Chapter 23
Zain took steps back, sensing the danger coming from Dax.
He doesn't possess mana or an aura core, so how is he mustering this much destructive strength?
In a blink, a powerful spear appeared in his hand. Its presence was oppressive, like that of a living beast.
"Impressive blade you have there. Who made it?" Dax asked with great curiosity. His eyes locked onto the beastly figure etched into the weapon. "Such powerful refining. An excellent spear—preserving the very presence of the creature used to make it."
Zain's pitch-black arm spread, covering the left half of his body. That instant, his presence changed, turning wholly demonic, creating a sinister symbiosis between spear and master. Gently, his left eye turned blue, glowing with cold brilliance.
He threw his spear up, then caught it as it descended, crackles of lightning taking form around it. Once again, he threw it into the air.
He stretched his hand out, and his spear hovered. One second it was in its spot, and the next it vanished, making no sound.
Blink.
It appeared before Dax's eyes, a hair's length from his pupils. That was when the sound followed—and then destruction and rubble.
"You need to put in more effort," Dax stated, as Zain's spear tried to pierce his telekinetic dome.
Just when Dax was about to react, Zain punched the end of his staff, trying to break through the force obstructing his spear.
Seeing his spear didn't break through Dax's defense, he pulled it back, rotating it with insane speed.
"Flashy moves." Dax smiled, raising his leg to kick. Then he noticed something strange in that brief second.
Boom.
Zain's palm connected to Dax's torso, sending him flying. But Dax balanced himself instantly with telekinesis.
Insane. He moves with the flow of the wind. How strange. Zain analyzed Dax, searching for an opening.
In a flash, he closed the distance. Holding his spear like a dagger, he stabbed toward Dax's head. But Dax was fast; he used his hand to block. In that split second, Zain retracted, stabbing instead at Dax's torso.
It didn't sink in. Why is his body so strong? It makes no sense, he questioned himself.
But Dax's eyes were locked on him, watching his every move.
"I really don't understand how you are keeping up," Zain said, his face serious. "But I've noticed something. I can't do anything to you without the intention to kill."
The runes on his adamantite armor began to glow. Under the gaze of the Origin Eyes, Dax noticed the flow of that gray energy pour into Zain's eyes.
"Hahaha! That's what I want. Try to kill me. That is the only way to keep your seat." Dax released a beautiful, chilling smile.
Danger. Zain's mind screamed at him. What is this? He felt a cold hand press on him. This boy… did he get his talent back?
Arg! Genuinely, I don't care anymore. I will not be trampled on.
"I will not lose my seat to this brat….. I will not kill you, Dax, but I will really devastate you." He pointed his spear.
"Lightning Chronicles." He whispered.
Instantly, the sky rumbled, crackling with intense thunder. Suddenly, a bolt dropped, hitting Zain. All the runes in his armor crackled with intensity. He stretched his spear out as thunder streamed through it, transforming it into a purple lightning trident.
Killing intent surged from his body.
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Back at the Godfall mansion, the whole clan was on edge.
He has been hiding his strength. The whole clan was in disarray. They knew nothing about Dax. Since he lost his talent and his father departed, he had been isolated.
The elders turned to the ancestor, their eyes filled with awe.
"The ancestor is great," the 5th Elder praised. "If I may ask, Ancestor, how is this child this strong? We know his predicament."
"Why don't you ask him when he returns?" the ancestor didn't bother batting an eye at him.
Suddenly, they heard the voice of the crowd rise in awe.
"It seems Lord Zain is getting serious."
They watched the fight intensely. They enjoyed it deeply. Some criticized Dax's moves, while some praised his strength.
"My god! See the squad captain—he's using his ultimate skill!" a voice echoed.
The students of the Ayala Academy watched the fight intently. They wanted to see how Dax was going to counter the attack.
They understood the magnitude of Dax's feats. To them, Dax was a regular human keeping up with a Rank 7 Aura Master. It was unheard of.
"But now that the Wyvern Squad Captain is this serious, using his Curse Mark and his ultimate 'Lightning Chronicles'… what can Dax do?"
Instantly, one of the guys dropped a bag of mana stones. "Let's make a bet," he said.
They all drew close, excitement in their hearts.
"Okay. What's the bet on, exactly?" The girl who seemed to be their leader smiled, stunning the men in her group.
"Dax will die to that attack," he continued, a smug look on his face. "I can't even believe anyone thinks he stands a chance. That technique shattered a Rank 7 Earth-Drake's hide! What's a mortal's body compared to that?"
"Ryan, you're so silly," the Second Lady said, smiling. "This is not a death match. Take a look—if that was truly dangerous to Dax, the ancestor would have definitely made a move." She shook her head. "This fool doesn't see it, but I see the favor he has for Dax."