The Transmigrated Author

Chapter 39  Under the depths (3)

[New South Wales, Australia]

[Location: Goulburn Correctional Centre (Supermax)]

[Section D - Cell: 5]

The dark depths of the maximum security prison of Australia house one of the world's worst offenders.

From villains who have attempted to overtake the country, to those who turned to the other side known as demi-humans

Built like a modern-day fortress with heavy steel doors and air-locked passageways, every outdoor space is sealed with ultra-strong steel mesh.

An eerie silence in the dimly lit, high-security prison cell hung in the air, broken only by the distant sounds of imprisoned souls.

"Tch... Fuck I can't believe I failed the big boss's mission and who would've thought I went up against Aurelia of all people?" Jasper gnawed on his lip, the metallic tang of blood mixing with the acrid taste of defeat. Aurelia's mocking laughter still echoed in his skull, a painful reminder of his humiliation. SWANG!

A crimson portal tore open the sterile air of the cell. From it stepped a cloaked figure, the swirling portal behind them casting an eerie glow on the cold metal walls. Jasper's muscles coiled in fear as his stomach twisted.

He thought to himself "Who dared breach the Supermax's defences?"

The figure stepped forward, the black robe rustling like dry leaves. An air of quiet power emanated from them, laced with an edge of irritation. Jasper held his breath, his senses straining to pierce the shadows concealing the visitor's face.

"So," the figure rasped, voice tinged with gravel and annoyance, "this is the renowned Loser of the D-league, reduced to gnawing his flesh in a cage?"

Jasper flinched, his heart hammering against his ribs. A whisper of fear brought him flashbacks before Aurelia's mocking victory. But this voice, this presence, was utterly unknown. Who dared speak to him with such familiarity, let alone contempt?

As if in answer, the hood fell back, revealing a face etched with a scar going down his right eye and a stare that brought fear into anyone's eyes like emeralds in the dim light. Jasper gasped, recognition slamming into him like a physical blow.

"M-Morwen?" he stammered, disbelief warping his voice.

The name seemed to hang in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Morwen, Syndicate's Sole Undefeated Leader stood before him.

Jasper's mind raced. Why was Morwen here? Was he sent to kill him, or is he here to save him, or maybe... something more? The possibilities, each more difficult than the last, swirled in his head, leaving him adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

Morwen studied him, a smirk playing on his lips. "Surprised, Jasper?" he chuckled, a dry, humourless sound.

The crimson portal hissed shut behind Morwen, casting the cell back into dim, oppressive silence. Jasper remained frozen, eyes locked on the figure cloaked in shadow. Fear, thick and suffocating, clung to his throat like a phantom hand.

Morwen tilted his head, the emerald glint of his eyes cutting through the gloom. "So, Jasper," his voice was deep, a low rumble that sent shivers down Jasper's spine. "Does being in this cell still hold appeal?"

Jasper swallowed, his throat dry and constricting. "M-Morwen, I… I don't understand."

Morwen chuckled, once again making Jasper even more scared. He stepped closer, the shadows swirling around him like hungry beasts. "Oh, comprehension isn't your forte, is it, Jasper? But let's say your current… predicament has sparked a flicker of interest in me."

Jasper's heart hammered against his ribs. Interest? Or an amusement born from his downfall? He dared not hope.

"You… you wouldn't dare harm me," he stammered, voice barely a whisper. "Boss Cyran wouldn't allow it."

Morwen's eyes narrowed, His gaze pierced through his fear of Jasper as he flinched. "You presume too much, Believe me, your pathetic failure earned you a swift end. But be glad Cyran… for reasons even I don't know, has forgiven you for your mistake."

Jasper's blood turned to ice. Forgiven? Or simply a longer leash before the inevitable execution? No one could understand Cyran's motives, but the fear was a cold fist squeezing his heart.

"So consider this," Morwen continued, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper, "your continued existence hangs by a thread, spun from the whims of a fool. Be grateful I haven't come to kill you myself."

Jasper, choked by the weight of Morwen's words and the icy gaze upon him, could only nod numbly. "Now," Morwen rasped, a hint of amusement playing on his lips, "shall we see if you can redeem your pathetic performance? Or will you prove yourself unworthy of even the scrap of life you've been granted?"

The choice, laced with poison and uncertainty, hung before Jasper. Morwen's offer, if it could be called that, was a gamble with death as the stakes. But the alternative, rotting in this steel tomb, seemed no better.

He took a shuddering breath, the shackles biting into his flesh. "I… I choose to leave," he whispered, the words tasting like ashes on his tongue.

Morwen's laughter echoed through the cell, a chilling sound that sent a shiver down Jasper's spine. "Wise choice. But remember, Cyran is watching. And failure isn't forgiven twice."

Grabbing the shackles of Jasper they were erased like they had never existed, a dark pulse of shadows had consumed the Anti Mana Material like it was a rubber toy.

The crimson portal pulsed, As Morwen conjured another portal. Jasper, his fear a cold knot in his stomach, took a step forward. He closed his eyes, the silence broken only by the echo of his ragged breath, and stepped through the gateway.

The cell, once again empty, stood as the cameras failed to capture the encounter. This was the first break out of Goulburn Correctional Centre in its history of holding the most evil of humans, even the top crime investigators couldn't solve how Jasper had escaped and later on this would be called the Supermax Incident.

***

{Rel's POV}

[Pinnacle Academy Male Dorms]

[Thursday, 11:30 pm] [New Ability Acquired: Mitigation's Phenomena: the ability allows the user to predict and redirect incoming attacks. This creates bright ring portals, and if they accurately predict the attack's landing point, the damage is redirected through another portal, effectively mitigating harm. The size of the portals adapts to the gravity of incoming attacks. However, absorbing potent attacks may lead to temporary mana overload or portal instability.

Mechanics:

Calculated Defense: Mitigation's Phenomenon relies on a detailed understanding of spatial mathematics and the manipulation of mana. The user can predict the exact location where an attack will land in the defined space between themselves and the opponent.

Portals: Bright circle-like portals manifest in the air, visible only to the user. Each portal corresponds to a potential landing point for an incoming attack within the predetermined space. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Redirection: If the user accurately predicts the portal where the attack will land, Mitigation Phenomena will proc. All damage from the attack is redirected through another portal, appearing elsewhere in the defined space. This redirection occurs instantaneously, allowing the user to evade harm.

Size Variations: The size of the circle portals dynamically adjusts based on the scale and gravity of incoming attacks. Larger portals are employed to mitigate the impact of formidable or large-scale assaults.

Mana Manipulation: The user employs mana to sustain and manipulate Mitigation's Phenomena. The ability demands a continuous flow of mana for effective portal placement and redirection.]

Haah, Well I was fortunate enough that I came out alive through that stupid dungeon. I can't believe that I was able to set off booby traps around that tomb it almost cost me my life.

I had completely forgotten that opening the grave would've caused a massive boulder to drop from the sky and there I was running for my life not trying to get crushed. Like in that one opening from Indiana Jones.

But I came out there as a happy man. the book in my hand was probably one of the best abilities I've ever created.

There's a good reason for that and why I went for this ability in the first place, but now that it's in my hands I felt like no one would be able to stop me but there was always a downside to all of these abilities I made while writing this novel.

1. Is the ability is only limited to the user's mana. I know I'm not Jan but I think I could sustain this ability for at least 2 minutes maximum.

2. Each placement for a portal has to be specifically placed in a spot guaranteed to hit an attack and redirect it elsewhere.

3. The excessive use of summoning portals will weaken, causing the portals to become temporarily unstable which could lead to unpredictable redirects and it could potentially harm me in the process.

But I think I could get around the limitations of these barriers so I'll be using this from now on and luckily for me, I could potentially sell an ability to gain more BP and improve the current status of my abilities.

I should just sleep this all off but I was still sad there were no monsters at the starting gate, I could understand why there was a plot hole. in the first place...

[Pinnacle Academy Hallways]

[Friday, 8:35 am]

My stomach clenched the moment I turned the corner. Jan was surprised like any other person, standing right in my path. Great. Just what I needed, a walking reminder of my sheer luck being applied to this world.

"Oh hey Rel, are you on the way to class?" Jan asked "Why'd you run away yesterday, Rel?" his voice held a playful edge like he knew something I didn't.

"Stuff," I mumbled, trying to sidestep him.

"Ah, yes, stuff," Jan's face contorted into a knowing smirk. "Did Valencia not thank you for that time?"

"Oh, she did," I said, forcing a casual tone as we walked through the bustling hallway. "Of course, she reacted exactly like herself."

Jan raised an eyebrow. "Herself, huh? Care to elaborate, Rel?" His teasing glint flickered, and I realized my words had tumbled out like pebbles.

He leaned in, eyes sparkling. "Are you, by any chance, a dedicated observer of her fascinating classroom antics?"

A sudden flash of Jan's face, illuminated like a cartoon light bulb, accompanied his next outburst. "Don't tell me... you... have a thing for her?!" Each word was drawn out, a playful jab that pricked my nerves.

"Well, you have a lot of competition, that's for sure. But, since we're friends, I'll give you some information for free," Jan said with a smile, leaning in to tell me some absurd words.

"So, recently, Valencia has been receiving notes from guys who are interested in her. There are first-, second-, and even third-year students who are trying to date her! Honestly, it's not her thing, but if you're interested, I can help you out." He gave me a thumbs-up, but I couldn't help but feel the urge to hit such a pretty guy in the face.

"Don't be ridiculous," I scoffed, I could feel my face twisting in irritation. "I'm not interested." Besides, Jan and her were destined for each other. What chance did I have?

Jan chuckled, the sound echoing through the crowded hall. "The mind might say one thing, Rel, but the heart can tell a different story." He winked, leaving me flustered and questioning my own story.

"Oh! I guess we've made it. Why don't you sit with us, Rel?" Jan asked me offering me to be a part of them.

"I like to keep my peace and Bazz stares into my work too much, It would be more uncomfortable If he was within kissing distance," I said as we walked through the automatic doors.

"Ah is that so?" Jan paused as he was stirring up one of his schemes. "Then I'll make sure he doesn't do that." He clenched his fist like he would do anything for me.

"I'll consider it though, thanks for the offer Jan," I said as he walked up the staircase sitting at the top row where he and Bazz usually sit.

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