CHAPTER 50: SECOND STAGE (2)

The ten minutes countdown was over, with every students staying with their groups.

"It’s time" Caden mumbled as he saw the magic circle beneath their feets shimmered.

The group vanished from their surroundings, their bodies dissolving into a swirling vortex of colors and light.

The air seemed to ripple and distort, as if reality was bending to accommodate their passage.

As the colors cleared, the group reappeared, their forms solidifying on the shores of a remote island.

The island rose up from the sea, it’s green forests and white sandy beaches greeting the group like a welcoming committee.

"This is completely different from before" a student spoke out. And the rest nodded as it was true.

Compared to the island they found themselves in, during the first stage. This island was more beautiful.

The sky above was a brilliant blue, the sun shining down on the group with a warmth that was both comforting and disorienting.

The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the cries of seagulls filled the air, a cacophony that was both chaotic and peaceful.

"Where should we go next?" Another student asked from the group. Everyone’s attention drifted towards Caden.

He’s the group leader after all. It’s his duty to lead the confused group.

But Caden was busy surveying the entirety of the island.

If it was with his ordinary eyes then it would be impossible. But he’s not an ordinary human being after all.

He’s a Dragonman.

[B-Ranked Skill: Dragon’s Vision is active]

Activating his B-Ranked Skill: Dragon’s Vision, Caden could see hundreds of miles into the depths of the mysterious island.

The fact that no demonic variant human has gone to attack them was strange in a way.

Demonic variant humans especially Goblins and Trolls were known to attack any colored human.

It’s not due to discrimination but they feast on the flesh of colored humans after all.

This is why they were given the title ’Demonic’

Caden’s lips curled faintly "So this is why huh?" He mumbled. Beyond the forest trees were hundreds of demonic variant humans hidden.

Goblins and Trolls, they had already detected Caden and his group entering into the island.

But this variant humans were smart enough to lay traps. Using his Dragon’s Vision, he could read their heat signatures.

He knew their numbers, where they had hidden and what they were planning once they stepped into the forest areas of the island.

"Caden, is there an issue?" Prince Hetu decided to break the silence with his question.

Caden slightly tilted his head, he glanced at Prince Hetu "If we step into the forest then we’ll be trapped’’

"There are smart demonic variant humans waiting for us beyond those trees" Caden explained.

Prince Viktor bit his lips in annoyance "Then what should we do about them?" He asked.

"Shouldn’t we just barge in and get rid of them?" Casper Nova asked. Caden shook his head "I could do that but it will alert the other groups that came in here"

"Why do you think I’m hesitating when I could just enter?" Caden asked, his eyes flickered "Do you think I’m scared of them?"

Casper clenched his fist as he stepped back "I’m sorry, I just thought it’s best to just wipe them out" He mumbled.

Sumeri’s arms were folded "If you aren’t scare, why are we hesitating?" She asked.

Caden breathed in deeply "Why I’m hesitating is because beyond the traps they have set"

"Thousands of demonic variant humans are guarding one of the sixteen balls" Caden explained.

Upon hearing this, smiles could be seen written on the faces of every student in the group.

All except Caden. Prince Hetu seeing Caden’s darkened expression knew something was wrong.

"Prince Caden, I know you haven’t said everything. What else do you want to share with us?" Prince Hetu asked.

A lopsided grin appeared on Caden’s lips "Three groups are approaching the ball, all at the same time" Caden answered.

Now, everyone knew why Caden hesitated. There were no rules banning groups from fighting eachother.

They’re just asked to secure a ball for a period of time and there will also be those with intentions to snatch this balls.

Even if they take care of the traps. They needed to preserve their strength for those groups.

Seeing the tension, Prince Kaid spoke "Caden, you’re the leader of this group and we’ll follow your direction"

"What should we do next?" Prince Kaid asked.

Caden took a step forward, "I’ll be going in" Caden spoke, "And I’ll also be facing against every student within those groups"

Juden Creg’s eyebrows furrowed "Aren’t you acting too cocky? Caden Ryder" Juden asked.

Everyone’s attention drifted towards him, he continued "We know you’re strong, we know you have an S-Ranked Innate Skill"

"But there’s a reason why we were asked to move in groups, this monsters are extremely dangerous"

"And again do you think you have the strength to stand against three groups at once?" Juden asked.

"Don’t you think you were just lucky to have survived that assasination attempt?"

There was abrupt silence in the air as they waited to hear what Caden Ryder had to say.

Caden turned, he locked eyes with Juden for a few seconds "Lucky?" He chuckled, "You think I’m lucky to survive an assasination attempt from a Red assasin?" He laughed.

This time, everyone took a step back. No one could predict what Caden Ryder could do at this point.

Caden Ryder calmly approached Juden. Placing his hand on Juden’s shoulder, Juden felt it.

The intense mana unleashed by Caden Ryder.

His Mana Core was exposed. Brimming with a Mana Aptitude of 17%

Seeing this, everyone’s eyes widened in shock. "What the....."

"Wasn’t it a Mana Aptitude of 10% that was reported?"

"How the hell did his Mana Aptitude enter the realm of 17%?"

"Who the hell is this guy?"

Caden smirked at the whispers he listened to. He let go of Juden, turning his back as he left the scene.

Caden spat on the ground "You’re lucky that I’m in a good mood Juden, I would have shown you the reason why I truly was not lucky"

"If you were the one who possessed a Mana Aptitude of 10% and awakened an S-Ranked Innate Skill"

"If that Red Assasin attacked you. You would have died already....."

Taking a step forward, Caden gently unsheathed his graded weapon. Everyone could see the graded marks on his blade.

Prince Hetu’s eyes shone with brilliant light "A 4th graded weapon? It seems King Alex really treasures his son" Prince Hetu mumbled.

The quadruplet were also given graded weapons before they left the Red Crescent Kingdom.

But they all had 2nd graded weapons.

Nothing more than that.

Caden sliced through space with his blade, creating miniature shockwaves with a single slash.

"I’ll be heading in to take care of the traps and take out those demonic variant humans"

"You guys should follow me from behind and stay hidden. Once I secure the ball and I’m attacked"

"You’ll be my support" With that said, Caden vanished into thin air.

He was fast, too fast for them to see as he dashed towards the forest area. Seeing him coming.

One of the Trolls stepped forward in a bid to crush Caden but Caden was nowhere to be seen.

Appearing behind the Troll, Caden’s landing was without sound as he softly exhaled.

"One down.....more to go"

[You’ve slain a Stone Troll]

[You’ve received 2exp]