Chapter 63 | In front of The Council
[Aiden’s POV]
THUD!
Another monster fell down with its insides burned. As I was searching for monsters, luckily or unluckily for monsters, I found a big pack of around 50 Dread Rats.
Their specialty was their huge body accompanied by thick and long tails. However, they were huddled together, so I decided to test a skill I haven’t used yet, Skybound Ascension.
Using the opportunity of a surprise attack, I jumped in the air using the skill and landed amidst the pack.
While I was descending, I also used Overdrive Fist and also activated sigils in my hands to maximize the impact, and it was.
A small part of the ground caved in where I landed; the shockwave and force of it disoriented a few rats. I took the chance, punching them on their head, killing them in one shot.
The rest of them tried to swipe with their tails at me to break my focus. Soon, all the dread rats were gone; only I was left standing.
Taking a deep breath and exhaling a few times, I moved forward. A few participants also crossed my way, but no one wanted to simply surrender, so they also died in the process, becoming a source of points for me.
The best part about this round was that I wasn’t tired yet and only 3-4 hrs were remaining.
So, I went deeper; the forest became more dense, and 3 more monsters like Shade Panther did take some time to be dealt with.
While I was hunting, I felt a light illuminated under me as I sensed the presence of surrounding fading, and soon I found myself in the Arena.
My Solar Breaker skill was still, so I deactivated the skill. I knew the round was visible to all others, but I didn’t know if I had caught the eyes of people yet.
However, I did feel the surroundings were a bit quieter than at the start of the round. I chalked it up to fatigue of the people as I waited for the result.
Just then, the host came and started announcing names. There were a few cheers here and there from the people, and I waited for the name patiently.
Soon, the name of Marion Moonken was also pronounced in 2nd place with a score of 3175.
A small smile appeared on my face, as I waited for the name; I already knew my score. So just as the host declared me to be in first place in the round, an unexpected round of applause and cheers erupted in the arena.
"So, it seems they watched my performance. Well, I already planned to stop hiding, so it’s better this way," I muttered as I felt all eyes of the audience in the arena on me, while my image was also displayed on the huge screen.
Even if I was prepared for this attention, the suddenness of the situation still caught me off guard. I just waved my hand slightly, and participants around me turned.
Currently, they were the most confused people in the arena. I decided to remove myself from the spotlight and rendezvous with Thane and Damien.
However, two demons with attire of guards, but their attire was a bit special with a mark of the council on it.
’So, I have to meet them this early,’ I guessed the reason behind the presence of the council guards.
"Aiden Origin, you are summoned before the council by the Chancellor. We are to escort you to the chamber," one of the guards spoke.
"Okay, lead the way, but I wanted to meet with people that came with me; will that be fine?" I asked.
"Sure, but hurry up; it’s a direct order," the second guard agreed.
Just as I was about to move, I suddenly felt a killing intent aimed at me. I turned around immediately to find a bare-chested werewolf, growling as he stared at me; our eyes met. I used Insight Eye instinctively.
[Name: Marion Moonken]
[Rank: Grandmaster (Zenith)]
[Threat: Low]
[Emotional situation: Enraged]
"Oh, this just got a lot more interesting." I thought as I gave a smile to Marion and left with the guards.
My earlier small bit of nervousness disappeared as I moved with confidence because I just got a confirmation that someone is playing dirty in the council.
Or that the entire council was crooked, then it will become very dangerous. I was glad I had already decided to bring Damien and Thane along.
As I turned the corner, Damien was also probably waiting for me. Just as he saw me, he bowed his head and spoke, "You were absolutely best out in the wild, Master."
"You have a vampire as a servant!" one of the guards exclaimed.
"I wouldn’t say servant; he is my bodyguard of sorts; he is employed," I corrected them.
"Let’s go; we don’t want to keep the lords waiting," I added.
Both nodded, but there was a hint of curiosity in their eyes. We followed the guards, leading us to the balcony.
’Damien I am going to meet lords of the council. There will be vampires there, so make sure to keep your ancient vampire aura in check.’ I shared my thoughts with him via telepathy, one of the perks of being an Origin vampire.
’Also, some may try to be disrespectful toward me or test me; don’t act unless I say so,’ I added.
’As you command, master,’ he agreed.
Soon we were standing in front of a big gate with guards at the door. Using Insight Eye, I found that both of them were Saint-Rank at the Zenith Sub-stage.
"Who is the vampire behind you?" one of the guards at the gate asked.
"He is my bodyguard," I answered.
"This is the safest place in all of Kronesthion currently. Why do you need a bodyguard?" the guard further asked.
"So this should not be a problem if he comes with me," I retorted.
Both guards glanced at each other; one of the guards entered the room. We didn’t have to wait long, as he returned shortly.
"You both can go," the guard said as he opened the door to let us enter.
From here on, only Damien and I entered the room. After entering, I noticed a gate again, although much smaller. The single guard stationed there was also the same rank as previous guards.
He opened the door without any question.
Just as we entered the chamber, 10 seats came into view with one seat at a higher pedestal.
The people sitting on them gave off a powerful aura. Without even using Insight Eye, I could tell they were much more powerful than anyone I have ever met, even more powerful than Arclight’s patriarch.
Before I could say anything, a known voice reached my ears, "Aiden?"