2025-02-12 09:08:18Suddenly, A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as a group of figures in pristine white garments and suits entered the stadium's VIP section.
"The Church," someone whispered, the words spreading through the crowd like wildfire. "Oh, you don't know who they are?" A female student spoke up excitedly from the stands, addressing the confused faces around her. "Those people are from the church." "What makes them so special?" another student asked, eyes fixed on the white-clad figures. "The Church controls everything about healing magic and swordsmen," she explained hurriedly. "They regulate dungeons, monitor mage activities, even decide who gets to be trained as a knight. Those white garments? They're worn by people who have direct authority under the priest." "I thought the church were just religious figures?" "No, no," she shook her head vigorously. "They control everything that should be public knowledge. Especially about dungeons. Nobody really knows how dungeons work or why they appear after Abyssal portals close, and the Church wants to keep it that way." ** The heat of the battle was unmistakable. Miko’s fire swirled around him as he dodged, blocked, and countered Luna and Jace’s attacks. His speed and agility leaving everyone in awe. Fire danced at his fingertips as he leaped into the air, his body twisting mid-flight to avoid another powerful gust of wind. His fireball shot through the air, narrowly missing Jace as he spun to deflect it with his sword. “Just like the mysterious man in the abyss did,” Miko thought to himself as he moved like a blur, his body like a comet streaking across the battlefield, leaving flames in his wake. The commentators were barely able to keep up with the action. “Unbelievable speed! Miko of Clan Dusk has shown the agility of a seasoned fighter. He’s truly a force to be reckoned with!” the commentator shouted, the excitement in his voice clear as day. “How is he moving like that?!” one of the spectators gasped, their eyes wide with disbelief. Miko didn’t respond to the gasps. His only focus was Luna and Jace. “I’m running out of strength,” Miko said as he breathed heavily. Jace’s face was red with anger, his sword raised as he lunged forward to strike. “You’re nothing, trash!” he shouted, his voice filled with frustration. “You can’t win against me!” Miko, however, was unbothered. His eyes were sharp, calculating every movement. “You talk too much for a captain, I’ll show you just how wrong you are,” Miko muttered to himself as he deftly avoided Jace’s strike, launching a fireball straight at his chest. Luna quickly intervened, using her Wind magic to redirect the fireball, but Miko was already on the move again, his feet never touching the ground for long. He was quick, and dangerous. And just as the tension built to its peak, the commentator’s voice rang out across the stadium followed by a loud beeeeeeepp!!! “A-A-And in a shocking turn of events, Clan Dusk has captured both the flags of Clan Solace and Clan Aegis! Can you believe it, folks? Clan Dusk, the underdog, is leading the charge!” The announcement sent shockwaves through the arena. “What?!” Luna gasped, her eyes darting around. “How did they—?” “No way...” Jace muttered under his breath, his frustration growing. “We’ve been so focused on Miko, we didn’t even realize what his team was doing.” The realization hit them both like a ton of bricks. Miko hadn’t just been standing there; he’d been a distraction. While they were focused on him, his team had been running around, claiming the flags they needed. He had been drawing their attention so his team could strike. “Damn it...” Jace growled, slamming his fist into the ground in frustration. “I knew it. I should’ve known. I’ve been so focused on him that I didn’t even realize his team was going for the flags. That’s why he was able to hold us off. He was never trying to win this fight alone.” Jace said with anger. “Next time, I won’t make the same mistake,” he muttered. “I won’t let his team get away again.” Miko didn’t even flinch. He wasn’t concerned with Jace’s anger. He had more important things to focus on. Like the next round. ** As Miko reunited with his teammates, their faces flushed with excitement. They had done it—they had the flags. While Miko had been busy fending off Luna and Jace, his team had swept in, taking both flags from Clan Solace and Clan Aegis. Liam was practically bouncing with excitement. “We did it!” he grinned, high-fiving Akiya. “Who would've thought that the ‘trash’ could pull it off like that?” Anna laughed. “We knew he had it in him. I always said there was more to Miko than anyone realized.” Akiya nodded, her eyes scanning the battlefield, still alert. “He did his job,” she said, her voice calm but pleased. “Now we just have to keep at it. This isn’t over yet.” She grinned and turned her head. “Now, they have no choice but to respect him.” ** As the announcement broke the fight, the representative from Clan Aegis had arrived on the scene, his eyes narrowed as he took in the situation. “Miko, you’ve caused enough trouble,” Zack’s voice rang out, cold and authoritative. “You’ve had your fun, but you’re not winning this. We know you’ve been using some kind of artifact to make yourself use two elements.” Miko’s gaze flickered toward Zack. His fiery confidence didn’t falter. “Artifact?” he scoffed. “You think this is an artifact?” Zack’s lips curled into a smirk. “Of course. There’s no way someone with your ‘trash’ Ash ability could suddenly wield fire. You’re hiding something. And I’m going to make sure I expose it for everyone to see.” “Not today,” Miko muttered under his breath, his eyes cold as he stared at Zack. Zack wasn’t alone, though. His assistant, a tall, imposing figure, stepped forward, his eyes locked on Miko with an expression had the was as cold as Zack’s. “You’ve really made this difficult for everyone, Miko,” the assistant said. “If you’d just stood down, we could’ve avoided all this. But now?” He shook his head. “Now, you’ve made it personal.” Miko didn’t flinch. He knew Zack was strong, but he wasn’t afraid. “Do your worst,” he muttered. “I’m not backing down.” Zack’s smile widened. “Oh, I intend to. Just don’t cry when you’re left standing in the dust.” Miko had barely finished processing Zack’s words when the arena erupted into chaos once again.
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Somewhere in the team training rooms. The tension was through the roof as the members of Clan Zenith gathered around their table. The previously bustling atmosphere of the arena was now far behind them, replaced by a stifling quiet. They had been watching the final moments of the battle, and it didn’t take long for them to realize what had happened: Clan Dusk had secured the lead. Elena sat in the center, trying her best to project calmness to her team. Her usual composure, however, was strained. Even though she had experienced Miko’s sudden rise to power, nothing could have prepared her for how quickly the tide had turned. Clan Zenith, always the frontrunner, was now sitting in second place. A position they hadn’t been in for years. The team was in disarray, their faces twisted in frustration. They had always been the best, and now they were forced to swallow the bitter pill of second place. “Everyone, calm down,” Elena said firmly, her voice betraying a hint of frustra
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 14
The arena was electric, the crowd's excitement buzzing in the air as the final battles loomed on the horizon. Clan Zenith’s representative, stood across the battlefield from Clan Solace, and there was an air of anticipation as Elena from Clan Zenith took her position.The bell rang, and just like that, Elena was in motion. Her fiery hair flashed like a burst of power as she flung herself into the battle.Without hesitation, Elena raised her hand, and the flames around her surged to life. "Let's see how strong you really are," she murmured under her breath, her fiery energy crackling like thunder.Luna, from Clan Solace, attempted to summon her wind, the air swirling around her to form a defensive barrier. "You won’t beat me that easily!" she shouted, her voice full of determination.But Elena wasn’t playing games. She released a massive ball of fire straight at Luna, who barely managed to deflect it with her wind barrier. The explosion that followed sent Luna hurtling backwards, her w
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 15
The arena fell silent as Ian stepped forward, his footsteps echoing across the battlefield where Elena had just fallen."Well, well," Ian's voice dripped with disdain. "The ash user who thinks he can play with double elements."Miko wiped the sweat from his brow, trying to catch his breath from his fight with Elena. "What do you want, Ian?""Want?" Ian's laugh was sharp. "I want to know how someone like you suddenly has this power. Do you know how many of us have trained for years trying to get where we are? How many nights have we spent perfecting our techniques?"In the stands, a professor leaned toward his colleague. "This should be interesting. Ian's never lost his composure like this before.""He's jealous," another professor whispered back. "Can you blame him? He's spent years trying to gain a second element.""Let's make this simple," Ian called out, raising his hands. "Show everyone what a fraud you are!"The ground erupted beneath Miko's feet, but he was already moving, slidi
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 16
For a moment, all that could be heard was heavy breathing and the tension in the air. The silence stretched until—Clap... Clap... Clap...A lone figure stood in the upper stands, their slow applause echoing through the arena."Did you see that?" a voice called out. "Did you all see what he just did?"Another person stood, joining the applause. "He beat Ian! He actually beat him!"The applause spread like wildfire, until the entire stadium was on their feet."Miko! Miko! Miko!""The ash user did it!""This is incredible!"A student leaned over the railing, shouting, "Hey, Ian! How's it feel to have your perfect technique read like a children's book?"Ian pushed himself to his feet, his voice tight. "You... you planned this from the start?""No," Miko replied, keeping his voice level. "I just learned to watch. Something you never had to do."The Principal rose from his seat, raising his hands. The crowd gradually fell silent."Well," he said, his voice carrying across the arena, "it
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 17
"What is that?" someone coughed.Clang. Clang. Clang.More canisters followed, thrown to cover every corner of the arena."Tear gas!" Elena shouted, already creating a barrier of fire around her team members. "Everyone, cover your faces!"Chaos erupted as students pushed toward the exits. Through streaming eyes, Miko spotted a figure walking calmly through the growing smoke toward the arena's center."Look," he grabbed Akiya's arm, pointing. "Their movements...""Too controlled," she agreed, wiping her eyes. "Shit! This was planned."The figure reached the center, and Miko's breath caught in his throat. In their hands was a mirror, its surface seeming to drink in what little light remained."No," he whispered. "Not here. Not now.""Miko?" Liam appeared through the smoke, coughing. "What's wrong? What are they—""Everyone back!" Miko's voice cut through the panic. "Get away from the center!"But it was too late. The figure had already knelt, placing the mirror on the ground.On the mir
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 18
Just as darkness began pouring from the portal. Students braced themselves for whatever horror was about to emerge, but before the darkness could fully manifest, movement caught everyone's attention.A figure in pristine white garments stepped through the defensive line. His movement was slow despite the growing chaos around him."Is that—?" Elena started."The Church," Ian confirmed, his voice tight.The white-robed figure's footsteps echoed across the suddenly silent arena. Even the portal's otherworldly sounds seemed to dim in his presence."Stand aside," his voice rang with authority. Students and teachers alike found themselves stepping back instinctively.Miko felt his pendant grow colder as the Church member approached the mirror. The man's face showed no fear, no concern—only absolute certainty.Without hesitation or ceremony, he raised his hand toward the corrupted surface."Ignis holis."The words seemed to split the air itself. Brilliant white flame erupted from his palm, e
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 19
The walk back to the dorms was quiet, each student processing the Church's display of power. Moonlight cut sharp shadows across their path through the ancient trees."You know," Miko said suddenly, a hint of amusement in his voice, "for all the fighting I've done, I realize I don't know shit about how this world really works."Akiya glanced at him, her usual fiery demeanor surfacing. "That reminds me - how the hell did you beat Elena and Ian without a magic circle? That shouldn't even be possible!""Magic circle?" Miko raised an eyebrow. "The hell is that?""Wait, seriously?" Liam yawned, stretching lazily against a tree. "Man, that's like... basic stuff. Every mage manifests their circle after they’ve grown strong enough—" he said "—and when you’ve gone past a certain level you can use appraisal to see the mana circle of others.""Been too busy getting bullied to learn the theory," Miko shrugged, his tone casual but with an edge. "Or getting 'disciplined' for embarrassing the Valen
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 20
They crested the final hill beyond the academy gates, and Lunaris sprawled before them. Magic lights dotted the cityscape, from the bright noble district towers to the dim flickers of the lower quarters."So this is Lunaris," Miko said, taking in the view. The city was nothing like the rigid walls of the Valen mansion.Akiya bounced on her toes, pointing excitedly. "See those tall towers? Those are the magic scientist’s tower’s Each one tries to outshine the others with their light shows.""Waste of magic if you ask me," Liam said, hands in his pockets. He'd found a patch of grass and was already settling down."Liam, we just got here," Akiya protested."Just resting my eyes."Anna stood slightly apart from the group, her hands clasped together. "Maybe we should head back? The city's different at night..."Miko turned to her, his usual sharp expression softening. "Hey, it'll be fine. We'll stick together, and I promise we won't do anything too crazy." He grinned. "Just crazy enough to
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Morning arrived with the antiseptic smell of the medical ward and the soft beeping of monitoring equipment. Miko woke with a jolt, momentarily disoriented before remembering where he was. Across the room, Liam snored softly, one arm flung dramatically across his face. Akiya sat cross-legged on her bed, already awake and flipping through a data tablet. Anna was nowhere to be seen."Morning, sunshine," Akiya said without looking up. "Anna's already been cleared. She's getting us breakfast."Miko stretched, wincing at the stiffness in his muscles. "Any updates on the incident?""Nothing official. But the ward's been buzzing with rumors." She finally looked up, her expression serious. "Apparently, what we faced wasn't an isolated incident. There were two other breaches reported last night—different sectors, same pattern.""Searching," Miko murmured."That's what they're saying."The door slid open, and Anna entered carrying a tray of food. Her usual quiet demeanor seemed intensified, like
Chapter 60
Miko sprinted through the evacuated streets, his lungs burning with each breath. The air tasted wrong—metallic and sharp with that unmistakable hint of Ash. He rounded the corner and froze.Three figures stood against impossible odds, holding back what should have been an overwhelming incursion. Liam's wind cut precise paths through the air, each gust a deadly blade. Akiya's flames painted complex barriers of fire, forcing back entities that shouldn't exist in this world. And at the center, Anna's light pulsed in intricate patterns, somehow maintaining order in the midst of chaos.An AAU tactical unit had finally arrived, officers deploying containment protocols with practiced efficiency. But their expressions betrayed their shock. This wasn't supposed to be possible—three students holding an incursion at bay."Miko?" Liam called out when he spotted Miko, somehow maintaining that insufferable grin despite everything."What happened?" Miko demanded, rushing to join their formation."Ro
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Liam had claimed a corner table—the one with the slightly wobbly leg that he insisted gave the space "character." A half-eaten slice of cheesecake sat before him, more decoration than actual dessert. A spoon balanced precariously on the bridge of his nose, defying gravity with the same casual ease that he seemed to approach most of life."I'm telling you," he announced to his teammates, the spoon wobbling with each word, "this is a legitimate stress-management technique."Akiya rolled her eyes, flames dancing between her fingers—a nervous habit she'd never quite managed to control. "Balancing cutlery is your idea of stress management?""Some people meditate," Liam replied, not breaking his concentration. "I balance spoons."Across the table, Anna hunched over a stack of research papers, her dark hair falling forward to create a curtain between her and the world. Mumbled calculations escaped her lips—something about artifact resonance and magical frequency patterns."Did you say someth
Chapter 58
A group of four approached quickly, their expressions filled with irritation. Their leader, a tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp features, was the first to speak.“What the hell happened to you lot?” His tone was demanding, accusatory. “We were supposed to stick together, but your team disappeared. You abandoned the plan.”Anna, still nursing a bruise on her temple, raised a hand as if to calm him. “We didn’t—”“Don’t.” The man cut her off, his voice low but firm. “We found a clue. A direct lead to the relic. And instead of following procedure, your team vanished into thin air. We spent hours trying to figure out where you went.”“We had a lead of our own,” Anna tried again, her voice even. “We had no choice but to follow—”A sharp whistle cut through the tension.Hayes,The senior officer stood near the entrance of the makeshift command post, arms crossed, his face unreadable. But there was an unmistakable weight behind his stare as he looked directly at Miko and Keisha.“Is that
Chapter 57
Time seemed to slow as Miko faced his impossible choice. The wraith loomed over him, obsidian face mere inches away, reflecting his own distorted image back at him."Your decision time has expired," the wraith said, its voice laced with cruel amusement. "The relic. Now."Miko didn't move."Very well," the wraith's form seemed to expand, darkening the tunnel further. "Then you leave me no choice but to demonstrate the consequences of defiance." It gestured toward Akiya who was still struggling to her feet. "Perhaps I'll start with the fire girl. Her flames were... delicious.""No!" Anna tried to throw up another barrier, but her magic fizzled weakly, her reserves nearly depleted."How touching," the wraith mocked. "Such loyalty. Such devotion. Completely wasted, of course." It turned back to Miko. "Final opportunity, boy. Surrender the relic, or watch your friends suffer before they die."The tension in the tunnel was suffocating. Keisha clutched the relic container to her chest, her k
Chapter 56
"Wise advice from the Stormweaver," the wraith conceded. "But unnecessary. I don't need to create division when the truth will do it for me." It drifted closer. "Why do you think you were assigned to this mission, ash-wielder? Why you specifically?""Enough talking," Miko's fire burned brighter. "We're leaving.""Are you?" Another artifact in the wraith's shoulder began glowing, and suddenly the tunnel behind them collapsed, cutting off their retreat. "I think not.""Anna!" Miko called.She understood immediately, throwing up her strongest barrier between them and the wraith. But instead of attacking, the creature simply placed one elongated hand against the magical shield. The barrier didn't break—it dissolved, the magic seemingly absorbed into one of the artifacts embedded in the wraith's palm."Magic nullification," Anna gasped, stumbling backward. "That's not possible.""All things are possible with the right tools," the wraith replied. "Your human magic is just crude manipulation
Chapter 55
Miko didn't answer, but he had a feeling Keisha Stormweaver wasn't someone who gave up easily once her curiosity was aroused.The relic pulsed in its container, its blue light seemingly synchronized with Miko's heartbeat for just a moment before returning to its own rhythm. Whatever connection existed between them, Miko knew instinctively that it was only beginning.Someone had brought this team together specifically to find this relic. And he was increasingly certain that someone was playing a much longer game than any of them realized.Then suddenly,"That's the third time we've passed that support beam," Liam said, coming to a stop. His usual lazy demeanor had given way to sharp alertness, eyes darting between familiar markings on the tunnel wall. "The one with the red mining symbol, this is the third time we’ve passed it.""That's the third time we've passed that support beam," Liam said, coming to a stop. His usual lazy demeanor had given way to sharp alertness, eyes darting bet
Chapter 54
The guardian was now moving agitatedly around the clearing's perimeter, its wooden body creaking with tension. The forest itself seemed to respond to its distress—the not-sunlight dimming, the plants curling inward, the glowing insects scattering.Keisha made a quick decision, pulling a specially lined container from her pack. "This should contain it temporarily." She lifted the relic carefully, and as it left the pedestal, several things happened simultaneously.The forest darkened completely, plunging them into momentary blackness before Akiya's fire provided light. The guardian let out a sound like splintering wood and collapsed to the ground, its body suddenly lifeless. And from the direction they had entered, came a chittering noise that raised the hair on the back of their necks."Move!" Miko ordered as fire erupted around his hands. "Back to the entrance, now!"They ran, Keisha clutching the containment box, Akiya lighting their way with controlled flames. The forest that had s
Chapter 53
The branches parted slowly, deliberately. Squad Seven formed a defensive line instinctively—Miko and Keisha at the center, Akiya and Liam flanking, Anna providing barrier support from behind, with Trent and Devra protected in the rear, their detection equipment humming with activity.First came the sound—a clicking unlike any natural creature. Then movement—smooth, yet somehow mechanical. Finally, the figure emerged fully into the dappled not-quite-sunlight.It stood roughly the height of a tall human, but the resemblance ended there. Its body appeared to be made of interlocking wooden segments, like armor crafted from living trees. Where a face should have been, there was only a smooth wooden mask with intricate carvings instead of features. Tiny plants grew from crevices in its form, and glowing insects similar to those in the forest drifted lazily around it."Holy shit," Akiya whispered, flames dancing nervously between her fingers.The creature tilted its empty and featureless hea
