The Multiverse Hunter

Drogath opened his case first, it was significantly larger in size compared to Ali's. Inside, nestled in the dark foam lining, was a massive, black axe. Drogath reached in and lifted the weapon effortlessly, its weight heavy but perfectly suited to his immense size and strength. The sheer heft of the weapon made it clear that it was meant to be wielded by someone of Drogath's extraordinary physical prowess.

"The weapon suits you," Ali remarked as he watched Drogath examine the weapon.

"Channel the Force into it," Sivara instructed, her sharp tone cutting through Drogath's awe as he turned the axe in his hands. Only then did Drogath notice the emitter embedded along the edge of the axe's blade.

Drogath focused, summoning the Force from within. As it coursed through his arms and into the weapon, the emitter flared to life. A blinding red beam ignited along the edge of the axe, casting a fiery glow across Drogath's face as the humming energy crackled against the air.

Drogath gripped the axe firmly and swung it twice through the air, the glowing edge trailing a brilliant red arc with each strike. The walls of Sivara's office trembled under the sheer force of his swings, a testament to his raw strength and the weapon's destructive power.

Ali watched intently, the crimson glow of the axe reflecting off his mask. He couldn't help but be impressed by the weapon's design—it was a perfect match for Drogath's style, amplifying his immense strength while adding a devastating edge to his already brutal combat abilities.

"Thank you," Drogath said, his voice low and rumbling as he lowered his head slightly in respect toward Sivara. He deactivated the axe, the red glow disappearing with a sharp hiss, before stepping back to give Ali space to open his case.

Ali, unlike Drogath, didn't crouch down. Instead, he extended his hand and used the Force to unlatch the smaller case, the locks clicking open with precision. Inside, nestled within black cushioning, lay a sleek, dark hilt. It was compact but radiated a quiet menace, its design elegant yet deadly.

Ali hovered his hand above the case, and the hilt rose gracefully into his grasp as if drawn to him. He channeled the Force into the weapon, and with a deep, resonant hiss, a thick red beam ignited. The beam was larger than a standard lightsaber, and two smaller, perpendicular beams ignited at the hilt's cross-guard. The weapon hummed with power, a cross-guard lightsaber designed for both defence and devastating offence.

Ali held it aloft, the glowing crimson light illuminating his mask. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The weapon seemed made for him, a reflection of his cold precision and overwhelming power. Even Sivara, who had seen countless apprentices over the years, couldn't help but smile as she observed him.

'He's the future of the Sith,' Sivara thought to herself, recalling a private conversation she'd had with her own master.

Ali deactivated the lightsaber, the red glow vanishing as he clipped it to his waist. He turned his gaze toward Sivara, the aura of menace surrounding him palpable. "What made you go with a cross-guard design?" he asked, his tone calm but laced with curiosity.

"It wasn't the design of the lightsaber but the identity of its previous wielder," Sivara answered cryptically, rising from her seat. "And for the record, I wasn't the one who chose it for you."

Ali's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "Then who did?"

"That," Sivara began, pacing slowly in front of them, "is the second reason I called you two here. You see, I have been tasked with a very specific assignment by the Sith Council—more specifically, by my master, who happens to be the creator of this initiative."

Ali and Drogath remained silent, their eyes fixed on Sivara as she continued.

"As you both know, the academy is a place of brutal competition, where only the strong survive. Many talented acolytes never get the chance to fully showcase their potential because they die before they even realise it," Sivara said, her voice growing more serious.

Ali's eyes sharpened at her words. 'I suspected she was working on something bigger, but talent recruitment for the Council? That's more ambitious than I thought.'

"My master tasked me with finding acolytes who show exceptional potential, taking them under my wing, and ensuring they grow into powerful assets for the Sith Empire. Malgrith informed me of both of you as candidates, and after what I've seen this week, I am certain you are among the most promising Force-users to ever pass through this academy."

Sivara straightened her posture, her tone formal as she prepared to make her announcement. "From this moment on, both of you are officially part of my class of high-potential Sith apprentices, operating under the direct observation and support of the Sith Council. Malgrith is no longer your master. From now on, you answer only to me."

Drogath looked toward Ali, waiting for his response. He trusted Ali's judgment and would follow his lead without hesitation. Ali removed his mask, revealing his expressionless face as he looked up at Sivara.

"We're ready to serve the Council and achieve their goals, no matter the sacrifice," Ali said, his voice unwavering.

Drogath nodded beside him, his agreement punctuated by a low huff.

Sivara smiled faintly. "Good. Now that we've settled that, I have your first mission. It's urgent and came up unexpectedly." She placed a small hologram projector on her desk, and the image of a grey planet flickered into view.

"This is Tartek, a commercial powerhouse for the Empire and home to many of its lords," Sivara explained.

"What's the problem?" Drogath asked bluntly.

"It's not a problem yet, but it could become one very soon. We've received intelligence about an artifact being auctioned there. The artifact is attracting significant interest, and we suspect it might draw Jedi to the planet."

The mention of Jedi immediately captured Ali's full attention. His mind raced with possibilities. 'This could be my chance to complete a mission. Jedi… finally.'

"So, the mission is to find the Jedi and kill them?" Drogath asked, his tone as direct as ever.

Sivara shook her head. "No. Your mission is to find the artifact and bring it back here. If you encounter any signs of Jedi presence, you are to abort immediately and report back. A Jedi is too powerful for apprentices to handle alone. Is that clear?"

Ali's cold tone broke the silence. "Anything else about the artifact that could help us find it?"

"We have very little information," Sivara admitted. "All we know is that it's being sold at the largest auction house in Tartek's dark market. The auction is highly exclusive, with invitations extended to VIP clients from both within and outside the planet. This influx of visitors could provide cover for any Jedi entering Tartek."

Ali crossed his arms, his mind already forming a strategy. He raised his gaze to Sivara. "One more question. If I encounter a Jedi and happen to kill them… do I earn the rank of Sith Warrior in return?"

Sivara's lips curved into a sly smile as Drogath let out a rumbling laugh, his anticipation evident.

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