elijah nodded. "Yes, Terra is my top student, and I believe that a duel exchange between the two of you will be beneficial for both of your growth and development as warriors."
Ben's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind racing with thoughts and doubts. He had known Terra since they were kids, and he had always considered her to be one of his closest friends. But now, he was being asked to duel her?
Terra's expression, on the other hand, was calm and collected, but Ben sensed a hint of excitement and anticipation emanating from her.
"I'm looking forward to it, Ben," Terra said, her voice low and even.
Ben's eyes met Terra's, and he felt a surge of determination and competitiveness. He was going to have to bring his A-game if he was going to take on Terra.
"When and where is the duel going to take place?" Ben asked, his voice firm and resolute.
Mr. Elijah smiled. "The duel will take place in three hours' time, in the academy's central arena. I expect both of you to be there, ready and prepared to give it your all."
Ben nodded, his mind already racing with strategies and plans. He was going to have to train hard if he was going to take on Terra and come out on top.
As the meeting came to a close, Ben turned to Terra and said, "I'll see you in three hours time Terra. Let's make it a duel to remember."
Terra smiled, a hint of mischief playing on her lips. "I'm looking forward to it, Ben. Let's see who comes out on top."
Ben's eyes met Terra's, and he felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. This was going to be a duel for two friends and darlings if you get what that means.