Ishaan stayed true to his word and only explained the Mana Breathing technique a single time. Zeke was certain that this was just another way to test the Chimeroi, as only the ones with a relatively better talent would be able to pick it up that fast.
What worried him more, however, was the actual Breathing technique itself. It was completely different from the one he had observed in the Lion's Den, and even though he couldn't claim to be an expert, something about it felt off. Yet, neither he nor Akasha could pinpoint the exact reason for this feeling. Their simulations even showed that this technique could potentially be many times more effective than what they learned at the Lion's Den.
The technique of the Lion's Den was known as Cloud Chasing. Apparently, practicing this technique conjured the sensation of being enveloped in a serene rainshower, each successful execution akin to a refreshing cleanse for the body. Yet, the work you had to put in was a long and arduous journey — like chasing clouds.
According to Ash, it was one of the worst techniques when looking solely at growth rate. However, what it lacked in speed, it made up for in consistency. Practitioners of the Cloud Chaser techniques would almost never run into bottlenecks or burn out prematurely. It was a gentle method that focused on steady growth instead of explosive improvements.
This new technique, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. This breathing technique revolved around soaking the body in as much Mana as possible, forcing it to adapt. When imagining the Cloud Chasing technique as a gentle downpour, then this could be compared to a flood. You either learned how to swim… or drowned.
Zeke couldn't yet say what the side-effects would be if the Chimeroi failed to adapt, yet he feared the worst.
***
"It's time," Ishaan declared.
He approached the sturdy iron grate and, with the assistance of a chain-bound crank, opened it. The metal structure groaned in protest as it was lifted out of its socket, emphasizing its considerable weight. Several Chimeroi audibly gulped, recognizing the inevitable truth that once they entered this hole, there would be no escape.
In contrast to the general unease, not a ripple could be seen in Zeke's eyes. This time, he wasn't even pretending. Such a primitive way of imprisonment could pose no hindrance to him and his Space Affinity. After all, he could phase through walls with the ease of a leisurely stroll, rendering those sturdy iron bars an inconsequential obstacle at best. The same wasn't true for the Chimeroi, however.
Even among those with suitable abilities, none were likely able to escape this prison. Only somebody on the level of Ash could develop their proficiency enough to show their true potential, like turning into mist.
Therefore, none of the gathered Slaves was eager to be first. Even when Ishaan gestured for a second time, nobody moved. His face had already started to turn cold when somebody emerged from the crowd. It was a tall figure with a shining bald head and blood-red skin — it was Zeke.
Without a moment's hesitation, he confidently approached the opening and peered down. An endless void of darkness was all he found, but that wasn't of much concern to Zeke. Before entering, he glanced at Ishaan one last time, confirming his expression. As predicted, a sly glint of malicious joy lurked behind his friendly facade. Ishaan seemed eager for whatever was about to happen in that hole.
Zeke raised one leg above the opening, but just as he was about to take the plunge, a whimsical idea crossed his mind. He made eye contact with Ishaan and flashed a grin — a mocking, disdainful expression that conveyed all of Zeke's true feelings towards the man. With that, he let himself fall, observing how Ishaan's facade started to crack.
Zeke smirked. He wondered what Ishaan was thinking right now. Was he fuming? Did he mark his name on his shit list? It didn't matter much, as they would have a falling out during the next seven days anyway, one way or the other. Right now, Ishaan was far from his highest priority.
The stale air streamed by his face as he fell freely for an extended moment. Yet, the ground came into view all too soon. Zeke, having already been prepared, used his [Teleport] spell the very moment he was about to collide with the floor. Almost simultaneously, he reappeared.
Nothing much seemed to have changed as he emerged at almost the same spot. Yet, there was one notable difference: his momentum was reversed. Zeke's body rocketed up a few feet before coming back down. He landed gracefully, the soft earthen floor cushioning the impact even further. On this type of ground, he might have been fine without using his Magic, but there was no point taking the risk. He didn't have the body of a Chimeroi, after all.
Zeke swiftly surveyed his surroundings for potential threats, finding that, at least in this regard, Ishaan had been truthful; there seemed to be no imminent dangers. The space he now occupied was a reasonably roomy chamber with various tunnels branching out in every direction. It appeared to be a sort of maze.
He looked up and saw the distant light of the entrance. It was a sizeable drop, but most likely not enough to injure the stronger ones among the Chimeroi… the others might suffer quite a bit. This was undoubtedly already part of the test.
Not that it had anything to do with Zeke. He had long since decided not to involve himself with the others. Even though he might be able to use his abilities to help them, that was a risk he wasn't willing to take. As Slaves contracted to the Master of the Ember Scar Cartel, none of them could keep his secrets, even if they wanted to. While falling out with Ishaan was a risk he could stomach, the Archmage was an opponent he had to approach with the utmost care.
The moment he heard voices from up above, Zeke made his move. Using his [Airstep], he launched himself off the ground, gaining height with every step. He made his way halfway up the hole before approaching a section of the rough stone wall.
"Help me with this, Akasha," he ordered.
[Answer]
Affirmative.
Zeke stood unmoving, anchored in midair. He was just an arm's length away from the wall, staring straight ahead with an expression of utter concentration. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, without any warning, a section of the wall disappeared. Where there had been solid rock a moment ago, only emptiness remained. A beat later, a muted impact was heard. It was the sound of a massive bolder striking earth.
Zeke wiped the sweat from his brow as he inspected his handiwork. In front of him was an opening in the wall, the size of a carriage. Its edges were as smooth as if they had been carved with a razor. Meanwhile, a new, strangely symmetrical boulder had been added to the maze down below.
As the noises from above grew louder, Zeke sought refuge in his newly created hiding spot. And not a moment too soon. Before he could even get his bearings, a figure passed by the opening of the hole—it was the Chimeroi who had spoken earlier, the man with the scales. Zeke caught sight of a badge with the number 17 on his chest.
With nothing better to do, Zeke peered down. Having somewhat gotten used to the darkness, he could just barely make out how the man landed gracefully on his feet, absorbing the impact like it was nothing. He was clearly one of the stronger individuals.
After him followed another familiar figure — number 23. She was the woman who had questioned Ishaan earlier. Zeke couldn't quite tell what kind of Chimeroi she was, as she appeared largely human. Yet, there was something peculiar about her eyes.
Following her descent, a steady stream of participants arrived — 85 in total. Of the group, nearly a third sustained injuries from the fall. Two individuals were hurt so badly that Zeke harbored genuine concerns for them. In addition to broken bones, they also suffered internal injuries. Depending on the nature of the upcoming challenge, their chances of survival seemed slim at best.
When everyone was present, an impromptu conference was held. Zeke heard them talk about a cooperation to explore the place. After a short discussion, they split into five groups, each led by one of the strongest individuals, with numbers 17 and 23 both among the leaders. Even though they managed to agree on a course of action in the end, there was significant tension in the air. It seemed that the five leaders were each determined to prove themselves superior.
Just from a few words he picked up casually, Zeke anticipated that the different groups would come to blows sooner rather than later. It seemed that Ishaan didn't even need to do anything for those hot-blooded youngsters to be at each other's throats.
Zeke was once again glad for his decision to stay out of their way, as he had no interest in competing for the position of Number One Slave. He would not dance to the tune of another, not if he could help it.
"Good on you, whelp," the dragon encouraged. It had been largely silent as of late, making Zeke appreciate the encouragement even more.
Fortunately, none of the others seemed to have noticed his hiding spot, nor did they question his absence. They either didn't notice or just assumed he had gone ahead, as he was the first to arrive. Zeke didn't care either way. He would stay out of their way as much as he could, as he had bigger things to worry about.
Turning his attention to the mission at hand, it was time for Zeke to get to work. Extending his mind, he sought to pick up a specific wavelength in the sea of noise around him. It took some time, but eventually, he succeeded in finding what he was looking for. "Can you hear me, Ash?" he inquired.
"I can, Master," Ash said in his mind.
"How are things on your end?" Zeke questioned.
"I managed to infiltrate their headquarters without much problem, but the residence of their leader is a different matter. I don't think I can get in there."
Zeke nodded inwardly. It was how he had expected. "Don't worry about it. I am already inside, and I've even met with the Archmage."
"…Are you ok, Master?" Ash asked, a hint of panic in his voice.
"No need to worry: I'm completely fine," Zeke said. "He didn't notice me at all. On the other hand, I managed to learn something very interesting."
"What's that?"
"Didn't you notice something strange while infiltrating this place?" Zeke questioned in turn.
Ash remained silent for a moment, undoubtedly combing through his experiences. "There are a lot of Slaves here," he said eventually.
"That's it," Zeke confirmed. "I think every single one of them is contracted to the same Master."
"The Archmage?"
Zeke agreed, causing Ash to fall silent for a second time. After an even longer pause, he spoke once more. "That makes things easier, even if it is a bit regretful…"
Zeke nodded in agreement, having thought the very same thing. If they managed to kill the Archmage, all of the Slaves would die with him. This meant that the entire Ember Scar Cartel would fall in an instant if Zeke managed to assassinate the man somehow. On the other hand, it meant that hundreds of innocents would die without even the choice to surrender.
However, in the next instant, he hardened his resolve. Zeke had already decided that he would not hesitate anymore — he couldn't afford to. After all, showing mercy to an enemy was the same as showing cruelty to oneself.
"I will do what I have to," he sent to Ash in a tone that brooked no argument.
"…Master, is everything alright?" Ash asked hesitantly.
"I am fine," Zeke stated with certainty. "I'll reach out again once I gather more information. Stay close." With that, he ended the connection before the other man had a chance to reply. He didn't want to talk about the things that had happened in the hall above, and he didn't feel like explaining himself either.
This was a decision he had made for himself, and he felt no obligation to explain it to anyone. Inhaling deeply, Zeke hardened his mind, dreading the task ahead. Nevertheless, procrastination had never been a habit Zeke indulged in, and this time would be no exception.
"Akasha, tell me your plan for invading a Soul."