SHADOWLANDZ SEASON ONE

As they approach the training facility, Disciple Rin inquires, "Master Vojim, You mentioned you and Master Ezon were tracking the Seven Deadly Sins. What happened?"

Vojim pauses, recalling the events. "One night, he asked me and Disciple Auron to accompany him to an undisclosed location. We followed the Seven Deadly Sins' trail and prepared for battle. But Master Ezon had other plans. He gave me the scroll, instructing me to deliver it to Master Ark in Veska City, untouched. He and Disciple Auron proceeded to pursue them."

Rin's curiosity deepens. Thinking to himself, "So we don't even know if Ezon is captured or not?" Then he asks. "What happened when you saw Master Ark?

Vojim's tone turns critical. "Master Ark's tribe is unlike any other. He has built a city that rivals Dynoxa in technological advancements, but his obsession with science may be his downfall. When I handed him the scroll, his expression was shock, followed by silence. He told me to stay the night and leave at dawn, promising to attend the Spirit Trials."

Kion interjects, "That fool Ark, he's let his Anointing become more like a curse over these past few years. Wisdom can truly be a thing of darkness."

Rouke's voice is resolute. "We'll address his betrayal soon enough. For now, let's focus on the young ones' training."

Vojim inquires, "What skills do they need to develop, Master Rouke?"

Rouke assesses, "They've mastered basic hand-to-hand combat. However, their discernment and anointing control requires improvement."

Vojim nods, his expression determined. "I'll ensure they're prepared for the trials. We'll continue this discussion later, fellows."

As they enter the underground domed arena, the contrast between the tiled cement floor and cave rock ceiling is striking. 

Vojim's eyes scanned the training facility, intrigued. "This place is remarkable. I couldn't sense anyone's spirit energy from outside, indicating you've incorporated energy-blocking materials."

Tega nodded. "We used the strongest metal and holy oil behind each panel to keep the area anointed."

Vojim's face lit up. "Impressive! Now, let's assess your spiritual presence and gauge."

Khayjin looked puzzled. "Master Rouke hinted at these concepts, but I don't fully understand."

Vojim's voice commanded attention. "Show me your Anno, Khayjin!"

Khayjin focused, his eyes blazing. "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong something sweet... Anno Samson!" (Swinkkkkkk boooommmmm)

Vojim analyzed, "Impressive, Khayjin! Your spiritual energy is invincible, surrounded by a protective wind."

Rouke added, "Recently, Khayjin's attacks demonstrated immense power."

Vojim summoned, "Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord... Anno Ezekiel!" (Boned warriors emerged from the ground)

Khayjin's eyes widened. "This is creepy!"

Zeyta shivered. "Weird."

Vojim instructed, "Khayjin, focus your fist on the four charging skulls and take them down."

Khayjin hesitated, "But I don't want to hurt anyone in here."

Vojim's voice cut through. "Enough talk! Do as I asked."

Skulls charge at Khayjin with lightning speed. He swings, but one skull grabs his arm. Khayjin counters, throwing the skull at the others. As he pulls back his fist, another skull grabs him from underneath, slamming him to the ground.

Khayjin jumps up, kicking a skull's head off. Another skull body slams him, but Khayjin quickly recovers. Leaping into the air, he positions himself above the remaining skulls and unleashes a mighty punch.

Sm 1- Aftershock punchhhhhhhhhh

"RAGHHHHHHHHHH!" (BOOOOOOOM)

A massive blast shakes the prayer room, followed by a huge wind aftershock. 

Vojim looks on, "Ooooo impressive."

Smoke clears, revealing the skulls in pieces. Other skulls protected the onlookers from the blast.

Vojim applauds. "Hmmmmmm... Hahaaaaa! Now that was amazing, Khayjin!"

Rouke thinks to himself, "Incredible. His punches truly break stratospheric limits. Unbelievable strength."

Gavon exclaimed, "That's my dude."

Tega chuckled. "Good eating, indeed!"

Vojim explains as he pulls out his notebook, "Spirit level (SL) and spirit gauge (SG) measure one's prowess. SL ranges from one to twenty. SG indicates available Anointing energy. Which is how much your attacks take out of you."

Zeyta inquires, "But how come you can see energy and Rouke can't?"

Rouke replies, "I can feel energy, but I cannot see. All gifts are different."

Vojim's expression turned enlightening. "Precisely, let me explain. There are distinct brackets within our spiritual hierarchy.

First, we have Discernment-driven warriors, exemplified by Gavon and Tega. Through rigorous training, scriptural study, and mental discipline, they've honed their senses to become exceptional fighters. This path is common among those without an Anointing.

Next, we have the Anointed – individuals handpicked by Rouke and Ezon to inherit the abilities and powers of biblical figures. These chosen ones carry the weight of their predecessors' legacies.

Then, there are the Masters. These exceptional individuals have mastered their Anointings, unlocking the full potential of their capabilities.

Lastly, we have the Disciples. They have been imbued with the collective attributes of the original disciples – enhanced healing, powerful words, and other remarkable gifts.

Khayjin's eyes began to droop, his head nodding forward.

Zeyta swiftly slapped him awake. "Stay focused, Khayjin!"

Vojim continued, "Understanding these brackets will help you grasp your own spiritual journey. Your Anointing, Khayjin, is rooted in the biblical figure of Samson."

Vojim added, "And Zeyta, your Anointing is connected to Deborah, the prophetess and judge."

Zeyta's eyes sparkled. "I see. So, my abilities will reflect her wisdom and leadership?"

Vojim nodded. "Exactly. As you grow in your anointing, you'll embody Deborah's spirit."

Vojim added, "Study and self-improvement increase SG. Physical training and combat boost SL."

Khayjin grasped the concept. "I get it!"

Zeyta asked, "So, we just need to reach SL ten .And one hundred percent SG?"

Rouke chuckled. "Not quite. Some achieve SL twenty, thirty, or even forty. Never know the limits." (sarcasm)

Khayjin's eyes grow wider. "Why didn't you say this before?"

Vojim revealed, "Because our goal is to help you both reach SL ten. That's the beginning goal.

Zeyta inquired, "Where do you stand, Master Vojim?"

Vojim disclosed, "My SL is forty-two, My SG reaches one hundred five."

The group gasped.

Khayjin exclaims, "Wait, SG can be higher as well? I'm lost!?"

Vojim laughs, "Yes the SG levels can change as well."

Zeyta asks "What's your SL and SG, Master Rouke?"

Vojim asks Rouke to please enter his Anointing so he could assess.

Rouke steps into the arena, his eyes blazing. "Anno Samuel!" (Wa BOOOOM)

The arena convulsed violently, its structure trembling as the collective auras unleashed a tremendous force that created a strong, rip-current-like effect, sending everyone grasping for stability.

Vojim whistled. "SL sixty-two, SG two hundred. I'm impressed Master Rouke!"

Khayjin's jaw dropped. "SIXTY-TWO! TWO HUNDRED! We'll never catch up!"

Gavon and Tega's mouths still open in disbelief.

Khayjin resolved, "Okay, it's Zeyta's turn.Right?"

Vojim nodded. "Indeed. Let's continue."

Zeyta steps forward, ready to unleash her Anointing.

Zeyta unleashes her Anointed form, sword shining brightly.

Vojim grinned. "Impressive! Attack me full force now!"

Zeyta hurled one sword into the air and charged Vojim with the other. He blocked her swift strikes with his metal-braceleted arm, but she persisted.

In a flash, Vojim ducked and struck Zeyta's arm with his pointed finger, paralyzing it.

Zeyta backflipped and kicked the airborne sword, sending it soaring toward Vojim. He snatched it mid-air and countered with a fierce attack.

An intense sword fight erupted, swords clashing in a whirlwind of steel and sparks.

Khayjin watches in awe. "How is Zeyta this good? She's amazing!"

Rouke smiled proudly. "She takes her training seriously. She's absorbed every lesson and brought it all here."

Gavon marveled, "Incredible!"

The fight rages on.

Zeyta protested, "You cheated! I can't use my other arm!"

Vojim retorted, "Cheating? Your aerial sword tactic was strategy, not cheating. If you land a hit, I'll reveal the pressure point cut."

Zeyta's anger boiled over. "Argghhhhh! I'll slash you!"

Vojim observed, "Your anger fuels your need to prove something. Why?"

Zeyta assumes a sumo stance, her aura shifting.

"The air is reversing!" Vojim exclaimed. "Your SG is increasing... This is your special move, isn't it?"

Zeyta unleashes a mighty roar. "BLUEEEEEE Scytheeeee!" Blue waves shoot toward Vojim.

He sidestepped the attack with ease.

Everyone gasped.

Zeyta exclaimed, "How did you dodge it?"

Vojim revealed, "Spirit dash. It consumes twenty percent of your SG, but it's a lifesaver."

Khayjin's eyes widened. "That's how Master Rouke always saves the day! I've seen him use that as well."

Vojim asked Zeyta, "Where did you learn that move?"

Zeyta proudly admitted, "I taught myself, practicing fifty times a day for three years."

Vojim cautioned, "Never use it in training again."

Khayjin teased, "And you were mad at my move? From when we fought."

Zeyta slaps Khayjin, "Shut up!"

Vojim declared, "Training done. Rouke, you train Khayjin; I'll train Zeyta."

Khayjin worried, "I'm terrible!"

Rouke reassured, "Perfect."

Gavon and Tega asked, "What about us?"

Vojim assigns, "Tega with me, Gavon with Rouke."

Everyone buzzed with excitement.

Khayjin confidentally says, "I've trained with Master Rouke, so this should be simple."

Rouke warned, "Not anymore. Real training begins tomorrow."

Zeyta thanked Vojim, wondering, "Why me?"

 Vojim explained, "You balance better with my style. Plus, we need to discuss where you truly learned that killing move."

Zeyta's thoughts racing, "He knows something?"

Vojim approaches Rouke, his expression serious. "Rouke, I must inform you – these two students of yours show promise, but they pale in comparison to others I've encountered."

Rouke's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Vojim's words cut deep. "I've visited each tribe, and their warriors are leagues ahead of Khayjin and Zeyta. I'm afraid your students' skills are far behind. 

Rouke's face fell, shock and self-doubt etched on his features. "I've failed them," he whispered. "I've been a terrible master."

Vojim's tone softened. "But this revelation presents an opportunity. We can reassess our training methods and push them to reach their true potential."

Rouke's gaze intensified. "You're right. I won't let them down again. I've just been so busy dealing with all my other assignments."

All of the trainees and Masters head out to their respective areas.

"Heyyyyyyyyy Zeyta, when we get out of here, I'm going to be WAYYYYYYYYYYY stronger than you!!" Khayjin shouts.

Zeyta smiles, "We shall see."

CHAPTER 13-TRIBES AND BETRAYAL

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