After the intense mission at the Obsidian Archive, Jin Shang and his team returned to their hidden base. The air was charged with both excitement and exhaustion. Kaelros, usually calm and composed, appeared unusually agitated as he had seen something for the first time during the mission that left him unsettled.
The camp buzzed with energy as the team eagerly discussed their next steps. Amidst the chatter, a gruff voice cut through.
"Welcome back, man of the hour," said a rugged old man, his presence demanding attention.
Jin turned, recognizing the figure immediately. "Ardan Nova," he greeted. "It's good to see you again."
Ardan smiled and gave a short bow. "Likewise. Now tell me, how's the plan shaping up?"
Jin gestured toward his team. "It's going well, but first, meet my new allies."
The old man straightened, exuding an aura of quiet authority. "Ah, introductions. Very well. I am Ardan Nova, leader of my own group. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
The team members greeted him politely, but Kaelros, ever-watchful, observed him carefully.
Lysander quickly began explaining their progress and strategies to Ardan, who listened with measured interest. When he introduced Kaelros, a former Celestial, Ardan's eyes gleamed with recognition.
"Ah, a former Celestial," Ardan said, extending his hand. "A rare sight. Nice to meet you."
Kaelros hesitated for a moment but shook his hand firmly. "Nice to meet you too, but let's not dwell on my past. It bothers me."
The conversation soon shifted back to their plans, with Lysander confidently outlining their next moves. The group erupted in cheers, their spirits high after his speech.
But Ardan's expression darkened, cutting through the celebration. "If things keep progressing like this, we'll achieve nothing."
The room became silent, the festive atmosphere is evaporating.
"What do you mean by that?" Jin asked, his sharp tone.
Ardan leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "The Ranker Association isn't made up of reckless fools. The fact that your progress has been so smooth means they're either watching you or have something far worse planned. You're playing into their hands."
Jin's frustration flared. "That's nonsense. We're making strides, dismantling their operations piece by piece. How can you dismiss our efforts so easily?"
Ardan sighed, his voice calm but firm. "Jin, I've lived through wars, rebellions, and betrayals. Experience has taught me to recognize traps before they're sprung. And mark my words, this feels like a trap."
Jin was about to retort when Kaelros interjected, his anger boiling over. "Hey, you old bastard! How dare you belittle Jin and our team?"
Ardan turned to Kaelros, and in an instant, an immense pressure filled the room. The air grew heavy, and Kaelros staggered under the weight of Ardan's mana.
"How is this possible?" Kaelros thought, his heart racing. "This mana… it's stronger than the Celestials'. Could he…? No, that's impossible."
Ardan's voice cut through Kaelros's thoughts like a blade. "Jin, you've come far, but you're not ready. Do you know what awaits you at the top? The Founder of the Ranker Association is no ordinary foe. You may have defeated a Celestial, but he's on an entirely different level. And you're not the first to challenge him."
The room tensed as Ardan continued. "The first was someone far stronger than you. He challenged the Founder, and do you know what happened? He was killed without mercy."
Shock rippled through the group. Whispers filled the air, disbelief evident in their expressions.
Lysander raised his hand, silencing the murmurs. "So, what's your suggestion?"
Ardan's expression softened. "First, we gather irrefutable evidence of the Association's corruption. Then, we form alliances—with Celestials and others who oppose their tyranny."
Kaelros scoffed. "Celestials? Help us? That's insanity."
Ardan's gaze didn't waver. "And what if I told you they would?"
As the door swung open, revealing two figures standing in the doorway. Their imposing auras filled the room, and every team member instinctively narrowed their eyes.
Ardan gestured toward the newcomers. "Meet your allies. They've come to help us."
Jin stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "So, you're here to join us? Am I right, Mr. Singh and Chris?"
The two figures stepped into the room, their presence undeniable. Singh, a towering figure with a calm demeanor, and Chris, whose sharp eyes and confident smirk radiated authority.
Singh spoke first, his voice deep and resonant. "We've heard about your cause, Jin Shang. We're here because we believe it's time for the Ranker Association to fall."
Chris nodded. "But make no mistake—this isn't charity. We'll fight with you, but only if your resolve matches ours."
Jin met their gazes, his Abyssal energy flickering faintly around him. "Good. We don't need charity. We need allies who are ready to fight for something greater."
The room, charged with tension moments ago, now felt alive with anticipation. The preparation for the next phase of their mission had begun, and with new allies at their side, the stakes had never been higher.