161 Power Transfers (2/2)
”Mm.” Ed nodded. 'It's similar to Mordy's body. This one will be useful if he can gain control. A pity he probably won't be able to before the war begins.'
The man's face was difficult to make out, as the static obscured his face. But even then, one could tell he was in anguish.
”Calm down.” Ed smiled. ”You should be happy with your amazing results. Just focus on slowly gaining control. It may take you a few days or even weeks. If you fall apart, then just pull yourself back together.'
The man struggled to nod, showing he understood.
”Good.” Ed turned towards the guards. ”I'm finished here. I'll be returning now.”
The guard captain nodded, allowing him to pass.
Ed yawned and stretched as he mentally calculated the time. 'I sped it up a bit near the end as I got better at it. Should be just enough time for a nap before the war starts in the morning.' He lazily scratched his chest as he left the manullium mine and returned above ground. The night was darker than usual despite it being night. It seemed that there was a curfew order. Additionally, citizens weren't being permitted to have any form of lights on. 'Are they afraid of air raids or something?' He wondered.
Just as Ed reached the mansion, a shadowy figure stepped out from the shadows. A thin pale hand reached towards his shoulder. Halfway towards him, the arm transformed into a tentacle that quickly wrapped itself around his neck.
”Funny.” Ed chuckled as silver flames lit up on his body and burned the tentacle.
”AH! FUCK!” A voice screamed in the darkness. A moment later, Dupe hopped in front of him while shaking his burnt arm. ”It was just a joke! Did you have to burn my arm?!”
”You're lucky I didn't kill you.” Ed sinisterly laughed.
”Tsk.” Dupe clicked his tongue. ”Not like I can't make another one.”
”No need to brag.” Ed chuckled as he headed for the mansion. Dupe followed behind him.
The duo entered Ed's room. Recalling what Tai had done the other day, Ed decided he needed to be more cautious as well. Ice shot out from his body, enveloping the room. It wouldn't have as much impact as something that actually affected space, but it should at least reduce any spying others might try. The ice would easily block sound and mana, making it difficult for the vast majority of espers to get through.
”Cold.” Dupe shivered as he rubbed his arms.
”Stop exaggerating.” Ed snorted. ”Give me a status report. What's going on at the Purple Origin Sect and the other sects?”
Dupe nodded, a serious look on his face. ”Things are normal at most of the sects. However, the Purple Origin Sect and Earth Dust Sect are making strange movements.”
”Oh?” Ed curiously rose an eyebrow.
”The Purple Origin Sect has started to round up those that remained behind from other sects. The remaining sect members, including me, have been taught a strange chant. But they aren't telling us any details on what it's actually for. There are some rumors that it's related to Yuki's wedding though.”
”I see.” Ed nodded. ”It should be related to the ancient formation set up by Yu the Great. The chant is likely part of activating it. Does somebody lead the chant?”
”Mm.” Dupe nodded. ”Bai Fang is in charge of leading the chant, which is why many think it's related to the wedding.”
”Hmm...” Ed rubbed his chin. ”So, the adopted son is in charge of the formation despite it being his wedding day? Seems like an odd choice.”
”Right.” Dupe agreed. ”Other than that, I think I know what's happening to the espers being rounded up.” He grinned. ”I sent one of my clones into the training room. I easily should've been able to leave the room, as I've already mastered the path it called for.”
”Oh?” Ed curiously examined Dupe, wondering which path he mastered. Unfortunately, it seemed Dupe had no intention of revealing it.
”Not just me, but the others inside the training room were trapped as well, and I found some of the espers that had been rounded up by the sect. It's being used as an impromptu prison. Not only that, but they're teaching the prisoners a different chant than the one we're learning outside the training room.”
”Interesting...” Ed rubbed his chin. ”It could be that the formation needs different chants inside and outside to properly activate it... Either that, or the ones inside it are being sacrificed.”
”That's what I thought too.” Dupe nodded. ”As for the Earth Dust Sect...” He frowned. ”They've vanished.”
”Vanished?” Ed repeated in confusion.
”Right.” Dupe nodded. ”They're gone. Poof. No sign of them, and they didn't take me with them, so I was obviously found out.”
”Ugh.” Ed groaned. 'What the hell are they planning?!'