Before Remi could move, instinctively sensing the danger, an unsettling awareness washed over him, a primal instinct warning that getting too close could spell disaster.
"What is this feeling, Remi thought,"
He could feel the weight of the moment, and he wasn't alone in his apprehension.
Despite their numerical advantage, the others shared a similar unease. Each of them felt the oppressive aura emanating from Kenji, a silent threat that kept them at bay.
The looming presence of the lone fighter was more intimidating than they had anticipated, and even as they cornered him, they hesitated.
Kato, Jin, and Akio exchanged wary glances.
They were outnumbering Kenji, but the palpable tension made it clear: the first to move close will be the first to die.
Despite the unease gnawing at him, Kato decided to step forward, driven by a mix of determination and the weight of expectation.
"Let's end this," Kato declared, his voice steady despite the tumult. The atmosphere shifted, charged with anticipation, as Kato prepared to make his move, ready to prove he could stand tall despite overwhelming preasure.
"Stop!" Ryu called out, stepping forward with an authority that halted everyone in their tracks. His voice cut through the tension like a knife, and the sudden shift caught the attention of all present.
Everyone froze, their gazes shifting to Ryu as he moved into the centre of the standoff.
The unexpected intervention was shocking, especially to those who had only ever seen him as a quiet observer, preferring to stay in the background.
"The person who likes staying on the sidelines is interfering," they all thought.
Ryu continued, his eyes narrowing as he faced Kenji. The statement hung in the air, provoking murmurs among the students watching the scene unfold. Some looked on in disbelief, while others were curious about what Ryu intended to do.
"If you're eager to fight, I think you should all take the battle to the goblins above instead of being in here raising swords at each other," Ryu said with a smile, his words leaving a sharp sting in everyone's pride.
"He is trying to kill someone in the bunker, even in front of us, not giving us face, and didn't you hear what Ryu said?" Kato shot back, his tone laced with anger.
"You all shouldn't be trying to fight him right now without being clear about the full situation," Ryu said, glancing at Kato.
"The situation was clear enough. Kenji tried to silence Nabi from speaking the truth," Kato insisted, determination etched on his face.
"I'm trying to save your life. Stop being a fool, Kato," Ryu thought, his gaze piercing deeply into Kato's eyes.
"And were you well aware of Nabi having multiple rape allegations and the lust he heard for women back above?" Ryu replied, his voice steady but edged with doubt.
"What?" Kato was surprised
None of the students knew this, except for Ryu. Nabi's family had tried to keep it hidden, but Ryu had learned the truth regardless.
"If what Ryu is saying is true… this can only mean," Kato's eyes scanned the scene, taking it all in. "Tch." He could feel it in his chest: he had failed here as a leader.
"Let's treat Nabi and lock Kenji in a room. We can wait for the victim's answers, how about that?" Ryu proposed, his gaze shifting to the unconscious Mari. The urgency in his voice reflected his desire to de-escalate the situation and prioritise understanding over conflict.
Kato's eyes narrowed as he considered Ryu's suggestion. It was a practical approach that could bring clarity to the chaos.
"Fair enough," Kato replied, a hint of reluctant acceptance in his voice.
Ryu turned his attention to Kenji, who, sensing the shift in the dynamic, slowly dropped his attack stance. The tension in his body eased, and he began to show signs of compliance. It was a cautious gesture, indicating he was willing to cooperate, at least for now.
"Look at this bastard, none of them even asked me about what happened, "Kenji thought to himself.
"Let's focus on treating Nabi first," Ryu said, directing the group's attention. "We need to make sure he's okay before anything else."
The others nodded, a collective understanding forming. With Kenji momentarily subdued, they could shift their focus to helping Nabi, hoping that answers would come soon and they could unravel the tangled web of confusion surrounding them all.
"Kenji has to drop his weapon," Kato firmly told Ryu. "It would be foolish to leave a potential criminal with a weapon."
Kato glanced at Kenji, who, showing signs of compliance, nodded as Jin approached him. Reluctantly, Kenji handed over his blade. Jin and Remi then escorted him toward his room, the students blocking the door parting to let them through. Whispers followed in their wake, murmurs suggesting Kenji was the culprit, but he ignored them, keeping his focus ahead. Kage watched, sensing the determination in Kenji's posture, which contradicted the accusations being thrown around.
All the students began to go to their respective rooms, and soon it was just Ryu and Kato, and the other star.s
"Why are you protecting him?" Kato asked Ryu as he moved to exit the room.
Ryu paused, casting Kato a glance. "You seem to be mistaken. I'm not protecting him; I'm protecting you from him," he said, then turned and left.
Kato was stunned, the weight of Ryu's words hitting him hard. He had always known Ryu to be serious, someone who didn't joke about important matters. Ryu's guidance had been essential for him to govern the sanctum properly, and the fact that Ryu held Kenji in such high regard felt like a betrayal. Anger and hurt surged within him, a whirlwind of emotions frustrated him.
Kenji was led into a dimly lit room, shadows clinging to the walls. Jin and Remi flanked him, their glances sharp with caution and suspicion. As the heavy door creaked shut behind him, the sound echoed in the stillness. He could almost taste the stale air, thick with tension.
"Make sure no one comes in or out," Jin said to the student who where the manpower of the stars.
He settled onto the narrow bed. Kenji leaned back, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, where shadows danced in the dim light. Thoughts swirled in his mind, each one messy and heavy. This wasn't how he had imagined spending his day. Saving Mari hadn't been part of his plan, but somehow he did.
Nabi was a good test subject for gauging his strength and understanding the differences in everyone's system attributes. Kenji's life had always been filled with training. From a young age, his grandfather had taught him various combat techniques, instilling a deep understanding of fighting. For Kenji, honing his combat traits felt natural; it was simply part of his identity.
The strength Kenji utilised shocked him. According to his analysis, he had already broken the boundaries of what humans can accomplish; Kenji navigated the system as he sought further information.
Kenji thought as he lay on the bed, navigating the system. "Specific attributes depend on their uniqueness, characteristics, and personality."
Player Info after
Name: Kenji Mochizuki
Level: 3
Class: Novice
Yin: Locked
Stats/Attributes:
Agility: 15/15
Strength: 15/15
Stamina: 7/15
Intelligence: 13/13
Unique Skills: Adapt, Heightened Senses
Accumulated points awaiting distribution: 3
His stats were high. For most, this would feel like an accomplishment, a reason to feel superior. But not for Kenji. He couldn't shake the memory of Akio's earlier attack, a light blue ball of energy that packed immense power.
"That can only mean his Mana was unlocked from the start, giving him a significant advantage," Kenji thought.
Despite his battle experience and skill, facing opponents with unlocked mana would be challenging.
"If Akio can do that, I wonder what the others can do now?" Kenji pondered, an image of Ryu flashing in his mind.
"I can't underestimate my surroundings," he reminded himself.
Kenji clicked the mana icon, eager for more information. A soothing female voice filled the room:
["mana: The foundation of all energy."]
He listened intently as the voice continued,
["mana serves several purposes. It is the source of inner strength and calm, allowing individuals to tap into their true potential. This energy is not just a resource; it embodies balance and harmony."]
The voice paused, then explained further,
["The mana evolves to the three main sources of energy after the user breaks and unlocks it under certain conditions"]
["There are three types of energy: Aura, demonic energy, and Blessing."]
["-Mana represents a more active form of energy, enabling you to manipulate the world around you. It is essential for casting spells and unleashing powerful attacks, and it is the energy used by the mage and mage warrior classes."]
Kenji absorbed the information, understanding that Mana and its potential were crucial for his growth, especially with the challenges he would face.