Chapter 123 - 123 Old friends
Cain looked at his mark and showed a radiant smile. He was far from reaching Level 4, but his destructive power neared Level 6!
Although there was immense pride and a powerful sense of accomplishment, he did not let that get over his head. Cain had seen many times what being complacent with your own strength could get you. Not to mention that his current power would still amount to nothing compared with the Atrox God that almost destroyed the entire fort.
Cain glanced at the Pillar of Mind, but there was no point in him taking it as his name was already on the N°1 position. As for retaking the Pillar of Strength and the Pillar of Resilience, now that he had Asura Form, he knew that would be pointless.
Asura Form improved his speed and allowed him to generate an impressive torque that could transform into brute strength. However, that would not help him carry a higher weight or improve his resilience.
Cain gave one final glance at the pillars before walking toward the cadet section. His face was serene, but red light burst from his eyes when he saw how many cadets and soldiers were about to walk toward him.
The fact he did not bother with their sarcastic remarks while taking the Pillar of Speed did not mean he would just forget about it. There was a coldness in Cain’s eyes, and it was clear he had no interest in having any form of relationship with people that thought they could speak behind his back.
Almost all cadets and soldiers moving toward Cain froze when they saw those red eyes, but a small group kept walking forward.
Unlike the coldness Cain showed to the others, a small smile appeared as he focused on the small group.
.....
“It has been long since we last saw each other.”
“You have been using that time very well. Your cultivation took a giant step forward in less than a month.”
Lurin spoke with a friendly tone, and there was a deep sense of awe in it as well.
“Hahaha, I got some lucky chances recently that helped cover some flaws.” Cain’s voice had no arrogance, nor did he attempt to show any form of superiority, but there was no way to hide his innate aura.
Those with powerful willpower tend to draw people around them, especially if mixed with a heroic spirit like Cain’s.
The group began to walk together toward the cadet section. Lurin and the others did not even realize it, but they adopted a formation with Cain at the center. After following him into battle and putting their lives in his hand, they unknowingly began to see Cain as their leader.
“Did you all come to take on the pillars?”
When they heard Cain’s question, the six cadets that came with Lurin showed odd smiles.
Lurin only sighed as he saw that and glanced at the Pillar of Streght’s Cadet Ranking before shaking his head.
“I was going to take on the Pillar of Strength and was sure I could take the N°10 position, but now that one has risen to Early Level 4.”
“Hahaha, sorry about that.” Cain laughed as he heard that since he found it funny. His addition to the Pillar of Strength’s Cadet Ranking took away Levi and made it much harder for Lurin to get in.
“You don’t seem very sorry.”
Lurin sent an annoyed look toward Cain as he heard this one laugh and how the others giggled at his misfortune. Of course, he was not really angry. There was still time before the year ended, and he was sure he could enter Level 4 before that.
Cain, Lurin, and the others made small talk as they walked away under the gaze of the cadets and soldiers around the pillars.
Many cadets and soldiers showed envy toward Lurin and his group as it was clear they formed a good relationship with one of the rising stars of the Imperial Lightning Fort.
The way they looked at Lurin’s group was the complete opposite of the gazes they directed toward Lumir and Zamir. The duo had formed a deep animosity against a genius capable of showing a battle power that allowed him to fight Level 5 Wave Warrior while being at Level 3.
Lumir and Zamir knew they had gotten into serious trouble. While in their minds, their background was mightier than Cain’s, it would not be very useful in the military.
Unlike in any other profession or field, a powerful background was diametrical in the Imperial Military Force. When it came to granting positions of power and influence, the higher-ups would first choose those from humble origins since they would truly give their heart to the military and not other forces.
Lumir and Zamir knew they could return to their homes after the year ended, but that would forever leave them in the shadows of their older brothers. The only way to rise after making a powerful enemy was to hold on to a stronger backer.
The duo looked toward Uriel since they knew this was their only chance. No one else would side with them against a genius like Cain.
Uriel remained silent for a moment as he focused on Cain before glancing at the duo.
“You two will tell me every single interaction you had with that man. After that, I will decide how to proceed.”
Uriel wanted to know more about Cain and what kind of man he was. If Uriel could fix the bad blood between them, he would certainly do it since there was no gain from him antagonizing a genius, but if not, he had other plans.
Lumir and Zamir were wise enough to see the hidden meaning behind Uriel’s words. While it would certainly help their case if they lied, they did not believe they could trick the soldier. Their only path now was telling the truth and hoping that, in the end, Uriel would side with them.