The earth shook violently beneath their feet, mirroring the chaos that surrounded them. The once lively breeze had quieted, leaving a heavy and stagnant air in its wake. The clouds loomed above, motionless and silent, as if waiting for something to happen.
Ken'Bu muttered to himself in disbelief, his hands clenching tighter around the hilt of his blade. "Is this really the reason they need the child?" he questioned, struggling to make sense of the situation.
He had encountered countless foes who were more daunting than them in the past, and they were no different. However, Viktor presented a formidable challenge, a barrier to their carefully crafted schemes.
The borders of the expansive property were guarded by almost a hundred men, all eager participants in the game of dominance and influence. They stood firm, ready to defend their cause until death. However, Ken'Bu was aware that even their collective strength would be no match for the formidable power that loomed ahead—a supernatural demonstration of might that could tear apart the foundations of existence itself.
After all if it was enough to scare his higher ups, could they stand a chance?
Viktor's telekinetic mastery emanated with an imposing air, exerting its dominion over the surrounding space. His control stretched far beyond the grasp of any mere child, encompassing the entire room and all who occupied it. The men outside, frozen in a state of paralyzing terror, found themselves ensnared in his psychic hold.
Their bodies were rendered immobile, their movements stymied by a force beyond comprehension. Even Charles, with all his strength and skill, could not muster the will to defy Viktor's command. He was utterly powerless in the face of such immense telekinetic prowess. A sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air, filling every corner of the room with an oppressive weight as Viktor held sway over his helpless victims.
"Vicky..." Emeline's voice, barely a whisper, shattered the suffocating silence like shattered glass, her words cutting through the air like knives. The sound of her voice served as a catalyst for Viktor's release, his grip on her tightening until his knuckles turned white. But with a heavy sigh and trembling hands, he finally relinquished his hold, allowing Emeline to draw him into a tender embrace that offered both comfort and despair.
The boy's teeth dug into his lower lip until he felt the metallic taste of blood fill his mouth. His eyes burned with a mixture of emotions - fear, grief, and a deep sense of desperation that threatened to consume him. "Em," he begged, his voice breaking under the weight of his anguish as he held onto his sister in a desperate embrace. "Please don't leave me. I can't do this without you."
"Hush. Don't speak too loudly," Emeline whispered gently, her lips lightly grazing his cheek in a comforting and loving gesture.
As they embraced, it was as if they were the only two people in the world, lost in their own little bubble.
"Do you remember all those years ago?" Her words hung in the air, fragile and raw. "When I said bad people deserve bad things?" They had been so naive then, unaware of the harsh realities that would come crashing down on them. But in that moment, they were invincible, united against the world.
Defiantly, Viktor shook his head, feeling a heavy ache in his heart at Emeline's words. But he refused to let go of the hope that surged through him, fueled by the revitalizing surge of mana he had given her.
Emeline's words are interrupted by a violent cough that causes her to double over, splattering blood on her lips. Despite the pain contorting her face, she fights to continue speaking. "I witnessed...a young boy," she manages to gasp out, each word a struggle. "He couldn't have been much older than you...and he was killed for stealing." A shudder runs through her body, tears welling up in her eyes. "I saw his family weep...Vicky. And no one deserves that, no one deserves to die," she whispers through tears and heartache.
The words, sharp as knives and heavy as anvils, hung in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the safety of their embrace. Viktor's throat constricted with unspoken anguish, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. His mind was a tumultuous sea, tossing and turning with a whirlwind of emotions. Why did it have to be her? Why now, when everything seemed at peace? The questions screamed within him, but his voice remained trapped in the suffocating silence of his despair. It felt as if the weight of the world had been placed upon his shoulders, crushing him with its burden.
A soft touch from Emeline grazed his cheek, a fleeting gesture that held the depth of a lifetime's worth of affection and understanding. "I understand what's going through your mind. And I suppose it's simply my time... But if you manage to escape this place, Vikky, I want you to find happiness and treat every person with kindness. No more taking lives, no more shedding tears. Just be happy, alright?"
Viktor's words spilled out in a rush, punctuated by the crack of emotion in his voice. His gaze blazed with an intensity born of desperation and determination as he pleaded his case. "I'd do anything to keep you safe," he declared, his voice raw with emotion. "That's why I train, why I kill. To protect us from people like him." The fire in his eyes flickered with a mix of fear and fierce loyalty as he spoke.
Viktor felt a sharp pain in his heart as Emeline's words cut through him like shards of glass, her tears evidence of the overwhelming emotions that they were both experiencing.
"No, silly, you murder because your father has made it your duty. You're only twelve years old. Your time should be spent chasing girls and reading books, not taking someone's life. It's unjust. Please, just leave this place." Her trembling voice was filled with both sorrow and acceptance as she begged.
As her once lively complexion faded into the color of death, Viktor's heart shattered. He let go of her hand with a trembling breath, gently crossing her arms over her chest in an act of love and mourning. "Em..." His voice cracked with emotion, unable to find the words to express the overwhelming grief in his heart at the sight before him.
Viktor's expression turned to steel as he stared at Ken'Bu. "What is it that you want from me?" He let go of his telekinetic grip on the people in the vicinity, allowing them to continue their attack with a flicker of disinterest.
Ken'Bu raised an eyebrow in slight confusion, a mischievous smile forming on his face. "Well, it looks like I've been sent to fetch you, but I have a feeling it won't be that simple," he commented with a hint of amusement and eagerness.
As the sounds of battle surrounded them, Ken'Bu remained focused on his goal: to cut down any remaining defenders in order to reach his primary target. However, Viktor was no ordinary target; he held a crucial piece of their leader's master plan, making it imperative that they capture him alive at all costs.
"Hmm...Charles, take Lilith and escape from here. I'm sure the guards will assist you," Viktor commanded with a calm tone, even amidst the chaos within him. With a determined stride, he reached for Charles' discarded blade, knowing that it was nothing compared to the powerful weapon infused with mana that he possessed.
Viktor's command rang out, spurring the trio into a frenzied dash. The abrupt movement caught Ken'Bu off guard, his confident expression faltering for just a moment. This plan was utter madness, almost suicidal, but who was he to judge? Did Viktor honestly think they could make it out unscathed?
Ken'Bu's twisted grin spread across his face, revealing razor-sharp teeth and a wild gleam in his eyes. His taunting words sliced through the air like a venomous snake, each syllable dripping with malice and hatred. "You know I'll still chop you up just like I did to your bitch of a mother! Yapyap!" The sound of his voice was like nails on a chalkboard, grating and filled with sadistic pleasure. He brandished his sword, its blade glinting in the dim light as he spoke.
"The boss told me to protect myself, you know! I'll rip your tiny little guts out." With a savage snarl, he charged at Viktor, a second sword suddenly materializing in his free hand. The metal clanged against each other as he swung them both with deadly precision, his bloodlust evident in every movement.
Viktor felt a strong sense of determination wash over him as he stood face to face with Ken'Bu. He had no concrete plan or strategy, but he was determined to buy enough time for his brother and Lilith to escape. As Ken'Bu charged towards him with deadly intent, Viktor steeled himself for the inevitable fight, his resolve unshaken even in the face of imminent danger.
One slash, two slashes, three slashes--the sound of steel against steel filled the air as Viktor and Ken'Bu engaged in a deadly dance of blades. Their movements were a blur, each strike a testament to Viktor's inexplicable prowess. In the blink of an eye, nearly thirty slashes tore through the space between them, their swords colliding with a deafening clang. Time seemed to slow down as they continued this deadly waltz, their bodies moving with precision and grace. The glint of the moon on the polished steel added an extra layer of danger to the already intense encounter.
Ken'Bu's unmatched agility, once intimidating to Viktor, now only fueled his determination. He countered each of Ken'Bu's swift movements with equally swift and precise ones, creating a dance of perfect synchronization that was beyond reason.
Watching Viktor easily defend against his relentless attacks only fueled Ken'Bu's anger, causing it to erupt like a dormant volcano. As the seconds ticked by, his strikes became more frenzied, the muscles in his neck bulging with the intensity of his rage.
Ken'Bu's voice boomed with rage and resentment, punctuated by the clanging of metal. "You! You think you're so damn special?" he shouted, his words dripping with venom. "Si could take your head off in a single swipe!" His voice grew louder and more frantic, a mixture of anger and insanity building to a chaotic climax.
As Viktor stepped back to catch his breath, a brief pause from the chaos of battle, he took advantage of the opportunity to confront his opponent.
"Who's that?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Ken'Bu remained silent, his face twisted into a sneer as he prepared to attack once more with his blades. "That's always been my damn problem," he muttered bitterly, the words echoing the turbulent journey that had brought him to this crucial moment. With an intense glint in his eyes, he charged forward again, ready to strike with deadly precision.
Filled with unwavering resolve, Viktor charged forward once more, his sword cutting through the air with calculated precision and landing a small but significant wound on Ken'Bu's arm. A fleeting sense of triumph flashed in Viktor's eyes, a momentary respite from the chaotic clash of blades.
A smirk spread across Viktor's face as he advanced, eager to take control of the situation. However, his plan was interrupted by a sudden and powerful strike that sent him flying through the air. He collided with a broken wall of the manor, the impact knocking the breath out of him. As he lay gasping for air, he gazed up at the dark sky filled with smoke and flames, creating a foreboding backdrop.
Amidst the chaos of the battle, a voice called out to Viktor, cutting through the noise and drawing his attention. Charles appeared from the shadows, a glimmer of hope in the midst of the darkness that surrounded them both, and Ken'Bu turned to see him as well.
Ken'Bu's expression shifted to one of shock as he evaluated the stranger. "I see, you've returned to join your brother in death? The Kirchners never cease to amaze me," he mumbled, his eyes darting between Charles and the unconscious Viktor. Without hesitation, he hoisted up Viktor and bounded through the damaged wall, vanishing into the darkness of the night.
"Everyone, attack and eliminate anyone who has not escaped yet. The night belongs to us!" Ken'Bu's order reverberated through the chaos, inspiring his troops to complete their mission. With a simple gesture, he conjured sharp gusts of wind to transport himself and Viktor away from the besieged mansion, vanishing into the shadows.
As Viktor stirred back to consciousness, he found himself soaring through the air alongside Ken'Bu, the landscape shifting beneath them in a dizzying blur. With each passing moment, the reality of his situation sank in, fueling Viktor's resolve to confront the challenges that lay ahead.
Viktor's voice rang out through the air, a mix of fear and defiance as he struggled against Ken'Bu's grip. With a swift punch to his captor's face, Viktor showed no signs of backing down, even as they continued their chaotic journey through the sky. The world around them seemed to blur and spin, but Viktor's determination remained unyielding, a flame burning bright in the midst of chaos.
Viktor's strikes struck Ken'Bu with a force that sent waves of agony coursing through his body, causing him to lose his grip. Despite the exhaustion creeping over him, he continued to fight back against Viktor's unrelenting attacks, firm not to be defeated.
Viktor's telekinetic powers surged one final time, breaking him free from Ken'Bu's grasp and sending him tumbling through the dark expanse above. The exhilaration of freedom coursing through his veins, he managed to snatch a gruesome trophy of his defiance: a tooth ripped from Ken'Bu's mouth during their struggle.
Falling down towards the thick foliage, the lush forest seemed to wrap its arms around him, cloaking his descent from Ken'Bu's sight. Despite the imminent danger, a peaceful feeling washed over Viktor and he simply let go, welcoming the embrace of the earth below.
As his consciousness faded, a small smirk formed on Viktor's lips as he muttered, "So much for nobody deserving to die."
***
The Emperor's voice boomed through the room, his frustration evident in the forceful slam of his hand against the table. He stared intensely at Virmil and Charles, demanding answers that they were struggling to provide. The previous day, they had fabricated a story out of fear and desperation to cover up Viktor's disappearance while under their watch. Unable to face their guilt and the truth of his fate, they had created a false narrative of heroism and sacrifice, claiming Viktor had died trying to save his maid in the fire at the manor. Their shoulders sagged under the weight of their deceit as they sat before the Emperor.
The Emperor's question lingered in the air, weighing heavily on everyone in the room. "Where is his body?" he asked a stark reminder of the gaping hole in their story. Virmil shifted uncomfortably under the emperor's gaze, his resolve wavering as he struggled to maintain the facade of truth.
Virmil's voice shook with anxiety as he confessed, "Sir, we couldn't find him." He exchanged a quick glance with Charles, hoping for confirmation of their fabricated story. "We both saw it - your son's scorched body shielding his maid." Charles nodded in agreement.
While Emperor Werner continued to interrogate him, Charles struggled with his own conflicting emotions. A part of him desperately held onto the belief that Viktor could still be alive, but a nagging voice in the depths of his mind reminded him that it was most likely just wishful thinking.
With a deep breath, Charles finally spoke, his voice calm despite the turmoil raging inside him. "Viktor Kirchner has passed away," he announced, the gravity of his words weighing heavily on the room. Despite any lingering doubts in his heart, Charles knew that both the emperor and the rest of the world had already accepted Viktor's fate as sealed.
***
The sound of a sing-song voice reverberated through the quaint kitchen. It was an invitation that never failed to bring a smile to Viktor's face. "Viktor, breakfast is served - come get it!"
Quickly striding into the kitchen, a lanky sixteen-year-old boy entered, his long locks draping over his shoulders as he made his way towards the table. His hazel eyes gleamed with excitement as he gazed at the feast laid out before him.
Just as he was about to dig into his breakfast, a loud knock at the door shattered the peacefulness of the morning. The boy stood up, but the woman sitting across from him placed a hand on his arm, silently telling him to stay put with her kind smile.
As she pulled open the front door, her voice rang out with warmth, "Good to see you again, sir!" A man stood on the threshold, his features adorned with a wide smile. He held a stack of letters in his hand, and as he stepped inside, it felt like we were old friends catching up.
The man lifted his hat in a friendly gesture and scanned the room before focusing on the boy standing behind the woman. "Good morning, ma'am, Viktor," he said kindly. "Is Mr. Fritz present?"
The woman's lips curved into a knowing smile as she shook her head slightly. "You know how he is," she chuckled, reaching out to take the mail from the man's hands. He nodded in understanding and handed over the bundle.
The man's tone conveyed urgency as he spoke, "Please tell him that the guild master needs to talk to him. There's a new hunting opportunity near Northfield; it's supposedly a huge, mana-infused bear. But we need confirmation. Have a good day."
With a final nod and wave, he turned to leave, his footsteps resonating softly on the pathway outside.
Left alone with the morning's news, the woman shut the door behind her and returned to the comforting warmth of the kitchen. She cast a glance at Viktor and offered him a reassuring smile before focusing back on her task.
Now settled in their quaint cabin on the outskirts of a small fishing village, Viktor wasted no time in indulging in the hot meal that awaited him. As he relished in the embrace of home and family, he couldn't help but wonder what adventures lay ahead beyond their modest abode.
Charles had been right. The shadow of Viktor Kirchner, the child thrust into a world of darkness and violence, had faded into the past. In his place stood a new man, Viktor Fritz, a name symbolizing a fresh start—an emergence born from peace, love, and a newfound understanding of happiness.