Sprinting forward, I couldn't help but frown at the lackadaisical attitude Dean maintained despite my deadly approach. Alarms blared in my head, warning me to turn back, but I refused.
I refused to believe I would be bested by this spoiled brat who had never known hardship.
A green vine-like mark curled up his neck and temples as he reached for the boot of the car beside him with a smirk on his face.
Hand of God!
My eyes dilated in shock as black steel coating spread across his entire body from his fingertips. Dean casually stretched out one hand in my direction to catch my punch.
Bam!
The smile on his face instantly vanished as he was forced to stagger back several steps, his hand trembling and riddled with cracks.
Now he was as shocked as I was.
"What kind of ability is that?" I gasped as I observed him.
[His ability is called the Black Sigil, and this skill is called Envy Sigil. He temporarily copies one skill from a nearby target within visual range. The copied ability functions at 80% of the original power and lasts for 2 minutes. However, for the duration of this sigil, one of Dean's own skills is sealed. The copied ability will always backlash after use, dealing minor mental or physical damage.] Lyxor explained in detail, and I was stunned.
'What do you mean one of his skills is sealed? How many abilities does this kid have?' I blurted out in my heart.
[I'm not sure how many he has unlocked, but the Black Sigil comes with seven skills representing the seven deadly sins.] Lyxor mentally shook his head.
What?!
My shocked gaze shifted back to Dean, whose eyes were still locked on me in disbelief.
"Your strength has nothing to do with your ability. But I can't take it either." He mumbled, almost like he was talking to himself. "This is the only ability I could take from you. Apart from it, everything else felt like a bottomless pit of darkness."
"Bottomless pit of darkness?" I mumbled, tilting my head in confusion—then it hit me.
He was talking about Devour.
He couldn't take it from me.
[My Devour is not something just anyone can steal.] Lyxor sounded proud and cocky.
"Don't tell me it's over. My fight with him lasted minutes. It's only been seconds." Alex's calm voice came from behind, with a hint of mockery in his tone.
It seemed Dean's comments about him being superior had gotten to Alex.
"Shut up!" Dean snarled, but he never took his eyes off me.
Bam!
I hopped back several meters in one go, landing in a sprinting position.
Crackle!
Violet light burned brightly from my eyes while purple lightning crackled around my metallic shell. I could feel my muscles bulging underneath the steel armor, begging for space to expand to their full capacity. The corners of my lips tore open beneath the shell.
"I won't be pulling my punches this time. I'll cripple you with my next attack."
My voice was void of emotions—neither anger nor hatred. I could see Dean's expression turn serious, as well as that of the other members of the God Sect.
They finally felt the weight of my resolve beneath my calm voice.
"I'll crush you as well. Bet!" Dean snarled as his eyes unleashed a burning red light.
A burning crimson tattoo, like bleeding lightning, spread from his spine to his arms, bringing with it a wild presence.
For a moment, it felt like I was looking at a beast. But I wasn't shaken—because I was a monster as well.
[Careful, that's the Wrath Sigil. It grants monstrous strength and reflexes. Dean enters a berserk state with enhanced muscle density, explosive bursts of speed, and pain suppression. However, Dean slowly loses rational thought over time, and for every minute active, he suffers muscle strain that will leave him sore and weakened once he deactivates this skill.]
Listening to Lyxor's explanation, I finally understood what he meant when he said every ability came at a price. Some were just costlier than others. Unfortunately, I couldn't delve deep into my thoughts.
The opponent before me had to fall—and fall hard.
"Fighting on school premises. I'm pretty sure that's against the academy regulations."
A cold, elderly but amused voice rang in my head like a bell. Instinctively, Dean and I glanced to the right. A familiar buff figure dressed in a black suit with a red tie was approaching, a lady carrying some files following behind him.
It was Vice Chancellor Albert.
'Why the hell is he here?' I cursed under my breath.
[The CCTV footage of the assault vanished, meaning higher authorities in the academy are aware of the bullying. It's only natural for them to expect your retaliation and step in to protect the God Sect.] Lyxor didn't seem surprised at all.
Sigh!
With a heavy sigh, the burning violet light in my eyes dimmed, and cracks spread across my metallic armor.
Crash!
In an instant, the metal armor shattered into a thousand pieces. My gaze shifted to Dean, who had also deactivated his abilities. His complexion was slightly paler than usual, and a string of blood ran down his nose.
"Saved by the bell." I chuckled lightly. "This is the second time someone is saving the almighty big four from this little slave."
"Bastard!" Dean growled and clenched his fist tight but dared not attack.
Rolling my eyes, I shifted my attention to Vice Chancellor Albert, who was just a few steps away. He stomped the ground with his cane to get Dean's attention before shifting his gaze to me.
"It's been only a short while since we met, Little Blackwater, but your name is on everyone's lips." Albert smiled with his eyes still shut tight.
A cold feeling spread through my body, and I lowered my gaze to my arm only to see goosebumps everywhere. There was something about this man that left me unsettled, but I couldn't pinpoint what it was.
"I heard about the tragic event that occurred to my student and your partner, Little Ashford. I don't fully understand the reason why you chose to approach Little Dean, but would you give this old man a chance to investigate this matter personally?" Albert asked, and my frown deepened.
Sigh!
Exhaling loudly, I ran my hand through my hair and took two steps back. At best, they would reveal those who were involved in the assault, but the person who gave the order would go scot-free.
I could see through this man's deceitful smile, and it pained me that I couldn't do a thing about it.
"Fine… I'll leave that to you." I shrugged and turned around.
A few steps toward my shuttle, I froze and looked over my shoulder.
"From now on, my partner will be living with me for security reasons. I hope that's not against the rules?" I asked.
"Not at all." Albert shook his head. "I'll inform some staff to move his things to your residence."
Nodding slightly to his words, my gaze shifted to Dean, who was still fuming but silent.
"This isn't over."