Chapter 721 I'm A Zompirewolf (2)
The training grounds echoed with the sound of clashing steel, a dance of blades between Jo'Han and his apprentice, Rood. The air crackled with anticipation as the two warriors engaged in a spar.
Well, it was only Rood engaging in combat. Jo'Han stayed rooted to his spot, waiting for Rood to land a successful hit. Sparks flew whenever Rood swung his blade at Jo'Han, but even with all his might, Rood's sword never reached even reached Jo'Han.
"Enough playing for today," Jo'Han said, sporting his characteristic smile.
A single gesture from Jo'Han sent Rood sprawling to the ground, defeated without the Precursor putting a finger on him.
"How? How did you defeat me without even using your sword?" Rood said, panting and, on his knees, looking up at his mentor.
"It's not always about the strength of the body, Rood," Jo'Han, with a knowing smile, extended a hand to help Rood up. "It's about mastering the strength within, something every Precursor you'll go against already has."
"But I don't understand," Rood mumbled, accepting the hand and pulling himself up. "You didn't even use your Precursor powers."
"Who said I didn't?" Jo'Han replied, staring at the starry sky above before resting his eye back on Rood. "Precursor combat goes beyond physical prowess. It's about understanding and manipulating the essence that makes us who we are—the Precursor Aura."
"Precursor Aura? What's that?"
They walked to a quiet corner of the training grounds, where their ships were docked. Jo'Han's expression turned serious as he began to explain.
"The Precursor Aura is the essence that surrounds us, a manifestation of our unique abilities. It's an energy field that shields us from harm and enhances our natural skills. But, it can also be a vulnerability if you know how to exploit it."
Rood furrowed his brow, absorbing the information. "Exploit the Precursor Aura? How is that possible? I mean, your kind knows their weakness. There has to be countermeasures-"
"I never said it would be easy," Jo'Han smiled again. "Neither it is impossible... That is if you have the zeal to learn."
Though bruised and battered, Rood knelt in front of his Master to show he was willing to do anything to become his sword.
"I will continue to learn, Master. I won't rest until I can defeat any Precursor that stands in my way."
"Now I'm worried for my life, haha..."
Little did Jo'Han know that the very lessons he had imparted to Rood would be used against his son, Ashton. Rood wasn't inherently evil; he only did what he thought was good for his people.
After all, Rood had heard a lot about Kro'Han from his Master, who admitted it would take more than a dozen top-ranked Precursors to seal him, let alone defeat him.
Now that the Precursors were gone and Ashton wasn't strong enough to deal with Kro'Han alone, only a fool would side with him.
That's why Rood was already in contact with Kro'Han after secretly travelling to Euphoria and offered him his loyalty in exchange for Xyran's safety.
In fact, it was Kro'Han who concocted the story for Rood to tell Ashton and lure him to the Verge to prove that he was capable enough to be a Precursor's servant. That's why Ashton was surprised when he discovered the truth of Humanity's creation.
But that wasn't all. Kro'Han had briefed Rood on the planetary defences and the intricate traps scattered across the landscape.
This information led Rood to vanish into the foundry, where he diligently worked to deactivate the security measures, which was also why Ashton couldn't summon the insectoids for help.
Everything that Kro'Han told Rood should've been enough to deal with Ashton. But their plans went foul the moment Astaroth decided to join them.
Rood informed Kro'Han about the situation, who then gave Rood the location of one of his weapons... the Trident Rood was wielding now. As for how he was able to disassociate Ashton's control over his aura, it was also thanks to the Trident.
With that, Kro'Han had helped Rood more than he wanted to. Even then, as Rood faced Astaroth and Ashton, Kro'Han's words echoed in his ears: "Kill the kid, and I shall spare your kind. You have my word. Fail and... it shall be the last thing you'd ever do."
Thanks to their meticulous planning, circumstances were aligning in his favour. By eliminating the duo, the Xyrans could be spared.
Despite the awareness that he was betraying his former mentor, Rood was prepared to confront the consequences when he'd encountered Jo'Han in the afterlife.
***
"Still spacing out?" Astaroth yelled before taking another swing at Rood.
A while ago, Ashton had disappeared, leaving Astaroth behind to deal with Rood. But Ashton didn't leave Astaroth alone... he left Balmond with him.
"Focusing on an inconsequential battle is but a waste of time," Rood replied as he effortlessly blocked Astaroth's attack.
Rood's movements were swift and calculated, blocking Astaroth's strikes with effortless precision. Despite his strength, Astaroth found himself being pushed back by the relentless assault. Rood's skills, honed by millenniums of training, were evident as he dodged and parried each attack.
As Astaroth stumbled backwards, Rood seized the opportunity to strike. With a forceful swing of his Trident, Rood sent Astaroth sprawling across the chamber floor. Astaroth grunted in pain but quickly rose, his determination unbroken.
"Join me, Astaroth," he proposed with a hint of sincerity. "Together, we can ensure the survival of the Xyrans."
"Yeah... about that," Astaroth, despite the pain, burst into laughter. "It's like you said... Don't waste your time here, old man."
Disappointment flickered in Rood's eyes, but he quickly regained focus. With a determined look, he raised his Trident, poised to strike. Before the blow could land, an unexpected attack came from behind.
Ashton transformed into his zompirewolf form and lunged at Rood, knocking the Trident out of Rood's hands. Caught off guard, Rood grunted as Ashton's jaws clamped onto his shoulder.
The sudden assault disrupted Rood's composure, allowing Astaroth to recover before Ashton was thrown off Rood's back. Rood noticed the missing Trident and was about to rush towards it when a portal appeared between them, and a Bone Goliath made of bones from the Precursors kicked Rood away.
"Sorry, it took longer than I expected to gather the bones," Ashton mumbled as he helped Astaroth back to his feet.
"Better late than never..." Astaroth replied, flexing his shoulders. "Shall we end this then?"
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