'Authority'
A basic technique accessible to even the most inexperienced combatants. The user must first construct a medium for the boundary via talismans, hand signs, artifacts, spoken word, or any other "container" for spirituality. Then the boundary itself is formed.
An 'Authority' has three distinct functions—detection, isolation, and amplification. Isolation is the most common application of an 'Authority'. Trapping the opponent in a barrier is far more energy-efficient, while amplification is an overwhelming gamble meant to end the fight decisively.
As Cramwell stood his ground and steeled himself for battle, he erected his 'Authority'. He knew that he couldn't compete with the corrupted Derrick, he knew that his death was imminent. However...the thought of disobeying Father Gregory's commands brought him more fear than death.
One minute...I need to stall for one minute!
[1:00]
Isolation wasn't an option. The demon-possessed Derrick would shred apart his barrier in mere seconds. It was an all-or-nothing absolute gamble. He had to amplify his technique past its limits for even a chance at victory.
A vast amount of energy swelled inside of Cramwell's body. The effects of his 'Authority' drastically increased his spiritual output, causing Derricks's body to freeze for but a moment. In that infinitesimally small window of vulnerability, Cramwell's body burst into action. His right hand instinctively formed a fist and sunk deeply into Derrick's nose, causing him to stagger.
[0:56]
"He...avy..." Derrick mumbled. He prepared himself for another swing of the Demon Sword Life-Span, but his arm wouldn't move!
[0:50]
With each blow inflicted, Derrick could feel his body creaking under the weight of Cramwell's technique - [Piety]. Every strike multiplies the force of gravity on the opponent by two times. Having endured five hits so far, Derrick was now experiencing ten times the normal gravity of the planet.
[0:45]
Fifteen times…twenty times…thirty times…As the fight continued, Derrick's body became so heavy that he sunk into the ground. Seemingly immobilized, Disciple Cramwell steadied his breath.
Is this monster still breathing? If so…he might have the power of a Rank 4 Devotee! His fangs may sink into the Father.
"Just stay down!" Cramwell yelled.
[0:40]
Derrick couldn't hear the disciple, his mind sinking deeper into the Demon Sword Life-Span's madness.
"So…how is it? Is he strong?" The Demon-Sword Life-Span whispered in his ear with an almost sensual presence.
"No…" Derrick said. "He's…weak." He raised his hands and dragged himself out of the crater. The intense gravity tore his body to shreds, causing his body to regenerate the damage instinctively. The intense pain and suffering were absorbed by the Demon Sword, increasing it's power dramatically.
[0:30]
"S-Shit…technique reversal!"
Cramwell placed his hands together and formed the cosmic mudra, reconstructing the internal structure of the barrier. The direction of gravity was switched from the center of the planet, Alya, to an unspecified area of the barrier that stood directly behind Derrick, pulled his body backwards.
[0:22]
Flesh, viscera, bones, and ligaments flew through the air as Derrick defiantly walked through the intense gravity. His face contorted into a twisted smile.
[0:20]
"Hurts…it hurts…so bad…" Derrick's hoarse voice contrasted with the sickening smile on his face. The Demon Sword Life-Span converted his pain into a pleasurable sensation to keep his mind from breaking.
[0:18]
In a desperate attempt at restraining the beast, Cramwell enhanced his 'Authority' beyond its limits. The excessive output of spirituality made his blood vessels burst under pressure. Every orifice in his face erupted with blood.
[0:13]
The beast crept forward. With every step, Cramwell grew increasingly aware of his fate, yet he was too powerless to stop it.
[0:10]
Please…just a few more seconds and Gregory will reach Rank 4!
[0:05]
"What's…wrong? It's weak…" Derrick said. His body quickly adapted to the pulling force of the 'Authority' and repaired the damage at an accelerated rate.
[0:04]
The 'Authority' was creaking under its own pressure. The unstable spirituality weakened the effect of the barrier, allowing Derrick to close the distance between himself and Cramwell.
[0:03]
Cramwell's body cracked and broke apart like a marble statue. His spirit leylines were torn and disrupted. At this rate, he could not maintain the barrier.
[0:02]
Nearly 80% of the barrier had lost functionality. The gravitational multipliers were nearly gone.
[0:01]
The barrier, as well as Cramwell's body, collapsed and broke like glass. He fell on his knees as his body went limp. He didn't feel anything pain or sorrow. His spirit leylines were too damaged to even register pain. As Derrick swung the Demon Sword Life-Span, his heart could only feel...regret. Regret that he wasn't strong enough to stay by Father Gregory's side. Regret that he wasn't able to establish his dream the Alchemic Order. No, that wasn't quite right. He didn't feel any particular way about the Order's objective. Rather, he wanted to see the dream that Father Gregory envisioned.
[This world...isn't it so small?]
Shit...why am I remembering this all now? Cramwell's memories flooded his mind as he accepted the inevitability of death. They flashed like panels in a panorama.
[So this is spirituality...how intriguing!]
[Disciple Cramwell, do you believe this formula will react with the sea-stone crystal?]
[I want to know more about this world. Ever since I've arrived here, my common sense has been flipped on its head. Isn't that beautiful, Cramwell?]
[Let's find the truth of this world together, Cramwell.]
Damn...it looks like I won't be able to see the end with you, Gregory. Maybe I'll be sent to your world instead.
As he closed his eyes, he could feel the Meridian Ore pierce his skin and cut through his neck. The dream had come to an end.