Zhongjie: Imperial Battlegrounds
“Were you the one responsible for all this damage?” I accused Kyoi when we arrived at the designated fighting area.
“What evidence do you have that incriminates me, Yuki?” she grinned at me.
“Nothing. Just a hunch after seeing what you’re capable of,” I answered.
“If you must know, it wasn’t me. This kind of destruction occurred without my involvement,” she revealed.
“But you were connected to it somehow?” I couldn’t trust her response.
“That’s certainly possible,” she admitted.
“It was Long,” Kuan said, pointing at his friend.
Zhuyu didn’t respond and only nodded. We stood on an elevated platform and across from our current spot was a golden chair. Whatever designs on it previously were all scratched out. Below us, there were massive red lacquer doors in the northern, eastern, southern, and western corners. The ground was also scuffed up, remnants of a past battle. It was an open space with a clear view of the bright blue skies.
“Wait, were you here when this all happened?” I glanced over at Kuan.
“No, I was busy doing something else. You can read all about in Tess’ archives,” he replied.
“You actually read those things?” I didn’t expect him to take his time to actually go through them.
“Only if they’re interesting. It’s impossible to keep up with all of the reports Tess and everyone else has done,” Kuan answered.
“Nah, it’s pretty easy if you use a program,” Kisai disagreed, suddenly appearing.
“Why are you even here?” Ichaival questioned.
“Just wanted to see Long get his ass kicked,” he replied, pulling out a notebook from his pockets.
“Following a lead?” Kuan pointed at his notebook.
“Yeah, it led me here. Not sure if it’s connected to quite exactly what I’m looking for yet,” Kisai confirmed.
“Want me to check?” Kuan offered.
“Sure. Darryl, where’s Shigetzu? You two are always together on missions,” Kisai agreed, handing his notebook over to Kuan.
“He’s doing stuff with Ksi and other people. Tess wanted him in Za’ard today,” Ichaival responded.
All of a sudden, my heartbeat increased. I clutched my chest and felt short of breath. Just what was this sudden fear that hit me? Someone descended from the sky, landing right in front of the math major. Tianhu, Ace’s associate, was finally here.
“A lot of companions have joined you,” he commented before making direct eye contact with each of us.
“It was the Gatekeeper’s request,” Zhuyu said with a shrug.
“Ace knew this would happen so she prepared a surprise to make sure our guests will not be bored,” Tianhu revealed before slamming his fist into the ground.
The impact from his strike knocked everyone off the platform except for Zhuyu and himself. No, that wasn’t quite true. Kyoi and Kisai were more than capable of remaining on the platform but chose not to. The same for En too considering his electric powers and wire. Okay, it’s all up to you, Zhuyu! Now let’s see exactly what Ace had in store for us.
“Ace wants to confirm all current dragon pieces in your possession will transfer over to her if you lose. And if you win, the final one is yours,” Tianhu said.
“I understand,” Zhuyu responded.
“Good, then let us begin!” the feline man shouted, rushing straight at the hero.
“Yuki, watch out!” Kuan shot a wax tiger lunging towards me.
I sliced it into pieces with my blade. No time to watch those two fight. There were more important things requiring my attention. All four red doors opened and a swarm of enemies entered.
“Yuki, cover the north door with Zhang! Darryl, take them there!” Kyoi ordered as she set enemies nearing her ablaze.
A portal opened underneath me and En. We were sent to the north side where an enormous amount of locus burst through the door. En pulled on a pair of gloves and then summoned his blade.
“Tomo, get them towards me!” he directed, drawing a flaming circle with the tip of his katana.
I nodded and funneled all the locus into a portal. They were all incinerated by the dual elemental user’s bright orange flames. He plunged his sword into the ground next to him and unraveled a coil of wire. Shooting one end into my exit portal, he triggered an electric chain reaction, shocking all the insects making contact with it. Damn, I felt bad En was single-handedly clearing out all the enemies. Hold on, something was approaching the hero’s backside.
I arrived there right away with a portal and knocked the new enemy back. En didn’t turn around despite the commotion. He remained focused on eradicating the locus which kept on spawning. I trapped my opponent in a block of ice and peered in for a closer look. Before I could identify them, they broke out and swung a knife at me. Damn, their face was hidden by a wrestling mask. They wore a bronze “P” pin on their shirt collar. Where had I seen that? Before I could recall, metal spikes shot out from the ground beneath me. I leaped up and floated in the air with Shan’s gravitational powers. I attempted to teleport them into the spikes but my portal broke down immediately.
“It won’t work,” En said, his back still turned to me.
“They have a resistance,” I surmised, floating higher to avoid the taller spikes.
“Probably. I’ll try to help if this ever ends,” En agreed.
Something wrapped around my left leg, dragging me back down. I tapped the green vine with my finger, trying to free myself, but no flames appeared to burn through it. They were capable of nullifying my magic too! Who exactly was I facing? Fine, if my magic didn’t work, then I would just have to cut through it manually. I slammed my sword into the vine but it only pierced through halfway before being stuck. I channeled some of my magic into the blade and detonated it. Still nothing. I tried yanking my sword out but it refused to budge.
“We can’t just hand Tomo over to you!” Kisai suddenly appeared and sliced through the vine with a poke of his finger.
My sword flew into the air and Kisai caught it. Without even looking, he hurled it back towards me. My sword settled into my right hand without any adjustments from me. What a showoff! But, I was thankful for his assistance.
“Oh,” the masked opponent commented.
Kisai moved his right arm forward, wielding a glowing blade, but he struck from the left side instead. Did I miss something? Our opponent was surprised by the change in direction as well, unable to dodge. With the knife in his left hand now, Kisai lunged forward, intending to strike the opponent’s stomach. The masked enemy lurched back but was fooled by the magic user once again. Kisai shifted his movement direction and circled around them. He plunged his knife into their backside and made a gun finger utilizing both his pointer and middle fingers. The knife exploded and sent the masked opponent flying towards En.
The dual elemental user caught them with his wire and hurled them into my exit portal. The locus converged onto the masked opponent and buzzed with excitement. When they exited, flames covered their entire body and electricity pulsated underneath them. Wait a minute, how come En’s magic worked but not mine?
“I disabled their magic absorption. Pretty strong stuff for someone so weak,” Kisai explained.
“I didn’t even know you could move like that, Kisai,” I said.
“I’ve always been able to do that,” Kisai said with a grin.
“Of course. So, you have any idea who they are?” I pointed at the masked person.
“Nope. Never seen them before. Let’s-,” Kisai suggested.
Suddenly, everything was frozen in place except for the black shadow that swooped in near the pinned enemy. My eyes couldn’t adjust to the scene but I swore they glanced in my direction. Seconds later, everything returned to normal. However, the masked person was gone.
“A perspective shift,” Kisai said, staring at where the opponent previously was.
“What?” I glanced over at him for more details.
“No, not sure just yet. Let me confirm before I explain anything,” Kisai said as he dashed off.
“En, you have any answers for me?” I walked over to the dual elemental user.
“It felt like Ace’s powers but different,” he replied, a puzzled expression on his face.
“Darryl, send Tomo up there. She’s writing a report for Tess after all. We have everything handled here,” Kyoi instructed.
Oh yeah, almost forgot about that. Tess wanted me to take notes on Zhuyu’s battle with Tianhu. She was generous enough to provide a brand new notebook too. As Darryl’s portal appeared underneath me, I looked around to check on everyone. Kyoi swung flaming fists at wax enemies, setting them ablaze, before slashing them apart with her sword. Darryl sent enemies flying into each other with his portals as Kuan shot them down with his firearms. Finally, Kisai was doing his usual thing, dispatching enemies with ease without even trying. Five seconds later, I appeared where at the defaced throne’s location.
Zhuyu v. Tianhu
Tianhu lifted Zhuyu up into the air before slamming him into the ground face first. Yeah, not the greatest start for the zero vector user. His face and exposed arm was already covered in bruises and small blood spatters dotted the ground. Zhuyu was getting manhandled by Ace’s associate and it wasn’t even close. I moved in for a closer look, almost slipping on the cracked ledge. As my left hand flailed around, it struck something solid. I took one careful step forward. Ah, I couldn’t fall off because there was a thin barrier surrounding the throne location. Just how restrictive was it? I conjured a portal but it disintegrated within a second. I could enter the area but not leave it. Kind of annoying if anyone decided to show up and ambush me.
Ace’s associate lifted Zhuyu up by his shirt collar and punched his shattered glasses multiple times. He then ripped them off of the man’s face before stomping on it two times. He released Zhuyu with a calm expression and stood still. Even with his regenerative ability, Zhuyu’s injuries weren’t healing fast enough to matter. Zhuyu knelt on the ground and coughed multiple times. Blood flew out of his mouth and landed on his cracked hands. The feline man unsheathed his sword and raised it up in the air. He was aiming for Zhuyu’s neck. I shuddered about the potential of a decapitation. Damn it, Zhuyu, do something!
As Tianhu’s sword dropped, Zhuyu vanished for a brief second before reappearing at his opponent’s backside. Finally! Tianhu pivoted, demonstrating his flexible body and coordinated movements, but the hero wasn’t there anymore. Clouds filled the sky and then rain poured down from them. Tianhu spun around in a circle but his blade made contact with nothing.
“Ace told me that would be enough to release my true opponent. Have you finally arrived?” Tianhu questioned as water dripped down from his sword.
A blur sped past the feline man’s left side. His sword was snatched out of his hand and tossed into the sky. Lightning struck it before the weapon descended downward, plunging into the ground. Tianhu’s blade exploded and electricity covered the entire battlefield. Electrocuted by it, Tianhu fell to the ground with a thud. Zhuyu then appeared, standing over him, aiming the tip of his sword at the feline man’s back.
“Now I can finally go all out!” Tianhu roared, rolling away from Zhuyu.
He ripped off his tattered cape and hurled into the air. A strong wind developed and sent his clothing right back at him. Tianhu struggled against the powerful wind, unable to move forward. Zhuyu, no discernible expression on his face, took slow deliberate steps toward the feline man. His eyes focused on Tianhu’s face, never once breaking contact. Okay, really creepy! When Zhuyu was inches away from his opponent, the strong wind ceased. Tianhu lunged at the man but was buffeted by the wind once again. It knocked Tianhu to the ground as rain continued falling. Why was he not affected by the electricity still pulsating on the ground?
“Your protective charm can only take so much,” Zhuyu stated, lifting up the string of Tianhu’s necklace with his sword.
Tianhu didn’t respond and snapped the necklace string with one strong pull. Wait, what was he thinking? I expected the electricity to shock him but nothing occurred. The feline man made a scooping motion with his hand and all of the electricity surged towards him. Oh s***, he could manipulate magic?
“Wrong assumption,” Tianhu revealed as he pushed his palm forward.
Zhuyu grinned in response, showing emotion for the first time. He protected himself from Tianhu’s glowing palm strikes using his sheathed sword. Eventually Tianhu discovered an opening and one of his palm strikes struck the hero’s chest. Zhuyu was sent flying across the battlefield and crashed into the ground with a loud thud. The area beneath him sunk and formed an impressive dent.
“Warmed up yet?” Tianhu questioned, punching the air.
Zhuyu nodded in response. The two collided in the center, moving so fast that they were just streaks of color. For a brief moment, I saw their swords clash, before they both transitioned back into a messy blur. This kind of motion was making me sick. I averted my eyes, not observing their fight for a full minute. When I finally looked again, both were visible.
The bruises and cuts on Zhuyu were all gone. As the rain struck his skin, I noticed a slight surge in magic. Oh, so that was the reason. The situation was now reversed with Tianhu sustaining heavy injuries. Tianhu dashed at the math major, but Zhuyu grabbed his legs, swinging the feline man into the ground. Multiple streams of water wrapped themselves around Tianhu’s entire body like a serpent, pinning him down.
Thunder rumbled in the sky and then lightning shot down. However, none of the bolts struck Tianhu, narrowly missing the flowing water constricting him. The feline man glared at Zhuyu, expressing anger for the first time. The math major was taunting him just like he did with me in that one battle. The lightning bolts inched closer and closer to the feline man before finally hitting him. I expected it to shock him but it instead powered him up. His magic levels increased by an exponential amount, growing without restraint. No way, Zhuyu planned this from the start? He was utilizing a technique Kyoi and Kisai taught me. Tianhu roared out in pain, unable to handle the sudden influx of magic.
Zhuyu, with the same nonchalant attitude as before, strolled over to the struggling feline man. With his sword still sheathed, he jammed the end of it into Tianhu’s stomach. The excessive magic leaking from the feline man converged onto the sword sheath. Zhuyu, a bored expression on his face, finally yanked his blade out. He flicked his weapon at Tianhu with no effort. However, his weapon never made contact with the opponent. The feline man growled as he crushed a small crystal in his left hand. All his wounds and external injuries vanished. Tianhu appeared behind Zhuyu and locked in a standing neck choke. The boredom on Zhuyu’s face vanished, replaced by humor. Was he even the same person I knew from before? This version of Zhuyu was just too callous.
“Such a handful,” Tianhu muttered as he adjusted his arms.
“Not quite the words I would choose,” Zhuyu countered, his words clear and concise.
“What?” Tinahu exclaimed in surprise.
“Are you really choking me out or is it just what you want to believe?” Zhuyu questioned, still speaking normally.
“Impossible!” Tianhu applied even more pressure with his arms.
“It is true your arms are wrapped around my neck but are they really doing anything?” Zhuyu grinned, a sadistic smile on his face.
I was just as confused as Tianhu. It was very obvious his arms were wrapped around Zhuyu’s neck. As far as I knew, Zhuyu wasn’t capable of making any copies of himself either. Then again, it shouldn’t shock me if he could actually do that. So, what exactly was going on here?
“It’s just pure mathematics,” Zhuyu revealed with an arrogant smile.
He was f****** insufferable. Kisai was cocky but at least he showed humility. This Zhuyu was just plain trash, incapable of showing the smallest amount of sincerity. However, his words interested me.
“A vector field, very impressive. I’m surprised you’re able to even control something like that in your current state,” someone complimented, appearing next to me.
What the f***? Ace was now sitting in the throne, her left leg crossed over her right. She smiled at me, no signs of malice. That’s what I would like to believe at least.
“Unless you’ve been pretending. No, that’s not right either. You’re somehow restraining yourself but not by much. Enough to just manage the vector field. Good job, Long. I’m really proud of what you’ve accomplished,” Ace speculated.
“A very analytical view of the situation. But you’re not Tess, Ace. Who’s to say if I’m still all here or not?” Zhuyu responded, slipping out of Tianhu’s neck choke.
“Care to try against me then? You’re welcome any time!” Ace suddenly teleported into the battlefield.
Of course she was allowed to exit this place but not me. Zhuyu, unfazed by her movement, stared her down. Tianhu used the opportunity to once again sneak up on him from behind. Instead of a choke, he tried lifting the math major up this time. He wrapped his bulky arms around Zhuyu’s waist but couldn’t budge the man at all. Ace stretched her hand out toward Zhuyu. He didn’t dodge, allowing her to make contact. Her hand brushed across his face. Uh, was I not aware of something? An explosion occurred and struck Tianhu. I couldn’t see it but something continued hitting the feline man.
“Ah, you saw through me! Feng’s burned you enough times that you’re super cautious now, huh? That proves you know the situation well!” Ace pulled her hand back.
Zhuyu didn’t respond, standing still, hands in his pockets. Tianhu’s unconscious body was sent flying toward Ace. She caught him with ease, hoisting the feline man over her back.
“It’s your victory, Long. Looking forward to fighting you again at full power. If you’re capable of this already, then what will you show me in the future?” Ace hurled the last dragon piece at the math major.
Zhuyu caught it, clutching the dragon piece in his hand. Ace then disappeared, along with Tianhu. Kyoi then landed next to Zhuyu and peered at his face. She pulled him in close, her forehead touching his. Whoa, Kyoi was pretty bold knowing that everyone was around.
“Oh no, Yuki saw us!” Kyoi exclaimed as I leaped over to them.
“Don’t give her the wrong idea,” Zhuyu said with a sigh.
“You’re definitely fine if you’re saying that. And with that, all of our powers are now fully unlocked,” Kyoi said, materializing her sword.
Zhuyu placed all the dragon pieces onto his placeholder blade and then his sheath glowed a soft yellow color. I heard clattering as the faint outline of golden chains around both of them and their weapons snapped.
“Good job,” Tess said, appearing next to Zhuyu.
“Thanks. Ace showed up, still strong as ever,” he revealed, sheathing his sword.
“Understood. Anything else to report?” the Gatekeeper questioned.
“Feng and the others can let you know about what they went through,” he gestured towards the rest of the heroes.
“Yuki, you may leave now. I will follow up with you on what’s next after speaking with everyone,” Tess said, glancing over at me.
Tess always had me leave first after finishing a major mission. I always assumed it was because I didn’t have anything to contribute at the end other than telling her my version of what happened. But now I wasn’t so sure. Just kind of things were they talking about without me?
