The Extra Wants Control

The scouts, a mix of humans, elves, and a few of the more adaptable beastmen, ventured into the unknown, their courage fueled by a mix of determination and fear. But despite their best efforts, they returned empty-handed. There were traces of human activity, footprints, discarded tools, but no sign of a permanent settlement.

Azrael and Vera, the leaders of the faction, exchanged a troubled glance. It was becoming increasingly clear that they were being played. The enemy, whoever they were, was skilled at deception, at creating the illusion of vulnerability while concealing their true strength.

"They're toying with us, Azrael," Vera said, her voice filled with a mixture of anger and frustration. "They're leading us on a wild goose chase."

Azrael nodded, his face a mask of concentration. "It's a dangerous game they're playing," he replied, his voice low and dangerous. "They're testing our patience, our resources. But they underestimate us if they think we'll be deterred."

A plan began to form in Azrael's mind. It was a risky strategy, but it was the only way to break the stalemate. "We need to turn the tables," he said, his voice filled with determination. "We need to make them think we're the ones being hunted."

Vera's eyes widened in understanding. She knew what he was suggesting, a bold and audacious plan that could backfire spectacularly. But it was also a gamble that could yield huge rewards.

"We'll need to be careful," she warned, her voice laced with caution. "They're playing a dangerous game, and we can't afford to make mistakes."

Azrael nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I know," he replied, his voice filled with a quiet confidence. "But sometimes, the best way to catch a predator is to become one."

The stage was set for a new chapter in the sub-dimension, a chapter filled with deception, strategy, and a battle of wits that would determine the fate of the factions.

*****************

The sleek, minimalist interior of Babel headquarters was a stark contrast to the raw, primal struggle unfolding in the sub-dimension. Here, in this sterile environment, decisions were made that would shape the course of the conflict.

At the head of the conference table sat Neveah, a figure of imposing stature and undeniable authority. Their eyes, a piercing shade of blue, scanned the faces of their subordinates, each one a specialist in their own right.

"Mavis," Neveah began, their voice carrying a quiet authority, "is everything in place?"

Mavis, a woman of few words and efficient demeanor, nodded. "Two hundred and ninety-nine participants, all upper seven-star, ready for deployment," she replied.

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A murmur of disbelief rippled through the room. Three hundred upper seven-star individuals was a force to be reckoned with, a formidable army by any standard. Yet, in the grand scheme of the sub-dimension, where thousands of six and seven-star individuals were vying for dominance, it seemed like a drop in the ocean.

Eric, a man known for his blunt honesty, spoke up. "With all due respect, Neveah," he began, his voice carrying a note of skepticism, "three hundred against thousands? That's a bit of a mismatch, isn't it?"

Neveah simply raised an eyebrow. "We're not here to win, Eric," he replied calmly. "Our purpose there is to show how normal people outside tye academy training compare to the ones nurtured by it. We're basically there for them to flex."

Harvey interjected, "But sir, you'll be participating as well, right?"

Neveah nodded, a small smile playing on he lips. "Of course," he replied casually.

" And how are you normal? I can't make out your level. Not to mention I heard you were able to fight on par with the twins who have laws and are peak 8 stars." Complained Eric

" I didn't defeat them. They went easy on me." Neveah said with a shrug.

"...."

The room fell silent, the weight of Neveah's words hanging heavy in the air. For a moment, it seemed as if time stood still. They looked at him with accusatory eyes.

**************

In the academy grounds. Three hundred individuals, each a seasoned veteran of countless battles, stood in formation, their presence casting a long shadow over the assembled people. They were not students, but mercenaries, hardened by the crucible of experience, some had their bodies etched with the scars of countless battles.

The announcement echoed through the grounds, carrying a sense of both anticipation and dread.

The military academy students, their faces a mixture of stoic and nonchalance, looked at the newcomers with a mix of respect and trepidation. These were not their fellow students, but hardened warriors, veterans of countless battles, and the mere sight of them was enough to instill a sense of respect.

The announcers, their voices amplified by the magic of the academy, explained the situation. These were not ordinary soldiers, but elite fighters, handpicked from Babel's affiliated guilds. Their presence in the sub-dimension was the surprise and a test of the Arcana's students' mettle.

But that was not all. The announcement continued, revealing another shock. There was also the group of students, graduates of the military academy founded three years ago when the vampires had gone into isolation, were also being introduced into the sub-dimension.

These students, trained in the harsh realities of warfare and discipline, they were a force to be reckoned with.

The implications of this announcement were profound. The sub-dimension, once a testing ground for the Arcana Mysteria students, was now a battleground where survival was the ultimate goal.

*************

The announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd. The initial excitement, fueled by the prospect of action and adventure, was quickly tempered by a sense of unease.

The mention of the vampires had cast a long shadow over the proceedings, rekindling old fears and suspicions.

Whispers and murmurs spread through the crowd. Some expressed excitement at the prospect of facing new challenges, while others voiced concerns about the potential dangers. But amidst the speculation and fear, a darker undercurrent emerged. The topic of vampires, once revered as powerful allies, were now viewed with suspicion.

Conspiracy theories began to circulate, fueled by the fear of the unknown. Some claimed that the vampires had secretly joined forces with the demons, forming a sinister alliance that threatened the very fabric of reality.

Others suggested that the vampires had sold information to the demons, aiding them in infiltrating other races because how did the demons just appear out of nowhere, they also heard rumours that the darkness they faced was because of the vampire queen so it was very suspicious.

There's also the suddenness of their withdrawal from the Council of Allied Races was cited as evidence of their treachery, cause why would they withdraw for no reason if they were innocent.

The atmosphere, once filled with anticipation, became charged with tension. The military students, caught between excitement and fear, found themselves in a state of flux. They were eager to prove their worth, to show the world their abilities, but the shadow of the vampires loomed large, casting a dark pall over their spirits.

The academy authorities, sensing the growing unrest, moved quickly to quell the rumors. Announcements were made, denying the accusations against the vampires. But the damage had been done. The seed of doubt had been planted, and it would take time to eradicate.

It was an awkward moment.

" Seraphina, she's not denying any of the statements to ease the public. So the misunderstanding grew to this point that they think that vampires are collaborating with demons. How far has this notion spread and why didn't the race leaders try to do anything. I'll investigate later." Thought Neveah.

Anyway the stage was set for a clash of titans, a battle for survival that would determine the fate of the sub-dimension. And at the heart of it all were the students, young and inexperienced, yet filled with a courage that belied their age. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: the world was watching, and the stakes had never been higher.

**********

A circle of ethereal blue light materialized on the academy grounds, its luminescence casting an otherworldly glow on the assembled mercenaries. The air crackled with anticipation as the circle expanded, forming a portal to the sub-dimension. One by one, the mercenaries stepped through the shimmering portal, disappearing into the unknown.

As the last mercenary vanished, the circle began to fade, leaving behind a ripple in the air. The academy grounds, once filled with the tension of departure, slowly returned to its usual tranquility. The worldwide audience, watching the spectacle unfold, felt a mix of awe and trepidation. They were about to embark on a journey into the unknown, a test of their skills and their courage.