7 Meeting of Elites

Aziel appeared in a different dimension. The room was that of a vast stage, complete with a sea of seats to sit the guests. A single man stood alone in the stage's spotlight—Saint Meng of The Elite Corporation.

The Elite Corporation was a cosmic force that existed to keep order and contain the Elites across a section of the multiverse. Their reach only extended across a handful of universes, and while one organization can't maintain peace across such a vast area, The Elite Corporation counteracted that fact by selecting a representative for each universe.

When an Elite signed to a country or location, their representative handled contract terms and payment in order to keep tabs on all Signed Elites within their universe. While their political power and influence were undeniable, many Signed Elites questioned The Elite Corporation's methods of keeping order.

The Corporation could easily solve problems with their firepower, but their higher-ups were known for being fence-sitters; They refrained from taking action as to not weaken their forces and reduce money inflow.

Aziel settled into a seat near the front row. He was sitting among a select group of Signed Elites of his own universe, but the atmosphere was painfully tense. It was rare for them to be called in on such short notice so everyone was wary of the news that Saint Meng was preparing to tell them.

Standing on the stage, Meng was done up in a flashy haori and hakama. He was a middle-aged man, with long silver-blonde hair that descended past his shoulders.

Meng scanned the crowd, noting that a majority of the invitees had shown up for the meeting. Near the back of the room, he saw two Elites bickering with each other, and their auras began materializing.

Aziel let out a deep sigh as green and yellow streaks of energy engulfed the room. Chairs rumbled and cracks appeared in thin air. Other Elites tried to calm them down, but this only caused more commotion, leading to more auras clashing around the room.

Suddenly, every Elite's eyes turned white, and a voice echoed in their heads.

"Enough!" they heard Meng shout, prompting their auras to dissipate.

Meng was communicating with them telepathically. With his Signature Prana, Communication Prana, Meng had access to a technique that allowed him to transmit auditory information through the minds of those he had marked with his Prana.

"You all know the rules," Meng said. "Use of Prana within this dimension is strictly prohibited. It was built for discussion, not battle. Releasing your Prana here would ruin the meeting and destroy this place."

As the bickering Elites finally took their seats, Meng continued, his tone noticeably worried. "Now, I gathered you all here because we have a terrible crisis on our hands. . .The Council of Elites have been killed."

The room fell into hushed murmurs. Aziel couldn't believe the news. The Council was made up of older Elites, far passed their primes. They were no longer fighters, and their greatest asset was their knowledge and political power. So what would motivate someone to kill them?

Just as Aziel was beginning to collect his thoughts, Meng's voice pierced into his mind.

"As you know, Saint Aziel Creed, the Signed Elite of Avalon, sent us news that he had discovered a child with the Prana of the gods. I was in the middle of discussing the matter with The Council, but just as I was getting more information to relay to other representatives, they caught someone spying on our conference. Not even a second later, I heard the intruder slaughter The Council."

The Elites once again erupted in chatter, but as Meng spoke, the room quieted.

"The Council was a very respected group of people. Trust me when I say the remaining higher-ups and I will stop at nothing to find and eliminate this traitor.

"We're short on time so the other representatives are likely already done speaking with Signed Elites from their universes. But before you all go, I want you to keep an eye out for this traitor. I have a hunch that the man in question is an Elite himself, but I doubt he's signed with our corporation."

Meng locked eyes with Aziel, using his Communication Prana to speak solely to him.

"I know you are in shock, but you must protect the child of the gods. I'd ask to bring him here, but with a Rogue on the loose, I'm not sure we can depend on that. Besides, you know how the other representatives are. They might try to profit from Raijah. I trust that you are capable of protecting him, but if you ever need assistance, consult me directly."

"Understood," Aziel replied.

Most members of The Elite Corporation were money-hungry noblemen, but Saint Meng was quite the opposite. He always had others' best interests in mind, and Aziel was sure he could be trusted.

Meng turned his attention to the others.

"That concludes our meeting. I have many things to do following the death of the council, and I ask that you all lie low and stay safe until we uncover the killer's identity."

The sound of clattering feet filled the air as Elites around the room prepared to leave, engaging in discussions as they went on their way.

Aziel stood up, his scythe appearing in his hand. He twirled it, and a transportation mirror materialized. He and Meng exchanged one last affirming nod, and he promptly stepped through the mirror.

***

Aziel appeared in his parents' former workroom. It was a large house on an isolated planet that The Elite Corporation had lent them as a reward for their research on the multiverse.

Rows of bookshelves lined the walls, and a worn but cherished desk stood at the heart of the room, adorned with scattered notebooks and loose papers.

Memories flooded Aziel's mind. He always returned to this planet to take a walk when he needed to take a breather and temporarily disconnect from his life.

He could hear the rain pouring outside, and as he approached the front door, he used his storage mirror to change into a black hakama that was suitable for the rain.

Continuing his walk, he sensed a familiar, powerful aura emanating from outside.

"Could it be?" Aziel wondered aloud, opening the door.

Beyond the threshold, there was nothing but grass. But a man stood in the rain, wearing a stained black hakama. His long black hair dropped below his shoulders, glistening with wetness from the rainwater. He stared up at the raining clouds, lost in thought.

The rain kept Aziel from seeing the man's face, but his aura felt eerily similar to someone Aziel hadn't seen in years. The man turned his gaze, and as Aziel stepped out of the house, he spoke.

"What brings you here?"

Aziel didn't respond. That voice. . .it couldn't be who he thought.

The rainfall began to slow, and as their eyes met, Aziel noticed their uncanny resemblance and instantly recognized who the man was.

"Brother!" the man exclaimed, rushing toward Aziel.

"How've you been, Aziel?" he said, embracing and patting Aziel on the back.

"Doing alright," Aziel replied, offering a smile. "Why weren't you at the meeting? Don't tell me you still haven't signed."

His brother pulled away and shrugged. "Haven't got around to doing it. You know I don't like working for others."

Aziel nodded. "But even then, the pay is very good."

The man's smile vanished in an instant. "Money won't bring back our parents, Aziel!" he said, punctuating his words with anger. "You've held on to excuses for far too long. You're making a mockery of their sacrifices. When will you finally honor them and help me quench this thirst for vengeance?"

Aziel's expression darkened. "David, why do you keep chasing revenge when you know it's impossible? The one who killed our parents. . .that is a being we can't hope to defeat."

"Oh, we can defeat him," David chuckled. "Think about it. We can train that child of the gods. With Divine Prana, his potential is endless. If anyone can surpass that man, it's him."

Aziel shook his head vehemently. "No. I won't exploit Raijah for such an absurd cause!"

"Ah, so his name is Raijah," David remarked.

Suddenly, Aziel's mind went haywire. It was all coming together—the dry red stains on David's hakama, the rusty smell coming from his hands. . .it all led Aziel to one conclusion.

"David," Aziel said skeptically, "don't tell me you—"

"Yes, I did. I had to, Aziel. I was only trying to learn more about the boy and their plans for him, but The Council caught me spying on them. If they had exposed my identity to Meng, he would've mobilized all his forces, so I put them down before they had the chance."

Aziel's heart sank. It was all too much. He wanted to melt into the ground and disappear.

"You murdered The Council?" Aziel whispered, struggling to comprehend the truth.

David's gaze hardened, and he placed his hand on Aziel's shoulder in an attempt to reassure him. "They stood in our way, Aziel. Now, all we have to do is lie low and train Raijah in secret."

Aziel felt himself shaking. His mood quickly shifted from sorrowful to furious. "We?" he snapped. "David, open your eyes. Revenge will only create the illusion of satisfaction. Do not lose yourself. Even if you succeed, you'll be left empty."

"It's more about justice than revenge," David shot back. "If you won't join me, then so be it. I'll take matters into my own hands. . .I'll do it myself."

Aziel took a deep breath, and his scythe appeared in his hand. He didn't want to fight. If there was another option, he'd choose it in a heartbeat. But he knew David all too well. . .there was no changing his world.

David released his massive black aura, and it pulsated like swirling shadows. "This is your last chance, Aziel," he said. "Deny me again, and you'll become my enemy."

Aziel unleashed his own aura. The planet began to rumble and shake as his blinding white-colored Prana spread across their surroundings. Their black and white auras intertwined, unleashing a blast of crackling energy.

Aziel shook his head profusely. "David, you've gone too far. You killed The Council of Elites and now you come to me asking me to aid you in manipulating my own student. I apologize Brother, but I cannot offer you the same forgiveness that I have in the past."

"Then so be it," David said as a black scythe appeared in his hand. "I'll take him by force."

Their clashing auras grew, and the space between them distorted into large black and white swirls. Within this giant mass of energy, the brothers mirrored each other's movements.

They walked toward each other, holding their scythes lazily by their sides, and causing the blades to drag and cut thin chasms across the floor. Without a second thought, they spoke in sync:

"Aziel, I'll stop you right here."

"David, I'll stop you right here."