Episode 10: Unveiling the Shadows
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[Scene 1: The Aftermath]
The courtyard is in chaos. Debris from the black energy wave lies scattered, and several students are still groaning from the sudden blast. Master Zhou strides onto the scene, his imposing presence instantly silencing the whispers among the crowd.
Master Zhou: "Enough! What is the meaning of this?"
His piercing gaze scans the students until it lands on Ryu, who is still on her knees, clutching her side.
Ryu: "I… I didn't mean to—"
Bully Leader: "She's dangerous! She just unleashed some kind of dark magic! We all saw it!"
Wang Kai: "That's not true! She didn't do anything on purpose! They were the ones who pushed her too far!"
Master Zhou raises a hand, silencing everyone. His sharp eyes narrow as he looks directly at Ryu. Without a word, he kneels down and places his hand over her shoulder, closing his eyes. A soft golden light emanates from his palm, scanning her body. Moments later, he stands up with a disapproving expression.
Master Zhou: "It is as I suspected. There's nothing special about her. This black magic... it's the result of a parasite—a cursed bug latched onto her soul. It must have been dormant until now, feeding on her emotions and lashing out when provoked."
The crowd erupts into murmurs. Ryu's face turns pale as she struggles to process his words.
Classmate 1: "So she's not powerful at all? Just cursed?"
Classmate 2: "Figures. She's always been a walking disaster."
Wang Kai: "That's not fair! She didn't ask for this!"
Master Zhou: "Enough."
His voice cuts through the chatter like a blade.
Master Zhou: "Ryu, until we can remove this parasite, you are to remain under close observation. Any further incidents will not be tolerated."
Ryu nods silently, avoiding everyone's gaze. The crowd disperses slowly, but the lingering whispers of ridicule follow her as she walks away with Wang Kai.
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[Scene 2: In the Shadows of the Demon Lord]
In the dark, towering citadel of Mo Tianzhi, the faint hum of malevolent energy resonates through the air. The scene opens with Mo Tianzhi sitting on his throne, his eyes closed in thought. A robed advisor enters, bowing deeply before speaking.
Advisor: "My Lord Tianzhi, the human world has grown restless. Strange occurrences are being reported. The black magic you detected earlier may have surfaced again."
Mo Tianzhi: "And?"
His tone is calm but carries an undercurrent of impatience.
Advisor: "It may be time to send our agents to retrieve the Five Elements you require. Without them, the ritual cannot proceed."
Mo Tianzhi's eyes open, glowing faintly in the dim light. He rises from his throne, his movements fluid and deliberate.
Mo Tianzhi: "The Five Elements are scattered across realms, guarded by forces that would challenge even the boldest of mortals. I have already claimed one."
He lifts his hand, and a faint image of a glowing orb appears, its surface swirling with crimson energy.
Mo Tianzhi: "The Red Pearl is mine. Four remain. We will retrieve them in time, but not through reckless haste."
Advisor: "Shall we begin deploying the seekers, my Lord?"
Mo Tianzhi: "Yes. Let them believe they are still safe. The Elements will call to each other, and their guardians will falter. Ensure our forces remain undetected."
The advisor bows deeply once more before leaving the chamber. Mo Tianzhi turns to the swirling vortex above his throne, speaking softly to himself.
Mo Tianzhi: "Soon, the balance will crumble, and what was taken will be mine again."
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[Scene 3: Ryu's Resolve]
Back at the Academy, Ryu sits under a large tree in the courtyard, her head resting on her knees. Wang Kai sits beside her, fidgeting awkwardly.
Wang Kai: "Don't listen to them. They're just scared of what they don't understand."
Ryu: "I'm not scared of them. I'm scared of myself."
Wang Kai: "You heard Master Zhou. It's not your fault. That parasite thing is the problem, not you."
Ryu: "Doesn't matter. To them, I'm still the weird, cursed girl who doesn't belong here."
Wang Kai hesitates before patting her shoulder lightly.
Wang Kai: "Well, at least you're not alone. If they want to pick on you, they'll have to get through me first."
Ryu chuckles weakly.
Ryu: "Great. The two weakest students in the Academy. We're practically unstoppable."
Wang Kai: "Hey, don't sell us short. We've got... personality."
The two share a quiet laugh before the bell rings, signaling the start of the next class. Ryu stands, brush
ing off her uniform.
Ryu: "Come on. Let's prove we're more than what they think we are."