Ascension Protocol: From Trash to Tyrant

Chapter 15: Unleashing the Forbidden

The air trembled at Kai’s presence. A bright pulse of golden energy surged from Kai and it illuminated the arena like a sun. 

The students' faces shrank and their jaws dropped as gasps echoed across the academy. All the spectators from the first year to high-ranking officials froze in shock. 

‘What’s happening? Where did he get that power from?’ A person among the students echoed with shock. He had thought Kai would die. 

Councilor Vane's eyes shrank. Even though Councilor Vane had witnessed Kai's countless battles, leaned forward in shock

Kai's system echoed within him, ‘Immortality skill tree: Level 1. Rebirth Flame Activated.’ Kai blinked with breaths puffing out of his nostrils.

The poison had been purged. Kai’s body pulsed with celestial heat, and his once drained aura now burned like wildfire.

Drake Velron was stunned. His saliva formed a lump in his throat and he forcefully swallowed it. ‘I can't back out now.’ He was unwilling to back down as he echoed within himself. Courageously, he rushed forward with his blade glowing crimson. “I won’t lose now!” He echoed slightly above a whisper while he remembered the outcome of the last battle.

Their weapons clashed but Kai was different now. His strength and stance had changed. When Drake noticed this, his heart hit hard against his chest in fear, ‘how did he get so much power?’ He thought in confusion.

Drake Velron struck. Unlike before, Kai couldn't do anything because of the poison. Kai dodged and he struck Drake, but Kai was countered with calculated precision.

Kai was done yet. All his movements were sharpened with a purpose to defeat Drake. Within a few minutes, Drake was overwhelmed by Kai's strength. Kai knocked his blade from his hand, and Drake fell to his knees.

‘Now the final strike.’ Kai echoed within himself. With determination, Kai raised his fist which blazed intensely just to finish him off.

But before the blow landed, a loud bell echo went across the arena. 

DING! DING! DING! The arena bell rang furiously. Councilor Vane’s voice echoed through the loudspeakers:

“Enough! This battle is terminated! The power displayed is forbidden! Arrest Kai Draven immediately!” 

For a moment, everyone froze. Even Kai was shocked about what was happening. ‘Why would he call my system forbidden?’ Kai's face shrank. 

Drake was also shocked when he heard the announcement although he agreed that Kai’s strength surged in an unusual way. 

The academy students gasp turn to chaos as all of them whisper to each other.

As Kai thought about the verdict which he knew was unfair, Enforcers in black armor swarmed the arena. ‘Councilor Vane!’ Kai echoed with bitterness and vengeance. He remembered how Councilor Vane had ordered his food to be laced with poison. When the battle was going his way, Kai remembered Councillor Vane was happy. But now that the battle didn't go his way, he dared calm, his power forbidden… ‘He will pay for this.’ Kai is determined within himself. Kai turned his head slowly as his face heightened, his eyes locked with Councilor Vane’s high tower.

With a grunt of displeasure, his jaw clenched. Although his power was unmatched, he didn’t resist the enforcers.

As his eyes blinked, the enforcers clamped shackles over his wrists. The shackles were laced with system blocking runes to prevent Kai from using his power and they dragged him off the battlefield.

Drake stood in silence and watched as Kai disappeared beneath the arena gates. He knew something wasn’t right. He turned around and marched to Councilor Vane’s hidden chamber. He was determined to find out who he was. The flashes of how Kai suddenly became powerful showed in his face. Drake sneered. 

“Who is he?” Drake demanded as soon as he went into Councilor Vane's secret chamber. “Where did that power come from?” Drake's face laced with confusion while he asked that question 

Councilor Vane was very furious. His eyes darkened and narrowed while fixed on Drake who was a bag of disappointment at the moment. “Get out!” He ordered fiercely. 

Drake hesitated. All he needed was an answer. He was determined not to leave. But when Councillor Vane’s hand twitched toward the hilt of his ceremonial blade, with fear, Drake backed away in silence.

He left with a troubled and confused mind. Councilor Vane grunted with displeasure. He knew something wasn't right at all. He then summoned the enforcer who had laced Kai's food with poison for questioning.

A few moments later, the masked enforcer stepped into the secret chamber and he bowed low.

“You summoned me, My Lord?” He declared with a heart to do whatever he was ordered. 

Councilor Vane didn’t speak immediately. He approached slowly. Each of his steps was cold and deliberate.

“You gave him the antidote, didn’t you?” Councilor Vane’s voice echoed fiercely and he arched his eyebrows with a questioning glare

The masked enforcer wavered in fear. “No, I swear it. I didn't.” He replied with tremblings

“Shhk!” Councilor Vane was displeased with the lies he thought the enforcer was spouting. He grunted with hate and he peered into the enforcers eyes. 

With anger in his eyes, Councilor Vane drew his dagger and slit the enforcer’s throat within a blink of an eye. Blood splattered the marble floor as the enforcer collapsed and fell on his face lifeless.

Councilor Vane stood over the corpse while he was breathing hard. ‘I knew you can't be trusted.’ He thought in his head. His eyes were wide with fury and bitterness while he was still pained that his plan was obstructed.

“There’s no way he survived that poison,” he growled. “Unless… you gave him.” He echoed and spat on his corpse.

Councillor Vane turned to his remaining loyal enforcer. They wore silver and red cloth. The enforcer stepped forward with their heads bowed.

“My Lord?” The enforcer echoed with a thick voice.

“It’s time,” Councilor Vane said darkly. The enforcer shuddered with fear. 

“Release the Giant.” Councilor Vane echoed in desperation.

The enforcer stiffened and his voice trembled. “My Lord, the Giant’s wrath nearly destroyed the entire academy three decades ago. He cannot be controlled. He lives in chaos. He…”

Councilor Vane interjected without letting him complete his statement.

“I said release him!” Vane snapped aggressively. “I’ll handle the rest. But first, I want to speak with him myself.” He smirked as his thoughts hovered in darkness.

The enforcer swallowed hard with a nod. Councilor Vane and the enforcer paced to meet with the Giant. 

Beneath the academy and deeper than the cells was the Giant chained. Before him  was a sealed gate surrounded by ancient runes so that he wouldn't break free. Chains as thick as tree trunks lined the corridor to tie him down.

Torches flickered through the dark corridor as Councilor Vane and the enforcer stood before the final door.

Vane raised his hand and he touched the seal. From beyond the door, a thick voice like that of a multitude rumbled. That voice had not been heard in over thirty years.

 “Who dares awaken me?” The giant growled aloud.

Councillor Vane smiled darkly. “An old friend has a job for you.” He winked softly.