Smoke filled the air.
Not ordinary smoke this one was heavy, suffocating. The energy leaking from it was steeped in malice, so thick that the intent to kill could be felt pressing against the skin.
"What the hell…" Fen'ric muttered.
From within the smoke, a figure slowly revealed itself.
Dark, warped energy clung to the man's body as if it were alive. His presence alone was unnatural, his bloodlust so intense that Fen'ric felt his body tremble despite himself.
"Hahaha…!"
Cae'leb burst into laughter as he began releasing his energy, which caused Ze'el to fall into deep illusions.
"Behold the future of the world…" Cae'leb said out loud while laughing.
The man now hovered in the air. The energy emitting around him was vile and dark. He did not look normal, but his bloodlust was intense enough to make Fen'ric shake.
"Now this is what I'm talking about," Fen'ric grinned.
Clenching his fists, he leapt into the air and struck.
Boom!
Their clash sent shockwaves tearing through the battlefield, the ground cracking as if an earthquake had struck. But Fen'ric was the one blown back, skidding across the shattered earth.
"Ze'el, I think I need a hand here there's something strange about him."
No response.
"…Ze'el?"
"She can't hear or see you," Cae'leb said calmly.
"She is currently under my technique… illusions of death. As far as her mind is weak she will continue to hallucinate and see illusions making her see her allies as enemies."
"I told you, didn't I? From the moment you entered into this place you are already in the palm of my hand."
Immediately Ze'el pointed her sword at Fen'ric as energy began gathering at the top of her large sword.
At that moment Fen'ric knew… he knew that there was no way to dodge the attack from Ze'el… so he decided to take it head on.
"I'm an enhancer after all I just have to take it."
Boom!
An energy beam immediately flattened everything that was on the way…
Fen'ric could barely defend himself against the attack as he spat blood.
"As expected of number five… the difference in power is terrifying."
I guess I will just have to fight with all I got… Ze'el is now under that commander's illusions…
"Oh I just love this sight of seeing my enemies on the verge of collapsing" what a wonderful scene… Cae'leb began walking closer with the strange man and Ze'el by his side.
"Haha very funny, do you think I have given up… that is one thing about you capital folks, you are so bent on victory without even achieving it."
"It seems you still have strength to talk" well it's about time you die and not by my hands but by your beloved ally…
"Now Ze'el bring me his head…"
Ze'el took out her sword as was about to cut off Fen'ric's head.
Shwushhh
The head of the commander was on the ground…
"Hahaha… as expected of our witch…. I knew it was not easy for you to be under control" as Fen'ric got up with the help of Ze'el.
"Oh please what is this illusion going to do to me I was only playing along."
"'I was only playing along'" Fen'ric imitating Ze'el "you almost killed me back there."
"Say one more word and I will kill you this time" Ze'el said annoyed by Fen'ric.
"This commander is damn unlucky for meeting us."
"Ze'el, let's deal with that guy… try your best not to obliterate him we need to ask him some questions."
Fen'ric and Ze'el attacked the man together.
They fought for four grueling hours clashing, essence exploding, the ground splitting beneath them. Every blow drained more than it should. Finally, the man fell, broken.
"When last did we face a battle like this?"
"He must be part of the experiment… let's tie him up."
"Are all experiments, like this? If this one is strong like this I'm sure they are others stronger"
As Fen'ric was about to tie him… his body began to gather energy.
"Fen'ric!"
Before Fen'ric could react the man exploded.
Thankfully I'm an enhancer, I could just enhance my body to be stronger…
Swudh
A stab on Ze'el's neck… blood rushed out… as she fell down on the floor.
"Fen…'ric help…"
"How did he… I didn't even noticed him."
It was Cae'leb, he was not dead yet… after stabbing Ze'el he disappeared.
"Cae'leb!" Fen'ric shouted while holding Ze'el, the pain could be heard in his voice, but luckily Ze'el was not dead.
"I'm going to kill you for hurting her."
As everything began fading away…
"No… way…"
Then Fen'ric recalled what Cae'leb said the first time they met:
The moment you entered here you are already in my palms.
Was everything an illusion??
◆◇◆
Far away
"The Eclipse sure are hard to deal with, I had to come up with another method on the spot."
Using my soul to control a puppet took a toll on me now I will have to spend at least 6 months to heal.
"The seed have been planted, now we just have to wait till it sprout," Cae'leb said.
"As expected of the commander, your plan was flawless."
"Vice commander you flatter me."
"Now let's see if the moon will be able to hide behind the sun for long."
◆◇◆
Few weeks later inside the Eclipse in the major training hall
Flowing with the wind, I shall move my staff, with the way of the sword…
"This is hard why did master wants me to change my weapon to a staff, although I'm getting a little progress, the signs on the ground tells alot."
"Gray… Grayyy."
"Oh it's him again how did he knows I'm here."
This is the fifth time this week, and I have been trying to avoid him but it seems I should give him what he wants.
"You can't hide from me now I got a keen sense of smell."
"I have said it before let's fight both of us."
"Fine fine" since he wants a fight, I will give it to him, this should also be a good opportunity for me to test the art of gale with the staff master gave me, also let me see the strength of this half beast.
"You should go easy on me Rhapel you know I can't use essence yet, and this is not my type of weapon."
"You think you can deceive me gray? I saw what you did to the ground outside are you telling me that it was pure just pure strength."
"Sigh… I know you won't believe me let's just start, are you not going to use a weapon?" I asked.
"I am a beasten, we don't rely on weapons our claws."
Rhapel opened his hand and long claws grew out, his teeth became sharp and long.
This is not the first time seeing claws like this, I will always recognize this type of claws
Because they are similar to the claws of a morjin.