The Unmasked Chapter 8
In a place forgotten by time, shrouded in complete darkness, the air felt heavy with secrets. It was a location untouched for decades. In the center of this eerie silence stood the four kings of every nation, their faces hidden by the darkness, as if even light feared entering this place. They waited—silent, tense—until the echo of footsteps broke the stillness.
A figure emerged slowly from the shadows. Just by sensing his aura, the kings began to shiver uncontrollably. The figure walked forward and tossed a severed human head at their feet. All the kings instantly bowed.
One of them spoke, voice trembling, "My lord, we did exactly what you ordered..."
The figure stepped closer. His mere presence radiated such immense pressure that their entire bodies were consumed by unbearable pain. None of them dared to lift their heads or make eye contact. With a cold expression, he placed his foot on the head he had thrown and crushed it underfoot.
Still trembling, the kings remained silent. The man turned and left without a word. Even after his departure, the fear remained visible in the eyes of every king present.
Elsewhere, at the academy, students walked through the hallway, heading toward their special training session.
"Hey Leon," Finn asked, "do you know what our first training is about?"
"This session is with Darius sir," Leon replied. "So I think it'll be about mental training."
Finn groaned. "Why always me? They know I'm the weakest in his class—and our first training is mental training? Why..."
Meanwhile, Isla blushed softly, lost in thoughts of how Leon had grabbed her hand yesterday. That memory replayed in her mind over and over.
Fanny noticed Isla's absent expression and shook her gently. "Hey! What are you thinking about?"
With a red face, Isla replied, "N-Nothing."
Fanny raised an eyebrow. "Your face is red, Isla. Do you have a fever? Should we go to the medical room?"
"No! It's not a fever. I'm fine. Really," Isla insisted, flustered.
Though confused, Fanny let it go.
Soon, all the students gathered in front of a room with a closed door. Leon noticed a spider crawling on the door but ignored it. A moment later, the door opened and Darius stepped out.
All the students greeted him.
Finn asked eagerly, "Sir, what do we have to do today?"
Darius smiled slightly. "Nothing much. You just have to meditate in this room for thirty minutes. But—" he paused, "—you must not use your powers. If you can sit peacefully for thirty minutes without using your abilities, you'll pass this training."
The students exchanged surprised glances.
"That's it?" Finn exclaimed joyfully. "Thank you, sir!"
"You're welcome," Darius replied.
But Leon felt uneasy. Something's off... Sir has been in this room since morning...
Isla had the same gut feeling—something wasn't right.
Still, full of excitement, Finn and Fanny rushed into the room, followed by the rest of the students. Leon and Isla entered more cautiously.
From outside, Darius announced, "I'll unlock the door after thirty minutes. Remember, no powers, no interruptions. Meditate in silence."
He closed the door and locked it with a key. As he turned away, a devilish smile crept across his face.
Inside, all the students sat down in their spots. Leon couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Why did sir specifically say not to use powers? It's just meditation... He looked around but saw nothing unusual. Eventually, he closed his eyes and began meditating.
Everyone, including Fanny, Finn, and Isla, followed suit.
Five minutes passed.
Leon tried to focus but wondered if he was just overthinking things.
Finn, on the other hand, felt delighted. This is too easy!
Until... something tickled his nose.
He opened his eyes—and jumped. A cockroach sat on his face. Disgusted, he flung it away, but closed his eyes again, trying to regain focus.
A minute later, he felt something crawling on his foot... then his face... and hands.
When he opened his eyes again, he screamed.
A lizard clung to his nose—and dozens more, along with cockroaches, crawled over his body.
His scream echoed through the room.
Everyone's eyes shot open.
The room was now swarming with lizards, cockroaches, and even snakes.
Leon, Isla, and Fanny jumped to their feet, stunned.
The students panicked, screaming and running to the door—but it was locked.
Outside, Darius stood calmly, listening to the chaos. A wicked grin formed on his face.
Finn ran frantically around the room, disgusted and terrified.
Leon and Isla knew the creatures weren't dangerous—but they were too revolting to stay calm.
Students began using their powers to blast away the insects and reptiles, but the creatures kept coming.
Leon's suspicion was confirmed. I knew something was wrong... But this? How are we supposed to meditate here for thirty minutes?
Finn, now panicked beyond reason, charged toward the door.
Outside, Darius was about to unlock the door, having seen enough. But just then—
BOOM!
Finn unleashed a powerful blast that blew the door off its hinges.
The blast threw Darius into a wall, pinning him under the door.
The students poured out of the room like a flood, gasping for fresh air.
Many of them vomited onto the ground, unable to handle the disgusting ordeal.
Finn collapsed unconscious.
Leon and Isla, though equally grossed out, managed to compose themselves and searched for Darius.
They found him under the door, conscious but injured. His green blood seeped out as he used his powers to heal himself.
Once fully recovered, he stood up.
Leon approached hesitantly. "Sir... are you okay?"
"Yes," Darius said, brushing himself off. "But who was the idiot who blew up the door?"
Leon hesitated. "Sir, just ignore that. The students are in terrible condition. Many are vomiting because of those insects..."
"I know," Darius said calmly. "That was your training."
Leon frowned. "But sir, how are we supposed to meditate in a room full of snakes, cockroaches, and lizards?"
Darius replied, "We told you—this wouldn't be easy. And all the creatures were harmless. The challenge was to focus your mind, no matter your surroundings. This wasn't about power. It was about discipline."
He walked to the center of the training grounds and announced:
"Everyone has failed today's training. We will continue this session tomorrow. Be ready."
Judging by the looks on the students' faces... no one was happy to hear that.
darius sir be ready for tommorrow i have more surprise for you
all students are in shocked and thought what worst surprise sir have for us leon also thinking whats is remain to do sir