Chapter 65 - 9.6 : DIAR
In a hidden room within one of Makazhar’s towering buildings, a quiet but serious gathering was underway. The space was large yet dim, lit only by a bluish hue from overhead neon lamps. Carved stone walls bore ancient symbols, and shelves lined with thick tomes and old documents loomed in the shadows. At the center stood a massive round table of dark wood, encircled by twelve chairs. On one side of the wall hung a gilded nameplate:
’Southeast Asian Spiritual Combat Association’
People began to assemble, taking their seats around a long steel table. Among them were representatives from Makazhar’s various martial arts dojos and magician communities—including Rina and her dojo master, Bahar. Another familiar face stood at the head of the gathering: Elder Rayapati, who had once supported Al when the incident with Idham occurred.
The group was discussing the recent incident in the heart of Makazhar’s forest. The energy they had been tracking was gone, leaving behind only a burnt-down house. The first response team hadn’t even caught sight of the structure. By the time the second group arrived, all they found was a charred ruin, and the traces of the energy they had come to investigate had already vanished.
One of the magicians suggested that the building might have been hidden by an illusion barrier. Several martial artists in the room scoffed at the theory, skeptical of any power that didn’t come from internal energy. The tension between the magic users and martial artists quickly escalated—until Elder Rayapati raised his voice.
"Then explain this," he said sternly, holding up a photograph of the forest’s destruction. "What caused this level of devastation? Why is everyone bruised and unconscious?"
They began recounting the events.
"There was... someone," one of them began. "Wearing black. Seemed like a man. He had a mask. He just—appeared, right in front of us."
"We didn’t even realize he had attacked until it was too late," another added. "It felt like being slammed by a truck. We were thrown back instantly... and everything went black."
Rina exchanged glances with her master, Bahar. They had arrived too late to witness the attack firsthand.
"That’s because you’re weak."
A deep male voice echoed from the doorway.