Chapter 17: Stormdeath Guild

After the court session's results were announced, Runo, flanked by a team of Stormdeath Guild members, made a swift exit from the building, shielded from the swarm of reporters. They led him to a blacked-out car where he was met by Acco Swilen, the vice-leader of the guild.

Acco greeted Runo with a firm handshake. However, the moment their hands made contact, both of them vanished and reappeared in a different location. It was a vast, cubic room with weathered stone walls, dominated by an elevator-like door.

Runo's hands were cuffed with unusual, sensation-inducing handcuffs, leaving him bewildered and intimidated by this sudden turn of events.

"What's going on?" Runo demanded, his voice quivering. "You'll find out soon. He's on his way," Acco replied vaguely.

Moments later, the elevator door opened to reveal a tall, robust man with striking bleach-white hair that seemed to radiate a faint blueish tint. He strode in with confidence, his eyes locked onto Runo.

The newcomer extended his arm, pointing a finger directly at Runo. An electric spark shot out from his finger, striking Runo and causing him to convulse in pain. Giving him a shock of 100 milliamps.

"Great job, Acco," the man commended, seemingly unconcerned about Runo's suffering.

"Just following your orders, sir. Now we can use him to enhance our 'gifts,'" Acco replied.

"Who are you?" Runo managed to ask, his voice laced with agony.

"I am the guild master of this establishment, Raiden Ellison," he declared, not breaking eye contact with Runo. He proceeded to send another electric shock through Runo's body, this time at 101 milliamps, causing Runo to scream in agony.

Raiden squatted beside Runo, leaning in close. "Listen carefully. You will use your power to amplify our abilities. Each time you refuse, I'll increase the milliamps, eventually to the point of lethality. Next is 102 milliamps."

Runo, struggling to regain his composure, relented, "Fine, but I need direct contact with you."

Raiden sighed, delivering another jolt at 102 milliamps.

"You're quite the disappointment. I won't fall for your tricks. With direct contact, you could steal our powers. We know you can alter our dark energy without direct contact, thanks to your telekinesis 'gift.' Oh and don't think of making our powers worse, I'll just have real electricity electrocute you through those chains."

With a cruel laugh, he administered a 103-milliamp shock that sent excruciating pain coursing through Runo.

Raiden continued, "Acco, watch over him. We'll relocate your desk here. Try to enhance Hugo's 'gift' first, then yours. Once that's done, we'll move on to the next phase of our plan. If he resists, increase the milliamps and shock him."

"Understood, sir!" Acco replied.

Penrith College

The second year at Penrith College had begun, and instead of Principal Nagel's customary start-of-year address, Arturo was with his history professor, Mr. Neuman. They watched the broadcast of Runo's court case and heard the final verdict.

"Well, he doesn't have a home to return to, so let's give him a warm welcome back to school," Mr. Neuman suggested.

"Yes, he would appreciate that," Arturo replied, gazing at Runo's face on the screen.