Chapter 16: Chapter 16 - Arcane ascendant

The hall was a cacophony of chaos as the remaining leaders of the gang charged at once, weapons gleaming and faces twisted with determination.

Despite being outnumbered, Zhao Shi moved with unparalleled precision and grace. Each swift movement was followed by a heavy blow that sent his opponents reeling in pain. His fluid dodges and calculated strikes made him look like a master effortlessly orchestrating his play, a dance of destruction that left his enemies crumpled on the ground.

Spark and Yuna, however, remained focused on the burly man still seated at the head of the table, the undisputed leader of the gang. Their gazes locked, and a silence settled between them amidst the surrounding battle.

"You must be the leader among the three," the burly leader finally spoke, his deep voice carrying across the hall despite the ongoing clash.

"I suppose I am," Spark replied casually.

"For only three of you to barge in here, you must be confident in yourselves," the leader said, a sinister grin spreading across his face. His demeanor was calm, almost mocking, as if he found their audacity amusing.

Spark simply shrugged in response, maintaining his nonchalant facade.

"I see,"

Without warning, the burly leader vanished from his seat, moving with a speed that belied his size. He appeared before Spark in an instant, his massive fist ready to strike.

His intention was clear: to take down what he saw as the commanding figure among the trio and end the confrontation swiftly. In his mind, eliminating Spark would shatter their morale and bring a quick victory.

But just as his fist was about to connect with Spark's face, it stopped abruptly, meeting an invisible barrier that shimmered faintly in the air.

The entire hall trembled as the force of the blow collided with the unseen wall, a testament to the power behind the leader's strike.

"That was close. Thankfully you stopped him in time, or else he might've broken this mask," Spark said with a sigh of relief, his eyes shifting to Yuna, who stood beside him, her hand glowing with a soft, ethereal light.

The burly leader's eyes widened in shock and confusion as he leaped back, trying to understand what had just happened. His gaze shifted to Yuna, the female masked figure who had effortlessly thwarted his attack.

"An arcane ascendant," he muttered under his breath, realization dawning on him.

In this world, there were two types of ascendants. Ordinary ascendants were those who had awakened and could use worldly energy to enhance their physical strength and spirit. They were formidable in their own right, capable of feats beyond the reach of normal humans.

However, an arcane ascendant was an entirely different, practically divine being in human form. Known for their mastery of spirit energy, they could manipulate the very fabric of the world around them, creating miracles that defied logic and reason. They were revered and feared, their powers considered otherworldly.

For someone to have an arcane ascendant as a follower was no small feat. It signified one of two things: either the person had an extraordinary background, wielding influence and power that commanded such loyalty, or they were incredibly powerful in their own right, capable of earning the respect and service of such a formidable being.

Realizing the immense power disparity between himself and the intruders, the burly leader decided to change his approach. His tone became cordial and polite, a stark contrast to his previous arrogance.

"I wonder," he began carefully, "how we have offended this sire?"

His words were deliberate, each one chosen to convey respect and a willingness to negotiate.

"Hmm, hmm." Spark nodded, enjoying the sudden shift in attitude.

"That's the way you talk to a young master," he remarked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth beneath his mask.

"We don't have any direct enmity, I suppose. But you see," Spark gestured towards Yuna, who stood with a composed yet stern expression, "My companions here feel your very existence to be an eyesore."

The burly leader looked genuinely bewildered. He had never encountered this trio before today and couldn't fathom why they would single him out.

"An eyesore?" he repeated, the confusion evident in his voice. "This is pushing it too far, sire. There must be a misunderstanding."

Spark shrugged, nonchalant as ever. "Misunderstanding or not, that's how things stand. Your operations here—extorting and terrorizing innocent people—are what caught her attention."

The burly leader's eyes narrowed slightly, weighing his options. He knew that continuing to resist would only lead to more pain and likely defeat. Yet, surrendering to these intruders, especially in front of his subordinates, was a bitter pill to swallow.

"I understand," he finally said, his tone still measured. "Perhaps we can come to some sort of agreement? I'm willing to negotiate terms for our withdrawal from these activities."

Spark tilted his head, considering the offer. "Terms, you say? And what makes you think she'd be interested in negotiating with you?"

There was a hint of mockery in his voice, as if the very idea amused him.