January 14 4005 2:43AM
Deep within the shadowed recesses of the bandit's fortress, Cain and Rhea stood vigilant, their senses attuned to every rustle and whisper in the darkness. Stealth was their ally as they concealed themselves from the watchful eyes of the bandits. With a shared sense of determination, they waited for the opportune moment to strike or slip away undetected, like phantoms in the night. The air was thick with tension, and the faintest creak of a floorboard or the softest murmur of conversation could spell disaster.
Rhea's eyes darted from one corner to another, scanning for any signs of movement. Her breath was measured, her grip on her weapon firm. She knew the stakes were high, and there was no room for error. Cain, equally focused, held his staff at the ready, the subtle glow of mana emanating from its tip. He was prepared to unleash his magic at a moment's notice, but he also understood the need for patience.
In the dim shadows of the bandit's hideout, Rhea maintained her vigilant watch over the bandits, studying their every move with unwavering focus. Meanwhile, Cain reached for a small vial containing a shimmering light blue liquid. As he consumed the potion, a renewed vigor seemed to course through his veins, rekindling his energy and determination.
The light in Cain's eyes flickered with newfound strength, and a resolute expression settled upon his face. The potion's revitalizing effects were unmistakable, fueling his spirit for the impending challenges that lay ahead. Rhea glanced at him, impressed by the potency of the elixir he had chosen.
"What was that?" Rhea asked, her voice barely audible as her ears wriggle.
Cain replied in a hushed tone, "It was a mana potion. I used up some of my mana during the recent battle."
Rhea continued, "Well, anyway, the bandits haven't moved or shown signs of suspicion, but we're like sitting ducks out here. We'll be spotted in no time."
Cain nodded, a playful smirk adorning his face as he whispered, "Right, I know."
Cain swiftly wielded his staff, channeling the essence of magic through his fingertips. Ethereal lights swirled around him and Rhea, creating a mesmerizing display of iridescent colors - white, blue, and cyan - like a celestial dance in the dark. As the luminescent aura enshrouded them, they seemed to transcend the physical realm, becoming intangible beings fading into nothingness before the eyes of the world. Their presence slowly dissolved into the shadows, cloaking them in a veil of invisibility that rendered them elusive and enigmatic. The magic of the spell wove a web of secrecy, masking their existence and making them unseen by any who might cross their path.
"Huh? What happened?" Rhea's voice carried a hint of surprise and curiosity as her ears hardens.
"I put an invisibility spell on us..." Cain's words were hushed, as though guarding their secret.
"Ohh... Do you have a luck spell on you?" Rhea's smirk was barely concealed as she wiggles her tail.
"Are you trying to insult me right now?" Cain's eyebrows furrowed, a touch of irritation in his tone.
"No... no, it's not that..." Rhea's response was light, almost playful.
"Then what is it then?" Cain pressed, curious to know her intention.
"To prevent you from slipping all the time of course..." Rhea's words were filled with suppressed laughter, giving away her jest.
"Oh come on!" Cain couldn't help but react, his exclamation punctuated with a mix of amusement and mock exasperation.
As Cain attempted to grab Rhea, he miscalculated, losing his footing, and plummeting to the ground with a resounding thud. The unexpected noise echoed through the dark passages, catching the attention of nearby bandits, who were now on high alert. Cain's frustration boiled over, and he couldn't help but vent his annoyance at Rhea with a series of exasperated yells.
"Way to go, your bad luck just invited the bandits," Rhea muttered, half teasing and half concerned.
Cain winced in pain, rubbing his head sheepishly. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I can't believe I slipped like that."
Moving with the grace of shadows, Cain and Rhea navigated the bandit's base under the shroud of invisibility. Their movements were a dance of perfect synchrony, gliding past the sentries with uncanny agility. Each step was a whisper, each breath a silent melody, and their keen senses kept them aware of even the faintest sound around them.
As they ventured deeper into the base, they unknowingly crossed paths with Light. Unseen by him, he moved with purpose and determination, his focus set on locating Theseus. His eyes remained emotionless, scanning the hallways filled with bandits, as he continued his pursuit undetected.
As he reached an empty room in the hallways, he slowly sneak across the room from the ceiling, feeling a uncertainness in the room as if someone is watching him, keeping him on guard
Light's senses sharpened as he felt the presence of an unusual aura nearby. His trained instincts kicked in, and he cautiously surveyed his surroundings. The air seemed to hum with an unfamiliar energy, distinct from the bandits he had encountered so far. As his hand rested on the hilt of his sword, a sense of alertness coursed through him.
His suspicions were confirmed when a sudden blur of motion caught his eye. Reacting with lightning speed, he unsheathed his sword, the blade gleaming in the dim light. In a split second, a bullet streaked towards him, its trajectory precise and deadly. Without hesitation, he swung his sword, cutting the bullet in half with deft precision. The two halves of the bullet whizzed past him harmlessly, their momentum fading into nothingness.
Undeterred by the danger, Light retained his composure and maintained his usual emotionless demeanor. He methodically scanned the area, his keen eyes taking in every detail of the surroundings—crates, tables, chairs—until he pinpointed the source of the bullet. His gaze locked onto the sniper assailant, a female with striking purple hair and a face mask concealing her features. She looked surprised by his quick reaction before quickly firing another shot.
With astonishing agility, Light dodged the incoming bullet, gracefully leaping down to the floor. Now face-to-face with his opponent, he prepared to confront her. Despite the tension in the air, he couldn't help but feel a hint of curiosity about the mysterious sniper before him. His training and instincts kicked in, ready to defend himself and neutralize the threat posed by the skilled and enigmatic woman in front of him.
The air crackled with electricity as Light channeled his stellar art -Fulmination Wallop-. His eyes locked onto the sniper assassin, determination in his gaze. In a swift movement, he lunged forward, closing the distance between them with incredible speed. The first hit of his combo landed, a surge of electrifying energy coursing through the blade and into the assailant's body. She winced from the shock but managed to dodge the second strike with uncanny agility.
Undeterred, Light pressed on, launching into the next hit. The third strike landed true, sending another jolt of electricity through the assassin's form. She retaliated with a barrage of bullets, but Light was quicker than the eye could follow. With seamless dodges and a flick of his blade, he deflected each projectile with precision.
His relentless assault continued as he executed the fourth hit of the combo. The assassin tried to counter, but Light's fast dodging skills allowed him to evade her attacks effortlessly. He weaved through the barrage of bullets, closing in on her with a fierce determination.
Now, with the final strike, Light unleashed his art, -Rage Ascension-. Four powerful strikes followed in quick succession, the force of each blow amplified by his mastery of the technique. The assassin attempted to match his speed, but Light's training was unrivaled. His blade met hers with an unyielding force, and the clash of steel echoed through the air.
In the end, Light's skills proved superior. With a final, powerful strike, he disarmed the sniper assassin, sending her weapon clattering to the floor and knocking her mask away. He noticed a hint of familiarity in her features, and when he knocked her mask away, it revealed a face not much different from his own—someone of his age.
In a moment of tense silence, their eyes met, revealing surprise and realization on the girl's face. Light's expression remained stoic, devoid of malice or anger. Despite her attempt to take his life, he showed no intention of doing the same to her. He held his sword at the ready, yet refrained from raising it to deliver a final blow, leaving the girl perplexed and questioning her beliefs.
"Why won't you kill me? Why are you not raising your sword? Why are you sparing me?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.
"Why would I? You're defenseless. There's no point in finishing someone as weak as you," Light responded with his usual emotionless tone.
"That- That doesn't make sense!" the girl exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice.
"Maybe not, but it's my own belief. No one deserves to die, not even that monster, Theseus. So, I'll give you a choice right now. If you want to rest up and pursue me once I leave, you can," Light explained, his stoic expression unchanged.
As she sat there shocked by his choice, Light slowly returned his sword to its sheath and resumed his relentless pursuit of Theseus, leaving the girl lying on the floor, utterly bewildered by his unexpected act of mercy.
"He... didn't kill me?" she thought, her face displaying confusion and a deep gulp betraying her emotions.
Despite her weakened state, Rose clung to her determination, using her last ounce of strength to cast a potent invisibility spell upon herself. Gritting her teeth, she pushed forward, navigating through the dark and treacherous hallways of the base. With every step she took, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest, a mixture of fear and adrenaline surging through her veins.
As she encountered groups of bandits, she moved swiftly and silently, unleashing her hidden strength to knock them out one by one. Her small frame and delicate appearance belied her true prowess, catching the bandits off guard as she struck them with precision and speed. The element of surprise was her greatest ally, allowing her to swiftly cause chaos from within the ranks of Theseus' minions.
Despite the pain and exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm her, Rose pushed forward, her mind focused on the mission at hand. She knew the stakes were high, and failure was not an option.
With every last ounce of strength and mana coursing through her body, Rose mustered all her willpower to kick and knock out as many bandits as she could. Her heart raced with each blow she delivered, knowing that she had to act swiftly and silently to keep her presence concealed. She carefully hid their unconscious bodies in strategic locations, dragging them to secluded spots like the bathroom or behind crates and tables.
Each bandit she dispatched brought both a sense of accomplishment and trepidation. The weight of her exhaustion bore down on her, and her breaths came out in labored gasps. Yet, she refused to surrender to the fatigue, pushing herself beyond her limits for the sake of her friends.
As she finally managed to evade the notice of any other guards in the vicinity, she found a brief moment of respite. Leaning against a wall, she let out a deep sigh of relief, the tension in her muscles finally easing.
"Whew..." Rose whispered to herself, her voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. Her heart still raced from the adrenaline, and her body trembled with the effort she exerted.
Taking a moment to catch her breath, Rose continued her attempts to sow chaos, darting through the hallways under her cloak of invisibility. However, her luck seemed to run out when she stumbled upon the last person she wanted to encounter – Theseus himself.
A shiver ran down her spine as fear gripped her heart. Memories of the emotional and mental torture she endured at his hands resurfaced, causing her vision to blur. Despite the invisibility spell, it was as if he could see right through her, his gaze fixated on her with an intimidating smile playing on his face. In his hands, he held a loaded revolver, ready for any confrontation that came his way.
"Come out now... You're futile attempt to hide from me will be the death of you..." Theseus's words echoed with an intimidating tone, striking fear into her heart.
With her heart pounding in her chest, she desperately sought refuge behind a cluster of crates, hoping they would shield her from the menacing presence of Theseus. Her hands trembled as she clutched her cloak tightly, trying to suppress any sound that might betray her presence.
Theseus, with his gun still in hand, wore a sinister smile on his face, a chilling sight that sent shivers down her spine. The dim light cast eerie shadows on the walls, heightening the tension in the air.
She couldn't afford to make a sound or even breathe too loudly. Every nerve in her body screamed at her to remain still and silent. Her mind raced, contemplating her next move, but fear paralyzed her. As she peered through a small gap in the crates, she saw his figure, a dark silhouette amidst the dimly lit hallway.
"I insist you reveal yourself, or I might not offer mercy. Well, even if you did... There is still a chance this bullet goes through your head... But I'm generous, so I might spare you... Just... Barely," Theseus continued in a dark and menacing tone, further deepening the fear within her.
The memories of her time with Claire, the laughter they shared, and the warmth of their friendship flashed before Rose's eyes as she cowered behind the crates. Her once energetic nature now seemed worlds apart from the fear that gripped her trembling form. Each heavy breath she took seemed to echo through the dim hallway, a stark contrast to her usually composed self.
As her vision blurred, she fought to control her shaking hands. The memories of her past, the happiness she once felt, now felt like a distant dream. Fear had taken over, and she couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped in a nightmare.
Her invisibility slowly faded, leaving her vulnerable and exposed. Every fiber of her being screamed at her to run, to escape this menacing presence that was closing in on her.
Theseus, with his revolver in hand, exuded a sense of power and malevolence. As he methodically reloaded the gun, placing each bullet with a menacing look on his face, Rose's heart pounded even harder in her chest.
She tried to stay as still as possible, blending into the shadows cast by the crates. But fear and panic threatened to give her away. Every creak of the floorboards, every distant sound, made her jump.
In a moment of desperation, she accidentally bumped into one of the crates, causing some shards to spill onto the ground. The small clattering noise seemed to echo throughout the hallway, and Rose's heart sank. She knew she had to act, to make a move, but fear paralyzed her.
She clutched one of the shards in her trembling hand, a small idea forming in her mind. The shard could be her only chance to defend herself, even against a foe as formidable as Theseus. As her mind raced, she waited for the perfect moment to strike, hoping that she could outwit him and escape with her life.
"What are your real intentions, Rose? Tell me what's so important that you'd risk your own life instead of taking the chance to escape?" Theseus's sinister tone sent shivers down Rose's spine, leaving her unable to find the words to respond.
She clutched the magic shards tightly in her trembling hand, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty. The weight of the situation bore down on her, and her thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind. Her plan to attack seemed futile against such a formidable opponent.
As Theseus slowly approached her hiding place behind the crates, his gun cocked and ready, Rose felt a sense of hopelessness enveloping her. She knew she had to do something, but her fear paralyzed her.
Theseus's voice turned hysterical as he continued, "You think standing behind Isaac, the school head, the holy grace, the hero everyone aspires to be, will save you? Do you even know what his actions caused to my entire former team?" His sudden change in tone added to the tense atmosphere.
Rose's breath quivered as she listened to Theseus's menacing words. His intimidating presence and the sudden shift in his tone left her feeling a mix of surprise and escalating fear. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her emotions tangled in a web of uncertainty.
As Theseus recounted his past loyalty and betrayal, Rose couldn't help but empathize with the pain and anger he must have felt. The weight of his words hung in the air, casting a shadow of doubt on her own beliefs. She struggled to grasp the extent of his inner turmoil and the reasons behind his actions.
"I was once loyal to this person, I once looked up to him with my team until he sent us into a death mission, I was the last survivor of the team who devoted their life towards Isaac... That was when I first questioned Isaac..." his deep voice reverberated, sending chills down Rose's spine.
As Rose slowly crawled away, the magic shards clutched tightly in her hands, Theseus's relentless approach filled her with dread. His patience was wearing thin, and the intensity of the situation was palpable.
"I escaped, when I was suddenly invited to join the black scar bandits by their former leader, their mission was similar to mine, to eradicate the hierarchy, so I joined... This is how the world should be... Now tell me, how is our cleansing in any wrong?" Theseus's question hung in the air, his voice carrying a mix of conviction and bitterness.
In the face of his cold logic, Rose's anger flared unexpectedly. Her emotions, a storm brewing within, broke free in a surprisingly angered tone. "Well, I do know that what you're doing is wrong! Your way of threatening and killing people, it's all wrong!"
A smirk formed on Theseus's face as Rose finally spoke up and challenged him. He was getting closer to her position, relishing the confrontation.
In a split second, Rose leaped from behind the crates, her heart pounding with adrenaline. She swiftly took out several magic shards from her left hand and hurled them towards Theseus. The shards surrounded him, creating a mesmerizing display of elemental colors—red, blue, green—scattered on the ground. Theseus was caught off guard, a momentary surprise flickering in his eyes before his menacing smile returned.
Undeterred, Rose cast a light projectile spell and aimed it towards the ground where the shards lay. The impact caused the elemental crystals to explode, producing a radiant explosion of colors. The air was filled with sparkling bits of crystals, shimmering like glitter, catching Theseus off guard once again.
As the colored smoke began to clear, Theseus regained his composure, and his gaze locked onto Rose. She stood her ground, her determination unwavering. She took out more magic shards from her right hand, infusing herself with their power. The shards fueled her strength and replenished her mana, reinvigorating her body for the battle ahead.
In the world of Luminora, magic shards are rare and precious crystalline fragments imbued with potent magical energy. These shards are believed to be remnants of an ancient, powerful source of magic that existed long ago. When harnessed properly, these shards have the ability to empower the user or their allies, granting them temporary boosts in magical abilities, strength, and mana.
Upon consuming or holding the magic shard, the user can tap into its energy to enhance their magical prowess. They may experience heightened spellcasting abilities, faster mana regeneration, and increased physical strength. This surge of power allows them to cast more powerful spells, withstand greater amounts of damage, and fight with unmatched vigor.
The versatility of magic shards extends beyond empowering individuals. When properly attuned, they can be used as projectiles in battle, turning into concentrated blasts of magical energy that can be hurled at foes with devastating force. Additionally, skilled mages can utilize magic shards to create potent explosive devices, turning them into powerful bombs capable of causing destruction on a large scale.
Due to their rarity and immense magical properties, magic shards are highly sought after by various factions and individuals seeking to gain an edge in their endeavors. However, their scarcity also makes them exceedingly not affordable in the open market. Theseus and his bandits, recognizing the potential of these shards, have resorted to stealing them to build an arsenal of power and dominance. The true purpose behind hoarding the shards remains a mystery, but their value is unmistakable, and the quest to control them fuels the conflict in the world of Luminora.
Theseus observed Rose with a mix of curiosity and calculation. Her display of power surprised him, and he now saw her in a different light. The confrontation had taken an unexpected turn, and both of them were ready to continue their clash of wills and abilities.
The air crackled with tension as Rose and Theseus faced off in the dimly lit hallway. Rose held several magic shards in her hands, each one representing a different elemental power. Theseus, on the other hand, gripped his revolver with a sinister grin, seemingly unfazed by her display of magic.
The air crackled with tension as Rose and Theseus faced off in the dimly lit hallway. Rose held several magic shards in her hands, each one representing a different elemental power. Theseus, on the other hand, gripped his revolver with a sinister grin, seemingly unfazed by her display of magic.
Rose wasted no time, summoning her elemental prowess. She unleashed a torrent of flames towards Theseus, who deftly dodged the attack, his movements agile and precise. As Rose switched to water magic, a gushing torrent surged forward, but Theseus's movements were fluid, allowing him to slip through the gaps with ease.
Their fight continued, Rose switching between different elemental spells, each one met with equal ease by Theseus. Despite her best efforts, Rose found it hard to gain the upper hand. Theseus's skills were formidable, and it was clear he had been trained well. As they clashed, Rose couldn't help but call him out.
"They knew the risks when they joined! They sacrificed themselves willingly for a cause they believed in. Don't pretend like you were betrayed!" she shouted, her voice tinged with frustration.
Theseus merely smirked, his eyes glinting with a hint of darkness. "Believed in? Ha! They were all just pawns in Isaac's game. He didn't care if we lived or died; we were expendable to him."
The two combatants circled each other, their breaths heavy with exertion. Rose's mind raced, trying to come up with a strategy to outmaneuver him. She noticed a stack of crates nearby, and an idea formed in her mind. With a swift motion, she directed a gust of wind to knock the crates over, creating a temporary barrier between them.
As Theseus tried to find his way around the crates, Rose seized the opportunity. She called upon the power of the earth and caused the ground beneath Theseus to shift, trapping his legs in solid rock. He struggled to break free, but the earth held him firm.
"You can't run from your past, Theseus. Face it and move on," Rose urged, her voice surprisingly calm despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
Theseus glared at her, his face a mask of anger and resentment. "You know nothing! I'll never forget what he did to me and my team."
As the battle raged on, Rose's energy began to wane. Despite her determination, Theseus's skill with the revolver was unmatched. With a swift shot, he managed to graze her, the bullet finding its mark in her stomach. The pain was intense, but Rose managed to muster enough strength to escape, retreating into the shadows.
Holding her wounded stomach, Rose focused on her healing magic. However, the wound was severe, and her magic could only provide temporary relief. It would take proper medical attention to heal fully.
As she hid from Theseus, he taunted her further. "You can run, but you can't hide forever. Your friend Claire won't be so lucky. She's next on my list."
Rose pressed her back against the cold, damp wall, desperately trying to stifle her pain and quiet her labored breaths. The wound in her stomach throbbed with every movement, and she knew she couldn't stay hidden for long. The room was dimly lit, and the shadows seemed to creep closer, mirroring the fear that enveloped her.
Through the darkness, Rose could hear Theseus's heavy footsteps as he searched for her. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she willed herself to remain silent, praying that he wouldn't find her. Her mind raced, contemplating her next move. She knew she had to warn Claire about the imminent danger.
The clash between Rose and Theseus had left Rose wounded, physically and emotionally. The consequences of their actions weighed heavily on them, and the fight was far from over. In the darkness of the night, they both disappeared, each driven by their own motivations, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Rose's heart pounded in shock as Theseus suddenly spotted her from her hiding spot. With nowhere to run, she found herself cornered, his menacing form closing in on her. His gun was pointed at her trembling form, and the pain in her wounded stomach intensified with each passing second. Fear gnawed at her, knowing that escape was nearly impossible in this dire situation.
Suddenly, a figure descended from the ceiling with astonishing speed and grace. It was Light, emotionless as ever, landing in front of Rose just in time to block the gun with his sword. His face remained stoic, betraying nothing of the thoughts that might have been swirling in his mind.
"Rose! Run!," Light commanded, his voice devoid of any hint of emotion.
Rose hesitated for a moment, torn between her instinct to flee and her desire to stay and help Light. But his stern gaze left her with no choice, and she turned and sprinted away, clutching her wounded stomach.
With his stoic expression remaining unchanged, Light took a firm stance, sword in hand, facing Theseus. There was a certain calmness about him, as if he had faced adversaries like Theseus countless times before. The air crackled with tension as the two opponents locked eyes, a silent challenge passing between them. Despite the odds stacked against him, Light remained undeterred, ready to take on his next adversary with unwavering determination.
As Theseus glared at the interloper before him, Light spoke in his usual calm tone, "You're not going to lay a finger on her..."