January 13 4005 8:01 AM
In the confines of Light's room, Claire became immersed in the memories of the day before, right before she and Light fell into the clutches of the menacing black scar bandits. The sight of the Adventurer Guild's brown-colored structure outside triggered a faint shiver as she vividly remembered how those very bandits had taken advantage of her eagerness for quests, catching them off guard and subjecting them both to danger and captivity.
However, on this day, Claire's resolve to amend her past mistakes was unwavering. Rising early, she prepared herself to embark on a quest, driven by the intention of obtaining a special gift for Light. A sense of responsibility weighed heavily on her, acknowledging her role in leading him into the perilous quest that had endangered both of them.
"Alright then, here goes..." Claire spoke, her voice a delicate blend of trepidation and unwavering determination.
Upon stepping into the Adventurer Guild, she was greeted by a vivid display of quest posters adorning the walls, each presenting its own distinctive challenge. The array ranged from perilous kill quests that beckoned to her adventurous spirit, to mundane tasks like crop gathering that seemed almost mundane in comparison. However, amidst the typical quests, there were some truly peculiar requests that caught her eye, like companionship quests for video game sessions, which she found oddly amusing and intriguing.
Yet, her focus swiftly shifted as her eyes locked onto an exploration quest that instantly captivated her—a daring expedition to an ancient temple. The allure of unearthing hidden weapon artifacts within its ancient walls enticed her adventurous spirit. The catch was both thrilling and enticing—adventurers bold enough to venture into the treacherous site could claim any artifacts they discovered as their own. With newfound excitement, she firmly made up her mind and snatched the poster, her bright smile expressing her determination as she confidently presented it to the quest giver.
"I'll take this quest, please..." Claire declared, her voice brimming with excitement as she emphatically placed the poster onto the table.
The quest giver was momentarily taken aback, visibly surprised by Claire's assertiveness. "Right..." they replied, still trying to wrap their mind around her boldness.
Without a moment's delay, Claire embarked on her journey to the ancient temple, a mere stone's throw away from the city. Her heart danced with anticipation as she drew nearer to the colossal emerald structure that towered above her, an imposing sight that left her breathless.
The temple's weathered golden walls, cloaked in a lush carpet of moss, bore enigmatic runes and symbols that seemed to whisper ancient secrets. Each step closer drew Claire into a realm of mystery and intrigue, heightening her curiosity and caution in equal measure. With a deep breath, she steadied her nerves, feeling a surge of determination to confront whatever challenges awaited her within the dark and ominous structure. Undeterred by the prospect of venturing alone, she embraced the thrill of the unknown and stepped forward into the temple's enigmatic embrace.
Clutching her bow tightly, Claire stepped into the temple's interior, only to be met with an oppressive, suffocating atmosphere. The flickering torches on the walls cast eerie shadows that seemed to dance around her, heightening her sense of unease. Cautiously, she moved forward, her eyes darting around, vigilant for any hint of danger. Every step echoed through the empty halls, each sound amplifying her nerves, leaving her on edge and anxious.
As Claire delved deeper into the temple's heart, an overwhelming sense of foreboding enveloped her. The once subtle feeling now intensified, and she found herself face-to-face with an array of cunning traps designed to test her every skill and wit. The ancient architects of this place had left behind a lethal puzzle, and Claire's survival depended on her resourcefulness and sharp instincts.
The first challenge lay in the treacherous floor, with hidden pressure plates lurking beneath the stones. Each step required caution and precision, as triggering one of these plates would unleash a deadly pitfall beneath her feet. Her reflexes were put to the test as she deftly navigated the hazardous ground, inching forward with painstaking care.
Moving forward, she encountered a new peril. The walls seemed to hold secrets of their own, concealing slits from which concealed arrows shot forth without warning. Only through keen observation and lightning-fast reactions did she manage to evade these deadly projectiles, each narrowly missing their mark. The tension hung thick in the air, and Claire's heart pounded with every step she took.
Her journey through the temple demanded not just physical prowess, but also strategic thinking. Each twist and turn presented a new trial, requiring her to analyze patterns and anticipate danger. The pressure to overcome these life-threatening challenges pushed her to summon depths of courage she didn't know she possessed.
With each step she took, doubts and insecurities clawed at the edges of Claire's mind, questioning her readiness for the looming challenge ahead. Yet, she staunchly refused to let those feelings overtake her. The training she had undergone, the countless hours honing her skills, had prepared her for this very moment, and she was determined not to falter.
As she ventured deeper into the temple's labyrinthine halls, an unsettling low growl reverberated through the air, causing her heart to skip a beat. Her breath caught in her throat as a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, revealing itself to be a devil wolf—a monstrous creature that was the embodiment of ferocity and malevolence. Its eyes glowed with an intensity that could pierce the darkest abyss, leaving no doubt that it was a fearsome guardian, unyielding in its determination to protect the precious artifact from intruders like Claire.
The devil wolf's appearance sent a shiver down her spine, yet she stood her ground, determined to face this formidable opponent head-on. Its fur bristled with untamed fury, and its sharp fangs glistened menacingly in the dim light. The sight of its gnarled claws was enough to send chills down her spine, but she refused to be paralyzed by fear.
In that tense moment, time seemed to stand still. Claire's eyes locked with the creature's, and a silent understanding passed between them—that only one of them would emerge victorious from this confrontation. The weight of the quest and the stakes at hand bore heavily on her, but she drew strength from her unwavering resolve.
As adrenaline coursed through her veins, she gripped her bow with a firm hand, her mind a flurry of strategies. She knew she had to stay nimble and clever in order to outwit the devil wolf's cunning attacks. She took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage within her, and with a battle cry echoing through the halls, she launched herself into the harrowing encounter, ready to face the fierce guardian and claim the artifact she had come so far to find.
"I... I can do this," Claire whispered to herself, her voice quivering with nerves. Determined to face the challenge head-on, she notched an arrow and drew her bow, trying her best to steady her trembling hands.
With astonishing speed, the creature lunged at her, catching her off guard. However, Claire's instincts kicked in, and she managed to sidestep the attack just in the nick of time. She released an arrow, but it only grazed the tough hide of the guardian, barely leaving a mark. The creature's roar reverberated through the air, spiking her adrenaline.
With her heart pounding, Claire relied on her agility and focus, evading the relentless attacks of the creature while retaliating with precise shots from her bow. Her mind was consumed by the intensity of the moment, each movement and decision critical to her survival. The weight of the quest and the responsibility she carried felt almost overwhelming, but she pushed forward with unwavering determination.
Summoning her expertise, she executed her stellar art -Precision Strike-, hitting the creature with unparalleled accuracy. The guardian staggered, giving her the opening she needed. Gathering every ounce of strength, she unleashed her final arrow, aimed directly at the creature's weak spot.
The arrow found its mark, causing the creature to howl in pain before collapsing to the ground. It was defeated, lying unconscious but still breathing. Emotions welled up within Claire, a mix of relief and triumph, as she stood victorious over the formidable guardian.
"Serves you right!" she exclaimed triumphantly, her voice echoing through the temple halls.
Amidst the moss-covered golden walls of the temple, Claire continued her upward climb, following the path illuminated by the bright, ethereal golden light that filtered through the ancient ruins.
In an instant, her gaze was drawn to something peculiar in the distance. There, she spotted a pedestal, standing solitary amidst the crumbling architecture. On top of it rested a strange and captivating blade, its silver edges gleaming in the dim light like a beacon calling her forth.
Without hesitation, she rushed towards the pedestal, drawn by an inexplicable force. As she approached the ancient relic, she stood in awe of the sword's magnificence. The hilt was adorned with intricate engravings, hinting at a long-forgotten history. As she reached out to grasp the blade, its weight surprised her. Despite its heft, she raised it with both hands, her face breaking into a smile through her exhaustion and nerves.
The sword felt familiar in a way that transcended time and space, reminding her of someone special to her—Light. It was as if the spirits of these two ancient weapons were connected, bridging the past and the present. The significance of this find was not lost on Claire, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of destiny in her possession of this extraordinary blade. Though wearied by her journey and the challenges she had faced, her heart was filled with a singular purpose—to present this precious gift to Light.
Having completed her exploration of the ancient temple, braving traps and facing various creatures among its golden walls, Claire triumphantly returned to the quest giver. Task accomplished, she received her well-deserved reward. To her surprise, since the quest was an exploration task, she was allowed to keep the artifact—the gleaming but weighty sword named Everglaive—as an additional token of recognition for her efforts.
As she held the precious blade in her hands, her mind was set. She knew exactly whom she wanted to gift it to—Light, who lingered in her thoughts constantly. However, she realized that the timing had to be perfect. She didn't want to present it hastily or casually, especially after her return with scratches and weariness from her adventurous endeavor.
Finally, the opportune moment arrived. It was a night spent together in his room, after lying next to him. As he prepared to confront the menacing black scar bandits who had taken them hostage, she chose that pivotal moment to give him Everglaive. It was a symbolic gesture of belief for him despite worrying and potentially losinh him, but it was a way of telling him that she would no longer hold him back from risking himself for the greater good. Just like his unwavering resolve, she wanted him to know that her faith in him was absolute.
As Light carefully moved through the rooftops, he relied on the glint of Everglaive's blade in the moonlight to guide his way. Each step was calculated and deliberate, his senses honed to detect any signs of the Black Scar Bandits' base of operations. The night air was crisp, and a sense of determination filled his heart as he prepared to confront the dangerous gang responsible for causing chaos in the city.
Unbeknownst to Light, a shadowy figure moved with supernatural grace nearby. Cloaked in darkness, they seemed to blend seamlessly into the night, leaving no trace of their presence. Their keen eyes observed Light's every move, watching him from a distance with an air of mystery.
January 14 4005 1:08AM
Meanwhile, emerging from his dorm, Marcus heard the sounds of a fierce battle between Cain, Rhea, and a swarm of bandits. Unfazed by the sight of the tied and unconscious bandits, he continued through the dark, cold hallways.
Gripping his scythe firmly, he moved cautiously, eyeing the rooms with suspicion. As he anticipated, a dark figure leaped from the shadows, wielding a massive longsword. Marcus skillfully parried the attack with his scythe, pushing the assailant back.
Bracing himself, Marcus prepared for a battle against this unknown figure. The assailant charged once more, but Marcus deftly blocked the attack once more. Seizing an opportunity, he leaped forward, catching the figure off guard and swinging his scythe towards him. However, the assailant managed to block the strike with his sword.
"You're not Kazuki..." the assailant said in a slightly disappointed, manly voice.
Confused, Marcus responded, "Kazuki?" his voice tinged with bewilderment.
The man gracefully leapt a few feet away from Marcus, quickly circling around him, while Marcus readied himself with his scythe at the ready, anticipating an attack.
As the man moved with remarkable speed and agility, Marcus found his silent and swift movements intriguing; it was as if he glided soundlessly through the air, leaving no trace of his steps.
Without warning, the man charged at Marcus, brandishing his sword in a determined attack. Marcus reacted swiftly, narrowly evading the strike, causing the assailant to stumble and fall.
Remaining calm, Marcus confronted the mysterious figure, his scythe still in hand. "So, you're from the Dark Scar Clan that took us hostage?" he asked in a composed tone.
The assailant smirked in response, "Well, I suppose Kazuki isn't here, so I suppose you'll do just fine..."
Perplexed, Marcus inquired, "Fine for what?" His curiosity piqued by the cryptic response.
Without waiting for a response, the man swiftly jumped to his feet and unleashed a series of rapid and unfamiliar attacks. He gracefully leaped around the room, releasing a flurry of slashing maneuvers. Marcus skillfully countered the assault, employing his -Phantom Assault- art to match the assailant's onslaught with an equal number of slashes.
"What's wrong, overwhelmed by me?" taunted the assailant with a hint of arrogance.
"Let me rephrase that..." Marcus calmly responded.
Initially, the encounter seemed challenging for Marcus as his opponent exhibited remarkable strength. However, with a powerful swing of his scythe, Marcus gained the upper hand, sending the unknown assailant reeling back. In the process, the man's hood fell away, revealing his face to Marcus, who looked on with surprise.
"Surprised someone as old as you is a bandit?" the man taunted, a devilish smile on his face.
The man turned out to be as old as Marcus, with brown hair and a deceptively youthful face that was marred by his menacing smile. Marcus tightened his grip on his scythe, refusing to let his guard down. The bandit lunged towards him, sword pointed directly at Marcus, but he swiftly intercepted the attack, knocking the bandit hard against the wall.
"Well, that was a hassle..." Marcus grumbled.
The bandit shook his head, clearly shocked by Marcus' strength. As Marcus approached, the bandit grabbed him by the shirt and pushed him against the wall.
"Who are you!" Marcus demanded, his voice filled with intensity.
"I-I am Akira, a bandit general for the Black Scar Clan," the bandit stammered, trying to maintain his composure. "Hehe, you're in serious trouble for this..."
"Trouble my ass! Tell me where your boss is!" Marcus shouted, his patience wearing thin.
"I'd die first before I tell you!" Akira, the bandit general, responded with a deep, angered tone.
With deliberate slowness, the bandit reached for his longsword using his left hand. But Marcus, quick to react, promptly threw a punch, knocking him out and rendering him unconscious on the floor.
As the bandit fell, Liene rushed to the scene, drawn by the sounds of metal clashing. She found Marcus standing there, scythe in hand, and the unconscious bandit before him. Grabbing his scythe, Marcus turned to face Liene.
"Marcus!" she called out, her voice tinged with a mixture of relief and worry.
"Oh hey..." Marcus responded casually, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern as he looked at Liene.
Approaching him, Liene glanced at the bandit on the floor, her heart still racing from the adrenaline of the moment. Her eyes then met Marcus's, searching for reassurance.
"I-is he..." she began, her voice soft and filled with concern, unsure if the bandit was seriously hurt.
"He's alive, it was only a strong punch," Marcus interjected, his voice steady and calm. He wanted to alleviate her worries, knowing that the situation had been intense and unsettling for both of them. His words carried an unspoken understanding between them, a reminder that he would do whatever it took to protect her and ensure their safety.
Liene's worry began to ease, but she couldn't shake off the lingering adrenaline rush. The encounter had been unexpected, and Marcus's swift reaction had impressed her once again. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
In the midst of their intense battle aftermath, the faint sound of Isaac's commanding voice reached their ears, a distant echo that sparked both curiosity and concern.
"I wonder what that could be..." Liene pondered, her voice tinged with a mix of intrigue and trepidation.
"Wonder no more..." Marcus responded with genuine excitement, his eyes alight with a hint of adventure.
In an instant, Marcus sprang into action, rushing toward the direction of the elusive voice, his determination driving him forward. Liene was taken aback by his sudden move, but she couldn't help but feel a rush of admiration for his unwavering spirit.
"Umm hey!" she called out, trying to catch up to him.
"You can stay here if you want!" Marcus called back, his voice brimming with energy and eagerness.
"Like I'd let you have all the fun..." Liene retorted playfully, her heart warming at the thought of standing by Marcus's side through whatever challenges they faced.
Together, they followed the sound, their footsteps resonating with purpose and camaraderie. As they arrived at the control room, a flood of memories washed over Liene. This place held significance — it was where she and Claire had their first encounter with the bandits, a moment that had changed their lives forever.
"This... This was the room where me and Claire first encountered the bandits..." Liene pointed out, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and determination. The memory of that encounter lingered in her mind, a testament to how far they had come since that fateful day.
As they stood in the familiar room, their shared history, and the trials they had faced together, bonded them even further. Their emotions ran deep, and the unspoken connection between them spoke volumes. Each challenge they overcame strengthened their resolve and deepened their trust in one another.
Marcus glanced at Liene, then turned his attention back to the closed door of the control room. He knew they couldn't stand idle for long.
"Well, we can't stand here all night..." Marcus remarked, urging them to take action.
With a determined push, Marcus and Liene entered the control room. The scene that greeted them was one of pandemonium—staff members in a state of panic, red emergency lights flashing, and computers frantically displaying vital information. Amidst the chaos, Isaac remained remarkably composed, calmly instructing the staff to stay vigilant and carry on with their work.
Marcus and Liene were taken aback by the disorder and confusion in what should have been an organized and secure facility. The sight was even worse than what they had witnessed among their fellow students during the attacks.
Isaac turned toward them, his calm demeanor unwavering, despite their unauthorized presence in the room. His face was humble, and there was no hint of anger or annoyance in his expression, even in the midst of such turmoil. Clutching a dusty book in his hands, he observed the escalating chaos with a steady gaze beneath his worn glasses.
"So I suppose you're curious about the situation we're in right now?" Isaac said in a calm tone, addressing them by their names, Seibato and Tanaka.
"Yes, w-we are, sir..." Liene responded, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness.
"Please, leave the formalities. I don't see myself as hierarchal..." Isaac pointed out, his voice gentle and reassuring.
"R-right..." Liene replied, feeling a sense of relief as she let go of the formality. The tension in the room seemed to lessen slightly, as if Isaac's calm demeanor had a soothing effect on the chaotic atmosphere.
Despite Liene's nervous demeanor in front of the school head, Marcus remained composed as he scanned his surroundings before turning his attention back to Isaac.
"So what is the situation happening right now?" Marcus inquired, his voice steady.
"As all of you have noticed, with a press of a button, Theseus can blow up the entire academy... So you may be wondering the reason for that or how he is in control..." Isaac began to explain.
Marcus and Liene exchanged glances, absorbing the seriousness of the situation before nodding in acknowledgment. Liene was still feeling a bit formal and nervous, while Marcus maintained his cool and informal demeanor. Isaac closed his eyes briefly, as if gathering his thoughts, before continuing.
"As Tanaka here or Liene here remembers, we had an attack before this situation we are in occurred or way before the Derek situation even happened. She, Enheart, and Graystone went to stop the sudden attack of the Black Scar bandits but to no avail. Theseus and his men successfully hacked into our systems and escaped, gaining access to our self-destructive systems..." Isaac explained.
"Why would the school system even incorporate that kind of tech in academies?" Marcus asked, expressing frustration.
"Demolition purposes, but even I agree it's a terrible idea. It may be used for other purposes, but right now, we are trying to hack back the systems and reclaim our administrative credentials without being detected by Theseus and his men. That is why this room is erupting into a spiraling chaos..." Isaac calmly clarified, even amidst the panic of the staff members.
"Hacking, is it? I can take care of that," Marcus declared confidently.
Approaching the main computers amidst the frantic crowd of staff members, Marcus cracked his knuckles with determination. Liene watched in shock as he placed his fingertips on the hard buttons of the computer keyboard and began typing rapidly, the tactile sound of the keys resonating in the room.
"Well, I suppose one more help wouldn't hurt..." Isaac said.
"I-I believe so..." Liene responded, slowly stepping closer to Marcus, who displayed an unexpectedly sincere look on his face. His fingers danced across the keyboard, each stroke bringing them one step closer to reclaiming control of the systems from the clutches of Theseus.
Amidst the tension and urgency, Claire's heart raced as she quietly slipped into Light's room. Her fingers brushed against the soft fabric of his hoodie, and a shy smile tugged at her lips. She carefully donned the brown hoodie, a subtle attempt to blend in and protect herself from the watchful eyes of the bandits. With her bow clutched in her hands and a bundle of quivers over her shoulder, she readied herself for the daring mission ahead.
"Don't worry, Light... I'm coming," Claire whispered softly, her expression a mix of determination and genuine concern as her thoughts lingered on him.
Eyes darting around, she steeled herself against potential threats. With determination blazing anew, Claire dashed down the dimly lit hallways, the fabric of the borrowed hoodie billowing behind her like a cape. Her steps were fueled by Light's unwavering dedication to protect others.
"That's right, Light would never give up... So do it... I won't give up," Claire thought, her mind clear and resolute as she sprinted through the echoing corridors.
She fumbled for her phone and deftly accessed a tracking application. Her mind raced as she recalled slipping a tracker onto the sword she had gifted Light. The thought of following his trail spurred her forward, her determination echoing in every stride.
In the distance, a scarlet-haired girl observed from a rooftop, her presence cloaked in intrigue as she held a rapier in her hand.
"Well, this should be interesting..." the red-haired girl murmured, a mixture of curiosity and challenge in her velvety voice.
Meanwhile, as Light arrived at the bandits' base, a sense of urgency filled the air. Claire was still hot on his tail, rushing through the city streets, determined to keep track of him. With his emotionless demeanor, Light scaled the walls of the base using his swift acrobatic skills, blending into the shadows as he swung across the complex, a silent phantom amidst the chaos.
His new sword, Everglaive, felt different in his hands compared to his old blade, Metalink Sword. It wasn't a matter of weight or balance, but something deeper. Everglaive carried with it the weight of responsibility, a blade that Light willingly shouldered as he sought to protect the academy and all the students within it.
Amidst the dark halls of the bandit's lair, he encountered a couple of guards. With deft precision, Light incapacitated them using the handle of his sword. He refused to take their lives, opting instead to knock them out, their bodies crumpling soundlessly to the floor. His actions spoke volumes about his resolve to save others, even those who stood in his way.
As he continued his pursuit, a silent dialogue played out within his mind. Emotionless on the outside, inside, he carried a weight of determination and responsibility. He knew the stakes were high, and he was ready to risk everything to prevent Theseus from enacting his catastrophic plan.
The thought of millions of innocent lives at risk fueled his relentless pursuit. Each step he took was infused with a sense of purpose—to stop Theseus and his men, to protect the academy and all its students from the impending disaster.
Deep within his dark cold heart, Light knew that this mission required sacrifices, and he was prepared to make them. He understood that the road ahead would be perilous and uncertain, but he was resolute, knowing that he had the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As he pressed on through the bandit's stronghold, every move he made was calculated, every strike deliberate. He knew that time was of the essence, and the fate of the academy rested on his shoulders. And so, with the silent support of Claire still tracking him from afar, he pushed forward, unwavering in his determination to safeguard the lives of so many, even if it meant risking his own.
From a distance, a figure shrouded in shadows kept a watchful eye on Light's every move. Clutching a dagger tightly in its hand, the mysterious observer followed Light's path through the base of the bandits. The glint of determination in its eyes matched the intensity of the situation, and an air of anticipation hung in the air.
As Light navigated through the complex, the watcher's gaze remained fixed, analyzing his every action. The dagger in its hand served as a silent reminder of the potential danger that lurked in the shadows. Whatever their motives, they were clearly invested in the unfolding events, and their presence added an extra layer of intrigue to the already tense atmosphere.
Unseen and unnoticed, the figure remained in the periphery, biding its time and waiting for the opportune moment to reveal its intentions.
"Light..." In a soft, feminine voice, the figure spoke. As she turned to depart, a hint of white hair peeked out from beneath her hood.
The cold, damp room felt suffocating as Rose strained against the rough ropes that bound her wrists. Her heart raced, and her mind raced even faster as she sought a way out of her captivity. With a deep breath, she focused her energy, and a faint glow emanated from her fingertips.
The ropes began to smolder, and she could feel the heat against her skin. "Come on, come on," she whispered under her breath, urging her weak magic to do its job.
Finally, the ropes gave way, and she pulled her hands free with a sigh of relief. She knew she had to move quickly; her captor wouldn't be gone for long. Carefully, she tiptoed across the room, her every step a silent prayer that she wouldn't be detected. The floorboards creaked beneath her weight, and she held her breath with each noise. The bandit had left the room, likely to eat or take a break from guarding her. This was her chance.
As she made her way through the hideout, she encountered other bandits, but her weak spells were still enough to knock some of them out. Her heart pounded with fear and adrenaline as she moved like a ghost among them, going unnoticed and unseen. Doubt gnawed at her, wondering whether she should make her escape or use her captivity to her advantage. But the thought of causing chaos from the inside, of fighting back against those who had imprisoned her, fueled her determination.
"I can't let them get away with this," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling with resolve.
As she reached a central area of the hideout, she found herself facing a group of bandits. There were too many to knock out with her spells alone. She took a deep breath and summoned all her courage.
"You'll pay for what you've done!" she shouted, her voice carrying the weight of her anger and frustration.
The bandits turned to her, their faces contorting with surprise and rage. She could feel her heart racing as the adrenaline surged through her veins. She didn't have much time before they would close in on her. With all her might, she unleashed a barrage of spells, aiming for their feet and creating barriers to slow them down.
She fought with everything she had, ducking and dodging, casting spells with her every breath. Despite her fear and her weakness, she refused to back down. The bandits underestimated her, but she was determined to prove them wrong.
Rose's heart raced as she prepared to use her captivity to her advantage. She had escaped her bonds, but instead of making a run for it, she chose to stay and fight.
"Claire, Liene, Cain... I'm sorry but I have to do this..." Rose's thoughts weighed heavily on her as she prepared to carry out her plan.