Ascension: Rebirth in a World of Powers-Chapter 23 - : The Calm Before the Storm

The day before the confrontation with Darius was marked by a tense, almost unnatural quiet. The usual chatter of students in the academy halls felt muted, as if the walls themselves anticipated the storm to come. Eren and his group spent the day in preparation, each lost in their thoughts as they went through their routines.

Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.

Kaelena called for a final meeting that evening, gathering everyone in the abandoned gymnasium that had become their base of operations. The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with anticipation. Eren glanced around at the faces of his team—Kaelena, Cyrus, Kain, Mira, and Elara. Each bore an expression of determination, though the strain was evident in their eyes.

Kaelena stepped forward, her usual calm replaced with a steely resolve. "Tomorrow, we face Darius and his group. They'll come at us with everything they have, but we're ready for them. We've trained for this, and we won't back down."

Her words hung in the air, a declaration of defiance against the oppressive force that Darius had come to represent.

Eren stepped forward, the Shard in his hand glowing faintly. Its light seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat. "This isn't just about us," he said, his voice steady. "It's about standing up to those who think they can control everything. We're stronger together, and we're not going to let them win."

The team nodded, their resolve solidifying. The unity in their expressions gave Eren a flicker of hope, a reminder that they weren't facing this challenge alone.

As the meeting concluded, Kaelena handed out assignments for the next day's confrontation.

"Mira, you'll focus on disrupting their formation. Use your ranged attacks to create openings for the rest of us," she instructed.

Mira nodded, her hands crackling with faint arcs of energy. "Got it."

"Kain, you're our frontline. Keep their heavy hitters occupied and protect the rest of the group."

Kain smirked, flexing his massive arms. "They won't know what hit them."

"Elara," Kaelena continued, turning to the quiet girl, "your barriers are crucial. We'll rely on you to shield us during their counterattacks."

Elara gave a small nod, her expression serious.

"Cyrus," Kaelena said, "your speed will be key to confusing them. Take advantage of their blind spots and keep them off balance."

Cyrus gave a mock salute. "Fast and unpredictable—that's my specialty."

Finally, Kaelena turned to Eren. "You and I will focus on taking Darius down. His group will likely be looking to him for direction, so if we neutralize him, the rest will falter."

Eren swallowed hard but nodded. The weight of his role was immense, but he couldn't let doubt creep in.

That night, sleep eluded Eren. He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, the Shard resting on the nightstand beside him. Its glow was a steady reminder of the power he now carried, but it also represented a responsibility he hadn't fully come to terms with.

Why me? he thought for the thousandth time. Why was I given this power?

The Shard offered no answers, only its constant, enigmatic presence.

Kaelena's voice interrupted his thoughts. She stood in the doorway, her silhouette outlined by the dim light from the hall.

"Can't sleep either?" she asked, stepping inside.

Eren shook his head. "Too much on my mind."

Kaelena pulled up a chair and sat beside him. "That's normal. We're walking into something huge tomorrow. It's okay to feel nervous."

"It's not just that," Eren admitted. "The Shard... I don't understand why I have it, or what it really wants from me. And I'm scared of what might happen if I lose control."

Kaelena placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "The Shard chose you for a reason. I don't know what that reason is, but I do know you've been using it to protect people. That counts for something."

Eren met her gaze, finding a sense of comfort in her words. "Thanks, Kaelena."

She smiled faintly. "We'll get through this, Eren. Together."

Morning came all too quickly. The group gathered once more, their expressions a mix of grim determination and nervous energy. Kaelena gave them a final pep talk, her voice steady and unwavering.

"Today, we show Darius and the rest of the academy that we won't be bullied. No matter what happens, remember that we're fighting for each other—and for everyone who's been hurt by him."

The team nodded, their spirits lifted by her words.

As they made their way to the courtyard where the confrontation would take place, Eren felt the weight of the Shard in his pocket. Its glow seemed brighter now, as if responding to the tension in the air.

The courtyard was eerily quiet when they arrived, the morning sun casting long shadows across the stone pavement. Darius and his group were already waiting, their postures radiating confidence and menace.

Eren stepped forward, his team behind him. "This ends today, Darius."

Darius smirked, his eyes glinting with malice. "You're right about one thing, Eren. It does end today—just not the way you think."

The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Both sides prepared to clash, the outcome uncertain but the stakes undeniable.

As the first sparks of magic lit up the courtyard, Eren braced himself. The storm had arrived.