Chapter 6: Fall of Fein ( 2 )

In the continent of Sanatria, Neba is a vital power harnessed by most individuals. It manifests as a body aura with various colors, and people concentrate Neba into specific body parts to enhance their capabilities. For instance, they may channel Neba into their eyes for improved vision or into their legs to boost speed. Neba has multifaceted applications, serving as a tool for diverse tasks.

People utilize Neba to amplify their supernatural powers. Cadogan and other higher-ups possess a deep understanding and mastery of Neba, allowing them to consistently enhance their entire bodies and replenish depleted Neba reserves.

Cadogan's enhanced eyes with Neba made it easier to notice Ned's tattoo, Also Lina's concealment spell which has been undone, made the tattoo visible on Ned's skin.

Neba can also synergize with Zeten, augmenting and refining the capabilities of those with Zeten abilities.

During Ned's initial use of his Zeten wind attack against the wolf, it only managed to sever two of the creature's legs. However, with another attempt, Ned decided to augment his Zeten wind attack with the power of Neba, amplifying its strength.

In the world of Sanatria, Neba manifests in various colors, each indicating different levels of power and rarity:

Green: The most common and weakest form of Neba.

Yellow: Stronger than green but still considered average in power.

Orange: A strong aura typically wielded by knights.

Red: Rare and difficult to control, often associated with noble families.

Blue: Among the strongest auras, with limited information available in Sanatria.

Purple: The strongest aura attainable by humans. Only Known wielder: Cassius, the king's right-hand man.

Black: Only used by demons, devils, and other malevolent beings. Its power rivals, if not surpasses, that of purple Neba. No known humans possess black aura.

Despite varying in strength, any form of Neba has the potential to rival stronger forms when utilized to its fullest extent. However, higher-tier Neba will inherently possess greater strength when mastered to the same level.

Individuals with Zeten possess great strength due to their ability to wield two different auras. They can even attempt to fuse these auras to create new, stronger ones.

For instance, combining an orange Neba with a yellow Zeten aura can yield a red aura, surpassing both original forms. However, if the aura colors do not complement each other well, there is a risk of weakening the overall aura.

For example, fusing a blue Zeten aura with a yellow Neba aura may result in a green overall aura

If the fusion of auras leads to a decrease in aura rank, resulting in a lower-level Neba, the individual's mastery over the aura will increase. For instance, if one's Neba was at 50% mastery before attempting to combine it and failing to achieve a higher-level Neba, the Neba level will decrease.

However, with the lower-level Neba, mastery will grow. As the mastery of the power decreases, the Neba becomes stronger, and the more Neba decreases, the more the mastery grows, Because it's easier to understand and master low level Neba,

Back to the Dune's house:

the door shattered, a man stepped forward, his presence daunting. Thick brown beard framing his face, and dark brown eyes emanating authority, he wore the attire of Fein's knights.

In his hand, a longsword gleamed, while behind him stood a formidable squad of twelve soldiers. "My name is Dechi," he declared, his voice resolute. "I am second only to Lord Cadogan in this city. He's occupied with matters near the wall, so I've come to deal with the Zeten who should have perished long ago."

Lina, protective of her children, positioned herself in front of them. "Leave us and my son alone," she implored, her voice trembling with defiance. "He hasn't done anything wrong."

Dechi's response was a mocking laugh. "This is your last warning. Move, or we will attack."

As the events unfolded before him, Dune couldn't believe it. Cadogan dealing with problems at the wall already? It seemed impossible, but the urgency in Dechi's tone hinted at the gravity of the situation.

Beside him, Ned shared the same thoughts, his expression mirroring Dune's concern. Meanwhile, Lina looked at her children with a mix of sadness and determination, her hands glowing with a red-orange light, ready to defend her family.

But before she could act, a sudden strike to her back left her staggering, her composure shattered. It was Sam, launching a cowardly attack from behind, knocking her to the ground with a vicious kick.

Dune, fueled by rage and protectiveness, lunged at his father, but to his shock, he couldn't even land a hit.

Sam seemed unusually strong, effortlessly knocking Dune down with a single slap. Nearby, Ned fared no better, as Dechi swiftly incapacitated him with a blow from the hilt of his sword.

In a blur of motion, Dechi nodded to his soldiers, who swiftly carried the unconscious Ned away.

Meanwhile, Dune struggled to rise, only to be met with another brutal kick from his father, sending him reeling to the ground once more. Sam, now standing over Lina's unconscious form, lifted her into his arms and turned to Dune.

"We're leaving for the main city," he declared coldly, his voice devoid of any hint of compassion. "Whether you live or die here, I don't care."

Before Dune could protest or retaliate, his father delivered a final punishing blow, and darkness claimed him once more.

As Dune's consciousness slowly returned, he found himself alone in the silent confines of his home. Tears welled up in his eyes as the realization sank in.

Sam had taken his twin sisters and their mother, leaving him behind. Confusion and anguish warred within him as he grappled with the decision of whether to pursue his family or attempt to rescue his brother.

Lost in his thoughts, Dune was startled when someone approached him. It was Aurore, a girl of sixteen with captivating blue eyes and brown hair that cascaded around her face.

Though she lacked the ability to wield Zeten, she possessed a unique power of her own. Aurore had the uncanny ability to discern the origin of objects or events. By channeling Neba through her touch, she could trace the path traveled by leaves, or even determine the perpetrator of a crime by analyzing blood or bodies.

Aurore's presence brought a glimmer of hope to Dune's troubled mind. Her remarkable ability had played a crucial role in maintaining the peace of Fein, and now, perhaps, she could aid him in his time of need.

Aurore extended a hand to help Dune stand, her touch gentle yet firm. Dune's gaze was filled with uncertainty as he met hers.

"Aurore, why aren't you already out of the city?" Dune's voice held a note of confusion, his brow furrowed in concern.

Aurore's laughter was soft, tinged with sadness. "Me? What about you, Dune? Why are you still here?" she countered, her eyes searching his for an answer.

Dune sighed heavily, the weight of his decisions bearing down on him. "I can't abandon my brother and friends," he confessed, his voice tinged with resignation.

Aurore's expression softened, her eyes reflecting his sadness. "Did they escape? Atlas? Liam and Ezra?" Dune's words hung in the air, heavy with worry.

Aurore's smile faded, replaced by a look of somber understanding. "They can't," she admitted, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Disaster will come for the Zeten wielders first. Something or someone is hunting them down."

Dune's heart sank at her words, a sense of helplessness washing over him.

Dune's confusion deepened, uncertainty clouding his features. "Save them from what? How can I do it? Me?" he questioned himself, his voice tinged with doubt.

Aurore stood up, determination shining in her eyes as she held out the object to him.

"What is this?" Dune asked, reaching out to take the object from her hand.

"Opportunity," Aurore repeated, a small smile playing on her lips, her gaze filled with unwavering belief.

In Aurore's hand rested a palm-sized metallic object, its surface reflecting a soft glimmer. Etched onto it was a white cross, its contours mirroring the symbol of Zeten.