From the far-flung clutches of the Helona Frontier to the known world's world edge horizon of Yor Inverisa. A certain gathering of 6 would soon change the fates and destiny of many with just a single decision.
"We're having another emergency meeting again Zhouzhou? It hasn't even been 2 weeks since you sent the crusade. Can't you just wait until the end year gathering where all of us must attend?"
An old man who looks to be on his olden times asks as he seems irritated. Unlike the usual old man you see who became skin and bones as time passes by, this old man's size is bigger than a beast as he seems to dwarf all those around even when sitting on the floating panels as his robe almost want to burst any second now.
"Even I have to agree with Han on this one. Unlike you rats, we have other business to attend to. Especially when my great-great-great-granddaughter from the Purple Tigers is finally giving birth! And I have to quash some squabbling with my tiger descendants. I don't know how you get so many of it, but you better have a good excuse for using the Confederate Seal, Lil Zhou."
This time, one man screams with rage as he demands a reason. His muscle-bound and scarred body makes it look like tiger stripes can be seen by how he stripped his upper half.
"I third his contempt, I'm supposed to be leading my men to glorious death as I squash those Traitor Yellow Roosters! Now, I have to be here as they consolidate their forces, I hope you have an appropriate compensation for this. Look, even half of us isn't here! If your first statement doesn't concern me, I'll have to take appropriate measure against your settlements on my territory. Like the Phoenix for war repercussion. And these time, there ain't gonna be any retributions."
The third to show his livid contempt is a young man nearing his thirties. Unlike the others, he's still wearing his mythical armour and weapon during the gathering. At least he's opening his helm to let the people see his face.
"Make me the fourth to suffer under these stupid laws. I have a whole illegally trespassing nomadic herds from the forbidden west and an invasion from the Jiaran Dessert on the northern peninsula to hold back. If you don't make any sense here, I would cut you here on the spot and drag your head on my Holy Steppes! For those who died because of this."
The fourth to show her wrath is a lady in her twenties with the lower half body of a horse and human on top. She wears a beautifully sewn dress as she stares down at the person by her side saying:
"Even you're troubled by this aren't you Lil Jinxi? I heard your school is about to have a grand festival to celebrate your generation's graduation~ My grandchild's participating in a play as the main actor too~ And thanks to this jerk, I have to cancel my plan with him and head to the battlefield after this."
She addresses the fifth person in the room.
"Um... I'm sorry, Esteemed Elder Xunyue but please don't drag me in... I'm... Having butterflies in my stomach... Anyways, I'm still the newest so please take care of me!"
Wearing a gleaming hood and mask to hide her face. She shakes her head causing her entire clothes to move as she clasps what seems to be her hands and bow in the end.
"Aw~ don't be so scared, it's not your first time in the meeting. Still, becoming a principal just before graduating and elected as a representative must be tough, but that just shows how much talent you have, so don't worry. This elder will help you out to repay back her debt to that Moriz dick-jerk-face is what my grandchild calls him...
Weird name honestly, who makes his family name part of his genitals? Then again, there's someone who names his family Balls Deep. So to each their own."
She pats her head through her hood before glaring back at Zhouzhou as she folds her arms. The one who calls them all is a rat-kin on her teens. Wearing a beautiful white suit with flower designs and gorgeous decor on her shoulders. She nods her head and bows down saying:
"I'm sorry and I hope you can forgive me, esteem elders and peers, for the sudden call again but..."
She stands straight on her back and throws a crystal into the middle of the room. The crystal floats and shines bright bringing them all to an all-white environment. Nothing but clear white as the eyes can see.
"I have something to show you."
The entire white room shift and changes into a burning hellscape, red and fire seem to fuse together in this morbid harmony. All of them still on the panel looks around the scenery as they saw the people being slaughtered and buildings burn.
"And where could this be Lil Zhou?"
"If this is all you're about to show me then..."
"Oh, just a crusade report?"
The old man with scars asks as his hands shine while Xunyue's hands shine a long bright light and the man in armour pulls his sword.
"Now, please look at this part."
Zhouzhou sways her hand to the side and the scenery change into some sort of ruined market. There, two groups of people stand on each side of a choke point. They all stop what they're doing and look at the two representatives that walk forth.
"Gorbachev..."
"Oh, what a beauty. I wonder if she'll accept the hand of one of my descendants? And wait, you still remember someone? I'm impressed for once Han."
"Don't mock me, Baonu. And how could I not? That man killed one of my best practitioners for some puny mortal in some backwater village that's not even on the map!"
Han clenches his fist to hold his fury while the tiger beast-kin rubs his chin murmuring:
"I see, I see..."
"Hmm? Wait a moment... That's... Tanwa!? Isn't that Tanwa!? Isn't the crusade suppose to go to the Phoenix Sector? Why are they attacking the Jaguars!? You better explain Zhouzhou!"
Jinxi shouts back as she demands an explanation. Xunyue stares at Zhouzhou with a mystical glaive on her hand and points it at her saying:
"Yea, you better explain why I shouldn't behead you now Lil Zhou."
"Before you resort to violence, I want all of you to watch what will happen next, especially esteemed Elder Han. And it is much more believable to see for yourself no?"
As they saw the little blonde girl talking with Gorbachev, they realize one problem and Han can't help but asks:
"Hmm? Is there no sound?"
"Only at the beginning and the latter half will have one. The one who records it is trying his best to hide with his abilities. So he has to take extreme measure so he doesn't get caught. But rest assured, just the visuals is enough to surprise you all. I have a full guarantee and proof of legitimacy since this recording is taken with the Reality Crystal."
"I see..."
"Hoh~ so she can fight too? Now that's priceless. I should tell my descendants after this. They better woo her! And I hope she's not some ancient grandma pretending to be a kid. Bleerrrgh! Those are DARK TIMES..."
"Heh, that I can relate."
"What? Are you still bitter about asking Elder Wendi for her hand, Lil Huan?"
"That's none of your concern! Hmph! What could be so interesting that she uses the Confederate seal?"
"Rrrr...! If Tanwa's here, that means Tannan and Xin is also there. I hope they're okay. Oh please, please please, be okay! I don't want you to leave early before graduation!"
"Calm down Lil Jinxi, we'll both send some relief effort to help if necessary... The infamous Special Rank Hunter against a Servant? Isn't that unfair?"
"Rrrr...! Tanwa, you're one of the best support magicians at our school! You better support her the best you could!"
They all observe the scene as the beautiful blonde girl march back with a bent black weapon in her hand.
*************************************
As the battle for this district rages beneath the crimson glow. The defenders desperate for salvation grasps at hope for a desire that maybe they'll survive this sudden conflict. After all, the people of that district can only wonder why did such a thing happen to them? What did they do to suffer the wrath of such an army?
Why? Why? Why? If this is all predestined, then why them? And why now? we who's been living at peace is suddenly thrown into war...
"It seems we're getting close to the entrance of the inner district."
Tannan who's walking on her own as she balances herself started to talk. I look back at Tannan replying:
"Really? So it won't be long before this is all over. I'm quite drained, to be honest."
"Oh, come on. Don't say that, you're one of our best fighter you know? So don't lower the people's morale like that?"
"Sorry..."
"Heh, don't be."
Tannan leans her hand on my shoulder whispering:
"To be honest I'm quite drained too, but that's only physically speaking. For my Sector, I would never tire you know. And it pains me that I can't look for survivors now."
"Oh?"
Surprise by her sudden action, I can't help but wonder why?
"I'm kinda envious of that spirit. And I can understand, I'll do anything for my family too after all."
"Hoho~ I guess you Silencers are pretty down to the ground."
"Seriously though, what's a Silencer to you Tannan? I feel like people intrepid them differently."
"I see. Well, I could tell you but... It would be nice if your boyfriend doesn't glare holes into me first."
"I told you I'm not in a relationship with her!"
Kokkan whose walking closely behind us replied back with a dissatisfied and irritated tone.
(Boyfriend? Why does she keep saying that!?)
Tannan turns her head around and smirks replying:
"The more you deny it, the more true it becomes you know?"
"Don't you spout those lies! Don't listen to any of her rubbish, my lady!"
"I'm sorry Kokkan. But... I just can't help but listen and be curious if you shout like that."
"M-My lady... Sova, not you too."
(I'm sorry Kokkan, but... This is just revenge!)
"Eh? What's with that smug Sova? Are you actually happy about this?"
"Happy? I guess you could say that."
(I see... So this is what it feels like to tease people. Just you wait, one day I'll pay you all back... And you'll see the end of me being teased!)
"Your smug just got cuter and cuter, did you hear that lover boy?"
"Enough with this gibberish! I won't fall for your taunts any longer!"
"Oh really now? I feel like I got a grasp on your weakness pretty well."
"Shush it."
Kokkan backs away silently, even then I could easily tell he's pretty flustered when he had his helmet on ever since. I look back at the leaning Tannan asking:
"Say, why did you say all that anyway?"
"Oh, come on? Do I have to say it?"
I nod at her and Tannan shakes her head in return replying:
"Come on, we're both girls. The concept of romance must always be pretty intriguing no? I mean you'll be surprised by how much a girl can hook somebody up with rumours alone."
(Romance huh? Sadly... I'm not that interested. I mean I'm dating May but it's not any different than usual. And most of all, if what you say is true, what about a guy like me then?)
"I see... I never really thought about it."
"Heh, you're pretty innocent."
(What am I missing that everyone keeps saying that?)
Tannan stops leaning on me and stands on her own saying:
"We're here. Get your weapons ready."
"Huh?"
As everyone halts their steps it seems I'm the vanguard. The tip of the spear as they all gather behind me...
"Um..."
I look ahead and saw a horde of people gathering like a busy discount sale. They all stare back at us as they begin to ready themselves...
Tannan told me that Xin and his group manage to head first but how did they get past this many-
*boom*
The centre of their formation exploded in such a grand fashion the red light turns white for a moment, and the people that block our entrance was no more, not even dust or ashes remains. Standing infront a giant gate is Pasha with his clothes bloodied and torn.
"Well, get in here!"
Pasha shouts from the top of his lungs and when I look back at Tannan, she nods as we march ahead. The people Tanwa bring soon rush behind Pasha as we gather around him. Tannan shakes her head saying:
"Sorry pas, but It seems I'll need time to recover, I hope you don't mind guarding a bit longer."
"Well that's my job and besides, Xin is also resting in there."
"If you're worried, you can always ask the Silencer."
"Hmm?"
Pasha looks and cleans his eyes before pointing at me asking:
"Sorry, this cutie is the one that armour? I suddenly got an idea for my new sculpture... And where's the rat-kin? And whose that pretty boy?"
Tannan shakes her head replying:
"Why don't you ask her? Just be glad we have reinforcement for now. And Tanwa, please explain the plan to Pasha, sorry to leave this to you."
Tanwa shakes her head vigorously replying:
"Don't worry, you can leave it to me!"
Tannan nods with a smile and enters the inner district. With the royalty on her back, Tanwa looks back at Pasha asking:
"Is there still anyone missing?"
Pasha shakes his head saying:
"Sorry, but I don't know, I can only hope... Pretty sad huh?"
"No... But we can end this soon. We manage to capture a royalty from them, so we could use her to bargain with them to leave."
"Hold on..."
Pasha who just heard everything probably can't understand but contrary to expectations, he nods replying:
"If only you came sooner. There was one powerful foe who came here only to pick up the corpses of those Xuju. I think she might be the one leading them all. In fact, I dare say she's the one who split this district in four."
"Where is she now?"
"You don't need to figure that out cause here. I. Am! \(≧ ∇ ≦)/"
I was taken aback by her sudden appearance. Showing up with another group of rat-kin behind her gallant figure as her crimson hair flows with the burning flames of what was once a glorious district.
"Alright people back away, I don't wanna waste lives here. You all are seriously scary dying in droves like that. (๑•﹏•)⋆* ⁑⋆*
And huh? Hold on... Ain't that Wei-chan! Σ•(ﾟДﾟ•)"
The Galant rat-kin was blown back by the royalty on Tanwa's back. The soldier behind her becomes restless as they began whispering to each other.
"That's right! We have a royal in our hands! I suggest you back away, and retreat from this place! Or else!"
Pasha yelled at the leader of the rat-kin before Tanwa could say anything.
(It seems Pasha is pretty adaptable).
The gallant rat-kin unfolds her shield to become a scythe saying:
"Well, this does seem bad... Now should I comply? (・へ・)
Or I can just not. (• ω •)"
The Gallant rat-kin swings her scythe forth aiming at Tanwa. The qi blast created from her attack destroys the area around it as it comes ever close. I try to reach out at Tanwa but the qi blast was too fast even for my eyes. The entire area exploded in crimson light blinding my eyes yet I feel no pain.
When the light subsides, I could see Tanwa sprawled on the ground still alive but hurt while Pasha has a giant wound on his shoulder as he stands between Tanwa and the giant chasm created by that attack...
(Huh? Where's the royal rat-kin!?)
I look around to see a new person besides the gallant rat-kin. He wears a black steel full plate armour with an intricate design of a monster's skull. In his arms is the royal rat-kin Tanwa was carrying.
"Hehe, I knew you would show up, Sora.
(*＾^＾* )"
"Don't you ever do that again! What would happen if they did hurt Wei!?"
"Aw please, you think the people who would carry her on the back like that and saving civilians actually hurt a prisoner? (ᅌᴗᅌ* )"
"Tch, just don't do that again. And..."
Sora swallows the royal rat-kin in darkness. With his left hand, he pulls out a long dark blade from said darkness. Swinging it to his side with so much force it leaves behind trails of dark aura where he swings it as if he's cutting reality itself.
*clang*
His sword clashes into something and soon I realize Kokkan has appeared on their side with two of his blades unleash.
"To think I would see elements of my home country... How blasphemous!"
They both unleash the aura within them. While Sora's aura is so dark where not even light could escape, Kokkan's aura is bright and blue with a tint of purple, giving it a sense of a bright night sky. With Sora overpowering Kokkan and swinging his blade forward, pushing Kokkan back and propelling Kokkan high in the air. He wasted no time chasing Kokkan while the Gallant rat-kin jumps at us. She switches both her half shield into scythes and comes after me. But before I could take out my weapon, Pasha appears before me and swings his right fist at the Gallant Rat-kin before she even gets close.
*pang*
She raises her scythe in time and turning it into a shield as his punch knock her away. But she manages to dig her feet deep to the ground dragging her self through the paved roads.
"Your opponent is still me."
"Hehehe, yewouch!（｡>‿‿<｡ )"
Pasha clenches his bleeding fist. Unleashing his green aura through his whole body, while the gallant rat-kin unleashes her crimson blood aura that's damper than this already red area. Pasha looks back at me saying:
"I'm sorry, Suowa, but can you bring Tanwa into the inner district first? I'll hold her back for now."
"Leave it to me!"
As I carry Tanwa by placing her hand in my shoulder, I bring her into the so-called inner district. What seems to be a giant gate leave me into what seems to be a massive tunnel where I feel even those mythical giants could pass through easily.
"Don't worry Tanwa, you'll be okay."
(I'll come back and help as soon as possible).
*************************************
Where the gloom red skies could not reach, a mist shrouds the place. As you're pulled inside, it led you by hand to bring you to a world anew. Whispers could be heard behind the thick haze while thin shadows lurk from the edges of your eyes.
"It seems this is the place."
The rat-kin in military uniform kept her glasses inside since those fake pair could do nothing in this mist but ruin her eyesight. Her presence seems to alert the mist itself as it thickens itself making the place evermore clouded to the naked eyes.
"Hmph! If only I have those memory magic I wouldn't have to deal with normal interrogations. In the case of haunted places... You shall do. Cleanse this land!"
She raises her right arm up and clenches her hand. A swirling maelstrom siphoned from where she stood, bringing the mist along with the typhoon she created. Clearing this place of any mystical vibe and revealing an almighty temple that seems to be 8 stories tall inside some large open cavern. It's structure old as it seems still stands tall fighting against the trial of time.
"Thanks, exorcist-chan. Now, Arcane breaker. Diffuse this place!"
Pillars of light lands behind her and in place, multiple people brimming with magic appear and cast a large light across the open cavern.
*crack* *crack* *crack*
"Scedush!"
*shatter*
As if a whole world of mirror shatters with a swing of a hammer. The pillars of light vanish along with the casters. She waves back her hand saying:
"Thanks a bunch! Now, Imperial Monstrous calvary, storm the temple! Bring her to me."
Hundreds upon hundreds of magic circle appear as much this entire open area could take. Appearing from it are soldiers each wearing a unique mystical full-plate armour. They each ride upon a beast of a different kind, with those that fly with wings or those that levitates, along with how each of them carries a shield and long weapons akin to their armour and beasts.
Their charge can be compared to a natural disaster as each of them leaves a hole where they land inside.
*gleam*
"Oh... Disperse."
*BOOM*
The entire temple explodes in such a grand fashion it creates a giant cloud of yellow mushroom. A symbol of faith soon appears on top blowing everything apart with its pressure alone shrouding the entire area in thick mist once again.
"And here I thought I was doing things in a grand fashion."
Surrounding herself with an almighty blue barrier before the wind blasts her away. She lax her body and release the stress inside by stretching.
"Phew..."
*clang* *clang* *bzzz*
Giant segmented blades flew to her way, only to be halted by her barrier. Talisman flew around her erecting pillars from the ground as they connect each other and send forth a giant pillar of light, hammering down at her. Lighting strikes as if the Gods sends their fury, a barrage of cyclone appears one after another like the clouds have been pulled forcefully, spheres of fire cast out mighty flames that even melts the rock beneath its trail, all attacking at a single target. Yet, the barrier still holds as if nature's fury is but a soft gust.
"Damn, if she can do this much why didn't she participate in repelling us back- Oh, wait, if this much catastrophe would hit that district then I doubt the district would exist. After all, building things from scratch is much more expensive than repairing."
(Then what about that temple then? Ain't that thing like ancient and precious?)
She wonders before raising her right arm once more saying:
"Now-"
*crack*
"Huh?"
The ground beneath her shook and cracks. The ground where she stands crumbles and rises within is a giant pillar of white.
"You gotta be shitting me! Are you telling me she set this whole thing when I broke her spell moments ago?"
There's a good reason why Yui one of the most powerful of the Xuju would be surprised. Unlike the normal way to set up barriers where you surround yourself with a bowl, she erected a barrier to the shape of a ball where it covers even the ground below her. Which means one of the pillars manage to pierced her barrier. Lifting her up at the same time the ground crumbles. But that's not really what surprise her the most, what's ridiculous is how she manage to set up such an intricate trap and spell in such a short amount of time one after another as her previous traps were destroyed. One word to describe her skills would be...
"Nuts!"
The white pillar that emerges begins to shine and all the attacks that's outside pouring forth from the pillar attacking the barrier from the inside out.
"Yes, by the light of Diaowei, take that!"
Sutra cheers while casting on the safety of her makeshift fortress. Countless talisman circle around her forming a pillar while more talisman of different colour zips across the open cavern like a swarm of locust. The aftermath was so devastating that a mist of yellow cover where her attacks landed and the ground beneath disappear leaving a giant ravine where the entrance lies.
"Fuh, it's over! Tannan will definitely praise me this time!"
As her talismans deactivate and fall like paper flowers spread during Spring Festivals,
*Pshin*
"Ow!"
"Yup, it's over."
She pulls out the thing that pricks her shoulder to find a tranquillizer dart without the feathers at the end. As she looks back to the source of the voice and uncovers the unbelievable truth. She opens her eyes wide as if she saw a ghost saying:
"H-How...?"
She collapsed on the spot without being able to cast another spell. Falling unconscious and unguarded the mysterious figure tucks her pistol in her long coat and opens Sutra's eyes for clarity before replying:
"Body double duh! Do you think I'm dumb enough to enter a trap without any guarantee? Maybe that guy but definitely not me."
She picks her unconscious body and hugs it for a while saying:
"This softness, this texture, this warmth... Coupled with her aesthetics and..."
*sniiiffff*
"Fuhaaa! I would sell my organs for this sensation. Fuhuhuhu!"
She rubs her head on Sutra's Unconscious cheeks and smells her smooth neck to her silky hair before lifting her up on her arms like a princess.
"I heard the new treasurer of this Confederation revived the slave economy. Fuhuhuhu, maybe I should buy myself some cute slave."
(It may be wrong and hideous in my old world and the country I was born to in this world. But bringing your old world and country values into this new one is just a wrong way to live. After all, you don't want to bring your old problems along with you. As they say, when you're in Rome, do what the Romans do. Adaptability is the perfect weapon against the unknown).
Her own self-interest clash against her mission but before she could do what she wants,
"Hahaha! This the first time I ever heard a Rat-kin confident enough to say such a thing."
"Hoh~?"
A rat-kin whose still a kid appears from the entrance blocking her way. Her brown hair is mixed with some black strands gives her a faint feeling of sewer disgust coupled with her ruby-red eyes. It's Saya, with a scroll in her hand as if she's ready to release it anytime.
"Another cutie! Oh, this world is filled with so much beauty and charm! Let's not exclude some bishounen too and those cute lil Shota's. Even old men have their fair share of classiness!"
*slurp*
"If you keep talking like that, all types of Inquisitorial group would knock on your doorstep sooner or later. Cut that, just the local security would cuff you right where you stand."
"Oh, please. Unlike the others, I wouldn't mind getting my memories or life erased since I've been true to my feelings both in this body and my previous one. I wouldn't be any different! Besides, why would I return to the shit hole that is my previous life? When I'm rocking with this new one!
A world free from any prejudice as long as you have magic and influence! A world where you can express whatever you wish without anyone to criticise you but actually respect your choices as long as you respect them too! It is truly a Free World! Where blood and steel do the talking!
Her true colour seems to show as her carnal desires pour forth with her tail wagging with jubilation, smashing the ground around her. She smiles from ear to ear before she plunges her face to Sutra's neck and slowly lay her down on the floor.
"Sorry, it seems smelling such wondrous aroma brings my naughty side into play. Rats am I right?"
She wears her glasses again and the feral act she had committed before seems to be an illusion. Her vulgar attitude seems to disappear as her new proper and prim demeanour overshadow it all.
"Phew, forget everything I just said aaaaand..."
She leans her body to the left and places her hand on her left ear as if she's picking up some noises...
"You can take her back."
"Huh?"
"Don't worry, it seems our leader has somehow been defeated, so this third wave is as good as a failure."
Yui raises her hand before Saya could speak a word. She shakes her head saying:
"You're probably going to say something like I've figured out your weakness and I'm going to take you down with like a single move or something while you bring me to another realm with that scroll right?"
"Huh?"
"And then since you've figured I'm the cunning type, you're definitely going to use some spell, item or trick I can't refuse to forcefully pull me in that realm either way and that'll be the end of me."
"..."
Saya can't help but be stunned and grind her teeth in desperation as her plans are being revealed and told her.
"You know if you admit what I said I might be taken aback since I could probably be wrong. But your silence is gold. And to seal the deal is how you're confident enough to show your real self. Am I right? See you again, if fate lets us be bound."
She adjusts her black glove and before she snaps her finger...
"Hey, hold up!"
Yui stops what she's doing and looks at Saya politely asking:
"Yes?"
Saya walks closer and throws her a card along with a crystal. Yui easily snatches it and looks at them with surprise.
"Why don't you talk with The Empress of the Phoenix Sector for your new job. I just pass a whole female battalion before getting here you know?"
"Fuhuhuhu! I think we'll get along juuuuust fiiiiiine~"
*snap*
Her body vanishes without a trace with a snap of her finger.
"What a show-off, at least Sova's not that big of a jerk or a closet pervert... I don't know how she obtains information but I wonder if she's some perverted old dude in her previous life? For once I have to thank the Gods that Sova's not... Probably."
Saya shakes her head off the impure thoughts before saying:
"Anyway, having shown mercy may hurt someone's pride but it's sure as hell is convenient. So this is what she means by a side job. Yuwei, you better be grateful for this. This just means that she knew something like this would happen."
Saya carries the unconscious Sutra by placing her hand in Saya's tiny shoulder and drag herself forward.
"Dammit, you're heavy! And I'm probably gonna have to use some spell to blow you over the ravine you created. If only I learn more buffing spells and actually grow upwards when I eat more!"
Saya looks around still suspecting that Yui is still around and might show up at any moment as she keeps her guard up and her scroll still in her hand. Readying to unleash the spell as it's a trap where the scroll could activate even without being open. As Saya exits the cavern and went out, Saya can't help but be pissed by how Yui is making her keep her guard up all the time even as she leaves.
"I need to check on Sova and the others if I know what she says is true."
*************************************
Between the pure light of white and the crimson blood that shines, two foes face each other like a battle where no mortal could participate. The scene of an unarmed man pounding his hand to the ground like a divine hammer swinging down the death sentence. While on the other side a gallant lady in full plate armour swings her scythe as to reap his life on one hand and a half shield on the other. Harvesting the toil that would soon come that is, his death.
"Come on! You're a true Martial Artist Expert, aren't you? Get more serious, where's your weapon? Your magic? (#｀∀´)"
"Hmph, for a man, my fist IS my sword!"
Pasha hammers his fist directly at Kaoru but she manages to raise her shield once more and block his incoming blow. Pushing her back leaving a trail of small gashes on their wake. Pasha not stopping there continues his assault raining down another blow after blow not even letting her raise her scythe, Kaoru ready herself for the next blow when she uses the momentum of each time she was pushed back to push her scythe behind Pasha's neck without him realizing.
When he delivers another blow, dampening her shield for once, the blow propels her backwards along with the scythe behind Pasha's neck. But it all went wrong from there, her blade that's supposed to cut him can't even pierce his skin. So unconsciously where every warrior would never yield their blade. Rather than being pushed back, she was pulled back instead.
Pasha doesn't waste any time and brings his two fingers to gauge her eyes out. Kaoru surprised by the sudden move can't help but lean back. But that only results with Pasha grabbing Kaoru by her neck and smash his fist on her stomach. Destroying her armour before headbutting her in the face so hard she falls unconscious.
For a second, she let go of her weapons, but Kaoru didn't take long to wake up from the concussion and this time she uses her fist to whack Pasha in the chin. But It was not even close thanks to their height difference, Pasha manages to push her away while still choking her, but she didn't give up as she never intends to finish it with her hands but her feet. The momentum left by her punch let her body swing a little giving more force to her attack.
*crack*
The force of her kick makes Pasha bent his neck in a funny way where he loosens his grip on her. She took the chance to get away by kicking him in the face next. Landing just a few meters away from him as he fell on his knees.
*pfff*
Kaoru snorts out the blood clogging up her nose saying:
"Martial Artist? Are you sure you're not some street thug? (ʘ言ʘ╬)"
*crack*
Pasha moves his arm and forcefully relocate his neck back to normal. He brushes the blood from the edge of his mouth before replying:
"Maybe that's because my master was a wondering street fighter. To be honest, I met him when sneaking outside and watch him fight on the alleyways. The moment I told him I ran away from home he just laughs and teaches me the basics. After all, in street fights, your personal rules don't apply.
Now... Ready for round two?"
Pasha for once takes a stance as he raises his hand in a high guard position.
"Heh, since my custom made weapons don't work on you, I guess my fist will have to do the talking first. (ò_óˇ)"
Kaoru disperses her broken soul armour to reveal she's wearing a worn down robe filled with stitches and extra cloth to cover the holes. She puts her chin down and takes a side stance and ready herself for the coming combat.
"Some maiden you turn out to be."
Kaoru flips the bird replying:
"Oh, shut up! If I could live the life of a princess like that I wouldn't be fighting wouldn't I? (ʘ言ʘ╬) 凸"
"True, well here I come!"
Pasha makes the first move as he dashes forward.
(His speed is unfit for his giant size as not only does he moves faster than a train but his power also hits harder than one! Problem is where do I aim if not even a broken neck could defeat him). щ(ﾟДﾟщ)
Kaoru whose mind is occupied can only take a defensive role as she parry and redirect his attacks. But she can only do so much with her hands as each strike he gives leaves a cut if not a swollen wound.
(This is not normal, we're the same stage of practice but how is he this strong? My foundation is more solid than even geniuses could ever hope for... Is this so-called different in talent? Or maybe because my qi is not solid enough thanks to being a dualist?) (´･_･`)
Kaoru can't help but smirk at her predicament and stare back at Pasha with an even bigger smug saying:
"Fuck that train of thought! I haven't shown you any of my magic yet!
✧ ─=≡Σ((( つ•̀ω•́)つ"
Kaoru gathers magic at her fingertips and dashes towards him. Swinging her hands down creating a dozen razor whips made of crimson colour that camouflage with the surrounding. But Pasha with his instincts can figure out easily where the whips are and grabs hold of the thorns and pull her even closer.
"You've gotta be kidding me! (｀Д´)"
As Pasha ready his free hand for another blow, Kaoru does the same and let their clenched determination clash. The shockwave is so strong it destroys the entire floor they're standing. But to Pasha's surprise, this time his arm was blown away. Kaoru not missing any chance disperse the whips and use this chance to trash him as he loses his balance, delivering one blow after another with her magically enhanced hand before ending it with an explosion tied to her dropkick.
*boom*
With the pressure an explosion that destroys the whole square they stand. She lands on top of a roof as she saw a silhouette behind the gathering red dust. Pasha was on his knees, with his upper clothing gone, revealing his robust body filled with cuts and bullet scars. And now, a new scar formed on his chest in the shape of a burning splash.
(After a decade after that incident, I finally took damage).
Pasha thought to himself as he stands on his two feet. Brushing of the red dust gathering on him wondering why did that even happen when not even her scythe can't even leave a scratch. Not only that, but he feels his qi becoming uncontrollable and harder to control.
"It seems you're feeling the effect. ( •̀ω•́ ✧)"
Kaoru summons out a long steel rod from thin air. Yet even in this crimson area, the weapon still retains its white colour. Not long after, a red darker than blood floats around near the weapon turning into a scythe.
"You better get more serious Mr. Guardian. Cause let me show you why they call me The Slayer of Immortals. (・ω<)"
"Now that's much more appropriate for a title."
*************************************
In another place, where another battle is raging on. Two individual with exceptional swordsmanship swings their blade with such precision everything they cut seems to be so clean it leaves no uneven texture. Whether it is the ground they step or the buildings they jump, everything that comes to their way is diced up neatly.
A clash between two individuals whose skills seem to originate from the same place.
The land of the Eclipsing Sun.
A land created by the traitorous first prince of the Xin's Sovereign, after he beheaded his own father infront of his descendence and companions. There's a custom when two warrior's duel conditions must be met. But the two most important rules are...
- One must always have a goal in mind after the duel so that one will not lose the reason to fight. Even after vengeance.
- Another is that...
*clang*
Kokkan delivers another swing to end Sora's life but he easily blocks Kokkan with one hand and pulls out a long slick black revolver from the darkness. With the tip of the gun in front of Kokkan's eyes, Sora pulls the trigger but Kokkan merely moves his head to the side dodging the bullet as it scratches the left side of his hair. In return, Kokkan returns the favour with aiming the guns he had on his other hand at Sora's chin and firing without hesitation. But Sora leans and jump back like a wheel as he dodges them.
Both of them distance them selfs and soon, Sora bent his long black sword's blade to make it the shape of a rifle. Kokkan threw the rest of his swords-guns mid-air, not before grabbing the shortest one. They stare and point at each other with their firearms for a while before and explosion triggers near them,
*bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang*
*bang* *bang* *bang* *bang*
*bang* *bang* *bang* *bang*
*bang* *clink* *bang* *clink* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *clink* *bang* *bang* *bang*
*clink* *clink* *clink* *clink*
As if the gates of hell open, instead of flames of eternity that pours forth. Bullet of hell razes the city below them with a display of triumphant steel and gunpowder. A storm of steel clash and bounce, steel springs and dust scatters while the smoke of gunpowder shroud the area with a thick intolerable thick grey mist. Even then, both of them survived since they were dodging and dashing as they fire.
But that wasn't the end of their endless thundering barrage. Kokkan grabs one of his blades that's been bouncing from the hail while Sora pulls more weapon from the darkness he summons.
*vrrrmm* *vrmmm*
*pishin* *boom* *crack* *boom* *bang* *bzzz* *burn* *crack* *bzzz* *bzzz* *pishin* *crack* *pishin* *bang* *bang* *crack* *boom* *pishin* *bzzz* *crack*
Their firefight wreck havoc and coupled with how this time they imbued magic to their gun-blades. They shoot forth piercing lighting, fire, light and darkness. Ravaging this already broken road beyond recognition while shaving the ground below them when they got close for a close-quarter sword fight.
*Clang*
"If my old friend would see this he'll definitely get a wet dream."
Sora broke the silent battle as their blade clash once more. But Kokkan replies back in with silence when Sora smiles saying:
"With the way you fight, you must come from the same village no? Say don't you remember the second most important rule for us warriors?"
Kokkan this time push Sora back and fling him away. Caught in surprise, Kokkan leaves him with no chance to fight back as he slashes forward with a qi blast so bright it lights the are in a bluish glow as he shouts:
"[Black lily symphony, crown's road: Shadow Velvet Dance]."
The bright white qi transforms into a dark purple light and separates into thousands of petals engulfing all the area Sora was flung.
"I couldn't care less."
Kokkan sheathes his blade and pulls the other into the metal slips when a large dark vortex appears before him and disperse revealing Sora within. His armour is filled with cuts, gunshots and his armour in ruin.
"Yeah, you're right. Why would exiles like us care? I have other things to do now, you win this round."
Sora plunges deep into the shadows as his presence disappears entirely. Kokkan whose also full of cuts and part of his armour missing can only walk away slowly to where Sova is.
"I hope it'll rain today."
Kokkan wishes to his swords as he looks into the crimson sky.
*************************************
*crash* *crack* *smash*
Pasha's body flew and smashes into the giant gate that leads into the inner district while the rubble falls into him. By this point, none of the rat-kin soldiers even dare to get close but just ran away and wait for the results. When they saw the man that slaughtered their kin and even two of their most powerful fighters easily being overpowered, their plummeted morale soon raise through the roof as they cheer:
"Kai! Kai! Kai!"
"The champion of the commoners was truly undefeatable."
"Kai? Right... My given name...!
∑(ﾟ∇ﾟ|||)"
(Sheesh, where's all that cheering back at home?) (๑•̀д•́๑)
It's been some time since Kaoru heard the name given to her as she was born into this world. But she ignores that and moves forth while the soldiers behind follows. When Pasha's arms burst through the debris, the soldiers soon back away in fear. Pasha whose body now filled with broken bones, cuts and blue marks still try to stand with a broken leg. Holding on to the remains of the gate as he stands between them.
"Persistent aren't you? (●ʘ̅ㅈʘ̅●) "
Kaoru can't help but comment and admire since most people would've died at this point when fighting her. True Martial Artist or not. Pasha stayed silent when the soldiers behind Kaoru dashes forth with vigour, this time their eyes filled with rage and greed. Kaoru didn't mind them landing the finishing blow but...
"Wait! ヽ(`д´;)/ "
Kaoru tries to stop them but it was too late. The two rat-kin that dashes forth was cleaved in two from their belts. Their upper body flung upwards and blood spurred to the ground.
"Dumbasses! (＃｀д´)ﾉ"
A shadow appears behind Pasha from the inner district. It's a giant silhouette with its head resembling a goat with a circling horn. A giant body twice the size of Pasha and the worst is the six glowing red eyes that indicate, it's a certain group of monster. They all prepared for the worst kinds of monster when they're baffled by the one that steps forth into the light.
A girl whose beauty can describe as a beautifully crafted doll. Her short uneven blonde hair, pearl white skin, pink lips are entrancing to all that sees her. If there's one thing that breaks that trance is the claw scar underneath her left eye.
"Sorry Pasha, this time. Let me finish the job. I will win this!"
She summons forth her beautifully crafted halberd that has a purple shine on its line and edges along with a certain familiar emblem that Kaoru has seen before but just can't remember.
(Isn't she that cute servant that ran inside? So she can fight... Pretty daring for someone with no qi or magic... Then again, how did she summon her weapon then, if she's an Owlian? Or kill those 2 soldiers?) ( ′～‵)
Kaoru readies her soul weapon once again and takes a stance. For once in a long time, Kaoru felt a sense of worry deep inside for she faces an opponent with unknown magic and even more mysterious power. But she can't help but feel the excitement. Just like how she first came to this world.