Aurora dragged Adam and Felix a distance she thought was safe.
"This is far enough." [Aurora]
She took out her phone and dialed someone.
"Hello? Yeah, it's me. No, we can go for drinks another time. I need you to give permission on Code: Second Phase.Uh huh, Really? Thanks, I'll see you later." [Aurora]
"What are you talking about?" [Adam]
"Hey idiot! I called Xenia at HQ for permission. You can access phase two now." [Aurora]
She called out to Sebastian. Unsure whether or not he was listening, much less conscious still.
"Second Phase? Someone, report!" [Rowen]
A man in glasses stood beside Rowen and whispered into his ear.
"No information?! How do you have no information?! I told you to find out everything about him!" [Rowen]
"I-I'm very sorry sir. We came across it before, but we couldn't find any leads about it." [Man in Glasses]
Rowen bit his nail in frustration.
"I didn't expect so many unknown variables in my plan. Whatever, what has been done is done." [Rowen]
Sebastian began to move, causing Rowen to flinch.
"You're bluffing! There's no way you can win!" [Rowen]
Aurora raised her hands, preparing herself for something about to come. Sebastian slowly opened his eyes. An ominous aura exuded from him, sending a chill down Adam's back.
("I have to use my trump card!") [Rowen]
"Fuel my Rage! Thymos!" [Rowen]
A small explosion occurred in front of Rowen, revealing a large broadsword. Rowen held the broadsword over his back, readying himself.
"He has a soul weapon too?!" [Adam]
Sebastian fully opened his eyes, pushing everyone back slightly with a small shockwave. His eyes radiated power and his wounds slowly closed. His eyes shone a vibrant yellow, and an unknown pressure filled the room.
"What is even happening?!" [Adam]
The armed men fell to the ground, unable to stand.
("How am I still fine? Am I finally strong enough to withstand his pressure?") [Adam]
There was an odd indentation in the floor around Adam and Felix. A circle was carved into the floor around them. Adam tried walking closer for a better view, but Aurora stopped him.
"Don't step outside of the circle, I won't be able to keep the pressure off of you if you do." [Aurora]
Adam immediately distanced himself from the line, not wanting to experience the burden again.
"As always, you have an incredible amount of energy." [Rowen]
"I didn't want to open my eyes, but you forced my hand." [Sebastian]
"I'm honored to be able to see your eyes. I'm sure few have been able to witness such a spectacle." [Rowen]
He had mixed feelings of fear, excitement, and anger.
"I'll let you make a move first." [Sebastian]
"Letting me take the initiative? Then don't blame me if you regret it." [Rowen]
An explosion appeared behind him, propelling him forward.
"I'll have your head!" [Rowen]
He swung his enormous blade, aiming for Sebastian's neck. The blade exploded on impact, spending dust flying in all directions.
"Eviscerate!" [Rowen]
He expected to at least leave a scratch and widen the wound, but somehow, Sebastian was completely fine.
"H-how is that possible?!" [Rowen]
Sebastian stretched his neck, making satisfying cracks.
"Haa… I knew it was too much for you." [Sebastian]
He raised his hand and chanted.
"Show no Mercy, Imperium." [Sebastian]
The familiar black blade exited a portal, shattering it's chains. Upon appearing, Krinos and Thymos shivered.
("Krino?") [Adam]
"That thing gives me the chills. I thought I would be used to it by now, but everytime I see it, I get really bad vibes." [Krino]
"Do you want to continue?" [Sebastian]
Rowen took a moment to swallow his fear before replying.
��I-I have seen the difference between us. Please spare me." [Rowen]
He got down on all fours, bowing his head in respect.
"That's not enough, you need to show me sincerity." [Sebastian]
"O-of course this isn't all! I-I'll give you compensation for your troubles! I promise I won't try to harm you ever again!" [Rowen]
He pleaded with all of his might, but Sebastian still refused him.
"I can see that you value your life, but it's not enough." [Sebastian]
Rowen looked up at Sebastian with tears in his eyes.
"Please! What can I do to make it up to you?!" [Rowen]
Sebastian lowered his blade next to Rowen's head.
"I'll give you a chance. I'll bring you someone to fight. If you win, I'll let you leave. If you lose... I believe you know the rest." [Sebastian]
He allowed Rowen to stand back up, and put his hand on Imperium.
"Come, my loyal servants." [Sebastian]
Multiple portals appeared behind him, surprising Rowen. People with corporeal form emerged. Their attire matching the looks of a knight.
"Pick an opponent. Defeat any one of my men, and you're free." [Sebastian]
Adam activated his Scout, trying to assess the situation.
("What? Each one of them had more mana than I do!") [Adam]
He couldn't see the limit of their power, but he knew each knight was much stronger than he was.
"The knight, the paladin, the ranger, the thief, the sorcerer, and the executioner. Pick your poison." [Sebastian]
Rowen seemed to be having trouble picking. Gears churned in his head, trying to find the weakest out of them all.
"I pick… the thief." [Rowen]
All of them vanished, leaving behind the thief.
"Your opponent has been chosen. The battle will begin when you make your move." [Sebastian]
Rowen lowered his blade to the ground.
"RAHHH!!!" [Rowen]
He ran at the thief, dragging his blade across the ground. Sparks and small explosions followed behind him, increasing the tension.
("All my life, I was able to build everything back up with my own hands. I won't let this stop me!") [Rowen]
He swung his sword upwards, creating an enormous explosion.
"Did I do it?" [Rowen]
His vision blurred, and the world went sideways.
"Why is everything turning?" [Rowen]
"Oh my god!" [Armed Man]
"Boss!" [Armed Man]
("Why are they calling me...?") [Rowen]
He saw his body standing, holding a large sword.
("Is that… me?") [Rowen]
His head fell to the ground, rolling until it came to a stop. His body stood there, leaking blood from the neck. The thief stood behind the body, awaiting its next order.
"You may leave." [Sebastian]
The thief bowed briefly and dissipated into nothingness. Sebastian closed his eyes, and sent Imperium back to it's eternal prison.
"From the beginning, I never had the intention of letting him go." [Sebastian]
He whispered words under his breath before moving. He turned around and walked up to Felix, patting his head.
"This matter is over, let's go home now." [Sebastian]