The void between reality… the place of nothingness, there’s nothing to be gained, nothing to prosper, at least that’s how it should’ve been.

*Slash* *Slash* *Slash*

Cleaving through the incoming enemies. They are beings of instinct, their eyes shine bright despite this place lacking anything for it to shine on, they come in many shapes, many sizes.

*Slice* *Slash*

They came from every direction. There is no sound. There is no light.

*Slash* Slice* *Cleave*

Creatures of the unknown all exist here. Some who gaze into their eyes might unable to comprehend what is there.

*Cleave* *Slash* *Stab*

Everything here is powerful. Even the weakest can destroy a planet, and all lives on it.

*Stab* Slice* *Dice*

This harsh environment of nothingness is incomprehensible. There should be nothing. There’s nothing feeding these creatures. There’s no reason for something like mana to exist in a place is doesn’t seem to reach. 

*Slash* *Slash* *Boom*

I killed many. Stabbed some in the eyes, others I sliced through and let their body be torn apart, perhaps blasting them with magic. Their body, whatever it is made of that is complete darkness, fades away with death. 

*Slash* Boom* *Slice*

Dark matters can be used on them, so do they actually have mass? Or was it all fake? Just an illusion?

*Slash* *Slice* *Stab*

Slicing through them I danced, it’s a dance with death, but I won’t let it claim be.

*Boom* *Slash* Stab*

I’ll grow stronger than these things, what I fought against were mere insects, just the dust of them all.

*Cleave* *Slice* *Cleave*

How many have I killed? I wasn’t keeping track, how could I against these barely registerable enemies? 

*Slice* *Dice* *Cleave*

Why would I go against these unknowns? It’s obvious, to grow stronger from them, to be able to protect, no matter who it is.

*Slash* *Slash* *Cleave* *Slash* *Slice* *Boom*

“Haaa… Haaa…” If it weren’t for her craftsmanship I couldn’t even be here right now, her tools are just always too convenient. Well I can’t rely on her, it would hurt my pride after all.

*Slash* *Slash* *Cleave* *Slash* *Slice* *Dice* *Cleave*

Too many… is getting near… I ward them off… but not enough stamina to keep going… 

*Scratch* *Clawed* *Tackle* *Scratch*

“Guh!” Damn! They’re getting better of me.

“Verm!” Her voice heard through the ring. I’m not so stupid as to stay around.

*Zoom*

“Haa… I’m alright…” I said trying to stop her from worrying about me so much.

*Cough* *Cough*

“As if!” Yeig yelled. I collapsed onto the floor from the injuries. Really though I’m way too durable to get taken out by a few strikes.

*[Full Heal]*

“Haaa… Thanks” I replied, able to stand back up if feeling a bit disoriented.

“That was way too reckless. How many times had I told you those thing will swarm you more and more as time passed!?” She scolded, looking uncharacteristically emotional.

“Yeah I heard you the first time” I said, still trying to catch my breath.

“Seriously, why are you doing this?” Yeig asked sounding concerned. She’s never so straightforward with her actions if it weren’t the two of us alone, it’s strange but it shows how much I mattered.

“I already told you, she’s catching up and there’s no way I’m letting that gap closed” I explained once more.

“Seriously, it’s not like she’ll try to kill you or something, she’s a good kid” Yeig said in a calmer tone compared to before.

“No doubt about it. That doesn’t mean I’ll give up though” I replied.

“You’re already abnormal even compared to other vampires without being a clear cut special case like her, aren’t you aiming too high?” Yeig asked.

“You’re saying I can’t keep up with a bigger born winner like her? Don’t be absurd. Just look at you” I said as I laid down on the sofa in our room.

“I’m not exactly in the same case as you, I have a title powerful enough to basically close any gap” She said.

“Well, were you born with it?” I asked, it’s clearly not, it’s not something that she was born with, it’s through effort more than anything else.

“N-No, it’s something I gained” Yeig replied.

“Exactly, if you can then why can’t I? It’s that simple” I stated.

“I have live way longer than you with knowledge beyond normal comprehension, those of erased fate and what used to be, it’s not fair to put us in the same boat” She said.

“Well, perhaps your age has something to do with it, but like I said, it’s all boiled down to how far one will go, and I’m willing to do so” I declared, so what if it seems impossible? That’s what goals usually are like, I don’t see the problem.

“Sheesh. You are truly a stubborn fool. Well it’s also charming in its own way if also pretty worrisome” Yeig said as she seems to completely cool down.

“Whatever you say. However I know full well that it’s best if I stop here for now” My muscles are sore and the pain lingers all over, and considering she’s so concerned with me over doing it she won’t use any spell to actually cure them, both so I won’t risk my life again and prevent possibility of any backlash from using such a powerful spell too much.

“You better not. Go do something else for a change” Yeig said pouting and hunching down.

“Something else… well there is one thing I would like to confirm” I mentioned. It’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things but it’s curious nonetheless.

“About that Rosia girl I take it?” She asked. I have mentioned something about her before, and the other side doesn’t seem to be aware of what I’m suspecting.

“Yeah. You weren’t there so you’ll have no way to confirm anything I’d reckon” I replied. 

“At least not without some serious back tracking that I don’t dared to do. That title is both a blessing and a curse, a double edge sword of you will” She answered. Guess I have to find a way to confirm it myself.

“Well then. Guess that’s what I’ll do, so will you teleport myself there or will you come along?” I asked.

“I’ll come along as well. I just gave them a report on the situation with the capital and all that. Wonder what they have to say” She replied. Guess that’ll be what she did.

“Then do it” I said.

…

“What?” I asked, why is she staying silent like that?

“Say. Have you noticed the fact that those two girls are always so close together when they warp somewhere together?” She asked. 

“I have noticed that, do you want us to hold tight?” I asked in return with a straight face, not exactly something one could say without feeling slightly awkward, as seen with Yeig’s expression.

“Y-Yeah, wanting to get close and personal again, you’ve been a bit busy and I've been checking on stuff” She said. Well if it’s something like that then I don’t see any problem.

“Sure, come” I said as I stand up and open my arms up to her.

“Certainly!” She eagerly replied.

*Hug*

Oof! That’s a bit much force there…

*Zoom*

“Oh! Mom and Kaa-san… umm” Maova said as she noticed us warping in. 

“That’s rather bold” Rosia commented.

“Ahaha… It is isn’t it?” Yeig said as she let go of me and look at the girls.

“Aside from her shameless display in that moment. We both have something to talk to you about” I said.

“What is it Mom?” Maova asked. I turn my head to look at Rosia.

“I need to talk to ask her something” I said, much to the bewilderment of both of them.

“Really? What do you want to talk about… Mother?” Rosia asked.

“It’s not something important, but we have to talk about this with just the two of us, as for you Maova, Yeig want to ask about what you’ll do with the report you’re given” I instructed.

“Maova you’ll come with me to a pocket dimension so we don’t overheard them okay?” Yeig added.

“R-Right” Maova replied, looking a bit perplexed and confused, probably due to the disappropriate decision on Yeig’s part.

“Alrighty then, let’s go!” Yeig said.

*Zoom*

And both her and Maova disappeared. Thinking about it now I need something else to talk about with her as well to not raise unnecessary suspicion.

“Let’s take a seat shall we?” I suggested and she silently nod, and we did just that.

“So what do you want us to talk about?” Rosia asked looking slightly nervous.

“It’s nothing too important just like I said, just answer a few question will suffice. Now then first off… What do you see in Maova?” Perhaps that’s a bit too extreme of a first question, but that’s one of the few question that pops into my head.

“Huh? Well… I guess I saw a lot of her in me I supposed, it’s pretty clear that for the most part it’s due to the whole alternate self deal, even then it’s hard not to empathize with her. She also saved my life, that is very important as well, her acceptance of me is something I’ll never take for granted” She answered that surprisingly well, but that’s not what I want to hear about the most, but I should save that for last.

“Now then, onto the next question. What is your mindset at this moment?” I asked, it’s just a random question really.

“My mindset? That’s… I’m just living for myself and those I hold dear, that’s all, everything else be damned” …Heh… That’s quite an answer.

“Hm? Is something wrong?” Rosia asked as if noticing something, did my reaction to that get displayed outwardly? Need to be more careful with that, even if I’m not the most emotive person out there it seems that doesn’t equal lack of reaction.

“Alright then. Next question… Do your blade soaking in blood means nothing to you?” I asked, it’s something I have asked before, let’s see what she had to say.

“It having meaning or not isn’t important, sometimes one must look pass that to relish the future ahead” Hmm… Two red flags already. One more and perhaps I could make a proper conclusion.

“What do you desire? Fame? Power? Wealth?” I asked, if one looked like they’re fighting for something righteous, or seeking to do so, it’s unlikely that that’s their true intention.

“My top priority is myself and those I hold dear, and those things you listed are desirable in its own way to assist myself and my future. I don’t care what you view is on the topic, judge me if you dare, but that’s how I’ll live my life and my reason for pursuing them. I’m not a saint, nor a hero. I live because I have those I loved, but that doesn’t mean I’m not selfish”

… 

“Pfffttt… Ahahaha! This is priceless! Hahaha!” I can’t stop myself from laughing hearing this, feels like there are actual tears coming out.

“What’s so funny?” Rosia asked sounding offended.

“No… it’s nothing of the sort. If anything else I see you in a better light than ever” I said no doubt with a grin on my face. How one has fallen, or risen if we’re being real here.

“Explain” She demanded, still looking a bit offended and rather furious.

“You’re taking this way too seriously, I already told you not to” I said as I stand back up.

*Pat*

“Take care of her” I said as I patted her head with a satisfied smile.

“No need to tell me that” She replied.

“Yeig. I’m done on my end. I would say it’s all but confirmed” I said telepathically to Yeig.

“Really? Well I hope maybe you’ll remember something else as well so I can make a fool-proof investigation. Regardless give me a few sec” She replied.

*Zoom*

“I’m back!” Yeig announced.

“Okay then. What are these two up to?” I asked.

“Don’t word it like that” Maova responded, sounding somewhat exasperated.

“They’re planning on entering the tornament at that capital city” Yeig explained. 

“So you both want some action is it? Well I won’t blame you, just don’t let your guard down, stay sharp” I said. I can’t be certain if they’ll cause any trouble or not, but a word of warning should be spoken regardless.

“I get that. We’ll train for a bit so we won’t rusty” Maova replied.

“Well it is fortunate that I’m here, I can help you with-”

“A-Ah we don’t need such an intense training Mo-”

“Saying something?” I said with a blade out… a blade… and her… Ah, that’s right… 

“N-Nothing” She quickly caved while rubbing her left shoulder. She’s still way too submissive around me, I’m not impressed to be honest.

“Well there’s no need to do it right now. I need to talk with Yeig about something. We’ll start tomorrow” I said. I think I recall something quite important about her so I should address that now.

“R-Right” Maova replied, looking like she has a sense of dread creeping into her voice.

“You heard her. Let’s go Verm” Yeig said.

*Zoom*

And we’re back in our room once again. 

“So anything you figured out?” Yeig asked as she sat down at the table.

“If you mean aside from confirming the behavioral similarity, the yes” I replied.

“Oh? And what is this thing you figured out?” Yeig asked with a bit of enthusiasm.

“An important detail that I conveniently forgot is what I figured out” I said as I follow suit.

“And what is this detail exactly?” Yeig asked looking a bit more curious.

“Her sword. It’s strange, I can’t quite put my hand on it, but it’s like a part of her, the way she seamlessly wield it isn’t due to a state of mastery, it’s something more unnatural” I explained.

“Part of her? Well… right, I think there’s a way to confirm this with absolute certainty now” Yeig said with quite a confidence.

“How exactly?” I asked curiously.

“Tell me anything you know about this person, I might’ve heard about her before, as well as any detail on the sword” She instructed, now it feels like this is taken extremely seriously even with the lack of consequence behind it, but that’s not something I could bother to point out. Now then what was she like? What was her name? What’s that sword like?... 

“I can’t quite remember her name to be honest, it has been so long. Iso… Iso… something… it’s been two centuries since we met, there’s no way I can remember that… she’s in a high ranking position, and powerful to booth, what else… mannerisms is more the less the same as Rosia like I said… wavy long brown hair and eyes… her sword have something imbedded into it… a pink jewel of some kind, golden handle, long blade… That’s all I got” It’s been so long I can’t exactly recall everything despite being quite memorable.

“Hmm… what’s the shape of the jewel?” Yeig asked, looking like she’s about to figure something out.

“The shape? I think it looks like a heart if I have to say” I replied. Is that such an important detail?

“Hmm… I see I see! It’s all coming to me now” Yeig muttered to herself.

“Mind sharing me the detail?” I asked.

“Oh, right. You know full well how random and eccentric I am right?” Yeig replied with a question of her own, one with obvious answer no less.

“It’s obvious is it not?” I replied.

“Humor me a little will you? Anyway could you imagine myself crafting a powerful sword and put it in a random location some would be able to access?” She asked.

“Definitely, where are you going with this?” I answered.

“You see I might’ve created a weapon perfectly matching that description… and it falls into the hand of that woman you mentioned” She explained. 

“Well what’s so important about that?” I asked.

“You see. There’s something called a soul-bound weapon. A special kind of weapon that can be bound with a person’s soul, once the bond is established, one’s mastery over that specific weapon is greatly increased, and their magic with become much more effective when channel into it as well” She explained.

“So that weapon of yours is that type of weapon?” I asked further.

“Exactly, and it’s not unlikely that this individual does form a bond with it” She said. So if it’s specifically bound to a person’s soul then… 

“So if we have her try the sword then…” I said.

“Exactly, then we’ll know for sure” Yeig confirmed.

“But how will we this specific weapon in the first place?” I asked.

“No need to worry, I can found out its location is less than an hour, don’t believe me?” She smugly declared.

“I didn’t even say anything” I exasperatedly noted.

“I’ll make sure to gather as much info on her as possible, Iso-something was it? If those two are what you said, then tracking it down might actually be pathetically easy…” She said, seeming to trail off.

“What exactly do you mean?” I asked.

“Anyway. Guess I’ll do just that, and then we’ll orchestrate a plan of our own to make this reveal dramatic!” Yeig boasted ignoring my question entirely, not the first time either so I couldn’t even be bothered to complain. She’s having fun making this kind of thing for certain, playing for the theatric of it all without being completely straight to the point, can’t say I don’t fancy it myself but she took it a step further.

“Don’t forget to assist me in getting them in shape as well. I won’t take no for an answer” I added.

“I can do that. Let’s make this a saga to be remembered” Yeig said with enthusiasm, but also sounds quite ominous as well, hopefully she won’t go overboard.