December 29 4005 7:45PM
"It has been three days since the battle I had with Derek at Darkfire Academy. Ever since then, I've remained vigilant, constantly aware of his presence. Whenever I see him or sense him nearby, my right hand instinctively hovers near the hilt of my sword. Despite his inaction so far, I refuse to lower my guard. I can't afford to underestimate him... I can't risk the safety of those around me by revealing his true nature."
As Light passes by Derek, he notices the menacing gaze directed his way. With unwavering focus, Light maintains his guard, his hand poised near the handle of his sword. The presence of the dark-haired boy sends a chill down his spine, an unsettling feeling that lingers. Nevertheless, Light continues on his path, resolute in his emotionless look to stay alert, even as he heads to his next class. He knows that lowering his guard could have dire consequences, and he refuses to let his vigilance waver in the face of potential danger.
December 29 4005 11:54PM
During the skill mastery class, Gerald, their teacher, delves into a detailed discussion on the significance of strength and the importance of swift weapon movements. The students in the class appear captivated by the lecture, their attention focused on the teacher's words. However, Light's gaze remains fixed on Derek, the memory of their recent battle still fresh in his mind. Lost in his thoughts, Light is oblivious to his surroundings.
Suddenly, a small ball of paper hits Light, causing him to jolt in surprise. "Ow..." he mutters, his attention diverted from his inner musings. He turns to face Claire, who meets his gaze with a fake smile adorning her face. Deep down, she is genuinely concerned about Light, but she tries to hide it behind her facade.
As the teacher continues with the lesson, Light's expression remains unchanged. His face maintains its usual stoic demeanor, devoid of any visible emotions. Claire, observing him closely, finds solace in the fact that Light's outward appearance doesn't betray the turmoil within him. She hopes that he can find some semblance of peace amidst the chaos that surrounds him.
Marcus rises from his seat, intending to leave the classroom. However, Liene catches hold of his sleeve, causing him to turn around in surprise. He notices a rare expression of concern on Liene's typically composed face as she releases his sleeve slowly.
"What's wrong?" Marcus inquires, his curiosity piqued.
"I'm worried about Light," Liene responds with a troubled expression.
Marcus and Liene direct their gaze towards Light, who remains seated with an emotionless yet irritable countenance. He gazes out of the window before forcefully striking his hand on the table and abruptly departing the room, oblivious to the presence of Marcus and Liene. As Light disappears from their sight, Marcus and Liene exchange concerned looks.
"Do you see what I mean?" Liene asks, her worry evident in her voice.
"Well..." Marcus begins, his voice trailing off.
In that moment, Marcus recalls Light's request and halts himself from revealing information about Derek. He stops mid-sentence, substituting his intentions with a forced smile.
"Well, perhaps he's just struggling with the challenging lesson we had today," Marcus suggests, feigning cheerfulness.
Liene regards him with suspicion, easily seeing through Marcus's facade. She sighs, fixing her gaze on him.
"Marcus, Light is well-versed in weaponry," Liene asserts, her tone measured.
"Well..." Marcus stammers, searching for a suitable response.
"Stop it, Marcus... I already know," Liene interjects, cutting Marcus off before he can continue his sentence.
Marcus's normally energetic face grows solemn as he contemplates his next words. His mind races, searching for an excuse or a diversion that could shield Liene from the truth and spare her from unnecessary worry.
"How much do you know?" Marcus asks, his voice filled with sincerity.
"I know everything... about your conversation... and Derek," Liene responds.
Marcus is taken aback by the mention of Derek's name, his body suddenly feeling drained as memories of Derek's devastating magic flood his mind.
"So, you know...," Marcus says, his tone tinged with concern.
Liene finds herself unable to respond, her voice failing her. She looks at Marcus for a moment before shifting her gaze towards the window, lost in thought.
"Come on, let's discuss this outside," Liene suggests, forcing a smile.
Marcus, initially surprised, eventually agrees. The two make their way towards the school's exit, their faces displaying a mix of emotions. They head towards a nearby park and settle on a bench, despite its disheveled and vandalized state. The condition of the bench doesn't bother them as they sit down, ready to delve into a serious conversation.
Marcus ponders for a moment, his gaze fixed on the distance.
"Light, huh?" he wonders aloud, breaking the silence between them.
Liene nods, her worry evident in her eyes. "He's been acting so differently since we returned from Peltas. I've noticed him rushing to class and then disappearing without a trace."
The two of them sit on the bench, a weighty atmosphere hanging in the air. They attempt several times to initiate a conversation, only to falter and hold their words back. The unspoken thoughts between them loom heavy, their concerns for Light lingering unexpressed.
After a moment, Marcus lets out a sigh, breaking the tension. "Light is a complicated guy, isn't he?" he remarks casually, attempting to lighten the mood.
A small smile tugs at Liene's lips, despite her underlying worry. "That's an understatement," she replies, a mixture of fondness and concern in her voice.
With a swift motion, Marcus rises from the bench and extends his hand towards Liene, a warm smile adorning his face.
"Shall we explore a bit?" he asks casually.
Liene's initial surprise transforms into a smile as she accepts his hand, and together they embark on a leisurely walk through the park. The atmosphere is tranquil, the wind gently rustling the leaves, and there is no hint of danger in the air.
As they continue their stroll, Marcus poses a question, his curiosity evident in his voice.
"What do you think makes Light tick?" he ponders aloud.
Liene responds with a thoughtful expression, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
"He's always been enigmatic, hasn't he?" she muses.
Their conversation carries on, the park providing a serene backdrop to their friendly exchange. Birds chirp melodiously, adding a touch of nature's harmony to the scene. Everything seems peaceful and undisturbed until...
A spine-chilling scream pierces the tranquility of the park, causing Marcus and Liene to abruptly halt in their tracks. Their gazes dart around, searching for the source of the distressing sound.
The screams that echoed through the park were not human or of any known race such as elves or dwarves. They were the blood-curdling screams of a mindless, bloodthirsty monster. Without warning, the monstrous creature crashed through the park, its sole intent to kill, causing panic among the people who were unfortunate enough to be in its path. Terrified faces filled the air as they ran for their lives.
Reacting swiftly, Marcus swiftly unslung his scythe from his back, a determined expression etched on his face. With a calculated leap, he propelled himself towards the beast, holding his scythe high. In one swift motion, he drove the blade deep into the monster's back, piercing its flesh.
The monster let out a deafening roar, its rage echoing through the park. It thrashed violently, attempting to dislodge Marcus from its back. However, the deep stab from the scythe prevented him from being thrown off entirely, allowing him to cling on, his grip firm.
"MARCUS!!!" Liene's frantic cry pierced through the chaos.
Liene watched in horror as the monster shook Marcus vigorously, his body at its mercy. The creature's hidden tentacles suddenly emerged, snaking their way towards Marcus. With a sickening grip, they ensnared his arm, wrenching him free from his scythe. The scythe clattered to the ground, just out of Marcus's reach.
"Crap..." Marcus grunted, his voice laced with pain and frustration.
As Marcus struggled to break free from the monstrous grip, desperation fueled his movements. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he resorted to punching the tentacle that held him captive. His strikes landed with determination, but the slimy, resilient flesh of the creature made it a difficult task.
To his horror, the monster opened its mouth, revealing rows of sharp, slimy teeth. It pulled Marcus closer, preparing to devour him. Fear gripped his heart as he stared into the monstrous maw, his life flashing before his eyes.
Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, a glimmer of salvation appeared. A blade tied to a rope swiftly wrapped itself around the monster's tentacles, holding them in place. Before Marcus could fully comprehend what was happening, a second blade pierced through the entangled tentacles, severing one of them. Seven tentacles remained, weakened by the sudden loss.
A cry of agony erupted from the monster as it released Marcus from its grip. He tumbled backward, landing on his back near his fallen scythe. Pain radiated through his body as he clutched his head, groaning in discomfort.
Approaching him with a mixture of relief and hysteria, Liene extended a helping hand, which Marcus gratefully accepted. Her face bore a sarcastic yet appreciative expression as she spoke.
"Sometimes, you remind me of Light..." Liene remarked, her voice tinged with irony.
Marcus winced, expecting an insult, but Liene quickly clarified her statement.
"No, that wasn't an insult. It's a compliment," she explained. "It shows how both you and Light prioritize the well-being of others before yourselves."
A sense of pride washed over Marcus as he absorbed Liene's words. With newfound confidence, he nodded in agreement.
"Well, then I'll take that as a compliment," Marcus replied, his voice tinged with determination.
The ordeal had tested their resilience, but Marcus and Liene stood united, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Their bond strengthened by the shared experience, they knew that together, they could overcome any obstacle that crossed their path.
The monster's tentacles thrashed wildly, aiming to strike Marcus and Liene with relentless force. Swiftly evading the creature's attacks, Marcus anticipated the perfect moment to strike. With a swift and practiced movement, he unleashed his stellar art, -Phantom Assault-, driving the blade deep into the monster's back. Meanwhile, Liene utilized her art, -Nautilus Hook-, propelling herself into the air. With precision and accuracy, she hurled both blades towards the monster's legs, causing it to collapse to the ground.
Seizing the opportunity, Marcus swiftly retrieved his scythe and leaped high into the air. With the expertise of his stellar art, -Grim Reaper-, he descended upon the fallen monster, delivering a powerful slash to its neck. In a single motion, he beheaded the creature, its lifeless body slumping to the ground as its severed head flew and collided with a nearby tree.
Landing gracefully beside Liene, Marcus couldn't contain his excitement and exclaimed, "Awesome!"
Marcus and Liene surveyed their surroundings, taking in the broken fences, toppled trees, and the lifeless body of the beheaded monster sprawled on the ground. The scene was a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of monster appearances in the area.
"Monsters have been appearing more frequently lately," Liene observed, concern etched on her face.
"You're right. This is far beyond what we've seen before," Marcus replied, his voice filled with a mix of determination and worry.
Their momentary respite was shattered by a series of blood-curdling screams echoing from a distance. The screams were unmistakably human, filled with sheer terror that sent shivers down Marcus and Liene's spines.
The chorus of desperate cries reached their ears, punctuated by a sudden explosion that unleashed billowing smoke, indicating the source of the disturbance.
"Liene!" Marcus called out, urgency lacing his voice.
"Right!" Liene responded without hesitation.
With a shared sense of purpose, they sprinted towards the origin of the screams and the ensuing chaos. The deafening screech that grew louder with every step fueled their determination.
Arriving at the scene, Marcus and Liene were met with a grim sight. Monsters roamed the streets, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Craters dotted the landscape, and buildings stood in ruins, bearing witness to the havoc wrought by the monstrous creatures.
"What happened here?" Liene asked, her voice filled with a mix of shock and concern.
Both of them gripped their weapons tightly, ready to engage the menacing monsters that glared at them with murderous intent.
"Liene, are you ready?" Marcus asked, his voice resolute.
"As always," Liene responded with determination in her voice.
As the monsters charged towards them, Marcus lunged forward, wielding his scythe with precision. He deftly dodged the incoming attacks, slashing at the monsters relentlessly with his scythe and using the handle to deliver powerful blows to their heads, momentarily staggering them.
Meanwhile, Liene maintained her position, swiftly hurling her blades at one of the monsters. The blades found their mark, embedding themselves into the creature's flesh, causing it to shriek in pain.
"RAAAAAAAA!" the monster roared, its rage fueling its attacks.
Marcus skillfully evaded the monster's charging attack, narrowly avoiding being rammed. Seizing the opportunity, he continued his assault, slashing at the monster's vulnerable areas with his scythe. With each strike, he weakened the creature, wearing it down.
In a swift motion, Marcus leaped into the air, executing his signature stellar art, -Grim Reaper-. The full force of his attack was unleashed upon the monster, leaving it severely injured and struggling to stand.
At the same time, Liene swiftly dispatched another monster. Using her agility and weapon expertise, she wrapped her blade around the creature, piercing through its skull, and effectively neutralizing the threat.
While engaged in the fierce battle against the horde of monsters, Marcus caught a glimpse of Derek lurking in the forest. A devilish smile played across Derek's face, igniting a surge of determination within Marcus. Without hesitation, Marcus broke away from the fight, leaving Liene to deal with the remaining monsters.
"Hey!" Liene shouted after him, her voice filled with concern.
"I'll be back. I just spotted another monster over here," Marcus quickly lied, his focus solely on reaching Derek.
With swift and purposeful strides, Marcus charged toward Derek, his scythe held high. However, as he closed in on his target, Derek vanished into thin air, leaving Marcus bewildered. Determined not to be deterred, Marcus continued his pursuit, only to find Derek appearing and disappearing behind various trees, taunting him with each elusive move.
"You can't defeat me, Marcus," Derek's voice echoed in Marcus's head, fueling his anger.
This infuriated Marcus even more. With each unsuccessful attempt to strike Derek, his rage intensified. It felt as if he was battling thin air, but Marcus didn't care. He remembered the atrocities Derek had committed: the brutal treatment of Cain, the manipulation of monsters against Light. The memories fueled his fury, causing him to unleash a powerful stellar art, -Grim Reaper-, in a relentless onslaught against Derek. Yet, once again, Derek managed to evade the attack, leaving Marcus and his scythe hurtling toward the trees.
Wounded but undeterred, Marcus crashed to the ground, only to find Derek standing before him, his menacing gaze fixed upon Marcus.
"Oh, Marcus, I hope there are no hard feelings between us. I was only pursuing Light until you decided to interfere," Derek taunted.
"Damn it, Derek! Gahhh!" Marcus roared in frustration, his hand gripping his scythe tightly as he prepared to face his formidable adversary.
With each feeble attempt to strike Derek, Marcus found himself unable to land a blow as Derek effortlessly evaded his attacks. Weakened and drained of energy, Marcus felt the world around him fade to black.
"Stop playing with me, Derek," Marcus uttered through gritted teeth, his anger burning within.
Derek simply smiled, relishing in Marcus's frustration. Without warning, he delivered a powerful kick that sent Marcus hurtling toward a nearby tree, inflicting further injuries upon him. Despite his weakened state, Marcus mustered the strength to rise, determined to confront Derek once more.
"Alright, I can't linger here all day," Derek sneered, summoning a glowing sword into his hand. He raised the blade, preparing to strike Marcus down, his menacing gaze fixed upon his weakened opponent.
"Sorry, again, no hard feelings. You simply got in my way," Derek taunted, his tone filled with cruel amusement.
"Yeah... sorry as well," Marcus responded weakly, his voice tinged with fatigue.
"For what?" Derek questioned, his curiosity piqued.
However, before any answer could be given, a smile spread across Liene's face as she descended from a nearby tree, swiftly hurling her blades at Derek. Yet, to their dismay, Derek vanished once again, leaving them to face his unpredictable presence.
Liene positioned herself protectively in front of the weakened Marcus, defiance in her eyes as she faced Derek.
"Well, how kind of you to join us, Liene, protecting your little friend," Derek sneered, his words laced with malevolence.
"It's something you won't understand, Derek. Now, are we here to stand around or are we going to fight?" Liene responded, her voice resolute and sincere.
Liene readied her kyoketsu-shoge, poised for battle, as Derek's smile grew more menacing. But before he could charge at Liene, his attention suddenly shifted, diverting his gaze elsewhere. He then turned back to Liene, his smile unfaltering.
"Sorry, but this fight must come to an end. As much as I was enjoying it, I have other matters to attend to," Derek remarked casually.
With that, Derek swiftly leaped from tree to tree, disappearing from their line of vision. Liene lowered her guard and rushed to Marcus's side, tending to his wounds, their battle with Derek temporarily halted.
Coughing weakly, Marcus turned his gaze towards Liene, his face bearing a pained expression.
"You're an idiot, aren't you?" Liene replied with a smile, her affection for him evident in her teasing tone.
"Heh, you're looking at a brave idiot here, Liene," Marcus retorted, managing a faint smile despite his injuries.
Liene chuckled softly as she tended to his wounds, her hands gentle and caring. However, her demeanor suddenly changed as she fell into a momentary silence, her gaze fixated on the ground. Marcus noticed the shift in her demeanor and grew concerned.
"What is it, Liene?" Marcus asked, his voice filled with worry.
Liene continued to stare at the ground, a sorrowful expression etched upon her face. Slowly, her gaze shifted towards the injured Marcus, who attempted to move closer to her but winced in pain, exacerbating his injuries.
"Ow..." Marcus groaned, his voice filled with discomfort.
"Don't move, you idiot," Liene scolded gently, placing a comforting hand on the wounded area of Marcus's body.
Suddenly, Marcus's vision began to blur, and he felt himself swaying unsteadily. The world around him seemed to darken, closing in on him.
"Marcus? Wait... MARCUS!!!" Liene's voice rang out, filled with panic and concern.
Marcus gradually sank to the ground, his strength waning. The edges of his vision grew hazy as he slipped into unconsciousness, his surroundings fading into blackness. In the midst of his fading consciousness, he could hear Liene's voice calling out to him, her desperate plea echoing in his ears.
"Marcus!!!" yells the warm feminine voice of Liene