Chapter 22: Shadows of the Syndicate
After the sparring match with Ishani and the laughter-filled evening, Rudra found himself restless in his room. Nand was already snoring on the other side of their shared dorm, and the soft hum of the academy's security system buzzed in the background. Yet, Rudra couldn't shake the nagging thought of the Syndicate's growing presence in the academy.
He pulled up his system interface, the glowing blue panels illuminating the room faintly.
System Status:
Name: Rudra Kairous
Level: 25
Talent: Thunderstorm Deity (Abnormal Phenomenon - SSS Rank)
Current Abilities:
Tempest Saber (Advanced)
Thunderous Dash (Intermediate)
Storm Domain (Advanced)
Appraisal Eye (Intermediate)
Static Wall (Beginner)
Electric Pulse Strike (Intermediate)
Mission Progress:
> Mission Title: Investigate the Infiltrator
Objective: Find clues about Syndicate activity in the academy.
Progress: 30%
Rudra closed the interface, determination sparking in his eyes. The system had updated this mission earlier, and the sparring match had helped ease some of the tension. But now, it was time to act.
He quietly slipped into his combat gear, grabbed his utility bag, and headed out into the night.
The Silent Halls
The academy grounds were eerily quiet, the usual bustling energy replaced by the occasional flicker of lampposts and the hum of distant generators. Rudra activated Thunderous Dash, a faint static trail following his silent footsteps as he darted between buildings.
The last system alert during the Syndicate's infiltration hinted at strange activities near the storage depot at the eastern edge of the campus. This was his first stop.
The Discovery
As Rudra approached the depot, the air grew heavy with an unfamiliar aura. He activated Appraisal Eye, scanning the surroundings for any anomalies.
Object Identified: Enchanted Seal of Concealment (Grade B)
Effect: Masks the presence of living beings and energy signatures within a 20-meter radius.
Status: Active
"A concealment seal," Rudra muttered under his breath. "Someone's definitely hiding something here."u
He reached into his utility bag and retrieved a Disruptor Stone, a gift from his family. Placing it near the seal, he watched as the enchantment unraveled, revealing a hidden trapdoor embedded in the ground.
The Underground Hideout
Descending cautiously, Rudra found himself in a dimly lit underground chamber. Rows of strange artifacts lined the walls, their dark energy making the hairs on his neck stand up.
"System, scan the room," he whispered.
> Scanning...
Result: Multiple objects linked to Syndicate energy signatures.
Warning: High levels of danger detected. Proceed with caution.
At the center of the room lay a desk cluttered with papers and a glowing crystal. Rudra approached, his hand instinctively sparking with energy in case of an ambush.
Appraisal Eye Activated:
Object Identified: Syndicate Communication Crystal (Grade A)
Effect: Allows long-range communication between Syndicate members.
Next to the crystal were several documents. Rudra skimmed through them, his eyes widening with each line.
"Target: Rudra Kairous," one document read.
"Objective: Capture or eliminate before the National Tournament."
Before Rudra could analyze further, a shadowy figure emerged from the far end of the chamber.
"Well, well," a voice drawled. "I wondered who would stumble upon our little operation."
The figure stepped into the dim light, revealing a young man with sharp features and an arrogant smirk.
L
Villain Encounter
Name: Kael Drovick
Level: 28
Talent: Shadow Puppeteer (A-Rank)
Abilities:
Shadow Bind
Puppet Summon
Dark Veil
"Kael," Rudra said, recognizing him from the academy's combat classes. "So you're working for the Syndicate."
Kael shrugged. "It's not personal, Kairous. You're just a threat we need to eliminate."
"Not without a fight," Rudra growled, activating Storm Domain.
The underground chamber lit up as Rudra's lightning clashed with Kael's shadows. Puppets made of pure darkness lunged at him, only to be vaporized by his electric strikes. Kael retaliated with Shadow Bind, tendrils of darkness wrapping around Rudra's limbs.
"You think you're special?" Kael sneered. "You're just another pawn in this game."
Rudra smirked, his body surging with newfound power. Thunderstorm Deity - Phase One activated, the binds disintegrating under his crackling energy.
"You talk too much," Rudra said, launching an Electric Pulse Strike that sent Kael flying into a wall.
Kael groaned, defeated, as Rudra tied him up with an energy rope. Before leaving, Rudra placed the Syndicate Communication Crystal into his bag and retrieved the documents.
> Mission Progress Updated:
Objective Complete: Discover Syndicate activities in the academy.
New Objective: Report findings to the academy principal.
Progress: 70%
The Next Morning
Rudra returned to his dorm just as the sun began to rise. Nand was already awake, munching on a plate of snacks.
"Where were you all night?" Nand asked, his mouth full. "And why do you look like you've been struck by lightning?"
Rudra smirked. "I was... investigating."
Nand raised an eyebrow. "Investigating what?"
Rudra tossed the documents onto the table. "The Syndicate."
Nand's eyes widened as he skimmed through the papers. "This is serious, bro. We need to tell the principal!"
"I will," Rudra said, glancing out the window. "But first, we need to prepare. If the Syndicate's targeting me, they won't stop until they get what they want."
"And what do they want?" Nand asked nervously.
Rudra clenched his fists, lightning sparking faintly around him. "To destroy everything I care about. But I won't let them."