Tyson and Xing sat across one another in the dining room.They ate in silence without uttering a word.Tyson would peek a look at Xing, who was concentrating on her food."Spill it?" She said without averting her gaze from her plate."Eh?"The android sighed. "I know what's going on in that thick head of yours," She pointed at him with her fork. "How can an android eat?"She had always noticed Tyson giving her looks whenever they ate together. The white-haired man had always wanted to satisfy his curiosity.Tyson coughed. "I mean, it's not like I don't want to know..." He glanced at the android.Xing placed her hand on her chest. "The Astro rock inside of me is like a battery." She stated. "By eating, I can recharge the said battery. I also have a taste sensor in my mouth which allows me to perceive the taste of the food I eat. Is that all?""Wow, the people who made you are amazing. I've met a couple of androids in the BSA but none like you.""Than-""They're also less annoying thoug
"Reaper's Storm!" "Incredible..." Tyson was fazed by the sight in front of him.Kinkaid had created what looked like a storm of purple-colored astral blades with his scythes.The blades are aimed at Xing and the android takes off, dashing around the room in a desperate effort to avoid the attack."From a single swing of his scythe, he created this devastating attack... Astral could be used in a way like this as well." Tyson finds himself learning more about astral as their fight progresses.The Blade storm ended with Kinkaid laughing maniacally. Xing stood across the room with several cut marks. "Even the bot couldn't dodge them all," Tyson said nervously. "Kikikiki." Kinkaid snickered. "You managed to dodge over a dozen of those blades. Yes! It won't be fun if the prey doesn't put up a challenge." He wore a malefic grin as he spun his scythe over his head. "Reaper's Storm!" He swung his scythe once again, firing another wave of astral blades, all aiming at Xing. The android cli
"So, what do we do with him?"Xing asked Tyson as they stood in front of the unconscious body of their attacker."Honestly, I want to kill him." He paused then scanned Kinkaid. 'He's about my age. We're of the same age, yet he's way beyond my league... For now.'"He has a higher rank than that witch. Meaning, he'll have more information than she ever has. We'll take him to Zera once our bastard of a captain returns."Xing silently looks at Tyson.The ex-hunter felt uneasy over the stare and glared at her."What?" He asked, taking a deep breath."Over the short period that you've been here, you've changed. The old you would have wanted to throw this psycho overboard the soonest.""Yeah well..." He scratches his head. He had never expected to hear such words from her. "You two have rubbed off on me. Tell everyone I said that and I'll be throwing you overboard."Xing smiles. "Sure, let's pretend you can do that." She walks out of the room, leaving Tyson alone with the scythe-wielder.The
You need to learn to keep your emotions in check."Xing scolded Tyson. She had witnessed his outburst earlier thanks to the surveillance cameras that were in the cell room."Tck, I didn't know what came over me." Tyson faced his plate.The two of them were having a meal in the dining room."Well, whatever it is. You have to be more careful. You were releasing pulses of your astral energy. Anymore and you could have fried the circuits of the room, thus freeing that psycho.""Sorry..." Tyson said.'Hmm, no snarky comment? That shows at least that he knows how to accept his mistakes.'"Well, no real damage occurred. But just be more careful please.""I will."'I thought I had my emotions in check. Why did I lose control? He didn't really say anything to vex me that way.' Lost in his thoughts, Tyson was unaware of the alarm that was sounded off."Tyson!" Xing snapped him out."Huh? What?""We have more intruders! They've already boarded the cruiser!" She warned."Great," He rolled his eye
"Are you ready to despair?""Captain, are you alright?"Xing rushed to Victor's side.The two glared over at Tyson. He was covered in his astral skin."Master Knight, Lady Xing. What is our course of action?"Victor rubbed the spot he was struck earlier."Simple, we knock some senses into snow-white before he loses his mind completely."He grins before unsheathing his sword. Xing had only just noticed the sword and gasps."That's...""Hehe, I didn't see Kris if that's what you want to know.""I see..." She muttered."Well then, I'll have you two steps back." Victor grinned as Xing and Tristan took a few steps back, leaving him to face the berserk Tyson."Snow-white. I don't want to be the one to do this, but you better snap out of whatever it is that's going on in that noggin of yours. Or I might actually hurt you a little."Tyson responded with a snarl. Creating a black astral blade, he glares at his captain."Get in my way, and I'll destroy you! The same way that I'll destroy the as
"This place again?"Tyson found himself back inside the astral plane."What's happening?" He clenched his head. "Last thing I recall wa- ack!!" He felt a jolt of unbearable pain.Crying out in pain, the ex-hunter grabbed his head and squatted."Huhuhu. It's time.""Who's there!" Tyson shouted, still suffering from the striking and increasing headache."It's been what? 2 weeks since you were here, and you've already forgotten about me. Tsk, tsk, tsk. I can't say I'm not disappointed by the vessel."Tyson raised his head and in front of him was the faceless humanoid being he met when he first entered the astral plane."It's you," he said weakly. "The Etherian.""Bingo!""What's happening outside?""You're attacking your friends.""What?" He widened his eyes."The power I planted inside of you has awakened.""Power? What power?""Well, one of the powers, actually."The Etherian walked circles around Tyson with his hands resting behind his back."The pain you're feeling, it's the bonding
"Rise and Shine, Snow-white!" "Huh?" Tyson slowly started regaining consciousness after yesterday's event. He opened his eyes to see Victor, Xing and Tristan looking down at him. "Guys, I'm ba-" Before he could finish, he paused to look around himself. The first thing he noticed was that his hands were chained with cuffs similar to the ones they used on Kinkaid. He sat up to see that he was not in his room."Tck, what's the meaning of this!?" The ex-hunter snapped. "We can ask you the same thing," Xing replied. "What got over you?" She asked, shooting him a hardened gaze. "I don't know." Tyson was reluctant to tell them about the Etherian."I believe you do, Master Tyson." Tristan pointed. "Is that why you guys locked me up in here!" He snarled. "Where we kept our enemies. Am I the enemy now?" He frowned upon them before looking at Victor. Victor did not wear his usual grin. "We decided we couldn't have you lurking around the cruiser with us if you could seep back into that craz
"Are you sure you want to take your meal in your room Master Tyson?" Tristan had just handed Tyson a tray of food.The ex-hunter decided that he would not be joining the crew for dinner. Tyson nods at the wizard. "You got that right, pointy ears. The last thing I want is to sit at the same table as that association scum." "Very well then," Tristan sighed. "Enjoy your meal." He said, exiting the room. Tyson leaned on his bed with his legs crossed. "I thought he'd never leave."He munched down on his food without a single worry.Although he told the wizard his reasons for not eating with them. He didn't tell him everything. "There's no way I'm eating at that cursed table..."He looked over at the clock in his room. "Any minute now..."As if on cue, a loud explosion came from the direction of the dining hall. Tyson smiled in relief as he continued eating his meal. "Thank you for the meal."LOCATION: PLANET SKRULLInside the office of the Flag master. A frightened Sirius struggled to
"What brings you here, Grim!?" Tyson's voice rang out, filled with surprise and disbelief."My, is that any way to address your beloved teacher?" Grim responded with a smirk, drawing everyone's attention towards Tyson."He's the most psychotic person in the House of Bronze. My father might lead, but Grim, he's pure evil," Tyson explained, his tone serious."Stop it!" Grim chuckled, gently touching his cheek. "You're making me blush.""Tck, Kaz!" Tyson turned to his vice captain.Kaz met Tyson's gaze and nodded. "Got it," he said, placing his hand on Tyson's, transferring some of his own energy."Thanks," Tyson said gratefully as he felt his powers replenish. It wasn't full strength, but it would do for what lay ahead."Three Dons, the strongest assassins of the house, using shadow or dark elements, and Grim, on par with them," Tyson summarised."Everyone," Tyson addressed his friends. "I can't guarantee our safety. If you want to leave, I'll understand.""No way am I missing this! I w
The tournament kept progressing;; Tyson advanced after a brutal battle with his brother and mademade it to the final to face Zod.The bustling cheers of the crowd echoed more vibrantlyvibrantly than ever,ever, for today, the vagrant games shall end.The seats were filled. The streets of the city were nearly emptyempty as everyone was in the colloseum. Even previous participants wanted to see who would win the tournament. "Ladies and gentlemen, We have our two finalists ready!" Tyson and Zod were facing each other in the arena. They both hadhad wide smiles on their faces. "So, it's happening,happening, AstralEnergy, isn't Energy, isn't it?" "That it is, Tyson Bronze. I look forward to a memorable battle with you." Zod stretchesstretches his arm for the ex-assassinassassin. Much to the crowd's amazement, the two of them share a handshake. "I'm going to win,win, but, yeah, good luck, Zod." "Go Zoddy!" Kira cheered from the crowd. She was seated with the Nightshades and Enders. B
"Hahaha!" Vladimir bursts into laughter, impressed. "Amazing! You developed the mantra ability.""I've levelled up too, Sir Vladimir," Farrow responds confidently."Nevertheless, this match is mine for the taking... Blue Boomerang," Vladimir declares as he hurls his hammer at the archer.Farrow stands unfazed, stretching his hand forward."Impossible!" Vladimir grapples with the unexpected turn of events, while murmurs ripple through the colosseum.Farrow effortlessly halts the hammer with one hand, stunning everyone."How?" Vladimir asks, bewildered."This is the power of the mantra!" Farrow explains as strange markings emerge on his body.The mantra technique involves chanting phrases, granting the user the ability to drain the astral energy of non-living components, weakening them momentarily."With the mantra, every attack from a magic item or coated by animation is rendered nearly useless," Farrow elucidates.Vladimir realises that Farrow's mantra can drain the astral energy of m
"So, that's it."The Nightshade clan was on the deck of the Mini-Cruiser, enjoying the food Tyson had brought from the Eastern continent.Vladimir had a mountain of food in front of him, diving in eagerly."Can't you eat slowly, big guy?" Ernie joked."A man has to eat fast if he wants to grow fast.""Preach on, brother!" The guitarist nodded in agreement, taking a puff from his blunt. "Also, congrats to all of you for making it to the second round." He gave them a thumbs-up."You all did well," Kaz commented."But it only gets harder from here," Lilith added.The Nightshade clan faced tough competition, and even though they were the only clan to have all members qualify for the second round, they might end up facing each other."Yeah, there are a tonne of commendable fighters who made it through the first round," Farrow added."There's the Enders, Red Souls, and Valhalla clans.""Rhea and Crimson, I hope I fight one of them soon!""You hope to fight everyone soon!" Kaz scolded."Leav
"You're a lone brave, right? Say, Would you like to join my clan?""Ehhh!?" Tyson's unexpected offer surprised everyone."Hehe, it's typical for Tyson to do something unexpected," Ernie commented.Even the Dragon Constellar was taken aback by the ex-assassin's actions.She glanced at Maggie. "Is he always like that?""You have no idea, sister."Tyson confronted the Ice Mage. "So... what's your decision?"Jakeem burst into laughter. "You're quite the wild one, aren't you?"He jumped back, creating an ice wall. "I like your bluntness, but I must decline your offer.""Ehhh!" The crowd reacted in shock."He declined...""A chance to join the Nightshade clan!?"Jakeem conjured an icicle blast, causing the ice wall to rumble."Trouble," Tyson's senses warned as he activated his glider mode."Point One: Glider!" His dark Anima wings emerged.Farrow's eyes lit up at the sight of Tyson's new form. "Sir Tyson has improved without his shadow magic item.""That's expected of our captain," Vladimi
"A lone brave, huh?" Jake remarked.Lone braves were those who tackled the zodiac crypts' trials solo, without affiliating with any clan.The exception was the first zodiac crypt, where a rule mandated teams of four.After that, they faced the trials alone."This won't be an easy battle for Chase," Lexi chimed in."Don't worry, guys," Rhea interjected. "We've all gotten better, right? Lone brave or not, Chase will impress!""The match is starting.""Hey speedster, ready to face the ripster?" Rip teased.Chase tilted his head, then shifted to a serious expression."They say you lone Braves pack a punch." Chase mused as his boots glowed. "Some even call you socially awkward."Tyson eagerly anticipated their clash, recalling their previous fight where Chase's speed had posed a challenge.As Chase and Rip faced off, Tyson reminisced about their encounter."I've been itching for a rematch with Chase at full power," Tyson mused, his smile turning into a frown. "Too bad he's going down.""Wh
"What!" "What do you mean we can't all participate?" The Nightshade clan was currently about to register for the tournament. The woman sitting at the other side of the desk looked at them with an unfazed expression. "I'm sorry, those are the rules. A clan can have at most 5 participants for the tournament." Tyson slammed his hands on the desk. "But..." "There is no, but I'm afraid. Rules are rules. It was set this way to allow Braves that are not affiliated with clans and smaller clans to participate. The requirement is that you flash the hidden markings you get for solving the zodiac crypts.""I see." The ex-assassin finally gave up as he turned to his clanmates. He counted himself, Kaz, Ernie, Farrow, Maggie, Vladimir, and Lilith."Don't sweat it, dudes and dudettes." "Yeah, Sir Ernie said he wouldn't be participating." "Is it because of that thing?" Kaz addressed the guitarist. "Who knows?" Ernie shrugged off the question as he pocketed his hands. "That leaves six of u
"Ladies and gentlemen!" A man's voice echoed through the bustling streets of Lundar. "You have all waited for this day ever since we were chosen to host the 47th annual Vagrant Games here in Lundar!" In the middle of the city was a broad colosseum. There is a big arena in the middle, and several thousand seats are being occupied by the minute. It was truly a sight to behold. A large microphone erected from a pole in the arena carried the voice of the commentator. "In less than a few hours, Braves and Clans from around the continent who have peered through the difficulties and concurred three of the famed zodiac crypts shall battle for the grand prise of 1 million peaks, access codes to vintage websites of the past world, and for the first time in the history of the tournament, we will be issuing a magic item. All these prizes are for the first place alone.""Hurry up, guys!" Tyson cheerfully calls out to Kaz and Lilith, who were dragging heavy loads. "Maybe we won't be so slow i
It has been a day since the raid on the Elder's secret chambers. Elder Baraya had recovered completely thanks to Kisha using a healing pulse on him. Most parts of the chambers were ravaged, and all the ninjas that were still alive were rounded up and locked somewhere. "Let the meeting begin!" Elder Ram declares from the altar as he and Baraya look down on the Constellars, Tyson, and Kaz. "I told Lex to head to Lundar if he escapes." Tyson states. "And I've spoken with the others; I briefed them on everything that has transpired so far; they will be heading to Lundar today, leaving me and Tyson left." At first, the vagrant games were merely a way for the Nightshade clan to test their might against other clans. But as the events unfolded, they found out that one of the clans participating in the tournament was the Valhalla clan. A clan that works directly under Hudson is one of their common enemies with the Constellars. "Adacus..." Elder Ram called for the retired Constellar.