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Episode 8: Shadows of Power
Scene: The Confrontation
Ryu and Wang Kai walked briskly down the corridor, trying to avoid further trouble. Ryu's hands trembled slightly, though she gripped Wang Kai's wrist tightly, urging him to keep moving.
Ryu: (muttering) "Let's just get out of here, Wang Kai. It's not worth it."
Wang Kai: (grumbling) "But they insulted us! You can't let them talk to you like that, Ryu."
Before Ryu could respond, the bully leader and his group appeared ahead of them, blocking their path once again.
Bully Leader: (grinning) "Leaving so soon? You haven't even proven why you deserve to be here."
Ryu: (exhaling in frustration) "Look, we don't want to fight. Just let us pass."
Bully Leader: (mockingly) "Don't want to fight? How disappointing. You're in the Academy of Power, girl. If you can't fight, then you're just dead weight."
Wang Kai stepped forward, anger sparking in his eyes.
Wang Kai: (pointing) "Back off, or I'll call Master Ju!"
The bullies burst out laughing.
Bully Leader: "Oh no, the little guard dog is calling for help! I don't have time for weaklings like you."
The leader drew his sword and pointed it at Ryu's chin, the cold metal sending a shiver down her spine.
Bully Leader: "Let's see if you're even worth wasting my time on."
Ryu's eyes narrowed, but she stayed calm, her voice steady.
Ryu: "I'm warning you, move. I don't want to hurt you."
Bully Leader: (smirking) "Hurt me? You? That's a good joke."
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Scene: The Unleashing
The leader lunged forward, his sword aiming for Ryu, but Wang Kai darted in, blocking him with a quick maneuver.
Wang Kai: (yelling) "Ryu, run!"
Ryu stumbled but regained her footing. The fight escalated, with the bullies closing in. Ryu clenched her fists, trying to think of a way out without escalating the situation.
But then, something shifted.
The air around Ryu grew cold, and an eerie black mist began to seep from the ground beneath her. Her eyes widened as she looked at her hands, now trembling uncontrollably.
Ryu: (whispering) "What… is this?"
The mist coiled around her like a living entity, and with a sudden burst, a wave of dark energy erupted, sending everyone flying backward.
The bullies screamed as the black magic engulfed them, leaving behind faint, glowing marks on their skin. Blood trickled down their faces, and they collapsed, trembling in terror.
Wang Kai: (stunned) "Ryu… what did you just do?"
Ryu looked at her hands, horrified. A faint black mark appeared on her waist, glowing briefly before vanishing as if it were never there.
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Scene: The Aftermath
The commotion drew the attention of the entire Academy. Students and masters alike rushed to the scene, their faces pale with fear.
Master Ju arrived, his expression grim as he surveyed the scene.
Master Ju: "What happened here?"
The bullies, now barely conscious, pointed weakly at Ryu.
Bully Leader: (whispering) "It was her… the weakling… she's a monster."
Ryu stood frozen, her mind racing. She didn't remember doing anything, but the evidence was undeniable.
Wang Kai: (stepping forward) "Master, it wasn't her fault! They provoked her!"
Master Ju narrowed his eyes at Ryu, but before he could speak, a deep voice echoed through the courtyard.
???: "Enough."
Everyone turned to see a figure descending from the sky, cloaked in shadows. It was one of the Great Masters, a figure revered and feared by all.
Great Master Li: (sternly) "Disperse. This matter is over for now."
With a wave of his hand, the black mist dissolved, and the injured bullies were lifted away.
Master Ju hesitated but nodded.
Master Ju: (to Ryu and Wang Kai) "We'll discuss this later. Return to your quarters."
Ryu and Wang Kai exchanged nervous glances before hurrying away.
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Scene: The Mystery Deepens
Later that night, Ryu sat alone in her room, staring at her hands.
Ryu: (to herself) "What's happening to me? Why can't I remember?"
As she pulled back her tunic, she saw the faint outline of a glowing mark on her waist. The red pearl's seal pulsed briefly before fading away again.
Ryu: (whispering) "What are you hiding from me?"
The night was silent, but deep within the shadows, unseen eyes watched her, their intent unknown.
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