(From MC's Perspective)
Hansen institute,
Mr Arthur seemed to be a little clueless regarding how to handle the current situation.
Seeing his contemplating expression, I felt I should have taken a day off today. At least, In that way, I would have stayed away from all the commotion.
Shaking my head in disappointment, I rose from the seat.
Seeing that, Mr Arthur raised his head to see me. Then he asked in a solemn tone, "What are you going to do next?"
I have already seen through his thoughts. So I jokingly replied, "Don't worry, Mr Arthur. I won't run away from here." After saying that, I couldn't help but smile.
My words stunned Mr Arthur. He looked at me with an embarrassing smile on his face.
"Okay, You can leave. I'll contact you once Elder Thornton comes back," Mr Arthur said.
Hearing that, my expression tightened. "Are you seriously considering exposing my whereabouts?"
"No" "No"
"I didn't mean it like that"
"Elder Thornton likely had a phone call with his friend. So I think he may ask you to come for the meeting," Mr Arthur said with a bitter smile.
"Phew!" I breathed in relief.
"Okay, then I'll see you later," after saying that I walked out of the cabin.
The door behind me closed automatically.
Hearing that, I paused my movements for a moment. I'm considering going back home. But if Elder Thornton had a conversation with his friend.
Then I don't have any other choice than to wait for the meeting.
Did Mr Arthur deliberately reveal this info?
A quick glint flashes into my eyes.
It's possible! Other than me, he doesn't have other suitable plans to tackle the ongoing situation.
Then without further do, I stroll towards the energy chamber.
Time went by,
A few minutes later, Energy Chamber,
I sat cross-legged on the ground. This time I didn't turn on the machine. Because I'm not going to cultivate right now. My focus was all on brand new soul techniques.
I closed my eyes and immersed myself in understanding the first soul technique, the soul tower method.
Time passes,
One hour later, I opened my eyes in disbelief.
I found that some things were similar to the lightning phantom technique. Right now, I can only able to read and understand how to form the 1st floor of the tower.
The consecutive tower level was blocked. I'm able to unlock it after the successful creation of 1st layer of the soul tower.
It's like step-by-step prices.
What amazed me was the soul technique is different from lighting celestial scripture. This soul tower has no attribute. At that time, I saw all the soul techniques were placed under the lightning soul technique category.
So I thought the soul technique must have some lightning power. But now it looks like it's not.
After gaining some clarity, I proceed to cultivate 1st layer of the soul tower. I don't know how hard is it. There was a slight worry in my heart.
Then I closed my eyes and proceed to cultivate the soul technique.
As I immersed myself in cultivation, I felt I have grasped something. This power is weird and ethereal. When I try to grasp the energy, it disappears instantly.
There is no reaction in the first place. Like it didn't exist at all. I assumed soul power is similar to world energy. But looks like it's not, the soul energy is much thinner than the world energy.
When I tried to mobilize the soul power, It didn't even work. I did exactly as per the instructions of the soul tower method.
Then I realised, this is my first attempt. I should be more patient when it comes to soul power.
Time passed,
A few minutes later, I opened my eyes in disappointment. "Where is the fault?" I muttered to myself. I felt something amiss. Why is it very hard to start?
I fell into contemplation. From the library books, I have learned that soul cultivation is very hard. Only warriors with exceptional talent can able to do soul cultivation.
Is it something wrong with my aptitude? No, If I lack aptitude for soul cultivation. Then Mr Jonathan wouldn't have given me the techniques in the first place.
So where does the problem lies? To find some answers, I decided to visit the library. After gaining some clarity, I rose from the ground and walked out of the energy chamber.
...
On the other hand, Elder Thornton arrived in front of his cabin. Nobody knows how did he get inside the building. But he was calm and composed like outside commotion didn't affect him at all.
"Creak" the door opens,
Seeing that he walked into the room, as he entered inside, the door behind him closed automatically.
Then after taking the seat, he sat comfortably. He closed his eyes to take a small nap. At the same time, if one can take look at his sci-fi watch. They can see the notification count is gradually increasing.
Before coming here, Elder Thornton already put his sci-fi watch in silence.
Then he opened his eyes a few minutes later. But in the next second, a cold glint flashes into his eyes.
"Who is spreading the rumours?" He muttered to himself.
He has some observations like Zack. Someone is spreading false rumours against their institute.
After knowing this he contacted some of his friends, but still he couldn't able to find the culprits.
Someone is using the media houses for their interest. Sadly, he didn't know anyone influential from media houses. He was quite helpless about it.
The only thing he can do is to wait until the commotion got over.
When he was lost in thoughts, he heard the notification sound.
BUZZ
But this time it's from the projection screen. Seeing that, Elder Thornton checked the notification.
"Arthur," He muttered seeing the name on the screen. The next second, he understands that Arthur is going through the same shit as him.
He felt it was necessary to talk to him. Then he immediately replied to the message, instructing him to come to his cabin.
Then he thought about Zack. He doesn't want to drag the kid into this mess. So he sent a message again saying, don't disturb Zack.
After sending the message, he laid back in his seat casually.
A few minutes later,
Mr Arthur walked inside the cabin with a haggard expression on his face. Seeing that, Elder Thornton sighed. He told him to take a seat.
The atmosphere became solemn for a moment.
"Elder, have you thought of something?" Mr Arthur immediately asked. People kept on calling him continuously. So he desperately waited for Elder Thornton to arrive.
Now that he has arrived, Arthur immediately wants to solve the problem.
Elder Thornton didn't immediately reply. But he showed his sci-fi watch to Mr Arthur. He want to remind me, that he was in the same situation as Mr Arthur.
On the other hand, Mr Arthur glanced at the notification screen. But when he saw the name he widened his eyes in surprise. Because it was the call from their city lord.
"Why the city lord of their red stone city contracting? " Arthur said to himself. He felt the situation is going somewhere else.
Suddenly, a bad premonition struck his heart. He felt ongoing commotion has something to do with the City lord.
If the city lord of their city is involved in this matter, then it's difficult to solve the trouble.
Elder Thornton didn't say anything for a moment. He remained silent. He felt Arthur is suffering from severe mood swings.
SIGH
"Arthur, I will take care of the issue. You don't have to worry about that. Just look after your health for the time being," Elder Thornton said with a sigh.
"Elder, what does city lord want?" Mr Arthur inquired.
Elder Thornton revealed a bitter smile before saying, "Actually, I didn't even pick up his call."
"What?" Mr Arthur was taken aback.
He feels Elder is taking a huge risk. Because their city lord is an arrogant person. It's easy to offend him than please him.
Elder Thornton said, "To be honest, it's not a big deal."
"Young warriors want to fight against Zack."
"This is what everyone is protesting about. But in reality, some forces want to know his whereabouts to kill," Elder Thornton added further.
Mr Arthur nodded.
At this time, a very good plan hatched in Elder Thornton's mind.
"Arthur, Let us arrange a competition in our institute."
"Whoever wanted to fight against Zack. Can sign up and participate in the competition."
"And the winner will fight against Zack."
Elder Thornton uttered words one by one. For Arthur, it took a few seconds to digest the information.
But after hearing the whole information, he sighed in relief. Because they know Zack's strength. He can easily defeat the local warriors. So they are not worried about the result of the competition.
Conducting this small competition will buy some time for Zack. He can go to the trunulesia forest without any worry.
Then he answered, "Elder, This seems to be a good plan. I'll work on it right away."
Hearing that, Elder Thornton nodded and handed all the responsibility to him.