Continuing his descent into the depths of Ajunta Pall's tomb, Zarek came across a large, dimly lit chamber. The walls were adorned with ancient Sith symbols, and the air was thick with the dark side's energy.
In the center of the chamber, he found what appeared to be the entrance to the old armory. As Zarek approached the stairs, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement, knowing that the warblade he sought was within his reach.
The old armory was simply a wide corridor of stairs with a huge chamber at the end. The only thing that is a bit special is the sarcophagus, which seems to line the stairs and the sides of the room.
Zarek made his way down the steps into the armory, reaching the chamber, he look around and see a granite weapon rack before him. Hanging from it, was the Sith warblades.
Stepping forward, Zarek quickly picked up the weapon, and give it a few swings to test the weight of the blade, Zarek was a little surprised at how well-balanced the warblade is. It had a wide-hand guard and a long pommel to keep the center of gravity at the grip, the warblade was comfortable to hold in one hand.
When Zarek turn on the weapon, four plasma blades activated, the blade running along the weapon's stem, maybe not for stabbing, but definitely good for slashing attack.
A small smile appears on Zarek's face, "Not a lightsaber," he mumbles, "But it will do for the time being," He was more accustomed to a more elegant weapon, but for now, he knew he would have to adapt. Then Zarek turned his gaze to another warblade on the weapon rack.
Why only take one when you can have two? Zarek thought to himself. After all, he needed all the advantage he could get. Zarek decided to take on two of the ancient weapons and use the art of dual-wield fighting, to compensate for the difference between the warblades and a lightsaber.
With dual warblades at his disposal, Zarek felt more confident about dealing with the mercenaries and any other threats he might encounter.
However, as Zarek turned to leave the armory, he inadvertently stepped on a hidden pressure plate on the floor and heard a clicking sound.
"Tch. I knew it, can't be that easy," He murmured.
A deep rumble echoed through the chamber as several stone coffins slid open, revealing a group of ancient sentry droids. Their red eyes began to glow menacingly as they activated and turned their attention toward Zarek.
Realizing he had triggered a trap, Zarek gripped the two warblades tightly in both hands and prepared for battle. The droids moved with surprising agility, launching energy blasts from their built-in blasters. Zarek deftly dodged their attacks, closing the distance between him and the droids.
Using his new weapons, Zarek sliced through the droids with swift, powerful strikes. The warblade's plasma edge cut through the ancient metal with ease, leaving the droids in pieces on the chamber floor. The battle was intense, but Zarek's combat prowess made it barely a challenge.
With the last droid dispatched, Zarek surveyed the damage. The once-pristine armory was now littered with debris from the destroyed droids. He knew that the ancient trap was meant to deter intruders from stealing the valuable artifacts within, Zarek wondered if he was just unknowingly helping some grave raiders.
Taking a moment to catch his breath, Zarek examined the warblades more closely. These weapons were not only a testament to ancient Sith craftsmanship but also a symbol of the power and determination that Zarek would need to survive and thrive in the Sith Academy.
Overseer Tremel did suggest Zarek spend some time in the tomb bloodying the warblades, so with his new weapons in hand, Zarek left the armory, ready to face the mercenaries and put an end to their tomb raiding. Zarek was confident that with the new weapons and his own skills, victory will be the only result.
Armed with the dual warblades, Zarek continued deeper into the tomb, his senses heightened for any signs of the mercenaries. As he progressed, he noticed traces of their presence – discarded wrappers from rations, hastily abandoned campsites, and even a few hastily dropped artifacts.
Finally, Zarek stumbled upon a group of mercenaries in a chamber, busy examining their ill-gotten gains. They were heavily armed and clearly experienced, but Zarek was not deterred. He face much more dangerous groups before, and he came out victorious.
"Only a fool dares to rob a Sith tomb," Zarek said coldly, his voice menacing through his mask, weapons at the ready. "Return the artifacts, and I might spare your lives."
The mercenaries turned to face him, smirking confidently. Their leader, a burly man with a vicious scar across his face, sneered and stepped forward. "What's this? A baby acolyte trying to play the big bad Sith?" he spat. "Take a look around, kid. You're way out of your league."
Zarek's eyes flashed with dark energy. "Underestimating the power of the dark side will be your undoing," he warned. "Now, prepare to meet your end."
The mercenaries exchanged uneasy glances before one of them scoffed, attempting to mask his fear. "You're a fool if you think you can take us all on," he taunted, voice wavering. "We'll see how tough you are, Sith."
With a snarl, Zarek lunged forward, plasma blades humming as he swung at the mercenaries. The hired thugs were caught off guard by his sudden attack and the ancient weapons he wielded.
Some tried to fire their blasters, but Zarek's agility and the weapons' plasma edge allowed him to deflect their shots with ease.
Using the dual warblades to their full potential, Zarek slashed through the mercenaries' ranks, his powerful strikes fueled by the dark side's energy. The plasma blades cut through armor and flesh alike, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
The mercenaries quickly realized that they had made a grave mistake in underestimating the Sith acolyte. One by one, they fell to his relentless onslaught, until only a few remained.
The surviving mercenaries, now defeated and terrified, dropped their stolen artifacts and fell to their knees. One of them stammered, "P-please, have mercy! We swear we'll never come back!"
Zarek glared at them, his Sith training leaving no room for empathy. "Mercy is a weakness," he growled, slaughtering the remaining mercenaries with brutal efficiency. As the last one fell, he focused his attention on the cornered leader, who trembled in terror.
"Your desecration of the Sith tomb ends now," Zarek snarled, raising his warblade. With a swift, decisive stroke, he brought the man's life and crimes to an abrupt end.
Zarek took a moment to catch his breath, surveying the carnage that surrounded him. The chamber was now a scene of chaos and destruction, a testament to the power of the dark side that flowed through him.
He collected the stolen artifacts, turned out it was nothing but small trinkets, they hold no power or mystic energy, but Zarek decide to keep them, they will be nice additions to his possession.
As he made his way back to the surface, he couldn't help but wonder what other challenges awaited him at the Sith Academy.
Upon exiting the tomb, Zarek decided to make a quick stop at the medical center to meet Sergeant Rikel before reporting back to Overseer Tremel. He knew that the sergeant was waiting for an update on the mission in the tomb, and Zarek want to collect his rewards.
As he entered the medical center, Zarek noticed the sterile instruments and the faint smell of antiseptic. Medical droids and personnel moved about, tending to injured acolytes and soldiers. The Sith Academy was a harsh and unforgiving place, and the medical center was a constant reminder of the consequences of failure.
Zarek spotted a sergeant standing at the center, reading reports from a datapad. Zarek thought the man must be Sergeant Rikel.
Zarek approached the man, and asked, "Sergeant Rikel? I'm Zarek."
The grizzled soldier looked up, a slight smile crossing his face.
"You must be the new acolyte who saved Cormun's ass," Rikel said, his voice a mix of relief and admiration. "I'm Sergeant Rikel of the Fifth Infantry Company."
Zarek nodded, his expression concealed by his mask. "Yep, that's me. I also took care of your problem with the looters in the tomb."
"Ah, then I'll assume my men are dead." Rikel said, gritting his teeth, "Even so, you have done us a great service."
"Probably, sorry about your men," Zarek said in an indifferent voice.
"Their loss is your gain, I suppose," Rikel shrugs his shoulders while giving Zarek a large chunk of credits. "At least you saved Cormun, he's a good man, the Fifth Infantry Company couldn't do without him."
"Wow! This's a lot of credits," Zarek was surprised by the number of credits Sergeant Rikel gave him.
"You earned it," Rikel said, "It was meant for a whole squad, but since you complete the mission alone, it's all yours. Like you said: expect the full compensation."
"True," Zarek put the credits in his small pouch, though there aren't many places to spend credits at the Academy, it's always nice to have extra cash in hand. "Thank you, are we done here?"
"One more thing, you did us not only one but two favors, the Fifth Infantry Company won't forget who's on our side," Rikel saluted Zarek, and said, "We got your back, Sir! Whatever you need, you can count on us."
Zarek felt a sense of satisfaction at Sergeant Rikel's gratitude and the newly forged alliance with the Fifth Infantry Company. He knew that having allies in the Sith Academy could prove invaluable in the future.
"Thank you, Sergeant Rikel," Zarek said, returning the salute. "I appreciate your support. If the Fifth Infantry Company requires my assistance in the future, don't hesitate to ask."
Rikel gave Zarek a nod, his expression sincere. "I'll keep that in mind, Acolyte. Good luck with your training."
With their business concluded, Zarek left the medical center, his thoughts focused on his upcoming meeting with Overseer Tremel.
By the time Zarek returned to the academy, the sun was begun to descend into the night. The lights that illuminated the stone statues, as well as the banners bearing the Sith Empire symbol, were all the brighter and caused the long shadows on the surface, which made all of them more striking.
Overseer Tremel's office wasn't hard to find, Zarek simply asked one of the red-robed guards standing within the corridor, and they point him in the right direction. The office was located at the back side of the academy, to the left of the main entry, and stairs to the upper level.
Rounding a corner of the corridor leading to Tremel's office, Zarek was suddenly blocked by two other acolytes. Like Zarek, they both had Sith warblade strapped on their backs.
One was almost two heads taller, thick and broad like a behemoth, with a dark tattoo stripe running from above his eyebrow up and over to the back of his bald head, with a stupid goatee beard around his chin.
The other was slightly shorter and thinner, but had a more well-built body, with a cross-patterned scar across the right side of his face, and a buzzcut hairstyle with some hair shaved into lines.
Zarek was glad he had the acolyte mask on; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to hide the smile on his face. Because that was the most ridiculous haircut he had ever seen, and the scar make him look like a cartoon villain.
"Hey there, acolyte. Hold on a moment. Let me get a look at you." The one with the stupid haircut barked.
Zarek halted in his tracks, asking "What do you want?" Thank the Force, the mask's voice modulator hides the laugh in his tone, or things can get awkward. Considering the Sith Academy was rife with competition, it's likely that the two apprentices want to scrutinize their new rivals.
"Hmm. So you're Overseer Tremel's secret weapon, huh?" The scarred acolyte looked Zarek up and down, taking in every detail of him. "Impressive, to be sure. Afraid the old man waited too long to make his move though."
"I'm Vemrin. And unlike you, I have fought and bled for everything I have. I demand respect." Vemrin said, putting particular emphasis on that last word.
"So you are Vemrin, huh?" Zarek sneered, annoyed by Vemrin's condescending tone, "I'll only warn you once: you don't want to make me angry," Zarek was furious that this weakling thought he was superior to him.
"Believe it or not, I'm trying to keep you from getting killed," Vemrin scoffed "If Overseer Tremel had made his move a year ago when I first arrived, you might've stood a chance," He warned, "But now? It's too little, too late."
So they are here to scare me, Zarek thought. Is he an alpha protecting its threatened territory? Or a just frail puppy barking at a larger predator that it hasn't understood the threat to its life yet? Only one way to find out!
Zarek decided to piss Vemrin off, push his button and see how Vemrin react. It just so happened, besides being a skilled assassin, Zarek was also well-versed in verbal abuse, Something he learned from his father's friend.
"And believe it or not, you had done a great job at it," Zarek retorted mockingly, "Save your breath, Vemrin. If you're looking to intimidate someone, maybe you should start with your barber – they might give you a better haircut than this... disastrous monstrosity."
"Wha-What? Don't you dare mock me!" Vemrin's face flushed with anger at Zarek's insult, and the muscles in his jaw tightened as he tried to maintain his composure.
The taller acolyte, one with the goatee says, "This is ridiculous, Vemrin. Let's just kill him and hide the body!" Obviously, this acolyte was more brawn than brain, no doubt which one he used more.
"We're not on Balmorra anymore, Dolgis," Vemrin said, finely containing his anger. "There are rules, traditions." He declared, "We'll leave the shortcuts to Overseer Tremel and his last pathetic hope here."
"Aren't you just full of rainbow and sunshine?" Zarek mocked, "I bet you're the life of the party at children's birthday celebrations."
Vemrin sneered, "You think you're funny, don't you?" His voice dripped with venom. "Enjoy your jokes while you can, but know this: I will become Sith, and when I do, you'll be begging for my mercy."
Zarek simply laughed, showing no fear in the face of Vemrin's threats. "Oh, I'm sure you'll become Sith, just like I'm sure you'll eventually find the way to fix that disaster on your head. But until then, stay out of my way, scarface."
"Just remember, You've been warned," With a final, withering glare, Vemrin pushed past Zarek, "Coming, Dolgis?"
"Be right there, Vemrin," Dolgis replied, waiting for Vemrin to leave so he could address Zarek alone, face-to-face.
"Listen here you useless priss," Dolgis spat, "Acolytes aren't allowed to murder each other. But accidents happen. It isn't murder without witnesses."
"Then I will 'accidentally' plunge my warblade into your throat," Zarek replied with a touch of anger, he had wasted enough time on their petty games.
Dolgis scoffed, "No more warnings," Point his finger at Zarek's face, "Vemrin's the alpha monster here. You go after Vemrin, you d—AUUGHH!" Dolgis' rant was cut short as Zarek finally had enough of it, Zarek raised his hand and used the Force to choke Dolgis' neck, lifting the tall acolyte from the ground.
"You should choose your words more carefully," Zarek warned, his voice cold and unforgiving.
Dolgis coughed and grasped for his neck as he tried to break free from Zarek's grip. His face began to turn red as he struggled for air, his legs kicking futilely.
"Now listen closely, you half-witted," Zarek shouted, "Go back to your pitiful Bantha turd boyfriend and tell him to think twice before crossing me again, understand?"
Dolgis' windpipe was completely blocked, so he couldn't answer, but his fearful eyes told Zarek that he understood the message loud and clear.
Zarek held Dolgis for a moment longer, ensuring the lesson had been driven home. Then with a flick of his wrist, Zarek released Dolgis, who crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath and clutching his throat.
"Now get out of my sight," Zarek ordered, disdain clear in his voice.
Dolgis stumbled to his feet, his legs shaky and weak from the lack of oxygen. He glared up at Zarek, his eyes filled with rage and humiliation, but he said nothing, knowing that he had been beaten this time. He quickly limped away, eager to put as much distance between himself and Zarek as possible.
Zarek watched him go, his expression hidden behind his mask. He knew that he had just made an enemy out of Dolgis and, by extension, Vemrin, but he couldn't afford to show any weakness. The Sith Academy was a place of constant danger, and he had to be prepared for anything.
Finally making his way to Overseer Tremel's office, Zarek knocked on the door and waited to be granted entry.
When the door slid open, Zarek stepped inside and found Tremel having a conversation with another acolyte, a young woman with dark skin and short hair, and three long scars down one side of her face. She also had physical features that were similar to Tremel himself.
"Ah, you've returned," Tremel said when he spotted Zarek's presence. "You seem to be in one piece. Tell me, how do you like your new blades?"
"I suppose they are sufficient," Zarek takes a quick glance at the blades strapped to his back, "And take a look, I've bloodied them as you suggested."
"What are you doing, father?" the young woman said as she glared at Tremel. "I only just got my warblade, and I've been here six months!"
Zarek noticed the female acolyte calling Tremel father, which immediately piqued his interest. She was Tremel's daughter, that explained the similarities between her and Overseer Tremel.
So his own daughter was an acolyte too, interesting… Zarek thought.
Tremel has a daughter yet he brought Zarek to Korriban in advance, why? Zarek wonders if it's because she isn't strong enough to face Vemrin, or if Tremel's love for her won't allow him to risk her life. If so, it's a weakness Zarek can exploit.
"I have my reasons, Eskella," The Overseer stated firmly, but his voice go lower as he spoke, " And you will not breathe a word of this to anyone. Do you hear?"
It wasn't a question, it was an order, "Yes. Yes, Father." She bowed meekly. It seemed Eskella understand to recognize power and authority when it was due.
The weathered overseer turns his attention back to Zarek, "Acolyte Zarek, this is Eskella, my daughter."
"Oh really? I will never guess," Zarek muttered under his breath.
The overseer seemed to ignore Zarek's remark and continued, "She is one of the advanced students here, on her way to becoming Sith. If she minds herself." Tremel announced with his piercing eyes.
"I'll keep quiet about your new charge, Father. But I won't be there if whatever you're planning blows up in your face." Eskella snapped and turns away from them both, she left the room curtly.
"Don't mind her," Tremel sighed, "She just sore that I am keeping secrets. She growls but she's loyal."
Zarek nodded, he felt Eskella's emotions as she passed by, anger, jealousy, and a hint of hatred, Zarek was not sure if it was for him or Tremel; either way, she have the potential to become a powerful Sith with those emotions fueling her.
"Now, let us focus on your training, Zarek," Tremel continued, his tone stern yet composed. "I thought I heard Dolgis and Vemrin's voices in the adjacent chamber before you arrived. Did he make his move so soon?"
"Yeah, I met the Nerf-herding duo. But it was nothing I couldn't handle," Zarek said with visible anger. "I doubt they'll bother me again anytime soon. Still, I look forward to ending his miserable existence."
Tremel nodded, his eyes narrowed. "If things go well, you will have that satisfaction someday. However, If Vemrin didn't attack, he must not fully comprehend the threat you represent. Good. Good."
"Well..." Zarek smirks nervously, reminiscing how he put Dolgis in his place. "I kind of... give Dolgis a taste of my strength, Vemrin won't underestimate me again, that's for sure."
"You what?! How?" Tremel asked, he couldn't believe what he just heard. The overseer knew Dolgis, the man was built like a tank, yet this acolyte claims he beat him!?
Zarek shrugged, "I used the Force to teach him a lesson. Let's just say, he didn't see it coming."
"What's done it's done," The Overseer sighed, but a hint of satisfaction flickered across his face. "Still, I'd hoped we'd have more time. Vemrin's not the type to sniff around for too long before trying to take a bite."
"Let him come, I will eradicate his very being," Zarek declared, his voice filled with cold determination.
However, Zarek's curiosity was piqued, decided to ask Tremel the questions that had been on his mind. "Overseer, I've been wondering... Why did Vemrin target me from the start?" Zarek furrowed his brow, "And you haven't told me why you brought me to Korriban ahead of time."
Tremel sighed, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before answering. "After we took back Korriban, in a drive for sheer numbers, the criteria for academy admittance has been relaxed. Now anyone with Force sensitivity is allowed entrance."
"Vemrin is mixed blood. The invisible rot eating at the foundation of the Empire." He paused, studying Zarek's reaction, But Zarek's acolyte mask obscured his expression. "He must not be allowed to advance."
Zarek felt a twinge of disgust at Tremel's elitist thinking, he finds the whole idea ludicrous. His mother Darth Imperius was a slave before being accepted into the Academy. Now, she is a member of the Dark Council.
"So, you're an elitist snob," Zarek said, wanting to test Tremel's reaction.
Confusion crept across Tremel's face. "You say that like it's a bad thing. This is the Sith way. Only the best, only the most pure, should be good enough."
This is not the Sith way! Zarek yelled in his head. My mother is living proof! She is the embodiment of the Sith code.
Darth Imperius might be a descendant of Aloysius Kallig, but Zarek knew well that his mother's strength comes from passion, not parentage; it's through strength, she gains the power to raise in the Sith hierarchy, not bloodlines; it's the victory that breaks her chains, not lineage.
Zarek clenched his fists, his anger simmering beneath the surface. However, he concealed his reaction. Zarek realized that in order to survive and thrive, he needed to be cautious about whose side he chose and when to express his true feelings.
"I see," Zarek began cautiously, "you brought me here to ensure Vemrin doesn't advance because you believe in the purity of the Sith bloodline?"
"Exactly," Tremel nodded, and he started pacing back and forth in front of his desk. "Unfortunately, Vemrin's caught the eye of Darth Baras, one of the most influential Sith Lords. He's being groomed to be Baras's new apprentice."
Zarek heard of Darth Baras before, a cunning and ruthless Sith Lord with a reputation for strategic thinking and manipulation.
"Now I understand," Zarek uttered, finally seeing the whole picture. "you want me to usurp him, take his place as Darth Baras's new apprentice."
Tremel nodded, a hint of approval appeared in his eyes. "As Baras's apprentice, the power at Vemrin's fingertips will be considerable. He could change the Sith for the worse."
Zarek resented being used in someone else's power play, but he also recognized the opportunity to gain knowledge and resources as Darth Baras's apprentice.
"Very well," Zarek said, his voice steady and controlled. "I will do what is necessary to succeed here."
"Good," the Overseer said, "Your next trial will take a few days to prepare." Tremel sat back behind his desk, and take out a key card from the drawer. "For now, I suggest you focus on your training and watch out for Vemrin."
"Since you arrive early than others, I arranged a private quarter for you." He handed Zarek the key card. "This will grant you access to your dormitory, your luggage has been delivered. Use the time to rest and gather your strength, you'll train with other acolytes tomorrow morning."
Zarek accepted the key card, grateful for the opportunity to have some privacy and time to process everything that had happened. "Thank you, Overseer. I'll make good use of the time."
Tremel nodded, satisfied. "Remember, Zarek, you have much to learn, and we have little time to waste. Never allow yourself to become complacent or to lose sight of your goals."
Zarek bowed respectfully. "I understand, Overseer. I won't disappoint you."
With that, Zarek left the room and made his way to his assigned quarters. As he walked through the halls of the Sith Academy, he could feel the weight of history and the dark energy that permeated the place. It both excited and terrified him.
With a firm resolve, Zarek focused on the tasks ahead, knowing that each challenge would bring him one step closer to the ultimate power.