"Ok, let me try something now. Ice Magic: Ice Spike!" Ryoshi exclaimed, summoning a sharp spike of ice and launching it at Atanasius with determination. However, Atanasius effortlessly blocked the attack, his movements fluid and precise.
"Do you even know what a mana burst does?" Atanasius questioned, his voice laced with condescension.
"M-Maybe... DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG IT'S BEEN SINCE I FIRST LEARNED ABOUT MANA BURST!?" Ryoshi retorted, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
"No," Atanasius replied curtly, his tone betraying no hint of sympathy.
"Oh well then... JUST KNOW THAT IT WAS A WHILE AGO!!!" Ryoshi shot back defiantly, his determination unwavering despite his lack of expertise.
"Can you get serious already?" Atanasius demanded impatiently, his eyes narrowing with irritation.
"Ok? Ice Magic: Ice Spikes!" Ryoshi declared, channeling his energy into a powerful barrage of 200 ice spikes aimed at Atanasius. However, Atanasius swiftly transformed into a bat, evading the onslaught with ease.
Undeterred, Atanasius closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye, launching a ferocious assault on Ryoshi. Ryoshi, wielding his sword with precision, deftly parried each strike and retaliated with a series of his own attacks. Yet, Atanasius proved to be a formidable opponent, evading Ryoshi's blows with agile maneuvers.
"How weak," Atanasius scoffed, his arrogance palpable as he looked down upon Ryoshi.
What do I do? I don't have a chance against this guy! Well... my mana is fully charged, so maybe I can stall—WAIT! MY MANA IS FULLY CHARGED! I remember now, mana bursts give infinite mana so... I can use what I have to my advantage!
"Surriku No Ha skill 2: Abominable Snowman!" Ryoshi declared, his voice ringing with determination as he summoned a towering snow beast to his aid.
"Slush!" the Abominable Snowman roared, its icy breath billowing forth as it eagerly awaited Ryoshi's command.
"You see that guy?" Ryoshi gestured towards Atanasius, his eyes blazing with determination.
"Slush?" the Abominable Snowman questioned, its icy gaze fixated on its intended target.
"Kill him," Ryoshi commanded, his voice firm and resolute.
"SLUSH!!!" the Abominable Snowman bellowed, charging towards Atanasius with ferocious intent.
"Oh, a summon. I have a few of those myself," Atanasius remarked casually, his lips curling into a sinister grin as he conjured five blood wolves and one blood squid to counter Ryoshi's formidable ally.
"Uuuuh... is this fair?" Ryoshi questioned hesitantly, his concern evident as he watched the unfolding battle.
"Does it have to be fair?" Atanasius responded coolly, his tone dismissive as he prepared to unleash his next move.
"SLUUUUUUUSH!!!" the Abominable Snowman roared, unleashing a powerful blue beam of magic that disintegrated the blood wolves summoned by Atanasius.
"A strong summon," Atanasius acknowledged, his gaze narrowing as he assessed the situation.
With a swift motion, Atanasius conjured an even larger blood wolf, which lunged towards the Abominable Snowman with fierce determination. The wolf sank its teeth into the snowman's arm, causing the snow to absorb the blood and turn a deep shade of red.
"Uh... WAIT! THAT'S PERFECT! I don't know your abilities, but I'm sure that you can do what I'm thinking you could do," Ryoshi exclaimed, a spark of realization igniting in his eyes.
"Slush," the Abominable Snowman responded, its entire form gradually transforming into a crimson hue as it absorbed the blood.
"What are you doing?" Atanasius demanded, his confusion evident as he watched the snowman's unusual transformation.
With a sudden burst of energy, the snowman concentrated all the absorbed blood into one hand, transforming it into a cloak of red magic.
"Slushy!" the Abominable Snowman bellowed, delivering a devastating punch with its magic-cloaked hand, obliterating the blood wolf in a single blow.
"If wolves don't work, A SQUID WILL!" Atanasius declared triumphantly, summoning a blood squid to deliver the finishing blow to the weakened snowman. With a flurry of tentacles, the squid attacked, dismantling the snowman and leaving nothing but a pile of snow in its wake.
"Well, shit," Ryoshi muttered, his frustration evident as he assessed the dire situation.
"How weak," Atanasius remarked, his tone dripping with disdain as he observed Ryoshi's apparent defeat.
The snowman, undeterred by its previous setback, reformed and launched its hand at the blood squid with renewed determination.
"SLUSHY SLUSH!!!" the Abominable Snowman bellowed, its hand seizing one of the squid's tentacles and draining it of its blood, causing the creature to shrink rapidly.
"Eh?" Atanasius exclaimed, his surprise evident as he watched the unexpected turn of events.
"This was totally a part of the plan... yeah," Ryoshi declared unconvincingly, his attempt at reassurance falling flat.
With the squid defeated and the snowman now completely red and dripping with blood, Atanasius wasted no time in disposing of his adversary.
"You're cool! A cool snack, that is," Atanasius remarked casually, his lips curling into a cruel smirk as he turned the snowman into a floating stream of blood-infused snow and consumed it with relish.
"Well... shit," Ryoshi muttered dejectedly, realizing the gravity of his situation.
"No more playing around with you. You are weak, but that weapon of yours is something else," Atanasius declared, his gaze piercing as he addressed Ryoshi.
"Yeah... so?" Ryoshi responded, his voice tinged with defiance as he braced himself for what was to come.
"If you used this sword to its full potential, you would destroy me in a fight!" Atanasius continued, his words carrying a note of respect for Ryoshi's weapon.
"That was only one move though," Ryoshi countered, his confidence returning as he considered his next move.
"One move is enough for me to see true strength," Atanasius replied cryptically, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Ryoshi's potential.
"You don't say. How about this, I will join your ranks and leagues or whatever, and you can teach me how to use my weapon to its full potential," Ryoshi proposed, his voice tinged with desperation as he sought to turn the tide in his favor.
"I see it..." Atanasius mused, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized Ryoshi's offer.
"You see a bright future?" Ryoshi inquired hopefully, a glimmer of optimism flickering in his eyes.
"No, I see that dishonesty in your soul! You're lying," Atanasius retorted, his tone cold and unforgiving as he saw through Ryoshi's facade.
"No... Maybe... I'm screwed," Ryoshi admitted defeat, his shoulders slumping as he resigned himself to his fate.
"You sure are," Atanasius confirmed, his voice dripping with malice as he dashed towards Ryoshi, ready to deliver the final blow.
As time slowed down for Ryoshi, a mysterious voice echoed in his mind, causing him to question his surroundings.
WHAT!? WHAT WAS THAT!? it came from my mind Ryoshi thought, startled by the unexpected intrusion.
Where else would it be coming from? the voice responded calmly, its presence comforting yet enigmatic.
I don't know... Atanasius? Ryoshi speculated, his mind racing with uncertainty.
I- Ok just- the voice faltered briefly, as if grappling with its own thoughts.
Who are you? And why are you in my head? Ryoshi demanded, his curiosity piqued by the mysterious presence.
I am your weapon spirit, a.k.a I'm your great grandfather, the voice revealed, shedding light on its identity.
Great grandfather? Explain, Ryoshi requested, his mind reeling with newfound knowledge.
Magical Weapons are generational things, so once the current user of a Magical Weapon dies, their souls live within the weapon, the voice explained, unveiling the ancient tradition that bound them together.
What happens to the soul before it? Ryoshi inquired, his thirst for understanding driving him to seek answers.
I have yet to experience that because I am the originator of this weapon! the voice declared proudly, hinting at its long and storied history.
Cool, Ryoshi remarked, his awe mingled with a sense of wonder at the revelation.
Because I am your weapon spirit, I must tell you my name so you can call it if you need help, the voice continues, offering Ryoshi a glimpse into their bond.
And your name is? Ryoshi prompted eagerly, eager to forge a deeper connection with his newfound ally.
My name is Itsunoko, the voice revealed, its tone resonating with ancient wisdom and strength.
One more question, if you're my great grandfather, why do you sound exactly my age? Ryoshi pondered, intrigued by the discrepancy.
I died at the ripe age of 20, Itsunoko confessed, shedding light on his own past.
I'm not 20... am I going to sound like this forever? Ryoshi questioned, his mind grappling with the implications of their bond.
Yea, I've been dead for almost two thousand years. I was honestly surprised that none of your cousins or even your dad got this weapon... well, I already know how deceptive he is, Itsunoko explained, revealing the complexities of their shared history.
Itsunoko! Could you help me out here? Ryoshi pleaded, his determination resurfacing as he sought guidance from his newfound ally.
That's why I awakened! I think you're ready for your last two moves and a few upgrades, Itsunoko declared, offering Ryoshi a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
I like the sound of that, Ryoshi responded eagerly, his excitement building as he contemplated the possibilities.
But before that, you have a new snowman, Itsunoko announced cryptically, hinting at a newfound power waiting to be unleashed.
Eh? Ryoshi exclaimed, taken aback by the unexpected revelation.
Say it, Itsunoko prompted, urging Ryoshi to embrace his newfound abilities.
Time resumed its normal flow as Ryoshi, emboldened by Itsunoko's guidance, summoned forth his new creation.
"Surriku No Ha skill 2: Snow Baby," Ryoshi declared, channeling his newfound power with confidence and determination.
A tiny snowman materialized on Ryoshi's shoulder, catching him off guard.
"Ah- Ereh?" Ryoshi stammered, bewildered by the unexpected appearance.
"Hello Ryoshi, I am your slushy slushy pal!" the Snow Baby chirped cheerfully, its presence adding a touch of whimsy to the tense situation.
"What the hel—JUST ATTACK IF YOU CAN!" Ryoshi urged, his frustration mounting as he focused on the imminent threat.
"Okie Dokie," the Snow Baby responded with a wink, its left eye twinkling mischievously.
As Atanasius lunged towards Ryoshi, the young warrior found himself in a precarious position, his hand too far from his sword to mount a counterattack.
SHIT! I DIDN'T PREPARE MYSELF FOR DODGING THIS. MY HAND IS TOO FAR AWAY FROM MY SWORD, I CAN'T ATTACK, Ryoshi lamented inwardly, his mind racing for a solution.
Seizing the opportunity, the Snow Baby's arm elongated dramatically, delivering a powerful swing at Atanasius. However, the agile adversary dodged the attack with ease, his movements fluid and precise.
"Wait, you can attack?" Ryoshi exclaimed, surprised by the Snow Baby's unexpected capability.
"Yessir," the Snow Baby confirmed, its tone brimming with confidence.
"I felt the air from that attack. Your weapon is getting stronger and stronger by the second!" Atanasius remarked, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the evolving threat.
"Snow baby thing, you know what I'm thinking! Let's KILL THIS GUY!" Ryoshi declared, his determination resolute as he charged towards Atanasius with renewed vigor.
With a swift slash across the chest, Ryoshi delivered a decisive blow to his opponent, his resolve unyielding in the face of danger.
"As I get more thirsty for blood, I get stronger," Atanasius declared ominously, his nails sharpening and veins bulging with newfound power, signaling the escalating intensity of the battle.
"Atanasius swiped his hand to attack Ryoshi, but Ryoshi blocked it with practiced precision. Engaged in close combat, the two adversaries clashed fiercely, Atanasius launching relentless assaults while Ryoshi deftly parried and countered.
Why is it so hard to look for an opening while fighting this guy? Ryoshi pondered, frustration gnawing at him as he struggled to find a chink in Atanasius's formidable defense.
"I'll save you, Ryoshi!!!" the Snow Baby exclaimed suddenly, its voice cutting through the chaos of battle.
"What?" Ryoshi exclaimed in surprise as the Snow Baby extended its arm and delivered a powerful blow, sending Atanasius flying backward.
"Well, he's gone... I better see if he's still alive, most likely yes," Ryoshi mused, his thoughts racing as he prepared to investigate.
Leaving the shattered remnants of the building behind, Ryoshi ventured towards the direction where Atanasius had been thrown. Along the way, he passed through a landscape scarred by destruction—burned trees, wounded animals, and a foreboding mountain crowned with a dark cave entrance.
"I'm guessing that he's in the cave. That cave is looking awfully dark," Ryoshi remarked, his senses alert to the potential dangers lurking within.
Entering the cave, Ryoshi immediately sensed that something was amiss. The once rugged terrain was eerily barren, devoid of its usual rocky features.
"Yep, he's in here, but where did all of the rocks go—" Ryoshi's thought was abruptly interrupted as he stumbled over a thin string of blood, triggering a sudden onslaught.
Out of the darkness, arrows made of blood shot forth from the cave's depths, aimed directly at Ryoshi's vulnerable form.
"I'll save you!" the Snow Baby cried out, its arms growing in size as it intercepted the deadly projectiles, shielding Ryoshi from harm.
"Did he trap the cave?" Ryoshi questioned, his voice tinged with concern as he surveyed the ominous surroundings.
"You can do it!" the Snow Baby encouraged, its tiny form radiating unwavering support.
"Do what?" Ryoshi inquired, perplexed by the Snow Baby's cryptic statement.
"Get through this cave! I know a friend, you just have to summon him," the Snow Baby replied with conviction, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.
"What?" Ryoshi's confusion deepened, uncertainty clouding his thoughts.
"It's time. Time for your next skill, say it Ryoshi," Itsunoko's voice echoed in Ryoshi's mind, a steady presence amidst the chaos.
"Surriku No Ha skill 3: Ice horse," Ryoshi proclaimed, his words ringing out with determination.
In response, a magnificent horse sculpted from ice materialized before him, its presence both majestic and otherworldly.
"Woah, what the—sorry it echoes. Nice, a horse," Ryoshi marveled at the sight before him, a mixture of awe and excitement coursing through him.
"It's completely under your control. It will never rebel nor will it put you in danger. It will always save you no matter what," Itsunoko reassured Ryoshi, his voice a steady anchor in the tumultuous sea of uncertainty.
"Oh cool, does it have a name?" Ryoshi inquired, his curiosity piqued by the enigmatic creature before him.
"No," Itsunoko replied simply, his tone carrying a hint of finality.
"Oh, okay. I want to name it, but I can't think right now," Ryoshi admitted, a fleeting thought interrupted by the urgency of the moment.
"Get on the horse," Itsunoko instructed, prompting Ryoshi to comply without hesitation.
"How do I ride this thing?" Ryoshi questioned, his uncertainty evident as he mounted the ice horse.
"You don't. It does exactly what you want it to do, so no need to command or hold onto it," Itsunoko explained patiently, guiding Ryoshi through the intricacies of their newfound bond.
Spotting Atanasius from across the cave, Ryoshi steeled himself for the challenge ahead.
"Alright, let's ride," Ryoshi declared, his resolve unwavering as he urged the ice horse forward.
With Ryoshi astride, the ice horse navigated the treacherous terrain with grace and precision, effortlessly evading the multitude of traps and obstacles that threatened their passage. Arrows whistled through the air, and spiked balls of blood rained down upon them, but the ice horse remained steadfast, carrying Ryoshi ever closer to his elusive foe.
"We're almost there, horse," Ryoshi urged, his voice filled with determination as he felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins.
"Is that the human? On a horse? What kind of horse is that? No matter, I'll just take out him and the horse!" Atanasius's voice echoed through the cave, his resolve unyielding despite the unexpected sight before him.
Thirteen spears of blood hurtled towards Ryoshi, aimed with deadly precision.
"Charge forward, horse!" Ryoshi commanded, his voice ringing out with unwavering resolve.
The ice horse responded with a powerful leap, soaring through the air with unparalleled speed. Despite the onslaught, Ryoshi remained focused, his determination unwavering even as two spears found their mark, striking the horse's neck.
"Shit," Ryoshi muttered, his concern evident as he witnessed the assault on his icy steed.
"The horse doesn't feel pain," Itsunoko's reassurance echoed in Ryoshi's mind, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
With five spears piercing its form, the ice horse vanished, leaving Ryoshi suspended in mid-air.
"I won't lose!" Ryoshi declared, his voice filled with defiance as he summoned his sword and continued his pursuit.
Despite the wounds he had sustained, Ryoshi pressed on, his resolve unshaken as he closed the distance between himself and Atanasius. With a swift strike, Ryoshi attempted to cleave his opponent in two, only to be met with Atanasius's swift retaliation.
But Ryoshi refused to relent, pressing forward with relentless determination as he engaged Atanasius in a fierce battle. Each blow was met with a resolute defense, as Ryoshi sought to overpower his adversary with sheer tenacity.
Atanasius, however, recognized the shift in Ryoshi's strategy, realizing that his opponent was drawing strength from his anger and determination.
"How did he not flinch? A few minutes ago, his entire team fell victim to that same attack. Wait, I think I know," Atanasius mused, his mind racing as he analyzed Ryoshi's resilience.
"Hey, Ryoshi, throw me into the air," the Snow Baby's voice interrupted Ryoshi's thoughts, its tone filled with urgency.
"Why?" Ryoshi questioned, his curiosity piqued by the Snow Baby's sudden request.
"Because I have a plan," the Snow Baby replied, its determination matching Ryoshi's own.
With a nod of determination, Ryoshi complied, launching the Snow Baby into the air with all his strength. As the tiny creature soared through the air, its form expanding to deliver a barrage of punches upon Atanasius, Ryoshi watched with anticipation, hoping that this unexpected maneuver would turn the tide of battle in their favor.
As Ryoshi plunged his sword into Atanasius, the anticipation of unlocking his final ability filled him with a surge of determination.
"It's time for a new ability?" Ryoshi questioned, his excitement palpable as he awaited Itsunoko's guidance.
"I told you that I would give you the rest of your abilities, right?" Itsunoko reminded him, his tone filled with assurance.
Valid point, Ryoshi acknowledged, realizing the significance of this moment in his journey.
With a swift motion, Ryoshi withdrew his sword from Atanasius's form, preparing himself for the revelation of his ultimate skill.
"Surriku No Ha skill 4: Frost Tornado!!!" Ryoshi declared, his voice resolute as he invoked the power of his blade.
The markings on his sword glowed with an ethereal blue light, as a massive tornado of ice erupted from its surface. The swirling vortex tore through the cave, carving a path of destruction and sending Atanasius hurtling into the air.
"You're strong enough to get a variation of this attack," Itsunoko's voice echoed in Ryoshi's mind, urging him to embrace the full extent of his abilities.
Filled with determination, Ryoshi heeded Itsunoko's words, his resolve unwavering as he unleashed his newfound power.
"Skill 4: Frost Twister!!!" Ryoshi exclaimed, his voice resonating with newfound strength as he channeled his energy into a devastating cone-shaped twister of ice.
The icy vortex surged forward with incredible force, its frigid winds lashing out at Atanasius with relentless fury. As the Frost Twister enveloped his opponent, Ryoshi watched with anticipation, knowing that this final, devastating blow would secure their victory and bring an end to their perilous battle.
Ryoshi's determination burned bright as he confronted Atanasius, ready to deliver the decisive blow.
Summoning his ice horse with unwavering resolve, Ryoshi rode through the darkened cave, determination fueling every stride. As he reached the exit and confronted Atanasius, the villain's defiant words echoed through the chamber.
But Ryoshi remained undeterred. With a swift stroke of his blade, he severed Atanasius's right arm, freezing it into solid ice with his newly mastered Ice Reversal technique.
Atanasius's shock was palpable as he realized the tables had turned. Ryoshi pressed the attack, dodging the tendrils of blood summoned by his adversary and delivering a devastating upward slash that sent Atanasius soaring into the air.
Seizing the opportunity, Ryoshi leaped upward, his mastery of matter magic allowing him to leap from frozen air itself. Atanasius's realization came too late as Ryoshi descended upon him, unleashing a relentless barrage of slashes that systematically dismantled his opponent, limb by frozen limb.
In a final, decisive stroke, Ryoshi severed Atanasius's head, leaving the villain defeated and powerless as his frozen form crumbled to the ground, shattered by the force of Ryoshi's victory.
With Atanasius vanquished and the battle won, Ryoshi stood victorious, his strength and technique honed to perfection through the crucible of combat.
Atanasius's voice, laced with disbelief and frustration, reverberated through the cavern's depths. "This can't be happening right now, how am I losing?"
Ryoshi's response was curt, his tone laden with resolve tinged with a hint of resignation. "I don't want to know, but it's time for you to die!"
A surge of defiance rippled through Atanasius's being. "Not yet!!!" he roared.
In a split second, a lethal projectile of crimson fluid erupted from the shadows of the cave, finding its mark with deadly precision, piercing Ryoshi's chest. The force of impact was jarring, wrenching a guttural cough from Ryoshi's lips as blood spilled from his mouth, mingling with the shadows cast by the cavern's dim light. The torrent of mana that had bolstered Ryoshi's strength dwindled, leaving him vulnerable and paralyzed.
Struggling against his immobilized state, Ryoshi spat out his defiance through gritted teeth. "I'll kill you—wait, I can't move!"
With a cruel smirk, Atanasius seized the opportunity to assert his dominance. "Are you surprised? I am far older and more experienced than you. Of course, I can outplay you. You are paralyzed once again, and now, you shall meet your end."
With a sinister flourish, Atanasius conjured a sinewy tendril of blood, its malevolent intent clear as it surged forward, aimed directly at Ryoshi's skull.
Amidst the chaos and impending demise, a voice pierced through the tension, ethereal and tinged with melancholy. I guess this is the first and last time I'll ever talk to you, goodbye Ryoshi.
In the throes of despair, Ryoshi's mind raced, grappling with his impending fate. Don't give up so quickly. I can still—NO! NO! NOOOO! I can't move! I'm sorry, guys. I'm sorry, Mom. I'm sorry to everyone I disappointed in the past! I knew I wasn't ready for this.
The moment hung heavy with impending doom, until an unexpected intervention shattered the suffocating tension. "Sunlight magic: Sun Strike," a voice commanded.
In a blinding flash, a beam of radiant sunlight descended from above, obliterating Atanasius's head in a burst of searing light, extinguishing his life in an instant. The malevolent tentacle of blood twisted and contorted, reverting to its mundane form as Ryoshi crumpled to the ground, his consciousness waning.
As the world blurred into an indistinct haze, Ryoshi's vision dimmed, his senses fading into oblivion.
"Don't worry," a reassuring voice whispered. "You're going to be okay, kid. Just close your eyes."
And with that gentle command, Ryoshi surrendered to the welcoming embrace of darkness, allowing unconsciousness to claim him.