Kalzara
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Chapter 77: Just What Have I Gotten Myself Caught Up In?
🕑 Added 2024-01-20 21:19:05 +0000 UTCAuthor's Note
The first scene of this chapter is from the point of view of a Heavenly Light disciple, I wanted to use a different POV to show what Slifer's disciples look like to others. Let me know what you think.
Enjoy the Bonus Chapter!
Atrius struggled to prevent his legs from trembling as he followed the two Black Rose disciples through the fiery, volcanic terrain. The chubby one with the buzzcut wasn't so bad - for a demonic cultivator, Xavier seemed nice enough. But the tall, lanky one with the wild hair and crazed eyes...Atrius shuddered just thinking about him.
Dentos.
Atrius had witnessed the madness of the Black Rose disciple firsthand. He'd seen Dentos go toe-to-toe with Ziven, the Heavenly Light Sect's Legacy Disciple and Son of Heaven. And if Atrius was being honest...Dentos had been getting the better of the duel before it was interrupted.
Even more terrifying than his skill was Dentos' complete lack of morals. Atrius had watched in horror as the demented cultivator ruthlessly tortured not only disciples from rival sects, but also members of his own Black Rose Sect! It was clear Dentos didn't differentiate between friend and foe when it came to inflicting pain.
Up ahead, Dentos suddenly stopped walking.
Oh no, what now? Atrius froze, his heart pounding.
But the Black Rose disciple wasn't looking at him. Dentos' gaze was fixed on a small group of Heavenly Light disciples who had just emerged from behind a boulder.
Atrius thought he recognized one of them - wasn't that Leo, one of Ziven's friends? His stomach dropped. If Dentos decided to "play" with them too...
Sure enough, an unsettling grin spread across Dentos' face. He pointed at the group.
"Xavier, fetch."
"You got it, boss!" the chubby disciple responded with a grin, cracking his knuckles. He ran towards the unaware Heavenly Light disciples.
Atrius averted his gaze, not wanting to watch the impending carnage. Though he couldn't block out the screams that soon pierced the air.
After a few minutes, Xavier returned, dragging two semi-conscious disciples by their collars. He dumped them on the ground in front of Dentos, who crouched down with interest. Atrius noticed Xavier was sporting quite a few new burns and cuts.
"Good job, Xavier," Dentos praised, patting his subordinate's shoulder. "Now let's see what secrets our new friends can share, shall we?"
Atrius' insides twisted with anxiety and guilt as Dentos proceeded to "persuade" the two disciples to reveal any information they had about Ziven's current location and plans. The methods the demented cultivator used made Atrius want to vomit.
He thanked the heavens that Dentos had not used such tactics on him. As soon as Atrius realized who he was dealing with, he had spilled everything he knew about Ziven without hesitation.
Loyalty to the Heavenly Light Sect be damned - I want to make it through this trial alive!
"Here, catch!"
Atrius instinctively caught the object Dentos tossed to him. He looked down to see it was a scroll - a Ying scroll.
So far, thanks to Dentos' terrifying efficiency, their group had already collected three Yang scrolls and three Ying scrolls. Atrius didn't understand why the Black Rose disciple continued hunting for more scrolls when they only needed one of each to advance.
Was he trying to decrease the competition that would make it to the next stage?
Atrius didn't dare ask.
Dentos strolled back from where the two disciples lay crumpled on the ground, having gotten everything he could out of them. He jerked his head towards the north.
"Let's go. Ziven was spotted heading that direction."
Atrius gulped and nodded. So they were going after Ziven for payback.
Fantastic.
As they set off, Atrius noticed Xavier following Dentos' every command without hesitation.
Right, Xavier had mentioned Dentos was ranked number one on something called the Karmic Ledger within the Black Rose Sect's Disciplinary Hall. Crazy bastard seemed to be a star among Black Rose enforcers.
Whenever they encountered another Black Rose team with a Disciplinary Hall member, that person would salute Dentos and call him "Boss."
Lost in thought, Atrius almost slammed into Xavier's wide back when Dentos came to a sudden stop. He silently cursed himself for being distracted.
Dentos stood still, head cocked. Then without warning he activated the Wings of Roc on his back and shot upwards, narrowly avoiding the purple energy blade that struck the earth where he'd just stood.
That had been close. Too close, Atrius thought as he took a step back.
A girl's laughter rang out. Dentos reappeared directly in front of a silver-haired girl and bowed his head.
"Senior Sister Amelia."
Atrius' mouth fell open. This was the first time he'd ever witnessed Dentos bow his head to anyone.
The girl - Amelia - smirked. "Still as quick as ever, I see, Dentos."
"Thanks to Master."
Two more Black Rose disciples emerged to stand beside Amelia - a handsome, raven-haired youth and a mischievous looking teen.
"Was it necessary to attack him?" The handsome sword-wielding cultivator frowned slightly.
Amelia shrugged. "We like to keep each other on our toes in the Disciplinary Hall."
Dentos nodded in agreement.
Atrius sensed there was some history between him and this dangerous beauty. From what he knew, Amelia had recently started working at the Disciplinary Hall as well, often partnering up with Dentos in his...interrogations.
In return, she had apparently promised to put in a good word about Dentos to their Master, Supreme Elder Slifer. It seemed both these demonic cultivators shared similarly twisted tendencies.
"Yes, I suppose I should have expected as much from you two," Caelum sighed.
Clapping her hands together, Amelia turned her gaze back to Dentos. "Right, let's get down to business.” She held up two Yang scrolls. “Care to trade?"
Dentos motioned for Atrius to step forward. Nervously, Atrius presented three Yang scrolls and three Yin scrolls to the Black Rose disciples.
The younger teen let out an impressed whistle. "Wow, you guys have been busy!"
"All thanks to Boss Dentos!" Xavier declared proudly.
Caelum shot Amelia a pointed look. "If only you were half as efficient as Dentos, we wouldn't have had any issues."
Amelia barely refrained from rolling her eyes. She had yet to meet anyone whose ability to quickly accomplish objectives could match Dentos. The lanky cultivator was like a machine - singularly focused and ruthlessly efficient.
Though his reasons for wanting a master still eluded her...
Oblivious to her thoughts, Dentos spoke up. "You're welcome to take all six scrolls. We can easily get more." He motioned for Atrius to hand them over.
Atrius nearly choked in disbelief. Hadn't obtaining these scrolls been difficult and dangerous? Why was Dentos so quick to just give them away?!
But he wasn't foolish enough to question his leader's decision out loud.
“One Yin scroll will be enough."
Dentos nodded and passed him a scroll. The mischievous teen - Hughie, Atrius had gathered - pumped a fist in the air.
"Alright! Now we've got what we need to advance!"
"Speaking of which, have you had any luck finding our slippery friend yet, Dentos?" Amelia let out a predatory smile.
Friend? Atrius frowned in confusion. Who was she talking about?
"I've been tracking him, but the Son of Heaven remains…elusive," Dentos replied. "It seems he is evading us."
Amelia let out an annoyed huff. "Talks a big game, but runs like a coward when it comes down to it." Her lips curved into a cruel smirk. "But his luck is about to run out."
Atrius blood ran cold. Son of Heaven...she had to mean Ziven! Are they going to gang up on him?
Caelum nodded. "Let's work together to deal with this nuisance before the first stage ends." He levelled a stern look at Amelia. "Remember, Master ordered us not to engage Ziven alone. We need to work together and overwhelm him immediately. No playing around this time."
Amelia rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, I know. Don't worry your pretty little head, I can behave." A chilling glint entered her eyes. "That rat won't slip away so easily this time."
The two groups nodded, turning north. Atrius could only follow, praying he survived to the end of the trial.
Just what have I gotten myself caught up in?
***
Slifer sat in the private booth, not paying much attention as the disciples from the sects competed in exhibition matches and tests of skill.
He wished he could head back to his fine quarters but as the host, he couldn’t excuse himself.
It’s the xianxia equivalent of a talent show, Slifer stifled a yawn. He had never enjoyed talent shows back on Earth – like dad used to say, I have no talent. Well…that’s not true anymore.
The situation was different in this new world, this time around, he had been given a more fortunate hand.
Sitting in place for seven days…I can’t feel my legs, Slifer thought, tapping his hand against his knee. At least there’s only twenty-four hours left before the real fun begins!
The elders of the other sects also sat meditating. All except for one.
Zofia sat scowling with her arms crossed.
"I cannot believe the esteemed Black Rose Sect does not present the first stage," she remarked. "Are your disciples' talents so pathetic you wish to hide them even now?"
"Now Zofia, it is their right to maintain secrecy.” Leontius opened his eyes. “Your own sect has done the same in the past."
Zofia's scowl deepened, but she held her tongue. Slifer resisted the urge to smirk. He was familiar with the hypocrisy of so-called righteous cultivators, he would let them two argue it out.
Slifer had two reasons for blocking outside observation of the first trial round. First, it allowed his avatar, Zack, to use any techniques without worrying about being exposed.
But there was another, more pragmatic reason.
Slifer's gaze darkened, thoughts turning to the thorn in his side - Ziven, beloved Son of Heaven and Legacy Disciple of the Heaven's Light Sect. The arrogant whelp was crazy, clearly he would do anything to get revenge on Slifer.
Yes, Ziven needed to be removed, and soon. The first stage provided the perfect opportunity, away from any watchful eyes.
The Heavenly Light Sect would likely take offense at their darling prodigy being ganged up on and eliminated. And Slifer didn’t want to deal with the headache they would cause when they retaliated. But with the first stage hidden, they could never prove Slifer's involvement even if they suspected it.
Hopefully they finish their hunt quickly, Slifer sighed. Ziven's luck can’t hold out forever, especially when he will be facing multiple protagonists.
Author's Note
Next Chapter we finish the first stage of the Intersect Tournament, look forward to some 1v1 battles!
