"It's been a while… Number 1."
Caden stared at him, his aura growing darker and colder. The others shivered in silence.
"What are you doing here, Ared?"
Ared let out a cold laugh and leaned his face closer to Caden's.
"I just came to check if the so-called Number 1 was still alive. Protecting a girl now? Is that your grand destiny?"
Caden clenched his fists tightly.
"Watch what you say."
Ared stepped back slightly, his voice turning even darker.
"The Supreme Council ordered me to bring you back. Dead… or alive."
Caden replied in an icy tone, his eyes glowing with a dangerous aura.
"Try me."
Ared smirked, his eyes gleaming with cruelty.
"With pleasure… Number 1."
The Tension Rises
The tension between Caden and Ared was palpable, almost suffocating. The three chosen ones felt it deeply in their bones.
Ared turned his gaze away nonchalantly and sat down on one of the luxurious armchairs, a faint, arrogant smile on his lips.
Ared (smirking): "I heard the Grand Master sent you all on a mission. Must be tough, huh?"
He paused before continuing with a mocking tone.
Ared: "I want to be part of the game too."
Before he could say another word, Caden walked towards him, grabbed him by the collar, and lifted him off the chair with impressive strength.
Ared (still smirking): "And by what right do you dare, Number 1?"
Meanwhile, Ren and Emron whispered frantically between themselves.
Ren (panicking): "Aaron… do something… this is going to end badly. At this rate, they'll destroy the entire school."
Aaron watched the two with narrowed eyes, lost in thought.
Aaron (murmuring): "I feel like I've heard of the Supreme Council somewhere before… but where?"
Emron grabbed Aaron's arm desperately.
Emron: "Aaron! Are you even listening? Stop them!"
Aaron shrugged, an indifferent look in his eyes.
Aaron: "There's nothing I can do. If they want to fight and turn this place into a battlefield, that's their problem."
Ren and Emron (in shock): "Whaaaat?!"
Aaron calmly stood up, ignoring their shocked faces, and walked out of the room. As he opened the door, Ared's bodyguards rushed in to separate the two powerful men.
Ared (voice cold and threatening): "This is just the beginning. If you don't do your duty towards my sister, I will destroy your life and everyone connected to you."
He stepped back, adjusting his suit, and before leaving with his bodyguards, he turned his head slightly and said with a smirk:
Ared: "Be careful… or your darkest secrets might just come to light."
Caden's eyes darkened with rage. Unable to contain his emotions, he teleported out of the room, leaving Ren and Emron frozen in shock.
Ren (muttering): "I'm starting to wonder why I even chose to become a hero…"
Emron (sighing deeply): "Yeah… same here."
Scene: Caden's Penthouse
Later that night, in Caden's luxurious penthouse, his condition had worsened. Sweat trickled down his body, his face flushed red with heat. He tried to steady his breathing, but his body felt heavy, weak.
He ripped off his shirt, unable to bear the suffocating heat. Exhausted, he collapsed onto the couch, his vision blurring as thoughts raced chaotically through his mind.
Suddenly, a feminine voice echoed softly.
???: "You're back?"
Caden weakly turned his head to see Nova entering the living room. She froze at the sight before her – Caden shirtless, drenched in sweat, his sculpted body exposed, but his breathing rapid and uneven.
Nova's cheeks flushed crimson as she quickly approached, concern overtaking her embarrassment. She placed a gentle hand on his forehead.
She gasped quietly to herself.
Nova (murmuring): "He's burning up… this isn't normal."
Half-conscious, Caden grabbed her wrist suddenly, surprising her with his grip.
Caden (weakly): "What… are you doing here?"
Nova tried to pull her hand away but his grip was strong despite his state.
Nova (nervously): "Um… Aera went out to buy some food. My aunt's house is still under investigation, so she told me I could stay here tonight. But don't worry, I'll leave soon. I have a friend I can stay with."
Caden sighed, loosening his grip as he muttered:
Caden: "It's late… you can stay. Go to your friend's place tomorrow."
Nova felt her heart race at his words. She thought to herself,
Nova (inner monologue): "This is so awkward… he's half-naked and I'm just sitting here. If Aera finds out… she'll get the wrong idea."
She winced slightly in pain.
Nova (speaking softly): "Can you let go of my wrist… it hurts."
Realizing he was still holding her tightly, Caden released her, murmuring,
Caden: "Sorry…"
He began to stand up, but his legs wobbled. Nova gasped when she noticed his back and torso covered with deep wounds, whip marks, and scars.
Nova (shocked, almost shouting): "Wait… let me help you to your room. You're about to collapse."
Caden didn't turn to face her. His voice was low, almost vulnerable.
Caden: "If you wish…"