When those words reached his ears, a peculiar sensation overcame him, as if Igdifir had desecrated Marshal's memory, even though that was far from the truth.
"What are you implying?!"
The blazing aura of his katana erupted, and he was ready to avenge Marshal, even if it meant battling Igdifir.
"Be realistic. If Marshal were still here, you wouldn't be maturing. You'd likely still treat life on Trillia as a game rather than a momentous mission."
"So, you think Marshal deserved to die? Huh?!"
"Jacob, do I need to remind you why you're here? You were summoned to Trillia to defeat Damahan, not to treat your powers frivolously..."
"I know that well enough..."
"I don't wish to sound cruel, but I believe that without losing someone dear, you'd have been defeated by Damahan. You would have remained vulnerable, lacking ambition, forever chasing your childish dreams—"
Jacob swung a powerful right hook at Igdifir, sending him crashing to the ground and causing a crack in the stone.
"SHUT UP!"
But unexpectedly, Jacob didn't stop at a single punch; instead, he unleashed a flurry of kicks all over Igdifir's body, brutalizing him over and over.
"WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHO I AM?! YOU JERK! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO LECTURE ME ABOUT MORALS?! YOU'RE NOTHING, AND CERTAINLY NOT HUMAN!"
He paused in his assault, catching his breath, while Igdifir's body displayed 9,051 HP out of 20,500.
"You're nobody! You're just a damn summon I chose, nothing more! So don't lecture me about morals!"
"I forgive you..."
"What?!"
"I know you don't mean it..."
"WELL, I DO! I REALLY DO!"
Igdifir lay there on the ground, and slowly, his health bar began to rise.
"For that, you'll stay here while I retrieve the Fragment on my own. That'll teach you."
"If it helps you realize your actions, I won't stop you."
Jacob chose not to respond, merely heading back to the campsite to take a shortcut. After a moment of contemplation, he decidedly opted for silence, distancing himself from the bustling camp's commotion. Where the imposing cosmic golems stood, he adeptly skirted around them, like guardians of the stars. Having evaded that challenge, he proceeded towards a monumentally technologically advanced edifice, a colossal structure standing majestically, exquisitely crafted from a deep black material.
"This must be the place..."
He slowly ascended the few steps leading to the entrance, a whirlwind of determination and turmoil swirling in his mind. Each step brought him closer to his solitary quest, but he couldn't shake the shadow of the assault he had committed against Igdifir. Heavy guilt weighed on him, memories of hurtful words and unjustified blows he had dealt plagued his conscience as he stepped into the darkness of the building.
"Damn... Maybe I went too hard on that one..."
As the door closed behind him, the fiery aura of his katana became his only source of light.
"I can barely see anything in here, I don't remember it being this dark in the game..."
Suddenly, a spotlight illuminated the center of the room, revealing a man mysteriously draped in a white cloak that concealed his entire body. His hands were folded behind his back, a symbol of the enigma he embodied.
"Player Jacob Kalis, welcome to the Core. What brings you here?"
"I'm looking for the Essence Fragment to complete my quest! Where is it?"
"To possess that artifact, you must cleanse yourself of all misfortune by atoning for your sins."
"Oh great... I've stumbled upon a preacher..." he sighed, "And how am I supposed to do that?"
The mage, with deliberate grace, slowly spread his arms. As his cloak lifted, it revealed a face cruelly disfigured by burns and fire, a terrifying sight of scars and charred flesh.
The room's oppressive darkness was instantly replaced by an enchanting landscape. A lush meadow stretched as far as the eye could see, punctuated by elegant dojos standing tall. Far away, a massive crowd of millions sat in seats, clapping and shouting in unison. Their jubilation created a heady symphony.
In the sky, clouds jostled with rumbling thunder, but occasional rays of sunlight managed to break through, bathing the ground in a soft, golden glow.
"To do this, you must face and defeat your greatest enemy. Once done, the Essence Fragment will reveal itself to you. Good luck, Jacob..."
The man vanished into thin air, leaving Jacob alone in this bewildering landscape.
"What's with this scenery?! Why isn't it the same as in the original game?"
Overwhelmed with emotion, he looked up and saw a figure that held deep significance for him. The short white hair of this person waved gently with the breeze, painting a striking picture. The figure seemed to emanate an ethereal aura, suggesting the presence of an angelic being among mortals. Yet, to Jacob, there was no doubt that this figure was real. He held a unique katana, its handle shimmering with a distinctive green. It was the katana that belonged to the one he had cherished and who had tragically disappeared: the late Marshal Anabito, his deceased mentor.
"What..."
At the sight of his master, Jacob's grip on his katana weakened. Tears welled up as quickly as his confusion over the unfolding events.
"What does this mean... Why is he my greatest enemy?"
"Prepare yourself, Jacob. Apply what I've taught you," he commanded.
A deathly silence filled the atmosphere. Jacob took a defensive stance and studied Marshal's face. An arresting expression was evident, one of deep seriousness, a hostility that had taken hold of his soul.
"Marshal... Why is it you I have to fight?"
"Did I teach you to chat during a duel to the death?"
"A duel to the death?!"
Suddenly, like lightning, Marshal charged towards Jacob, his sword gleaming with angelic energy, ready to decapitate him. Caught off guard, Jacob evaded with supernatural agility, leaping high into the air, a lump of sadness tightening in his throat. He soared impressively, quickly reaching a height of 100 meters, dominating the sky.
So... This is truly a duel to the death?
With unwavering determination yet fueled by his sorrow, he unsheathed his katana and slashed the air beneath him with titanic fervor, igniting a storm of flames that concealed his landing from Marshal. He paused for a moment, torn between what he had to do and what he wanted to do.
I can't kill him... It's impossible...
Suddenly, Jacob heard the echo of a spell incantation:
[Angelic Magic: Arrow of Glory]
The dissipating flames revealed a massive arrow glowing with a white aura, speeding through the air. Jacob knew that angelic energy was formidable, yet his grief prevented him from reacting.
"Stop, I don't want to hurt you..."
Inevitably, the arrow pierced his abdomen. An incredible burst of blood soaked the grass.
[HP: 5100/19,100]
Using his hologram and its associated inventory, he grabbed a vial and consumed it.
[Heal: Vial of Aeon Vitalis. Remaining Vials: 0]
Instantly, a green glow enveloped him, allowing him to restore all his health points.
"Please... stop...", he sobbed.
Again, Marshal closed the distance to Jacob with an incredible streak of light.
"Quit your whining and fight!"
Jacob's mentor decapitated him, but immediately after, the bonus effect of the vial kicked in. For a 30-second period, Jacob became invincible, unable to die. His head reattached to his body, while he was still steeped in profound sadness.
"Marshal... I can't hurt you... It's impossible..."
Marshal decided to sheathe his katana and used his fists, now imbued with his angelic mana. He punched Jacob in the face repeatedly, staining his kimono with his pupil's blood.
"FIGHT! I DIDN'T TEACH YOU TO GIVE IN!", he yelled, infuriated.
Punch after punch, Jacob regenerated. But he didn't care, for the pain Marshal inflicted wasn't as great as having to fight his master. So he just took it, his head lowered to the ground.
"Impossible...", Jacob replied, tears streaming down his face.
Marshal halted his blows and observed Jacob with an impassive expression.
"Jacob Kalis. Look into my eyes right now."
He complied and met Marshal's hostile and stern gaze.
"Do you think this is how you'll become the best version of yourself?! DO YOU THINK THAT BY PITTYING YOURSELF, YOU'LL SAVE PEOPLE?!
"What?"
"Wasn't it you who said you wanted to become a better version of yourself, one that doesn't hurt people?!"
"Yes, but—"
He struck Jacob again, this time so hard that he was thrown several meters away.
"THEN I GIVE YOU ONE LAST CHANCE! FIGHT SERIOUSLY!"
Marshal drew his katana, ready to face the new form of his pupil, who once was filled with kindness and boasted a pure heart.
From his end, a memory surged forth in Jacob's mind: that of his first lesson at the Adaken. The comforting image of Marshal, his mentor, patiently guiding him to master the grip of his precious katana lingered with a sweet nostalgia. In his mind's eye, Jacob could vividly picture the scene: his face glowing with youthful innocence, while his master stood behind him. Their bodies aligned, Jacob's back against Marshal's abdomen in echoing resonance. Their arms came together in harmony, their hands intertwined as if forming a sacred bond.
"Are you ready?" Marshal asked, a broad smile on his face.
"Yes!"
"Good! Now I will show you a basic move. It will allow your mana to flow freely through the katana."
In an instant, with Marshal's guidance, Jacob slashed the air vertically — a graceful, deliberate strike, as if executed with love and compassion for the learning process.
"There you have it. This move will be with you throughout your entire training. It may seem simple to you, but it's devastatingly effective in combat, especially at the Adaken, when releasing your mana. Not only does it give your opponent little chance to dodge, but it also allows you to defeat them in a single blow."
"Wow! I didn't see that coming. Thanks, Marshal!"
"You're welcome! You're here to learn after all."
As the memory began to fade from his consciousness, a backlash from the potion he had consumed took hold. For now that the fleeting elixir of immortality had worn off, a colossal fatigue crashed down on him like a merciless avalanche. His limbs felt suddenly heavy, like anvils, and every movement became a herculean task for him.
[END: 0/5090]
Shit... I knew I shouldn't have used it...
From the moment he sensed the chance to triumph over his foe, Marshal moved with unstoppable grace. His katana sliced through the air multiple times, tracing fluid and exact arcs. Each motion radiated a spectral energy, a display of his angelic mana, which fragmented into thin luminous strips, drifting toward Jacob like feathers on divine wind.
As these mana fragments drew nearer to Jacob, he found himself in an almost hypnotic state of contemplation. The face of death drew inevitably closer, while memories he had once shared with Marshal, once so vivid, accumulated into an emotional tempest within his mind. Every moment spent together, every smile, every training session, all became more deeply etched into his memory, like a series of priceless paintings lighting up one last time before plunging into eternal darkness.
No, I can't let this happen forever... and then... I don't want to die because of my own personal power.
Jacob's eyes snapped open, his heavy lids lifting to reveal eyes ablaze with resolve. He looked up to Marshal, who was watching him in anticipation. Suddenly, Jacob spread his arms, ready to chant an ancient spell:
"Astrael, guardian of the skies, lend me the freedom of the stars and let me dance amongst them."
[Invocation: Astrael's Wings]
[Mana Cost: 1150]
[Mana: 265/3100]
[END: 515/5090]
From his back emerged two shimmering, translucent wings, made of a celestial substance resembling the northern lights. They exhibited ever-changing hues of green, blue, purple, and pink, dancing gracefully upon their surface. The feathers, although intangible, appeared to be composed of tiny constellations and shooting stars.
He soared into the air majestically, narrowly evading the luminescent strips that were about to slice him apart. From above, he gazed down at Marshal, letting himself be carried by the wind as if no danger could touch him.
With a voice gentle yet firm, he addressed Marshal:
"Marshal... I want you to know that whatever happens, I will always be grateful for everything you've taught me. I respect you, and I love you like a father."
Marshal slowly nodded, his eyes and smile betraying the pride he held for him.
"No matter the outcome of this battle, Jacob... know that I am proud of you."
The two opponents took their stances—one aloft in the skies and the other grounded on the earth, ready for combat. Their postures and intense gazes mirrored each other, each determined to give their best to vanquish the other. The air hung heavy with tension, but also palpable emotion.
My mana is running low, and my stamina recovers at a sluggish pace... Honestly, I'm uncertain of my victory, but at the very least, I will have the honor of having tried.
With hypersonic speed, Jacob's wings thrust him towards Marshal. His katana was imbued with the imperial dragon's flames, unleashing their full might in a swirling attack. Marshal, far from being caught off guard, managed to extend a hand in defense, conjuring a barrier of magical blue runes that stood as a protective wall.
[Elemental Magic: Raging Tsunami]
Gargantuan waves of water erupted from the runes with colossal force, effortlessly halting Jacob's fiery onslaught. But Jacob wasn't about to be deterred. He was intent on proving himself worthy of the teachings Marshal had once bestowed upon him. His wings carried him in a dizzying dance around Marshal, who was left baffled by his opponent's astonishing speed.
What is he trying to pull off?
Suddenly, Jacob came to a sharp halt, slicing through the air like a bullet, his katana leaving a blazing trail in its wake. In one swift move, he directed a slice of his mana, manifesting as a razor-sharp blade, towards Marshal. Marshal narrowly evaded the blow, but at the expense of his left arm, sacrificed due to his split-second delay.
"Well played, Jacob. You got me..."
"Did I hurt you? I wanted to end it without causing you pain..."
A soft chuckle slipped from his lips.
"You've always been so compassionate... That's good, staying true to your values. However..."
Marshal straightened up, his lone arm gracefully raising towards the heavens, as if drawing celestial energy from the very depths of his soul. Within his weapon, angelic mana was gathering, swirling into a brilliant vortex, casting a divine aura that seemed to envelop him.
"One shouldn't speak during a fight!"
"Haha! It was you who started it!" Jacob retorted with a smirk.
Jacob and Marshal locked eyes. The animosity that had fueled their battle was now replaced by a glint of amusement. It was a moment thick with emotion, signaling the end of their long mentor-apprentice relationship. They both knew this would be their last face-off on the battlefield, the last exchange of words. It was a goodbye filled with deep fondness, tinted with love and mutual respect.
"Jacob," Marshal began, "it has been a pleasure having you as my student. I hope you've benefited from my teachings and that you'll uphold the Adaken as it should be."
"Master, it has been an honor to stand by your side. I will do my best to live without you... And I will make the Adaken an unparalleled martial art in Trillia."
The power of their aura crashed around them, like two hurricanes meeting head-on—one of pure white and the other radiating the color of the sun. Their hair swayed with the wind, just like their kimonos. Smiles graced the faces of both adversaries, their katanas poised for one last epic duel.
"Goodbye, Jacob. We'll meet again in the afterlife."
"Goodbye, Master... You'll see, I'll defeat Damahan."
"I truly hope you do."
Those were the final words they exchanged before lunging at each other, katanas clashing.
Jacob's Inferno Dragon Katana struck Marshal's weapon, sending him flying across the field. But undeterred, Marshal invoked angelic magic, pointing his katana at Jacob. Above the young man, a gigantic white arcane mark appeared.
[Angelic Magic: Divine Bomb]
A colossal orb of white energy burst forth from the mark, hurtling towards Jacob.
With my low mana, I can only launch one attack. I need to counter the orb and defeat Marshal simultaneously... I have few choices, but I need to win, so I must give it my all.
[Mana: 220/3100]
He decided to slice through the air multiple times, directing his mana towards Marshal, but it seemed ineffective. Marshal deflected each one with ease.
[Mana: 210/3100]
The divine comet edged ever closer, and as he struggled to find a solution, to make matters worse, his wings began to fade into oblivion, their use limited to five minutes.
This is my last chance.
Channelling his weapon's energy, Jacob amplified his flame's range, making it grow up to five times its original size. He used it to strike the orb at supersonic speed. The impact was so powerful that the orb's trajectory changed, heading straight for Marshal, turning the tide of the battle.
[END: 105/5090]
In a blur, Jacob reached Marshal, his flaming katana ready. But before he could land his strike, Marshal pushed him back with a forceful kick, pinning him to the ground.
I've lost... I've walked right into the lion's den without mana or stamina...
Just as Marshal raised his weapon, ready for the final blow, a spark lit up Jacob's eyes, accompanied by a mysterious smile.
That's what I would've said if I didn't have the Inferno Dragon Katana!
[Inferno Dragon Katana: Dragon Protection]
[Mana Cost: 150]
[Mana: 60/3100]
Suddenly, a fiery sphere enveloped Jacob, emitting an intense heat that completely melted Marshal's blade, leaving him defenseless. Taking advantage of his master's momentary disorientation, Jacob vanished with an unexpected teleport. The "Dragon Protection" skill not only shielded its user with a fireball but also teleported him randomly once it dissipated.
Inexorably, the angelic sphere crashed into Marshal, creating a vast crater of destruction. Yet, as an angelic human, it had no effect on him. Still, he knew this was the end for him. He knelt, a satisfied smile gracing his lips. Jacob, drained yet triumphant from their clash, approached.
"Well done, my pupil. You've surpassed all my expectations..."
Jacob smiled back, tears in his eyes. "Thank you, Master... I applied what you taught me..."
"That's good... Be proud of yourself... Now finish me, and strive to stay on this path."
"Yes... Goodbye... Marshal..."
"Goodbye, Jacob... Live in peace now..."
Marshal closed his eyes, his remaining hand resting on his knee. Jacob raised his katana, ready to deliver the final blow, but his hands trembled. He looked to his master, seeking assurance in his eyes. Marshal nodded, giving Jacob the strength he needed to end the battle. With a heart-wrenching scream, Jacob swung his weapon, ending the illusion of his mentor.
As his cries echoed, the scene shifted once more, bringing Jacob back to the dark room he had first appeared in. The mage in a white cloak stood there, clapping slowly.
"Congratulations, Jacob Kalis. You faced your greatest enemy and prevailed. Here is the Essence Fragment you seek."
Before him materialized the Essence Fragment, a crystal of transcendent beauty, emitting an intense radiant violet light. Its surface was a mosaic of flawlessly cut facets, each catching and reflecting light in a mesmerizing fashion. Jacob rose and approached, taking it into his hands, pressing it against his heart.
"Thank you for everything... Master."