Chapter 26 : Difference in Strength

Chapter 26: Difference in Strength

When two or more Essentia met, their Brahman usually created a concealment space that prevented normal humans from seeing interactions between supernatural beings. However, if one desired, they could willingly resist the concealment, allowing anyone to witness the battles before them. This resistance required significant mental fortitude, as it meant fighting against the natural protective instincts of one's own Brahman—a skill few mastered and fewer dared to use as an unorthodox strategy.

While energy blasts or spaces created by Brahman remained imperceptible to normal beings, the aftereffects—such as shockwaves or air pressure—could be sensed. This explained the countless legends of ghosts and supernatural occurrences throughout the Freya Continent, spread by those who had witnessed such bizarre events. Some claimed to have seen buildings crumble without cause, while others spoke of invisible forces that could tear apart steel like paper. Each story added to the mystic veil that separated the world of Essentia from ordinary humans.

Government leaders were well-versed in matters concerning Essentia, having signed global non-disclosure agreements before assuming high positions. Due to the UG's worldwide ban on Brahman, all nations were obligated to protect supernatural secrets from the general public. This arrangement had maintained an uneasy peace between Essentia and mundane authorities for generations, though whispers of rebellion against this system occasionally surfaced behind the curtains.

Neo stood at attention, his mind drifting to the day Harley had first revealed his powers. He'd been a fresh recruit then, witnessing his boss casually killing a rival just using some wine glass who'd dared to challenge the Harley’s authority. That day had taught him the true meaning of power—and fear. The memory still made his hands tremble, though he'd learned to hide it well beneath a mask of professional indifference. He was just happy being paid and following orders, living his life as low scams of society.

Typically, Essentarii chose to maintain concealment space during combat to avoid government interference. To Conrad's surprise, Harley removed the concealment before launching his attack—even more shocking, he did so in front of Kalifa and Neo. The act spoke volumes about his arrogance, or perhaps his absolute confidence in silencing any witnesses. The air itself seemed to thin as the barrier dissolved into nothingness, reality trembling slightly with Brahman particles vibrating as two worlds merged.

An invisible force threw Conrad to the ground, the impact sending vibrations through his enhanced body. As he tried to gather himself, his eyes darted toward Kalifa and Neo, both ordinary humans. The weight of entropy pressed against his consciousness—the natural resistance that prevented Brahman users from carelessly wielding their powers. Each ability used would increase this mental burden until even the simplest tasks became impossible, a safeguard built into the very nature of their power. That was one of the reasons one cannot simply just heal or enhance their body too much whenever they so desire.

"You seem surprised. What happened, dear friend?" Harley asked mockingly, though his mind worked to decipher something else entirely.

He doesn't seem surprised. Does he already know about Essentia and their powers? The thought troubled him—knowledge of their kind was supposed to be strictly controlled. Even more concerning was the young man's composure; no ordinary human should be this collected in the presence of unleashed Brahman energy.

"So you are an Essentia?" Conrad asked while regaining his footing, his muscles screaming in protest. The burning sensation in his limbs reminded him of his training sessions with Anira, though this pain carried a sharper edge of genuine danger.

"Oho? So you knew. But you're just a normal human. I don't know who told you about Essentia, but it doesn't matter—you're going to die." Harley began pouring wine from his glass. As the liquid fell, it froze mid-air and started vaporizing.

The crimson liquid transformed into a fine mist, each droplet containing enough Brahman energy to pierce the thick skin of even a bear. The display of control was immaculate—a testament to years of refining his abilities.

Ability: Vaporize

Conrad observed silently, recalling his training with Anira: Surprise, unpredictability, and caution. It's not the abilities or amount of power, but efficiency and tactics that win fights.

His mentor's teachings echoed in his mind as he analyzed Harley's movements, looking for patterns in the ability activation. Every twist of Brahman energy left subtle traces in the air—invisible to normal eyes. But to Conrad he could see the trajectory.

I can see them. I can use Brahman to predict their movements. I don't know how but I think if i know the fluctuations point they must have a converge point also. But I am not sure if I am right or wrong. How should I at least give it a try?

The vaporized wine suddenly condensed into sharp needles, each one perfectly formed and gleaming with deadly purpose. Kalifa unconsciously took a step back, her body remembering countless similar scenes that had ended in bloodshed.

Ability: Compression

Neo and Kalifa watched the floating needle-like liquid with their naked eyes; this wasn't their first time witnessing such a display. Kalifa's hands trembled slightly as memories of past demonstrations surfaced—how many had she seen fall to these same needles? How many times had she cleaned the aftermath of Harley's "meetings"? Each death had carved another scar into her soul, though she'd learned to bury her revulsion beneath a mask of professional detachment, No it was a slavement of herself, maybe a surrender.

No matter how many times I see the boss's ability, Neo thought, it always feels like a dream. It's like a magic trick. How can a human do this? This man is done for. I don't hate him, but he stepped on the wrong tail this time.

Still, something about Conrad's composure unsettled him—no previous victim had remained so collected in the face of Harley's power. Perhaps there was more to this young man than met the eye.

Conrad focused on the floating needles, attempting to analyze their positions with his Brahman, but his mind felt heavy. The pressure of entropy built with each passing second, like a rope gradually tightening around his consciousness.

So this is what Anira called entropy. That's why we can't just brute force our way into using abilities.

The realization came with both understanding and frustration—even with his training, he was still learning the fundamental limitations of his power. Each movement required careful calculation now, as the weight of entropy threatened to overwhelm his senses.

Whips whips whips

All seven needles flew toward Conrad, their trajectories forming a perfect killing pattern Harley had refined through countless executions. Despite his best efforts to dodge the lethal attacks by calculating their positions, they proved faster than his speed.

Three struck his knees and arms, with one piercing directly into his shoulder. Each impact sent waves of burning pain through his body, the Brahman-enhanced projectiles doing more than mere physical damage—they threatened to disrupt his own energy control.

"Ahhhh," a small sound escaped his lips as he flipped through the furniture to find cover. The pain was excruciating.Anira had warned him about this—the fights between Essentarii were quick. The deciding factors are quickness of thinking and efficiency of your strategy.

Clap Clap Clap

"I'm surprised you moved that fast. I've never seen anyone move like that. You're not an Essentia, so how do you possess such physical traits? A different race, perhaps?" Harley applauded, seeming in full control of the situation. Yet beneath his confident exterior, a seed of doubt had taken root. The boy's movements were too precise, too measured for a mere human. Even wounded, he maintained a fighting stance that spoke of professional training.

“Are you surprised to see that? Then the great bad guy behind the scenes is not so great after all” Conrad said mockingly.

Kalifa observed the young man now hiding behind a sofa through her elegant glasses, remaining silent. Years of serving Harley had taught her to read the subtle signs of his moods, and something was different today. The usual sadistic pleasure in his eyes was tinged with uncertainty—something she hadn't seen since the day he murdered his own brother.

Neo was astonished to see Conrad still alive—this was the first time he'd witnessed anyone survive Harley's initial assault. The needles that had killed countless victims before had failed to deliver a killing blow. A dangerous hope began to stir in his chest, though he fought to suppress it. Hope was dangerous in this business.

"Kalifa," Harley called out, "bring me my sword." His voice carried an edge of irritation now, the first crack in his composed facade.

Kalifa adjusted her glasses and walked toward an elegantly decorated wooden table where the weapon lay carefully placed. Each step felt heavy as memories of her husband—Harley's brother—flooded her mind. The sword had been his once, before Harley claimed it along with everything else he'd owned.

Conrad seized the moment, using his speed to launch himself from behind the sofa toward Harley for a throw. The movement was calculated, taking advantage of the split second when Harley's attention shifted to Kalifa. To his surprise, dust particles—heavier than normal—struck his eyes. The attack wasn't just physical; each particle carried a trace of Brahman that amplified its impact.

Ability: Dust Aggregation

"Hahaha, to think you fell for this. Such a stupid child." Harley laughed while taking his sword from Kalifa. The weapon seemed to hum with Brahman, responding to its master's touch.

The dust penetrating Conrad's eyes blurred his vision. His mind grew hazy while his knees buckled, unable to find the strength to anchor him. The entropy was reaching critical levels now, each attempt to focus his Brahman met with increasing resistance. Anira's training scenarios hadn't prepared him for this level of mental strain. No matter how much he tried, he was a beginner afterall. If he wanted to grow he had to do it someday without Anira. It was a bet on his life.

This is getting bad, he has a sword now. I need something. Quick, think! I won't get a second chance. I can't die without accomplishing anything. I took this risk to improve myself, to gain something. Come on, pull yourself together. Some faces of his previous family flashed in his mind. He couldn't fail here, not when he had to return to his world. That is why he was willing to go to such lengths to grow stronger.

"Let me relieve you from your misery. You provided great entertainment. Oh, don't worry—I'll surely enjoy your sister after your death. Clara, wasn't it?" Harley's smile widened into an evil grin. This room held special meaning for him—a trophy room where he enjoyed drinking and eliminating his enemies. The Techno Society never intervened due to their inner dealings, and these decorated walls had absorbed countless screams of those who'd dared to challenge him.

"Goodbye, kid. I had hoped to acquire a good man, but alas—" The sword began to glow with an ominous heat, the air around it shimmering.

Conrad still struggled to recover from the dust attack when he felt heat above him, the air becoming uncomfortably warm.

Ability: Object Heating (sword)

This can't be. I was careful but still messed up. I need just one chance, something, anything. His mind raced through options, each one seeming more impossible than the last as entropy clouded his thoughts.

Suddenly, a thick file flew toward Harley, striking him directly in the face before falling to the ground. The unexpected attack disrupted his concentration, causing the sword's glow to flicker momentarily.

"What are you doing, Kalifa?" Harley turned to face his personal assistant, genuine surprise registering on his face for the first time.

"This is my chance. I don't know when I'll get another opportunity... how dare you... how dare you destroy my life... he was your brother!" Kalifa screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks onto her amber dress. Years of suppressed rage and grief burst forth, her professional demeanor shattering like glass.

"You still hold onto hope? Hahaha, you did this a year ago. Remember how I killed that boy you trusted? And after that how much I made you scream in my arms—entire night" Harley smirked, his expression showing his sense of twisted pleasures.

"Shut up, you bastard! I'll kill you!" Kalifa screamed again, her eyes reddened with years of accumulated hatred.

"Don't worry, I'll fini—"

Slip! Thud!

The ground shifted beneath Harley as he spun mid-air before crashing down. Despite his superhuman enhancements, he felt a sharp pain course through him. The sword flew from his grasp, clattering across the floor. In his focus on Kalifa, he'd forgotten about Conrad—a fatal mistake.

Neo stood dumbfounded. While beating him had seemed possible for a young man, defeating Harley was inconceivable. Yet there his boss lay on the ground, with Conrad standing tall above him. The impossible was becoming reality before his eyes.

"You freaky bastard!" Harley's usual composure shattered as he screamed in rage. The mask of sophisticated cruelty fell away, revealing the monster beneath.

"Don't fucking scream—I can hear you." Conrad shouted as he drew his weapon.

It was Kopis—a firearm with a crimson finish, featuring a long barrel and beautiful amber cylinder. The weapon seemed to pulse with its own energy, responding to Conrad's Brahman despite the crushing entropy.

Ability: Conquerors Arrow Kopis (artifact - Gamma)

"Let's run my first live target test." Conrad's finger rested on the trigger, though his hand trembled slightly. The weight of what he was about to do pressed against his consciousness.

What kind of weapon is that? Who is this kid? Neo remained frozen in place, witnessing what could be a turning point in his life.

"Kill him! Kill him now! Kill him, and I'll do anything for you!" Kalifa shouted, years of suppressed vengeance pouring out in her words.

"What is this?" Harley asked while struggling to rise, pinned by Conrad's leg pressure. For the first time in years, real fear crept into his voice.

Damn it. I've used too many abilities in succession. Should I try dust again? No, I don't have enough Brahman. This is really bad. What should I do? His mind raced through options, each one more desperate than the last.

Conrad's hands trembled; this would be his first time killing a human. Despite mental preparation, he struggled to pull the trigger. The weight of ending a life—even one as despicable as Harley's—pressed against his soul.

Why can't I do it? My heart's pounding like crazy. My mind's going numb. At this rate, even if I shoot, the Entropy itself will affect the results. I need to calm down. Anira's training echoed in his mind, but theory and reality were worlds apart.

Kalifa's screams reached his ears, but he couldn't process them as his mind clouded with indecision. The moment stretched into eternity as his finger tightened on the trigger.

This is my chance, Harley thought, noticing Conrad's shaking hands. He reached for the gun, his movement desperate and uncontrolled—so different from his usual calculated grace.

Bang!

Seeing Harley's movement, Conrad instinctively fired his Brahman bullet. Time seemed to slow as the projectile left the barrel, carrying with it not just energy but the weight of Conrad's choice to cross a line he could never uncross.

No one rushed to the room—everyone knew Harley liked causing scenes here. The bullet, pure Brahman energy, tore through Harley's flesh. Kopis's power proved devastating, the shot cutting through flesh and annihilating the surrounding area. Bloody bone fragments became visible in Harley's stomach, with torn intestines spilling out amid unstoppable bleeding. The room filled with the metallic scent of blood and the acrid smell of burned flesh.

Conrad immediately recoiled, dropping the gun and vomiting repeatedly. The sight of human flesh torn apart by his own hands created a void in his stomach. He spat continuously, his body rejecting what he'd just done. Each heave brought with it not just physical sickness but a piece of his former innocence.

Neo remained frozen, reality slowly dawning on him. Am I free? But what happens now?

The power vacuum left by Harley's death would soon draw others like sharks to blood, and he knew the peace of this moment was temporary at best.

Kalifa collapsed, her eyes losing their luster as she stared at Harley's corpse. Memories of her late husband flooded her mind, along with painful recollections that would echo in her heart forever. Revenge had brought no peace, only a hollow emptiness where her hatred had lived for so long.

Finally, I'm a monster too, Conrad thought, feeling something irreplaceable slip away from his heart. The line between survival and murder blurred in his mind as he realized that power, whether wielded for good or evil, always carried a price. The taste of blood in his mouth reminded him that some changes could never be undone, some innocence never reclaimed.

The room fell silent save for the soft drip of blood and the breathing of the survivors. Outside, the sun continued to shine, indifferent to the transformation that had occurred within these walls—the birth of a new monster, the death of an old one, and the price paid by all who walked the path of power.