Both of them stared into each other's eyes... gauging both power and intent. Neither of them moved for quite a moment. It was as if through their eyes they could learn a lot about each other. But their gaze went beyond the eyes... it went way deeper.
The mysterious mage had the orb with him. The strange thing was that he wasn't even touching it... it was kind of just floating about but hardly moving (at least the naked eye couldn't register if it was moving or not). If you got real close, you could hear Merlin's screams fading away into nothingness... but that kind of thing would have probably given anyone nightmares.
Mysterious man: I trapped your friend inside this orb. It already contained an evil spirit that is undoubtedly feasting on his soul as we speak. He won't die... He will only suffer and be tormented here forever. Heh, heh, heh... And that's the beauty of it.
With his eyes fully opened and an insane-looking smirk across his face, the mysterious man looked like a totally different person. His aura had changed as well. Before, when he was at Lybia, it was soothing and welcoming. But now it was filled with violence and chaos. Could they both be one and the same person?
Man in armor: I must confess I am not at all fond of Merlin. As a matter of fact, I find his current predicament quite amusing. But I must retrieve him since he is still instrumental to our objectives.
Mysterious man: You find it amusing, you say? I must say, you don't look at all amused... What a pity. He should have thought about that before wasting my ever-so-valuable and precious time. I suggest you beware as well, having caught me in a bad mood already... - While he was saying that he was exhibiting some sort of nervous tick in his left eye... it was twitching constantly. The corner of his lips was twitching as well. The man in armor realized this detail.
Man in armor: Tell me... Which master do you serve? – The question seemed to vex the mysterious man, to the point of throwing him into a fit of rage.
Mysterious man: I serve no one! I swear allegiance to no one! I am controlled by NO ONE! I am the master!
Man in armor: I am Zeldrys. Know that I will take no pleasure in what follows next.
Zeldrys was a bald-headed, bearded, and mustache-wearing middle-aged-looking man. He was wearing heavy armor that looked like that from a faraway land since no kingdom in the entire continent had anything like it. He also seemed to have several swords. By his appearance, it looked like he wouldn't have much agility due to all the heavy armor. The fact that he was of strong build reinforced that idea. His demeanor was of a mature man, calm and collected. The way he spoke was that of someone who knew exactly what he wanted to say and do. A man that was in complete control of himself.
He drew one of his swords and adopted a strange stance... as if he was making an offering ritual. The drawn sword was a katana... But not just any katana: it was the legendary Masamune blade. Rumor has it that this katana was the work of an angel that came to the Arkana with the sole purpose of forging a weapon that could never be destroyed. No one has ever been able to confirm such rumor, and the sword was believed to be lost centuries ago.
Zeldrys uttered what appeared to be a prayer... It was hard to tell since he didn't speak loudly. After that, he carved a word with the Masamune in the air by making swift strokes and shouted, "Seigen!!!"
There was a screeching sound for a brief moment. The mysterious mage tried to move his body and realized his movements were sealed. The mage was now paralyzed. He tried to free himself from this strange restriction spell to no avail.
Mysterious man: That was an unexpected trick. I must give you credit for that. And to think that the legendary Masamune blade was in your possession... I find that quite fascinating.
Zeldrys: You know about the Masamune blade? Just who are you?
Mysterious man: Very well. Your name is Zeldrys, isn't it?
Zeldrys: That is correct.
Zeldrys put back the Masamune in its sheathe.
Mysterious man: I am Relm. And by the way... I know who you are... King Zeldrys. I find it baffling that a man of your reputation would stoop this low, becoming a lackey for a foolish cause. Despite the fact that you were reported to be dead centuries ago.
Zeldrys, even though surprised because of the knowledge that Relm showed of him, continued with his calmed and collected demeanor.
Zeldrys: No one in this era knows about my former kingdom... let alone on this continent. The fact that you know about it makes you indeed an interesting individual.
Relm: You have no idea... And that's the beauty of it! - As time went by, Relm looked more and more deranged. The twitching in his left eye and lip was intensifying.
Zeldrys unsheathed another sword. He pointed at Relm with the end of this double-edged sword and used the attack Piercing Blade, which shot a relatively small beam of energy at the enemy to pierce through its flesh. But as the piercing beam shot through the air aiming at Relm's chest, the orb shielded him from the attack.
Zeldrys: That orb of yours... I now know what I must do.
Zeldrys jumped at the orb with his double-edged sword and hit it with three very swift swings. It was extremely impressive to see how agile he was in reality and how quickly he was able to move. When he landed after those swift attacks, the orb was unscathed, and his sword's blade had shattered.
Zeldrys: I-impossible...
The orb glowed giving off a very bright light. Then Relm glowed as well. He was now able to move again. Zeldrys looked shocked.
Zeldrys: I now see that underestimating you is a critical mistake. I will not make it again!
Relm's eye had stopped twitching. His lips looked normal now. He went back to his calm and peaceful self.
Relm: Zeldrys. Tell your Cabal friends that I have no interest in your quest. Stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours. I have an urgent matter to take care of, and time is of the essence. If you agree to walk away now, I give you my word I won't destroy your pitiful little group.
Zeldrys: Those are big words... However, what I have seen leads me to believe that you are capable enough, so I won't take your words as empty threats. I will accept on one condition... Release Merlin from the orb. If you do not, then I will have no other choice than to fight you with all my might.
There was a long pause. They were both staring into each other's eyes. Zeldrys seemed prepared for another attack. Relm switched from looking calm and serious to having a disturbing smile on his face again.
Relm: Very well. I choose to be a benevolent god.
In the blink of an eye, Relm expelled Merlin from the orb. Merlin was delirious, shaking, missing an arm, bleeding a whole lot, and very weak. Zeldrys picked him up and walked away without uttering another word.
When they were at a considerable distance from him, Merlin regained his senses.
Merlin: That… b--b--bastard...
Zeldrys: Merlin... Are you alright?
Merlin: That bastard! - Merlin was still shaking and didn't look like he was in good shape. There was, however, dreadful rage in his eyes. He was clenching his fist and his teeth. An aura of great violence surrounded him and it was quite impressive to see. His ever-present grin was gone... and he was beyond furious.
Zeldrys: Merlin...
Merlin: THAT BASTARD!!!!!!!