Black Remnant

-Black Sting Academy-

To the Black Fist students' surprise, the elder looks way younger than their elder. Known as the youngest elder of Black State, she sure is famous.

Wai bowed to the elder to show respect. "Elder Umawa, it's nice to see you once again. You look young as always." Wai is right too, her age doesn't show at all and she looks like she's still in her twenties.

Smiling, "You flatter me, Wai of Black Fist Academy. I can tell that you've grown a lot. How's your little competition with Shin?" It seems they know each other pretty well.

A sudden burst of anger can be seen on Wai eyebrows after hearing Shin's name, "Well... I can tell that I might be lagging behind but I'll get there soon. Let's talk about something else, by the way, grandma sends her regards and here, this is a gift from her." Trying to change the topic, Wai used her magic ring to release a c.h.e.s.t of some sort.

Receiving the gift, "Your grandma would say, "Call me Elder you freaking twit!" Haha! Oh and no need for a gift but I'd say I'll take it. Your grandma is as generous as ever but I'm sure these gifts would only suit old people... It's her way of saying "Grow old, you damn hag." Elder Umawa sure is cheerful and seems to show no hostility to them.

Dismayed, "Damn, it sounded like she's here... But, as you can see, most of my students are all tired and restless from our little journey and tomorrow, we have a big day ahead of us so I'd say it's time to call it a night, Elder."

Looking at the others, the Elder could see how pitiful their situation is. "How about you stay for the night? We have lots of rooms for all of you. I'm sure you'll-" A student wearing 2-star uniform gave Swon'du some kind of note. His eyes grew wider as he reads the news.

Stopped by the sudden news, "Is everything alright, Swon'du?" The elder feels weary.

"It doesn't really concern our guests and I'd say you should stay here for the night. The city is safe but if you leave, we can't guarantee your safety. I heard they found a place covered with blood but there's nothing to be found." Swon'du seems to be plotting something else.

Wai started to feel uneasy, 'Is he implying that we shouldn't leave as we may be related to what happened? I can't say for sure but most of my students came back on time and only did what I told them... I shouldn't sleep when my students are on their own...'

"There's no need for that. We're heading somewhere else farther from the city. Your issues don't concern us and we won't disturb your peace any longer-"

Then the one who hasn't talked before suddenly butted in, "We will be more relieved if your students can have a safe place to stay and have a proper meal before heading out. Please, at least give us the chance to show you guys our hospitality." Anuna, the genius from the Black Sting Clan, almost the same age as the students, said her words.

Trying to stop her expression from changing, 'Shit... we're pinned down. There's no reason for me to say no. Still... this is a good chance to gather more intel.'

"I guess we don't have a choice, do we? We're in your care." Finally, Wai gave up and her students looked happy after she made the decision.

Anuna approached "I'm glad you made that decision. I can tell base on your students' clothes that they have their own teams. We have five rooms for your 5 teams. Nothing fancy but it's comfortable enough to carry you through the night. We prepared food as well to the Academy's Greathall so eat to your hearts' content. Please." Showing them the way, But... it wasn't Wai she's looking at carefully.

Swon'du leading them towards the Greathall, Anuna is now walking slowly trying to be with Ai slowly approaching him.

Whispering to him, "You've been naughty today, young prince. I can still smell the stink from you. You should carefully clean next time." Somehow, her attitude has changed, is this her real personality? Still, she must know something saying about "stink". Was it about the smell of blood or the smell of death?

Ai, with no reaction after what she said, "I don't know what you're talking about, Miss Anuna. I don't think it's a nice idea for a genius like you lingering with such weakling as myself."

Smirking, "We'll see about that, naughty prince. Just be careful next time. I'll see you soon..." Somehow, Ai knew that she's dangerous.

Nerves showing on Swon'du's forehead," Why are you there, Anuna? Get over here and help me prepare the food." He's annoyed seeing Anuna being weird.

...

After a heartful meal, the only thing that's left is a good night sleep for the students.

The teachers from the Black Fist Academy made sure that most of them have a comfortable place to sleep as they would benefit from it for tomorrow's journey.

-A few hours ago-

After the first store they visited, Ai felt like there are people following them from the shadows. The sun is high but their hiding abilities are great that even one of his members who he knew that has a good sense of smell couldn't detect those stalkers.

'Why are they following us... or me? I somehow need a diversion to be alone and see if their target is really me.'

Then... "Shit... why is it freaking so hot in here?" Good job, you useless bandana boy.

This will be a nice diversion "That's what happens when you use your energy talking. Stop complaining or I'll leave you guys behind." Seeing the bandana guy get hot because of what he said,

"Suit yourself, dude! You've been ignoring us from the beginning. You know how it feels to be the weakest and being with you means we're pretty much the worst team. Why even bother... leave us if you want. We can handle ourselves." People get easily agitated when in discomfort.

"Runi, our teacher will be mad at us. Apologize... or we'll be in serious trouble-" Now, they do not focus on him anymore that even the stalkers bought his plan.

'This is my chance.' And so young Ai finally slipped his way out by swiftly moving to the dark alley.

...

Walking away from his team, he finally confirmed that he's the target and not one of his team.

*SWOOOOOSH* Running as fast as he could, he reached the end of the dark alley.

Stopping from running, "I say, you guys are not regular robbers. Tell me, why are you guys following me?" In just a few seconds, they were able to surround him.

With a deep voice, "You'll be dead before you could even know." *SWOOOOSH* A swift slash from below is about to slice the body of young Ai.

*CLANG* But out of nowhere, the sound of a blade being broken surprised the stalkers.

Using the sole of his feet, the blade shattered upon hitting it.

Eyes about to pop out, "What?! But how?!" These stalkers should be in their early Expert Rank and seeing their blade being shattered like that, that couldn't believe it.

They looked at him and they saw two of his fingers with oozing dark Qi.

"That's from Black Petal Clan's unsealing technique but how can it make him stop a blade by only using his foot?" To them, it was pointless but to Ai's condition, it was different.

Ai opened his Qi point directly from his right foot the moment he stopped from running. He knew they're dangerous so he has to use his last resort. He felt tremendous power from his right foot, combined with his right hand, that exceeds early Expert Rank. No wonder normal weapons couldn't leave a scratch on his foot.

*BAAAAM!* Before the attacker could even react, his neck was dislocated from his head upon being hit by a roundhouse kick from Ai.

The other two rushed at him as fast as they could, "BLACK STING ARTS! TWO-PRONGED NEEDLE!" Using their sword imbued with Qi, they are using an Art Combo to finish the fight as soon as possible.

Swiftly jumping above before the attackers could reach him, "BLACK PETAL ART! FALLING PETAL!" He twirls around and released a great amount of Qi from his right foot and hit the ground causing a great shockwave that pushed the two attackers away. One of them hit the wall and the other rolls on the ground getting injuries.

They couldn't move anymore after that attack.

Walking towards the passed out attackers, he used his magic ring to absorb their bodies. "You know, you should have brought some more."

Scared to his teeth, falling on his b.u.t.t, he couldn't move due to intense pressure, "Shit! They said you're only a level 6 Disciple! Damn- Ack!" Lifting the stalker by his neck using one hand, the stalker's life is now on his grasp. Struggling for his life, saliva coming out of his mouth, blood from his nerves almost about to pop out, and even his eyes turning red... With just one snap, his body stopped moving, twitching slowly.

Ai realized that one of his members arrived at the wrong time, "Oh, it looks like you found me." While his magic ring slowly sucks the dead body. To him, he knew that he displayed a great scene to make sure the dog keeps quite.

'And finally, the others arrived.'

"What the hell happened here?!"