Chapter 26: A Hidden Siscon
Despite Noelle preparing to unleash a water bullet at him, Solid remained unflinching. Rather than displaying any signs of nervousness, he regarded Noelle with a mocking gaze, as if underestimating the threat she posed.
"As if you truly possess the capability to unleash that water bullet upon me! It would only lead to your own humiliation!" Solid sneered, his lips curling into a mocking smile. He intentionally provoked Noelle, challenging her to follow through and truly fire the water bullet at him.
"I am not the same Noelle you once knew," Noelle declared with determination, and without hesitation, she released the water bullet, propelling it towards Solid with unwavering resolve.
"You boast with confidence, as if your feeble attack could actually land a hit!" Solid shouted, his voice filled with arrogance, as he observed the incoming water bullet with contemptuous anticipation.
To Solid's astonishment, the water bullet did not follow the expected trajectory of curving or dissipating. Instead, it continued its relentless advance towards him, defying his assumption and leaving him visibly shocked by its unyielding path.
Solid's eyes widened in sheer horror as the water bullet veered towards the side of his face, narrowly missing him but striking the wall behind him with tremendous force. The impact left a sizable crater, a testament to the strength and power of the attack. It became evident that had Solid been struck directly by the water bullet, he would have sustained severe injuries or even faced the risk of death.
"I-It can't be... How?" Solid stammered in disbelief, his voice filled with astonishment as he directed his gaze towards Noelle.
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Amidst the commotion, Nozel seized the opportunity to have a private conversation with Asher, away from the clamor and distractions.
"Why did you wish to speak with me, Captain Nozel?" Asher inquired, his curiosity piqued by the sudden one-on-one interaction.
"That Golden Dawn member said you're weak; are you just going to let him say that?" Nozel said.
Asher tilts his head in confusion and says, "You didn't call me just to say that, right?
Nozel drew in a deep breath before speaking with a sense of urgency, "You possess keen insight. You are the only one who can help in this situation. I need your assistance in diverting their attention away from Noelle."
Asher's silence stretched on, his unwavering gaze fixed upon Nozel, seemingly peering deep into his very soul, as if attempting to unravel the intentions behind his words.
Asher's eyes gleamed with newfound clarity as he absorbed the full meaning of Nozel's request. With a firm resolve, he nodded and spoke assuredly, "I understand everything. Rest assured, I will lend you my assistance." Without further ado, he turned and began walking away, prepared to fulfill his commitment.
Asher had gained insight into the true nature of Nozel's sentiments towards Noelle. Contrary to what may have seemed like disdain or indifference, Asher recognized that Nozel actually held a deep level of concern and care for Noelle. He understood that Nozel's actions were rooted in a desire to protect and guide his younger sister.
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"You wretched disgrace! You will regret everything you did!" Nebra hissed in anger, her intentions of casting a spell evident. However, before she could release her attack, the scene was abruptly shattered by an overpowering surge of magical pressure that descended upon everyone present, forcefully halting the unfolding conflict.
Asher strode purposefully towards the scene, an intense aura of flames enveloping his form and radiating a formidable pressure that affected everyone in the vicinity. As he advanced, the surroundings were bathed in a crimson hue while the temperature soared, creating an atmosphere charged with overwhelming heat.
Noelle's breath hitched as she stared at Asher with eyes widened in awe and trepidation. It was her first encounter with his power, and the sheer magnitude of it overwhelmed her senses. She couldn't help but acknowledge that Asher's mana surpassed even that of a royal, leaving her in a state of both admiration and unease.
Solid, Nebra, and Alecdora found themselves drenched in sweat, their bodies trembling as they knelt before Asher. The immense pressure was squarely focused on them, causing their breathing to become labored and their movements restricted. It was an oppressive force that made it difficult for them to catch their breath and left them feeling utterly powerless in its presence.
Asher came to a halt before Alecdora, his voice dripping with icy coldness as he addressed him directly. "They were invited here by the Wizard King himself. Who do you think you are to pass judgment on their presence? If you continue to spew such insolence, I will personally ensure that your venomous tongue meets its demise. Your presence is nothing but an eyesore. Know your place."
Asher's dull blue eyes bore down menacingly upon Alecdora, who remained on his knees, drenched in sweat. Asher's gaze seemed to penetrate Alecdora's very soul, stripping away any shred of defiance he may have had. In that moment, Alecdora found his mouth inexplicably dry, rendered speechless by the overwhelming presence before him. It became painfully clear to him just how foolish he had been to underestimate Asher's strength. The immense gap between them became starkly apparent as the weight of Asher's power pressed down upon him.
Then Asher turned around and walked towards the two Silvas who were provoking Noelle.
"And as for the two of you, how should I punish you?" Asher's voice carried a firm tone as he fixed his gaze upon the two Silvas, his grimoire open in response. With a swift motion, he began flipping through the pages.
"Stop it, Asher," Nozel's commanding voice interjected, breaking the tension in the air. The authority in his tone was evident as he stepped forward, his presence carrying the weight of his position as captain. "You have no right to punish the members of my squad."
As Nozel's words hung in the air, the oppressive pressure that had gripped the surroundings finally dissipated, allowing a collective sigh of relief to wash over the onlookers. The confrontation reached a temporary impasse, with Nozel's intervention halting Asher's intentions and restoring a semblance of calm to the situation.
Asher's gaze hardened as he locked eyes with Nozel, his words laced with a bitter edge.
"Then keep your dogs on a leash," he retorted, his voice icy and filled with defiance. The tension between them lingered, a silent challenge hanging in the air as their conflicting perspectives clashed.
Nozel's voice carried a warning tone as he responded to Asher's cold remark. "Watch your tongue,"
he cautioned, his words infused with an authoritative command. Simultaneously, a surge of powerful magic emanated from Nozel, adding weight to his admonition. The surrounding atmosphere grew heavy, accentuating the strength and control he possessed as a captain.
"What if I don't?" Asher's voice held a resolute defiance as he reciprocated with his own release of magical pressure. The aura surrounding him grew intense. The clash of their conflicting forces created palpable tension, with each refusing to back down.
As the magical pressure intensified between Asher and Nozel, the environment around them trembled in response. The sheer magnitude of their powers caused glass windows to shatter and splinter, the cracks snaking across the surface. The very floor beneath their feet succumbed to the strain, bearing visible fractures as a testament to the immense force at play.
A fiery blaze materialized, taking the form of majestic lion with fierce, blazing manes, their presence radiating strength and ferocity. The fiery lion roared with an intensity that matched the flames that danced around them, symbolizing Asher's commanding power and fiery spirit.
Simultaneously, a regal blue Eagle materialized behind Nozel, its wings spread wide as it exuded an aura of grace and authority. The majestic bird soared with serene elegance, embodying Nozel's royal lineage. The calm yet commanding presence of the Eagle perfectly mirrored Nozel's demeanor as a captain.
"Stop it, both of you." Fuegoleon had finally had enough. He sighed as thoughts came into his mind. Does Asher want to steal his rival?
With that, Nozel and Asher stopped and looked at Fuegoleon.
Fuegoleon shook his head, disappointment evident in his expression. "I thought the two of you were going to stop them," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "But instead, you guys want to fight each other."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone