Chapter 18 - TAKE ON

"NOW... GOOOO...!!!" Ibiyemi's voice boomed out. Her very words tearing through the air like needle thin lances.

A sign that she was pushing at her very best.

The voice jolted Wole and Shola, who had been engrossed in watching the match between Ibiyemi and the warriors. They sighed involuntarily as they leapt down to the ground in one smooth motion.

Bending low, Shola shot his group leader a look that seemed 'Now what?'

Wole did not reply. Instead he flung his legs into action, throwing both hands behind him as he raced. Taking initiative, Shola followed after him, as they jumped around bushes.

They soon arrived at an orb in no time. Hiding behind a small bush, they squatted. In front of them was a male Irunmole with semi transparent wings.

A Pseudo-demigod Classed Irunmole.

They both cursed.

"What next? " Shola asked, his eyes darting about.

"Well, hold. This Irunmole seems to be in charge of this whole operation. But I wonder why he would want to use an energy orbs to shield out the place, instead of using direct Agbara." Wole remarked, a hand on his chin and another drawing in the air.

"Well, he simply didn't want to waste his energy perhaps?" Wole replied , carefully.

"His aura. It doesn't linger. Something is not right"

"Who cares! Let's just shut this place down." Shola whipped his head back. He dropped his hand into a pocket by his left t.h.i.g.h and pulled out an apple.

"Wahh... You're really going to eat, now of all times?" Shola queried, his eyes widening in disbelief. Immediately he reached out for the apple, gripping it before Shola could make a move for it.

"Heyyyy... Give it back..." Shola voice rose up.

At that, the Irunmole turned back, his eyes containing suspicion. After a while, he squeezed his face, doubting what he had heard.

"Has to be the result of being engrossed in the academician fight over there." He muttered, folding his hands across his c.h.e.s.t.

"Umph... His senses are not at the best. Otherwise he wouldn't have come to that hasty conclusion. And this gives us a chance at best.

We can take him down..."

"Heh...are you CRAZYYY??" Shola yelled, shaking all over.

Immediately, the air became tense, compressing itself into one point. The atmosphere itself shivered, as energy flunctuations reverberated through it.

BOOM...

"Yaaarrggh.."

"Aaahhh..."

The duo screamed as the explosion concentrated at the ground diverted, rushing into the surrounding and throwing them off balance.

They both crashed, plummeting down to their face respectively.

Footsteps rushed through as other Irunmoles began to turn around, trying to ascertain the cause of the explosion.

Before them was an Irunmole heaving, holding a hollow tube to the ground. The semi transparent wings around him suddenly vanished, removing all airs of a Pseudo-demigod.

"Taylor, what was there?"

"Oh Taylor, why did you have to use the Canon here. "

He spoke without turning back, watching in disbelief as two bodies shimmered into nothingness.

"Intruders were here... Uh... Whaaaa..." He blinked, but yet the bodies were no more there.

"It was a-an illusion??" He gulped, his face losing color as scolding of the other Irunmoles came in.

Meanwhile, a little distance off, Wole and Shola almost screamed in excitement. Wole particularly was ecstatic. He rose from the ground wearily, as he coughed. That particularly art of deception had taken him an Artefact. One his father gifted him since. One he had kept since. A single use item that still relied on the energy of the user.

'Well, it's worth it after all.'

The Irunmoles were divided, some watching Captain Moyo's performance while some gathered around Taylor. Activating his sense of perception, Wole rushed for the next orb, pulling out two saarins one more time. And with a slash, the orb exploded.

The explosion was minute, so it was noticed by the Irunmoles. After a short while, the shiled began to collapse, after having one side of it inactive

They rushed in,running and bending their backs to the grounds as low as they could. Their legs hit against the ground in one silent motion as Wole glanced about. And from the side of his eyes, he spotted something.

A groaning Irunmole.

Even if the mission had stated that they were to render aid to injured Irunmoles.

As many as they could find. But that was practically impossible as the High Council would have dispatched teams to render aid immediately. This one's here were only securing the perimeter. Which means, they were waiting for the land to respawn, probably under the influence of some high end Agbara technique.

So for an injured Irunmole to show here, suddenly and unnoticed, showed that this whole thing was a set-up.

The Irunmole g.r.o.a.n.e.d and it seemed like the injured Irunmole was calling out to them. Leaping and skipping over bushes and shrubs, they soon arrived at the location. The Irunmole wore tattered robes, an obvious indication that he had been cannon fodder just recently. As they moved closer, the masculine feature of the Irunmole came to view.

Wole sighed signalling for Shola to stay back. He moved closer, clutching a Saarin in the hand.

"Hey, I'm here to help." He spoke, bending down.

"Wole, down nn..." Shola shouted from behind, slamming into Wole. The duo crashed down headlong into the softening rock soil.

Just then, the air suddenly heated up as a laser whip of light shot through it. The 'injured' Irunmole had attacked.

But it failed to connect.

'Just as I thought. There is no one here for us to rescue. And even if we find anyone, it's all a set-up.'

The whip slashed down again, into the ground, scattering the heap of Basic Classed Irunmole heap to divide as they each rolled off.

"Two, it takes to tangle." The Irunmole with tattered clothes spoke, a fiendish smile spreading across his reddened face.

The Irunmole rushed forward, two thin slices of wind slashing into the air in form of an X. The two rolled further but the wind slash followed after them.

Whoosssh...

"Aaargghh..."

"Umpgh..."

Instinctively, they jumped to their feets, grabbing two saarins each. Wole grinned.

This was the real mission. To overcome an Irunmole warrior.

He glanced briefly at his partner. The latter nodded, as he got the picture.

"Let's do this." Shola responded.

"By all means, please!!" The attacker curtseyed.

Raising a leg and an arm up, he formed the imagery of martial artist posing before launching an attack.

His mouth moved while his eyes fixed themselves on the two teenage Irunmole in front of him. Almost as if he was trying to focus on them both.

"Ogun Agbara: Collision Blade"

"No..." Shola and Wole's eyes widened immediately.

It took great effort for one to control Creation Essence in it's dilute form of Aspectual laws. Even so, an Elite was only able to grasp the tip of laws and was Captain of using them to coat their weapons.

While an Omni Classed could do that more easily and convert energy into objects that came in sparingly. The Aspectual law became more easier to reach with the Ascension of Classes. In so much that, a Lord Class Irunmole was capable of turning the Agbara into moving and transporting techniques. Only until Omega Class, could an Irunmole be more at easy, using law imbued techniques.

And the process of it was tedious.

It was why most Irunmoles had been content with mere Elite Class. But right before them, was an Irunmole that ad attacked them with light energy.

And the next second, he was clinging to the energy of war‽...

This was a cheat! Definitely.

It was rare to find Irunmole mastering another aspectual law. After all, Even The Elder was only a practioneer of 'Ino Agbara'. And this was due to the fact that each irunmole had a concept biology that allowed their soul fully attune with the Aspectual law of their patron Orisha.

Hence, it was tedious to master another law. As even their body would kick against the foreign law. Resulting in a backlash that would most likely break their soul. Soul decline, in the end or at best, a soul that was unable to ascend.

Only geniuses had been able to do that and exist unscathed. And this Irunmole before them, was a heck of a genius.

Their attacker rushed forward, slashing arcs into the air with his b.a.r.e arms at the duo.

Wole was stunned. He stood blinking!! This Irunmole could even use his own body to channel the attack‽ He had to be an Omega at best.

How unfair! Wole grumbled.

Just then, his survival instincts jumped in. And he leapt, folding his legs to come clean of the slashing thin arc of energy.

In midmotion, he watched as Shola, bent over on his back allowing the attack to pass unhindered over him.

Quickly, his hands reached for the ground and with a groaning, Shola lifted his legs up, turning a complete flip.

By now, Wole had landed.

And as he did, he lunged forward with one hand to stab while the other came as support. But his attack did not connect.

The first Saarin clashed against the Irunmole who arched his elbow to intercept. The elbow came crashing heavily on the Saarin, as mini shockwave erupted.

Wole was pushed back. But by then, his other hand flew in on reflexes, going for the lower abdomen.

But then, the other arm of the man hit against it, an explosion lashing against ferociously. The attacks took place within a short time, making the first explosion to linger enough before being reinforced but the second one.

The next second, Wole was blown off his feet by the combined eruptions. Just then, Shola's leg twisted, going for the head of the attacker.

But his opponent was faster. He Raised his hands diagonally, blocking the attack as an eruption threw Shola further away.

"Hmm... Is that all you have left‽‽ " The attacker straightened up, his smile twitching at the edges.

His two opponents were on the ground groaning.

"I suppose your challenge is over, children. If nothing else, I'll be handing you over for trespassing and breaking into restricted domain."

"Ah... I'll like to see you try. " Wole mouthed, taking the man aback.

"Shola, Ruler's Eye. Give me an opening. I'll take him headlong." Wole added, staggering to his feet.

His experience bar was filling up. But not enough to break through to Elite class. And if they were stopped, that meant, their ascension was going to be denied. At this stage, he couldn't afford that.

After all, how was he going to make face, if he failed this mission‽

Mission?

There was no mission. At all.

objective was masked but now he knew it all. It was simply for him to survive long enough to level up and escape. That was the mission.

And that was what he would do.

Strangely, Shola didn't object. His eyes glittered as he shut them,, light escaping out from the eyelids as heavy sensation say upon his soul. Due to his using the ability without access to Agbara fuel.

Practically, abilities were of less use once a person could ascend. But for those at basic class, it was their everything. And a good ability meant that one was going to ascend easily.

His ears twitched at the warning Wole hasteningly gave out. Telling him to jump away. In response, his soul jerked, anxiety and worry creasing his forehead.

What was happening?

At that moment, Shola felt a sickening thud in his stomach. He bent over, doubling as raw pain went berserk in him.

"Oooff..." His eyes flipped open, but not with the majestic splendour of Rulers Eyes.

Rather, his eyes opened lazily to settle on the Irunmole that had launched his feet into his stomach.

BOOM!!!

A concussion wind, direct from the impact of his attacker leg shot in. Throwing him viciously backwards . His nerves reacted as his body racked hard against a charred tree trunk.

Groaning weakly and looking into the eyes of his attacker who had a vicious smile on, Silas slumped. The effect of relying on his Rulers eye kicking in.

"Noooooo..." Shola roared, rushing forward, his two saarins beginning to glint dangerously. His feet rammed hard into the ground as he launched forward. Fuelled by emotions for his friend.

Shola had just being crippled.

His Ascension was not going to be anytime soon.

That thought alone spurred him on, roaring for a suicide match. He knew he couldn't face this man. But yet, his being wasn't going to just accept defeat like that.

Not after his dearest friend was crippled.

He was going to take revenge. He would fight, fight and fight till he too was crippled. But at least then, he would have left a lasting torment on this Irunmole forever.

Rushing forward on mad impetus, time flickered before him.

Or rather, time slowed.

Wole's vision became hazy for a brief second before clearing. After clearing, a sudden influx of energy hit him, dazzling him out for some other seconds. A twirl of stars barricading his vision.

He bent, gripping his knees as he blindly yelled. And as he did, his insignia beeped.

He had Ascended.

"Y-yu--you...you...you...you..." Wole cried, his breath ragged and hurried.

"Well, well. Look at you. You have ascended. That's great to know but you still trespass restricted domain. And as a warrior under the High Council, it is my duty to bring you in." The man grinned widely, cracking his knuckles as he advanced, slowly.

"Ogun Agbara: Iron Knuckles" The Irunmole spoke smoothly.

Energy compressed at his fists as it gained a metallic sheen. The metal expanded at the knuckles, growing into huge pointed tops that sparkled ferociously.

"I thought, since you've ascended to elite, I should step up the game further." Just then, his aura shot out and Wole g.r.o.a.n.e.d.

'This is bad. I barely know how to unleash the abilities of Elite class. Umph... And he's coming again... ' Wole frowned, seeing the Irunmole rush at him, with shining knuckles.

'oh, Eledumare, help me! ' Wole grimaced as he braced himself, clutching the already dented saarins in his hand.

He closed his eyes and dashed, feeling the air rush past him as the sound of nearing feets pounded dangerously close.

THUD!

Something dropped down. He tried opened his eyes only to be blinded by the bright lights momentarily. The light lasted for seconds and in that moment, he could make out the brief sound of fist connecting with flesh and the backlash as the affected person crashed down.

He closed his eyes now. Opening them slowly to get rid of the temporary dizziness.

Immediately, his eyes lit open.

"OLUKONI MAYOWA...!!!" <<!!!Olukoni stands for team tutor or sensei in Yoruba language!!!>>

He squealed, excitement rushing out from him. For in front of him was his team tutor, Mayowa.

She stood gracefully, a smirk on her face while her both fists sizzled in white heat.

"Adanu, Shey o ni ekun mi shey ni?(1). That you want to utterly break the young boy? Haba... Are you not rather being unfair?' Olukoni Mayowa grumbled as the Irunmole referenced as Adanu stood up, his metal fists disappearing completely from view.

"What? After all, we are meant to be warriors. The earlier they know that, the better." Adanu protested in reply.

He moved forward, rubbing his beardless chin repeatedly.

"Look at this one here. He barely could stand my ordinary kick." He grinned, pointing at the collapsed.

Instead, Mayowa, raised an eyebrow at him with a frowned plastered on. She ignored him, resting her shoulders on Wole.

"You tried. Even though your tester is but a battle maniac. You still held out and you've levelled up too. I'm proud of you. And Ibiyemi and Toyosi too. They levelled up also. Congratulations.!" She smiled sweetly at him.

But that didn't seem to go down with him. How come‽ Toyosi, how did he level up? That fatty levelled up and Shola is here, knocked out clean.

Oh my...

My reputation is ruined! Wole cursed.

(T/N)

1. Don't you have something else to do?

.

(A/N)

Yippeee... Thanks for reading.

So, hey guys, you remember I kept on mentioning Aspectual Laws in recent chapters, right? Each Orisha was in charge of an aspect of reality and as a result they are not so mobile. Hence Irunmoles do their bidding and assignment to the mortal world.

But for that Irunmole to be strong enough to carry on his duty, that Irunmole must be immersed in at least 25% understanding of the Aspectual law his Orisha is based on.

And so far, apart from Ino Agbara(Light Energy), I've introduced Agbara Ayanmo(Fate Energy) and now, there's Ogun Agbara(War Energy).

Yup, now you get why simple contact with Adanu was rippling with explosions. That's because the Orisha Ogun is the good of war, iron and courage In Orun and by default, the leading force of the Irunmole.

However by hierachy, Orisha Obatala is the king of the Gods therefore it's expected that his Ilu Orun be in charge of the others.

That aside, There's more Aspectual laws we would be touching, all leading to a climax of emotions showing the travails of Sunday while on his journey to Earth.

And all of this is happening before he ever gets to see Bola, in planet Earth. Read Chapter 1 all over if you've forgotten.