Aragon's Decision (2)

Once Aragon joined the ranks of Zeus, he dedicated his time to perfecting his AURA art using the ancient writings of his ancestors. One day, while training in a vast meadow under the open sky, Zeus appeared accompanied by a thin and seemingly fragile young man. His long brown hair almost completely covered his face, revealing only one of his blue eyes. He wore a white shirt, black pants, and brown shoes. His posture was timid, as if he were trying to disappear into the shadows.

"Hello, Aragon, my friend," Zeus greeted him with his usual authoritative yet friendly tone. "I've brought you a student. I believe it's time for you to expand your AURA art by starting with this boy."

Aragon observed the young man with curiosity before asking, "How old are you?"

The boy, visibly nervous, didn't respond immediately. Zeus intervened, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "Don't worry, he's rather shy. Besides, he lost his memory due to trauma." Then, in a whisper meant only for Aragon, he added, "His parents were killed in front of him, so he might have nightmares or sudden flashbacks. It's normal in these cases."

Zeus gently pushed the young man forward, formally introducing him. "This boy is fifteen years old, and his name is Lingo."

Aragon nodded slowly, understanding the situation. "I see."

"Well, perhaps you can train with me, young man," Zeus continued, addressing the boy. "I see that your aura is intense but malleable. I believe you two can fight together. He will be your master from now on, Lingo," Zeus declared firmly. Then, looking at the young man, he added, "I'm leaving you in good hands so you can become a fine warrior in my service. I expect results soon."

"Yes, sir," Lingo replied shyly, though his trembling voice revealed his uncertainty.

Zeus left, leaving master and disciple alone. At first, Lingo didn't dare approach Aragon, and Aragon didn't know how to interact with him either. It had been years since he'd had a disciple, and both seemed uncomfortable in each other's presence. However, over time, Aragon began to grow fond of the young man. He saw him as the son he never had, and he not only taught him AURA techniques but also valuable life lessons.

In a particularly emotional moment, while the young man slept after a long training session, he murmured in his sleep, "I love you, Father Aragon." Those words deeply touched Aragon, awakening paternal feelings he thought he had forgotten. From that moment on, he decided to protect and care for the boy as if he were his own son.

Lingo was incredibly skilled and learned the techniques Aragon taught him quickly. However, sometimes he experienced nightmares or fragmented memories that caused his AURA power to spiral out of control. During those times, Aragon was always by his side, calming and comforting him, ensuring the young man didn't succumb to the darkness within himself.

One day, Zeus returned to evaluate Lingo's progress. He was surprised to see how much the once timid and fragile boy had changed. Now he was courageous and strong, though he still lacked assertiveness. Zeus knew that if he wanted to turn him into his dark henchman and personal assassin, something more drastic was needed.

"Come with me to the base," Zeus ordered, taking Lingo to Dr. Maos. As soon as he entered, the young man was sedated and placed in a machine designed to perform a brainwashing procedure. The process aimed to erase any trace of free will, leaving Lingo completely obedient to Zeus.

Aragon knew nothing of this, as he had been sent on a special mission. When he returned, his disciples were no longer the same. The innocence and affection that once shone in Lingo's eyes had been replaced by calculated coldness. From afar, Aragon felt a pang of pain, sensing that something was wrong with the boy, though he couldn't pinpoint what it was. Zeus had taken what remained of Lingo and molded him according to his own designs.

When Aragon returned, he noticed that the young man had changed slightly, though nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Lingo still spoke to him as always and treated him with the same respect a disciple shows toward his master. However, something in his gaze seemed different. The dose they had administered was minimal, allowing him to communicate and make decisions on his own, but when in the presence of Zeus, he became an obedient puppet incapable of questioning orders. This was done intentionally to avoid raising suspicions about Aragon, though he had an uneasy feeling lingering in the back of his mind.

"Something's wrong with you, boy," Aragon said as he watched Lingo train. The young man, now stronger and more confident, responded with a forced smile: "No, don't worry, everything's fine. I'm just a bit nervous about my new position at the table."

At that moment, a meeting was called. All key members were seated around an imposing table. Upon entering, Aragon put on his helmet, and the young man did the same. From a platform, Zeus descended toward the head of the table with majestic steps.

"It's time for the initiation," Zeus announced, his voice resonating with authority. "From today onward, young Lingo, you will no longer be called by that name. You need a grand name, one that reflects the feats you've accomplished and those you will yet achieve. From now on, you will be known as the Scourge of Darkness, the Walking Shadow. You are Sir Larot."

The others at the table applauded, including Aragon, who felt a paternal pride seeing his disciple recognized as someone distinguished in life.

We returned to the present, where Podbe and Sir Larot continued to clash. Thanks to the portals Aiden strategically opened, the canine managed to evade The Dark Knight's rapid attacks. At one point, Podbe landed another precise blow to Larot's abdomen, causing a metallic cracking sound to resonate from his armor.

"We're unstoppable, Podbe!" Aiden exclaimed in the mental link they shared, brimming with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Eduard muttered to himself, "This is bad again; this guy isn't moving right... it unsettles me." Summoning his courage, he shouted:

"Hey, you!" Eduard called out, addressing Aragon, who was standing by the door, observing the scene with a thoughtful expression. "What are you doing here? Are you going to attack us too?"

It seemed Aragon was lost in thought, analyzing the situation. The leader of Unit E intervened: "From what I see, you feel something is wrong with your friend, right? I also think he's not the same as he was during that battle against Urion."

"Maybe they've done something to him!" Eduard shouted, frustrated.

Aragon reflected on these words while watching the fight with growing concern. "If they had done something to him... he would have attacked us already. Besides, back then, you were never one to attack from behind. You had an honor," Eduard remarked aloud.

"Yes, honor... but what is honor now?" Aragon murmured, lost in his thoughts.

At that moment, Zeus, from his position, addressed Maos: "I think he needs more discipline and hatred." With that, Maos pressed some buttons on his console, sending signals directly to Larot.

"Oh no! What's happening?" Aiden asked, alarmed as he watched Larot begin to scream as if possessed.

Larot heard Maos's cold voice echoing in his mind: "Do everything I tell you. Use your fury to destroy them. This is a direct order from your master, Zeus."

"Oh no! Get ready!" Eduard shouted as he launched his techniques toward Larot. Meanwhile, Drake yelled at Aiden: "Get out of there, along with Podbe!"

Larot was now approaching, enveloped in a sinister AURA that darkened the surrounding air. His speed was now so extreme that it surpassed the human eye's ability to track him. Just as Aiden was trying to transport Podbe to another location, The Dark Knight struck the canine with devastating force.

"Minus 200 Health Points," the system announced within Podbe's mind. "Even using my hardness ability, did I do this much damage? Damn it!" the canine thought, frustrated by the brutality of the attack.

"Run!" Drake shouted as he saw Larot charging toward them with deadly intent. The Dark Knight unsheathed his sword, preparing to finish off the person in front of him, ready to deliver a lethal blow to the teenager.

"No!" Podbe's desperate voice echoed in the mental link he shared with Aiden. "I don't want to lose you again!"

But before the sword could reach Aiden, Aragon appeared unexpectedly, blocking the attack and shattering the blade in two with his own weapon. Calmly but firmly, he said to the boy: "Take your dog and go, child. This is a matter between master and disciple."

"What's going on? Why did that fool turn against us?" Zeus demanded angrily, addressing Maos. "Eliminate that fool. He's no longer useful to us, just like we dealt with his family," he added with an icy, malevolent laugh. Maos immediately sent the directive to Larot's brain through the device controlling his will.

"Larot, how could I have been so blind and not realize what they'd done to you?" Aragon murmured as he observed the distortion in his disciple's AURA. "I sense your energy is altered, my young apprentice. I'm going to pull you out of this trance." But before he could continue speaking, Larot struck him with superhuman force, slamming him into a nearby wall with a deafening crash.

The Dark Knight refocused his attention on Aiden and Podbe, determined to eliminate them. "I told you, I am your opponent," Aragon declared, reappearing beside Larot and delivering a punch charged with a bright yellow AURA that knocked him to the ground.

"Go and help your friend, the mage. I'll take care of fixing my discipline," Aragon ordered, his tone leaving no room for objections.

Eduard nodded and ran to retrieve the other three who had been knocked out, administering his special concoction to revive their energy.

At that moment, Podbe's system emitted a notification, which Reia read aloud: "You have survived the battle. Bonus: 1000 experience points."

"Well, at least something good came out of it," Podbe commented, relieved.

"Now you're 2000 points away," Reia added, reminding him how much he still needed to reach his next goal.

Meanwhile, everyone quickly moved to support Adia, who continued to fight fiercely against Geros.

From his hidden position, Zeus observed the scene with a calculated smile. "Hmm, I didn't expect one of mine to cause trouble. But he won't stand a chance against Larot. That fool is a sentimentalist and too straight-laced to understand how power truly works," he mused aloud. Then, with a cold gaze, he murmured, "Well, let them continue. Very soon, I'll make my move."