Around the same late hour, inside the Valley of Order temple's main hall. A row of hanging blue flames lit the large stone room in an ominous glow. At the focal point, a green-eyed man sat on a throne with purple hair that reached his goatee, alongside a pointed nose, while he expressed an intimidating gaze. A short-haired, sharply edged, bronze child with wide golden eyes stood silently below, as he awaited Lee to speak. Being summoned out of the blue, Zeke still figured this had something to do with the Immortal System's recent task given.
He hadn't seen Reaper Lee in person since Den Mother Elizabeth's execution. Given the displeasure, Zeke was finally afforded a chance to size up Lee with his recently acquired item. He pulled up his status window while using the scouter on Lee, comparing their stats.
[Scout]
Allias: (Ryu Lee) -- Mana (N/A) -- Qi (34,500/34,500) —Sword Force (N/A) — Power Level (84,438)—Health (68,888/68,888)
Title: (Stage 4 Disciple)
[Status Window]
Mana (4,575/4,575) -- Qi (15,250/15,250) —Sword Force (N/A) — Power Level (63,536)— Health (32,000/32,000)
Title: (Blood Physique) (Venomous Physique) (1st Circle Mage) (Stage 3 Disciple)
Even though the side-by-side comparison greatly favored Lee, Zeke wasn't surprised or disheartened by this glaring fact. On the contrary, he couldn't help but be impressed with the personal growth he achieved in less than a year since transmigrating into this world. In his previous life, someone reaching the Stage of 3 by the age of ten was an unprecedented accomplishment. However, he knew not to get too big a head when death was always just around the corner for him, especially in the early stages of development.
Looking over his list of titles, Zeke reflected on his newfound Venomous Physique, a blessing he received after the events of trial one. Once he gained the opportunity to be alone, Zeke used Demon's Breath on Fox and No. 444's deceased body, harboring the intention to break through onto Stage 3 Disciple. To his shock, not only did he ascend to the next Stage, but thanks to his Blood physique's hidden constitution, Zeke was also able to extract No.444's rare Venomous Physique as well.
" I see that your group ranks amongst the bottom currently. Care to explain?"
Lee finally voiced, regaining Zeke's attention.
" It's still early, Master Lee."
Zeke gave a brief response as Lee intently observed his every subtle move and reaction.
" Agreed, however, I can't help but wonder if your past sentimental nature has truly vanished like you once swore. Or did you so quickly forget? Seeing that you are still so tightly attached to your den siblings' hips."
" There is no need for concern, the connection we share is more for convenience's sake than anything else. I believe my past and future actions will prove my resolve better than words could ever convey."
Zeke said downplaying his relationship with Liz and Kenshin. Listening on, Lee wasn't fully convinced by his word, having one last inquiry on the matter that concerned him and 00.
" Hmm, Is that so? Well, there remains one more question before we get to the crux of your visit... By any ill-advised chance in that small head of yours, do you still hold resentment towards me?"
" I'm in no position to waste my time on unfulfilled grudges when walking the treacherous path of life as an assassin and a cultivator. The fact remains that only the strong will survive while striving in this world."
He answered without hesitation, believing wholeheartedly in his world's view/philosophy. Zeke knew through experience that any notion of revenge would have to wait until he became much stronger.
" Good answer..."
Lee smirked as a sudden, sharp attack flew in from Zeke's blindside. Able to react accordingly, Zeke immediately imbued his hand with a blade-like blue Qi, parrying the multiple daggers as he swiftly turned around. In quick succession, another sneak attack came from above, this time from the main culprit. However, Zeke was well aware as he clashed with Kado, shattering his short blade instantly.
" Impossible!"
Kado exclaimed, avoiding Zeke's follow-up strike after his weapon broke. He made a hasty retreat to a safe distance near Lee. Angered and astonished by how his assault was easily countered, Kado took up a fighting stance, ready to pounce once more.
"That's enough, Kado!"
Lee ordered, calling off his hound dog. Kado put aside his wounded pride, disengaging without argument. Meanwhile, Zeke remained composed and unfazed, already noticing that this was just a test, rather than a full-on assault against him.
"Excellent, you passed. Your growth has exceeded my expectations, 00! I take it you weren't too shocked by Kado's actions?"
" Even though the exact reason alludes me. One must be prepared at all times, regardless."
Zeke spoke in a monotone voice as Lee nodded in approval.
"Now, onto the crux of why I called you here tonight. "
...
After some time had passed, explaining the mission at hand, the giant looming doors opened as another black cloaked subordinate guided Zeke off the premises. Soon, the doors slowly closed behind them as Lee and Kado were the only people left who occupied the great hall.
"Thoughts?"
Lee asked Kado, intrigued in hearing a second opinion, about No. 00.
"I know my life experiences pale in comparison to yours, Master, but I've never seen anything like it. That kid is simply a monster...He's already reached the same Stage as I in less than a year."
Kado admitted, begrudgingly through gritted teeth, finally realizing why his Master held the Samus bloodline in such high regard for all these years. Lee then signaled for him to leave as Kado silently disappeared into the shadows. Alone, Lee pondered having doubts about 00 and if such a vaunted double-edged sword was still worth wielding. A man who was supremely confident in his own strength in most instances couldn't help but feel somewhat threatened by someone he once considered a mere pet project. Gradually, the murderous intent unleashed by Lee started to engulf the entire room subconsciously. Lost in thought, the past words of Reaper Ono rang through his head,
'Make sure you keep a tight leash on that precious rising star of yours.'
"Silence!"
Lee yelled, disintegrating the throne he sat on to ash, forcefully quieting the intrusive thoughts that began to fester in his mind. He remained floating in a fierce but subdued glowing red-and-black aura.
' How unsightly of me to second-guess my own absolute order around here. I will continue to use the boy to my whim and benefit. No matter how great the talent, his fate was already decided the moment his family tossed him under my thumb.'
Lee thought to himself with a grin, regaining his resolve to eventually take 00 and mold him as his faithful direct disciple if he successfully retrieved the Angelic Flute alive.
....
Several weeks had passed by since the Three Reapers spoke with Benjiro about this opportune moment. Before today, those officially participating in this highly valued mission were guaranteed a promotion to black rank, along with becoming a disciple upon completion. Being awoken at the crack of dawn, Kenshin, Liz, and Zeke now patiently waited in an undisclosed, isolated location, blindfolded.
Without warning, the blindfolds unraveled as their group, along with several others, stood at the cusp of a large circle that had eccentric shapes, letters, and symbols marked in dried blood as a pile of dead bodies was placed at the center. Zeke quickly recognized this ritualistic display as a teleportation formation called the Devil's Sendoff.
A favorite among well-established demonic path followers, this vile technique needed someone who was at least a Stage 3 to activate the formation from the outside, requiring human sacrifices that matched the number being teleported.
Scanning his environment further, Zeke noticed six young fledglings other than themselves, including No.711, as the three Reapers looked down upon them from a small, extended cliff. Kado suddenly appeared nearby, instructing everybody who was handpicked for this mission to enter the encirclement. Doing as they were told without question, Taki stepped forth from above.
" As you all well know, even though you'll be sent to the heart of enemy territory, failure still will not be tolerated under any circumstances!"
Taki said in a matter-of-fact tone as he took a step back. Seeing that the mood of these fledglings was dimmer than the cave-like structure they occupied. Ono decided to leave them with some departing words of encouragement,
" With that said, the task may be riddled with danger and peril. However, growing up and surviving inside the Hidden Cave of Untold Shadows, you should be well used to the implications of death. So don't be discouraged, let the rewards that await those who succeed motivate you to greater heights and accomplishments, instead."
Ono smiled, lighting the flame for some of those who accompanied Zeke and his group below. Lee decided to hold off on any unnecessary speech as he swiftly ordered Kado to proceed.
Placing his palms on the ground, he mumbled a slew of words while pouring his Qi into the bloody formation. The fresh dead bodies started to decay rapidly. Eventually, a bright crimson light soared to blinding levels as all nine participants vanished instantly.
" Ugh, poor little souls, the chances of them succeeding are practically zero, isn't it?"
Ono spoke with the same smile, making light of the situation, as Taki responded with a scowl,
" Of course, however, their mere presence behind enemy lines alone will be the catalyst that will eventually lead to our overall success."
" I hear you, but what a waste of potential talent. I'm surprised that you volunteered No. 00 for such a suicide mission, Reaper Lee."
Ono asked out of curiosity, as he had recently taken an interest in No. 00 and his alarming growth.
" It's simply really, either he'll live up to my expectations or die trying."
"Tsk, what a foolish thought."
Taki voiced his displeasure as Lee mocked,
" Hmph, mind your own business, Taki. I already know that whatever schemes you have yet to disclose will blow up in your face like always. I predict this time will be no different."
Lee cackled as Taki began to rebut, but was interrupted by Ono as he tried to get everyone on the same page,
" Come on, guys, this is a rare occasion where all our interests must align if we want to avoid the dire consequences that lurk."
Barely paying attention, Lee walked off as Ono followed suit, leaving Taki to calm himself down.
' Just you wait, you egotistical bastard, once I kill two birds with one stone, we'll see who will eventually hold the last laugh!'
....
Meanwhile, atop a peak amongst a cluster of mountains, there lingered a single scout cloaked in black, standing next to the 'Devil's Sendoff' waypoint already set beforehand. Suddenly, a crimson portal seamlessly ripped through space, spitting out Zeke and the rest before it instantly closed behind them. Looking worse for wear, most of the occupants were too disoriented from the instantaneous blur of a trip to appreciate the fresh air and blue sky above. No longer entrapped underground, Zeke stared upward in sheer gratitude, raising his hand high as he soaked in the sun's warm embrace.
" Pinch me, I must be dreaming! I've been fantasizing about finally making it out to the outside world since I was a kid!"
Liz exclaimed, twirling around in a circle as she gazed over the vast horizon and open land below.
"Ouch!"
She shouted as Zeke promptly pinched her,
" You're still just a kid by all accounts, now stop playing around and focus. This isn't a vacation."
Zeke said, quickly raining on her parade. He understood Liz's elation after spending her whole life underground. However, he needed her to maintain a level head for what lay ahead. Of course, his words had the opposite effect, as Liz took exception to always being belittled like she was the younger sibling. Regaining his bearings after being made to throw up, cliffside, among a few others. Kenshin finally stepped in between the two, wrapping his arms around their shoulder,
" Come on. Let's not spoil this monumental moment that allowed us to make it out into the real world together, Zeke. I'm sure we'll be reminded soon enough of the seriousness of our journey that lies in wait."
Kenshin smirked widely as the assassin on location, who was there before they arrived, eventually commanded,
" Line up, fledglings, as I give out your final briefing for this mission!"
"Ugh, speak of the devil..."
Kenshin sighed as all nine of them followed the scout's lead.