Parael Harimo, Regimental Commander of the Seer Corps, stepped into the center of the hall and began his report.
The Seer Corps was often confused with the Balance Legion by outsiders, despite their similar missions. The core difference between the two organizations was clear: the Balance Order focused on sensing the overall flow of the Force throughout the galaxy, using deep meditation to detect subtle disturbances in balance. In ancient times, this ability was primarily used to monitor the faintest traces of Sith activity.
In contrast, the Seer Corps concentrated on specific problems, often pooling the entire corps' resources to deduce the trajectory of a single planet or event.
During the current war, this ability was particularly crucial. The Separatist robot armies could not be directly perceived by Force-sensitives, who could only detect vague hints of their threatening presence. However, the Seers could deduce their movements and intentions, providing critical references for countering such threats.
Parael shook his head. "The future of the Force is shrouded in mist. All we can be certain of is that stopping the Dark Reaper is our most urgent task."
The chamber fell silent. Everyone understood that this race against Dooku would decide the fate of the Republic.
As Parael continued his lengthy report, Shaak Ti maintained her composure outwardly, but inwardly, her patience was wearing thin. Parael's shrill, grating voice detracted from the otherwise detailed and interesting content.
Shaak Ti glanced sideways and noticed the other Masters also showing signs of impatience. She exchanged a meaningful look with Plo Koon's holographic projection.
Suddenly, a series of urgent beeps interrupted the report.
Parael whipped around, glaring at the entrance in displeasure.
According to the rules of the Jedi Temple, only emergencies were allowed to disrupt Council meetings.
"Let them in," Yoda said slowly, his cane tapping lightly on the floor. "If they've come together, the news they bring must be extraordinary, hmm."
The door opened promptly, and two Jedi strode in. Leading them was Master Dakai Princeton, head of the Warrior Corps Intelligence Division, followed by Master Cato Zuui-Zhon, leader of the Guardian Corps.
Shaak Ti felt a chill at the sight. The simultaneous visit of the leaders of these two departments meant something momentous had occurred.
Dakai and Kato exchanged a glance, then Dakai cleared his throat. "Honored Council, I apologize for the interruption, but the situation is urgent. I believe you should be informed... Just half an hour ago, a recording was released on the holonet. Though the video quality is poor, it has been confirmed as genuine. Analysis reveals that this footage documents Senator Amidala's journey to London."
"Interrupt the meeting for a recording?" Parael protested shrilly, his tone brimming with displeasure. Windu frowned slightly, clearly sharing the sentiment.
"Master Yoda, Master Princeton was the first to contact me about this," Kato stepped forward, holding up a datacrystal. His voice was firm. "I believe the contents of this recording merit the Council's personal judgment."
"Since Master Zhuang insists..." Yoda waved his hand, and the holographic galaxy map at the center of the chamber vanished. A projector receiver sprang up from the floor.
Kato approached and inserted the datacrystal into the receiver, then retreated to the door with Dakai and Parael.
Shaak Ti straightened her back, preparing herself for whatever might unfold.
The recording began with chaotic footage of an empty corridor.
Soon, a group hurried past—the Masters immediately recognized Senator Amidala and Senator Organa leading the way, followed by several Clone Troopers.
They quickly disappeared from view, leaving behind a solitary figure in a Jedi cloak standing alone in the corridor.
In the next moment, another figure emerged from the shadows—a female warrior in black combat gear, wielding two curved-hilt lightsabers. Though the blades remained unlit, an aura of danger already radiated from the weapons.
"Sith!"
Windu leaned forward abruptly, his gaze locked onto the screen like a blazing torch. Though the red blade's outline hadn't fully materialized, the distinctive curved hilt had already betrayed its nature as a Sith weapon.
Shaak Ti's heart tightened. The long-standing rumors had finally been confirmed.
Ever since the young Obi-Wan defeated Darth Maul, the Council had believed the Sith threat had been temporarily eliminated. But the scene before them, coupled with Count Dooku's mention of "Darth Sidious," instantly complicated the situation.
The recording was silent. They could only see the two figures begin to converse, then simultaneously activate their lightsabers. Blue and red plasma blades clashed in the dimly lit corridor, sending sparks flying.
The Jedi Knight shed his cloak, revealing the blue armor beneath. Shaak Ti and the other Masters immediately recognized him.
"Solo Victor?" Plo Koon murmured, his voice tinged with surprise.
Within the entire Jedi Order, few Knights wore armor in battle.
Windu watched Victor employ Shii-Cho sword forms in the recording and scoffed disdainfully. The Shii-Cho forms were the most basic in the Jedi arsenal, and using them against a Sith was far too reckless.
Shaak Ti noticed a flicker of anticipation on Kato's face, clearly indicating he had already seen this recording.
As the Masters watched the duel, they whispered among themselves, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each move.
Shaak Ti's keen eyes detected numerous vulnerabilities in both combatants.
The female Sith, likely Ventress, judging by her tattoos and dual-blade style, attacked with ferocity and moved with agility. However, her mastery of the Force was noticeably lacking. The dual-blade technique required intense concentration on sword maneuvers, leaving little mental capacity to control the Force.
Meanwhile, Victor's Shii-Cho style, though basic, offered solid defense, albeit at the cost of speed.
The turning point came during a close exchange. Victor suddenly switched to Soresu, transforming his blue-bladed weapon into an impenetrable barrier. The combat situation instantly reversed, forcing the previously offensive Sith into a defensive retreat.
Just as the Masters thought Victor was about to gain the upper hand, a shocking scene unfolded on the screen.
Seizing a critical opening, the Sith thrust her red-bladed weapon straight through Victor's chestplate.
"He's lost," Windu said, leaning back in his chair, his voice calm.
Ki-Adi-Mundi couldn't hide his regret. "It's a great pity to lose such a promising young talent."
"It's not over yet, Master Zhuang," Yoda suddenly spoke, his cane pointing at the projector. "You paused the recording, didn't you?"
"Yes, Master Yoda!" Kato bowed and gestured to continue the playback. "The best is yet to come."
On the screen, the two figures exchanged words before clashing again. Despite his chestplate being pierced, Victor didn't collapse. Instead, he grabbed the Sith's wrist with one hand and punched the Sith in the face with the other.
The Sith staggered back. Victor, suppressing the pain, raised his sword again. His armor was riddled with burn marks, and his movements were noticeably sluggish, yet he refused to retreat.
Shaak Ti and the other Masters held their breath, their eyes wide with disbelief.
Such a wound would have felled any ordinary Jedi from the pain or shock, yet Victor fought on as if he felt nothing.
The recording continued.
The final confrontation came abruptly. The Sith's crimson blade severed Victor's left arm at the shoulder, while Victor's azure blade pierced the Sith's thigh.
The Sith stumbled back, about to deliver a fatal blow, when several Clone Commando troopers suddenly charged into the scene. The blaster fire forced her to retreat.
In the final frame of the recording, Victor leaned against a Clone Trooper, slowly rose to his feet, and staggered toward the shuttle.
The image froze, and a prolonged silence descended over the chamber.
"Master Yoda, how is this possible?" Ki-Adi-Mundi broke the silence first, his voice filled with bewilderment. "Such injuries should be fatal, or at least cause shock and collapse. Yet this Jedi moves as if unharmed."
Yoda grumbled something inaudible and closed his eyes in contemplation.
"Cruzon!" Jocasta Nu interjected, explaining, "This is an ancient technique. Through mental focus, one can isolate the mind from physical pain, transcending normal physiological limits. It allows the user to remain focused on combat and, if necessary, amplify their opponent's pain. This art was once practiced among the Jedi, requiring years of meditation to master and extreme concentration to execute."
"I've never heard of such a technique," Windu said, his brow furrowed in suspicion. "It sounds more like a dark art of the Sith."
"Master Nu's explanation was thorough, but it contained one error," Yoda said, his eyes sweeping over the assembled Council members. "This is not a technique of the Force, but rather the sheer willpower of the Jedi himself. Fearless of death yet cherishing life, it was this unwavering resolve that allowed him to endure until the end."
The Master's ears drooped slightly, a sign to the Council members that he was immersed in sorrowful memories. "Long ago, I too possessed this skill and taught it to Dooku. He attempted to pass it on to Qui-Gon, but his impatient apprentice never mastered it. This art is too profound, nearly lost to time."
"Master Yoda speaks the truth," Master Itt Kot leaned forward, adding his voice. "My own Master taught me the basics of Cruzon, yet even I have never fully grasped it."
"How did he manage it?" Oppo Rancisis turned to Yoda, his voice filled with astonishment.
"Who is he?" Kato couldn't help but ask, his gaze lingering on Victor's armor in the holographic recording. "I've never seen this Jedi before, and his armor..."
"He's Warrior Victor of the Balance Legion," Plo Koon's holographic image spoke. "I've spoken with him before. Though his methods are somewhat unorthodox, he's an exceptionally capable general... well-mannered, responsible, and even took on an apprentice."
"What did you say?" Regimental Commander Hiram Martin of the Balance Legion suddenly shrieked, as if he'd heard an outrageous tale. "That slacker? I refuse to believe that's him! Master Plo, you must have mistaken him for someone else! The mere mention of 'responsibility' used to make him run for the hills, and 'apprentice' would send him fleeing like Tiback from Chipoo! All he ever cared about was holing up to meditate, forgetting to eat, surrounded by a bunch of idle Jedi! If you're claiming he's responsible and mentoring an apprentice, I'd sooner believe that Jar Jar Binks is the Sith Lord!"
"His transformation is indeed surprising," Master Aizen Kora nodded, his gaze focusing on Victor's helmet in the image. "And Jedi rarely use helmets. Even during the Mandalorian Wars, when Jedi used captured armor, few ever wore helmets."
"This might explain his sudden growth," Ki-Adi-Mundi said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Years of meditation have allowed him to accumulate enough spiritual power to unleash it at a critical moment."
"Could it be the influence of the Sith Holocron?" Eevan Piell asked, turning to Hiram, his voice tinged with concern.
Historically, many Jedi had undergone radical transformations after coming into contact with Sith artifacts.
"Impossible," Hiram replied firmly, shaking his head. "His Jedi trials were barely passed. His foundation in the Force was weak; he didn't even qualify to fight the Sith, let alone come into contact with their artifacts. He rarely even visited the Archives to consult records."
"What's the midi-chlorian count in his blood?" Windu suddenly asked, his tone serious.
"Less than five thousand," Hiram answered. (Note: The original count was less than three thousand, but it was later adjusted to 4,839 based on feedback.)
Windu snorted, his fingers forming a pyramid shape on his chest. "Ah, so that's it. Everything makes sense now."
Shaak Ti understood immediately.
Midi-chlorians existed in almost all known living organisms. To become a "Force-sensitive," one needed a count of at least 2,500, while a count exceeding 5,000 was considered exceptional.
While Solo's midi-chlorian count wasn't exceptional, it surpassed that of most ordinary Jedi, providing him with the foundation to master Cruzon and unleash his willpower.
"Why such a remarkable transformation?" Windu pressed, his gaze sweeping across the assembled Masters.
"As far as I know, he suffered severe injuries during the rescue mission on Geonosis," Shaak Ti recalled. "Perhaps that near-death experience truly awakened him."
"So, to motivate my lethargic Jedi, I need to blast them with a blaster?" Hiram snorted derisively, scratching his chin. "Well, that's worth a try."
"Such radical methods are unwise, hmm," Yoda said, shaking his head and tapping his cane against the floor. "What's most crucial now is deciding how the Warrior Order should respond to this recording."
The hall fell silent again as the Masters processed this sudden development.
"Regardless, the Warrior Order must respond," Windu declared, his voice firm. As the liaison between the Order and the Senate, he understood the sensitivity of the matter well. "I expect the Senate will raise questions about this today."
"What's there to question?" one Master asked, puzzled. "When Jedi encounter Sith, combat is inevitable. It's our duty."
"For the Senate, the 'combat' itself is irrelevant; the near-defeat is the key," Windu said, his tone turning frosty. "Many Senators will exploit this to attack the Warrior Order or gain political advantage."
"I'll handle this, my friend," Yoda said slowly, his voice carrying trust.
"I will," Windu nodded.
Shaak Ti turned to Plo Koon's holographic image. "Master, you're currently on Lantilles, correct?"
"Yes, Master Ti."
"Master Luminara Unduli has been dispatched to you. Her apprentice, Barriss Offee, specializes in healing Force techniques," Shaak Ti added. "Warrior Victor's injuries require specialized treatment."
"I'll immediately notify them and prepare the surgery room," Plo Koon replied.
"Good." Shaak Ti lowered her head slightly, secretly relieved. At least this Jedi, who had endured such a bitter battle, would receive the best care.
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