232 Enjoy The Little Things

Not only was Jason known as the most powerful disciple within the Dark Abylis Sect, but all the members in his squad were ranked within the top ten. There was the #8th ranked Athea who wore her hair decorated in chopsticks. The #6th Davos who was a towering figure of a man.

There was also the #5th ranked Cedra who was quite short and petite. The last being the #3rd ranked Barthalemu whose arms were weirdly wrapped in brown cloth.

All had one thing in common other than being in the same squad, which was that of the last name Zaro.

They too looked on the board keenly reflecting upon their previous conversation about the youth, Sir Mouse. Who knew he would once again be in the spotlight and in such an overwhelming manner to boot.

After arriving it didn't take long until they were briefed by an informant about his and May's records. Seems there was more to the story about these two and based on the reaction of the sect they had long known about these geniuses.

If they hadn't, even the grand elder herself would have gone into the forest taking them as disciples. They looked to their leader Jason who eyed the two on top, but especially Taf. This was the first time they have ever seen such a look in his eyes.

By his piercing gaze, it was as though there was no one else in the world but this youth. It was the look of someone determined to stamp their dominance upon a rival. How would they know that as Jason stared his grandfather's words ate away at his pride?

Despite the attempts to belittle his grandfather and tarnish his legacy. Deep down it truly pained him more than he would have liked to admit. Once he was the jewel in his grandfather's eyes.

He was groomed from a very early age for extraordinary things when his talent was unraveled. Though he was ten at the time in his mind it was as though it was yesterday.

Beast Amalgamation - 0% Affinity

Devil - 0% Affinity

Elements - 78% Affinity

Spirit - 60% Affinity

When his Spirit affinity was heard on that day it was the first time he had ever seen his grandfather smile. Old Zaro beamed from ear to ear before ruffling the young Jason's hair. He then proclaimed to all in the clan,

"You have now borne witness to the rise of the Zaro."

There were arousing applause after those words were spoken. It was as though the roof had been lifted above the young Jason's head. That was the moment he knew his destiny, the beacon, and symbol of the future of the Zaro clan.

Following his results, he became the vehicle used to truly get some foothole over the Arosa clan. Thus the Dark Ablylis Sect which was riddled in politics from two opposing sides was quite pleasant for the clan these past nineteen years.

This was all due to the Arosa clan's current generation being somewhat lacking in comparison to the Zaro. It is a well known fact the sect always had a view for its future instead of concentration on its past and present.

Thus unofficially he was even prized to be the next sect head of the Dark Abylis Sect. Which furthered the strength of the Zaro Clan.

Now with the emerge of these two, in particular, the mouse, it threatened all his dreams and aspiration. Even his grandfather seemingly has pegged this child to fulfill what he deemed his destiny.

In spite of it not being explicitly stated outloud, it seemed Old Zaro had hopes for this child in the future. Even greater than he at the same age.

'Guess I will just have to show you old buzzard.'

The sentiment echoed in his mind as he looked to the forest.

"Look at that, they have quite the marker tally, don't they? This is especially true for the now-famous duo. Will be quite easy to secure a top position with those points."

Athea uttered with a bit of expectance in her voice. Hearing her words the gigantic figure of Davos concurred while adding,

"Yes, what pity that after gathering this amount of points I am certain they will hide away until the third day has ended." They all looked to Jason who appeared deep in thought. He seemingly had some interest in the two based on how he previously stared at the board.

"No, do not have any ideas of hindering the two. Let them continue their rise as they amaze the masses. In fact, we'll do everything possible to ensure they finish in the top ten." Jason stated with a sneer catching the others off-guard.

Huh!

"Are you serious? Why do you want to protect these two? Inside they are running a mock. Surely there is a need for us to stamp our authority." The 5th ranked Cedra interjected. When has their leader cared about nourishing young talent?

"Indeed I am. So I forbid anyone from prematurely stirring conflict."

With authority in his voice, Jason then command. He had quickly weaved a plan in motion, a show of might somewhat. He cared not for some hidden battle which would be unseen by all and only reflected on some board.

No! All will see with their own eyes why such comparisons are false and unbecoming. From the old buzzards, the sect head to even the lowly disciples. This will be the first time and last, after which there will be no doubt as to his status.

Seemingly bored with it all the 3rd ranked Barthalemu yawned before interjecting,

"Ah, let's do as 'his majesty' demands. I'm sure you have your reasons."

He didn't even bother to look at Jason. Of the four it seemed he was the one who wasn't too phased by his stardom. He then continued,

"I'll go and ensure their spaces are secure."

After which Barthalemu made his way off into the forest as the crowds parted ensuring to give him room. He didn't even wait for a response before disappearing. Jason seemingly cared not one bit about Bartholemu's words.

On that day his result was known it signified his rise in the clan but the decline of the previous number one genius, Bartholemew his older cousin by six years. Ever since he has been bitter and tried to undermine Jason at every turn.

Seeing Cedra attempting to go after him Jason beckoned for her to let him leave. Though there was insolence in his voice the idea behind it was correct.

"Let's go and finally join the proceeding." Now he spoke while carrying himself with that carefree demeanor which was his known persona. No longer did he linger on his grandfather's words as soon the truth would be revealed.

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Sitting on a limb of a towering tree was Taf. In some ways, he had decided to take a break from his rampaging. He was given the mission by the grand elder to be somewhat of a beacon to the disciples.

Showing them that there was a need to work harder and be humble because there would always be a higher mountain. Still there comes a point when instead of inspiring it downright tramples one's will to continue.

Which countered the goal he sought to accomplish. This for the disciples on the eastern side was quite the relief. In mere hours all knew of his exploits, but even then some could not believe the rumors. Despite this they became mindful not to visit certain areas in order to avoid Sir Mouse.

As time went by however others made their presence felt as the numbers dwindled. Those within the top fifty cared not for rumors, but markers as they plundered away.

Soon Taf felt a presence to his side. When he turned around to look he saw May with a cheeky smile.

"I'm guessing by your snickering you have made quite the gains, miss. How unfortunate it will be soon replaced by a frown," Taf teased.

May cared not for his satire as the sunny smile with hints of innocence still graced her face.

"You hide behind your words but what I truly need to hear is a number, Sir. Should I give you a few more hours? I'm feeling a bit generous on this day." May then mockingly stated evidently confident in her winnings.

"A number you say, huh? Remember I once promised the only time I would ever make you cry is tears of joy. Yet if I were to do as you say I am certain this will conflict with my oath.

Oh, the inner turmoil boiling within my heart at thisnmoment." Taf had his hands to his chin where a few loose hairs grew. Yet he acted as though there was a thick beard beneath.

His action however only caused May to laugh. She knew how desperately he longed to have a beard, yet all that could be seen were two lonely  hairs.

"Will you just come out with it, brute? She hurriedly pinched him with her frozen fingers as he dodged.

Taf then confidently stated, "Fine.., fine. I did warn you, miss. 26,750 marker points."

When hearing his words a look of defeat was etched on May's face,

"Wow.., you always seem to surprise me. So many points I don't know what to say.."

"Was just in the mood to flex my muscles somewhat. So how many thousands did i win by?" Though he recognized the sadness in her voice Taf knew if it was May, she would relish the chance of rubbing the defeat in his face.

"Oh, I am sorry I was a bit vague in my wording it seems. I meant I didn't know which of my favorite meals you were to prepare. Such a conundrum, wait you did ask a question right? I will do the honor of rephrasing it for you.

You, sir, have lost by only a mere thousand points."

With her words, Taf felt as though cold water had been pouring all over his head. May, however, was uncaring as she evilly laughed like a true villain in an old tale. It was so sweet for her allowing him to bask in his glory before mercilessly crushing his spirit.

Taf shook his head realizing how he had fallen into May's palms. He always knew never to count your chicken before they hatched.

Yet here he was falling for a cleverly placed trap. There he sat as May taunted him without any mercy as he wore a wry smile. Yet there was only one thing for him to do at this juncture, yield.

Unedited Version

To be continued...