THE CHOSEN ONE

Chapter 11 - It's back

"The mere fact that I currently find myself in this particular form does not imply that I am incapable of competing against you. In truth, I have dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to my training since the last time our paths crossed. This preparation has enhanced my skills and strength, equipping me to face challenges head-on. So while my appearance may suggest limitations, do not underestimate my resolve or the progress I have made. I am ready to showcase what I have learned and to prove that I am more than capable of holding my ground against you." Dael said with a big big smile on his face.

As the thick fog began to lift and the shadows retreated, the true scene emerged. Amongst the remnants of mist, two figures stood out, their hands clasped together with a bond that transcended mere friendship. They were like brothers who had not seen each other in years, eyes reflecting both the joy of reunion and the weight of shared memories. The world around them seemed to fade as they reveled in the moment.

"Wait a moment," I interrupted, breaking the silence with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Aren't you supposed to be the demon king of destruction? You’ve often boasted about your powers, how all the demons and mortals alike tremble at the mere mention of your name. Are you suggesting that everything the fear you instill, the formidable presence you hold was just an act? That not only your fearsome appearance but also the powers that once seemed so real were nothing but illusions?" I spoke the words slowly, my mind racing to reconcile the conflicting images I had held of him.

We had finally managed to calm ourselves down, the earlier tension giving way to an earnest conversation. Sitting down together a short distance away from where the fog had danced, we began to peel back the layers of misunderstanding and facade that had shrouded our bond. This was not just a discussion of identities, but an exploration of trust, and whether reality can sometimes be woven into the fabric of deception, no matter how dark or grandiose.

"Mr. Zero," Lai called out, her voice a mix of disbelief and concern.

"i***t!" Cassiel exclaimed, rushing past their friend, her heart racing as they hurried towards Vin, anxious to ensure he was safe and unharmed.

With furrowed brows and worried expressions, both women approached Vin, whose face bore the marks of the altercation. They quickly assessed him, scanning for any injuries that might have gone unnoticed.

"Are you alright? Does it hurt somewhere?" Lai asked, her eyes wide with apprehension as she looked at him closely, searching for any signs of pain or distress.

Their attention then shifted to Dael, who stood nearby, showing no signs of remorse or concern for the situation they all found themselves in. Confusion washed over the women as they exchanged glances, trying to understand the bizarre scene unfolding before them. They directed their questioning at Dael, their voices growing more assertive.

"Why did you attack Vin?" Cassiel demanded for an answer, clearly frustrated.

"You’re supposed to be friends! This isn’t how friends behave!" Lai said as dael looks so unbothered.

Cassiel chimed in, her voice laced with disbelief.

"And why are you laughing and smiling while you’re fighting? This isn't a game anymore!, both of you can get hurt!" Cassiel said with a lower voice this time.

The tension in the air was palpable as they stood face to face with Dael, each of them hoping to unearth some semblance of reason behind his seemingly irrational actions. Their hearts raced with a mixture of confusion and concern, as they had witnessed the consequences of his choices unfold before their very eyes. The gravity of the situation tightened around them like a vise, suffocating their thoughts and fueling a desperate urge to understand why Dael had chosen this path.

Then, in an abrupt and unexpected twist, the oppressive atmosphere shattered like glass.

"Pfff, WAHAHA!" The two of them suddenly burst into laughter, their mirth erupting out of nowhere, disrupting the tension as if it had never existed. The sound echoed around them.

"Don't worry, he's not a foe," I reassured Lai, exchanging a glance with Dael that sparked a wave of laughter between us once more.

The tension from earlier seemed to dissipate with every chuckle, the lightness of the moment filling the air around us. Lai, however, maintained her serious demeanor, her brow furrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line.

"You want us not to worry when the two of you almost killed each other earlier?" she said, her voice laced with disbelief.

She looked between us, her dark eyes wide and filled with concern. I could see her apprehension surfacing beneath the surface, the way it tightened her features and cast a shadow over her normally bright expression.

I understood where she was coming from; the earlier altercation had been intense. Yet, the laughter shared with Dael felt like a bridge over the chaos of that moment a reminder that despite our heated arguments, we were still on the same side. I glanced back to Dael, who was still chuckling softly, and I felt a wave of gratitude for the bond we had forged through our fights inside the game.

"It's okay," I said, trying to ease her worries.

"We were just caught up in the heat of the moment. We resolve things differently, but trust me, we are more allies than adversaries." I reached out to place a reassuring hand on Lai's shoulder, hoping to convey my sincerity.

"See? No harm done." I said to make her feel that I am sincere.

Lai sighed, her expression softening just a fraction as she took a moment to process my words. The tension around us lingered, but I could tell that my reassurance had started to break through her apprehension.

"Forget about all those serious talks. Honestly, you seem a lot weaker than the last time I saw you," Dael remarked, his voice casual yet edged with concern.

"Did that God Aramid take away some of your powers?" He handed me a small, intricately designed box, its surface gleaming under the dim light.

I raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback by his directness.

"Oh, about that... some of my powers just can't seem to manifest for some reason," I replied, trying to downplay the significance of my current state.

"But you, on the other hand, seem to be relying on what is likely your original power level. No sign of any enhancement or growth since I last saw you." I shifted my gaze back to the mysterious box Dael had given me, my curiosity piqued.

"And what exactly is this?" I asked, gesturing toward the enigmatic object. It felt important, as if it held secrets waiting to be unraveled.

"Actually, this is my current power," Dael said, a twinkle of mischief dancing in his eyes as he pointed at the mysterious box before us.

"The one you fought before wasn't mine at all; it was merely a borrowed one." His voice was calm, but there was an undeniable confidence underlying his words that made me keenly aware of his newly unveiled potential.

Dael walk and leaned against a tree with a relaxed posture, a smirk creeping onto his lips as he regarded me. It was a playful challenge, one that both intrigued and unnerved me. There was something charged in the air an invitation laced with an undercurrent of warning.

"Go on," he urged, a glint of amusement in his gaze.

"Open it. Just put some of your mana into it." His smirk widened, as if he knew something I didn’t. I could feel the weight of his expectations pressing down on me, a challenge wrapped in the enigma of the box that seemed to pulse with an energy of its own.

As I hesitated, I wondered what the box contained. Was it a source of immense power? Or perhaps a trap meant to ensnare me? Dael's confidence was infectious, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this moment than met the eye. He was watching me intently, waiting for me to make my move, and the air felt charged with anticipation.

With a deep breath, I stepped forward, my curiosity piqued and my resolve hardening. The air shimmered faintly around the box, and I could sense a connection forming between my mana and its intricate design. This could be a turning point, I thought, one that might unlock new possibilities or reveal deeper truths. It was time to find out.

When I cautiously opened the box, an overwhelming wave of power surged through me, almost knocking me off my feet. It felt as if the very essence of magic itself was pouring forth from that enchanted container. A brilliant, shimmering aura of mana spiraled out, wrapping around me like a warm, familiar cloak, before it began to flow directly into my being. Each pulse of energy felt invigorating, igniting every fiber of my being with newfound strength.

As the last traces of mana drained from the box, a profound shift occurred within me. I could sense the awakening of long-dormant abilities, and I instinctively knew that I had regained about twenty percent of my former powers. This residual energy coursed through my veins, rekindling memories of what I once could do an exhilarating feeling mixed with a hint of nostalgia, reminding me of battles fought and victories claimed.

In that moment, I glanced up to see Dael standing across from me, laughter spilling from his lips like a bubbling brook. His eyes sparkled with mischief and warmth, and the sight stirred a mix of emotions within me relief, gratitude, and perhaps a tinge of playful annoyance.

"That’s a gift from me!" he exclaimed, his voice ringing with excitement and pride.

"Welcome to Lubong Vin Zero!" The determination radiating from his gaze was palpable, and it was clear he was as invested in this moment as I was. He watched me with such earnestness that it felt as if he believed wholeheartedly in my potential to grow stronger, to rise once again.

It was more than just a presentation of power; it was a rebirth of hope in a world that had tested my limits, and Dael seemed to be the catalyst that would help me reforge my path. With the remnants of magic still swirling around me and the taste of adventure on the horizon, I knew that this was just the beginning of something extraordinary.