NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: Chapter 16 – The Gathering Tempest
Tempest Brothers: Chapter 16 – The Gathering Tempest
The night lingered over Tempest, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly. The distant echoes of the assassins' failed ambush still clung to the village like a ghostly presence. Yet, despite the threat, the people of Tempest moved forward — strengthening their defenses and preparing for the unseen storm on the horizon.
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Joshua POV
Joshua knelt at the edge of the village, his hand resting lightly on Nyx's dark fur. The wolf's crimson eyes flicked toward the forest, sensing the lingering magic in the air.
"More will come," Joshua murmured. "They always do."
Nyx let out a low growl, her ears flicking forward.
[System Notice: Residual Magic Signature Detected – Source Unknown]
Joshua's galaxy-red eyes narrowed, streaks of gold and black flickering through his hair.
"They're watching... but they're not ready to strike."
His system whispered softly.
[Equilibrium Skill Evolution: 52%]
Joshua's fingers curled into a fist. The balance within him was shifting — growing stronger with every threat he faced. Yet with each step forward, the pull between light and dark became harder to control.
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Village Preparations
Rimuru stood at the heart of the village, issuing orders with calm precision. Benimaru led the Kijin in reinforcing the outer walls, while Gobta and his squad patrolled the perimeter.
Joshua approached, his wolves at his heels.
"They're testing us again," he said quietly.
Rimuru's golden eyes flicked toward him.
"I know. But they won't strike unless they think they can win."
Joshua's streaks pulsed.
"Then we'll show them why they can't."
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A Message from the Shadows
As dusk settled, a cloaked figure appeared at the village gates. The stranger carried no weapons, yet the air around him shimmered with barely concealed power.
Joshua stepped forward, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. Nyx flanked him, her crimson eyes locked on the figure.
"State your business."
The figure's voice was smooth, almost amused.
"I come bearing a message from the Eastern Syndicate... and a warning."
Joshua's galaxy-red eyes glinted.
"We don't take kindly to threats."
The figure chuckled softly.
"Oh, this isn't a threat, Demon Lord of Balance. It's an invitation."
He tossed a sealed parchment onto the ground before vanishing into the night.
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The Invitation
Rimuru broke the seal, his golden eyes scanning the parchment.
"A gathering of factions... the Syndicate wants to negotiate."
Joshua's streaks flickered.
"They want to measure our strength."
Rimuru's smile was cold.
"Then let's give them something to measure."
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System Update
[New Quest: The Faction Summit]
[Objective: Attend the Eastern Syndicate Summit – Status: Pending]
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Joshua POV
As night fell, Joshua stood once more at the edge of the village, staring into the dark horizon.
The balance within him whispered — neither light nor dark, but something in between.
The storm was coming.
And the Tempest Brothers would meet it head-on.
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End of Chapter 16