This world appears to be largely neglected by the divine entities above. They seem to be solely interested in garnering worshippers, but is this truly the case?
What reason would anyone have to venerate the gods when every individual is bestowed with the capability to confront the forces of evil?
To address this concern, a status window was granted to every individual in the world. However, the power to manipulate aura was granted to only a small fraction of the population, roughly ten per cent.
These select few were then directed to enrol in one of the five prestigious Auror Academies - Cypress, Whitlock, Langston, Ashford, and Elrod Academy.
Attendance at these academies is voluntary and no individual is coerced into enrolling. Yet despite this freedom of choice, 99% of all Aurors choose to attend one of these elite institutions.
The Academies offer a rare opportunity to hone one's aura manipulation skills and learn how to harness them for the greater good.
Those who do not attend academies are often seen as outcasts, unable to fully unlock their aura potential. Therefore, they are deemed unfit to fight the dangers that lurk in the shadows.
Skye belongs to the rare 1%, the extraordinary individuals who dare to follow their passions despite all the odds. A true cynosure of all eyes yet few know the secret she keeps.
Born to a French mother in Paris, Skye's permanent residence remains there. However, her profession as a ghost S-ranked auror takes her to places unknown, leaving behind only a trail of mystery.
Janine DeGarmo, her true name, is known only to the closest few not even her fans know of this name.
"Allow me to introduce the one and only, Kael Hashirae," I announced as the aura jammer shattered into pieces. The members of Starlets were knocked out by Skye as she put a barrier on them and took a defensive stance.
Skye stood before Harvey and the guards, her aura radiating with power and confidence. Although her stature could be deceiving, there was no mistaking the strength that she possessed.
Despite her slim build, she stood at a height of one hundred and seventy centimetres
Harvey shifted his posture, leaning forward as he sized up both Skye and me. As an S-ranked auror, he knew the dangers of facing two highly skilled Aurors, especially since most of his guards were only A-ranked. I, though not ranked, emanated an energy that hinted at the power I held. The room was charged with tension as everyone waited to see what would happen next.
"Everyone, let's stay calm and handle this peaceful-", Harvey began to say, but before he could finish, Skye swiftly struck the back of his neck, and a gas was released in the room rendering him and all his guards unconscious while I just spectated as my fabulous entry was interrupted by her.
"So who are you?" Skye disappeared behind and reappeared my back to demand, her white curved daggers suddenly locking my neck. I remained calm and met her gaze from the corner of my eye.
"You know it's not possible for you to apprehend me," I replied coolly. When she saw my gaze, she retreated her dagger, and shivers ran down her spine. "Besides," I continued, "the guards stationed in the room were just ordinary people."
"What?" Skye asked her expression a mixture of confusion and fear. Suddenly, the glass walls of the suite shattered and fifteen A-ranked Aurors appeared, surrounding us.
"Shit", muttered Skye as she returned back to her group but these guys didn't care about her, their priority was securing Harvey, so three of them rushed at Harvey's unconscious figure lying on the floor.
"I have to disappoint you," I sneered, my voice low and menacing, "because this guy is now under my custody." As I spoke, black chains erupted from the ground, impaling the guards attempting to retrieve him.
"You won't get away with this," the supposed captain of guards growled, dressed in a black uniform with a black long coat that didn't match any of the other guards. I looked at him.
"Bertrand was right," I said with contempt in my voice, "The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are so certain of themselves."
As the guards charged towards me, I added with a smirk, "And wise people are so full of doubts". Suddenly, dark purple flames ignited on their flesh, causing them to writhe and scream in agony. "Let's just say, you won't need these minions anymore."
I let out a chilling laugh as every other guard than the captain turned into ashes. Skye's fear was palpable as she realized that killing multiple A-ranked warriors without moving a finger is not something a mere S-rank is capable of. I turned to face her, my eyes gleaming with a dangerous intensity.
"You know, Skye," My dark aura seemed to suffocate her, and she stumbled back, her daggers falling from her hands.
"You're lucky," I continued in a low voice dripping with malice, "that I have no interest in harming you. But if you ever try to cross me, I promise you, the consequences will be... severe."
Feigning ignorance towards her I turned to look forward at the individual standing before me was clearly not a mere guard; in fact, I doubted he was one at all.
As he extended his hand and removed his hat, revealing a white-bearded, middle-aged man, it became clear that his every feature exuded a sense of wisdom and experience. His piercing, dark grey eyes met mine as he gazed intently at me.
He spoke in a low tone, his voice laced with hidden aggression. "Never heard of you."
"I could say the same," I replied, meeting his gaze.
"How about we make a deal?" he suggested.
"Go on," I said.
"You can leave with your little group, and we won't contact any of your associates or keep an eye on you, but you'll have to leave the young master here," he proposed.
"And how does this benefit me?" I asked.
"Isn't it enough that we let you go without surveillance?" he replied.
"Can we make changes to this verbal agreement?" I asked.
"Speak your mind," he said.
"The Windward group will now belong to Henry Miller, and you can have Harvey back," I proposed. Anger flared on his face, his neck veins bulging and his forehead creased in a frown.
As the man received the call, his demeanour suddenly shifted. He pulled out his phone from his pocket and answered. The voice on the other end was barely audible and heavily distorted.
"Come back, Harvey is no more," the voice whispered hoarsely, in a clear attempt to conceal their identity. The man's face twisted into a scowl at the news, but he quickly regained his composure and vanished from sight like a shadowy assassin.
"Follow him," I commanded as my shadow materialized behind me and disappeared in an instant.
"Now then, I hope you're a competent story editor, Miss," I said, turning to face Skye.
"Because if you're not, then I'm afraid an unfortunate incident might befall you." My voice was low and laced with a threatening tone.
I turned around and observed poor Harvey lying unconscious on the floor and couldn't help but notice his potential.
His demeanour was impressive and rare among people of his calibre. Despite being a side villain, I couldn't care less as long as he could be useful to me.
As I observed Harvey lying unconscious on the floor, a thought crossed my mind. One thing about villains is that they hold deep grudges, but they also never forget someone who saved them.
Guess, from now on, I'll be his saviour. And even if it meant crossing some moral boundaries, he would be ready to do what it takes to ensure my success.
As for Skye, she had fallen unconscious due to exhaustion from using an immense amount of aura to secure her friends with a barrier. Her fear had only made it worse.
I snapped my fingers as with a glitch Skye along with the rest of the Starlets teleported to their hotels and approached Harvey. My chains lifted him and threw him into my domain.
As I found myself back in my dorm room with the morning sun partially peeking through the window, I muttered to myself, "Time to refine our dear Harvey. After all, a good villain is one that people won't forget."
After all, I don't need his loyalty, just his obedience.
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