The Phantom Riser

CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT - HUNTED (2)

Kiro and his team moved to the starting point of the tests. The system had provided a map that would direct them there. Since different districts were to meet, a central meeting point was chosen. Districts are scattered all over the world. Currently, there are a total of five hundred and seventy districts. Districts make up zones. And there was a total of ten zones spread across the earth. Kiro’s zone was Zone 4, and his district which used to be known as Grimsley town was District 198. Districts were headed by test administrators. They were responsible for tests involving Risers of their districts. Each zone was currently hosting tests for those lower below the top ten. However, for the joint test, it was hosted by Representatives of the Eight. And the one in charge of Zone 4 was Azak; the one who announced on the first day of the apocalypse; Blaze’s Representative.

***

Noah was in his control room getting ready for the next test when Azak walked in. He sprang to his feet as soon as he noticed Azak’s presence. The last time they met, Noah was extremely rude to him. Azak was his superior but not in his district. But now, Azak was his Zonal head. His superior once more. Somehow, it looked like Azak might have arranged it himself just to get under his skin. Azak gestured for him to be at ease. He was there for a friendly visit. “How’s my favorite Knight doing? I hear there were a couple of scandals in your district?” Azak said. He had a warm smile on his face, the exact opposite to Noah’s perpetual frown.

Noah straightened up even more. Azak might say otherwise, but the tension in his presence was immense. A tap on his shoulder from Azak calmed him down a bit. He offered Azak a seat. “Well, everything is still in order,” Noah said.

“I wasn’t talking about the tests. I was talking about you. How have you been?” he asked once more. Noah heaved a sigh of relief.

“Tensed. I’ve had to deal with a lot of reports and complaints. No thanks to you. Remi showing up probably helped. Or maybe it made things worse? I’m not sure really. But I’ve had my hands full with these Risers,” Noah said honestly. He looked a lot calmer than he did earlier.

“The Phantom Riser? It’s to be expected. Surprising how he is drawing more attention to himself than even the Ascient,” Azak said. He noticed the unease in Noah’s eyes. His gaze was deemed a bit. “You struck a deal with him, didn’t you?” he asked. Noah’s silence was all the response he needed. He chuckled upon seeing his honest expression. “You know he’s not worth the trouble, right? I want you to join me. Become a High Knight as well. The Battle of Lost Souls is the perfect opportunity. I don’t want you losing that chance because you chose a troublesome set of Risers,” Azak added. But he could tell that Noah already thought about all he had just said. It would have been surprising if he hadn’t.

“I’m aware, sir. But they have a certain type of tenacity that I admire. Besides, the Phantom Riser intrigues me,” Noah said. It was not so much of a rare feat, but the excitement in Noah’s eyes took Azak by surprise. If it wasn’t for it, he would have dragged the argument a bit longer. But he could see that it was going to take more than mere words to convince him. The fact that he witnessed everything that had happened but was still dead-set on partnering up with them was enough. In reality, they had enough power to survive any ordeal. Well, ordeals at their level. But that was the problem. Just as they have already done, they would keep attracting trouble that way above their level. And for how long would they can stay afloat?

“Well, enough of that. A few districts got completely wiped out in our Zone. But that is not enough. I want smaller numbers as quickly as possible,” Azak said. Noah gaped at him for a while. He was used to Azak’s antics already, so he wasn’t surprised. But still, the way he could say those things was still something he could never get used to.

“We’re down by half our original number,” Noah added. He knew it was futile to try to convince Azak, but he gave it a shot nonetheless.

“You know how I am with these things. I would prefer to graduate one or two Risers. From your district, maybe the Ascient and the Necromancer,” Azak said.

Noah wasn’t surprised that he failed to mention Kiro. He posed a threat to their leader. Enough for him to have sent an assassin after him. It was only natural that he wouldn’t want him to survive. But he still decided to ask nonetheless. “What about the Ascient? Isn’t he promising enough?” Noah asked.

Azak was silent for a bit. “It’s not that. In fact, the only one who rivals him in sheer potential is the Ascient. He is that good. But he won’t survive much longer, so there’s no reason to call him,” Azak said.

Noah was a bit surprised by that statement. He knew Kiro was a target but maybe he was taking it a bit too lightly. “And why would that be… sir,” he said. He had to remind himself that he was speaking with his superior.

“Simple. He’s been marked for death by the Eight. You’re as good as dead once you get marked. So, I suggest you start looking for an alternative. Perhaps the Riser you are sponsoring?” Azak said, but Noah said nothing. He bit his finger. He knew now exactly how precarious the situation was. And he had his suspicions as to whether Kiro was aware as well. The Death Mark was the highest kill order there was. It could only be placed on a target by a member of the Eight. Although he wasn’t sure which member would want Kiro dead, he was at least sure that Remi was on his side. But there was little she could do if she was alone in the matter. Her last interference was probably her last. And it was because of the rules that were broken that she was able to interfere. But without such a leeway, Kiro and his team were alone. Despite being exposed to the full wrath of the Eight, Noah still believed that if anyone could pull through, it was Kiro.