The Phantom Riser

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR - A MOMENT’S REST

Noah watched the Risers through his control room. The only group that was not within his view was Kiro’s group. This was mainly due to Remi’s interference. But not like he was concerned so much about it. In fact, he preferred it that way. Anything that would warrant a member of the Eight to come personally only spelled trouble. And trouble from one of the Eight was the last thing any living creature needed. There could never be a happy ending to it. And yet again, the center of attraction was the Phantom Riser. Noah began to have serious doubts as to whether he still wanted to work with him. Kiro was sure to attract a lot of attention himself. The Ascient on his own too was another attention magnet. And now that a member of the Eight had to step in, whatever it is that they were involved in was bigger than what even he could handle. But, with them, he could achieve his life-long goal. But other Risers could also do the same too right?

Amidst his raging thoughts, Revik walked in with an annoyed Jovak. He was still annoyed at the outcome of the test, especially since he only made a third place on the rankings in their district. Noah kept a blank face even though he could see Jovak’s frustration. “You did a good job there,” Noah said. Revik found himself somewhere to sit at one of the corners.

“You better uphold your end of the deal. I didn’t hold back on those three only for you to change your mind. And now I’m only number three so I need my sacrifice to be worth it,” Jovak said.

“I told you to just push them a little. Force them to grow. You went a little overboard don’t you think?” Noah asked.

Jovak tried to avoid Noah’s intense gaze by drifting his gaze away. But in the end, he had to answer his question. “Well, they were a lot tougher than I thought they would be,” Jovak said, rolling his eyes. “Besides, they had a much bigger problem to deal with in the end. Somehow, I got myself involved as well. All in all, it ended well.”

“I guess you could say that.”

“But still, why do you want them so much? I’m currently stronger than the Ascient. And if you take away that freakish power that the Phantom Riser displayed, I’m stronger than him too. So, why aren’t you coming for my group? Why them?” Jovak asked. It was one thing that had bugged him for a long time. He was powerful. More powerful than almost every Riser in existence. So, why wasn’t he still good enough? What did he have to do to be put on the same footing with those geniuses? They didn’t try as hard as he did, but even he could tell that in the later future, they were sure to be more powerful than he was. And that truth frustrated him.

“Do you think your group would have survived an attack from you?” Noah asked. Jovak was a little confused at first, but he understood later what Noah was getting at. “Or an attack from a Ranger? They have something that I am looking for. Something that your team hasn’t achieved yet. But get me wrong. This doesn’t mean I don’t have high hopes for you. I am your sponsor after all. So, I look forward to your growth as well,” Noah said in hopes that it might motivate Jovak. But he already knew that much. He simply nodded and left.

“Aren’t you a little hard on him? The kid’s giving his all, you know,” Revik said. He wasn’t so interested in their conversation nor Jovak himself but he couldn’t deny his effort.

“There’s not enough time to be soft with him. I need him ready as quickly as possible,” Noah replied.

“You may already know this, but I’ve seen them up close. That group cannot be split. They have a special bond that---”

“The beast girl can be replaced. I intend to replace her with Jovak. The three of them will make the most powerful Riser team.”

Revik sighed and upped to leave. “I’m just saying, if you want the group, you need the girl. She’s pivotal if you want to win them over. I’ve seen what happens when you try to touch her. I’m sure you did too. Besides, there’s something about her that scares me a little,” he said on his way out.

***

Remi and Kiro finally exited the energy cocoon. Whatever it was that the others were discussing in their absence, they quickly put it aside. “It was nice meeting you all, regardless of how short the time was. I hope the next we meet, it’s under better circumstances,” Remi said. In a way, it felt like a mother leaving her children. She was excited to see how far they grow. “Take advantage of this resting period. The road after this is long. You should hear the rest from Kiro,” she said. And after that came the goodbye. Well, without hugs and all the emotions, but they were all grateful for her help. And mostly honored too. Very few people have spoken to a member of the Eight before, much less be in the same room. It was a moment none of them could ever forget even if they wanted to.

“So, Kiro, what next?” Theodore asked. Finally, the pressure he felt from Remi was gone with her and he could speak freely again.

“What next? Are you serious? Didn’t you hear what Remi said? Or did you think she was being nice? The upcoming events are crazy as well and even more crazy for those who make the top ten. And we did.”

“Well, you’re the reason we made it that high. Besides, if that’s the case, then we really should start planning now.”

“Rest bro, rest. In due time, we’ll think something out. But we really need to rest. I really need to.”

“You do know that you slept for quite some time now, right?” Victor said.

“Passing out and sleeping are two different things. I’m going to sleep now.”

“Kiro!”

“Sleep!!!”