That magical name made Julilah get up. She didn’t look pleased by it but she was moving at least.
They cleaned up their workspaces and then headed to their rooms. After cleaning up and donning new clothes, they traveled to the library.
“Most of them are probably at the contest,” Qin said as they looked at the empty library.
“Less people to compete with for books,” Julilah said.
They headed into the shelves, breaking up and going for different books. It made it faster and when they started talking or working on formations, they could condense that information down and pass it on to the other.
They only had limited access so they didn’t have many more books to go through that might be able to help them at their current skill level.
***
Elan had completed his control over the information network in the First Realm as well as the Second and Third Realm.
He had created four different levels of information: information on the Ten Realms from other sects and organizations. Information coming from the higher realms. And information that might be useful for Alva and its people. This was further broken down into information on threats or possible threats to Alva, their subsidiaries or their allies, and useful information to increase Alva’s strength.
Lastly, information on people from Earth and estranged crafters as well as possibly recruiting them.
Finally, he was making sure that no information was leaked about Alva Dungeon.
“I’ll need to develop the information networks in the Third Realm a lot more. We really only have the Sky Reaching Restaurant that gives us a lot of rumors and information. That said, threat-wise, there aren’t many people who can threaten the restaurant and the traders all work independently and are all over the place. The threat is in the Second Realm with other mercenary groups not liking how the Adventurer’s Guild is stepping on their toes, or how the merchants from Alva are pushing out aggressively and quickly becoming large powers in the trading world. The First Realm has threats, though our strength is such that just one member of the army could stand up to an entire sect or a kingdom with the tactics Erik and Rugrat have taught them and the gear that Alva creates.
“With building out the intelligence agency, even though I have been able to pull more people in to share the burden, it will take time. For now, our main focus is gathering information in Vuzgal and the Fourth Realm and compiling more information on the higher realms. As Erik and Rugrat advance through the realms, their strength and the power of Alva increases. With what the Expert crafters were doing, it was a play for power—they were using their position as a formidable tool. If we truly want to be stable then we need to be an existence that can compete in the highest realm.” Elan shook his head. Even the words sounded insane to him. There was so far to go, but it was the only way to create true stability like the stability that the associations had.
Elan adjusted his seat. “Okay, so then I need to head to the Fourth Realm,” Elan said. “Didn’t think that I would have to use my new levels so soon.”
He got a sound transmission from people placed in Chonglu.
“There were two strong people who just exited the totem before heading for the castle. I think that they’re now fighting,” the spy hurriedly said.
Elan closed the sound transmission, taking a moment before he sent a message on to Erik, who was preparing to leave the next day.
***
Qin and Julilah were reading when a librarian came up to them.
“Aren’t you two interested in the competition?” the librarian, a kind-looking man with a long white beard, asked.
“Not really,” Qin said.
The librarian coughed and his eyes bulged in shock, as he tried to display his high Apprentice-level emblem on his chest more prominently.
“You okay?” Julilah looked up from her book with a frown.
“Young ladies like you, aren’t you interested in seeing the talents from the other academies? It is a great opportunity to meet others,” the older man said, hinting heavily.
“Not all that interested,” Qin said.
“There are girls and boys there.” The man looked between them.
“What are you trying to say?” Julilah asked.
The old man sighed and shook his head. “You’re young and free. This is a great opportunity to get outside and leave the worries of the world behind. A change of scenery is as good as a break!”
“Just got a few more books to read,” Julilah said.
“You must go out and enjoy life or there will be little to remember and enjoy later on!” The man drew himself up to his full height.
“Well, books are more useful for us,” Julilah said.
“Fine. I will let you borrow these books as long as you make an oath to return them and to go and watch the competition!”
“Okay. It would be nice to get some sun,” Julilah said.
Qin let out a groan but the older man, getting their agreement, quickly took them to the counter and signed out their books, got them to give an oath and then sent them on their way.
Qin and Julilah were walking toward the competition, getting used to the sun outside, as the older man whistled and locked up the library.
“Telling us to go and enjoy life and our youth but he just wanted to close the library and have the day off!” Qin complained.
“Come on, don’t you want to see people fighting with formations?” Julilah asked.
“They have formation fighting? Why didn’t you say so?” Qin grabbed her friend’s hand and led the way to the arenas.
Being the close students of Head Yan Zemin, they were quickly admitted and found some seats in one of the booths that was reserved for visitors.
***
Cai Cheng sat in the challenger box. There were three such boxes for the students of the different academies that were going against one another in the competition.
Cai Cheng was a genius within his academy. It was only his third year and he had reached mid-Apprentice rank. He came from the famous Cai family. Much like the Mao clan, they were a group with wealth and resources that they used to cultivate geniuses to gain high position within the Formation Guild.
Cai Cheng didn’t see anyone from his current generation as his opponent. He wanted to use this competition to increase his momentum and gain favor in the head of the academy’s eyes so that the head could apply on Cai Cheng’s behalf to get him promoted into an academy in the Fifth Realm. There the association’s power was much higher, the mana was less chaotic, and it was filled with academies.
It was a big change as the groups in the Fifth to the Seventh Realms turned from fighting one another and turned into crafters. Fighting competitions were still held, but dungeons and crafts were the main way to increase one’s level. With the complicated nature of alliances, if there was one fight in the higher realm groups, then it wasn’t impossible for an entire continent and millions of people to be drawn into the conflict.
The opportunities and wealth of information in the Fifth Realm were like heaven and earth compared to the Fourth Realm. All of the resources from the Fourth Realm that had any value were transferred to the Fifth Realm anyway for people to purchase or use.
The younger one was when getting to the Fifth Realm, the greater their achievements.
Cai Cheng was confident in his skills as he saw two girls entering a private booth and sitting down.
They wore simple robes, but they showed signs of newly formed women. Their eyes were bright and there was a presence around them that few girls would have at their age.
Their skin looked soft, making Cai Cheng want to cup their faces in his hands and look into those water-like eyes.
He took a moment, sensing their aura more. They’re a lower level than me, but with that confidence and the way they look around the arena, it is clear that they only have a limited interest here.
“Who are they?” Cai Cheng asked one of his friends.
“It seems t
hat Cai Cheng’s eyes are similar to my own.” Lian Ju spoke up, making Cai Cheng frown.
He looked at the other boy. He was just two years his senior, but he was just a half-step stronger than Cai Cheng.
“Lian Ju,” Cai Cheng said in a low voice of warning.
“I’m not sure which one I would pick. Why don’t I just have both of them! They would suit me well, don’t you think?” Lian Ju asked with a raised eyebrow and laughed, his eyes never leaving Cai Cheng.
“Don’t you think that they should go to the strongest person?” Cai Cheng counterattacked.
“I can only agree,” Lian Ju said lazily, but his eyes sharpened.
Seems as if he is trying to probe me more.
“I find that competitions are much more fun if there is something to be won or lost,” Cai Cheng said simply, staring Lian Ju down, a taunting smile on his face.
The others around them who heard the terms of their bet talked to one another, getting excited.
“Whoever places higher will have them,” Lian Ju said.
“I agree.” Cai Cheng looked away, as if Lian Ju was no longer worth his time, and his eyes fell on the two girls.
One was reading a book and the other had propped up her head and watched the battle happening below.
Chapter: Retribution
Erik was having lunch and looking at his latest reports, waiting for Delilah to finish her work before they set off for the totem, when he got the sound transmission from Elan.
He listened to Elan’s message. People showing up from the totem and then heading to Chonglu’s castle.
He was up and running before his mind caught up with him. His chest tensed in fear.
Gong Jin, Simms, Xi, Tully, and Yang Zan were up and following him. Since Glosil took over, there was always a group with him. Special Team Two was in Alva; Special Team One was in Vuzgal with Rugrat.
They must be people from the Stone Fist sect coming to finish off the job!
“Roska! Bring your special team to the teleportation pad, now!” Erik yelled. His clothes pressed against his body as he ran at full speed, turning into a half blur. He moved through the dungeon, with people yelling out behind him.
He jumped up onto Gilga as the rest of the special team jumped onto their own mounts.
“Egbert, teleport to Chonglu!” Erik said, knowing Egbert would hear him anywhere in the dungeon.
We have to make it! Erik knew only too well how easy it would be for people from the Fourth Realm to kill someone from the First Realm.
Without needing a guide, it means that they must have been here before. Could they be the assassins who came down before and are looking to finish the job?
Erik quickly passed on what he knew in just a few sentences as they moved and checked their gear.
***
Lord Chonglu woke up to the screams inside the walls of his castle.
Ronhou stirred and let out a growl. With their connection, Chonglu’s eyes snapped open. Scents from that night!
Chonglu got out of his bed, ran out of his room, and slammed through room after room, leaving his robe behind as Ronhou followed behind him.
“Protect the children and slow the attackers!” Chonglu yelled. He knew that the assassins would be able to defeat them in their current state.
“Yes, Lord!” Quinn said as he started to organize the people in the castle.
There were screams all around. Chonglu’s world had turned into one goal: protect his children.
I can ban them from the city, but I need to know their name or be in their presence. Though if they just declare war on the city, it won’t do anything! He gripped his fists, feeling useless and weak.
The door ahead of him was slammed open ahead. Felicity was there, dressed and wide-eyed, her maids around her.
“Come!” he said, moving for Feng’s apartments.
Felicity was picked up by Quinn as the maids fell behind the stronger guards running after their lord with steely expressions.
The corridor they were in was filled with dust as a man stood up in the middle of the guards. His features and body were hidden underneath black robes, with no way to identify him.
“There you are.” He locked his eyes onto Chonglu.
“Stall him and protect the lord!” Quinn yelled as he and the lord’s personal guards kept on running.
“Ants!” the man yelled as people charged him.
His movements were quicker than the human eye could follow. Each punch deformed metal and destroyed flesh. Blades couldn’t touch him as he moved forward.
Chonglu felt that the man was almost bored, savoring the growing fear in Chonglu, that sense of impending doom.
“I ban you from the city Chonglu!” Lord Chonglu yelled.
The man’s attack paused for a half second, enough for someone to land an attack. The man was pushed forward by the spear jab, but his armor easily took the hit.
“I declare war!” he yelled as he turned back, yanking the spear from the user’s hands as if dealing with a child, pulling him forward. He reversed the spear and stabbed back in one motion. The spearman, impaled with his own weapon, looked down at the weapon pierced through his armor and body.
He’s no man but a demon! Chonglu thought as he heard fighting ahead of him.
“Feng!” Chonglu yelled.
The guards threw the doors open, showing a bloody scene beyond. They had charged a second black-covered man.
He moved his hand and combined it with mana, turning it into a finger art that shot out, sending guards flying with serious injuries as he marched forward.
Feng let out a yell and attacked.
Ronhou, seeing his actions, charged forward and bit the attacker’s arm. His aim was thrown off, and his attack blew out a wall instead of hitting Feng.
The man snarled and punched Ronhou.
Ronhou slumped and Chonglu felt the contract between them disappearing.
The man shook Ronhou off and his eyes locked onto Feng. He moved forward, throwing his fist forward as he executed a fist art.
“Get back!” Chonglu used a secret technique, shooting forward to grab Feng and threw him back to his guards. Chonglu felt his actions were locked down and felt the fist seeking him out, leaving no room to escape.
“Die!”
Chonglu felt the attack strike him in the chest. His weak talismans were easily broken. He was only wearing simple armor after being woken up in the middle of the night.
He flew backward; his vision dimmed as he slammed into the ground, a green circle around him. He heard an explosion in the distance.
***
Erik lowered his rifle; the assassin looked at the bloody hole in his chest that was starting to repair and then at Erik with shocked eyes as he said two words.
But Erik could only hear the last part: “—gal.”
The man dropped to the ground.
“Protect the children! See to the wounded! Yang Zan, I’m going to need your help!” Erik’s voice rose as the tombstone appeared and Chonglu was revealed.
“Who are you people!” Quinn demanded as he looked at the five people swarming through the castle who had hidden their identities.
Erik tossed out a talisman to Quinn; then he took a knee next to Chonglu, keeping power going to the Hallowed Ground underneath him as he assessed him.
“You should know that I have the trust of Lord Chonglu,” Erik said, using his Clean spell on Chonglu.
The guards stepped forward, ready to cut them down.
“Erik?” Quinn said, holding up his hand.
“Seems that you need a healer, good thing I was in the area,” Erik threw off his cloak, as he got ready to work.
Quinn seemed to be having and internal debate.
“Either you let me help him, or he dies,” Erik said, he didn’t want to get stabbed in the back by a nervous guard.
“Do it,” Quinn said and waved his guards down.
Erik didn’t have any deep ties to the man, but he had healed his c
hildren and was invested in them. Seeing the passion and care from their mother, he couldn’t just stand by. That wasn’t the kind of person he was.
Yang Zan moved to him as Gong Jin organized the others to check on the other wounded and create a perimeter.
Roska appeared and dropped another body off covered in black.
“He’s messed up internally. I’m healing his brain—massive internal injuries, bones turned into shrapnel inside his body,” Erik said, thinking of possible treatment options.
“Check his head and heal his brain. Keep me updated on his status. Watch his Stamina,” Erik rattled off as Yang Zan moved to put his hands on Chonglu’s head.
Quinn took the children away. They were in shock and seeing the condition of their father wouldn’t calm them and might only scar them.
“I’ve got a crack in his skull,” Yang Zan said.
“Fix that first. Use Heal Bone. Don’t need to do it all the way—only stabilize him,” Erik said, studying Chonglu’s body. It wasn’t good as he had taken the hit to the chest. His bones had been shattered, shredding his organs and internals to different degrees.
“Make sure to conserve your mana.” Erik pulled out IV bags that had been readied with IV tubing of different concoctions. He tore open the bag holding an IV needle and catheter that the healers had worked on with different crafters to create.
“Understood,” Yang Zan said.
“The damage is too severe to use general healing spells—even focused ones won’t work. Going to have to operate. Need to reduce the strain on his body.” Erik talked to himself.
“Remove his limbs. That way we’re focusing on the main body, not worrying about clotting or those issues in the limbs,” Yang Zan said.
Erik thought his suggestion was insane; it went against everything that he had been taught. Just lopping off someone’s limbs was never a good idea.
“If we do that and store them, we can reattach them afterward!” Erik tore open a bag with IV instruments and pressed his fingers against Chonglu’s neck.
“Quinn, come here!” Erik yelled.
“Brain is holding stable. Stamina is dropping quickly. Heart has stopped. Lungs still collapsed,” Yang Zan said as Erik found what he was looking for in Chonglu’s neck.
The Fifth Realm Page 20
