Chapter 953: Becoming Personal Disciple Chapter 953: Becoming Personal Disciple From MC’s Perspective: Just as everything seemed settled, the old man Clifford raised his hand, as if a last-minute thought had struck him.
His eyes glinted with a sharp, calculated look before he spoke again.
“Austin, Ann,” he began, his voice steady but carrying the weight of authority, “you both can register Zack Lockwood as your personal disciple.
But for the time being, do not disclose this to anyone, not even the other elders in our faction.” A wave of surprise rippled through me, though I kept my expression neutral.
I had expected some form of acknowledgment or apprenticeship, but personal discipleship this was a rare honor, a significant elevation in status.
And yet, for now, it was to remain a secret.
I didn’t fully understand why, but the seriousness in the old man’s tone left no room for questions.
“Set his information as classified,” Clifford continued, his voice dropping slightly, as though discussing something sensitive.
“Only we and the Dean should have access to it.” Elder Austin and Elder Ann exchanged brief, questioning glances but quickly nodded in agreement.
I could sense their confusion.
From the way things were unfolding, it seemed even they hadn’t expected this turn of events.
Earlier, it had seemed Clifford was inclined to keep my status a bit lower-profile, but now his mind had shifted.
Despite their confusion, I could see a hint of relief in both elders’ eyes.
After all, being allowed to register me as a personal disciple was a major responsibility and a sign of trust from the faction leader.
“Are you happy now?” Clifford’s piercing gaze landed on me, as if testing my reaction to his decision.
I nodded, suppressing the growing excitement within me.
Personal disciple… The words echoed in my mind.
This was an opportunity not easily given, and I could feel the weight of it settling on my shoulders.
It was a mixture of pride and pressure, knowing that I was being singled out for something more than just being another faction member.
Clifford gave a satisfied nod before turning toward Clinton and Sally, who had been standing quietly to the side.
“Clinton, Sally,” Clifford commanded, “take Zack to his new residence.
From today onward, he will be recognized as a full member of our Thunderflame Faction.” With that, Clifford produced a sleek device from his robes, tapping a few commands before updating my profile in the faction’s database.
My official status had now changed, though few would know the full truth behind it.
“Yes, Elder.
Zack, follow us,” Clinton said with a nod, gesturing for me to follow.
Without hesitation, I fell into step behind them, my mind still racing from the weight of what had just transpired.
As we walked, the faint murmurs of conversation between the elders faded behind us.
Glancing back briefly, I noticed the Ice and Fire Elder, Cathy, still watching Clifford closely, her arms crossed as she observed him.
“Something troubling you, Cathy?” Clifford asked, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife.
Cathy’s gaze didn’t waver.
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“A moment ago, you almost agreed with my original plan.
But then, I see you changed your mind.
Why?” Her tone was blunt, though not confrontational.
Clifford chuckled lightly, though there was a certain gravity behind his words.
“I realized something important, Cathy.
If we don’t register him as a personal disciple now, we risk losing him to other factions.” His eyes hardened, the strategist in him shining through.
“It’s not just about strength anymore.
With his talent and his blood element, he could easily be poached by someone else.” There was a flicker of understanding in Cathy’s expression.
The old man wasn’t wrong.
Even within their faction, rivalries between elders could lead to offers or enticements that would be hard to refuse for someone like Zack.
In the larger university, where various factions vied for power, it was even more dangerous.
“So, to protect our interests, we keep this quiet.
For now,” Clifford finished, his voice lowering conspiratorially.
“But don’t be mistaken, many will be watching him closely.” At his words, the rest of the elders nodded in agreement, before vanishing into the shadows as if they had never been there.
Meanwhile, with Clinton and Sally As we stepped away from the main building, I finally took in the vast expanse of the faction’s residential area.
It was divided into clear sections: a private, more secure area for the elders, and a more communal space for the students.
Here, the student residences stood close to one another, creating an environment that offered little in the way of privacy.
I could sense the energy of countless warriors moving about in their own routines.
It felt alive, buzzing with power.
The quiet between us was broken by my curiosity.
“Elder Clinton,” I ventured, glancing over at him as we walked, “What is the strength of the faction’s elders?” My question seemed to catch both Clinton and Sally off guard.
They exchanged a brief look, as if deciding how much to reveal.
Eventually, it was Sally who spoke up.
“The white flame elder, Clifford, the leader of the Thunderflame Faction,” she began, “is a Half-Step Red Mark Warrior.” My eyes widened in shock.
A Half-Step Red Mark Warrior?
That meant Clifford was on the verge of reaching the highest rank before the legendary Red Mark status.
I had known he was powerful, but to be so close to matching the Dean of the university… It was mind-boggling.
“And as for the other elders,” Sally continued, “they are all at the peak of the Purple Mark Warrior stage, including both of your masters Elder Austin and Elder Ann.” I was left momentarily speechless.
Peak Purple Mark Warriors?
This level of strength was rare, even within the powerful factions of the university.
The gravity of the situation began to settle on me, but one question lingered in my mind.
“If the elders are Purple Mark Warriors,” I asked carefully, “why aren’t Clinton and Sally…?” Sally smiled knowingly, seeing through my question.
“You must be imagining grand things,” she said with a slight laugh.
“But let me explain something.
Just because two warriors are at the same rank, doesn’t mean they are equal in strength.” I furrowed my brow, intrigued.
“It depends on their inheritance,” Sally continued.
“The more powerful the inheritance, the stronger the warrior.
For instance, our main faction elders have inheritances that are far more powerful than ordinary Purple Mark Warriors.
That’s why they can easily dominate others of the same rank.” I nodded slowly, understanding now.
It wasn’t just about reaching a certain level it was about the quality of the power one inherited.
And from the sounds of it, the Thunderflame Faction elders were a cut above the rest.
As we approached my new residence, a modest building nestled between others, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of this new chapter in my life.
I was surrounded by power, secrets, and opportunities, each one more daunting than the last.
But I was ready.
After a short walk through the bustling residential area, we finally reached my new residence.
The building stood modestly among the others, its architecture blending seamlessly with the surroundings, but there was a certain elegance to it sleek and modern, with hints of traditional elements.
It had an understated grandeur, marking it as a place for someone of notable status within the faction.
Clinton and Sally stopped in front of the entrance, turning to face me.
Their expressions were more relaxed now that we had left the intense atmosphere of the main hall.
“This is your new residence, Zack,” Clinton said, his voice calm but carrying a note of pride.
He then pulled out a sleek, crystal-like device from his storage ring.
With a quick flick of his hand, he sent a small stream of data to my communication device.
“Here is the access code.
No one can enter your home except you.” I glanced at my device, the access code and a host of other information flashing across the screen.
Clinton continued, “Apart from the access code, I’ve also sent you some basic information about our university and the Tier-4 region.
It will help you get accustomed to the area and understand the resources available to you.” I nodded, taking it all in.
This was more than just a residence, it was a secure haven, and the information he had given me would no doubt be invaluable in the coming days.
Sally stepped forward with a small smile.
“Alright, Zack, we’ll be heading back to our own places now.
We have some duties to attend to.
But let’s meet tomorrow morning.
There are things you still need to know, and we’ll get you acquainted with the faction and its workings.” I bowed slightly in respect, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
“Thank you, elders.
Truly, if not for you both, I would’ve found it difficult to enroll and even harder to secure a place in such a prestigious faction.
I owe you.” Clinton shook his head, a faint smile on his lips.
“It’s nothing, Zack.
You’re one of us now.
And remember, you’re not just any member, you’re the personal disciple of two of our main elders.
We’ve gained some favor in this arrangement too.” Sally nodded in agreement, her eyes twinkling with a bit of amusement.
“That’s right.
It’s a two-way street.
Your success is our success now.” With that, they both turned and began to walk away, their figures blending into the flickering lamplights of the nearby buildings.
I stood there for a moment, watching them leave, my mind still buzzing with the weight of the day’s events.
Taking a deep breath, I turned back toward the entrance of my new home.
The door slid open with a soft hum as I approached, the access code immediately verifying my identity.
Stepping inside, I felt a wave of comfort wash over me.
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