It is dark. It's been night outside for a long time; light enters the room only from the cracks between the door and the door frame. It is fine – Sol likes this kind of partial shade. It is in this environment that he trains with the sword, moving with it as if dancing, practicing pirouettes and dodges to perfection. There is peace and quiet all around%$@(!&%)~*!^&_@%&)!#&^!(#^(*!(*@!#&^!*&)!#^&(@& $^(@!(#!^&(!$&^(&$(!&!#)^!#^!#*$^!#^&*@#%&#^&$!#*! #^&
It is dark. It's been night outside for a long time; light enters the room only from the cracks between the door and the door frame. It is fine – Sol likes this kind of partial shade. It is in this environment that he trains with the sword, moving with it as if dancing, practicing pirouettes and dodges to perfection. There are screams of panic outside, but no other noise. Sol ignores them. You never know, what kind of fanatic is shouting about the next end of the world? Even if this time it's for real, this world has heroes*^!&#^(!&^!)^#&!#)&^#()^#^!#^!*^ &)*)&%(#&)(%#!)#&*)$^&*(%#)&*@(#^&*()^Y&(^Y&*(!^&#%! #^%*#%*@^&@*$^&!#^&@*($^&*&$^9&@($^&
It is dark. It's been night outside for a long time; light enters the room only from the cracks between the door and the door frame. It is fine – Sol likes this kind of partial shade. It is in this environment that he trains with the sword, moving with it as if dancing, practicing pirouettes and dodges to perfection. There are screams of panic outside, but no other noise. Sol ignores them. You never know, what kind of fanatic is shouting about the next end of the world? Even if this time it was for real, Sol's parents, Oliver and Cirael, would stop this threat as well, as they had done not once, not twice, but many more times. They saved the world many times after defeating Kayen, however, they promised to tell these stories sometime later. Now 11-year-old Sol is practicing the moves his father taught him.
The door to Sol's room opens. Oliver, who is clearly worried about something, tries to keep a smile. Cirael is crying in the next room. Sol, with the help of his eyes, understands perfectly well that Oliver also has a hard time holding back tears, but he has extensive experience in suppressing his emotions. Sitting down on one knee in front of his son and patting his head, Oliver says:
–*!&@#^)!#^&!#(&^)#*$!#(^&!#(^&$)*#^(&^_)!)^&#!&#* $@#^*(^&(@#*%&@*(#^&$&*(!#^%!^(#(*#@&%!#^!&#^$&*(! ^#^!^&*!^#&*($^@!%)^&#(*!&#%()!^&#()!&#%()&!#&$*@! ^%$*(!%#^&%*(!^&^!#&!&#$*(@$^(*!#^&!^#
Sol shook his head and looked around. He and Shubby emerge from the glacier. "Just an hallucination," he thought. Turning to his companion, he said:
–Out of the two of us, you live in the Empire. Where is the capital? We will go there the same way we got to this Temple... if you can even call it "Temple".
–To get to Northold... forget it, just follow me.
Getting into a running stance, Shubby immediately picked up the same speed at which the two of them ran from the southwest of the Empire to the Temple of Origin. Without waiting for anything, Sol went after her, not lagging behind. To the soldiers who were doing their duty in front of the huge gate to the city, it looked as if these two had appeared out of nowhere. The four guards who were unlucky enough to be on guard at that particular moment pointed their spears at Sol and Shubby, considering that Clain's face was already among the most wanted criminals in the Empire.
–Um, Sol, what's our plan? – Shubby said.
–The plan is very simple. Rip and tear until it is done.
~*~
–Where are we even running to?! What's our plan?! – Ludwig shouted, already tired from constant running.
–I thought you knew! You lived here before, not me! – Marren shouted back to him.
Suddenly, somewhere in the distance, several dozen blocks away, dust rose, as if something big had been destroyed. "I guess that's where we're going!" Ludwig shouted, not forgetting to shoot back at the seemingly endless city guards. Ludwig and Marren, with Martha on Marren's arms, turned sideways, now heading north, seemingly towards the city gates. New guards stopped joining the chase... maybe they are busy with what caused the dust to rise? It didn't matter. There were enough of those on the tail... at least, that was the case until the moment a beam of multi-colored energy incinerated them.
–Oopsie, I missed...
A slightly upset voice came from somewhere above. And the heroes would have liked to ignore him if the owner of this voice had not suddenly dropped down in front of them, blocking the path forward. Martha abruptly created a large portal, the entrance to which was in front of this man, and the exit behind his back, thereby trying to create a passage without changing the path. She didn't succeed – the portal collapsed right in front of Marren's face, which is why he crashed into an invisible spatial wall and, together with Martha, fell onto the stone pavement. Only now, when they slowed down, did they realize that the man was Heathcliff. Marren jumped to his feet and took out his knives. Ludwig pointed his pistols at the enemy. Both understood that they could not fight him... but they would not give up without a fight.
There was no conversation before the battle. An invisible force hit Ludwig, causing him to fly backwards dozens of meters, and then crash into the wall of a building and lose consciousness. He dropped the pistols exactly where he flew away from. Heathcliff decided to play with Marren a bit longer. The walls of neighboring buildings seemed to come to life. Limbs made of bricks and wood reached out to the boy in the plague doctor mask, but he swiftly walked past them, moving towards the one who was blocking their path. He was very close – just a step away. Marren raised the knife and... something invisible dragged him back by his legs. Marren hung in the air, feet up, as living pieces of buildings were reaching out to tear him apart.
–That's enough!
The objects controlled by the hero of the Empire stood still. Heathcliff and Marren, who was suspended in the air, turned to the source of the sound. It was Martha. She held the pistols that Ludwig had dropped and pointed the one in her left hand at Heathcliff.
–Do you really think you'll scare me with this thing? – he said.
–Yes, – answered Martha.
She brought the second gun near to her head and pointed it at her right temple.
–You're only here because of me, right? If I die, then you will have no reason to help the Empire, and certainly no reason to kill my friends.
While Marren was shouting words that she shouldn't do this, Heathcliff, who, as he himself said, was head over heels in love with Martha, said completely unexpected words:
–You won't do this.
–Huh? – Martha and Marren said in unison.
–You won't do this. You really like to play with other people's feelings, Martha. I don't know if this is childishness, or if you're just that kind of person. But you will never do something to your own detriment for the benefit of others.
Martha and Marren looked at each other. Heathcliff's tone, facial expression, and even manner of speaking changed at that moment, as if another person was standing in front of them. The slightly crazy smile was gone, and the voice was no longer energetic.
–Judging by the change in behavior, you're sure afra... – Martha began.
–No. I just know that you won't do it. If you changed even a little, you wouldn't make such stupid and empty threats.
This would be the second time today that she did this... but Martha, controlling the pistol with her thoughts, fired. A ball of light froze in the air, right next to her head, while Heathcliff looked at Martha in shock. Indeed, if she died, then he would have no reason to stop her friends... but something was off. Obviously, Heathcliff himself stopped the projectile of this pistol from moving, saving Martha, but... for some reason, Marren fell, and then rose to his feet. Nothing held him anymore, and "living" pieces of buildings collapsed to the ground. Heathcliff smiled. Not with a half-crazy smile of obsession, as before, but like an ordinary person.
Martha suddenly began to understand what Heathcliff meant, as well as his real motives. Unfortunately, Marren did not understand this, nor did Ludwig, who had just regained consciousness and had just approached the battlefield. But this mock battle was not destined to last much longer – a man, completely clad in dark blue, almost black armor with shades of purple, approached from behind Heathcliff. Not a millimeter of skin was visible under the armor. There was... something thrown over the knight's shoulder. Undoubtedly it was a weapon. But it was difficult to call it a sword. It was, rather, a huge rail, sharpened at the edges. And considering how many different protruding spikes were sticking out of it in different directions, it was hardly possible to cut something with it.
–Mordred... – Ludwig said through clenched teeth.
–It is... it is the man behind the slaughter during the coup... – Martha said.
The one Ludwig called Mordred ignored the two and spoke directly to Heathcliff:
–Why are they still alive? I gave the okay not to kill them previous time, with the condition that if they get out, you will obliterate them. Heathcliff, you could kill them all just by wishing so... why the hell are they still alive?
–Oh, well, noble Sir Mordred, I'm just having so much fun. No need to worry, – Heathcliff replied, returning to his usual expression and voice.
However, there was a need to worry – turning around, Heathcliff directed a beam of energy at Mordred, with the goal of wiping him off the face of the earth. His next shout was clearly addressed to the heroes:
–I'm glad that you have changed during the time I haven't seen you! I've gone through some changes too! Run while you can! Reach the northern city gate! I'll buy you some time!
Without wasting a minute, Marta created a portal that would allow her and her friends to turn right through the concrete mass and take a shortcut through several streets. Immediately behind them, the portal closed. Explosions and blows were heard at the site of the battle between Heathcliff and Mordred, but now it was more important for them to escape.
–Martha, what does all this mean? – said Ludwig.
–Heathcliff, he... what a fool I was. Initially, his goal was to see whether I had become different from the moment I walked around the worlds and, falling in love with everyone I met and then break their hearts... and now he will die simply because he could not ask directly, and I did not understand his goals earlier... I guess I haven't changed at all, huh?
–But you did. I don't know your situation well, but you don't seem to love anyone right now, – Marren said.
–Well, how can I say this, Marren... – Martha answered, blushing a little.
As they approached the city gates, it became clear why no one was chasing them – a huge crowd of knights was here... at first it seemed that they were dead, but Marren immediately realized that they were alive. Many of their bones are broken, but they are alive. And from the site of this battle, two people already familiar to them were leaving towards the city center – Sol and Shubby. Ludwig called out to them:
–Hey, mock heroes!
–What do you want, another mock hero? – Shubby answered, turning around.
However, since there was a greater distance between them, no one heard her, except, perhaps, Sol, who was walking next to her. Ludwig, Marren and Martha caught up with the two and began to breathe heavily. After all, they just ran through the entire city, and Martha also created a portal, which greatly wastes her stamina.
–I assume you were captured but were able to escape? – Sol said.
–You! If only he had stayed!... – said Ludwig and pointed his hand at Sol, because he no longer held pistols in his hands.
–Yes. I know. It is my fault, – Clain replied, shocking everyone except Shubby. – But that's not the main problem now. There is no Sphere in the Temple. Someone has already taken it. I believe this is...
–Yes. It was the Imperials. I already know it, – Martha said, after which they now looked at her with misunderstanding. – It's a long story. Forget it. In general, it really is here. The last time I saw her was in that tower over there.
Martha pointed to an absurdly tall tower that was barely more than a meter in diameter from the outside. Sol winced. He surely heard something like this before somewhere. But there was no choice – the five of them went towards the tower. Exactly "went" – the three Ludwig, Martha and Marren were too tired to run. On the way, Ludwig told Sol and Shubby everything that happened, and then continued:
–This man, Mordred... he is dangerous. His father, Arthur, is just a talking head, a politician. But Mordred is different. He can go out alone against a thousand and win without getting injured...
–In general, nothing special, – Sol said. – My... Oliver and Cirael were the same. I'm no worse either. I can handle him.
–Well, whatever you say... – Ludwig answered, not really believing it.
–Hey, Martha, what's the deal with Heathcliff? As I understand it, in fact, he was not a freak, but a very romantic person, right? – Shubby said, shining with happiness from Ludwig's story.
–Well... no, he was a freak. He could have just talked to me all this time instead of putting on an act... damn, now I feel even worse. Well, thank you for making me feel worse, Shubby! – Martha answered.
–Can I say something? Sol, we fought Notredamee and lost, but... after that he knocked us out and we never saw him again. Knowing how the Depari work... I'm afraid he's preparing something terrible.
–Don't be afraid, Marren! We can handle them all! – Shubby said and smiled.
But this atmosphere was not destined to last long. A man appeared in the air, 10 meters above the ground. He looked completely ordinary – short dark hair, a black tuxedo with a top hat, brown eyes, average height... all that stood out was the severed head he was holding in his hand. It was Heathcliff's head. Judging by the way that head looked... he died with a smile on his face. Everyone got ready for battle. But this someone was in no hurry to attack. He bowed, releasing Heathcliff's head.
–My name is Edmond Dantes. I am the fourth of the heroes of the Empire. And... I'd like to have a one-on-one with Sol Clain. I don't wish you harm, – he said.
–Huh? But the fourth is Sol from this world. Don't try to lie... – Shubby began, which caused even more misunderstandings on the part of Ludwig, Marren and Martha.
–Are you talking about the man in white? About the real heir of Arai? I know about him. And I can't imagine where you even got the idea that he's with us... it doesn't matter. It is not like you have a choice... Domain Expansion.
The world around Dantes and Sol has changed. It became a gray space with nothing but a table and two chairs next to it. On the table there was a tray with a teapot and two mugs. Sol pulled out his sword, but was in no hurry to attack.
–With such words you will be sued for copyright. You could at least come up with a different name... okay, if you want a duel, then let it be a duel.
–No, no. Like I said, I'm not going to fight. Your friends are now likely to clash with Mordred and Notredamee, but Oliver and Sean will arrive just in time to settle the conflict... even if it means a big battle in the capital. But I am not interested in that. All this was only for one thing – this meeting, – having said this, Edmond sat down at the table. – Take a seat. I want to talk to you about a lot of things.
–Currently I am only interested in the Sphere and the salvation of at least this universe. You want to talk about saving the multiverse, like Schrodinger did earlier? – despite such words, Sol sheathed his sword and sat down on another chair.
–Well, in this case, saving the multiverse is only a consequence... Paradox, you have the power to do much more than just saving the worlds of this Narrative Layer. Do you want the Sphere? Well, here it is. I don't need it. If you agree to help, it's yours.
Dantes snapped his fingers and a sphere appeared on the table. This sphere was seemingly consisting of glass. Energy raged inside, shimmering with all colors, including those that did not exist. Sol, thanks to his eyes, knew... everything Dantes said was true.
–I wonder, why you didn't come to me in person earlier? Why did you need to join the Empire? – Sol asked.
–Because would you have agreed earlier? You rejected Schrodinger's words, and the meeting with Gehessikait did not have much influence on you... I knew that first you would have to reconsider your views. That's why I led you to the Sol Clain of this world.
–You "led me to him"? Hmm, so it was you. At the time, my turbulent emotions made it difficult for me to determine for sure, but I knew that something was wrong with the masked man I was chasing. Was it an illusion?
–Exactly. I knew that your meeting and revealing all the cards would have a great impact on you. All this was planned... for this one meeting.
–How sad it will be if I decide not to listen to you, but take the Sphere by force, right?
–It will be sad, yes... but you will listen. At least because I know the answers. Why Sol from this alternate universe calls you Paradox, why the original universe ceased to exist... and how your story will end. But I'll come from afar. First I'll tell you who I am and why I did all this.
–Honestly? I'm not interesting. But okay, tell me. It's not like I have anything better to do while my comrades are dying, right?
–So be it. I was a Clain... I think that's pretty obvious considering my name comes from world literature. Anyway. I was the Clain of 683rd Iteration. I almost reached the end of my story, started a family... and suddenly they all died. They were killed by the next antagonist, who was created by Gerda. And now I'm seeking for an answer... from her personally.
–Do you remember how I talked about copyrights and the lack of creativity? I'm sure you can ask almost anyone, a with a high probability that someone will want Gerda dead. Right now you look like a cheap copy of Kai.
–But I don't want her to die. I only want what I said - answers. Why was all this happening? And what made her change so much? Is this all just your father's actions, or is there something more behind this?
–This motivation doesn't sound really interesting. I would rather I listen to the music while you explained all this, – Sol said and sighed.
–So, aren't you interested in how your parents died?
–They... no, I'm not interested.
–And about why are you called Paradox?
–Well, tell me if you know.
–Only if you help me. You can bring Gerda down from heaven to earth and...
–Not interested. I really want to know the answers, but to do that I'll just ask Sol from this alternate universe... actually, let's call him "Alternative Universe Sol". Khm, moreover, we have personal score to settle with him. You know, I thought that the 4th of the heroes of the Empire would turn out to be the main antagonist... and you turned out to be a melancholic crybaby.
–Of the two of us, you were the only one crying on-screen.
–Well, it was not nice to meet you. Now will you give the sphere away or should I take it away by force? You may, based on story, copy Kai completely, but you're unlikely to copy him even in powers.
–You are right. But you won't kill me. I have a plot armor. Literally. No matter what the enemy does... the Narrative itself protects me.
–Want me to check it?
–If you wish so.
There was no need to ask twice. Without having tasted the tea, Sol stood up and pulled out his sword, thereby overturning the table. The table shattered into pieces when it collided with Dantes, but Dantes himself remained unharmed. Making his blade conceptual, Clain ran towards Edmond and made one downward slash... but the sword stopped a few millimeters from Edmond's body, as if something invisible was stopping it. Moreover, it was something invisible even to Sol's eyes.
–Indeed, plot armor, – Sol said, jumping back.
–"Edmond Dantes cannot be touched with a blade." This is the law. When I fight someone, I gain a new ability that is perfect against the enemy. I received protection from edged weapons a long time ago. I literally can't lose.
Sol knew Edmond wasn't lying. But if you can't touch him with a sword... Clain sheathed his sword and, instantly switching to Turbulence and creating one wing behind his back, with one dash he again jumped up to Dantes and delivered one blow with his right hand right in the face. But to no avail. Not only did the enemy receive absolutely no damage, but he also struck back, pulling a knife from his sleeve. The stabbing blow hit Sol right in the side, but Clain, ignoring the pain, took a few steps back. Two lines of text appeared before Clain's eyes: "Edmond Dantes is immune to physical damage" and "Edmond Dantes can create metal objects"... soon, another one was added to them: "Edmond Dantes can nullify healing of surrounding characters," which is what happened – a wound Sola did not heal, although it should have been regenerated by then. Clain pulled the clothing over the wound and tied it in a knot.
–Well, do you see now? – said Dantes. – You have no choice. Either you agree to help me... or you will see neither the Sphere nor a way out of this world.
–Is that so? For some reason I'm not sure about this.
Sol raised his sword like the alternate universe Sol used to do. But instead of a white and black glow, white energy began to flow into his sword from the air, from the floor, and even from the body of Sol himself. In Sol's eyes, lines of text began to appear around Dantes: "Edmond Dantes cannot be touched by a blade", "Edmond Dantes ignores conceptual damage", "Edmond Dantes ignores changes in the Narrative", "Edmond Dantes reflects any damage received", "Edmond Dantes dodges any attacks at any speed", "Edmond Dantes cannot be erased from reality" and many, many others. These are probably all the abilities he has currently activated. He looked calm, but considering how he was defending himself, he was afraid... and rightly so.
Sol disappeared, because he was already behind Dantes. His movements transcended space and time, because Clain moved beyond what could be imagined, beyond the Narrative itself. All those lines of text were cut into pieces and disappeared, and Dantes himself lost his hands. This had no logic behind it – the cuts were in completely different places, and were not parallel... but it was a fact. Sol sheathed his sword again as Edmond looked at his arms, which now ended at his elbow. He looked surprisingly calm.
–You don't wish us harm, do you? So be happy, I didn't use the True Blade and completely erase you, – Sol said.
–What... was that?
–True Slash. Pretty powerful attack, but takes too much time to prepare. Allows me to move past the space-time on a speed that cannot be measured even as "infinite"... or something like that. I haven't really figured out how it works myself. What is import now is that plot armor will not help you.
–Ha... – Dantes laughed. – Yes... this is truly what I could only hope for. Take the Sphere, it's yours... now I'm sure that in the future you yourself will help me, without even knowing it.
–You're totally a cheap copy of Kai... – Sol walked up to the Sphere lying on the floor after turning the table over and picked it up. – I'll give you back your powers, but don't come into our sight again.
Klein drew his sword again and swung it once. Space and this whole small world created by Dantes began to disappear. At the same time, Edmond felt that all his strength had returned... after which he bowed again and disappeared. The capital appeared before Sol... in flames. In dark purple flames, slightly reminiscent of the one Oliver created during his Emotional Turbulence. The City looked abandoned, with no townsfolk in sight. But Sol didn't care. He received the Sphere, which means... "I'll quickly run to the Temple of Origin, return the Sphere, and then come back and help my friends... hmm, friends? I wonder when I started thinking of them as such?... okay, it doesn't matter," he thought, and then got into a running stance... and froze.
From somewhere out of the sky, the Sol Klein of this world fell, landing on one knee. He immediately straightened up to his full height and took out his sword. Metallic black flames and white wings glittered in the Sun. Sol Clain of the original world also stood up and stood up to his full height.
–Why are you getting in my way? I'm going to return the Sun Orb to the Temple and save your world, you know, – Sol said.
–You? You will save the world? Surely, for the sake of your "ideal," you will appropriate the Sphere and force the entire universe to praise you as the Messiah or something like that. Give it to me, Sol, – answered Sol... the other Sol.
–Sigh... I guess there won't be a peaceful solution. Sol, I have a lot to talk to you about... but, I guess, that won't happen until I beat you to a pulp.
Original universe Sol also took out the sword he received from Oliver and they both drew their blades to the side and down, marking the beginning of the duel. Alternate universe Sol glanced slightly at the Unity that was in the hands of original universe Sol, but sighed and shook his head. It didn't matter now. Anger was eating him up from the inside, and now it was time to pour it out, because...
–Sooool!
The man's shout sounded, it seemed, to the whole world. Ktul landed right where the alternate universe Sol was standing, slamming this Sol into the ground. From this blow, the heir to the throne lost consciousness, although he did not die. Sol... that Sol, who was still on his feet and conscious, looked at Ktul in bewilderment.
–Sol Clain... fight me, and so I will show you what a mistake you made... – said Ktul, barely speaking through his anger and gnashing of his teeth.
–I'm pretty popular today... let's get this straight, what did I do wrong to you?
–Shab-Ni***rat... how dare Oliver's son lay a finger on her?!
–He is... okay, it doesn't matter. I didn't lay my finger on her, I literally never touched her during our entire journey together. Well, maybe except for that one time in the tavern's bedroom...
Hearing Sol's last phrase, Ktul became even more furious. He took off and, thrusting his fist forward, flew straight into Sol's stomach, carrying him with him and punching him through all the buildings that were on their way.
~*~
–...Domain Expansion, – said Dantes.
Red flash. Sol and Dantes disappear, leaving Ludwig, Martha, Marren and Shubby as four. They looked around to make sure that these two were indeed gone now... they were gone. But, instead of them, someone else came – Mordred, clad in armor, destroying the pavement with his steps, walked towards the heroes. Judging by the appearance, the battle with Heathcliff did not damage him in a slightest. Ludwig suddenly stepped forward and showed his palm to his comrades, saying that there was no need to follow him.
–This is between me and him...
–Ha, just look at that, huh? The weakling went one on one against me... you know, the rest of the "heroes" rely on their special abilities, which allow them to change the very laws of reality or something like that... but you know what I think?
Next second Mordred made a dash towards Ludwig and grabbed him by the neck, squeezing it with his iron gloves.
–Bullshit! I'll show you the difference between us... in brute force!
If just one more moment was wasted, Ludwig would have died of suffocation... but the rift in space that appeared in front of Mordred almost cut off his hand. The knight pulled his hand back and let go of Ludwig.
–No, Ludwig! This is our battle! You need to avenge your father's ideals... and I need to prove to Heathcliff that his sacrifice was not in vain.
Mordred laughed, placing his hand on his side... and only now did he remove that huge rail from his shoulder. He became serious. But the troubles didn't end there. A huge flesh hand, lifting a whole layer of earth, rose from under the city soil... while neatly catching only Marren on its edge. Notredamee was not interested in anyone else, and therefore he wanted to settle everything with Marren one on one. So now the boy in the plague doctor mask was alone, high in the sky, on a hand of pure flesh. Opposite him, Notredamee hovered slightly above the flesh, smiling. He put his arms out in different directions and bent them upward at the elbows.
–The time has come for the deity to finally be born!
So the heroes were divided again – Marren against Notredamee, Ludwig and Martha against Mordred... and Shubby just stood there and looked around. Realizing that Sol was not nearby, she also took a few steps forward and stood next to Martha and Ludwig.
–I know, I have no personal scores with this guy, this is the first time I've seen him... but I still have nothing left to do, right?
Ludwig wanted to object, but Martha shushed him – now they will need any help. The battle began as abruptly as if thunder had struck. Swinging his rail, Mordred demolished the surrounding houses. Judging by the lack of blood, there were no people there. The townspeople must have begun to flee the city when Sol and Shubby burst through the northern gate. But now that wasn't even what the heroes were worried about... their own survival was what they were worried about. And they were very lucky that Shubby was with them – when at the next swing it seemed that this huge "sword" was about to demolish the heroes, she stood in his way and put her hand out. The Black Goat of the Woods grabbed the sword and held it in place... but wounds still appeared on her body.
As soon as Mordred's sword stopped, Ludwig immediately opened fire on him with pistols, which also created copies of themselves in the air... but these light projectiles only bounced off the knight's armor as if they were made of rubber. Just at this time, he was able to snatch his blade from the girl's grip and now rushed towards these three in close combat... after all, given the size of his weapon, his swings could hardly be called close combat. Throwing the sword back onto his shoulder, he raised his left hand up and brought it down on top of Shubby, in response to which she crossed her arms and made a block. She successfully stopped this crushing blow, and the ground beneath her sank deep. Ludwig and Martha were thrown into the air, and Mordred and Shubby were now standing in a huge crater... and despite the fact that she blocked the blow, the bones of her right shoulder, where the blow would have landed, broke. She began to understand his abilities. Shubby slammed her knee into his armor. Mordred flew several meters away but slowed down on the ground, driving his sword into it.
–You say that relying on abilities is "bullshit"... but you rely only on them.
–What are you talking about, goat? – Mordred replied.
–Your abilities work something like this – first the actual damage is done as a fact, and only then you attack... in other words, you are simply cheating by manipulating the causality!
–Yeah. So what? Well, you know this, what next? Will this knowledge somehow help you avoid the guaranteed damage that cuts you in half?
–No, it's just that while I'm talking to you, a weapon of retribution has arrived.
Two huge beams of energy fell from the sky onto Mordred – one white, the other glowing with all the colors of the rainbow. A white beam was shot by Ludwig, who was now holding not pistols, but something similar to a rifle, and rainbow energy was released from Martha's portal. Apparently, she imitated Heathcliff's attacks. When these two beams ran out... they only had time to see a dark blue flash – a man in armor jumped into the air and hit Martha in the stomach with enormous force, forcing her to fly several city blocks away. Ludwig wanted to turn to her and scream – such damage could have been fatal for her – but there was no time. He shot Mordred at point-blank range, only to be blown back and to the side. Thus, he saved himself from the vertical blow of a huge weapon.
–You don't feel sorry for destroying this capital, which your Oval Table knights wants oh so much to take for themselves?! – Ludwig shouted.
–Northold is worthless! After creating weapons from the Sphere the whole world will bow to us!
Shubby jumped into the air, catching up with Mordred, but he, apparently standing on some invisible platform of magical energy, turned around and hit her with his elbow in the solar plexus. She dodged by ducking... but still flew back, and her ribs were broken. It's impossible to even dodge... but... how did Ludwig dodge, then? Realizing that something was off, Ludwig had already landed on the ruins of houses. Mordred attacked him from above. Shubby, with broken ribs, was in no condition to fight. Martha is somewhere far away, and perhaps unconscious... and Mordred's inevitable attack is about to overtake Ludwig. What...
A small portal appeared in front of Ludwig. There was nothing behind it, and it didn't matter. This portal, being a rupture in space itself, blocked the sword, because it was an indestructible barrier... and Ludwig remained unharmed, despite the distortion of causality. Mordred and Ludwig turned to where heavy breathing was heard – Martha, who was held in her arms by her brother, Aren, was pointing her hand at this portal. She must have saved Ludwig... and right now she lost consciousness. Aren carefully placed her on the ground.
–Aren, this knight controls causality! Even if you avoid his attack, the damage will still be done! – Ludwig shouted.
–I see... but none of this is important. He will regret hitting my sister.
Aren folded his umbrella and pointed it at Mordred like a sword. Mordred laughed and changed his focus from Ludwig to the lord of the realm of nightmares. Making a dash towards Aren... Mordred realized that he was in complete darkness. Thousands of huge purple eyes looked at him in a dome around him. At one moment, from all these eyes, clots of energy poured down on him, which should have destroyed him... but when this dome created by Aren dissipated, Mordred was still standing. On one knee, leaning on his huge sword, which he held by the blade, but stood. And Aren... was exhausted.
–I may be omnipotent in the world of nightmares... but outside of it... that's all I can do...
–Can't you teleport him into this world of nightmares and kill him there or something like that?! – Ludwig shouted.
–No, only me, my sister and her future husband, whoever he may be, can be there... from the presence of those who are not related to us by family ties, this world will be destroyed...
–Then just take Martha there and hide!... I... I'll think of something!
Aren nodded and picked Marta up in his arms. Together with her, he fell into the portal that appeared under his feet. The portal immediately disappeared. Ludwig was left alone with Mordred.
–Your father, Arthur, is just a talking head, isn't he?... in fact, it was you, Mordred, who planned the coup.
–That's right, Ludwig de Penright III, that's right...
–Why do you need all this? Your dad was a politician and could provide you with a wonderful life. And I would take care of the prosperity of the Empire...
–Idiot! What do you think "Empire" is?! Your father was a legend! He conquered half the world! But you... you! You are a spineless weakling who has no right to be Emperor! Under my leadership, the Empire will complete what your father started!
–I see... that's how it is... then come here, you bastard!
Ludwig pointed his rifle at Mordred. Of course, he didn't have a chance in 1 on 1 combat. It was just stupid bravado... but he couldn't afford to back down. Not from this fight.
~*~
A huge hand of their flesh, which held several city blocks on itself, rose into the sky. Marren stood at its edge, and Notredame hovered in the center. Marren ran at Notredame, taking the knives stronger and running the blade across his palm to apply his blood, which had become poison, to the knives.
–Notredame! I... I can't run anymore! Now it's just you and me! Y-your madness has come to an end! – shouted Marren.
There was fear in his voice. He was still afraid of Notredame... but, like Ludwig, he could not retreat. Marren knew he had to finish this. Notredame smiled. Now, left alone with Marren, he began to speak without his strange old british accent:
–Marren, my dear Marren... here you come. You didn't run away, although you could have. This means that you are worthy to become a vessel the God!
–What do you even want to achieve?! Oliver and Cirael are literally angels, and they clearly know that there is no god in this world!
–What is a "God", Marren? – replied Notredame, lowering himself and placing his feet on the flesh. – Omnipotence given form. "God" does not have to be a primordial entity, it can be man-made... after all, how many religions are there in the world? We can say that it is humanity that creates gods! And it will be I who will create the first real god... using you!
Around Marren, from the matter of the flesh they stood on, plant-like tentacles appeared and surrounded him, creating a cage... but this did not become a problem. Marren exhaled, after which these shoots began to rot and soon disappeared. Notredame looked at Marren in surprise.
–How strange... I was sure that I created this creature with invulnerability to disease... I created this flesh in your image, Marren.
–Ha... haha, of course you did, – Marren sighed and unfastened the clasps that held the plague doctor's mask on his head. – And that's why... today you will lose, Notredaaame!
Marren took off his mask and threw it aside. Short black hair felt the air for the first time in decades. Because of Marren's biology, the lack of air reaching his head did nothing to harm his hair, his skin, or the bright orange eyes that stared piercingly at Notredame.
–Let's end this once and for all. I was running from this meeting for too long, hiding behind a mask.
The secret of why the flesh created by Notredame could not resist Marren's infection, although it was created specifically for this, was that Marren... was slowly killing himself. He deliberately created new diseases unknown to science that would harm even his body, which has immunity. So were the poisons he created from blood. These versions poisoned him from the inside. Even if he loses this fight, Notredame will not be able to use his body to create a god... because at the end of the battle, Marren will die.
Finally throwing fear away along with the mask, Marren rushed to Notredame. On his way, obstacles appeared every now and then, which Notredame created directly from the surface of his hand, but Marren swiftly maneuvered between them, approaching the cult leader. If he could not get around some obstacle, then he simply sent diseases towards it, which in a matter of moments turned her into dust. When he found himself almost right in front of Notredame, he read genuine horror in Notredame's eyes... they switched places. Now Notredame was afraid of Marren.
But the unexpected happened – new limbs, similar to spider legs, began to burst out of Notredame's body. These things came out of his chest. Marren managed to jump away so that one of these "legs" would not pierce him. Soon Notredame's body itself became just a decoration that moved on these huge limbs. Now in front of Marren stood an abomination, unlike anything else – 6 furry paws with stings at the ends growing from the chest; 3 membranous wings with holes protruding from the shoulders and head; a third eye appeared on the forehead, and the mouth moved down to the cheek, after which another mouth appeared on the second cheek. Although the body was hanging like a toy now, leaning on its long legs like a toy, Notredame spoke with his two mouths:
–Yes, this is it... God is awakening in me! He demands a new vessel... now!
–You are mad... your "God" does not exist!
The six-legged monster, moving on its stingers, rushed towards Marren. At the same time, the boy could not forget that he was now on the territory of Notredame – from the surface on which they stood, shoots appeared every now and then, trying to pierce, grab or crush Marren. The first thing Marren tried to do was to direct a stream of all the diseases he knew towards this monster, including those that he himself had just created... but it was unsuccessful. Notredame's new form completely ignored this.
–Plan b...
Harmful substances sometimes have positive effects, such as a short-term mood boost or faster reaction time... so what happens when you add up all these positive effects? In a second, Marren synthesized his blood so as to obtain all possible increases in characteristics, while avoiding negative effects. Accelerating, he himself ran towards Notredame, rushing past him like lightning and leaving a small cut on one of the spider's legs. This cut was enough – the strongest poisons that were on Marren's knife from the very beginning entered Notredame's blood... or what he had instead of blood.
However, Marren did not become less cautious – immediately after this he jumped away from Notredame, and this was the right decision. Despite all these poisons, the cult leader simply cut off this leg before the poison could spread throughout his body, after which he grew himself a new one from the same place. Apparently, the only way for Marren to win was to attack Notredame's body directly, or better yet, his head. At this speed it shouldn't be a problem.
Marren took off and with one dash found himself in the air in front of Notredame's body... but before he could strike, many limbs burst out of Notredame's neck and their sharpened ends pierced Marren's stomach and chest. He spat blood. Is this the end?...
~*~
Shubby, who had come to her senses and had already regenerated her destroyed bones, shook her head... and noticed how Ktul flew past her at great speed, destroying all the houses on the way with Sol's body. Without thinking, she immediately chased after him.
At that time, Ktul had already stopped and, while Sol was getting to his feet, using all the healing magic he knew on himself, he took a fighting stance. After that, Ktul took his robe with his right hand by his left shoulder and in one motion threw it off, leaving only the windings on his belt and legs. Thanks to this, multiple tattoos on his back and chest became visible. Sol couldn't help but chuckle.
–I didn't know that you were a fan of yakuza action.
–Oh, he's a huge fan, he played the entire series! – shouted Shubby, who was just running up to the place where the two were.
Sol and Ktul both turned to look at her.
–Don't interfere, this is my business... – said Ktul, trying not to look into her eyes.
–Ktul, what actually happened? Sol is my good friend and even more. Why are you fighting him? – Shubby answered, while Sol still did not understand the reason for the conflict.
–Yes, but I... but you... – Apparently, when it came to anything other than fighting, Ktul was just as socially awkward as Sol.
–Hm? You are also a very good friend of mine, Ktul, and I will always be happy to spend time with you!
Hearing this, Ktul turned pale and lowered his head. He turned around and began to walk away, singing to himself:
–Dame da ne, dame yo, dame na no yo... Anta ga...
–Shubby, what's wrong with him? – Sol asked, healing the last injuries received on this and previous flights.
–I... seem to understand. Well, that was very tactless of me... but ok, at least I said how I really felt, haha!
Clain still didn't understand what she meant and went back to where Ktul had previously landed directly on alternative universe Sol. He ended up dropping the Sphere there when Ktul blew him away. When Clain, in a matter of moments, found himself where this flight began, another Clain was already standing in his way, holding the Sphere in his hands.
–So this battle really cannot be avoided, – said original universe Sol.
–It cannot. Last time we were interrupted, but not now. En garde, – replied alternative universe Sol.
For the second time, they both pointed their swords sideways and downwards, signaling the start of the duel. Alternative universe Sol was now at a disadvantage because his left hand was occupied by the Orb... but the two didn't care about that right now. Shubby also got into a boxing stance, but Sol from the original universe told her, "Don't interfere. This is between us".
~*~
Ludwig pointed his rifle at Mordred. Of course, he didn't have a chance in 1 on 1 combat. It was just stupid bravado... but he couldn't afford to back down. Not from this fight. Mordred swung his weapon and, taking a sharp step to the side, thereby dodging Ludwig's shot, swung his rail. Ludwig didn't have a chance to escape, and now Martha won't help him... but someone else will. Mordred's weapon was stopped by a very famous man. Long black hair, black clothes decorated with royal flowers and jewels, green eyes... it was Oliver.
–Hmm, I came on a diplomatic mission, and now I'm fighting with the one who de facto rules the neighboring country. I'm a terrible king, am I not? – said Oliver Clain.
–Oliver Klein... – Mordred said, returning his weapon to his shoulder.
–You know, I always wanted to see the one who was able to usurp the throne of the entire Empire and not lose the throne for more than two weeks, – having said this, Oliver turned to Ludwig. – My friend and I organized the evacuation of the townspeople as soon as we saw the broken gates. It seems I arrived just in time.
Since there were no other citizens in the entire city, Oliver waved his hand and the entire capital was engulfed in purple flames. The ruins of houses burned, but did not crumble to the flames.
–Oliver... you are an excellent ruler, unlike me. However, this is not important now. The important thing is that Mordred must not leave here alive.
With newfound fortitude, Ludwig stood next to Oliver. He was ready to provide him with supporting fire within the limits of his capabilities. Perhaps Mordred will be strong even for the king of Arai.
~*~
Marren took off and with one dash found himself in the air in front of Notredame's body... but before he could strike, many limbs burst out of Notredame's neck and their sharpened ends pierced Marren's stomach and chest. He spat blood. Is this the end?... no time had passed, but Marren was already standing on his feet, his body bandaged, while the stranger stood next to him. He remembered hearing his voice earlier, in Berul. It was Sean Brown.
–You, too, used to be a normal human, and as a result of some experimented you became who you are? I have a similar story, although I did it to myself... what was I talking about again?... oh, yes. I don't know what's the matter between you two, but as a former surgeon, I don't support experiments on people, – Sean said, looking at Marren.
After that, he turned to Notredame. He couldn't handle such an opponent carelessly, so Sean immediately created a black scythe in his hands and black energy began to emanate from his body. He said:
–I look forward to any help you can provide, friend of Sol... but for now... Misogynist Install!
And so, the battle in the capital of the Northern Empire entered its second phase.
~*~
Ice Palace. Kai sits on a chair made of ice and hums something. It seems like he has literally nothing to do. But then, the ice wall collapses and because of the rubble, a girl with cat ears breaks into that room. Margarita.
–Hello, my name is Mar... no, my name is Cheshire Cat, you killed my Master, prepare to die.
–Listen, Cheshire, maybe next time? I'm sooo lazy to fight today... – Kai answered.
–No... get up and die with honor!
Kai shrugged, stretched and stood up.
–I guess I can spend some time playing with you, – Kai said and smiled smugly.
–No, Kai... fight me with all your strength!
–Uh... are you sure? – Kai looked puzzled for a second. – You know, if I don't hold back, it won't be so interesting and fun...
–No, you must not hold back... because I will fight with you until I take my last breath!
–Now this is amusing. Well, go on then, attack!
Kai spread his arms out to the sides, as if he was ready to hug his opponent. Cheshire Cat, however, prepared for battle. She got into a running pose and energy began to gather around her body. Finally, Schrodinger's former maid jumped towards Kai. However, she was not destined to achieve it. She missed. Under normal conditions, Margarita would be able to control the direction through quantum immortality, or at least attack while she flies past... but what flew past Kai was only her dead body. Of course, given that she is literally Schrodinger's cat, Margarita couldn't die. But there was her corpse. There was no trace of magic. She was simply dead, without a single injury on her body. There was no poison or disease in the blood either. She was simply dead. But it is only natural. Nothing and nobody can go against the plot itself. And now, at Kai's desire, the plot demanded Cheshire's Cat death.