Chapter 10: Stealth Mission.
Dian found out that the teacher's name was Sura, and she was initially confused by Dian's revelation that he was not from the world of Eos. However, as he explained the circumstances of his arrival, Sura gradually began to grasp the situation.
"The Demons with bladed limbs and giant eyes must be an oculos," Sura mused, her brow furrowed in deep thought. "And the portal... It must have been created through a teleportation ritual. But I can't fathom why someone would expend such a tremendous amount of mana to send demons into the unknown."
Dian's curiosity was piqued as he listened attentively to Sura's analysis. "You speak as if you have some knowledge of how all this happened," he remarked, his voice tinged with intrigue.
"Well, yes." Sura responded as if it was a fact before explaining. "Everyone knows how portals work, you need to set up a ritual and then you open a gate on one end and another, then you transport things or people through the portal, Provided you have enough mana. But opening a portal in another world is unheard of. Downright impossible… Unless, a demi-god does it."
Dian looked at her curiously. He knew about the mythical energy known as mana as he had played games before but demi-gods? What exactly makes a God here? Are there beings that can actually be called Gods and Demi-gods here?
"There are demi-gods here?"
"Technically yes, They do exist but they don't usually do things like this. Why would the send demons to another world?"
A spark of realization ignited in Dian's eyes as he recalled a crucial detail from his memory before succumbing to unconsciousness. The words of a cryptic message echoed in his mind, hinting at his own significance in this bewildering situation.
"Maybe... we've been viewing this portal all wrong," Dian proposed, his voice filled with a newfound conviction. "Perhaps it wasn't created to unleash demons upon another world, but rather to bring someone back."
Sura's eyes widened in astonishment, her breath caught in her throat as the weight of Dian's words sank in. She couldn't help but complete his thought, her voice barely a whisper, "...You."
Ignoring the present circumstances, Dian dismissed the discussion's relevance. The urgent priority lay in escaping imminent danger. "We can delve into this later, when we're out of harm's way. Right now, tell me about this adversary you mentioned. Additionally, inform me of any neighboring cities or locations where Nina can receive medical assistance and where we might find safety."
Sura's concerned gaze locked onto her student, brimming with worry. Complying with Dian's request, she began unraveling the details of the formidable opponents he would soon confront.
Dian absorbed the information about Avery, the lady in red with skilled pyromania abilities. Her mastery over fire allowed her to create a wide array of weapons and artifacts, and she possessed the unique ability to manipulate the properties and behavior of her flames. It was an impressive skillset that would undoubtedly give trouble to Dian as they were in a forest.
As Sura continued her narrative, Dian learned that both Avery and Sura were esteemed teachers within their clan. They had embarked on this expedition to impart essential skills to their pupils in the face of danger. The journey was part of a routine expedition, with other teachers and their respective pupils scattered throughout the area, although they were currently far away.
The skill orb that Sura had entrusted to Dian was originally meant to be given to her own pupil if she successfully completed her tasks. However, due to the unexpected turn of events, Sura had made the decision to pass it on to Dian, recognizing the importance of his role in their predicament.
Sura had an important request for Dian: to bring her pupil back to her clan and reveal Nina's lineage as the daughter of the esteemed summoner, Areiti. It was crucial for Nina's identity and abilities to be acknowledged by the clan, as it held significant weight and could provide them with support and protection.
Dian, however, interrupted Sura's explanation with a sudden realization. "Wait," he interjected, his voice filled with concern. "You mentioned that there are other teachers scattered around, right?"
Sura nodded, slowly comprehending the implication behind Dian's question. "Yes," she replied, her tone shifting to a more apprehensive one. "Ah, you mean if any of them could help us. Unfortunately, no. They are too far away—"
Dian cut her off, his face contorting with distress. "No, I'm asking the opposite," he clarified, his words tinged with worry. "Do you think any of these teachers are friends of Avery's? Could they potentially aid her in her pursuit to harm us?"
A sense of foreboding washed over Sura as the weight of Dian's question sank in, her expression mirroring her growing concern. It seemed as if their chances of survival were dwindling, and Sura's troubled expression confirmed his fears, finding his answer in Sura's reaction.
Dian's realization sank in, leaving him with a sense of despair. "It seems we've run out of options," he muttered, his mind racing to find a solution. Meanwhile, Sura felt hopeless as her sorrowful sobs filled the air. Dian watched her quietly apologize to her peacefully sleeping pupil nestled in her lap.
Dian furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "If we don't return within a certain timeframe," he contemplated aloud, "will the clan initiate a search for you?"
A glimmer of hope shone in Sura's tear-filled eyes as she met Dian's gaze. "If we fail to return in the next 24 hours," she revealed, a flicker of optimism entering her voice, "the clan will dispatch a search party. And if that happens, Avery won't be able to cause any harm without risking trouble for her own family. Rest assured, she won't take such a risk under any circumstances."
Dian nodded solemnly, fully aware of the challenging task ahead. "That means we must endure and survive the next 24 hours," he affirmed. Glancing up at the sky, he estimated the time to be around 7 or 8 in the morning. "It's still early," he noted, "which means we have to find a place to hide not only during the day but also through the night. Additionally, I must ensure that neither of you succumbs to the poison while we fend off other demons and contend with hunger and thirst."
Sura's eyes filled with remorse as she listened to Dian's words. "I apologize deeply for placing this burden on you, especially when you are unaware of your circumstances and currently lacking in strength to defend against any threats."
Dian waved off Sura's concern, his confidence shining through. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "I was a soldier in my world." He then turned his attention to their immediate need for self-defense. "Do you have any sharp objects like a knife or dagger? Or perhaps something firm and sturdy, like a stick that I can use?"
Sura hesitated before responding, "I only have my staff as a weapon." She materialized the staff, revealing a poisoned hand that prevented her from moving it.
Dian took the staff and his gaze fixated on the large crystal fitted atop it, momentarily mesmerized by its beauty. However, he quickly shifted his focus to the wooden stick portion, realizing its potential as a makeshift weapon. He tested the staff's sturdiness with a few shakes, a smile forming on his face. Then, he posed an important question, his tone earnest, "Would you mind if I break your staff?"
"We're in a desperate situation, so do what you have to do," Sura reluctantly agreed, her voice tinged with hesitation.
Dian nodded, understanding the gravity of their circumstances. He retrieved his makeshift knife and carefully cut out the crystal part from the staff, returning it to Sura. "Keep this," he advised, "it may come in handy."
Looking at Sura with a mischievous smile, Dian posed an intriguing question. "You transformed into a gorilla before, but can you transform into something else? Something small, like the size of my hand?"
Sura paused, contemplating the request. "I...yes, I can transform into an insect for an extended period of time," she replied, curiosity mingling with her concern. "It would provide me with resistance against the poison, but why do you ask?"
Dian's smile grew mischievous, a glint of playfulness in his eyes. "Just do it and hide in my pockets," he suggested, his voice filled with a hint of amusement. "It seems movement is difficult for you at the moment, and this way, you can stay hidden While I carry your pupil."
Sura nodded solemnly, her eyes closed as she focused her energy. Dian observed in awe as her body shrank, transforming into a cockroach the size of his finger. He gently picked her up and carefully placed her in his pants pocket, ensuring she remained concealed.
Equipped with the staff and carrying Nina on his shoulder so one of hands remain free for the staff and one hands holds one of her leg and hand so she doesn't fall off. Dian talked out loud to Sura, his voice filled with determination. "Are there any caves, cliffs, or similar locations nearby?" he inquired, hoping to find a place of shelter and relative safety.
"There is a cliff with a waterfall just west of here."
"Alright. Looks like it's finally time for some action." Dian said as he stared walking with the wooden stick.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
stone