The creature stood frozen clutching to its long sword. Nova took the first step forward, destroying the floor beneath.
BOOM
Nova's body creaked under the pressure. She felt her stamina depleting rapidly. 'I got to finish this quick'
Second gear covers her Est in a thin amount of Nox. Therefore, it was not difficult to sustain. However, third gear mixes the two powers equally. Although the output is outstanding, it can't be used for long compared to second gear.
After she discovered Nox, Nova trained diligently to improve her stamina. Now, she could finally practice her new vision, third gear.
WHOOSH
Nova disappeared instantly. The creature looked around madly as it tried to locate her.
SLASH
Her merciless slash formed a gaping wound on its back. The creature cried out as it wildly swung around.
Nova easily dodged all the attacks as if they were in slow motion. She turned and kicked the creature straight in the stomach.
Its body folded on itself and slammed into the wall. The cave shook from the impact. Nova glanced at the small cracks in the ceiling. "I'll end you peacefully so the cave doesn't collapse on me."
"Sword Coat"
Her Arts upgraded as she moved up to third gear. Her dull sliver sword turned into a beautiful medium for her Est and Nox. She approached the crippled creature relaxed. The stoic expression of the stone creature finally broke into complete fear. Its panicked expression got worse as she drew in closer. Finally, Nova stabbed the creature's chest without delay.
With its dying breaths, the creature lifted its weak arms and pointed toward her face.
She turned her head toward the reflection from the creature's sword. She staggered backward.
'Huh?'
The creature finally died, but Nova's attention did not leave the mirror. A creepy grin hung from her face without her knowledge.
***
She dismissed her third gear quickly. Her mouth returned to normal. She remembered another concern she had for Nox, besides stamina.
"Control," she whispered. Whenever she used both powers simultaneously, she felt her Nox try to dominate her Est. Just now in her fight, she felt the struggle.
However, it confused her greatly because she knew her Est and Nox worked in such great harmony like they were made for each other.
She questioned if the Nox was just pretending to be cooperative until it could finally take over.
Nova sighed in defeat. It didn't matter because Nox increased her power so greatly, she wasn't ready to let go of it yet.
'I'll make you submit.' That was the only choice she was willing to take. For now, she would just have to be careful when using large amounts of Nox.
The creature's body disintegrated into the ring. Nova's chest began to pulsate familiarly. A heat engulfed her entire body.
"Oh no-"
Pain took control of her mind and body again. It was the same agonizing pain when her Nox Marble formed. However, this transformation was different.
AHHHHHHHHH
Nova's beastly screams filled the small cave. She focused on the changes within her body. Her Marble inflated and began to produce an astounding amount. A thick dark cloud covered the entire cave area.
She sensed a potential danger from the rampage. Nova gritted her teeth, 'I didn't mean you should go crazy now!' She thought about using her Est, but it was unavailable because her Core simultaneously was upgrading as well.
'What am I supposed to do??' Nova began to freak out internally. The pain began to subside, but her Nox was still rampant.
CREEK
Suddenly, the large double doors swung open on their own. Hunched on the floor, Nova glanced inside. For a moment, she forgot everything.
"Beautiful"
Unlike the dull cave, the room was heavily decorated like a royal place. Tapestry and tall columns covered the entire place. In the middle, there was a lonely tall throne with a sword stuck in.
WHOOSH
Nova immediately hugged her body. The room was frigid cold. Sharp strong winds howled through the room. Ice spears hung from the ceiling.
Time was ticking, and the Nox almost took over Nova's entire body.
"DAMN IT," curses filled Nova's head. 'Am I simply going to end like this? Everything I promised. Everything I wanted. How could it end so soon?' She slammed her fists into the floor angrily.
"I REFUSE"
Nova screamed and fought to suppress her Nox. Pools of blood formed as her insides tore up. She kept going. She couldn't stop.
However, the cold reality was that it did not work. Her Nox slightly wavered, but it quickly resumed its domination. Tears formed as Nova tried and tried but nothing helped. She cursed her weakness.
"AHHHHHHHHHH"
WHOOOSH
Suddenly, the thick cloud of Nox began to disappear. Alarmed, Nova looked around and saw the sole sword on the throne greedily sucking in the Nox. The Nox cloud fought, but it was mercilessly dragged into the room.
Nova stood up. She walked into the room limping. Her torn dirty clothes did nothing to protect her against the harsh winds. However, she did not stop. Possessed, her eyes never moved from the sword.
After an eternity, she arrived in front of the throne. She stood still for a brief moment before she eagerly clasped the hilt of the sword.
She braced herself but instead felt a wave of relief. Instantly, she fell unconscious.
***
Nova woke up startled. She immediately checked her body. Her mouth hung open. She had an affinity!