Chapter 114: Schemes and Challenges
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As the sun set over the Desert Arena, casting the tournament grounds in a reddish glow, murmurs of excitement rippled through the stadium.
The anticipation was palpable, and spectators couldn't help but look to the VIP section, where the noble families watched closely.
In this critical stage, Dabi and his team had proven their strength, but whispers among the nobles hinted at plans to finally bring him down.
In the VIP section, Reniel Vantore sat with a dark expression, his fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest.
He exchanged a look with Marius Hadrian and celestia academy professor Vladimir of the Leontes family.
Reniel was growing more determined to prevent Astral Heaven Academy from winning the tournament.
Losing wasn't an option he'd tolerate.
"We underestimated him," Reniel muttered under his breath, eyeing Dabi's team as they prepared for the next battle.
"That commoner's tenacity is becoming a nuisance."
"Indeed," Marius replied, his voice as smooth as ever.
"But we've planted our agents strategically. We can shift the tides in our favor when the right moment comes."
Vladimir, known for his arrogance and love of spectacle, scoffed.
"Let's see him dodge this next one. A little more subtlety with the interference, Marius, and they won't even realize what hit them."
As they finalized their plans, Lady Althea Illyrian sat nearby, listening intently.
Unlike the others, she observed without participating in the conspiracy, though her disapproving gaze hinted at her disinterest in underhanded tactics.
In the Waiting Area Final Preparations...
Back in the tournament's staging area, Dabi gathered with his team, going over their strategies for the upcoming round.
The team sensed the mounting tension, each member fully aware that the tournament's end was near and that the competition would only get fiercer.
"We've faced unexpected interference before," Dabi began, his voice calm but determined.
"But if they're determined to stop us, we need to be prepared for even more tricks. I don't want anyone dropping their guard."
Zen nodded. "We're with you, Dabi. We've made it this far there's no turning back."
Dabi glanced at Zen and his other teammates, who were fully prepared to face any challenges thrown their way.
"Stay close, work together, and remember our training. As long as we're united, we can handle whatever they throw at us."
The announcer's voice echoed through the arena, interrupting their conversation: "Contestants, please prepare yourselves for the next stage of the tournament!"
Dabi exchanged a confident nod with his team. "Let's finish this."
As they entered the new arena, Dabi immediately sensed something off.
The area was designed like a labyrinth, walls made of stone enchanted with glowing runes that cast an eerie blue light across the passageways.
The labyrinth was meant to test the teams' strategic thinking, forcing them to rely on both offensive and defensive tactics to navigate and survive.
However, Dabi felt an unusual energy in the air. He glanced at Zen.
"Be careful. I think they've altered the arena's enchantments."
Before Zen could respond, the runes on the walls began pulsing, and a loud hum filled the air.
Suddenly, magical barriers appeared out of thin air, separating Dabi and his teammates into individual sections.
"Dabi!" Zen called, pounding on the invisible barrier that now divided them.
"What's going on?"
"It's a trap," Dabi replied, his voice laced with frustration.
He could sense the tampering in the arena's magic, the subtle twists in the enchantments that turned the labyrinth's design against them.
"Stay calm," Dabi shouted, trying to keep his teammates focused.
"This might be an attempt to wear us down. Use your skills to navigate your sections.
I'll try to find a way to break these barriers!"
Separated from his team, Dabi carefully assessed his surroundings.
He knew the interference was intentional, meant to disorient and exhaust them before they reached the main battles.
But he wasn't going to let it succeed.
As he ventured deeper into the labyrinth, a group of rogue challengers appeared in his path, sent by the Gavriel family.
Their leader, a tall man clad in enchanted armor, sneered at Dabi.
"You should've stayed out of this tournament, commoner," he taunted.
"You're stepping where you don't belong."
Dabi summoned Nyx, his void beast, and readied himself. "I'm not here to listen to your lectures. Let's get this over with."
The challengers attacked, their spells bouncing off the walls, creating a series of explosions that lit up the dim labyrinth.
Dabi weaved between their attacks, using Nyx's dark tendrils to shield himself and counter the onslaught.
Nyx moved with precision, blocking each spell and deflecting bursts of energy with minimal effort.
One of the challengers attempted to charge at Dabi from behind, but Nyx, sensing the movement, intercepted with a shadow strike that sent the opponent crashing into the stone wall.
Dabi took advantage of the opening, maneuvering to the leader's blind spot and unleashing a powerful blast of spatial energy.
The leader staggered, visibly shocked by the force of Dabi's attack. But Dabi wasn't done. With a swift motion, he summoned Fen and Whity.
The two spirit pets lunged forward, each coordinating seamlessly with Dabi's attacks, overwhelming the challengers and securing his section of the labyrinth.
Back in the VIP section, Lady Althea watched Dabi's battles with a growing sense of intrigue. Read exclusive content at empire
His command over his abilities and creatures impressed her, especially as he adapted to the ever-changing obstacles within the labyrinth.
"His potential is remarkable," she mused aloud, her gaze sharp.
Another member of the Illyrian family, seated beside her, raised an eyebrow.
"You don't usually pay this much attention to the academy tournaments, Althea. Why the interest?"
She didn't look away from the arena. "There's something different about him.
It's as if he's immune to the usual influences, grounded in a way few competitors are. He may be a commoner, but his resilience is… rare."
Her ally didn't respond but noted her unusual level of interest with silent curiosity.
The Illyrians were known for their aloof nature, rarely involving themselves in the politics of the other noble families.
Yet, Althea's keen focus on Dabi hinted that she saw something in him the others hadn't noticed.
Back in the labyrinth, Dabi managed to reunite with Zen, who had also fought off his challengers.
They navigated the twisting paths together, using their combined skills to break through barriers and neutralize traps.
"Any word from the others?" Zen asked, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Not yet," Dabi replied, scanning the area with his insight skill. "But I trust them. They know how to handle themselves."
As they progressed, Dabi noticed the shifting magic again a subtle attempt to reroute them.
He stopped and placed his hand on one of the enchanted walls, feeling the energy coursing through it.
"They're still trying to manipulate us," he muttered, frustration evident in his tone. "If they think this will make us back down, they're mistaken."
Zen grinned, undeterred. "Then let's prove them wrong."
Using his dimensional powers, Dabi created a small rift in the barrier, allowing them to bypass the magical interference.
They pressed forward, finally reaching the labyrinth's end, where their remaining teammates had also gathered.
"You all made it," Dabi said, relief washing over him.
They regrouped quickly, knowing the next stage was imminent.
Watching Dabi overcome the labyrinth's challenges despite the interference left Reniel visibly tense.
His confidence in their plan was waning, and he turned to Marius Hadrian, eyes narrowed.
"We've given him too much leeway," Reniel growled.
"If he continues like this, he'll humiliate our families in front of the entire city."
Marius nodded, his expression dark. "Then perhaps it's time we take a more direct approach.
We still have allies in the field. They'll ensure the final stages aren't as favorable for him."
Lady Althea overheard their conversation, her expression unreadable.
She observed the underhanded tactics without participating, but it was clear she was not in favor of Reniel's growing desperation.
As Reniel and Marius schemed, she quietly rose from her seat and left the VIP area, her interest in Dabi piqued more than ever.
She wanted to see the tournament's conclusion without the petty interference that was now staining its integrity.
Having cleared the labyrinth, Dabi's team regrouped in the waiting area, their spirits high despite the relentless challenges they'd faced.
Zen leaned against the wall, catching his breath. "If this is the kind of interference they're willing to throw at us, I'd hate to see what they have planned next."
Dabi chuckled, though his expression remained focused.
"Let them do what they want. All we need to do is keep winning."
Zen nodded, We can do it Dabi. Zen tells why don't we go to professor Farek Ferrin ?
Dabi tells we don't have any proofs, let's treat their cheating as a training for our team.
I know it's all Reniel vantore doing. I will deal with him.
The second part of the national tournament is over with that dabi left for home.
His siblings were very excited and wake to talk to dabi, after dabi arrived they rush and talk how they enjoy the tournament.
They want to see more how Fen, whity, and Nyx fights.
Dabi tells ok tomorrow I will show you more. Now go to beds.
Dabi laying on his room think I can train Eli and Mira. With that dabi fall asleep.
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