7th Weapon

Aria's boots echoed through the dimly lit alleyways of the Delezen. Moonlight filtered through the thick canopy of trees overhead. She moved with the grace of a shadow, her cloak and waist-length black hair billowing behind her.Aria was no ordinary woman, a wielder trained for stealthiness and combat. Her current job is to eliminate the notorious criminal known as Viktor Blackthorn, a man with a reputation for cruelty and cunning.Delezen is a town divided into the upper and lower, and both meet at the center, their market. The upper town lived the rich and followed the rules, while the lower town was taken over by the criminals, led by Viktor, a place where darkness thrived and secrets festered.Aria's eyes, her crimson gaze, scanned her surroundings. "Viktor will be at the lower town this night," she whispered as she planned to assassinate him that evening.A tavern, served as Viktor's castle, is at the end of its street. It was also known that Viktor had a position as one of the leaders in the upper town while leading the lower town. Money had placed him in a great position and possession.Thieves, bandits, killers, and several notorious names are going inside Viktor's tavern. That night, she slipped inside, blending seamlessly with the crowd. Her attire, a mix of black leather and silk, allowed her to move without a sound.As Aria moved deeper into the tavern, she noticed the tension in the air. Whispers of a stranger's presence had already spread. Viktor's men were on edge looking at her. Everyone seems to know each other in the lower town.Dead silence echoed inside the tavern for a minute. Aria was almost ready for combat when suddenly, the heavy wooden door at the far end of the tavern swung open with a creak. A tall figure stepped into the room, silhouetted by the warm, flickering light from the lanterns. It was Viktor.His presence alone commanded respect and comfort among the patrons. Whispers of relief rippled through the crowd as they recognized him."Hey! Viktor," a man sitting at the pub table called out Viktor. The latter just smiled and waved back.Viktor grabbed a beer and continued to move inside, going to his quarters. People continued what they were doing and forgot about Aria.She was following Viktor and blending in with the crowd. Aria headed where Viktor walked. He went downstairs, which is an underground with no guards. Her crimson eyes gaze inside the tavern before she follows Viktor downstairs. When Viktor thought he was alone, a woman appeared before him with a sword in her right hand.Viktor gasped in shock as he threw the beer bottle at her, where the latter avoided the bottle. "Who are you?" he said in panic, moving fast and trying to grab one of his axes.Aria didn't utter a word and just moved towards him, swinging her sword. Viktor blocked her sword with his axe but was cut, injuring him. "Aaahhhh!!" He shouted, trying to stop the blood in his hands.Viktor knew he needed to find a way to escape Aria. "What the hell!!! WHO ARE YOU? WHAT DO YOU WANT!?" he shouted, afraid to die crawling away from Aria.Aria remains silent. Viktor, on the other hand, grabs his money from his side table. "MONEY! I can give you money," showing Aria his cash.Aria stepped closer, "I don't want your money," she responded coldly. She raised her sword as she drew nearer to Viktor."WHAT DO YOU WANT!!" Viktor shouted in fear."Your life.""Wha-?" Viktor's eyes widened in shock as his blood spilled onto the ground.Aria thrust her sword through his heart. She stared at Viktor and whispered, "I don't even need to use my power." Without emotion, she pulled her sword, letting Viktor's body spill. She had completed her job. Viktor Blackthorn is dead without anyone knowing or noticing. Aria moved out of the place. She's going back to Viralinn.After Aria's successful job in Delezen, she returned to Viralinn. The town was nestled in a picturesque valley, far removed from the crime-infested streets of Delezen. Viralinn was known for its weapon wielders and skilled blacksmiths who were well known for making swords, daggers, and axes.The usual clanging of hammers and metals can be heard in the town. She swiftly walked and reached the Sedease, where wielders learn and hone their skills. It's also where wielders could gather and where the job requests are displayed. Sedease is also where Viralinn's headmistress resides.Headmistress Erine is a formidable woman with chestnut hair and piercing blue eyes. Depending on their skills and power, she distributes or approves every job to her wielders.Aria entered the building, her footsteps echoing in the hallway. Headmistress Erine was inside her office doing some paperwork, and she felt the presence of Aria going inside. The door opened, and without looking, she called out for Aria."Aria""Tsk." Aria threw herself on the couch, laying her back and stretching her arms.Erine looked up, meeting Aria's crimson eyes with emptiness. She stares at Aria, assessing without a word. Erine laughs softly and nods. She'll never understand this woman. She can't even predict what she's thinking. Erine spoke softly, "I just cleaned that couch," referring to the one Aria was sitting on.Aria still has the stains of Viktor's blood on her clothes. Erine didn't bother asking her what happened at the Delezen. She reached a paper at her wooden table and asked Aria if she was up to a new job."This is a retrieval mission. You'll retrieve a scroll at the town of Paha with a man named Vincenzo, babysitting," smiling forcibly at Aria.Aria frowned in suspicion. Paha is a notoriously known town of thieves, bandits, and crimes. She stood and snatched the paper at Erine's hand. "What's inside the scroll, Erine?" she asked while reading the contents of the job request."Headmistress," correcting her, "it didn't mention. Should I say you refuse?""No, I'll take it." As Aria walked out of that office, she told Erine about the payment from her last job. "Give my payment to Lorenzo."Unaware of Vincenzo's true nature, and even with suspicion, Aria still accepted the mission. Erine nodded and stared at the door where Aria had left.Of all her wielders, Aria is a unique one, a prodigy at a young age. Aria is not interested in anything besides her job. She also works alone and never wanted a companion on her every job. She's very hard-headed, confident, and does everything her way. She's a very capable wielder, and above all, she's a very dangerous woman.Aria walks through the town's bustling streets, heading to Lorenzo's blacksmith shop.Lorenzo is a burly man with a weathered face, evidence of years spent working tirelessly in his blacksmith shop. His hands, stained and calloused from handling hot metal, testify to his expertise in forging weapons. Though often hidden beneath a furrowed brow, Lorenzo's eyes hold a warmth contrasting with his gruff exterior.Despite his imposing appearance, Lorenzo is known for his kind heart and funny character. His shop is a hub of activity in the town, and the townsfolk and those passing through highly respect his craftsmanship.As Aria reaches the shop, the familiar clang of metal hits the air. Lorenzo felt her presence from his back and talked. "You smell blood," Lorenzo said, slamming his hammer on a sword he was making."Erine gave me one," she said as she entered the shop, referring to her new job, and walked straight to the stairs leading to her room.Lorenzo stopped his work and looked up at Aria. He's not worried about her even though Aria only goes home for two reasons: to prepare for a new job or her sword needs maintenance. What he worried about was that she was indulging in too many jobs."I haven't seen you rested, Aria." he sounded worried."Do I need rest?" Aria retorted."Do you?" Lorenzo gave back her question.Aria stopped and looked down at Lorenzo, gazing at him. Even though Lorenzo is not her family by blood, she respects and treats him like one. Aria, lost in words, just blankly moved her eyes around the place. Tapping the handrail softly, she nods."I'll just go tomorrow then,"Lorenzo chuckled as she watched Aria disappear from his sight. He continued his work and murmured to himself. "She never changes," followed by a soft laugh and the clang of metals.The next day, Aria went to Sedease to meet Erine and Vincenzo. Upon meeting Aria, Vincenzo whispered to Headmistress Erine, "I expect a stronger one, Headmistress Erine, if you don't mind," looking at Aria from head to toe, underestimating her capabilities.Erine frowned in disbelief, "Her?" Erine pointed at Aria, "You wouldn't want anyone else, trust me," Erine said softly.Having no choice, Vincenzo forced a bitter smile. He doesn't care about being accompanied by a woman because his plan is settled when he gets the scroll. Walking towards Aria, "Let's go then," he said as he led the way. Aria just followed the man and gazed at Erine before leaving. Erine just stared and smiled.Together, they embarked on the journey to Paha, a town known as the place for notorious people. As they walked along the winding path leading to the town, Vincenzo seemed friendly and eager to share stories about the importance of that scroll and their need to retrieve it no matter what. On the contrary, Aria never said a word nor cared about his stories. After all, she's suspecting Vincenzo is up to something."I need to get that scroll back." Aria glanced at Vincenzo. She had heard him say it seven times already after their departure.Aria heaved a sigh, finally deciding to talk to him. "So, how did they steal that scroll?" she asked.Vincenzo was startled by Aria's question, "Ha? Well... I... well... they...." he answered, stuttering and suddenly feeling nervous. He never thought Aria would ask that question because she'd been quiet for a while."Well?" Aria sounds interrogating.Vincenzo cleared his throat before speaking. "Well, it's an important scroll in my town, and it was locked in a safe. Maybe the thieves heard it was important, so they stole it. I don't know, don't ask me, they are going to sell it," as he avoids Aria's eyes. "What's important is to get that scroll faster." Vincenzo walked ahead of Aria.Aria nods, and her eyes follow Vincenzo as he walks ahead.Upon reaching Paha, Aria suggested they should be stealthy and try blending in with the crowd. They need to gather information regarding the whereabouts of the scroll."No," Vincenzo said, pulling a piece of paper from his leather bag.Aria mouthed his answer in question. Aria caught a glimpse of the paper in Vincenzo's hands. It was a map to a secluded part of the town of Paha, nestled deep within the woods.Vincenzo silently gestured to Aria to follow him, his hand moving gracefully through the darkness to continue their journey. Without hesitation, she followed him into the depths of the woods, their footsteps echoing softly through the silent night as they ventured toward the hidden part of Paha.Aria couldn't help but notice that Vincenzo seemed very familiar with Paha, his steps sure and deliberate as he navigated the winding trails of the woods. They finally reached their destination under the cover of night, guided only by the moonlight amidst the moon. In the quiet woods, Vincenzo stared at the bandits' den and told Aria they'd wait before infiltrating the den to find the scroll."Everyone would be asleep by that time. That's the perfect time to infiltrate that place." Full of confidence, Vincenzo sat leaning on one of the trees.Aria stares at Vincenzo intensely. She'll keep her eyes on Vincenzo's movement when they enter the building. For now, they still have hours before going in. She slowly sat, leaned on a tree, and closed her eyes while tightly holding her sword. Hours had passed, and Aria sensed the soft rustling of leaves. Vincenzo is making his move, unaware that Aria is awake. She slowly stood and spoke in a deep voice behind him."So?" Upon hearing Aria's voice, Vincenzo was startled, lost his balance, and fell to the ground."What! Don't scare me!" catching his breath while touching his chest. He stood up and told Aria they would infiltrate the den, letting him lead the way. He cursed in his mind. He was about to escape Aria and get the scroll by himself. Now, he has no choice but to bring Aria inside. They set off through the dense forest, following a path known only to Vincenzo. They reached the back of the den as the moonlight guided them.As they cautiously made their way through the corridors of the den, Vincenzo seemed to know every corner as if he had been here before. Aria whispered to Vincenzo, "Are you sure you've never been here before?" Aria said almost in a whisper.Vincenzo's eyes darted around, his expression tense. "I told you, I just heard rumors about this hideout. Never set foot in it."The air was thick with tension as they descended deeper into the den. Aria's senses were on high alert. Every step felt like a potential trap. She couldn't afford to let her guard down, especially on how Vincenzo acted, which only added to her unease.Finally, they reached the basement, where the bandits had stashed their ill-gotten wealth, including the precious scroll they sought. Aria scanned the room, her eyes darting from one corner to another. On the other hand, Vincenzo seemed impatient, as if he couldn't wait to get his hands on the scroll.Moving closely to one crate, Vincenzo spoke in a low voice, "Let's find that scroll quickly." Vincenzo eagerly started opening crates, searching for the scroll. "We can't waste any time. We must recover it and leave."Aria pretended to search for the scroll, her fingers lightly tracing the dusty shelves and crates. She pretended to inspect an old, dusty painting hanging on the wall while keeping a close eye on Vincenzo. "What's so important about this scroll?" she spoke, almost whispering.Vincenzo hesitated for a moment, his fingers pausing over a crate. "It's, it's, Uhm, heirloom, a family heirloom. It contains knowledge about you know a certain, help me find it," he said, stuttering and still with a straight face.Aria's suspicion deepened as she continued to probe. "Oh?"Vincenzo's eyes met hers, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "What are you doing? Help me find it."He's lying. Aria is convinced Vincenzo isn't the owner of the scroll. He is there to steal it. In the dimly lit basement of the bandits' den, Vincenzo's fingers brushed against the scroll concealed behind a stack of crates. He had found it earlier but had chosen not to reveal his discovery to Aria. Now, he just needed a way to escape. He knows that she has been suspicious of him.Just as he was thinking of his next move, the heavy wooden door at the far end of the basement creaked open. A bandit, his eyes widening in surprise, stumbled upon Aria and Vincenzo. Vincenzo no longer needed to think of a way to escape.The bandit shouted to alert the others. "Intruder! We've got an intruder down here!"The shout echoed through the underground den, and bandits emerged from the shadows one by one, blocking Aria and Vincenzo's path to escape. No panic flashed across Aria's face as she realized it was coming.Now facing a crossroads, Vincenzo decided to unravel his true intentions and identity. With a heavy sigh, he stepped forward, his voice trembling as he spoke, "I've been following her. She's the intruder." pointing at Aria.Aria stared blankly at the bandits. She already anticipates this situation. Vincenzo was trying to steal the scroll by using her as a scapegoat in case anything happened. One of them, a burly man with a scar across his face, stepped forward. "Who is this woman."Vincenzo quickly spun a web of lies, his tone convincing as he wove his tale. "I've been tracking her for days. She's a thief, here to steal the stash. I was about to call you when you all arrived."The bandits regarded Aria suspiciously and trusted Vincenzo, for some recognized him, and their weapons remained pointed at her. But Aria didn't move a muscle. She looks at them one after another. Vincenzo found a way to escape as quickly as possible as the bandits focused on Aria. He walks towards the bandits.As Vincenzo managed to slip away from the bandit's basement, Aria found herself cornered, surrounded by the bandits. The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows on the uneven stone walls, and tension hung heavily. Two bandits, their grins dripping with arrogance, exchanged smirks, underestimating her solely because of her gender."You think you can take us on, sweetheart?" one of them sneered, cracking his knuckles in a show of false confidence.The other bandit laughed mockingly, "Yeah, this should be fun."Aria's response was swift and decisive. Silently, she drew her sword, its steel glinting ominously in the dim light, staring blankly at her opponent.The first bandit lunged at her recklessly. She dodged his wild swings effortlessly, her blade singing through the air as she countered with deadly grace. Her enemy lay defeated in moments, clutching his wounded arm in agony.The second bandit, realizing the grave mistake he had made, hesitated for a moment. Aria seized the opportunity. Their swords clashed with a booming resonance.The other bandits scrambled for their weapons, cursing and shouting. Aria moved with fluid grace, parrying their desperate attacks with ease. The clash of steel could be heard inside the den, the thud of bodies hitting the stone floor, and the heavy breathing of the bandits.Amidst the chaos of battle, a bandit managed to land a glancing blow on Aria's shoulder. Aria just looked at the blood on her shoulder and stared at the bandit, thrusting her sword, killing him.The bandit leader saw it and still refused to yield. He charged at Aria with a wild roar, his sword swinging wildly. Aria sidestepped his attack deftly and drove her blade into his side. With a pained gasp, he crumpled to the floor.The basement was now silent as the defeated bandits groaned. She had single-handedly defeated them all. Aria approached the bandit leader, who was now clutching his wound. He looked up at her, a mixture of pain and disbelief in his eyes."Who are you?" he croaked.Aria's gaze was steely. "Aria"With that, she left the bandits in their defeated state. Aria ran out of the bandits' basement, her clothes covered in their blood. She wanted to find Vincenzo and kill him. She dashed through the dark woods, but suddenly, someone grabbed her and pinned her against a tree.