(Titus's (Ferdiad's) POV)
[STR +30]
[END +30]
[AGI +124]
[You have been leveled to Level 62]
---
[[Status]]
Name: Titus Dusklock (Temporary Name: Ferdiad)
Age: 29 (Ferdiad)
Elements: Light (Special), Fire
Level: 62
...
Parameters:
STR: 128
MAG: 781
END: 115
AGI: 124
LUC: 1510
Additional SPs: 35
…
HP: 957
MP: 3079
…
Passive Skills: (Imperial Manager A), (Saint's Golden Rule A), (Presence Concealment B), (Charmer C), (Amaterasu: 5 tails EX+)
Active Skills: (Force Control A), (Imperial Privilege A), (Odin's Eye EX)
...
Magecrafts:
[Illusionary Arts: Rank D]
[Creation Runes EX]
[Miscellaneous spells]
LCs: 510,200
---
Standing atop the tallest hill on the mountain, I gazed at my status. With the mission now completed, the urge to share my overall progress took hold of me.
Firstly, there was a notable increase in my overall parameters. Save for magic and luck, I had acquired an additional 30 points for all three stats, pushing my body to its extreme limits. Further improvement was impossible, as per the system's limits. Training my body had become unnecessary.
Regarding levels, I had reached Level 62, the pinnacle achievable since formidable enemies were now scarce. I had also diligently ground some LC, nearly doubling the amount.
Concerning Creation Runes, I had mastered all runes, making them my signature magecraft.
"Has it begun?" a voice interrupted my thoughts, prompting me to dismiss the system prompt.
"Yeah, it looks like it," I replied, spotting two figures in the near distance.
Cu Chulainn, in his prime, stood there, donning his signature skin-tight outfit, now with a beard and long hair. Alongside him, an eleven-year-old version of himself sported a similar blue outfit, armed with two crimson swords at his sides.
This was the infamous battle where a father would unknowingly take his son's life.
"You seem troubled," Scathach remarked as she stood beside me.
"I don't know. I've betrayed my friend for the 'greater good.' I believe he'll forgive me because he's a good person, but I'm not sure I can forgive myself for what I'm doing."
Deep down, I desired to see him as a friend, but my actions didn't align with what a true friend should do.
"You know, I've lived for what feels like forever. One might assume I'm free of mistakes, but not a single moment passed without an error. Each time I resolved not to make a mistake, I did. Yet, it shaped me into the person I've become," Scathach shared, looking at me. "Mistakes and sins are inherent in life, forging the person you're destined to be. Just stay true to the path you've chosen. That's how the Queen of Dún Scáith shaped herself, and it's also how I found my greatest treasure."
I smiled and nodded. "Thanks, shishou. Let's watch this fight."
---
(3rd person's POV)
Amidst Ulster's expansive lands, where the air hung heavy with the impending clash, Cu Chulainn stood weathered, his tired eyes fixed upon a figure opposite him. An unidentified boy, adorned in striking blue attire, displayed a determination that defied his tender age. A conflict brewed within Cu Chulainn, not solely of swords but of emotions. His longing to safeguard his kingdom collided with the weariness drawn from ceaseless battles. His battle-worn form bore witness to the countless lives he had took in combat.
"Boy," Cu Chulainn's voice resonated across the battleground, weary yet resolute, seeking a connection amidst the chaos, "What is your name?"
"I won't answer."
The boy, his dark blue locks reflecting the determination in his eyes, stood unwavering. A vow sealed his lips, preventing him from disclosing his name to anyone he deemed inferior. Silence lingered, burdened by unspoken intentions.
With a heavy heart, Cu Chulainn readied his Gae Bolg, a spear steeped in countless battles. The clash commenced, father and son engaged in a dance of skill and determination. Initially, an equilibrium prevailed between them, their weapons meeting in an even rhythm.
However, Cu Chulainn's inner turmoil weighed upon his movements. He hesitated, his strikes faltering, reluctant to unleash his full prowess upon the young boy. This hesitation became his downfall, allowing Connla to edge Cu Chulainn closer to defeat.
As the battle persisted, Cu Chulainn found no respite. The burden of duty and fatigue bore down upon him, compelling a fateful decision.
"I don't want to wield this spear again, but I have no choice."
With resolve cutting through the chaos, Cu Chulainn hurled the Gae Bolg towards Connla, desperation guiding his actions.
The demonic spear hurtled through the air, aiming for the young warrior. In a heart-stopping moment, before the spear could strike, a bare hand halted its lethal path. Ferdiad, thought lost, emerged, a sudden beacon of hope in the tumultuous scene.
"This is enough, my friend," Ferdiad's voice rang out, a tranquil authority slicing through the clamor, "I have come to save you. It's over."
The battlefield froze, the clash of steel yielding to poignant stillness. Cu Chulainn's eyes, once clouded by conflict, now brimmed with tears as he leaped forward, embracing his dear friend.
---
(Titus's (Ferdiad's) POV)
"There, there," I comforted the grown man as he wept in my embrace. "Boss, I am so happy to see you alive! I am really happy!" Cu cried in my embrace.
"It's... okay," I wiped a tear from my eye. Even though I had prepared for this reunion, it still moved me to tears.
After our brief reunion, I led Cu Chulainn and Connla to a quieter spot. I introduced Connla to Cu Chulainn, a somewhat awkward encounter that Cu naturally accepted as father and son.
"Now, Cu, I'll offer you two choices: continue down this violent path, taking lives and earning the title of a hero, or face death now," I spoke as I sat with Cu Chulainn.
"Death?" Cu's eyes sparked with curiosity. "Are you going to kill me?"
I smiled gently, "Yes, Cu Chulainn ends here. However, Setanta may live a peaceful life with his family."
I gestured toward a direction where Aoife and Connla stood alongside Scathach. As Cu's gaze fell upon Aoife, his eyes widened, locking onto mine in disbelief.
"I... but can I really do that?" Cu Chulainn's eyes dimmed, torn between his loyalty to his country and comrades. Yet, to me, it seemed an act of cowardice.
I placed my hand on Cu's shoulder, exerting gentle pressure. "Yes, you will do it. In fact, it's your only option."
"But still...EEEP!!" Cu's protest was interrupted by a pained moan as I pressed my fingers into his shoulders.
"Listen here, you lil' bitch," I snapped, a mix of frustration and concern in my tone. "I've been looking after them since the day Connla was born. I'm the one who trained him. Do you have any idea how much they yearned for their father or lover?" I stared at Cu with a piercing look, a hint of a smile amidst the sternness. "So, enough with the warrior facade. Take some responsibility, live a good life, and stop being a cunt, alright?"
"I understand. I understand!" Cu cried, prompting me to release him.
"Don't concern yourself with anything else. I'll handle it all. Just go far away. You know Aoife has forsaken her long life to be with you," I assured Cu Chulainn.
Aoife had chosen to become human. Despite her ability to retain her powers and bear children easily, I had encouraged her to return to a normal life. It seemed better to live a bit longer and pass away alongside loved ones than to wander aimlessly in this world.
"Thank you, boss, for everything. I'll live a sincere life now," Cu said, placing his hand on my shoulder before making his way toward Aoife and Connla, his final journey underway.
"Is this the end?" Scathach joined me.
"Yeah, there's a bit of manipulation yet to be played out," I mentioned, retrieving a corpse resembling Cu Chulainn and a spear. Recalling his demise while standing, I intended to use this body to deceive others into thinking the same.
I watched as Cu and his companions slowly departed. However, a few other women started following Cu Chulainn.
"Who are they?" I inquired, raising a brow.
"Oh, they're Cu's other lovers and wives. Turns out his charm didn't wane even in times like these," Scathach replied with a smirk. "I brought them."
"Why? Why did you do that?!" I exclaimed.
"Because, fuck'im," Scathach nonchalantly answered. She was still holding the grudge, isn't she?
Oh, Cu would curse me in the afterlife. But my task was done. There wasn't much more I could do.
"So, are we heading back?" Scathach asked. "You wanted to do it in broad daylight, right? Time's running short."
"I know, but I still need to collect my souvenir from this singularity," I smirked.
It was time to pay a visit to that horny queen.
===
As promised, it's BONUS