Previously, Nitro had returned from the demon realm to visit her family, needing respite from her gruelling dungeon trials. The reunion with her mother Sophia was an emotional one, stirring memories of easier times before tragedy and vengeance consumed Nitro's life.
Vermillion, observed the meeting with her usual stoicism, though Nitro sensed pain and worry hidden behind her stern demeanour. Vermillion requested Nitro come inside so they could talk alone, likely to discuss pressing matters regarding Nitro's quest and training.
As the three of them entered the beachside cottage, Nitro's surroundings dissolved and reformed into something shocking - a sprawling mansion brimming with ancient artefacts and avant-garde technology powered by illusion magic. Nitro gasped, the scale of the items and resources hinting at Vermillion's immense capabilities.
Sophia pats Nitro's shoulder reassuringly before leaving her and Vermillion in a grand study, sensing the serious nature of the impending discussion. Vermillion seated herself, gesturing for Nitro to do the same. The time had come for her to confront realities with her niece that could no longer be avoided, however painful the truth might be...
Vermillion's expression was grave as she regarded Nitro.
Vermillion: Alright. there's some urgent shit we must discuss, runt. That demonic bastard, Ariez's power far exceeds what you can currently grasp.
Nitro bristled, turning towards Vermillion with an offended but confused look.
Nitro: Eh? Is that really what you're worried about, Auntie? I'm not afraid of anything he can throw at me. My training with you has whipped me up to great shape!
Vermillion closed her eyes and lets off a cold, apprehensive sigh.
Vermillion: Strength alone ain't enough. The Demon King has destroyed far mightier bastards than you or I. *Her voice dropped to a haunted whisper*. I've...seen it...
Nitro's eyes widened as Vermillion described her traumatic memories - the Demon King massacring her companions, their screams echoing as flesh burned. Barely escaping with her life, fueled by malevolent vengeance since.
Vermillion: So you see, vengeance can quickly turn to arrogance and recklessness. *a pause* Do not challenge him before you are truly ready. That was my folly once. I failed my shit test. I don't wish the same for you.
Nitro processed this, her assumptions shaken. She did understand after all, in fact - no other individual seemed to relate well enough to Nitro's grief and anger besides Vermillion. Yet, her doubts still lingered. Nitro then gives an intimidating glare reminiscent of the stare she gave to The Demon King when demanding him to set her free. However, here - it was different this time around. She cries, but not weeps. She grieves, but her composure doesn't falter. She speaks.
Nitro: *silent anger gritting her teeth* You... You...! You, don't know how I feel inside...You haven't the slightest...fucking clue! The anger tearing me apart. Eating at me... I will...without fucking question...avenge my father and sister. If it is the last thing, I'll fucking do.
Silence. A warm, but apprehensive silence, signifying the atmosphere their talk has created.
Vermillion snivels and nodded sadly, understanding Nitro's sentiment. Her niece's pain, exposed through her heart-rending speech, reminded her of old times once more.
Vermillion: And how will more death heal that pain?
Nitro: *she settles down, but is still distressed* ...I...don't...know. But, I know...it's what-
Vermillion: *finishes her sentence* You must do?
Nitro nods solemnly, confirming Vermillion's correct interjection. Vermillion, with a disappointed but hopeful gaze, looks towards her artefacts gained throughout her journey, reminding herself of what is in store for her prodigal niece. She then lights up a cigarette, a exhales a long puff, cooling her rattled nerves. She then turns back to Nitro, with a cold expression on her face, not intended to intimidate her, but to warn her about the implications that lie ahead should Nitro lead a path of unbridled, misguided vengeance.
Vermillion: Do not repeat my mistakes, Nitro. Vengeance is a hollow goal that leads only to ruin. This is not a request...
Nitro: *says solemnly* An order...
Vermillion: *nods slightly with approval* Good. Now, do what I fuckin' tell you, if you know what's good for ya.
Nitro: *nods submissively* R-right...
Nitro fell silent, recognizing her trauma mirrored in Vermillion's regrets. Perhaps vengeance need not be her only path forward. The truth emerged - they needed to heal each other from the darkness.
Vermillion: *takes a deep breath* Alright, enough with the shit talk. Brat, you've got training to do!
Nitro: *slightly annoyed but smirks* Stop callin' me that, you old hag!
Vermillion: *laughs* Now you're just nitpicking! I'm only 47. Most men think I look beautiful for my age!
Nitro: *smirks* You're mistaking my mother for you...😏
Vermillion: *bonks Nitro's head* Shaddap.
Nitro: OW! 🥲
Vermillion: PFFT. Mate, if you're gettin' 'urt by that, you ain't gonna like it when that demon bastard hits ya. Now, c'mon, bub *stretches her hand out to her* Let's get to training.
Nitro: *pauses* I think...I'm ready.
Vermillion: *confused*...For what?
Nitro: Let's spar, Auntie. I think I'm up for that challenge!
Vermillion: Mate...I ain't gonna let ya win eas-
Nitro: *cuts in* Yeah yeah yeah, that's what you say all the time. And then you always end up going easy on me. I'm ready to spar with you for real.
Vermillion: *grits her teeth excitingly with a frantic but annoyed smile* Fackin' 'ell. The brat's got spirit, eh?
Nitro: *smirks* Well, it's better that way.
Vermillion: *smiles* Right. In order to take on a world filled with crazy, you gotta be a little crazy yourself.
Nitro: Aye. Cheers to that!
Vermillion: *glares comedically at her* Shut up, you ain't at drinkin' age, brat.
Nitro: *gasped and embarrassed* T-that, was metaphorical, jerk...
Vermillion: *laughs* Alright.
Nitro looks over to Vermillion, almost scanning her, eyes brimming with curiosity. Nitro's mana is emerging, warping around her as she does this, with a beautiful blue-ish glow.
Nitro: *she says calmly but firmly* (Might as well test this out) System.
Suddenly, glowing azure glyphs and ethereal windows manifested before her eyes, crafted by Ariez's arcane magic. As the interface blinked into existence, it displayed Nitro's stats and inventory, numbers and items hovering in the air.
Nitro's gaze turned to Vermillion. The interface glitched, glyphs flickering wildly, before resolving into a status page for the seasoned warrior. Nitro's jaw dropped. Vermillion's physical stats were off the charts - strength, speed, and durability all ranked S-tier, the maximum level.
Nitro thought such a thing was impossible. Her mind reels. She knew Vermillion was powerful, but this? It exceeded anything she could have imagined. Nitro's pulse pounded as the inventory cycled to Vermillion's magical capabilities. Or where they should have been. Only empty spaces and pixellating static met Nitro's eyes. The system had failed to quantify Vermillion's mystical potential.
Nitro: *whispers awe-stricken* What...on Earth...
A chilling unease crept up her spine. What unfathomable magic allowed Vermillion to conceal her abilities even from Ariez's interface? Nitro had to know more. Just then, Vermillion's voice cut through her racing thoughts.
Vermillion: *looks at her confused* You alright, mate? You've been starin' at me for 3 minutes.
Nitro: *snaps out of it* OH-, sorry.
Nitro panicked, the interface vanishing as she whirled around. Nitro rightfully so, was perplexed. She was not only shocked at Vermillion's true physical potential, but she can never know her magical potential.
Vermillion: *sighs* To the arena we go.
Nitro: *nods* Right.
To be continued.