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The Call for War
Jin Shang left the Alchemy Guild with more questions than answers. While Lysander's group offered resources and information, their motives remained unclear. Still, he couldn't afford to waste time. If what they said about the Ranker Association and the gods was true, he had to act before his enemies united against him.
Walking through the crowded streets, Jin felt the weight of his new identity. His transformation had made him unrecognizable, allowing him to blend in despite his growing infamy. He overheard whispers about a mysterious figure who had annihilated Ranker Association agents, but no one suspected it was him. For now, his anonymity was his greatest weapon.
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The Ranker Association's Agenda
Far from Jin's current location, the Ranker Association's headquarters was in chaos. A massive council room, filled with high-ranking officials and influential leaders, buzzed with tension. At the head of the table sat Chairman Vargas, an imposing man with an air of authority that silenced even the most outspoken members.
Vargas slammed his fist on the table, silencing the murmurs. "Explain to me how this happened! How did an unknown rogue take out two of our best agents without even breaking a sweat?"
One of the officials, a woman named Elira, stood. Her voice was steady, though her eyes betrayed her anxiety. "Chairman, the situation is unprecedented. The individual—identified as Jin Shang—registered as an E-rank, but his power surpasses even S-rankers. He… he might be something beyond what we've encountered before."
Vargas's glare intensified. "Beyond? Are you suggesting he's divine?"
Elira hesitated. "Not divine… but not entirely mortal, either. Our analysts believe he's using abilities linked to the Abyss. If that's true, he may have absorbed the essence of a Titan or even defeated one."
The room fell silent. The implications of her words were staggering. If Jin Shang had truly absorbed the power of a Titan, he was no longer just a rogue Ranker—he was a threat to the entire world order.
Vargas leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Finally, he spoke, his tone calm but deadly. "Send the Specters."
Gasps echoed around the room. The Specters were the Ranker Association's most elite and secretive operatives, tasked with eliminating the most dangerous threats. Their deployment was a declaration of war.
"Chairman," Elira began cautiously, "is that wise? If we provoke him further—"
Vargas cut her off. "This isn't about wisdom. It's about control. If we don't act now, he'll become unstoppable. Send the Specters. And issue a bounty: dead or alive, Jin Shang is to be captured immediately."
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A New Ally
Back in the city, Jin found himself in a bustling marketplace, observing the chaos of daily life. He needed to sell more of his crystals to fund his next moves. As he approached a merchant's stall, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Well, if it isn't the man of the hour."
Jin turned to see a young woman with sharp green eyes and a mischievous grin. She was dressed in sleek combat gear, her weapons barely concealed. Jin instantly recognized her—Rin Harlow, a former A-rank Ranker who had gone rogue years ago. She was known for her cunning and skill in battle, as well as her disdain for authority.
"What do you want, Rin?" Jin asked, his voice cold.
She smirked, unfazed by his tone. "Relax, I'm not here to pick a fight. Word on the street is you're causing quite a stir. Thought you might need some… assistance."
Jin raised an eyebrow. "And why would you help me?"
Rin shrugged. "Let's just say I've got a score to settle with the Ranker Association. And you? You're the perfect chaos I need."
Jin considered her offer. While he didn't trust her completely, having someone with Rin's reputation on his side could prove useful.
"Fine," he said after a moment. "But if you cross me—"
"I know, I know," Rin interrupted, rolling her eyes. "You'll destroy me. Spare me the threats. Let's just focus on taking down the real enemy."
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The Specters Arrive
Unbeknownst to Jin, the Specters had already begun their hunt. Led by a figure known only as Shade, the group moved silently through the city, their presence undetectable even to the most skilled Rankers. Each member of the Specters was a master of stealth, assassination, and advanced combat techniques. Their orders were clear: eliminate Jin Sang at all costs.
Shade, cloaked in darkness, studied a holographic map of the city. His voice was a low growl as he addressed his team. "The target is somewhere in this sector. He's powerful, but he's not invincible. Strike hard, strike fast, and don't give him time to react."
The Specters moved out, their forms blending seamlessly with the shadows. The hunt had begun.
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The Ambush
Later that evening, Jin and Rin sat in a secluded corner of a tavern, discussing their next steps. Rin was explaining the inner workings of the Ranker Association when her expression suddenly shifted.
"Jin," she said in a low voice, "we're being watched."
Jin's eyes scanned the room. At first, he saw nothing unusual. But then he felt it—a faint, almost imperceptible shift in the air. Someone—or something—was closing in.
Before he could react, the tavern's windows shattered, and the room was engulfed in darkness. The Specters had arrived.
Jin leaped to his feet, his instincts kicking in. Rin drew her weapons, a pair of razor-sharp daggers that gleamed in the dim light.
"Looks like we've got company," she muttered.
The first Specter struck with lightning speed, aiming for Jin's heart. But Jin, now accustomed to the power of the Abyss, sidestepped the attack effortlessly. His blade, the Erebus Edge, materialized in his hand, and he countered with a strike that sent the Specter flying.
Another Specter lunged at Rin, but she was just as quick. Her daggers danced through the air, deflecting the attack and slicing through her opponent's armor.
Despite their skill, the Specters were relentless. Their coordination and precision were unmatched, and they seemed to anticipate every move Jin and Rin made. For the first time in a long while, Jin felt the thrill of a real challenge.
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The Tide Turns
As the battle raged on, Jin realized the Specters weren't ordinary Rankers. They moved as if they were one entity, their attacks synchronized to perfection. But Jin had something they didn't—raw, unbridled power.
Activating Abyssal Ascendancy, Jin's body was enveloped in shadows. His movements became a blur, and his strikes tore through the Specters' defenses. Rin, inspired by his display of power, fought with renewed vigor, her daggers finding their marks with deadly precision.
One by one, the Specters fell. Shade, the leader, was the last to face Jin. He fought valiantly, his skills far surpassing those of his subordinates. But even he couldn't match Jin's overwhelming strength.
In a final, desperate move, Shade unleashed a devastating attack. But Jin countered with Voidlight Requiem, his ultimate ability. The explosion of energy was blinding, and when the dust settled, Shade lay defeated.
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The Aftermath
Rin leaned against a broken table, catching her breath. "Well, that was fun," she said with a smirk.
Jin sheathed his blade, his expression cold. "This was just the beginning. The Ranker Association won't stop. If anything, they'll come at us harder now."
Rin nodded. "Good. Let them. We'll be ready."
Jin's eyes burned with determination. The world was against him, but he wouldn't back down. This was his fight, and he intended to win.
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