Shadow Slave: Divergence of Hereos

Chapter 24: Changing Star

I stood off to the side, watching as Nephis calmly approached the punching machine. Her movements were precise, her punch powerful yet controlled. The machine displayed a score of 16, and murmurs of surprise echoed through the room.

Next up was Caster, one of the more arrogant legacies. He strutted up, his punch fueled by pride and a desire to show off. The machine registered a 21, and a smirk spread across his face as whispers filled the air.

Then it was my turn.

Without a word, I approached the machine. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting to see how I would perform. I didn't bother putting in any real effort—there was no need. 

My Aspect flared subtly as I mimicked the precise movements Nephis had used earlier, barely applying any force. My fist connected with the machine, and the number blinked to life: 21.

The room fell silent, the anticipation evaporating into shock. I stepped back, ignoring the impressed or envious stares. It wasn't about proving anything to these people. I was just here to begin interacting with the main characters.

I spread my senses out, subtly probing the room. It wasn't long before I located a shadow lingering at the edges, quietly observing everything that was happening. I knew exactly who it belonged to, but I didn't let on. It wasn't time to confront Sunless just yet.

"Not bad," the instructor commented, moving things along. "Now, we will begin sparring to evaluate your general level of training. I need two volunteers."

Without hesitation, Nephis and I stepped forward at the same time.

"How about we make this a little more interesting, Lady Nephis?" I said, my tone was casual but laced with challenge. She turned slightly, her silver eyes studying me with quiet curiosity.

In one fluid motion, I raised my hand, summoning Ruyi Jingu. The staff appeared in my palm, solid and imposing. "I'm curious to see what the last member of the Immortal Flame can do."

The murmurs among the legacy members rose, the tension in the room palpable. Nephis stared at me for a moment, then, without a word, summoned her Memory—a sword gleaming with the unmistakable weight of power.

"Instructor, are you okay with this?" I asked, slipping into the familiar stance of the Monkey King Spear Arts. 

Nephis mirrored me, settling into her family's swordsmanship stance, a calm determination in her eyes.

The instructor glanced between us, his expression serious. "As long as both sides consent."

"I do," Nephis replied without hesitation, her voice cool and composed.

I nodded, my grip tightening on Ruyi Jingu. This would be interesting.

As the duel with Nephis was about to begin, a hush fell over the onlookers. I could feel the anticipation in the air, and I decided it was time to reveal the full potential of Ruyi Jingu.

"Extend Ruyi Jingu!" I commanded, my voice ringing clearly through the hall. 

The staff obeyed instantly, its length growing with a powerful whoosh. Nephis's eyes widened as the staff expanded, its increased reach catching her off guard. 

The weapon's newfound length threatened to overwhelm her, and she had to scramble to adjust her stance.

Without missing a beat, I declared, "Expand Ruyi Jingu." 

The staff responded once more, its diameter swelling, becoming thicker and more imposing. 

The staff now loomed over the arena, its sheer presence creating a formidable barrier between us. The onlookers gasped, their faces reflecting a mix of awe and surprise at the sheer display of power.

The crowd's murmurs grew louder as the staff's transformation became more apparent. Nephis, momentarily stunned by the staff's impressive expansion, quickly regained her composure, her expression shifting from surprise to intense focus. 

I could see the admiration in the eyes of the bystanders, many of whom had never witnessed such a display of mastery.

"Retract Ruyi Jingu!" 

The staff obediently diminished, its length and diameter returning to normal. The arena's tension eased, but the impact of the demonstration had already left a lasting impression. 

The bystanders' eyes followed me with newfound respect, their initial scepticism replaced by admiration for the control and skill I had displayed.

As the staff returned to its normal size, the arena's atmosphere grew tense. Nephis, now fully alert, squared her shoulders and raised her sword, a determined glint in her eyes. 

I adjusted my stance, preparing for her counterattack. With a sudden burst of speed, Nephis closed the distance between us, her sword slicing through the air with precision. 

I met her attack with a swift parry, deflecting her blade with the shaft of Ruyi Jingu. The impact sent a resonant thud through the hall, and I felt the force of her strike reverberate through the staff.

Nephis didn't hesitate. She pressed her assault, her movements a blur of controlled aggression. 

I focused on maintaining my balance and exploiting the reach advantage of my weapon. As she attacked, I used the staff's length to keep her at bay, each strike and parry a dance of skill and strategy.

With a sudden command, I said, "Expand Ruyi Jingu!" 

The staff lengthened dramatically, pushing Nephis back and forcing her to adjust her approach. 

Her eyes narrowed in concentration, and she adapted quickly, sidestepping and launching a series of quick, precise strikes aimed at finding a gap in my defenses.

"Extend Ruyi Jingu!" I shouted as I executed a fluid, spinning manoeuvre, bringing the staff around in a sweeping arc. 

The extended reach made it nearly impossible for Nephis to avoid the incoming strike. She leaped back just in time, narrowly avoiding the full force of the blow.

Nephis's eyes widened as she assessed the new threat. She regrouped and charged forward, her swordwork a flurry of speed and accuracy. 

I responded by switching to the Monkey King's staff arts, twisting and turning the staff with practised grace. "Retract Ruyi Jingu!" I commanded, and the staff shrank back to its normal size, catching Nephis off guard as I closed the distance between us.

Nephis barely had time to react before I was upon her, executing a series of rapid thrusts and sweeps. She parried and dodged, her sword flashing in the dim light, but the flexibility of Ruyi Jingu allowed me to keep her constantly on the defensive. 

Realising she needed to adjust, Nephis pivoted on her heels and unleashed a counterattack with a powerful overhead swing. 

"Expand Ruyi Jingu!" I shouted again, the staff extending to intercept her blade with a resounding clash. The staff's extended reach created a barrier that Nephis struggled to penetrate.

The crowd watched in awe as the duel unfolded. Whispers of amazement and speculation filled the air, with many students marvelling at the skillful application staff arts. 

Nephis, clearly struggling to match the staff's versatility, tried to regain her footing, her breathing heavy and laboured.

In a final burst of strategy, I used the "Monkey King's Dance," a rapid, spinning attack with the staff, its ends cutting through the air with precision. 

"Retract Ruyi Jingu!" I commanded once more, bringing the staff back to its normal size as I executed a decisive strike that forced Nephis to step back and concede.

Panting slightly but smiling with respect, Nephis met my gaze. "You're quite skilled," she admitted, her voice carrying a mix of admiration and challenge.

...

Authors note:

Unfortunately this isn't a continuation of the fanfic. I simply had a couple of spare chapters I wanted to upload.

I am currently trying a new project, which is basically my own novel but I will be uploading it as a fanfic since honestly I write mainly for interaction with people.

I write to share ideas and run through scenarios with people, so I hope you will try my new project out.

It is called "Eternal Heir."

Do not subscribe to patreon for this fanfic anymore thanks.