"What's up with those eyes of yours?!..." Lucius subconsciously took two steps back in fear, his hands trembling. It was like he was staring into an endless abyss full of mysteries unsolved and yet to be solved. His very soul felt bare before Jefferson's silver eyes.
Meanwhile, Jefferson quickly analyzed every single piece of information that his omnipotent eyes were showing. His focus was mainly on the predicted combat sequence of his opponent as that would be something handy in the battle.
Ability: Shadow-ice(A special combination of shadow and ice abilities)
Shadow Spear Barrage - Projectiles of darkness and ice; deadly and near-invisible.
Eclipse Armor - A defensive shell of solidified shadows reinforced with ice, providing increased resistance and stealth.
Frozen Abyss - Can create an area of darkness that saps heat and strength from those within, severely weakening them.
Iceborne Regeneration - Slow healing over time while in darkness or low temperatures.
Current Threat Level: B+
Potential Threat Level (Unlocked Abilities): A+
"I guess this means he hasn't fully tapped into his divine power even though he knows he's a demi-god," Jefferson thought
- Predicted Combat Sequence:
Shadow Strike - Immediate left feint followed by a low right sweep with his ice-covered leg.
Dark Frost Uppercut - Rising uppercut cloaked in freezing shadow to target Jefferson's jaw.
Rapid Sidestep - An evasive maneuver to reposition to Jefferson's blind spot, preparing for a follow-up.
Shadow Spear Barrage - A quick volley of shadow-ice projectiles from his left hand aimed at Jefferson's torso.
Eclipse Armor Activation - Reinforcing his defenses, covering himself with shadow-enhanced ice plating.
Frozen Abyss Trap - Generates a small freezing aura on the ground around him to sap Jefferson's agility.
Frost Lunge - Dashes in with a concentrated ice punch aimed at Jefferson's ribs.
Double Backstep - Quick retreat to evade counters, creating distance for regrouping.
Iceborne Feint - Fakes vulnerability to lure Jefferson into close range.
Frozen Shadow Assault - Unleashes an unpredictable barrage of shadow-ice energy in close proximity.
"Hmm....so that's how you fight uh?... Too bad your opponent is me!" Jefferson sighed and then locked his eyes with Lucius once more "This is your last chance! Surrender yourself or you'll die!
Lucius' previous frightened expression was suddenly replaced by a creepy smile. "Just who do you think you are?" He pointed at Jefferson, disgust in his eyes.
"Arris..." Jefferson called out to Arris behind him "Things might get too devastating here, I'd like you to go take care of the kids! They're in the safehouse"
"This isn't the time to be stubborn, Arris" Jefferson interrupted, his voice calm
"Okay...." Arris placed a hand on Jefferson's shoulders as he whispered "Be careful". With that, he brought out a device from his pocket and crushed it. Immediately, his body started disintegrating into holographic bits until he was completely gone.
Then Jefferson turned to Lucius, his eyes flashing with a deadly glint as he approached the latter slowly, his hands in his pocket as he spoke calmly "Lucius, what is your goal?"
Lucius Noctis' goal: He attempts to steal the Crystal of the slain leviathan-ranked beast in the last war. With that, he hopes to achieve godhood and seize control of the City.
Meanwhile, Lucius, unaware of the system appearing in Jefferson's view kept on replying "My goal? Well... You're gonna die so I guess I'll tell you...
Jefferson kept on approaching him "Hmm, godhood uh? What a cute goal" Jefferson let out a dry smile.
"H...how do you....?"
"So... why don't you just go hunt a leviathan-ranked beast yourself? Why do you badly need the one here?" Jefferson asked again...
Lucius's mouth opened and closed as he searched for a reply, but no words came. Jefferson raised an eyebrow, smirking as he took a step closer, enjoying the unease on Lucius's face.
"Oh, I get it," Jefferson teased, "the idea of fighting a real leviathan spooked you, didn't it?"
Lucius huffed, trying to regain his composure. "I'm not afraid of some giant lizard. I just… thought I'd save some time."
"Save some time?" Jefferson chuckled, shaking his head. "Sure, let's pretend that's all it is.... turns out you aren't the cool-headed scary assassin Leader I thought you were. You're just hiding behind a facade" He continued strolling forward, hands still casually in his pockets, as if this were a casual chat and not a deadly confrontation.
Lucius's face grew red, both from frustration and embarrassment. He clenched his fists, the icy shadows swirling around him as he geared up for his opening move, a Shadow Strike feint.
But before he could make a single step, Jefferson interrupted him.
"Oh, right," Jefferson sighed, feigning boredom as he rattled off Lucius's strategy, "you're planning a left feint with a low right sweep, an uppercut, and a little sidestep action into my so-called 'blind spot', but spoiler alert, Lucius, I don't have one."
Lucius's jaw dropped. "Wha, how…?"
Jefferson grinned. "Oh, it only gets better. After that, you'll throw in a little Shadow Spear Barrage for flair, followed by Eclipse Armor, Frozen Abyss, and some grand finale like… what was it again? Ah, yes, the Frozen Shadow Assault." He yawned. "Really original, by the way."
Lucius staggered back, his confidence clearly shaken. "You! You don't know that!"
"Oh, but I do!" Jefferson leaned forward, eyes gleaming...
***********************
"Damn that Jeff! Damn that Jeff! Damn that Jeff!" Rex cursed inwardly. That demi-god had told him that he'll fight and then suddenly, he threw him here? Just for what reason exactly?
"He must have sensed a greater foe that thou canst handle" Cronus replied ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ NovᴇlFir(e).nᴇt
"Greater foe? I faced off countless Cerberuses, killed an assassin, defeated a robot ferryman, and then you telling me there's a foe I can't handle"
"A weak Cerberus and a pitiful Ferryman is nothing to boast of" Cronus replied
"Great!" Rex facepalmed "Coming from a guy who kept on telling me how mighty the Cerberus was"
"What's the matter, Rex?" Seraphina asked as she noticed his worried expression
"Nothing..... I'm just worried about Brenda and Magnus, how are they now?"
Seraphina pointed in a certain direction where some Ladies were, including Lyra "They're all under treatment by the medical wards"
"Great.....um...how about you?" Rex asked
"Yeah, I mean... the clone you replaced yourself with..." Rex asked again. If Seraphina was here as a registered student in the school... then it meant that the clone that had been under surveillance by her father's guards would be blown...
"They got it out of school immediately after the attack.... the emergency defenses don't affect those outside the school"
Rex let out a small sigh of relief, nodding. "Good. I'd hate for your cover to be blown because of all this chaos."
Before Seraphina could reply, the lights within the safe house flickered, dimming for a moment before stabilizing. Rex frowned, his instincts kicking in. This was no ordinary fluctuation.
"What's going on?" he muttered, glancing around the crowded space. The nervous energy among the students was palpable; whispers rippled across the room as some huddled closer together, their faces etched with worry. Lyra, still in the medical ward, was channeling her healing abilities into Magnus, her expression one of deep concentration.
"Harbinger, do not get too comfortable. The barrier around this safehouse has weakened."
"Cronus?" Rex replied inwardly, feeling his pulse quicken.
I suggest thou readiest thyself, this is no mere shield failure."
Rex clenched his fists, bracing himself. "Seraphina, something's off with the barrier. We may need to be ready to defend ourselves."
Her expression tightened, understanding instantly. "If this place falls, we're the last line of defense for everyone here. We can't let the assassins reach them."
Just then, an announcement blared from a hidden speaker in the ceiling, crackling with static before Jefferson's steady voice cut through.
"Attention. To all registered personnel and students in the safe house, maintain your current positions. Do not leave the barriered area. I repeat, do not leave the barrier."
"Stay here, huh?" Rex muttered, glancing around the room with a mix of frustration and unease.
"Thou art not one to be held by the confines of a cage, Rex," Cronus remarked dryly.
Rex smirked. "Exactly what I was thinking."
Before he could make another move, Seraphina tugged his sleeve, a look of determination flashing in her eyes. "You're not planning to listen to Jefferson, are you?"
Rex shook his head. "Not exactly. Something's up with the barrier, and if it's the assassins, we'll need to take action from outside.
Suddenly, shadowy figures began to emerge inside the safe room, each radiating dark energy from their body. Rex and Seraphina had already prepared themselves to launch an attack, but before they could even act... Lightning struck down fiercely on each of the assassins, paralyzing them on the spot.
"Hello, students! Don't worry...you're all safe" Arris appeared, his hands still buzzing with lightning energy as he spoke.
"Great! Now I got more XP thieves" Rex facepalmed.
"It's Captain Arris!" Some staff instantly recognized him as they ran to meet him but he just ignored them and then asked "Who's in charge of maintaining this barrier?"