Echoes of Fire and Shadows
Chapter 80: Silver-Eyed Storm King (Part III).
—Alberis's POV—
As the tournament finally came to a close, I stood on top of my opponent with my blade pressed against his neck.
The Skull Kid had proved to be a more extraordinary opponent than I ever thought. His might was such that he was able to force me to enter into my incomplete transcendent state while using two high ranked spirits simultaneously. It got to the point that my blade, Sunbringer, had changed its color after it mutated into its secret form, White Fang.
Again and again, I was barely able to survive his powerful attacks. There were several moments where I thought I wouldn't make it, but fortunately I was able to finally put him down after using my ice powers to slow down his movements and fool his perception, making me able to land a decisive blow against him.
I was surprised that he was able to survive that punch. I had put all of my strength as well as much mana as I could into my attack. He was left in a very sorry state, yet he still survived. That only served as proof of how much a dangerous opponent he could truly be.
The name of Skull Kid was truly fitting for him.
“With this, the future I envisioned before will not come to be. What a relief.” I mumbled to myself as I stared down at my opponent.
I don’t know if it was immediately after my punch or when I placed my blade against his throat, but the boy had started to sob quietly and mutter something completely unintelligible. I imagine that he finally realized that he was no match for me in my transcended state.
Is this the first time he experiences defeat? Is that the reason why he is crying? I can understand the frustration he must be feeling. To be able to demolish most of the participants in the tournament only to suddenly savor the bitter taste of defeat when victory was right around the corner.
In a way, he reminds me of myself. Back when I was an arrogant child and had to be rescued by the Skull Crusher from those goblins. Back when I didn’t understand what real strength was.
In the end, he is still just a young boy, barely old enough to participate in this tournament. I guess it is only reasonable for him to be so frustrated that he would begin to cry like that.
I understand because the same happened to me with those goblins. There’s no shame in shedding tears of frustration.
“Those tears will be a very important lesson to you.” I said to the crying boy. “I do not know if you’re even paying attention to me, but never forget how defeat tastes like. This is the taste of your own weakness. Only the strong had the right to taste victory. Only those who remember the bitter taste of defeat and are willing to do whatever it takes to surpass themselves and become more powerful are the ones deserving to be called the strong.” I said as I prepared myself to finally end this match once and for all.
As I gazed at the white blade pressed at the neck of the boy, I suddenly found myself hesitating for a little. I do not know why, but I felt like I had a knot in my stomach, like something was horribly wrong.
“I suppose that putting you down like a dog goes against my honor, especially when you were such an exceptional opponent and forced me into this state.” I couldn’t help but sigh. “It would be far too easy to stab you in the neck to eliminate you. There would be no pain and no injury. You’d be sent to the infirmary immediately after to recover.” That way of finishing off the Skull Kid simply didn’t sit right with me. I suddenly found myself trying to comfort him somehow.
I suppose that's the least I could do for him… To give him an honorable defeat so he can at least keep some of his dignity intact after the match.
With a swift motion, I moved my blade from his neck and raised it above my head. My objective was to fully break his almost shattered bracelet.
“You were a remarkable opponent, Skull Kid. If you do continue to seek strength after this, then I welcome you to challenge me again. You, Neris and Felicia have been the only ones who have almost made me taste defeat in a very long time, as a result I am stronger and closer to my objective because of you three.” I gave him my honest praise before the end. “Farewell then. Until we meet again.” I bid the boy goodbye as I swung my sword down at his bracelet.
In my mind, victory was already secure with this. The moment my sword touched his bracelet, everything would be over.
But destiny had other plans, it seems. Plans that I had not predicted at all, or rather, plans that I was too much of a fool to predict.
Instead of hearing a soft crushing sound of a mithril sword cutting a bracelet like hot butter, I heard the sounds of a mithril sword crashing against steel. I was welcomed by the sight of a lone light blue sword with a crown of ice flowers in its hilt stopping my sword mere centimeters away from the boy’s bracelet.
There was no swordsman wielding the blade. I knew because I could still see my opponent lying on the ground almost like a lifeless corpse. The sword was moving on its own, almost as if it had its own conscience.
Said sword was struggling to push me away from its master. This was the sword that Julius had used in one of his other duels.
“Peculiar… A sword that moves on its own. Is this perhaps some sort of trick from you, Skull Kid? I wasn’t aware that you could also use telekinesis to wield your weapon.” I said while looking at the boy resting by my feet. He still looked completely defeated, so there was no way it was him. “It seems I’m wrong… Then how is this sword…-” before I could finish my sentence, I was interrupted by a voice I had never heard before.
<You… You arrogant human… How dare you…? How dare you hurt my master?! How dare you?!> An ominous voice spoke from the blade. I could feel the fury in its words.
“A talking shapeshifting weapon… This is something that you don’t get to see everyday. I wonder where this boy found you.” I expressed some interest in the blade.
Hmm… A powerful weapon capable of talking and changing its shape… I feel bad for the Skull Kid, but I think he is not capable enough to bring out the full potential of such a weapon. Perhaps I could use my rights as the strong and the victor of this match to claim the weapon.
As much as I like Sunbringer/Wolf Fang, the weapon I made with my own hands, there’s simply no way it could compare to a weapon of such caliber. I suppose that this is something that was headed my way anyway. I suppose the day to change Sunbringer for a better weapon has arrived.
“I didn’t particularly intend to hurt him this badly, but what can you expect from the weak.” I said nonchalantly. “Tell me, sentient weapon… What is your name? Isn’t it a burden to have someone so weak as your wielder? Why don’t you come with me and become my new weapon? I promise that I will put you to good use.” I immediately offered to claim the blade.
Besides the sounds of metal clashing against metal, the battlefield had fallen silent again. The weapon didn’t reply to my proposal initially.
<You dare… You dare mock me?! Do you think I am a cheap trinket that would change its owner when things get tough?! As I thought, some of you humans are rotten to the core! You disgust me beyond words!> The weapons suddenly gained a second wind, pushing me back away from the boy with unbelievable strength.
In the blink of an eye, I had been pushed back several paces away from the Skull Kid and the sentient sword that was guarding it.
<My name is Dying Scarlet. No… My true name is Remillia! I am the oldest of the Five Abyssal Weapons crafted by the Demon King Bass and my only master, my true master is Julius!> The weapon suddenly introduced itself before suddenly turning back into a scythe.
One of the Five Abyssal Weapons? Dying Scarlet? A demonic weapon… What a surprise! I never thought I would find a legendary weapon from the Thousand-Year War, much less find it in the hands of a young boy.
<Prepare to face your end, human. I shall protect my master and put an end to your arrogance!> An explosion of aura suddenly occurred around the weapon before it lunged itself at me.
I barely had the time to block as the scarlet scythe aimed at my neck. I didn’t even have the chance to counterattack as the weapon began to launch follow up attacks with so much fervor that it was difficult to believe that I was facing just a weapon instead of a person.
And to make matters worse, I couldn’t even see its future movements. My evil eyes of foresight didn’t work on the sentient weapon for some reason.
“Tsk. I was just offering you a better hand to wield you. There’s no need to become so angry, Remillia.” I said as I deflected one of the scythe’s attacks.
<Keep my name out of your mouth, you disgusting worm! That name can only be uttered by my master!> The weapon shouted as its shape became that of a white bow.
The bow fired several elemental arrows at me, all of them which I avoided with great difficulties, and as soon as I did many more came after. Since I couldn’t use my foresight against the weapon, I was struggling to defend myself from the onslaught.
The sentient weapon alone was just as troublesome as its master… I suppose I’ll just have to tame it if I want to claim it for myself! I need one clear strike, and I’ll take down the weapon too!
<You’re wide open! Perish already, human!> I could feel the hate in its voice as it suddenly changed into the blue sword again. The weapon suddenly shot itself at me like an arrow, thrusting at my heart with an unbelievable speed.
It almost seemed like a desperate last ditch effort coming from the sentient weapon, but it was exactly as I needed. Even though its speed was nothing to trifle with, it was not something I couldn’t handle.
As soon as the sword came close enough to strike me down, I swung my blade as fast as I could, hitting the sentient blade on the tip of its edge and effectively changing its course.
The blade spun around in the air several times unceremoniously before falling to the ground, with most of its body fully sinking into it.
Even a relic from the distant war against the demons is incapable of competing against my power. Heh.
“That was close… Who would have thought the Skull Kid had such a lively hidden card up his sleeve?” I couldn’t help but let out a sigh due to the strangeness of the situation.
<No… It wasn’t supposed to end like this… Master, I’m sorry… Even though I used all the mana and blood you gave me, it still wasn’t enough. I can’t fight anymore…> The ominous weapon spoke with great regret.
“Now that you’re defeated, I suppose I will be taking you as my own. The strong rule over the weak, so you better start to acknowledge me as your new master.” I said as I walked over the sword, which was now trapped on the ground.
<Never! I will gut you in your sleep should you attempt to claim me! I will slowly drain your life away until you curse each and every single breath you take! I will curse the rest of your days of your lonely and miserable life!> The weapon refused me again.
“Spoken like a true loser.” I scoffed. “What makes you think that you even have a choice? Who cares if you can talk, at the end of the day you’re just a weapon, sentient or not. Weapons should simply obey their masters. And as I said before, you were defeated. The weak have to obey the strong, so as the loser you must obey me!” I placed my right hand on the hilt of the blade.
<Last warning, keep your hands away from me, you disgusting human.> The sentient weapon made an empty threat.
“Or what? You yourself said to your precious master that you were powerless.” I brushed off its threats. “If you start acknowledging me as your master, I will pull you out from the ground. How does that sound? If you don’t, then I suppose I could leave you here to rust for eternity. It wouldn’t be too difficult to convince Professor Dante to seal you away in this space, especially after considering that you’re a dangerous demonic artifact.” I threatened the weapon.
<You would dare to imprison me again?! After I was finally set free and awakened?! You humans are as vile as I remember…> The weapon grew enraged again. <...> Before it suddenly fell silent, almost as if considering my offer.
“I suppose that your precious master doesn’t mean that much to you anyway, considering that you prefer to be free.” I smiled knowing that I had almost tamed the sentient weapon.
That is how the world works. The strong rule over the weak. The weak must obey the strong. The strong have the right to do as they please and take whatever they want from the weak. That is simply how life works in this world.
<Master… I… Please… No… I don’t want to be separated from you, but I don’t want to be sealed away again… I can’t be sealed away again… I…> The weapon appeared troubled due to my threats. It was still trying to hang onto the Skull Kid.
It seems it will only take a little persuasion and I will get a very powerful weapon soon. Now for the killing blow…
“Useless… Am I… Useless?” While focused on my interaction with the sentient weapon, I heard those dreadful words. Words that I hoped never to hear.
Wait… Those words… It can’t be…
As I turned my head around, I saw the Skull Kid back on his feet. His head was cast down, looking to the ground yet I could still see the tears streaming down his face.
Even though he should have been on the verge of unconsciousness and out of mana, he was standing yet again. The sight of the boy standing motionless in front of me sent chills down my spine.
I couldn’t help but feel afraid as I was reminded of the vision I had before the semifinals.
This can’t be! Wait… I can still stop it! I can still stop destiny’s wheels from turning! I can still prevent whatever is going to happen next!
“Useless… Am I… Useless?” The boy spoke again, this time he raised his head to look straight into my eyes. As soon as I looked into those dead eyes, I was no longer afraid… I was terrified.
His eyes, which were previously brown, were mutating rapidly. His irises were changing their form and color almost like shapeless slime.
No… I need to act now! I have to stop him before the vision becomes true!
But before I could even move, my body was suddenly trapped by the sentient weapon. My hand was bound to the hilt of the sword.
<Didn’t you want me so desperately? Then why don’t you try harder to claim me? I'll make you pay for even attempting to take me away from him! You’re in for a rude awakening for even considering that I would actually betray my master!> The weapon said in a mocking manner. <I won’t let you hurt my master ever again!>
“Let me go! I have to end this now before the vision comes true!” I shouted before aiming my Sunbringer at the hilt of the sentient weapon.
The sentient weapon suffered no damage no matter how many times I attacked its hilt.
“Useless… Am… I… Useless…? Then…” When I looked at Julius again, I noticed that his eyes had suddenly returned to normal. Though instead of the brown color he had before, his eyes were painted in a bright silver. “I guess I have to show you what I’m truly capable of, old man…” The boy spoked in an ominous tone as he tilted his head like a lifeless corpse.
In the blink of an eye, an enormous aura of raw mana surrounded the boy. His power was affecting the environment in ways I never thought possible.
The sea waves hit the Aranir Cliffs with so much violence that I thought they were about to swallow us all without mercy. The earth beneath my feet started shaking, almost as if the alternate dimension itself was scared of what was about to happen and it caused countless earthquakes to stop it. The once blue skies were swiftly covered by gray storm clouds and lightning spread across them, shifting around the now stormy skies.
It wasn't long before a downpour was upon us in order to match the strange phenomenon that was going on with the young boy.
I could feel my hair spiking up as lightning continued to travel across the gray clouds above and thunder made the earth rumble afterwards.
It… It is already too late to stop it… My vision has come true… That terrifying vision…
With those thoughts in my mind, I was able to see the exact moment where lightning struck the Skull Kid. That was the moment where my worst fears became true. The moment where my prophecy came true…
I gazed into the abyss… And now the abyss is gazing back at me… I should have stabbed him in the neck when I had the chance, honor be damned!
As I stood there watching everything unfold, I saw the Skull Kid raise his right hand in my direction. He was unharmed even after lightning had struck him.
By the mere sight of this both of the high ranking spirits I had a contract with began trembling with fear.
"Spirits… Listen to your new king and accept my offering. Hand over your power and become a part of me." The boy suddenly spoke in the spirit language.
Suddenly, the countless spirits that were previously hovering above him soon flew at him at full speed almost like a group of moths attracted to the light. All the spirits soon entered his body until none remained.
What…? He absorbed the spirits? It can't be… How did he…?
As a million questions appeared in my mind, I'd soon find out that I didn't have the time to look for answers.
"Hehe… Hehehe…. Hehehehe…" The boy suddenly started laughing to himself. "Not bad… Not bad at all. My mana pool has increased by tenfold and I even leveled up as well. This shall prove sufficient for this match. Now, for starters…" The boy said to himself before looking in my direction.
In the blink of an eye, the sentient weapon flew from the ground by itself toward Julius. My hand was released in the process, but I instinctively knew that the boy had instantly become even more dangerous.
"Good. Dying Scarlet is back to me…" The boy contemplated the sword with a satisfied smirk before making eye contact again with me.
As soon as we made eye contact, a surge of mana happened around him… His aura grew in size as well, so much so that it reached the skies as if it was nothing. His aura had also changed its nature, as lightning traveled all over his body.
Wait… Don't tell me… Is this… Is this Transcendence? A transcendence of lightning? Has he become an embodiment of lightning? Impossible! Lightning magic is unheard of!
"You're wrong, mongrel. Not only do I wield lightning but all other elements do my bidding as well. For I have transcended. I am the Storm King." The boy spoke calmly yet there was great arrogance behind his words. "Would you like a taste of my power?" He smiled as his silver eyes were fully focused on me. He had somehow read my mind like an open book.
Storm King? A transcendence that controls all elements? There's no simply no way…
"Right… I didn't even get a chance to use the Blade of Tranquility against you before. Let's put that to the test right now." He spoke before raising his blade at me.
My body raised the alarm as countless visions of me being stabbed by my opponent flooded my mind. In most of those visions, I was fatally wounded. I was facing my own death.
I barely had any time to lift up my sword to meet his. It all happened so fast… So fast that my mind and my evil eyes of foresight were not able to keep up with Julius's movements.
Just like his weapon before me he propelled himself forward like an arrow and closed the distance between us in the blink of an eye, leaving only a trail of lightning bolts behind.
Just from the sheer strength behind his attack, my right arm became numb after blocking his strike.
Such an absurd speed! I don't think he was jesting when he said that he could wield lightning as he pleased…
“Why you…?!” I was simply flabbergasted that the boy had gotten such an absurd power in such a short amount of time.
“Is this all you got? Your arm got numb from a simple sword slash? I haven’t even begun to use any of my techniques, let alone the rest of my powers…” The boy’s smile disappeared. What was left was an expression of annoyance. “I won’t allow it. I won’t allow this battle to end until you learn your place. I won’t allow this to end until I squash you like the bug you are.” He spoke with a menacing tone as a strange magical aura engulfed both his arm and mine.
I tried to use my mana to brush off his sudden magical attack to no avail… In the blink of an eye, his aura enveloped itself around my bracelet and his. What were once two damaged magical items soon began to shine like they were brand new, almost as if the boy had used some sort of regeneration magic on them.
“You… Just what in the blazes are you?” I couldn’t help but ask the boy as my confusion grew more and more.
“You haven’t been paying attention? I said that I am the Storm King! I am the one whose eyes see it all! The one who shall crush you without mercy!” The boy said before kicking me in the stomach, launching me into the air far away from him.
I was assaulted swiftly by unbelievable amounts of pain as soon as I landed. I had to thrust my blade into the ground to mitigate the impact of the attack so I could at least land on my knees. I was hardly able to prevent myself from crashing against the ground.
How did it come to this? Just mere moments ago, I was about to end the match with a single swing of my sword and now I have to face the Skull Kid once more. But this time, he has leveled the playing field by achieving transcendence as well.
No… The playing field was not leveled at all… I am at a disadvantage now.
It is safe to say that he is far more dangerous than he would be if he had just achieved transcendence alone. He absorbed thousands of spirits into his body, making their mana his own… An impossible feat that must have granted an almost limitless supply of mana. He’s way more dangerous than ever before…
Not only that, but this power… This power has somehow changed Julius for the worse… It has corrupted him… He’s clearly not the same excitable boy I faced before.
I was right to be terrified due to my vision… I was right to be terrified of this boy.
“Corrupted? You’re wrong once again, Alberis,” The boy said as a huge smirk appeared on his face and raised his dominant hand in my direction. “I am becoming what I was meant to be from the start… If the whole world considers me useless, then I shall burn it all to the ground! I shall show all of those who called me useless the true meaning of the word!” Lightning crackled between his fingers with great intensity.
“You… Just what are you spouting…?” I instinctively raised my blade in order to defend myself.
Even though I could glimpse into the future, the powers of my evil eyes of foresight were not showing me any way to overcome the foe in front of me, almost as if saying that victory was no longer a possibility.
“My vengeance! You said it yourself, that all of my efforts were useless. You’re just like everyone else back in my homeland! All of those who called me useless and a waste of effort, those who were meant to protect me only to betray my trust in the end… All those who took my admiration for them and crushed it into dust… All of those who only considered me a simple tool for them to use… I won’t forgive any of them… I shall show them how wrong they were about me! I shall make them witness my power! This world and its gods who only take and take and take and keep taking things away from me… The same gods that only wish to impose more suffering upon me… I will reduce everything to ashes to finally put an end to them all!” The boy’s arrogance grew more and more. “Of course, that now includes you, Alberis. You consider me arrogant, yet you fail to see your own hypocrisy. Thou who hast tried to murder your own kin in the pursuit of strength…” The boy began walking towards me while clenching his fist as his lightning aura began to swarm the alternate dimension.
How does he know about that incident? Did Neris tell him about it before our match?
“You desire strength so much that you’re willing to throw away all the people that ever cared for you, even to the point of trying to kill Neris who was so close to you… You thought my mind was corrupted by this power, yet you also fail to see your own corruption.” The boy continued to walk as the ground beneath began to quake, almost as if it was trembling in fear. “Strength without a clear purpose is meaningless. You seek to become stronger than the Skull Crusher, but what would you do if you were successful? What would you do after? That is the point where the two of us are different. I know what I will do after I’m done with my vengeance. I will rule over the ashes of this world.” The boy said before he stopped right in front of me.
I was simply speechless. I couldn't say anything back to the boy. I couldn't even explain myself. His presence was simply too overwhelming…
“In order to show you how different we are, allow me to put all of your efforts to waste. I shall give you a taste of what you fear most, Midnight Starlight. I shall give you a taste of your own weakness, for today your light will be extinguished Alberis. Do your best to entertain me while you can.” The boy suddenly snapped your fingers.
Immediately after Julius said those words, I was blinded by a blue light that engulfed the entire alternate space while the sounds of deafening thunders echoed in the imaginary space.
—Luna's POV—
A few moments earlier…
"There's no way Julius would lose, right…?" Mia asked with a dumbfounded expression.
"It can't be… It is Julius that we are talking about… He'll get up and beat him somehow… I know it… He always gets up when fighting against dad, why wouldn't he get up this time?" Liliana's face was filled with uncertainty and despair.
All of us were witnessing something that we thought impossible to happen. Julius was on the verge of defeat at the hands of Ms. Ophelia's son, Alberis.
Words couldn't express my disbelief. My mind was trying its hardest to reject this reality, yet my eyes did not lie… Julius was lying on the ground with a blade at his throat after receiving an attack that no one saw coming.
"To think that a genius like Julius could be defeated so swiftly… It is frankly unbelievable." My aunt Sarana also expressed her disbelief.
"I suppose we'll have to comfort him about it later. As much as it pains me to say, when your opponent can freely transcend and handle superior spirits, there's little to be done against that unless you can transcend as well." Even though she sounded rather cold, my aunt Laura was looking at the result of the battle with sadness.
"Right." Douglas nodded in agreement. "Alberis was it, no? To have such monstrous strength at such a young age and to overpower the son of the strongest man alive like nothing… I can't help but feel both admiration and fear of such a person." He added.
"The battle is not over yet! I bet little Julius can still get up! It would be too sad if he were to lose just like that! Gods, please grant him the strength to keep fighting!" Emily looked visibly distressed about what was happening.
"I don't know about that… It might be too late for the gods to provide such a miracle." Mark said while looking somewhat dejected.
“True enough… In the face of the one who has been the undefeated champion of this tournament for several consecutive years, what else can Julius do now.” Klaus said awkwardly. “At the very least, he gave his all and fought with honor. His strength and resilience cannot be denied.”
None of us ever expected this kind of result. After being together with Julius for so long, in my mind there was no possibility for him to lose against anyone ever.
Yet, here we are facing the cruel reality of life, putting all of us in our place for our arrogant thoughts…
I simply couldn't help but wonder… Was this our fault for thinking that Julius was unbeatable? Was he losing because our expectations were too heavy for him?
I didn't want to know the answer to those questions. I didn't want Julius to lose but I didn't want him to continue fighting if it brought him pain. I didn't want him to continue to suffer a crushing defeat because he was burdened by our expectations of him.
I'd very rather that he would give up and be happy instead…
In this situation even both of my parents who are usually very easy going and collected were visibly concerned about what was happening to Julius.
"I won't lie to you guys. As a mother and as the headmistress of the academy, I am extremely proud of my child and student for giving his all to seize victory so swiftly. I didn't even know Alberis could transcend! I totally have to nag him about it later!" Naturally, Ophelia couldn't help being proud of her son. "As much as it pains me to say it, even when I wanted both children to win, it is simply something that it is not meant to be. Julius had a good run at the tournament, better than most participants actually. There is no shame in ending in second place. He did his best and even set some records. I believe there's no shame in accepting defeat after giving his best." She looked conflicted about the situation, yet she accepted the results she was seeing.
A heavy silence was imposed in the room, almost as if reality was finally settling in.
Julius was going to lose and there was nothing to be done about it.
"You're wrong, Ophelia. This is not over yet." My mother said with a serious look on her face.
"What do you mean by that, Lilia? I mean, I don't know if we are looking at the same thing, but Alberis has a sword against Julius's throat! I know that you don't like this situation and neither do I, but we have to accept the results that are right in front of us." Ophelia tried to be understanding with my mother. She continuously shook her head in denial.
"Ophelia, you don't understand. It is not over yet… Not even remotely. The tournament might be over, but the battle is not… In fact, if we don't intervene soon…" My father turned his head to look at Ophelia. "Your son might actually die." My father uttered some words that made me shiver to the core.
"Die? Are you perhaps so angry that Julius is going to lose that you went mad?" Ophelia looked a little incredulous. "Even if Julius somehow made a miraculous comeback, the bracelets prevent the participants from getting seriously injured. There's no way for anyone to die in this tournament anymore." She expressed her complete disbelief in my father's words.
"Do I look like the kind of someone who would try to reject reality when it is right in front of my eyes? Even after all these years, do I strike you as the kind of person who would make up something like this for no reason whatsoever?" Despite Ophelia's disbelief, my father's expression did not change. "I'm telling you, if we don't act soon your boy is going to die. The public is not completely safe either even with the barrier around the arena. I never expected that this would happen to him again, but we have no choice but to restrain him as quickly as we can." My father expressed his worry as he gazed toward our adoptive brother.
"Lilia… He is not actually being serious with this, right? Please tell me that he is just being a sore loser and that he is just joking around… Please tell me he is making this up." Ophelia's complexion suddenly became pale as the seriousness in my father's words started to sink in.
My mother simply shook her head in denial before looking at the battlefield again.
"Show them Fred." Those were the only words that escaped from her lips.
"Aye." My father nodded before taking his shirt off.
My father's muscular body was completely exposed to everyone in our private box. His muscles appeared to be as hard as steel with no visible scars on them… With the exception of a small one on the right side of his stomach.
It took me a few moments to process the meaning of my father's actions. Why would he take off his shirt and show us all such a small scar?
But when I finally realized the meaning behind his actions, I truly understood the seriousness of the situation.
My father, a man whose skin is stronger and more durable than mithril, a man who cannot be cut by even the sharpest of swords, had a scar in his body.
A man who, in spite of all of his years of military service and dangerous adventures, had never gotten a scar. That man now had one all of sudden…
"Fred… Is that… Did Julius really…?" Ophelia became as pale as a ghost as she also realized the meaning of it all.
"Aye. The boy caused this wound with his bare hands," My father nodded. "It has been several months since this happened, but it hasn't healed at all past this point, even when Lilia applies treatment each day." He explained as he touched the old injury.
"Despite my best efforts, fully healing that injury is beyond my capabilities. I’ve applied all the treatments I could think of, even the most obscure ones, and they simply won’t work on the wound." My mother lamented to herself.
Everyone in the room was simply speechless due to the mere idea that my adoptive brother had injured my father who was basically indestructible.
"But wait! Julius is a sweet and kind boy! Even if he is powerful enough to injure you and he is angry about the prospect of losing, he wouldn't use that kind of power to kill someone else!" Ophelia argued with desperation on her face.
"True enough. If we were speaking about our normal Julius that is," My dad shook his head again, this time looking more serious than before. "I was not only injured for the first time in my life by him that day, but he also caused me a kind of fear that I had never experienced before. Mark my words, Ophelia... If we don't stop the tournament now and capture Julius, your son is as good as dead. The Emperor, his daughter, your husband and Dante Smotia will suffer a similar fate if we don't act now." My father turned around and looked at the arena below.
"Okay, I understand already. I'll see what I can do about it..." Ophelia nodded in agreement. "But can't you simply beat him into submission? I already know that he is capable of hurting you, but wouldn't it be easy for you to defeat him with your full power?" She asked rather nervously.
"Julius was way weaker when he caused me this injury a few months ago. He has grown exponentially stronger in the last few days. Considering he has new Jobs as well as a legendary weapon in his hands in combination with his dangerous magical talents, he should be powerful enough to be able to kill me now if he uses that power again." My father said while frowning. "As for using my full strength to stop him… I can't. If I do, there's a high chance that I would kill him by mistake.”
Kill? Would Julius really kill Dad? No, there's simply no way he would do it. He loves us, his family. He would never hurt us…
Dad would never resort to kill his own son either, right? There's no way that would happen, right?
Both ideas terrified me beyond belief…
“There’s no chance in hell that something like that will happen. I simply won't kill my son Ophelia, even if that ends up causing my own demise. I won’t fail that boy. I won’t fail him like my own father failed me. I will protect him from all harm, even if it comes from himself." My father spoke with determination, putting some of my worries to ease.
"So, you will fight while restraining yourself?! Even if he's your son and if he is as dangerous as you say, then fighting like that against him is simply foolish!" Ophelia argued.
"Aye. That is why I need your help, Ophelia. We will have to stop him while the rest handle the evacuation," My father said as he steeled his resolve.
"What do you want me to do?" Ophelia asked after finally accepting what needed to be done.
"Besides stopping the tournament and warning everybody about the incoming danger, you should go and fetch Eliana. The four of us are more than likely the only ones capable of stopping Julius until his rampage ends. As much as I detest the idea of relying on her of all people, we simply have no choice if we want to resolve this situation without any unnecessary deaths." My mother looked saddened while her whole body trembled as she also hardened her resolve.
"Understood, I'll look for her now and then we will announce the emergency situation together… Try to hold him off as long as possible." Ophelia nodded before running toward the door. "Just a little thought… You said rampage before, so in terms of damage how bad are we talking about?" She asked one final question.
"The entire capital might be erased from the map." My father spoke plainly.
"Or worse. Perhaps the whole region will suffer a disaster similar to the old County of Nerua." My mother added. "I taught him how to use magic, the dangers behind his magical talents are greater than anything you've ever faced, Ophelia. Be ready to lose a limb or two in the worst case scenario." She bit her lip as she looked at the gigantic orb hovering above the arena.
"Neat… So the stakes are way higher than I expected… A wonderful temper tantrum, I must say." Ophelia became even paler than before. "I'll go get Eliana with much haste." Ophelia nodded again before she took off as fast as she could.
A heavy silence was imposed in the room until my father decided to speak once more.
“I wish it was only a temper tantrum… It would be much easier to deal with.” My father spoke with a tired expression as he let out a sigh. "We should head down as well before things go south." He said to my mother.
"Yes, dear." She agreed before looking at her younger sisters. "Laura, Sarana. I will need you to help. Sarana will come down with us to rescue the people in the arena while Laura uses her spirits to try and evacuate everyone in the steps as quickly as she can. I will explain everything later once things are calmer." She said as she looked at the orb again.
"Wait! Do we really have to face Ju…-?" Laura suddenly rose from her seat and looked conflicted. She didn't get to finish her sentence as my father interrupted her.
"Everyone! To the ground now! No time to waste!" For the first time ever, my father yelled as loudly as he could.
Due to the sheer strength behind his voice, a shockwave suddenly pushed everyone besides him and my mother to the ground.
I was caught by surprise, so I simply rolled limply on the floor after we were pushed. I could only watch my parents' backs as I raised my head from the ground.
"He’s coming! Lilia, quickly! Protect everyone!" My father shouted again, this time at my mother.
"On it." She answered by extending her arms and focusing her magic on a single task… A barrier to protect us all.
A huge dome of light soon encompassed most of the room, protecting us from harm.
Just moments later, a huge explosion shook the entire world around us. The brightest light I had ever seen covered our vision in a bright blue color before the sounds of thunder and shattered glass echoed all over the place.
I was helpless, watching my father's and mother's backs while they did everything they could to protect us all from harm. I could only wonder why everything had gone so wrong so suddenly…
Lady Lia… Why is this happening? Please fix this situation… Please make Julius listen to reason… I don't want him and dad to hurt each other… I don't want Julius to suffer anymore… I don’t want him to be hurt anymore…
Please… Please… Please save the one I love! Please make him stop!
Once again, I was useless in the face of adversity. No matter how much I tried to change, I was weak in our time of need… I couldn't help the one I loved, so I resorted to the only thing I had left… To pray to the Goddess for this situation to end.
Chapter 80: Silver-Eyed Storm King (Part III).
END
EXTRA: Alberis’s Status II
Name: Alberis Bertran Nebandia
Race: Human
Age: 15 years old
State: Imperfect Transcendence - Armored Ice Salamander
Ability Points: 12,109 points
Titles: High Noble / Heir of Nebandia / Midnight Starlight / The Strongest of the Blaise Academy / The One Who Sees the Future / Blessed by the Spirits / The One Who Aims to be the Strongest / The Most Coveted Noble Bachelor /
Jobs: Prophet Lv.5 / Master Water Magician Lv.6 / Master Fire Magician Lv.5 / Swordsman Lv.10 MAX! / Spirit Magician Lv.5
Level: 70
EXP: 50,400 / 89,750
Attributes
HP: 10,001 (6,000+)
MP: 17,240 (10,000+)
DEX: 450 (420+)
STR: 922 (550+)
VIT: 9,900 (2,100+)
DEF: 470 (500+)
RES: 445 (400+)
LUCK: 328 (100+)
SPD: 710 (600+)
INT: 230 (40+)
Common Skills
Expert Blacksmithing / Level 6
Expert Magic Item Crafting / Level 2
Hunting / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Riding / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Dancing / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Calm Mind / Level 8
Deep Focus / Level 3
Combat
Advanced Archery / Level 3
Advanced Swordsmanship / Level 2
Superior Evasive Maneuvers / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Superior Fighting Spirit / Level 5
Unarmed Combat / Level 6
Second Wind / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Combat Tactics / Level 7
Enhance Attack / Level 7
Enhance Defense / Level 6
Magic
Enhanced Mana Manipulation / Level 3
Enhanced Mana Perception / Level 2
Spirit Sight / Level 4
Spirit Magic / Level 9
Magic: Earth Element / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Magic: Fire Element / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Magic: Wind Element / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Magic: Water Element / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Magic: Light Element / Level 3
Magic: Dark Element / Level 1
Enhanced Magical Attacks / Level 2
Resistances
Elemental Resistance: Earth / Level 5
Elemental Resistance: Fire / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Elemental Resistance: Wind / Level 5
Elemental Resistance: Water / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Elemental Resistance: Light / Level 6
Elemental Resistance: Dark / Level 2
Pain Resist / Level 9
Poison Resist / Level 7
Paralysis Immunity/ Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Fear Immunity/ Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
Unique Skills
Evil Eyes of Foresight / Level 8
Spirit Dominion / Level 1
Friend of the Spirits / Level 1
Ah yes, temporary power ups that are uncontrollable, truly something I detest.
Also thank GOD that we told you to shorten the damned tournament arc, it's been 33 chapters, we've been on this arc for around 10 months and 5 days.
Hmmmm is this his "other half" taking control or something? Seems like there is quite a few issues with him lol
God's dammit blue balled till next time
thanks for the chapter and both your books.
Oooh power up!.. Let's see him drowning in apologies later..