Devil Trigger and Working Student
As the towering pillar of blue light gradually dissipated, Nero underwent a remarkable transformation. His once-human form shifted into that of a blue, humanoid creature. His body assumed a demonic appearance, featuring intricate blue glowing lines that materialized across his chest, feet, and hands, weaving an otherworldly pattern. Enveloped in a vibrant blue aura crackling with potent energy, he exuded a formidable presence. Adorning him was a bat-esque, four-tailed demonic overcoat, further enhancing his supernatural appearance. His white hair underwent a dramatic shift, now covered with a traditional samurai helmet that featured horns taking on hollowed and radiant tube-like forms. A metallic membrane emerged along his neck, curving inward in a unique fashion. His sheath underwent a significant change, attaching to his sleeve and transforming into a clawed appendage. Most strikingly, Nero's eyes blazed with an intense blue demonic fire, reflecting the depth of his newfound power. His demonic energy surged, and his energy wings extended, now resembling a cloak resting upon his shoulders. (The photo is available in the comments, and Nero's Doppelganger photo is also there.)
Before anyone could fully process Nero's transformed state and the power it brought, a flash of light materialized beside him. This flash revealed Ren, now in his Devil Trigger form, matching Nero's state. Ren's appearance closely resembled Nero's, except for the crimson theme and his horns, which bore a striking resemblance to a crown. The fusion of their auras created an overpowering presence that filled the room.
Class Zero and Shen Yi were the most shocked, their jaws practically hitting the floor. Initially, upon hearing Nero's words, they thought that perhaps Nero had been too reckless this time in confronting a Titled Douluo. However, witnessing the brothers' transformed states, they realized the depth of their error. In a blink, Nero and Ren vanished from their place and launched a simultaneous assault on Elder Cai. Acting quickly, Elder Cai used her crutch to block the brothers' attack, but she heavily underestimated their combined might. The sheer power behind the brothers' strike sent her hurtling out of the room.
Nero immediately activated his second spirit ability to ensure Elder Cai couldn't summon her martial soul. Typically, a Titled Douluo of Elder Cai's level could have quickly recovered from Nero's second spirit ability, yet this time she struggled as Devil Trigger magnified the control efficacy of Demon Prowler. Nero and Ren were aware that even in Devil Trigger form, they were no match for a Titled Douluo. So, their only aim was to shatter the pride that Elder Cai held dear as a Titled Douluo by making her use her Spirit Avatar against the very sons of the person she loathed.
Nero and Ren appeared on opposite sides of Elder Cai, and as she regained her bearings, the brothers unleashed the most powerful attacks they could muster with their current power. Nero channeled the entirety of his Demonic-spirit power, executing a judgment cut intertwined with Mirage blades. Simultaneously, Ren executed a flurry of thrusts at blinding speed, firing a concentrated burst of infernal energy accompanied by summoned swords. As Elder Cai's vision cleared, a strong sense of danger washed over her as she perceived Nero and Ren's attack. Reacting instinctively, she summoned her moon martial soul and activated her Spirit Avatar. A deafening "Boom" reverberated throughout the inner courtyard as Elder Cai was engulfed in the explosion caused by the brothers' attack. Subsequently, Nero and Ren both dropped to one knee, their forms reverting to their original state. Their faces were drained of color, visibly displaying that their final attack had drained them completely.
The smoke from the explosion gradually cleared, revealing Elder Cai amidst the aftermath. Although she hadn't sustained severe injuries, her attire and hair bore traces of black burns. A sarcastic chuckle escaped her lips. "You two are certainly your father's sons," she muttered, amusement lacing her tone. However, her eyes betrayed her true feelings—anger blazed within them. "But don't think that attacking a Titled Douluo goes without consequences," she retorted, fury evident. With a pointed finger, she discharged a concentrated beam generated by her second spirit ability directly at Nero and Ren.
The two elders and Wu Zhangkong were about to rescue both brothers when suddenly a massive tornado engulfed Nero and Ren, effectively disintegrating Elder Cai's concentrated beam into mere energy fragments. " You sure are shameless Old woman, attacking two soul ancestors when you couldn't even defend against their strike without your Martial Soul Avatar " an elderly voice full of disdain resonated from above which belonged to none other than Zhou Honguo. As the tornado dissipated, Zhou Honguo continued, "Yaoe'r, I'll handle her. You check on Nero and Ren." Leng Yaozhu nodded and swiftly attended to Nero and Ren's well-being.
" You! Why are you here?" Elder Cai exclaimed in shock upon seeing Zhou Hongbuo, who had remained silent for years. Zhou Hongbuo's response dripped with incredulity, "Are you genuinely asking that? You not only spoke ill of my daughter-in-law but also dared to attack my grandchildren. If it weren't for the friendship between Yun Ming and Arlo, your fate would be quite different at this moment." His voice carried a potent mix of anger and frustration, driven by the realization that a mere second's delay could have put Nero and Ren in danger. Although he was well aware that Cai Yue'er was grumpy, he never thought, even in his wildest dreams, that she would attack two soul ancestors.
"Mr. Zhou, please calm down. They both are unharmed," a voice emerged from behind Zhou Hongbuo. It belonged to a black-haired, handsome man in his twenties. " How can I calm down? Yun Ming, I failed to protect Arlo, and I could have just failed in protecting his only legacy," hearing Zhou Hongbuo's reply, Yun Ming fell silent. He was well aware of how much his friend's death tormented Zhou Hongbuo. In truth, it was this sorrow that had prevented Zhou Hongbuo from advancing to Rank 99.
" Elder Cai, Do you know what you were just about to do? Forget about their identity, how could you even think of attacking two students " Yun Ming turned to Cai yue'er and spoke with anger evident in his tone, " But that brat disrespected..." before she could even finish her argument, Yun Ming intercepted " Are you ten-year old child and if I am not wrong it was you who first spoke about Aurora's death. How long are you gonna resent her? Yes, she declined you in front of everyone but it's been years and if it weren't for her, you know what could have happened at that time ". Elder Cai who finally calm down realized what she had done, she attacked two children because of the resentment she had for Aurora.
Elder Cai resented Aurora so much because of the fact that Aurora had publicly rejected her offer to become an apprentice in front of all the Elders and subsequently dropped out of Shrek Academy. The exact reason for Aurora's adamant refusal to become someone's apprentice remained unknown, but her actions turned Elder Cai into a joke in front of everyone. It was perhaps the resemblance between Nero and Aurora that triggered the anger Elder Cai had been harboring for years. Witnessing Elder Cai's acknowledgment of her mistake, Yun Ming turned to Zhou Hongbuo and offered an apology, bowing in the process. However, Zhou Hongbuo swiftly intervened, urging Yun Ming not to apologize due to his position as the Pavilion Master of Sea God Island.
"They're both asleep due to exhaustion," Leng Yaozhu informed Zhou Hongbuo, allowing Wu Zhangkong to guide Nero and Ren to their much-needed rest. "Normally, individuals of their level would remain unconscious for an entire day, but due to their unique bloodline, they will likely awaken within a few hours," Ya Li, Yun Ming's wife, added, sharing her insights. They were among the few who knew about Nero and Ren's bloodline due to their knowledge about the core seed plan.
"Mr. Zhou, are you resolute in your decision to have only Nero stay?" Yun Ming inquired of Zhou Hongbuo. In response, Zhou Hongbuo shook his head and clarified, "It's not my decision, Yun Ming. If I had my way, I'd want both of them to attend Shrek Academy. However, this is a choice they've made for themselves." Yun Ming accepted this explanation, refraining from probing further into the matter.
"Although Elder Cai was at fault in this situation, as the Pavilion Master, I cannot overlook Nero's display of disrespect towards an Elder. Therefore, Nero will be granted the status of a 'Working Student.' His teammates, on the other hand, will have regular student status but will need to earn their points similarly to working students," Yun Ming's decision was met with understanding and acceptance from all present. No one raised any objections, as his ruling did not put Nero at a disadvantage. With the matter resolved, the tension in the air began to dissipate.
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Nero slowly opened his eyes as he woke up in a bed. Sensing that Ren wasn't around, he inquired from Aria about the situation. "Where is Ren? And what happened after we became unconscious?". [ After you two became unconscious, Your Grandpa rescued you, and after a bit of heated discussion everything settled. You were also granted a 'Working Student' status ] Nero didn't have much reaction as being a working student didn't affect him much. Aria the continued [ As for Ren, he woke up five minutes ago and immediately went back. He also left a message ]. Aria then played Ren's message " Yo! my idiot brother, I am going back and I woke up before you, so I am up one ". Nero's lips twitched as he shook his head over his brother's antics.
" You are awake " Nero turned towards the entrance as he heard a voice, finding Wu Zhangkong entering the room. Nero got up from the bed and stretched before asking, "Yeah, why are you here?" Wu Zhangkong explained his purpose, stating, "I'm here to take you to the working student dormitory. There will be some consequences for what you did." Nero brushed it off, expressing that it wasn't a big concern for him. He then proceeded follow Wu Zhangkong, and as they walked, Wu Zhangkong briefed Nero about the concept of working students. Nero wasn't much worried as he could just use his doppelganger to do all the work.
Nero couldn't help but express his dismay as he observed the dormitory. "It's worse than I thought," he muttered to himself. The building before him appeared dilapidated, with just a single floor and an overall rundown appearance. Nestled in the heart of the forest, it was evident that this location was chosen to keep the building discreet and maintain the academy's reputation. The atmosphere felt unsettling. The building comprised around twenty rooms, but the condition of the place was far from ideal. Some rooms lacked windows altogether, with the existing ones broken long ago and the surrounding wood having rotted away.
"Sea God Pavilion wouldn't mind if I made some changes, right?" Nero shifted his gaze towards Wu Zhangkong and asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Wu Zhangkong sighed and shook his head. Despite knowing that Nero was up to no good, Wu Zhangkong did not stop him. It wasn't his problem, and the elders typically didn't interfere with these matters.
After bidding Wu Zhangkong farewell, Nero entered his assigned room. However, upon seeing who was inside, he immediately shut his eyes. " Ah! " hearing the scream, Nero pressed the person against the wall and covered their mouth with his hand to not attract anyone.
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