Chapter 20: Shadows Lurking in the Light
> System Notification:
Mission Complete: Clear the Dungeon.
Reward: 4000 EXP, Hidden Skill Unlocked – Storm Bind.
New Objective Unlocked: Investigate the Infiltrator.
Rudra's eyes narrowed as he leaned against the canteen wall, sipping his drink. The infiltrator's silhouette replayed in his mind like a haunting specter. His system's alert hadn't been wrong—someone was watching, and they weren't friendly.
"Something bothering you, bro?" Nand asked, chomping on a massive sandwich.
Rudra shook his head lightly, trying to mask his concern. "Nothing much. Just thinking about our next step."
"Next step?" Samantha raised an eyebrow. "You're always planning something, Rudra. Spill."
He hesitated but decided against revealing the infiltrator just yet. "Just reflecting on the dungeon run. We did well, but there's room for improvement."
Mission Status Update
As they walked back toward their dorms, the system chimed again.
> Mission Tracking: Investigate the Infiltrator.
Current Progress: 0%
Clue: The Syndicate presence detected during Combat Trials.
Bonus Reward: Shadow Cloak Artifact.
The academy grounds were dimly lit under the moonlight as Rudra strolled toward his dorm, lost in thought. He couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him. Suddenly, his system flared up.
> Danger Alert: Hostile presence detected nearby.
Rudra stopped in his tracks, scanning the area. A shadowy figure emerged from the trees, stepping into the faint light. It was a young man with a sharp jawline, dressed in dark robes.
"Rudra Kairous," the figure said, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're making waves, but some of us don't appreciate newcomers disrupting the status quo."
> Opponent Identified:
Name: Aaryan Grevyn
Talent: Shadow Manipulation (A-rank)
Level: 22
Affiliation: Syndicate.
"So, you're Syndicate," Rudra said, his voice steady.
Aaryan smirked. "Smart boy. Let's see if you're strong enough to back that intelligence."
Aaryan didn't waste time, launching tendrils of shadow toward Rudra. Rudra sidestepped, activating Storm Domain. Crackling lightning illuminated the area, dispelling the darkness around him.
"Not bad," Aaryan said, his shadows retreating. "But let's see how you handle this."
He merged with the shadows, disappearing from sight. Rudra's eyes darted around, his instincts screaming danger. Relying on his system, he activated Arc Flash, teleporting just in time to avoid a sneak attack.
Lightning surged around Rudra's body as he unleashed Tempest Saber. "If you think hiding will save you, think again."
The blade connected, sending Aaryan sprawling. He groaned but managed to summon a shield of shadows, blocking Rudra's follow-up strike.
> Battle Status:
Aaryan Grevyn: 60% HP
Rudra Kairous: 80% HP
"Why are you after me?" Rudra demanded, his voice cold.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Aaryan sneered, disappearing into the shadows once more.
Rudra's system buzzed.
> Skill Activated: Storm Bind.
Lightning chains erupted from Rudra's hands, anchoring themselves to the shadows. Aaryan was yanked out, his body convulsing as electricity surged through him.
> Enemy Defeated: Aaryan Grevyn
EXP Gained: 1200
Loot Obtained: Shadow Fragment.
Aaryan collapsed, unconscious. Rudra stood over him, breathing heavily.
Aftermath
The commotion had drawn a crowd, including Samantha, Nand, and a few other students.
"Rudra! What happened?" Samantha asked, her flames ready.
"Just a Syndicate lackey trying to test me," Rudra replied, deactivating his Storm Domain.
Nand frowned, his usually cheerful expression dark. "The Syndicate's getting bold if they're attacking on academy grounds."
"We need to report this," Samantha said.
Rudra nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. If there's one infiltrator, there are probably more
Meeting with the Principal
The next morning, Rudra stood before Principal Aryaman and Vice Principal Tarini, recounting the incident.
"Concerning," Aryaman said, his brows furrowed. "The Syndicate has been a thorn in our side for years, but this level of audacity is unprecedented."
"We'll increase security," Tarini said. "But you need to stay vigilant, Rudra. You're a target now."
Rudra met her gaze, his determination unwavering. "I can handle it."
Back in his room, Rudra examined the loot from his battle. The Shadow Fragment shimmered darkly in his hand.
> Item Acquired: Shadow Fragment
Effect: Can be used to upgrade stealth-related abilities.
The system chimed.
> Mission Progress Updated: Investigate the Infiltrator.
Progress: 20%
That evening, Rudra, Samantha, and Nand gathered in the canteen. The atmosphere was lighter, but the weight of recent events lingered.
"I still can't believe you took on a Syndicate member alone," Nand said, shaking his head.
"I didn't have a choice," Rudra replied.
Samantha leaned forward, her tone serious. "We're in this together, Rudra. Don't shut us out."
Rudra smiled faintly. "I won't. But we need to be prepared. The Syndicate won't stop here."
The group sat in silence for a moment, their bond stronger than ever.
System Notification
As Rudra prepared for bed, the system delivered a new notification.
> New Mission Unlocked: Defend the Academy.
Objective: Identify and neutralize Syndicate operatives before the Combat Trials.
Reward: 10,000 EXP, Thunder God's Cloak.
Rudra clenched his fists, his resolve solidifying. The storm was coming, and he would be ready.