Chapter 55
Ignis seemed slightly confused at his enemy's response, "I would apologize for offending you...however, at this point, it appears as if that will only escalate things. I find it quite perplexing that your culture does not allow for apologies. Admitting wrong on behalf of yourself is essential to growth. Do you not agree?"
Unsure if his enemy was stalling for time or sincere, Chisei carefully thought out the possible attacks he could launch from his position. After consideration, his strengths consisted of indirect and defensive fighting styles. It would be too much of a risk to make the first move, Ignis' unpredictability still concerned him a bit. In the end he chose to play whatever game the large warrior had begun, and simply answer the question as though it were asked in sincerity.
Without dropping his guard, Chisei responded, "I do agree, but it should only be done inwardly to one's own benefit. Never to others. Admitting failure to others shows weakness, you may as well beg them to kill you."
"I see. I understand your point of view, but there is an issue inherent in it."
"Enlighten me."
"It is self-defeating," Ignis said. "In an unwillingness to admit failure, you demonstrate your own fear. Therefore, weakness is shown regardless. You fear others knowing your shortcomings, you fear others. In which case, you are displaying your failures to anyone paying attention, and you do so alone without anyone to help you. And that, by your own choice since you cannot trust anyone to know you." He scratched his chin as he shook his head, "In the end, it is a very lonely existence."
Chisei grew visibly annoyed, "Only the weak rely on others. Now, are you going to stand there and talk me to death or are you going to fight?"
"Oh, I suppose a battle is overdue at this point. Very well, let us begin." As soon as the words left his mouth, Ignis shot forward throwing a quick jab into his opponent's midsection. The attack came so abruptly. Chisei could not defend in time. He took the full brunt of the punch, and he flew backward into the stone wall.
The warrior fell to the ground but jumped up quickly to save his dignity. "I wasn't ready yet! Where did you learn dueling etiquette? In the wilds with uncultured swine?!" Ignis could not be offended as the statement was very nearly true. The exasperated Chisei raised his hands. They stayed open, not closed into fists, but he assumed his fighting stance anyway. "Now, I am ready."
Hesitating a little before attacking, the large warrior watched carefully to make sure his opponent felt completely ready this time. Assured that there would be no more complaints, he made his move. He lunged forward to throw a more powerful punch this time. Halfway to his target, Ignis stopped suddenly. His head ached terribly as though he had run into a wall. As he looked to see what stopped him, Chisei waved his hand forward. An invisible force blasted the large warrior backwards.
Still on his feet yet very confused, Ignis jumped to perform an aerial attack only to be launched even higher than he anticipated. His large body crashed into the stone ceiling leaving an indention. Quickly, he propelled himself into a diving attack. His fist burned red leaving a trail of lava through the air. With a thunderous crash, his punch landed. He had burned a hole into the floor. At the last second, his target disappeared.
Exasperated, he stood to face the Imperial who had reappeared behind him, "What sort of tricks are these? You never left my sight until the last moment, you did not move. You removed yourself from existence for a brief instant."
Chisei laughed with pride, "As I told you, I am the Wielder of Mysteries. My abilities lie in the cracks of reality. The things which time and truth have forgotten, I have found them." He waved his hands dramatically, "Now, it's over for you."
Suddenly, Ignis found himself breathing a little harder. The air around him felt considerably warmer. Something stirred, but he couldn't find the problem. Then, he reached out his hand. It hit an invisible wall. Soon, he realized the nature of Chisei's attack, but it was too late. A cage closed in on him. He loosed his devastating attack power on the barriers, but they held strong. Surrounded on every side, Ignis understood just what sort of energy his enemy utilized. Each wall stood with the strength of an impenetrable fortress.
The mysterious warrior walked forward with his arms outstretched, "These hardened, invisible walls will draw the life from you and become your tomb."