Chapter 56: Special Tear Beam.
Eldorion beams.
Long streaks of black light, shaped like pillars, descended on Earth without warning and opened the gates for the Null Creatures.
They weren’t tall, monolith-shaped buildings that housed numerous floors or dungeon gates that needed to be cleared to seal them shut.
Eldorion beams were a permanent decay on the Earth’s soil.
They infused the world with Null Energy and initiated the transformation of Earth into what it is now – Earth Supreme.
Mountains began floating in clouds. Seas became uninhabitable for human life and the very flora of the world became adaptable to the foreign energy.
When a beam descends, it takes approximately ten minutes before the creatures start pouring out and the only method of securing these beams was applying Anti-beam shields which closed the connection between Earth Supreme and the Eldorion planet.
They were tiered according to the creatures that found their way out– Tier 1 to 7 with one being the mildest and seven, the highest.
It was said that a Tier 7 was never recorded and a Tier 6 turned former Australia into the Dead Barrows.
One thing that marked Eldorion Beams different from the rest you would read in comics and novels was the singular rule that all Beams led to the Abyss– but each was a different component of the Vast World.
There were areas of extreme mortality dangers and others of mild control within the Abyss, and the Eldorion Planet connected these places to Earth through the Beams.
And because of this, there were other Non-lethal beams known as Special Beams.
They were the same as the others, except Null Creatures didn’t invade even after the ten-minute mark.
It wasn’t enough, though.
So after thirty minutes, these Beams are recorded as relatively safe and after they’ve been explored by Egoists– their tiers are finally revealed.
’Special Beams always lead to a treasure... or in this case... treasures. The so-called treasures of the Abyss.’
Luca gulped at the thought.
He had been thinking about an excuse to increase his Synchrony, but it seemed like one would come without having to work so hard.
"A Special Beam. And if you’re doubting my credibility, then I can give you... not just my word– but my life as well."
Luca’s brows furrowed.
"I don’t need your life. It’s worth nothing.
Why do you Ardenthals think so highly of yourselves?"
Amirah’s expression loosened, as if caught off guard by his response.
Then her smile widened before she giggled lightly.
"Yes, you’re right. But this is confirmed information... plus, you wouldn’t lose anything from not believing me."
Luca shook his head.
"What’s your reason for giving me this legit information?"
"Well, there’s a treasure I want... and it may be helpful for you too. It’s called the Sunburn Flower... and it raises Synchrony."
"Oh." Luca held up his chin. "I’m assuming I can fight styles as well?"
"Yes."
"So... what makes you think I wouldn’t get that Sunburn Flower for myself?"
"Other than the fact that you don’t need it? I watched your duel with Tisane. You moved... fought... better than even those with higher synchronies. I can only assume that you have a method... or a bloodline?"
Luca scoffed, but didn’t respond.
He didn’t know this girl. He owed her nothing.
"I see you’re not the talker?"
"Unlike you who’s a yapper," Luca smirked.
"Jeez, you really don’t hold your words..." She sighed and looked up. "I haven’t met a boy like you."
Luca’s thoughts spun at her words.
"Aren’t you Half-breed? I’m sure the vassal–
"They don’t add up." She cut him off. "And I would rather keep it that way."
A scowl appeared on her face for a brief moment before she clapped her hands together, gingerly.
"Anyways, it’s not well known now... but it will be in the future, and by then, I’m guessing it will be too late since the top spots will be permanently filled."
"What does the top spot have to do with anything?"
"It’s related to the conditions... only the top three Ranks in each Archetype are welcomed to partake... and even with that, it’s a closed system.
Special Beams are as rare as they come, nearly appearing once in tens of years.
I believe most Nobles would be pushing for their kids to partake regardless of Ranks."
"Hm, I’m guessing this is only within the Ostaria Federation?"
"Yes, we’re a large Stronghold... there are many Nobles."
She whispered the last part... much to her dismay.
Luca rested his head on the chair as he sank into deep consideration.
’There’s nothing to discuss, I’m going.’
Just like she said, he didn’t need the Sunburn Flower, and what he needed most were Fighting Styles.’
He dropped one of his arms and swayed it lazily, while Amirah watched in silence.
It seemed like she had realised he was contemplating.
’But does it matter? Wouldn’t it be weird that I’m obtaining it for someone else when I need it more... not to mention...’
He turned to her with a sharpened gaze.
She flinched.
"Are you dumb? Why did you reveal all that to me without first knowing me?"
He just remembered a certain girl and the question she threw at him, multiple times.
Amirah giggled awkwardly.
"I have a knack, you might say... or an eye for good people."
She smiled sheepishly.
"There are few... but they can’t hide themselves no matter the number of masks they wear."
Luca’s gaze flared before looking away.
’Well... that’s weird.’
He still wasn’t convinced and even questioned the whole situation, but he decided against it. He would focus on the present.
And right now, he needed fighting styles.
"Those Fighting Styles... can they be assessed by all Archetypes?"
She nodded in response, though her curiosity edged her to ask the reason for his question.
She already decided he wouldn’t respond to it.
"Alright. I was planning on taking the first rank anyway... might as well get an early start."
Amirah blinked profusely.
"The– The first Rank might be going too far... but making it to the top three is more than enough."
"Okay. When is it?"
Amirah looked up contemplatively.
"About a month from now. It will be announced in a week so competition is fostered again.
They don’t like it when we’re idle."
Luca pushed the chair back and stood to his feet.
"In a month then, Amirah.
Until then, I hope you do well for yourself."
"Wa– Wait!" She stopped him.
"I– this is a personal question. Out of what we just discussed."
Luca tilted his head back.
A clear curiosity etched on his face.
"Go on." frёewebnoѵēl.com
"Wel– Well, they’re only a few like us... You know... our synchronies."
She giggled awkwardly while scratching the back of her head.
"Are– Are you perhaps some son of a High Venerable or Master... you’re much stronger than what is logical."
Luca held her gaze for a moment. He looked up at the ceiling as a low hum escaped his lips.
"Well... since you were so kind enough to let me in on a secret like that... I guess I’ll tell you this, plus it’s no old news."
He stared directly into her eyes.
"I have a title."
Amirah’s gaze flared.
"Oh?! Is it a powerful one? What rank is it?"
His gaze sharpened.
"You’re stepping too far in."
"Hah, sorry." She chuckled. "But, thank you.
I was actually wondering if there was some... You know a secret for people like us."
"Well... It’s not just titles. You know we aren’t actually using the limit of our score despite the figure being right there, right?"
"Huh... I had an inkling of an idea, but why should that matter?"
Luca shrugged. "Try getting used to your synchrony... perhaps when– if we find that Sunburn Flower, you would appreciate the increase more."
With that, he turned completely away and walked out of the building.
Amirah watched with a slight smile while her eyes shimmered lightly.
’What a weird fellow.’
She thought as she lay back down. She rested one arm over her face, the other stretched out on the table while lifting one leg up so the hem of her skirt trailed backwards.
’... but I like it.’
*
*
*
While Amirah was busy with her thoughts, Luca was already laying out his plans in order.
’Meeting my parents is still a must... should I wait for a month? But how do I contact them when I’ve achieved something worthwhile?’
When he thought about it, the Institution actually provided chances. Few, but still there.
They existed for Cadets to benefit and even make a name for themselves.
He had wanted to escape the Federation while lying low, but would that work?
What if he revealed all his cards when there were multiple Powerhouses?
He stopped mid-stride.
’No, bad idea. They’ll all be hungry to take me in... but my anomaly might drive them to control me as well.’
Luca tightened his grip.
’This is hard.’
Then he continued on the way.
For now, he buried those thoughts.
Preparing to act according to the situation if it comes... and find a way to contact the Federation– especially the man who had given him the premise.
As for now.
’She was eating buns, right?’
A flicker of something devious appeared in his eyes as his lips formed a jagged smile.
’Let’s go get some buns.’