Chapter 18
[SEMI-FINAL STAGE – THE TOURNAMENT BOILS OVER]
The arena had grown wilder—more savage, more volatile. Now it was the turn of the beast-disciples and werewolves from the Shaddorg and Bad Rogue lineages to enter the battleground. One clash nearly shattered the competition platform itself: a devastating sonic howl fused with a charging beast tackle, detonating the center stage in a thunderous shockwave.
The crowd erupted. Cheers, gasps, tension thick as smoke. Several students from the vampire and alien camps looked visibly shaken.
It no longer felt like a tournament.
It felt like a miniature war.
[RESTRICTED AREA – HIDDEN CRYSTAL COUNCIL CHAMBER]
Zedwan Kein had summoned key organizers, influential masters, and those responsible for participant oversight and multiversal security:
Troy Hideyama — Master Combat Strategist
Liu Kei — Senior Martial Sage
Danny — Analytical Technocrat
Lysa — Queen Vampire
Shaddorg — Oathbound Werewolf Master
Bad Rogue — Former Villain, now mentor of the “dark side” disciples
Shao Moon — Master of Mentalist and Beast Channeling Arts
Shao Moon appeared restless, his eyes repeatedly drifting toward a miniature holographic screen displaying his students’ matches.
Shao Moon:
“I don’t want to miss a critical moment. They’re close… so close to the summit.”
Liu Kei smiled calmly.
Liu Kei:
“We have full recordings of the tournament—from every angle. You can review it from multiple perspectives… inside, outside… even through your students’ own eyes, if necessary.”
Troy Hideyama stood with arms crossed, voice firm.
Troy:
“This discussion matters more, Shao. We’re dealing with uninvited guests capable of mimicking participant identities. And Syavadark is no longer a myth.”
A heavy silence filled the chamber.
“They’re actively testing the strength of every lineage.”
Zedwan Kein scanned the room, his voice deep and resolute.
Zedwan:
“This tournament is more than competition. It is a field of evaluation—data gathering, strength verification, and selection.”
This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
He paused.
“If Syavadark has truly returned… we must know who among the next generation can lead when we are gone.”
Lysa narrowed her eyes.
Lysa:
“Not everyone in that arena… is human.”
A faint chill swept through the chamber.
“I sensed an entity breathing like blood and smoke. That was no student.”
Danny activated an analysis screen.
Danny:
“She’s right. There were aura fluctuations absent from the participant database.”
He zoomed in on the data.
“Someone is disguising themselves… or experimenting through a human host.”
[THE DOORS OPEN – AISHA ENTERS WITH TWO YOUNG FIGHTERS]
Lysa turned.
Lysa:
“I came to escort Aisha.”
She glanced around.
“But it seems this meeting… is far more significant than I anticipated.”
Zedwan Kein nodded.
Zedwan:
“You should hear this as well, Lysa. Your vampire power remains a decisive factor in any dimensional conflict.”
Troy Hideyama pressed a control device. A hologram burst into view—highlighting moments from the recent semi-final battles.
One participant unleashed a dark eruption—absorbing incoming attacks and hurling them back in distorted form.
The chamber fell silent.
The technique was unmistakable.
Ancient.
Syavadark.
Bad Rogue leaned forward.
Bad Rogue:
“That’s aura parasitism…”
His voice darkened.
“Only one being ever used that technique during the Shadow War era.”
He looked up sharply.
“What does this mean? Have they replicated that technology?”
Zedwan Kein answered in a low voice.
Zedwan:
“Or perhaps…”
A dangerous pause.
“…someone survived.”
“And now manipulates events from behind the curtain.”
Shao Moon slowly rose, eyes now focused, no trace of earlier distraction.
Shao Moon:
“If that is true… then I will ensure my students are prepared.”
He turned toward Zedwan.
“But we must not miscalculate.”
“If we make the wrong move…”
His voice hardened.
“…we may drag that war into an arena not yet ready for it.”
Zedwan Kein met his gaze.
Zedwan:
“And that is precisely why this council was convened.”
“To decide—together—”
“When we act.
And when we remain still.”
