Chương 22: Nightingale
Jack opened his eyes to a dozen blinding sun rays streaming through the opening in the ceiling, he sat up and stared at the black Iron broken rim and shabby planks, he stood up but hit his head on a ripped plank.
"Argh"
Jack threw a punch which made the left edge crumble, he stepped out and felt the intense heat coming from the abnormal bright sun, he stared at the endless red sand and his legs made audible zizzes, he stared at the broken caravan and the huge dent on the upper right, it looks like something huge fell onto.
Jack saw something_ a figure in the distance. 'Maybe I can ask where I am'. As he navigates through the sand, constant hot swirling winds in synchronisation with swirling sands crashed into him threatening to throw him off his feet.
He covered his eyes with his right elbow from time to time, he notices that something is amiss – 'How can someone stand unfazed in the midst of all this chaos?' Jack had to arch his back to move a step at a time.
Suddenly, he got teleported behind the man, who appears distorted. The man's eyes were pleading and filled with fear.
"Jonathan"
In a turn of events, the Jack's hands are inexplicably armed with a weapon, a pair of sleek duo blades. As if driven by an external force, he lunges towards Jonathan with uncontrollable rage.
Jack saw two men battle_ he recognised the man that won the struggle cause the man was him, he watched his actions as it became increasingly frenzied as he repeatedly stabs Jonathan's eyes without mercy, laughing and chanting.
"Die"....."Die"..... "Die"
Each stab is accompanied by a sickening sound and a spray of blood. Jonathan's agonized screams echo through the desert, amplifying the his terror. Despite the fact that Jack would have preferred to watch anything not what he is doing, he feels trapped, unable to stop or divert his attention from the act.
The Jack stabbing Jonathan suddenly stopped and stared at him while pointing at him with one of the blades.
"You are next Jack"
He moved towards Jack with such inhuman speed, Jack wasn't able to react to the speed or dodge, the blade went through his left eye.
Jack opened his eyes and quickly touched his left eyes before he sat up, his attention is diverted by the continuous low beeping sound, he stared at the source_ three pods with a human in the position of an embryo and three huge wires connected directly to their back, he quickly stared at the things around three beds and his bed that is soaked in his sweat, he was in his room in the master academy.
Jack checked his shoulder and removed a yellow plaster, he got up, opened his drawer and took another placing it back at the same spot. He has been using high-grade stimulant created with church tech, one of the items created by the church during the great war to prevent masters from getting pulled into the Null_realm during battle along with other items like skill cards which the church stopped making after the great war.
This stimulant was not sold in the academy, Celine gave them to him.. Though the stimulant sounds like such a nice possession, overdosage will fry a masters brain causing secular madness or permanent.
Jack had already used seven a number beyond overdosage. 'how can I dream when I'm not asleep?, it doesn't make any sense'
Jack tore the plaster and approached his pod, he waited before pressing his hands against it, the doors slid open, he got inside and waited, three huge wires shot out of an opening and stuck on his back slowly pulling him up, this was one of the safety measures built into the masters pod after Jonathan's death, it alerts when a master lose a certain amount of blood. Jack closed his eyes as his consciousness drifted away.
****************************************************
As Jack entered the Null_realm, he couldn't help but be captivated by the mesmerizing sight before him. The academy citadel was different from the last time he saw it, it was a sprawling metropolis, with towering skyscrapers that seemed to touch the heavens, all created by High level Earth talent masters. The buildings were adorned with sleek, metallic exteriors and the green sand of the citadel complements the building.
As he made his way through the bustling streets, his eyes were drawn to a patrolling guards all clad in full body armor, they were three times the previous number, the security was to make sure another master doesn't die in the citadel.
Jack continued his journey, he was here with only one goal_to kill some dark seal and de-stress. He reached a grand building that stood out among the rest. The building was an architectural marvel, its design blending seamlessly with the aesthetic of the citadel. Its exterior was made of polished silver alloy made from the hides of a dark seal, reflecting the vibrant lights of the surrounding area.
Upon entering the building, he found himself in a spacious lobby adorned with intricate murals, painting of dark seal but with carefully chosen colours by the painter. The air was filled with an electric energy as masters from the academy were gathered here to take on quests and challenges, Quests don't improves score grade only authorised test, but some master sees it as a means to get stronger an earn money.
As he entered the Quest hall, he was greeted by a group of female attendants dressed in elegant robes. Their attire was a mix of vibrant colors, reflecting the diversity of the quests that awaited within. Each attendant had a warm smile on her face, ready to assist any adventurer who sought their aid.
The masters were wielding weapons, Some were clad in armor, some were wielding Intermediate-tier weaponry, while others were testing spells. they conversed with their friends, creating a symphony of voices that echoed throughout the building.
The interior of the building was just as impressive as its exterior. The main hall was vast and filled with bustling activity. Masters could be seen preparing for their quests, sharpening their weapons or discussing strategies with their companions. The air was filled with anticipation and excitement.
In one corner of the hall stood a large quest board, covered in parchment scrolls detailing various quests available for undertaking. The board was divided into different sections, each representing a different category of quests. There were sections for combat-oriented quests, exploration quests, puzzle-solving quests, and more.
Jack walked up to the quest board and stared at the quest. " Retrieve six icestones from Lake Ursula—E_level quest..... Retrieve the body of a King Draken( advanced-tier) Dark seal. requirements B_level talent— C_level quest.... Retrieve four endtrich roots from an explored dungeon—E_level quest... Retrieve the heart of the rare plant( Cursed crypt) from an explored dungeon — E_level quest".... Solo quest remains unavailable..."
Jack's senses heightened, a primal instinct warning him of an impending danger. His heart raced, and his muscles tensed, preparing for the unknown threat that lurked behind him. Without turning his head or breaking his concentration, he subtly shifted his weight onto his back foot, ready to react at a moment's notice.
In one fluid motion, he pivoted on his back foot and twisted his torso with lightning speed. His right arm shot out like a coiled spring, intercepting the attempted attack. With precise timing and accuracy, Jack executed a textbook Judo throw known as Osoto Gari from the old world... he probably didn't know what he did.
As the master felt Jack's arm connect with his body, he was taken aback by the sudden resistance. Time seemed to slow down as he lost control of his own momentum. The world spun around him as he was lifted off his feet and propelled towards the ground.
The surprise on both men's faces was palpable. The master's eyes widened in shock as he found himself hurtling towards the unforgiving floor beneath him. His mind raced to comprehend what had just happened, unable to process how Jack had managed to anticipate and counter his attack so effortlessly.
On the other hand, Jack's expression revealed a mix of doubt and stupefaction. He recognised the faces, the two B_level talent rank masters Asura Rendell and Daniel Adonis.
As Daniel crashed onto the Floor, the impact reverberated through the room. The silence that followed was broken only by the sound of breathing and the realization that his friendly prank had taken an unexpected turn. He slowly rose to his feet, with a welcoming smile plastered on his face.
"Aren't you full of surprises?." Daniel said.
Jack stared at their black Quest uniform adorned with a crescent red moon on the left chest which represents C_level adventurer's emblem.... B_level talent rank masters in the academy are given D_level emblem while other masters ranging from C_level–F_level talent rank have to start with F_level emblem and slowly climb the ranks while completing Quest... The masters academy emblem ranking is one level below standard... that means a master in the academy with a C_level emblem is equal to an authorised adventurer with a D_level emblem.. The main purpose for the Quest hall is to aid masters who wish to become adventurers.
Jack darted his attention back to the board as he mumbled. " Did you guys live in the Quest hall?"
Asura smiled as she leaned forward, her voice filled with sarcasm. "Jack you just overpowered a B_level talent rank master which put you on top the rank." "There is a quest that requires someone with your unique skills and experience."
"Why is he so strange?"
Jack almost leaped out of his skin as he heard a voice so close to his left, he quickly turned around to see Legion staring at him with folded hands, he did not know how he got that close to him even if he teleported there will be a slight change in the atmosphere, it was quite scary knowing someone can get that close to you while remaining undetected.
Daniel smiled exposing his perfect white teeth.
"You mean strange enough to last that long while fighting a D_level talent rank master with a basic-tier armor.. yeah he is that strange." Daniel said.
Legion looked inquiringly before he shrugged his shoulders. " I still don't want to do this".
Asura touched his shrugged shoulders. "as promised you will explore an unexplored dungeon alone."
"Jack why are you really here." Asura asked.
"I just want to de-stress". Jack answered.
Daniel nodded. "Well there are no solo quest but we can let you come along for a price, but be warned there had been rumours of a king-tier dark seal patrolling the area."
Jack interest piqued at the mention of the King-tier dark seal which the others didn't fail to notice.
"What's your price?". Jack asked.
" It simple you see that girl over there" Asura pointed to Sasha Quinn sitting comfortably on nothing and reading a book." she is obviously waiting for the Six hours mark so she can go through the citadel gateway and Leave the Null_realm.
" I want you to convince her to Join us, by any means but don't go to overboard Celine is quite instinctive."
*****************************
A lady sat comfortably on nothing, defying gravity and leaving every master around her in awe and fear, Jack hadn't noticed this before cause he was paying an attention. The masters were avoiding her and the region she was with fear and admiration etched on their faces.
The lady's posture exuded confidence and calmness and uninterestedness. She sat with her legs crossed, her back straight, and her arms resting gracefully on her knees and a book placed on her lap. Her flowing ebony hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing a face that seemed to possess an otherworldly beaut
When he finally stood in front of her, he couldn't help but notice that the lady was suspended in mid-air at a height of approximately three feet above the ground. It was as if an invisible force had lifted her effortlessly, defying all known laws of physics. The sight was both mesmerizing and unsettling.
The lady's levitation appeared to be completely natural, Her body remained stable and motionless, not swaying or wavering even slightly. It was as if she had become one with the invisible force supporting her.
Jack waved at her. "Excuse me," he says softly, trying not to interrupt her reading. Sasha looks up from her book she looks uninterested with what she saw.
"I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly you sit there," Jack continues, gesturing towards the space beneath Sasha."It's as if you belong in the air itself."
Sasha placed eyebrows twitched. "What do you want Jack?"
"I want to recruit you of course to join a Quest cohort."
She shook her head and continued reading.
Jack thought about his next action for a moment and stared, for some reasons the masters were avoiding this region.
"Have you ever seen an awakened Soul shard?... if you come down I could show you."
Sasha legs slowly unfolded as she slowly descends to the ground, the masters gasped as they saw this and started whispering.
"What does that no talent think he is doing?"
" Why would he offend Princess Sasha?"
Sasha stared at Jack." I hope this is all but a fuss, you would not like a crunched hand now would you?"
Jack felt a force pull down his right hand, keeping it in place so Jack couldn't even move it, but he wasn't worried. "Come closer I don't want the masters to see."
Sasha stared at jack, he eyes peering into his motives but it was just for a moment, she shrugged and stepped towards Jack.
He held out his right hand and weaved his awakened King-tier Soul shard. A bright white substance in the shape of a pen, glowing brightly and without any cracks which is abnormal for normal soul shard glow faintly and possess numerous cracks.
Sasha eyes widened like saucers. "C-ca-n I touch it?."
"Of course.... but I can't move". Immediately Jack said those words Sasha nodded and the pressure threatening to rip off his hands subsided.
Jack carefully approached Sasha and held her face with both hands, Sasha didn't seem threatened so she let him. He placed his foreheadead on hers, his forehead glowed as he transferred the Soul shard and after sometime he stepped back.
Sasha stared at him with a blank expression and after sometime she smiled. " Jack giving the soul shard is a strange way to propose but of course my answer is no cause you have a girlfriend and I don't do affairs. she said in a playful voice.
Jack smiled. " So are you going to Join us for the Quest?".
"Only if I get to keep it for the whole time during the Quest."
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