Bab 24: Hexstrike
After completing the Manaforge Engineering lecture, Aiden began his stroll back to the dormitory. The sky was painted with hues of orange and pink as the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the academy grounds. As he walked, his senses tingled slightly, and [Divine Sense] urged him.
{There is someone around there.}
Aiden instinctively knew he wasn't alone. Just as he thought, a presence shadowed his steps, emanating an eerie feeling. He turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of a figure wearing a mask, following him discreetly.
"Come out! I know you're here!" Aiden's voice rang out, a mixture of determination and annoyance. He was tired of being a target, tired of the constant struggles he seemed to attract.
From the shadows emerged the enigmatic man, his voice distorted as if it echoed from another dimension. Aiden's guard went up immediately, his muscles tensing as he assessed the stranger.
"Ghagahgah," the stranger chuckled, an unsettling sound. "You didn't notice my presence until I leaked some killing intent, but you reacted almost instantly when you understood where I was."
Aiden's eyes narrowed. He activated [Beastification], feeling the transformation coursing through his veins, ready to defend himself if needed.
"Who are you, and what's your objective? I'm tired of people trying to kill me," Aiden demanded, his voice laced with frustration and caution.
"Kill you? No, no. Why would I do that? You are the most potent source of future fun that I will have. Why would I destroy my future enjoyment?" The stranger's distorted voice resonated with an eerie amusement.
Aiden's confusion grew as the man/boy explained. "Then why were you lurking in my shadow?"
"Sorry, that's a habit. You know the words, 'Old habits die hard,'" the man/boy replied casually, as if discussing mundane matters.
{These unsettling encounters are becoming a pattern. First a sadistic professor, then a blackmailer, and now a... stalker?} Aiden's thoughts raced, his patience wearing thin.
"You're thinking that I'm a stalker, right? People often misunderstand. I'm actually a messenger—a harbinger of chaos, destruction, and death," the stranger continued, his words dripping with an unnerving intensity.
{This guy is definitely unhinged. Should I just leave? [Divine Sense] doesn't recognize him as an enemy anymore.} Aiden hesitated, considering his options.
The conversation took a chilling turn as the stranger's next words pierced the air. "Damian Hexstrike is observing you."
Aiden's heart skipped a beat. The mention of the name "Hexstrike" sent shockwaves of anger and confusion through him. {What is it about that name? Why did it affect me so deeply?} His inner turmoil was briefly overtaken by [Phoenix Arrogance]'s stern reminder to maintain his regal composure.
Seeing Aiden regain his calm demeanor, the man/boy appeared surprised. "I did not expect you to actually be able to resist it."
"Resist what?" Aiden demanded, his eyes narrowing as he searched for answers.
"That's for you to discover. I cannot interfere more than this," the man/boy cryptically replied, fading into the shadows with an almost casual air.
{Shadow manipulation?} Aiden wondered, his mind racing to understand the stranger's abilities. As the shadows dissipated, Aiden was left with a trail of questions, his determination only fueled by this enigmatic encounter.
"I need to research this. I need to know why I lost my mind hearing that surname," Aiden muttered to himself, his resolve deepening as he headed back to the dormitory.
Once inside, he was met with the familiar presence of Noctis and Iris. The wolf pup greeted him with joyful barking, and Iris, who had chosen not to accompany him during the earlier interaction, projected her holographic form next to him.
"Aiden, you're back! How did your class go?" Iris inquired, her holographic eyes curious and concerned.
Aiden sighed, shaking his head. "It was...eventful, to say the least. But right now, I need your help, Iris."
The AI raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting from curiosity to focus. "What do you need, Aiden?"
"I need you to hack into the academy's database and find information about a person named Damian Hexstrike. Their family had some connection with mine in the past," Aiden explained, his tone determined.
Iris nodded, her holographic fingers dancing across an invisible keyboard. "Consider it done, Aiden. Let's see what we can uncover about this Hexstrike."
As the holographic screen flickered to life with lines of code and data, Aiden felt a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. He was on the brink of unveiling a piece of his family's history that had remained hidden for far too long.
Once inside, he was met with the familiar presence of Noctis and Iris. The wolf pup greeted him with joyful barking, and Iris, who had chosen not to accompany him during the earlier interaction, projected her holographic form next to him.
"Aiden, you're back! How did your class go?" Iris inquired, her holographic eyes curious and concerned.
Aiden sighed, shaking his head. "It was...eventful, to say the least. But right now, I need your help, Iris."
The AI raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting from curiosity to focus. "What do you need, Aiden?"
"I need you to hack into the academy's database and find information about a person named Damian Hexstrike. Their family had some connection with mine in the past," Aiden explained, his tone determined.
Iris nodded, her holographic fingers dancing across an invisible keyboard. "Consider it done, Aiden. Let's see what we can uncover about this Hexstrike."
As the holographic screen flickered to life with lines of code and data, Aiden felt a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.
After a few moments, Iris's form shimmered with a new intensity, signifying the retrieval of information. She projected the data before Aiden's eyes, and he scanned the details:
"Damian Hexstrike, 3rd year student, ranked 89 out of 100 in the school. Part of the prominent Hexstrike family, known for their Gift of [Curse Mage]. Personality: Confident, manipulative, and known for his cunning nature." The words hung in the air as Aiden processed the information.
Noctis, who had been quietly observing the interaction, suddenly started trembling. His ears flattened against his head, and a low growl escaped his throat. Aiden turned his attention to the wolf pup, concern furrowing his brow.
"Noctis, what's wrong?" Aiden's voice held a soothing tone as he knelt beside the trembling wolf.
The pup's eyes locked onto Aiden's, filled with a mix of fear and recognition. In a rush of emotion, the realization hit Aiden like a bolt of lightning. "You recognize him, don't you? Damian Hexstrike is the one who tortured you with those curses."
Noctis's reaction confirmed Aiden's suspicion. Anger boiled within him, a fierce protectiveness rising for his companion. It was as if the past and present were converging in a way he couldn't ignore.
"I won't let him hurt you again, Noctis," Aiden vowed, his gaze hardening as he stared at the information before him.
Iris's holographic form softened, her projection displaying a gesture of support. "Aiden, knowing more about his background gives us an advantage. We can prepare ourselves for whatever he might have planned."
Aiden nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Exactly. If he thinks he can bring his curses to bear again, he's in for a surprise."
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Hexstrike Family Gift
[Curse Magic]: S rank
[Curse Magic] is a mysterious and intricate form of magical manipulation that centers around the creation and manipulation of curses. Curses cast through this magic can cause a wide range of effects, from physical ailments and misfortune to mental manipulation and control. Unlike other forms of magic that often focus on healing or enhancement, Curse Magic harnesses the darker aspects of magic to afflict its targets with various curses.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Evandar
Evandar Sorry for late publishing I got the contract but i have to tell t my parents
Hadiah
-- Hadiah diterima Status Power Mingguan
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Power 
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