Zack stares blankly for a few moments , then he draws his sword . He lifts his head and charges at Kiro with full power , screaming :
-You bastard !
A pure war cry out of rage and despair .
-I thought you learnt the lesson last time we met , Time leap !
The time slows down . Everything around moves slowly , almost motionless , expect Kiro . He dodges the attack coming from Zack , and kicked him in the back with an inhumane amount of power . The time goes back to normal . Zack lies on the ground . He crawls away form Kiro while trying to get back on his feet .
-Just hand me the totem , and then I'll leave .
-No way we are just going to hand you .
Esco takes one step forwards Kiro and says:
-Your presence here means this totem worths a lot , I'm ready to fight for it .
Kiro grins and whispers :
-Blood lust
Kiro's eyes turn pitch black as he focuses on the vital spots of his opponent .
-As you wish , There's always enough room in hell , Time leap !
The time slows down , Kiro charges at Esco with full speed and power . Surprisingly , Esco barely parries the attack with his sword .
-You are pretty strong for a mere assassin , I guess the rumors were true about you , you are a worthy foe .
-You possess divine protection , I didn't know they grant it now even to scumbags like you .
-I'm surprised that you are aware of the existence of divine protection .
-Don't get cocky , the duel has only just started .
Kiro throws one of his daggers at Esco , distracting him , then he charges at Esco with his signature weapon , the oath blade . Esco parries once again , but this time , Kiro kicks him in the stomach . Esco collapses to the ground . Kiro raises his black scimitar and swings it downwards , but Esco rolls and dodges the attack . The duel was happening in an almost motionless background due to the effects of Time leap . Esco coughs and says :
-You might be many things.... , a human is not of them ....., I fought countless warriors .....and monsters , and your abilities..... are similar to that of a demon .
-Human , demon , what's the difference ? I would't be thinking about that in your position .
-I....I can still...fight
Esco gets up and stands on his feet with the help of his sword .
-You are really stubborn , you know that?
-Bring it on !
Kiro charges at Esco once again , Esco barely dodges , then Kiro swings his dagger at Esco's direction , leaving him with a nasty cut on his chest .
"I aimed for the throat , and yet in his state , he still managed to dodge it !"
Esco lies on the ground while holding his new inflicted wound with his hand to prevent blood lost
-This looks like the end , You sure were an annoying bastard
Kiro walks towards Esco and rests his foot on his throat
-Now I finally can put an end to you .
Kiro rises his sword , but then the time goes back to normal . Kiro feels a sharp pain coming from his back . Zack had stabbed him in the back .
-I'm not letting you claim anymore lives reaper , I'll take revenge .
Kiro gives Zack an elbow the the face and then he reaches for the dagger in his back .
-Stabbed by ,my own dagger . I guess I'm not feeling much pain cause of the adrenaline rush .
Agna charges at Kiro , but he parries the attack and hits Agna with the grip of his sword . Luna raises her hand and says :
-Winter storm , unleash !
Sharp pieces of ice come torwards Kiro , stabbing him in the leg and in the chest .
"I don't have time for this "
-Time leap .
The time slows down once again , Kiro grabs the totem and runs , Esco tries to stop him , but due to his wounds he is unable to even stand on his feet . Eventually Kiro leaves the dungeon .
-Bloodlust
Kiro's eyes turn pitch black . Now he could see his horse form the distance .
"Now I got it , I should have enough time to give this to vesper , since the evening hasn't arrived yet ."
Kiro then stops midway , The totem starts to shine , his whole body hurts , Kiro screams in pain , he could not understand what was going on . his eyes and nose were bleeding and then he collapsed to the ground . His vision was fading , his breath was getting heavier and heavier , then the pain was all gone , Kiro felt himself alright .
"What the hell was that ? It sure has to be this damn totem ."
Kiro finds his horse and leaves Bethea's forest , heading to the stables outside the capital . Time passess , Kiro eventually reaches the stables . Vesper was waiting for him impatiently .
-You are finally here , I thought you would never come reaper .
-Here's the totem Vesper .
-You don't look good , take your reward and head to the mansion , and get those wounds of yours treated , I don't want my associates dead this soon .
-I'll take your advice .
-I'm setting off
-Me too
-We'll meet again . - And Vesper enters his carriage , leaving the stables .
Kiro mounts his horse and heads to the mansion. The sun was setting . Eventually , Kiro reaches the mansion. He dismounts his horse and enters throught the front door. He is greeted by Luchia shortly after.
-You're back , I started getting worried .
Then , Vallerie comes in and notices the wounds Kiro has . She rushes quickly to Kiro with a robe and tries to stop the bleeding .
-What.....What happened ? Tell me now!
-I got wounded , isn't that obvious ?
-I have to take you to bed quickly .
-It's alright , I'm just fine .
-Are you joking ? Let me get you to your bedroom , there I will treat the wounds .
-Where is Luchia ?
-I ... I cannot find any healing potions from those you brought for me .
Vallerie drags Kiro to his bedroom , than she takes off his clothes and starts patching him up with bandages .
-Be careful
-I'm trying my best .
Kiro stays silent for a few moments then he says :
-Thanks for taking care of me , I mean it.
Vallerie blushes , then she says :
-It's......It's...nothing , it is my job..... after all