Chapter 15: The Shadow's Move
Rudra woke up early, his mind replaying the events of the previous day. The weight of the mission to protect the Kairous Clan lingered in his thoughts. However, he knew his strength alone wouldn't be enough. He needed allies—and power.
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A Morning Plan
Nand, already seated at the breakfast table, waved enthusiastically as Rudra approached. Plates piled high with food surrounded him, and the scent of spiced bread filled the air.
"Rudra! You're up early. I thought I'd be the first to attack breakfast," Nand teased with a mouth full of food.
"You're the only person I know who treats breakfast like a battle," Rudra quipped, taking a seat next to him.
Rhea joined them shortly, her expression calm but with a glint of amusement. "I hope you two aren't planning to eat the entire clan's food supply. We have training to get to."
Rudra leaned back, sipping tea. "Before training, we need to strategize. There's trouble brewing, and we need to stay ahead of it."
Nand raised an eyebrow. "Trouble? You mean those infiltrators you mentioned?"
Rhea nodded. "If they're already inside the Kairous estate, we need to find out who they are before they strike."
"Exactly," Rudra said. "But first, we're heading into the city. I need to pick up a few supplies and gather information."
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The Market Encounter
The bustling streets of Rura City were alive with energy. Vendors shouted over one another, selling everything from exotic spices to enchanted trinkets. Nand gawked at the displays, his eyes lighting up every few steps.
"Look at this!" Nand exclaimed, holding up a glowing orb. "It's a charm that's supposed to improve luck. Maybe I'll finally win a sparring match."
Rhea smirked. "Luck won't help if you keep tripping over your own feet."
As they explored, Rudra's attention was drawn to a small, dimly lit shop tucked into a corner. The sign above the door read The Relic's Whisper.
"Let's check this place out," Rudra suggested.
Inside, the shop was cluttered with artifacts and ancient tomes. The air hummed with faint magical energy. An elderly shopkeeper, his eyes sharp despite his age, greeted them.
"You have a keen eye," the shopkeeper said, observing Rudra. "Most walk past without noticing the treasures hidden here."
Rudra's gaze landed on a peculiar object—a black and gold amulet inscribed with ancient runes. His system interface immediately reacted.
> Item Detected: Amulet of Stormbound Depths
Effect: Enhances lightning-based skills by 20%. Grants immunity to low-tier elemental paralysis.
"How much for this?" Rudra asked.
The shopkeeper grinned. "For someone like you? Consider it a gift. But be warned—it holds great power and greater responsibility."
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Conflict in the Market
As Rudra and his friends exited the shop, a commotion nearby caught their attention. A group of young men, led by a boy with an arrogant sneer, was harassing a vendor.
"Do you know who I am?" the leader demanded, slamming his hand on the vendor's stall. "I'm Vikrant, heir to the Zynith Clan. You dare refuse me?"
Rudra's system identified him immediately.
> Villain Detected: Vikrant Zynith
Level: 24
Talent: Flame Tempest (A-rank)
Background: Arrogant and spoiled, Vikrant uses his clan's influence to get his way.
"Looks like trouble," Rhea muttered.
Rudra stepped forward. "Leave him alone, Vikrant. Your status doesn't give you the right to bully others."
Vikrant turned, his sneer deepening. "Well, if it isn't the Kairous heir. What's the matter? Playing hero in the market now?"
The tension grew as a small crowd gathered. Nand whispered, "Do we really want to start a fight here?"
Before Rudra could respond, Vikrant shoved the vendor aside and approached him. "You think you can lecture me, Kairous? Let's see if your lightning can match my flames."
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A Quick Skirmish
Vikrant lunged, flames bursting from his fists. Rudra dodged effortlessly, activating Lightning Chains. Electric arcs crackled as they wrapped around Vikrant, immobilizing him briefly.
> Skill Activated: Thunder Blade Mastery!
Summoning a blade of pure lighutning, Rudra slashed toward Vikrant. The strike landed, sending Vikrant sprawling.
"Enough!" Rhea shouted, stepping between them. "This is the middle of the city. Do you want to cause chaos?"
Vikrant glared at Rudra, his pride wounded. "This isn't over," he spat before retreating with his entourage.
> EXP Gained: 500
Status Updated:
Level: 25 (EXP 800/3000)
After the fight, the group decided to explore more of the city. They visited historic landmarks and even sampled local delicacies.
As they strolled through the streets, Rhea spoke up. "Rura City has a lot of history. It's amazing how it's grown under the Kairous Clan's protection."
"It's not just about power," Rudra said. "My family has always believed in responsibility. That's why I need to get stronger—not just for myself, but for everyone who depends on us."
Nand, munching on a skewer of roasted meat, added, "And that's why you've got us. Teamwork makes the dream work!"
Samrtha, who had joined them midway, smirked. "You're surprisingly optimistic for someone who spends most of his time eating."
Meanwhile, in the shadows of Rura City, the Veil Syndicate's agents watched Rudra's every move.
"He's growing stronger," one of them reported.
"Let him," their leader said, his voice cold and calculating. "The higher he climbs, the harder he'll fall."
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System Update
Back at the Kairous estate, Rudra reviewed his system interface.
> Mission Progress: Defend the Kairous Legacy
Infiltrators Identified: 2/10
He clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "I'll protect my family and everyone I care about, no matter what it takes."
Rudra gains the Amulet of Stormbound Depths.
A skirmish with Vikrant Zynith sets the stage for future conflicts.
The Veil Syndicate continues to plot against te Kairous Clan.
I will all the enemies who eyed my family