WebNovels

Chapter 13 - chapter 10 The 3rd traitor

### 🧠 Dong Now Knows the Truth

> 🧿 **Using his Mind Read skill**, Dong confirms it:

The one who helped the 1st Queen poison him in his previous life…

was none other than **Professor Kael Draven**, the Academy's most respected sword teacher.

---

### 📜 What Dong Sees from Kael's Memories:

1. **A secret meeting** late at night with the 1st Queen.

2. **Seven figures** in black robes (including Kael) discussing the plan to destroy Dong before his awakening.

3. Kael handing over a **red cursed vial**—the same poison used to destroy Dong's talent.

4. Kael saying:

> "If the prophecy is true, then this boy will someday surpass gods… he must die young."

---

### ⚠️ Dong's Thoughts:

> "So... it was you.

Even after dying once, your face still hides behind honor.

You want to poison fate? I'll make you drink your own hell."

---

### 🩸 Dong's Plan:

- He doesn't kill Kael *yet*.

- He **lets him live**… to expose him during the **Shattered Realms Tournament**, where the world watches.

- His goal?

> To **humiliate, break, and erase** Kael — not just from life, but from **existence**.

## 🧌 Name: **Kael Draven**

### ⚔️ Title: **Sword Grandmaster of the Academy**

### 🎭 Role: **Secret 3rd traitor** — helped poison Dong in past life

### 🎩 Public Image:

- Respected teacher at the **World Academy**.

- Known as a **legendary swordsman**, capable of defeating SSS-rank monsters.

- Worshipped by students.

- Loved by kings and nobles.

---

### 🩸 Hidden Truth:

- Secretly worked with the **1st Queen** to poison Dong in his past life.

- One of the **seven black-robed conspirators** who feared Dong's future power.

- Delivered the **cursed poison** that sealed Dong's original talent.

- Member of a secret organization known as **"Shadow Creed"** – an ancient group that stops chosen ones from rising.

### 🔍 **Dong's Investigation Plan:**

#### 1. **Mind Read Skill Activation**

Dong uses his **legendary-tier Mind Read** ability during Kael's lecture. He hears:

> "I need to get that bribe from the auction house today... and erase that witness."

Dong confirms **Kael is corrupt** — not just a traitor, but **actively involved in bribery, manipulation, and silencing people**.

---

#### 2. **Void Puppet Spy**

Dong sends the **controlled body of the 1st Queen** (now a puppet from Void Devouring) to infiltrate Kael's secret vault. She discovers:

- Records of illegal transactions with **underground merchants**.

- Poison ingredients similar to what was used on Dong.

- Secret message logs with the 1st Queen before Dong's past death.

- A list of **"Targeted Students"** Kael plans to eliminate.

---

#### 3. **Academy Crime: Manipulating Exams**

Dong finds proof that Kael:

- Took bribes to pass rich noble kids.

- Failed talented poor students on purpose.

- Planted dangerous beasts in student exams to get rid of rivals.

> One such beast almost killed a girl named Elvia from the **Moonlight Continent**. She becomes Dong's secret ally.

---

#### 4. **Dong's Trap: Public Exposure Plan**

Dong secretly records all Kael's crimes using **telekinetic micro-crystals** placed in his office. During a huge Academy event, Dong:

- Projects the recordings on giant screens using Academy's magic tech.

- Reveals the list of murdered students.

- Shows Kael's role in the 1st Queen's poison plot.

> "This man who teaches us... has blood on his hands."

### 🔥 Scene: Dong Meets the Principal

**Location:** Principal's tower — a towering building surrounded by ancient magic barriers. Only students with **urgent matters** are allowed entry.

---

### 🗨️ Dong's Dialogue (Serious tone)

> *"Principal, I came not as your student… but as someone who survived betrayal once."*

> *"This time, I won't let the traitors hide under your roof."*

Dong places a glowing **magic crystal recorder** on the table. It begins projecting:

- Kael accepting **poison ingredients**.

- A secret conversation between **Kael and the 1st Queen**:

> *"The poison will work. That boy will die, and your son takes the throne."*

- Academy logs showing Kael **failing honest students** for bribes.

---

### 😮 Principal's Reaction:

The principal watches in cold silence, his fingers twitching. Then he speaks:

> *"You have brought evidence that even a king would fear."*

> *"Kael… was once my best student. If this is true, he will pay for every drop of poison and every corrupted scroll."*

---

### ⚖️ Principal's Decision:

- Orders **Kael's immediate arrest and confinement**.

- Forms an **Emergency Tribunal** of top Academy elders.

- Says:

> *"If Kael resists, he will face trial by combat."*

### 🎭 Scene: Death Judgment Turned Duel

**Principal (after seeing the proof):**

> "Kael is guilty of treason, corruption, and attempted murder of royalty. The punishment is death."

**Dong (calmly stands up):**

> "Wait… I don't want his blood from your order."

> "If I kill him, the world will know the weight of betrayal."

> "If he defeats me… then let him live. One exception."

The hall goes silent. Even the vice principal is stunned. A student dares to challenge the verdict. But he is **Dong**.

---

### ⚔️ The Duel is Set:

**Arena:** Special combat stage blessed by 12 elemental guardians. Shielded from destruction, but damage will be recorded worldwide.

- Audience: Students, teachers, big-shot kings.

- Even some *Hero Party* members watching silently.

**Principal announces:**

> "A battle of life and death. No interference. Only one walks out."

---

### 💀 Kael's Rage:

Kael, knowing he's cornered, unleashes his **Forbidden Bloodline Art**:

> 🩸 *"Curse of the Red Fox"* – gains illusion, speed, and shadow clones.

> 🗡️ He also uses a blade made from **demon king fang**.

---

### 🧠 Dong's Strategy:

- Uses **Mind Read** to predict every clone movement.

- Activates **Telekinesis** to control shards around the battlefield.

- Mixes in **Void Shadow Steps** to disappear and reappear in deadly positions.

### 🌍 Rumors That Shook the Academy & World

- **"Did you hear? That Dong kid challenged Kael's death sentence and made it a duel instead!"**

- **"Is he crazy? No one ever challenges a death penalty—he's doing it like it's a game!"**

- **"They say Dong has the power of an ancient ice dragon AND void manipulation!"**

- **"Kael used forbidden techniques! But Dong didn't even flinch!"**

- **"The way Dong said, 'If I kill him, the world will know the price of betrayal'—chills!"**

- **"Is he really just 14?"**

- **"Some say even the principal hesitated when he saw Dong's power..."**

---

### 📰 Headline-style for fun:

- **"Royal Prodigy Turns Death Sentence into Death Duel – Dong vs Kael Rocks the Academy!"**

- **"Void Power Unleashed: 14-Year-Old Freezes Corrupt Elite in One Move"**

- **"Fear or Respect? The Boy Who Made the World Watch"**

### 📍 Location: Ancient Arena – Floating above the Academy

A huge crowd gathers. The principal, teachers, students, and even some of the **continent kings** are watching. This isn't just a fight—it's a **message to the world**.

The floating arena hums with energy. Magic barriers surround it, glowing with gold and silver runes.

---

### 🎙️ Principal Announces:

> "Let this be the battle of judgment. Dong vs Kael. A life for a life. Begin!"

---

### ⚔️ ROUND 1 – Kael's Opening Rage

Kael screams:

> "I'll crush you, demon!"

- **Skill Activated**: 🔥 *Flame Serpent Fang Slash*

A giant burning serpent blade slashes toward Dong, creating a **heatwave** across the arena.

- **Second Skill**: 🌫️ *Shadow Split Clone Art*

12 Kaels appear at once, dashing in all directions.

But—

### 🧊 Dong doesn't even move.

> "Too slow."

Dong **uses Telekinesis**, catches the real Kael mid-air and slams him into the ground.

### ⚔️ ROUND 2 (Continued) – Dong Takes Control

Kael gets up, bruised but still defiant.

> "You think you've won already?! I'm not done!!"

Dong narrows his eyes, voice cold:

> "You should've stayed quiet when you poisoned the royal blood."

---

### ❄️ Dong uses **Ice Crystals Meteors**!

❄️ Four **gigantic mountain-sized ice meteors** fall from the sky like divine judgment.

- **BOOM!**

The sky splits. The magical barrier nearly cracks.

Kael tries to dodge and defend, but he's **too slow**.

💥 He's hit hard. Blood spills. His armor cracks. His sword melts from the shockwave.

Crowd gasps. Some students fall to their knees from the pressure.

---

### 🔥 But Dong isn't finished...

Dong walks forward slowly. The air around him heats unnaturally.

> "Let me show you what real suffering tastes like…"

---

### 🔥 New Skill: **Domain of Fire – Crimson Hell** 🔥

A blazing domain erupts, covering the entire arena in red-hot flames.

Inside this domain, **fire obeys Dong** like a servant.

Kael screams as his body is scorched from the inside out.

His legs buckle. His skin blisters. **He can barely breathe**.

> "ARGHHH! STOP!! STOP IT!!"

Dong:

> "No mercy for traitors."

---

Kael collapses. Charred, burned, broken.

The crowd is silent.

Even the principal looks shaken.

🔥 **Kael's Last Desperation – Poison King's Wrath** ☠️

As Kael lies broken, coughing blood, he suddenly **grits his teeth** and **forces himself to stand**—shaking, eyes burning with fury and despair.

> "If I'm going to die anyway… I'll take something with me!!"

His body begins to **emit a sickly green aura**, and a strange **black crown-like poison symbol** appears above his head.

---

### 🩸 Skill: **Poison of the Poisoned King** ☠️

**Type:** Forbidden Curse

**Effect:** A legendary poison crafted using the *actual blood* of the ancient Poisoned King.

Whoever inhales or is touched by it experiences:

- **Rapid cell decay**

- **Mind hallucinations**

- **Body paralysis**

- **Undetectable by normal healing magic**

💀 **Even SSS-rank healers can't cure it unless they're poison-type masters.**

---

### 😱 Kael shouts:

> "DONG! THIS IS MY GIFT TO YOU!!! POISON OF THE POISONED KING!!!"

He slams his hands into the ground.

A massive **green explosion** of toxic fog erupts.

Everything within **50 meters** is consumed in seconds.

Even **barriers start corroding.**

Students scream and evacuate.

The Principal raises a magic wall instantly.

---

But inside the fog... only one figure stands.

### 🩸 **Skill Name:** Poison of the Poisoned King

**Rank:** 🔱 **SSSA Rank** *(Ultra Forbidden Tier)*

**Type:** Curse / Poison / Forbidden Magic

**Origin:** Created using the **actual blood of the Poisoned King**, an ancient EX-tier poison elemental monarch.

---

### ☠️ **Skill Effects**:

- **Instant Body Rot:** Target's cells begin to rot even if hit for a second.

- **Mental Corruption:** The mind is flooded with horrifying hallucinations and despair.

- **Magical Corrosion:** Dissolves magical barriers and seals under SSS rank.

- **Poison Mark:** Leaves an eternal poison mark that weakens healing received by 90%.

- **Area Effect:** Covers a 50-meter radius with undying poison fog. Lingers for 3 hours unless sealed.

### ⚔️ Scene Breakdown:

- **Dong's half-body was melted**, his flesh rotting, bones exposed.

- Yet within the toxic fog, Dong silently activated his **immortality**—his body rapidly regenerating, limbs reforming as the poison tried to destroy him.

- **Kael smirked**, thinking he had won—until he saw a bright glow.

> "☀️ **Fireball of the Sun** ☀️"

A **miniature sun** formed in Dong's hand and exploded with wrath.

**The entire arena turned to molten glass.**

Even the **poison fog vaporized**.

---

### 😤 Dong dropped to his knees, panting, but eyes full of unshaken pride:

> "You were a worthy fighter, Kael… but if you hadn't interfered in **my family's darkness**…

> …you could've lived."

Kael lay on the ground, face burnt, body poisoned and melted. His **last tear fell**, but he **smiled**, as if accepting fate.

---

### 📣 The Principal stands and announces:

> "**Kael is defeated. Dong… is the undisputed winner.**"

Now the entire academy, the world, and even the **heroes** watching from afar...

👉 **finally understand: Dong isn't just powerful—he's terrifying.**

🌌 **[Scene: Secret Chamber Beneath Academy Grounds – Nightfall]**

The air is heavy. Magical barriers shimmer across the walls, ensuring **no sound escapes**. Deep underground, **Rei**, **Celestia**, **Kaiden**, and **Isha** sit at a round crystal table. Their faces are grim.

---

### 👑 Rei (bandaged, still recovering):

> "We were too late to see it before… Dong isn't just strong…

> He's a walking calamity."

---

### 💫 Celestia (clutching her staff, eyes glowing faintly):

> "That Fireball of the Sun melted reality… Even Kael's poison couldn't stop him.

> He's evolving too fast. At this rate—he may surpass the gods."

---

### 🧠 Kaiden (the strategist):

> "It's not just about strength. He's **strategic**. He knew when to use his immortality.

> He let Kael believe he had won—just to **crush his spirit.** That's terrifying."

---

### 🔥 Isha (angry and worried):

> "Why did he say *'you could've lived if you stayed out of my family's darkness'*?

> What is he hiding?"

---

### 💥 Rei clenches his fists:

> "He's hiding something... and we need answers. But one thing's clear—

> **If Dong loses control... the world won't survive.**"

Silence fills the room.

Then—**Rei stands**.

---

### 🌠 Rei:

> "I'll train. We all will.

> We must grow stronger. Because when the time comes…

> **We might be the only ones who can stop Dong.**"

### ⚠️ Scene: After Kael's Battle – Mental Damage Awakens

Dong may have won physically, but… something snapped deep inside.

**Narrator:**

> *He stood tall, but inside his mind—something shattered. The "Poison of the Poisoned King" wasn't just physical… it also had a hidden mental curse. It attacked his soul silently.*

---

### 🧠 Symptoms Begin

That night in his room:

- **Dong suddenly hears voices.**

- **He sees illusions of his past life—his death, betrayals, burning pain.**

- **He screams in silence.**

---

### 💥 Visual Description

> *A black void forms in his mind. A younger version of Dong, bloodied and betrayed, stands there screaming:*

> "They *burned* us alive! Why are you still trying to forgive? DESTROY THEM ALL!"

> *The real Dong falls to his knees, holding his head, trying to stay conscious.

### 🌙 **Scene: Midnight – Mira Notices First**

Mira quietly enters Dong's room to bring him healing tea…

> *"Dong, you awake?" she whispers…*

>

> *She stops. The room feels cold—unnaturally cold. A swirling black aura covers Dong's head. He's trembling in sleep, gripping the bedsheet tightly, whispering:*

>

> *"No… don't burn me again… not again…"*

Suddenly:

> ❄️ *A pulse of VOID energy explodes from his body. Mira gets thrown against the wall.*

She realizes:

> "This isn't just injury… something is attacking his **mind**."

---

### 🌸 **Next Morning – Kira Arrives**

Kira sees Mira sitting beside Dong, eyes red.

> **Kira:** "What happened?"

>

> **Mira:** "He's not sleeping. He's suffering… and hiding it."

Kira uses the pill Dong gave him earlier to **boost his senses**, and he puts his hand on Dong's forehead.

> A wave of **darkness**, **memories**, and a second voice screams:

>

> *"GET OUT, YOU WEAKLING!"*

Kira gets thrown back—but now **he understands**.

Dong has a **second soul**—a broken, angry version of himself.

---

### 🔥 **They Make a Vow**

Mira and Kira both swear:

> *"We won't let Dong get consumed. We'll protect him—even from himself."*

They plan:

- Help Dong regain mental balance

- Search for a **Soul Healer** or **Ancient Mind Pill**

- Never let anyone else know… not even the academy

## 📜 Scene Idea: The Ring of Lunar Mind

Let's build this moment:

---

**Scene Title**: *The Twin Rings of Resolve*

The king calls Mira and Kira into a secret chamber beneath the palace — glowing with runes.

He hands them **two identical rings**, forged by an ancient mind mage:

- Name: **Lunar Mind Ring**

- Effect: **+60% boost to mental power and recovery speed**

- Hidden passive: **Links emotion with wearer** (Dong will feel their calm if they stay close)

> "Only you two can reach him now," the king says.

> "Dong's power is feared, but what use is power… if your mind shatters?"

Mira and Kira travel all night, finding Dong in a silent, broken state, whispering old memories.

Kira kneels, places the ring on Dong's finger. Mira silently holds his hand.

**The effect activates**:

💥 A silver aura glows from Dong's forehead

🧠 His chaotic mind begins stabilizing

💫 The whispers fade

🔥 His aura reignites — but now, more controlled

Dong wakes up slowly.

**"You came…"** he says weakly.

Mira: "Always."

### 👑 **Scene: "Farewell from the Shadows"**

One month passed since Dong's recovery.

The academy halls were now quiet. Dong had returned to his cold routine — training, hunting, and investigating traitors. But something… felt missing.

One morning, Dong was summoned by the principal.

**Principal (serious tone):**

"The royal family has sent orders. Mira and Kira are to return immediately."

Dong's eyes didn't react, but a subtle silence fell around him. He gave a slight nod.

---

### 🛡️ **Outside the Academy Gate**

Kira and Mira stood in formal clothes. Their expressions were calm—but their eyes held a storm.

**Kira (whispering):**

"You won't say anything?"

Dong looked at her.

**Dong (softly):**

"You already know what I'd say."

**Mira:**

"We were sent to help you recover, not to stay. That's our duty…"

**Dong:**

"I don't need help. I need people I can trust."

Kira's eyes widened slightly. That… was almost a confession.

**Kira (smiling, teary):**

"Then don't forget us. Next time we meet… we won't be weak."

**Mira:**

"And next time… you won't be alone."

### 🚪 **Scene: "The Last Words"**

Just as Mira and Kira were about to leave, Dong took a step forward—his voice low, calm, and carrying the weight of a storm.

**Dong:**

"...Meet you again. Bye."

Kira turned sharply, her eyes wide with emotion.

Mira stopped, glanced back with a knowing smile.

Neither of them expected those words. For someone like Dong, even that simple goodbye held more meaning than a thousand promises.

**Kira (softly, smiling through tears):**

"Then… don't you dare forget us."

**Mira (calm but warm):**

"We'll be stronger when we meet again."

The carriage door closed.

Dong turned his back as the wheels rolled forward, cloak swaying, gaze fixed on the horizon.

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