The Gods' Decree

There was also the #5th ranked Cedra who was quite short and pet.i.te. The last being the #3rd ranked Barthalemu whose arms were weirdly wrapped in brown cloth. All had one thing in common other than being in the same squad, the last name Zaro. They too looked on the board reflecting on their previous conversation about the youth, Sir Mouse.

When being briefed by an informant about his and May"s records they were taken aback for a bit. Seem there was more to the story about these two and based on the reaction of the sect they had known about these geniuses from start.

If they hadn"t, even the grand elder herself would have gone into the forest taking them as disciples. They looked to their leader Jason who eyed the two on top but especially Taf. This was the first time they have ever seen such a look in his eyes.

By his piercing gaze, it was as though there was no one else in the world but this youth. It was the look of someone determined to stamp their dominance upon a rival. They didn"t know that as Jason stared his grandfather"s word ate away at his pride.

As much as he tried to belittle his grandfather and tarnish his character. Deep down it pained him. Once he was the jewel in his grandfather"s eyes. He was groomed from a very early age for extraordinary things when his talent was unraveled. Though he was ten at the time in his mind it was as though it was yesterday.

Beast Amalgamation - 0% Affinity

Devil - 0% Affinity

Elements - 78% Affinity

Spirit - 60% Affinity

When his Spirit affinity was heard on that day it was the first time he had ever seen his grandfather smile. Old Zaro beamed from ear to ear before ruffling the young Jason"s hair. He then proclaimed to all in the clan,

"You have now borne witness to the rise of the Zaro."

There were arousing applause after those words were spoken. It was as though the roof had been lifted above the young Jason"s head. That was the moment he knew his destiny. He was the beacon and symbol of the future of the Zaro clan.

Following his result through the orbs, he became the vehicle used to truly get some foothole over the Arosa clan within the Dark Ablylis Sect these past ten years.

This was all due to the Arosa clan"s current generation being somewhat lacking in comparison to the Zaro. Unofficial he was even prized to be the next sect head of the Dark Abylis Sect which furthered the strength of the Zaro Clan.

Now with the emerge of these two, in particular, the mouse, it threatened all his dreams and aspiration. Even his grandfather seemingly has pegged this child to fulfill what he deemed his. Though it wasn"t stated out aloud it seemed Old Zaro had hopes for this child in the future. Even greater than he at the same age.

"Guess I will just have to show you old Buzzard."

This sentiment echoed in his mind as he looked to the forest.

"Look at that they have quite the marker tally, don"t they? This especially true for the two on top. Will be quite easy to secure a top position with those points."

Athea uttered with a bit of expectance in her voice. Hearing her words the gigantic figure of Davos concurred while adding,

"Yes but after gathering this amount of points I am certain they will hide away until the third day has ended." They all looked to Jason who seemed deep in thought.

"No, do not have any ideas of hindering the two. Let them continue their rise as they amaze the ma.s.ses. In fact, we"ll do everything possible to ensure they finish in the top ten." Jason stated with a smirk catching the others off guard.

Huh!

"Are you serious. Why do you want to protect these two? Inside they are running a mock. Surely there is a need for us to stamp our authority." The 5th ranked Cedra interjected. When has their leader cared about nouris.h.i.+ng young talent?

"Indeed I am. So I forbid anyone from prematurely stirring conflict."

With authority in his voice, Jason then command. He had quickly weaved a plan in motion, a show of might somewhat. He cared not for some hidden battle which would be unseen by all and only reflected on some board.

No! All will see with their own eyes why such comparisons are false and unbecoming. From the old buzzards, the sect head to even the lowly disciples. This will be the first time and last, after which there will be no doubt as to his status.

Seemingly bored with it all the 3rd ranked Barthalemu yawned before interjecting, 

"Ah let"s do as "his majesty" demands. I"m sure you have your reasons." He didn"t even bother to look at Jason. Of the four it seemed he was the one who wasn"t too phased by his stardom. He then continued,

"I"ll go and ensure their s.p.a.ces are secure."

After which Barthalemu made his way off into the forest as the crowds parted ensuring to give him room. He didn"t even wait for a response before disappearing.

Jason seemingly cared not one bit about Bartholemew"s words apparently. On that day his result was known it signified his rise in the clan but the decline of the previous number one genius, Bartholemew his older cousin by six years. Ever since he has been bitter and tried to undermine Jason at every turn. 

Seeing Cedra attempting to go after him Jason beckoned for her to let him go. Though there was insolence in his voice the idea behind it was correct.

"Let"s go and finally join the proceeding." Now he spoke while carrying himself with that carefree demeanor which was his known persona. No longer did he linger on his grandfather"s words.

???????

Sitting on a limb of a towering tree was Taf. In some ways, he had decided to take a break from his rampaging. He was given the mission by the grand elder to be somewhat of a beacon to the disciples.

Showing them that there was a need to work harder and be humble because there would always be a higher mountain. Still there comes a point when instead of inspiring it downright tramples one"s will to continue.

Which countered the goal he sought to accomplish. This for the disciples on the eastern side was quite the relief. In mere hours all knew of his exploits but even then some could not believe the rumors. Yet they still they became mindful not to visit certain areas in order to avoid Sir Mouse.

As time went by however others made their presence felt as the numbers dwindled. Those within the top fifty cared not for rumors but markers as they plundered away.

Soon a Taf felt a presence to his smile. When he turned around to look he saw May with a cheeky smile.

"I"m guessing by that smile you have made quite the gains. How unfortunate it will be soon replaced by a frown," Taf teased.

May cared not for his satire as the sunny smile with hints of innocence still graced her face.

"You hide behind your words but what I truly need to hear is a number, Sir. Should I give you a few more hours? I"m feeling a bit generous on this day." May then mockingly stated evidently confident in her winnings.

"A number you say, huh? Remember I once promised the only time I would ever make you cry is tears of joy, Yet if I were to do as you say I am sure this will conflict with my oath.

Oh, the inner turmoil boing within at this moment." Taf had his hands to his chin where a few loose hairs grew. Yet he acted as though there was a think beard beneath. 

His action however only caused May to laugh. She knew how desperately he long to have a beard yet all that out be seen were two hairs.

"Will you just come out with it, brute? She hurriedly pinched him with her frozen finger as he dodged.

Taf then confidently stated, "Fine.., fine. I did warn you, miss. 26750 marker points."

When hearing his words a look of defeat could be seen on May"s face,

"Wow.., you always seem to surprise me. So many points I don"t know what to say.."

"Was just in the mood to flex my muscles somewhat. So how many thousands did i win by?" Though he recognized the sadness in her voice Taf knew if it was May she would relish the chance of rubbing the defeat in his face.

"Oh, I am sorry I was a bit vague in my wording it seems. I meant I didn"t know which of my favorite meals you were to prepare. Such a conundrum, wait you did ask a question right? I will do the honor of rephrasing it for you.

You sir have lost by only a mere thousand points."

With her words, Taf felt as though cold water had been pouring all over his head. May however was uncaring as she evilly laughed like a true villain in an old tale. It was so sweet for her allowing him to bask in his glory before mercilessly crus.h.i.+ng his spirit.

Unedited Version

To be continued...