Episode 28: Secrets of the Flower Key and the Awakening of Power
Scene 1: The Flower Key and the Greater Plan
Tanji sits in his private chamber, holding the intricately designed flower key in his hands. The golden base glimmers faintly under the ambient light. He twirls it thoughtfully between his fingers.
Tanji: "One more piece secured. Two more to go, and the path to our destiny will be clear."
Zai, lounging nearby, suddenly perks up, his excitement evident.
Zai: "Master, why don't we just go after the red crystal? It's right there in the academy. Isn't that the ultimate goal?"
Tanji chuckles, a sly smile crossing his lips.
Tanji: "The red crystal is important, but it's not the only element. Focusing on one piece of the puzzle while ignoring the rest is foolish. The true prize lies in mastering all five elements. They may think brute force will lead them to victory, but we'll outsmart them at every turn."
Zai nods in admiration.
Zai: "You're always ten steps ahead, Master. A true genius."
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Scene 2: Ryu's Frustration and the Crystal's Transformation
Meanwhile, Ryu storms through the academy grounds, her thoughts consumed by anger and frustration over Tanji's arrogance. She finds herself in the forest, drawn to the faint glow of the red crystal.
Ryu: "Why does he always have to be so infuriating? Acting like he's above everyone else!"
She punches the ground near the crystal, venting her anger. As her hand brushes the crystal's surface, its glow intensifies. Black and red streaks ripple through its core.
The sky above turns a dark maroon, and the stars seem to pulse with a crimson hue. The crystal absorbs the energy from the surroundings, and Ryu suddenly feels a surge of power course through her body. Flashes of black and red overtake her vision as she collapses to the ground, unconscious.
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Scene 3: Tanji's Arrival and Ryu's Awakening
Moments later, Tanji arrives at the scene, sensing the disturbance. His sharp eyes immediately spot Ryu lying motionless near the crystal, her hand still faintly glowing.
Tanji: "What a reckless fool..."
He kneels down, carefully prying her hand away from the crystal. The sky slowly returns to normal, and the crystal's glow dims. Tanji picks up Ryu effortlessly, cradling her as he walks back to his chamber.
Once there, he places her on a soft surface and channels his own energy into her, stabilizing the chaotic force surging within her. A soft golden light envelops them both, highlighting Tanji's immense power—far beyond that of any god or lord.
Zai, who had followed his master, watches in awe.
Zai: "Master, I've been with you for centuries, but I've never seen you do something like this. Giving your own power... it's beyond belief!"
Tanji brushes off the comment, his tone nonchalant.
Tanji: "I gave her just enough energy to survive. Nothing more. I don't care about her—just didn't want her to die from sheer stupidity."
Zai smirks, clearly unconvinced.
Zai: "Really, Master? Somehow, I don't believe that's the whole truth. It seems like she's starting to matter to you more than you'd admit."
Tanji shoots Zai a sharp glare, but doesn't respond. He
looks at Ryu once more, his expression unreadable.