Conquerors Will 

Jahad stirred awake to Ron shaking his shoulder, while Jayce was already up, grinning widely. A dull throb pulsed in his head, making him feel queasy, the fatigue settling heavily upon him as he rubbed the sleep from his sticky eyes. He had only slept for a couple of hours. He saw Jayce training with Lepic, moving with a newfound swiftness, delivering strikes infused with a fierce intensity. Each blow sent sparks flying from his knuckles, illuminating the air with a fiery glow. Lepic responded with graceful, fluid parries, effortlessly redirecting the force of each impact, rendering them harmless as they danced around each other. Lines of sweat dribbled down Jayces forehead as they came to a halt, although he had not landed any clean blows he could see the immense improvement already. He strutted to Jahad and Ron, face brimming with excitement and joy he smashed his fist into his palm."I think I'm ready to take you on" he said jokingly looking at Jahad who returned a small snicker. Lepic's stern voice cut into the conversation "Jahad, if you're gonna spar don't use your ability, we dont know its lethality yet". He nodded, Jahad knew it would be dumb and dangerous to test out his newfound ability in a spar.

Jayce eyed up Jahad, feeling a surge of energy coursing through him, as if his very soul had been set ablaze. Jahad was known for his quickness, taking pride in his speed and precision, while Jayce relied on sheer brute force. His lack of speed was compensated by his raw power; however, the recent unveiling had granted him a surge in both speed and strength, even without any real mastery. Lepic stood by the campfire, his clock in hand as he meticulously stamped out the last flickering embers. Ron had his hand raised. The sun blazed down mercilessly on the two boys, its brightness almost overwhelming, while lively birds chirped around them, only to suddenly fall silent as if time itself had paused.

Ron's hand swept in a downwards motion, both boys bolted towards each other, closing the distance. Jayce needed to overwhelm Jahad before he could land his pinpoint blows. As soon as he reached striking distance, a feint jab snaked out causing Jahad to dip his head slightly allowing Jayce to shoot up an uppercut, the uppercut skimmed his face, the fiery impact singing his nose hairs as he pivoted back to prevent Jayce from wading in however when Jayce threw the uppercut he stepped forward , closing the distance more than Jahad thought. Seizing the opportunity, Jayce threw an onslaught of punches most nullified by Jahads quick reflexes.

Jahad knew he was in a precarious situation. Jayce unleashed a flurry of unpredictable punches, each one coming from bizarre angles aimed at breaking through his defense. Jahad maintained a high guard, dipping and dodging to minimize the impacts that did land, but welts and bruises were already forming on his forearms. He was biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to counterattack. Just one misstep from Jayce could give him the opening he needed.

As Jayce threw another feint he extended his left arm to hook Jahad, Jahad ducked underneath and retaliated with a devastating overhand punch that connected solidly with Jayce's chin, causing him to stumble backward. The sudden force of Jahad's counterpunch left Jayce dazed for a moment, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. But before he could regain his composure, the distance was just right for Jahad to launch a brutal kick that landed squarely in Jayce's kidneys. However, something felt off. 

Instead of the expected squishy impact, it felt like he had kicked a steel beam. Realization dawned on Jahad: Jayce had reinforced his body with fiery mana. Looking up, Jahad saw Jayce smirking, a hint of blood on his lips as he ensnared Jahad's leg under his armpit, locking it in place before lifting him effortlessly and slamming him down. The impact reverberated through Jahad's entire being, sending shockwaves up his spine and into his head. In that moment, he understood—Jayce's strength was truly unmatched.

Jayce lifted him again, Jahad slammed his elbow into his forehead causing a gnash to form atop his eyebrow, he shook his head before tightening his arm readying to slam him again. Jahad could feel his fight or flight senses kicking, he needed to deny it, he knew that there was an off chance that the black wisps would form, they depended on his state being, it felt like he was reaching his mental limit, Jayce was handing his ass to him. Ron boot planted into him before he could do it, sending them both sprawling tangled into each other. They groaned in unison, "lets not get ahead of ourselves, gotta be back in one shape for a mission"

Arms around each other, the two waddled to the carriage luggage. The vitality crystals that Ron and Lepic used were only for serious injuries, considered to be rare; instead the two opted for glass vials called Vestra Vials often called VV, a glossy, thick scarlet substance, cheap to make but only available to Zephyrs district of the underground. They popped the cork off of a small vial containing the liquid and applied the ointment to their bruises and cuts, it was unfathomable still to Jahad how fast it worked, only a mark was left above Jayces eyebrow and even then, that would heal over time. Before they would depart. Lepic walked to Jahad mysteriously , Jahad looked up to the graceful figure, blonde strands dangling across his forehead, he asked "Jahad, use your ability on me". Taken aback by the request he looked at him stunned but did as he was told, it was his funeral not mine Jahad thought to himself. He activated his adrenaline, the sudden surge caused a whirlwind of emotions to spark, the ones he felt at death's door exploded allowing him to flick on the black wisps. They danced on his fingertips and he looked at Lepic "you sure" he said, hesitation painted. Lepic nodded. 

Jahad grabbed onto his arm the black wisps spiralled around it and tried digging into him but recoiled away from him, dying out like an ember. Ron and Jayce burst out laughing, howling and slapping his knee Ron said "no way I nearly smashed your head in over that". Jahad flicked him off, confused , he tried it again and the same thing happened, the wisps just died out, unable to bury into Lepic. Each time Jahad did this, Ron and Jayce howled with even more laughter, it irked Jahad but he felt as if it came out of a place of relief rather than malice. He was still him. Lepic hummed thoughtfully,he finally said "it seems you need to meet some requirements before you can use your cursed art, but that's weird, that priest was higher class then you". He took out his stopwatch delicately and peered at it before saying "we will try and figure it out later, in the meantime we're burning daylight let's move". 

 The carriage started to rock and move, with Lepic and Ron skillfully controlling the reins. They navigated their way back into the busy city, the journey proving to be long and rough, clearly designed for speed rather than comfort. As they traveled, everyone stretched and groaned in an exaggerated manner. Ron twisted his torso, clicking his back with relief and exclaimed, "finally here," while affectionately petting the horse hybrids. The building appeared normal from the outside, seamlessly blending in with the surrounding structures of the bustling city. Upon entering, they walked along the corridor and descended, arriving at the gate, the entrance looked more lavish and upheld then how it was at the underground. Two guards stood watch, one casually eating a sandwich wrapped in foil. He waved them forward as Lepic greeted him and presented the necessary paper. After a brief glance, the guard waved them on. With a loud groan, the huge gate opened as they slammed their spears down, chanting "Apertus." 

It had only been a day in the overworld but it seemed like they were there for a week, they took another carriage straight to the warehouse, Jayce throwing up to the side from the speed the carriages went at. Even Jahad felt nauseous, the tar marred face smirked at the sight getting a kick out of it as Ron tossed him a gold coin. Lepic smacked the door rhythmically whilst staring at his stopwatch, it shuddered open by Reina. He glanced from his stopwatch to her eyes but his gaze was interrupted by Ron, he barged his way through both of them "comeee on, I am dying to do a mission" he dragged his words like a kid forced to wait whilst their parents went shopping. Everyone entered and gathered at the board, since it was just them there was no need for going up to the office. "

Ron and Jayce, you'll both be going on a mission together, both being knights. It'll be best in order to cultivate and grow Jayces strength, I'll hand over the debrief to you both" she finished her sentence by giving Ron two debriefs. "Lepic and Jahad, you two will work together". Lepic gave her an appreciative nod. She smiled a bit before handing Lepic two files. Before they read the debrief she stepped to Jahad. She was taller than Jahad, a mature womanly presence she looked at him and outstretched her hand, in her palm was a silver bangle, runic carvings had slithers of deep gray filling it. He gave a puzzled look before taking it. "It's a concealment relic, no one will be able to see your mark unless you want them to, very very expensive gift from Lepic who told me not to tell you" she smirked looking at him, Lepic shook his head disapprovingly. "It'll get in the way if people know about your curse," he explained. Jahad thanked him, putting on the bangle the runic symbols began to connect like a puzzle, moving as if they were cogs. He peeled his shirt down and saw that the mark was gone. "Jayce we are leaving, read the debrief in the carriage we got a long journey" Ron grumbled annoyed at the distance of their mission.

The warehouse seemed desolate, they had made their leave quickly and Reina had returned upstairs to her office leaving only Jahad and Lepic together. "Missions gonna be a tricky one, I've got some ideas about your cursed art and its requirements" Jahad nodded. "Your ability not working on me didn't add up, it was the exact same thing you used on the priest. Could be said that it was because of our difference in power, but that priest was an F+ rank, be it he wasn't a fighter" pausing he glimpsed at his pocket watch before resuming "I boiled it down to one thing. Fear". He stared at Jahad. "That priest feared for his life allowing you to take over his soul and mind, the bracelet Reina gave, you can toggle its effect by thinking the word Asper-Sha, as well as hiding your mark it hides your presence too, after your unveiling you been exuding a disgusting aura, shit affected Ron, he nearly killed you over it. I've been hiding your presence using mine this entire time so the bracelets just to help myself out". Jahad gave another thank you. "I also got a theory that with weaker opponents you might not need to fulfil that requirement though we will test it out soon". He slumped his back onto the mission board rattling all the papers nailed onto it, he straightened out his debrief file with one hand and started reading. And so did Jahad. 

Debrief  

If found in the hands of any outside of LR limited, certain death is promised.

This debrief is strictly meant for the hands of Jayce, Lepic, Reina. 

Mission Type: Delivery Ops + Extermination

Location: Cargo located in sector 3 of Whispering Pines district under Sylas

Personnel: 15 mix of unclassed and class H personnel maintaining cargo

Structure: Personnel are of low ranking at cargo point due to insider information. Cargo is hidden within an abandoned factory. Gate is magica secured and requires Class E + or above.

Mission Objective: Once cargo is secured, red flare will signal Carriers to move in, a spectral steed will be used to carry the cargo. Safely deliver the cargo to sector 4 Of the Hollow district under Zephyr approx four days of travel

Important Notes:

Once the cargo starts moving, you will be attacked by various classes and powers. 

You will have allies under Zephyr to aid you. 

Highly dangerous and classified mission, backing out requires a week's notice. 

Cargo is highly sought after by many the first day or two may be silent. Do not get complacent.

Final Reminder: there is no capture or caught in this mission. Death is the consequence of any mistake in the duration of the mission, if needed to abort and run away, however you will not be granted the reward as well as the guidance for your mastery. Lepic will guide you for the extent of the delivery. Stay safe.

Reward: 2 platinum

Jahad wondered about the last bit, "guidance for your mastery" he murmured to himself, he held his debrief to Lepics handheld lighter which ignited the paper in a few seconds. The air carried a bitter chill as Lepic whistled over the carriage. The same dark, marred face, obscured by a wide-brimmed hat, sat at the front, appearing more somber than usual.. The two hopped in. There was no flick of the coin, just a simple nod. They set off to the Whispering Pines.