Against The Eternity Chapter 86: [85] Chapter - 53: Let’s do this (Part - 1/2)

Read chapter 86 of Against The Eternity by Phoenixfly_steller on NovelPedia.

[85] Chapter - 53: Let’s do this (Part - 1/2) A note from Phoenixfly_steller Each part of the chapter will be between 800 and 1200 words. (It can be 700 sometimes, but not less than that) Thanks for reading The sword descended like a streak of judgment, its edge whispering through the rain-heavy air, close enough to Eklavya’s neck that he could feel the chill of sharpened steel before pain had the chance to exist. For a heartbeat, the world narrowed into a single shining line—the boundary between life and death—when suddenly another blade burst into motion. Clang! Steel collided against steel mere inches from Eklavya’s throat. Sparks scattered like startled fireflies as the incoming strike was forced aside. The impact rang across the clearing, sharp and absolute. A figure stepped forward from behind Eklavya. Zeliang. Though still pale from injury, his posture carried unwavering resolve. His sword remained raised, angled perfectly after the parry, forcing the attacker to retreat several steps across the damp earth. Leaves crunched beneath the man’s boots as he stabilised himself, revealing a middle-aged warrior with stern features and eyes sharpened by long years of battle. Magha narrowed his gaze, spiritual sense probing carefully before he spoke in a low voice beside Eklavya. ‘No doubt it took me a moment to feel his presence. He is a two-star Grandmaster warrior.’ The statement alone explained everything—the silent approach, the flawless assassination attempt, the overwhelming pressure hidden beneath restraint. “Chandra,” Zeliang said firmly, lowering his sword slightly though he remained cautious, “he isn’t our enemy.” The attacker’s expression shifted, surprise flickering briefly across his face, though his grip on the weapon did not loosen entirely. Eklavya, who had frozen the instant the blade neared his neck, slowly exhaled. The tension drained from his muscles in controlled increments. He turned his head toward Zeliang, eyes steady but questioning. “You know him?” he asked. Zeliang nodded once. “Yeah. He is one of us.” “One of us…” Eklavya murmured, repeating the words as understanding settled in. His heartbeat, which had surged moments earlier, gradually returned to its calm rhythm. The storm overhead growled faintly, as if disappointed the scene had not ended in blood. Before further explanation could follow, the forest shifted again. Branches trembled. Footsteps echoed from multiple directions. In an instant, eight figures emerged from the surrounding woods—five Master Warriors and three Practitioner Warriors—moving with disciplined coordination. They spread out instinctively, forming a protective perimeter around the clearing. Their arrival was swift yet controlled, each warrior scanning the surroundings before their attention settled upon Zeliang. Eklavya’s expression hardened immediately. His aura sharpened, instincts snapping into combat readiness. Spiritual energy stirred beneath his skin, quiet but prepared, like a blade sliding halfway from its sheath. “Don’t worry,” Zeliang said calmly, placing a reassuring hand on Eklavya’s shoulder. “They are with us.” The contact carried quite certainty. After a brief pause, Eklavya allowed the tension to ease, though his awareness remained alert. Trust, he decided, was acceptable—but vigilance was cheaper than regret. The warriors who had just arrived stepped forward together. In perfect unison, they joined their palms and bowed slightly. “We greet Young Master Zeliang.” Their voices carried respect rather than mere obedience, revealing a relationship deeper than simple hierarchy. Eklavya raised an eyebrow subtly at the title but said nothing. Pieces of Zeliang’s identity were clearly larger than previously revealed. Zeliang sighed softly, embarrassment flashing across his face at the formal greeting. “Okay, okay,” he said, waving a hand dismissively. “Everyone, take a little rest here.” The warriors obeyed immediately, dispersing around the clearing. Some sat beneath tr