Dimension System: SSS Rank Talent Awakening

Chapter 267: A Hero’s Return, A Shadow’s Strike



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The city of Celestial City hummed with jubilation as dusk settled over its glittering skyline. Every street was aglow with the warm radiance of lamplight, and enormous banners proudly displaying the insignia of Astral Heaven Academy fluttered in the gentle evening breeze.

Tonight, the people celebrated a long-awaited triumph: the triumphant return of Dabi and his team from the international tournament. News of their victory had spread like wildfire, and the academy now shone in the eyes of the citizens as a beacon of hope and resilience.

On a grand, elevated platform in the heart of the city square, thousands of voices blended into a unified cheer as Dabi, clad in his battle-worn yet proud uniform, stood before the massive crowd. His deep black eyes—steady and resolute—swept over the sea of faces.

Among the throng, banners and digital projections flashed Dabi's name alongside the crest of Astral Heaven Academy. In a quiet corner of his heart, he recalled the long nights of rigorous training and sacrifice that had led him here. Tonight, he wasn't just a fighter; he was a symbol of perseverance.

On a nearby large projection screen, his younger siblings,Aunt Nazu, Loira, Eli and Mira, could be seen at home, their faces lit with wide-eyed admiration and excitement. His siblings bounced on their beds and clutched Fen and Whity as they watched their hero's return live—a moment they had dreamt of for so long.

Zen broke into a low chuckle, remarking to a nearby friend, "I never imagined the day would come when the people would actually chant his name as if it were a sacred mantra." His voice carried both admiration and an unspoken promise of loyalty.

Not far away, Jeni—Zen's younger sister—watched, her cheeks flushed with excitement and a hint of bashfulness as she whispered, "I've always known Dabi was something special… but seeing him like a Hero…" Her admiration was mixed with a silent wonder at the transformation from the once weak boy to the hero now celebrated by all.

On the stage, as the crowd's cheers swelled to a fever pitch, a booming voice interrupted the celebration. "Celestial City welcomes back its heroes!" The mayor, a dignified high-ranking official known for his ties to the noble families, stepped forward. Dressed in a richly embroidered robe that shimmered with gold and silver threads, he offered a formal greeting. His presence, both authoritative and gracious, commanded respect from every corner of the plaza.

The mayor's eyes swept over the VIP section high above the stage, where the most influential figures had gathered. Here sat the ten noble families, their expressions guarded and inscrutable. The Vantore Family, still reeling from previous defeats, fixed steely glares at Dabi, while the Ferrin Family looked on with pride—an unspoken alliance with Dabi evident in every nod and approving smile. Beyond these, representatives of the Zairos, Lanson, Gavriel, Hadrian, Valmar, Leontes, Elvann, and Rovarc families observed the festivities with a mix of curiosity and calculation.

Above them all, in a section reserved for the highest echelons of power, sat the three royal families—Asterius, Illyrian, and Velmer. Their presence was silent but commanding; they watched like ancient gods, their opinions shaping the future of the realm.

The mayor gestured toward Dabi and spoke, "Champion, do you have any words for the people?" The crowd hushed in anticipation, their eyes fixed on the young warrior who had risen from the ranks of Astral Heaven Academy.

Dabi stepped forward, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of his journey. "I fought for my academy, for my team, and for my our kingdom. We did not win by mere chance—we earned every victory with sweat and sacrifice. Tonight, I stand before you as a testament to what we can achieve when we dare to defy the odds. And we will keep earning our place in this world."

The words sent a fresh wave of cheers through the square, and for a brief, shining moment, Dabi allowed himself to revel in the adulation. Yet even as the crowd roared its approval, a subtle unease began to creep into his senses.

Without warning, a sudden shift in the atmosphere snapped Dabi back to alertness. In the midst of the celebration, a deep, almost imperceptible hum of dark energy reverberated in the air. Dabi's instincts—honed through countless battles—told him that something was very wrong. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the horizon, searching for the source of the disturbance.

Then it happened.

A blur of darkness, like ink spilled on silk, hurtled toward the platform with terrifying speed. In an instant, a tremendous explosion rocked the stage, sending shockwaves that shattered the festive mood. Banners were torn from their poles, and the crowd's jubilant cheers transformed into panicked screams. Dust, debris, and shards of the shattered platform filled the air as chaos erupted.

Dabi's reflexes kicked in. With a swift gesture, he activated his teleportation ability, disappearing just as the blast struck the center of the platform. His teammates reacted instinctively, leaping into defensive positions as magical barriers flared up to protect them. In the midst of the smoke and confusion, Dabi's mind raced to piece together what had just transpired.

From the billowing clouds of dust and shattered stone, a cloaked figure emerged. Its silhouette was indistinct, yet its presence exuded an aura of raw, malevolent power. The figure's cloak shifted like living shadows, and its eyes—glowing with an eerie, inhuman light—seemed to pierce through the very soul of anyone who dared meet its gaze.

"Dabi" the figure's voice boomed, distorted and layered as though echoing from another time. "Your victory was amusing, but it means nothing in the grand tapestry of fate."

Dabi's pulse hammered in his ears. He steadied himself, summoning every ounce of focus he possessed. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice resonant despite the adrenaline coursing through him.

The cloaked figure raised a gloved hand, and the ambient pressure in the square surged ominously. "All will be revealed in time," it intoned, the words heavy with ancient menace. "For now, know this: your victory, your struggles—all are mere trifles in the face of destiny."

Before Dabi could react further, the figure unleashed a burst of energy. The blast struck where Dabi had stood moments before, obliterating what remained of the grand platform in a shower of sparks and shattered stone. The impact sent a shockwave through the crowd, who scrambled desperately for cover. Amid the chaos, the cloaked figure retreated into the gathering darkness, leaving behind only a lingering, oppressive aura.

Dabi reappeared at the edge of the stage, his body tense and eyes alert. His heart pounded not only with the thrill of battle but with the cold realization that a new threat had emerged—one that was not of this world. The noble families in the VIP section shifted uncomfortably, their expressions a mixture of shock and hidden calculation. Even the royal families remained impassive, though their eyes betrayed the gravity of the situation.

The mayor, recovering from his initial shock, attempted to restore order with a shaky voice, "Remain calm! Security is mobilizing! Our guards, please secure the area!" But his words were drowned out by the continued murmurs of the crowd and the rapid scramble for safety.

Dabi's mind raced as he surveyed the devastation around him. His instincts told him that this attack was no random act of violence; it was calculated, deliberate—a warning, perhaps, from forces far older and more powerful than any mortal rival. The very air felt tainted by ancient, malevolent magic, and Dabi could sense that the figure's words hinted at an even greater plan unfolding behind the scenes.

As emergency responders rushed to help the injured and restore order, Dabi's thoughts turned inward. He recalled fragments of memory and warnings he had once heard whispered from Loira the last gate keeper —a warning about an enemy that would one day emerge from the void to challenge the very order of the realms. Could this cloaked figure be the ancient?

Dabi's resolve hardened. He knew that his path forward would be fraught with challenges far beyond the tournament. Tonight, amid the chaos and shattered celebration, he had glimpsed a shadow—a threat that could upend everything he had fought for. And he would not let that darkness consume his world.

With the remnants of the shattered platform behind him and the echoes of the figure's chilling words still ringing in his ears, Dabi raised his head high. He could not allow fear to paralyze him. Instead, he vowed silently that he would uncover the identity and purpose of this mysterious attacker, and he would protect his academy, his family, and his people from the encroaching darkness.

The celebration was over, replaced by an urgent need for answers and preparations. As emergency teams began clearing the area, Dabi turned to his teammates, his expression resolute. "We need to be ready," he said, his voice low but determined. "Tonight was only the beginning. I know that this attack was meant as a warning. We must prepare for what's coming."

Zen stepped forward, placing a hand on Dabi's shoulder. "We're with you, Dabi. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."

Note: The book ends here. Because of bad performance I can't continue it. Sorry. But I will rewrite this book soon. It will be a remake.

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