January 14 4005 3:51AM
In the dimly lit control room, Marcus had pushed himself to the limits. He had been tirelessly hacking away at the computer, his body weary and yearning for rest, but his mind driven to complete the task at hand. Exhaustion had finally caught up with him, and with his head resting on the keyboard, he surrendered to sleep.
As he slowly stirred awake, he felt disoriented, his vision initially blurry before the world came into focus. The screen in front of him displayed a labyrinth of letters and numbers, a puzzle that demanded his attention. Marcus knew he had a critical task to finish, and his mind, despite the fatigue, refused to relent.
Suddenly, a gentle hand rested on his shoulder, causing him to startle from the unexpected touch. He turned to find Liene by his side, her comforting presence a reassuring sight. She had brought him a cup of coffee, just like hers, a gesture that spoke volumes of her care and concern for him. The warmth of her gaze softened the tension in his body, a moment of solace amidst the relentless pursuit of his mission. Liene placed the steaming cup of coffee on the desk beside Marcus's computer, the aroma wafting through the air, invigorating his senses.
"Oh, hey, it's you..." Marcus muttered, feeling a mix of annoyance and surprise.
"Don't be so rude, I went to the liberty of even bringing you this coffee..." Liene retorted, her tone holding a hint of irritation.
"Then why are there two cups?" Marcus inquired, still not fully appreciating her gesture.
"For me, obviously!" Liene exclaimed, her frustration evident.
"Like hell! You did absolutely nothing! I did all the work! In fact, those two cups should be all for me!" Marcus ranted, his voice tinged with a whining tone.
As the words left his mouth, Marcus almost saw his life flash before his eyes. The room seemed to darken as he witnessed the intensity of Liene's death glare directed at him. He watched in slow motion as she clenched her fist, the air crackling with tension. And then, with a force he didn't expect, her fist made contact with his face, sending him tumbling to the floor.
Marcus winced in pain as he landed hard on the ground, feeling the sting of the blow. His cheek throbbed with every heartbeat, and he couldn't believe what had just happened. Liene, normally so gentle and kind, had unleashed her frustration in a single punch, leaving him dazed and embarrassed.
"What did you say about me!?" Liene's voice boomed, the anger evident in her deep tone.
"Ow! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Marcus yelled apologetically, trying to calm her down.
"How dare you! I took my time to buy you this!" Liene yelled, her frustration pouring out.
"Alright, geez... I was only joking... Anyway, thanks for the coffee," Marcus responded, realizing he had touched a nerve.
"You're... welcome..." Liene replied, her anger subsiding a bit, replaced by a faint blush.
Marcus took the coffee cup from the desk, grateful for the much-needed boost. As he sipped the warm liquid, he felt a renewed sense of energy coursing through him. The tiredness that had been weighing him down seemed to fade away slowly. Liene pulled a chair and placed it next to Marcus, taking a seat.
"So, how's the progress?" Liene asked, trying to make sense of the technical jargon.
"It's going great, I guess... I'm making slow but significant progress, though the clan has some strong security which gave me a difficult time to go through their systems..." Marcus explained, trying to simplify his words for her.
"Right, I didn't understand a single word you said... But seems like you've been hard at work..." Liene replied with a smile on her face, despite not fully grasping the details.
Marcus continued typing on the keyboard, each keystroke contributing to the gradual breaking down of the clan's security. Lights flashed on the screen, lines of code forming and rearranging as he skillfully navigated through the intricate layers of protection.
Liene sat by his side, watching in awe at the flurry of activity on the screen. While she might not understand the technical aspects, she could appreciate the effort and dedication Marcus put into his work. As she observed him, a mixture of admiration and concern washed over her.
Meanwhile, Claire and Scarlet gracefully touched down at the base of the bandits, their arrival initially unnoticed in the bustling chaos. But the brief respite was swiftly shattered, and the ground seemed to stir with tension. Like a hive of agitated bees, the bandits emerged from their hidden posts, encircling the two intruders.
Unfazed, Claire and Scarlet stood firm, ready to face the impending threat. With deft movements, Claire swiftly retrieved arrows from her quiver, her bow, Aurora Zephyr, at the ready. Beside her, Scarlet assumed a skilled and poised stance, her rapier gleaming, prepared to defend herself with the precision of a seasoned fighter.
"Well, well, look what we have here," sneered one of the bandits, stepping forward with a wicked grin. "A couple of lost souls wandering into our territory."
Scarlet's eyes blazed with determination, her fiery red hair reflecting the sincerity in her words. "We're not lost, far from that, actually because we're here to put an end to your vile deeds."
The bandits erupted in derisive laughter, forming a tight and taunting ring around the duo, their weapons raised in menacing display. Claire's heart pounded like a war drum in her chest as her mind raced, desperately seeking a way to break free from the suffocating encirclement. The odds were stacked against them, but surrender was never an option in her mind. The burden of responsibility bore heavily on her shoulders, but she found strength in the unwavering support of her companion, Scarlet. Together, they stood resolute against the encroaching darkness, their spirits unyielding in the face of adversity.
"Last chance to walk away," the bandit leader sneered, motioning for his men to advance.
"Nope, we're staying right here... So you're gonna be dealing with us..." Claire responded defiantly, her voice laced with determination, her voice resonated with unyielding determination as she stood her ground, her words a proclamation of her resolve.
As the bandits charged toward them, Claire's eyes gleamed with steely determination. She swiftly drew ten arrows from her quiver and pointed her bow, Aurora Zephyr, skyward. With a powerful release, she triggered her stellar art -Shooting Stars-. The arrows arced through the air like celestial bodies, raining down upon the onrushing bandits. Each well-aimed shot found its mark, hitting the bandits' feet and trapping them in their tracks. With unparalleled speed, she reached for more arrows, sending them flying with precision to immobilize as many bandits as possible.
Beside her, Scarlet exhibited her own mastery of the rapier. With agile movements, she artfully aimed for non-fatal spots on the attackers, employing her art -Sting-. Her strikes hit with calculated precision, causing the bandits to wince and falter, effectively neutralizing their threat without causing lasting harm. One by one, the bandits fell to the ground, subdued and rendered unconscious by Scarlet's swift and strategic parries.
In the heat of the battle, a bandit lunged at Scarlet with an axe, catching her off guard. The threat was imminent, but before the axe could strike, the sound of twanging bowstrings filled the air. Claire's swift reflexes saved the day as her arrows found their mark, sending the bandit stumbling back, narrowly missing a fatal blow. Taking advantage of the momentary reprieve, Scarlet gracefully counterattacked with her rapier, landing a precise strike that rendered the bandit unconscious.
As the dust settled, Claire's keen eyes surveyed the scene. Three more bandits closed in, ready to take advantage of any vulnerability. Claire's heart raced as she focused her mind and her bow. With determination etched on her face, she drew three arrows from her quiver. Her fingers danced with practiced precision as she fired one arrow after another, triggering her skill -Swiftshot Precision-. Each arrow found its mark with unerring accuracy, incapacitating the bandits and leaving them helpless on the ground.
The adrenaline rush of the battle gradually subsided, and a sense of relief washed over Claire. She turned to Scarlet, a smile of triumph and gratitude on her face. "Well, that takes care of them," Claire said with a mix of relief and pride.
A poignant silence enveloped the air as Scarlet and Claire exchanged glances. In the depths of their eyes, unspoken emotions swirled, a testament to the bond they had forged on their journey together. Yet, Scarlet's formal expression hinted at an impending farewell, leaving Claire puzzled and her heart heavy.
"Well, Claire... I guess this ends our journey together..." Scarlet's voice wavered slightly, betraying the emotions she tried to conceal. Claire's confusion grew, and her mind raced to grasp the sudden turn of events.
"What? Why?" Claire's voice trembled, a mix of hurt and uncertainty surfacing in her words. She couldn't fathom why their path together was coming to an end, and the possibility tore at her heart.
"I have my own objective to attend to, and I'm guessing you have yours too," Scarlet replied, her voice tinged with a sense of duty and determination. Claire's grip tightened around her bow, a symbol of the strength and resilience she had found during their journey.
As much as she understood the importance of individual goals, the thought of being separated from Scarlet filled her with a profound sense of loss.
As Scarlet swiftly moved away, leaping through the structures with a graceful ease, Claire's heart urged her to call out, to run after her dear friend. "Scarlet, wait!" she implored, her voice carrying the weight of the connection they had shared. But her plea seemed to drift away, unanswered, as Scarlet moved further away from sight.
Left standing alone in the vastness of their surroundings, Claire wrestled with her emotions. She knew that she too had a purpose, to support Light in his fight, to stand by his side as a loyal companion. Her resolve strengthened, but a part of her yearned for the familiar presence of Scarlet.
With a deep breath, she clutched her bow, a symbol of their enduring friendship, and rushed into the building. Her steps were guided by the promise to aid Light, the driving force behind her purpose. As she ventured forward, she held onto the memories of her journey with Scarlet, knowing that those cherished moments would forever shape her path.
At the same time, after a relentless pursuit, Light finally stood face to face with Theseus, the leader of the group he loathed the most. Theseus, with a confident swagger, cocked his gun, preparing for the imminent battle against the Solo Swordsman, Kazuki.
As the two adversaries faced each other, the tension in the air was palpable. Light's heart pounded in his chest, and his grip on his sword tightened, ready for the inevitable clash. He had chased Theseus for so long, and now they were finally standing toe-to-toe.
Theseus exuded a sense of arrogance, his swagger and smug grin only adding fuel to Light's fury. He seemed to relish the confrontation, enjoying the power he held over his long-time pursuer. His finger hovered over the trigger of his gun, a reminder of the deadly threat he posed.
In contrast, Light remained stoic, his face a mask of calm determination. Beneath the surface, a mix of emotions churned within him - anger, resentment, and a burning desire for justice. He knew he had to defeat Theseus, not just for himself but for all the lives Theseus had ruined.
Their surroundings seemed to fade away, leaving only the two adversaries locked in a silent battle of wills. Each knew the other's capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. It was a duel between minds and souls, a clash of ideologies that had been building for years.
"Kazuki, the solo swordsman... Look who decided to reveal himself after years of hiding. Has your ego been shielding you from that guilt of yours?" Theseus taunted, a smirk playing on his face.
"I see you're as resentful as ever, Izumi..." Light retorted, his expression cold and unyielding.
The air crackled with tension as the emotionless warrior and the menacing figure stood face to face, neither willing to let their guard down. This was no mere obstacle for Light; it was a genuine threat. Unlike Derek, the angsty teenager with anger issues he had faced before, Theseus was a skilled warrior and leader of a formidable bandit army. Despite Light being miles stronger than Theseus, he couldn't underestimate the experience and cunning of his adversary. This battle would be unlike any he had fought before, and the stakes were higher than ever.
"So, you follow Isaac now? The former black cross faction swordsman, now reduced to a celestial sword student, heh, I bet you see him as your holy grace..." Theseus taunted with a menacing smirk.
"I follow no one, not even my father..." Light responded with a stone-cold expression.
The tension between them escalated, reaching a breaking point as the two enemies prepared to clash in an intense battle. The air was charged with an almost palpable energy, and the outcome of this confrontation would shape their fates.
"I guess this battle will serve as revenge after what you did to our former leader..." Theseus said with a hint of bitterness.
"When will you accept that you were the one who killed your leader, not me..." Light responded with a stoic look, his words striking a nerve in Theseus.
The tension reached its peak as Theseus couldn't contain his rage any longer. He swiftly drew his scimitar and unleashed a powerful slash towards Light, intending to strike him down. But Light's reflexes were as sharp as ever, and he effortlessly blocked the attack with his sword, his stance unwavering. The clash of their blades echoed in the air, symbolizing the intensity of their long-standing grudge.
The clash of metal reverberated in the room as Light and Theseus faced each other with intense resolve. The room felt smaller with each passing moment, as if the air was charged with their animosity. Theseus, seething with anger, lunged at Light with a ferocious attack, only to find himself expertly countered.
Light's movements were a dance of deadly precision, his years of training evident in every swing of his sword. He pushed Theseus back, forcing him to retreat and regain his footing. Then, in a display of acrobatic prowess, Light leaped into the air, twirling gracefully like a phantom before delivering a devastating strike that sliced Theseus' scimitar cleanly in half.
The leader of the bandits snarled in frustration, his eyes blazing with fury. "Damn it..." he muttered, trying to regain his composure as he dropped the broken blade.
In a desperate attempt to escape Light's relentless pursuit, Theseus rushed back to the room filled with crates, the very place where Rose had recently sought refuge. His heart pounded in his chest as fear and fury mixed within him. He knew that facing Light head-on would be a grave mistake, and he needed to find a way to gain the upper hand.
As he ran, Theseus fired his gun at Light multiple times, hoping to slow him down or find an opening. However, Light's reflexes were nothing short of extraordinary. With swift and precise slashes of his sword, he deflected each bullet with ease, turning the ammunition into mere sparks in the air.
Amidst the chaos, Theseus weaved past several bandits who had surrounded the room, their loyalty to him unwavering. He ground his shoe on the ground to halt his movement and turned to face them, his voice commanding and filled with authority.
"What are you waiting for, get him!" he bellowed, and his bandits roared in response, charging towards Light with reckless abandon.
But Light was a force to be reckoned with, his emotions concealed behind a mask of stoicism. He leaped into action, his movements fluid and precise. With a flurry of well-timed kicks, he landed atop each bandit's head, knocking them out one by one as if they were nothing more than obstacles in his path.
As more bandits rushed towards him, Light unleashed his stellar art, -Whirlwind-, a storm of power that knocked his adversaries back, giving him the advantage he needed to pursue Theseus with relentless determination.
Blinded by anger and frustration, Light's pursuit of Theseus intensified. Memories of the pain inflicted on his friends and his sister, Karra, fueled his every step. The bandits had kidnapped Rose and threatened Claire, and Light's heart burned with a fiery desire to put an end to their tyranny.
As the distance between them narrowed, Theseus reached the same crates where Rose had hidden before. In a calculated move, he took a leap, attempting to slash Theseus with deadly precision. But Theseus's instincts were sharp, and he anticipated the attack. With a swift dodge, Light's blade instead landed on the crates, triggering a massive explosion that engulfed the area in a kaleidoscope of colors.
The room trembled with the force of the blast, and for a moment, Light's vision blurred from the sheer intensity of the impact. But he refused to be deterred. Shaking off the pain, he continued his pursuit, the weight of his mission and the destiny that lay ahead pushing him forward. As the smoke cleared, Theseus saw Light approaching, his eyes menacing.
"Your strength is impressive, but experience prevails," Theseus declared with a menacing deep tone.
"THESEUS!" Light's voice echoed through the room.
Despite his wounds, Light desperately attempted to slash Theseus. However, the pain slowed his movements, allowing Theseus to effortlessly dodge each attack. A well-timed kick sent Light sprawling to the ground, his body weakened.
As he held his revolver, Theseus pointed it at Light, who struggled to stand. The wound in his stomach blurred his vision, and he felt his strength waning.
"This is the end, Light," Theseus taunted with a deep menacing tone.
The revolver was aimed directly at Light's head, the threat clear. As the cylinder clicked into place, Light helplessly watched as Theseus pulled the trigger, and the room filled with the flash of gunfire. In an instant, everything turned to black.