Chapter 31: The First Cracks in Fate
The morning mist had barely lifted over the Clover Kingdom, yet within the hidden dimensional world of Akatsuki, the air vibrated with controlled tension.
Avi sat at the very top of the grand palace's spire, eyes closed as an intricate three-dimensional mana model floated before him. Dozens of glowing points of light represented locations across Clover Kingdom, Spade Kingdom, Heart Kingdom, and beyond. Thin lines of fluctuating light connected the points — symbolizing magical flows, devil influences, and hidden schemes.
Avi (thought):
"The threads of fate are tightening. Zagred's echoes still stir within the forbidden zones. Lucius continues manipulating pawns. The elves' dormant souls are not far from awakening. And behind it all... something darker observes from deeper layers of reality."
Suddenly, his system interface flickered silently before him — unseen by all but him.
> [System Notice]: Minor fate deviation detected. Lucius's subordinate - Morris - has accelerated forbidden research. Threat Level: Moderate. Suggested action: Subtle interference.
Avi's lips curved slightly. His system never gave commands; it offered data. It was his mind that controlled the board.
Avi (thought):
"Morris... trying to awaken devils through transdimensional surgery already? Overeager insect."
He gently manipulated the interface, assigning one of his autonomous wood clones to infiltrate Morris's hidden lab under advanced cloaking.
The system updated.
> [Mission Initiated]: Infiltrate Morris's Lab
Status: In Progress.
---
Meanwhile — Asta & Yuno's Mission
Down below, in one of Akatsuki's dimensional forests, Asta and Yuno were preparing for their latest mission. Asta adjusted his new reinforced cloak, the Akatsuki's red cloud stitched into the black mantle proudly displayed. Yuno, as calm as ever, fine-tuned his wind-based detection magic.
Asta (grinning):
"Man, every mission is like a new adventure! This time, we're guarding some stupid noble caravan?"
Yuno (serious):
"Not just nobles, Asta. This is a bait mission. According to Avi, some dark cultists targeting noble bloodlines might attack."
Asta (excited):
"Perfect! Let them come!"
Though they spoke casually, both were fully aware this was not a simple escort. Avi had already briefed them privately about the existence of "Midnight Sun remnant fanatics" — those who secretly worshiped the ancient elven ideals and desired a return of elven supremacy. These cultists were using devil artifacts distributed by unknown hands—most likely pawns of Morris or even Lucius testing reactions.
Avi (thought while observing them remotely):
"Good. Their instincts are sharp. But this mission isn't simply about defeating enemies — it's about refining their leadership under pressure."
---
The Cult's Conspiracy
The noble caravan passed through an ancient forest known as Whispering Veil. A dense fog surrounded the trail as magical beasts watched silently from the distance.
Suddenly, mana fluctuations struck.
Dozens of robed figures emerged from the trees — their auras unstable, corrupted by forbidden magic. Dark glyphs floated behind them, forming a grotesque ritual circle.
Cult Leader (chanting):
"The blood of royals shall awaken the sacred truth! The Elf Sovereign shall rise again!"
The ritual began drawing on forbidden elven sigils, corrupted by devil energy. A grotesque hybrid portal started opening — something Zagred's influence had subtly embedded into ancient artifacts decades ago.
Asta (slamming his greatsword into the ground):
"Oh no you don't!!"
The portal's energy clashed against Asta's Anti-Magic waves, destabilizing instantly.
Yuno (calling Sylph):
"Let's clear the trash first. Spirit Storm: Heaven's Lance!"
Dozens of corrupted fanatics were blown away before their summoning could stabilize.
But the portal didn't close.
Suddenly, something massive forced its way halfway through — a grotesque fusion of elven spirit and devil remains, partially materialized.
Asta (eyes wide):
"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!?"
---
System Intervention
Far away, within the Akatsuki command chamber, Avi activated a concealed dimensional terminal.
> [System Activation: Dimensional Anchoring Pulse — Shadow Veil Protocol]
Silent energy surged from hidden dimensional cracks around the battlefield. A distorted pressure stabilized the area, preventing the partial summoning from fully entering the world.
Avi (thought):
"Direct action avoided. They will win this battle themselves. My intervention remains invisible."
---
The Final Battle
The eldritch hybrid roared, releasing beams of corrupted light toward Asta and Yuno. Yuno's Spirit Ward shields absorbed most of the damage while Asta dashed forward, slicing through several mana tentacles.
Asta (shouting):
"I don't know what you are, but you're going down!"
His sword struck directly into the central core, dispersing the hybrid's structure.
As the portal collapsed violently, a final surge of energy lashed out.
Yuno:
"Asta, dodge!"
Before the final beam could strike Asta fatally, a faint spatial rift opened — redirecting the beam into the sky. Avi's autonomous ward triggered without revealing his presence.
---
Aftermath
By morning, the forest was restored. The nobles were saved. The cultists either captured or scattered.
Asta and Yuno sat exhausted by the fire.
Asta:
"Man... we barely made it."
Yuno:
"No. We handled it. But… that wasn't just some cult. Someone is organizing them."
Avi (thought, observing from afar):
"Excellent deduction, Yuno. You are evolving as I intended."
---
Behind the Curtains — Lucius
Far away, in Lucius Zogratis's secret chamber, the time mage observed the failed experiment via his seers.
Lucius (frowning):
"Interference again. My vision was partially clouded at the last moment."
Beside him, Morris knelt, trembling.
Morris:
"I... I don't understand! The summoning array was perfect! Someone... prevented dimensional breach."
Lucius (calm yet cold):
"A hidden player exists. One who understands dimensional principles far beyond your comprehension."
He narrowed his eyes.
Lucius (thought):
"A shadow behind the shadows... Who are you?"
---
Avi's Secret Observation Room
Back in Akatsuki's fortress, Avi stood alone in his observation room, hands resting behind his back as thousands of dimensional models revolved around him.
Avi (thought):
"Lucius suspects... but suspects what he cannot see."
> [System Notification]: Minor deviation successfully neutralized. Timeline stability restored.]
A small, almost mischievous smile curled on Avi's lips.
Avi (softly whispering):
"Everything is proceeding... exactly as I allow."
He turned, already planning for the next piece on the chessboard — the approaching Underwater Temple mission, where yet another key arc would unfold.
---
[To be continued…]