(Katsuo POV)
As we stumbled out of the treacherous forests of Wraeclast, the city of Sarn sprawled before us in all its ruined splendor. Imagine a once-majestic city that had a wild party lasting several centuries too long, and you have Sarn.
We walked and did a bit of sightseeing. Think of the fanciest buildings you've ever seen, now think of them after a few millennia of neglect and zombie invasions. Marble columns? Check. Covered in moss and looking like giant, lopsided toothpicks? Double check. The bridges are still there, but I wouldn't trust them to hold up a feather, let alone a weary adventurer.
Then at a distance we can see the Solaris Temple and the Sceptre of God. These buildings still dominate the skyline, but instead of inspiring awe, they now look like they could use a good power wash and some serious renovations. Imagine ancient architectural wonders crossed with a haunted house, and you're pretty much there.
The cobblestone streets are a trip—literally. They're cracked, overgrown, and about as safe as walking on a sea of Lego bricks in the dark. If you don't watch your step, you might find yourself face-to-face with some ancient, angry vegetation.
And then we saw the mobs. Undead mixed with Gemlings and Blackguards roamed the streets, making the city even more unsettling.
"You guys go and fight, I'll go to that corner and meditate for a bit, okay?" I said to my trio. Dem gave me a warm smile, her form glowing with determination as she flapped her wings. Kai, as usual, bounced up and down before zipping towards the nearest undead. And Jade, well, he gave me a salute, like a knight ready to enter a gruelling quest.
As I settled into my corner, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude. Watching Dem's fiery determination, Kai's boundless energy, and Jade's steadfast bravery reminded me of how far we'd come and how much we'd grown as a team.
Their trust and camaraderie gave me strength. I closed my eyes and began to meditate, focusing on the task ahead and the bond we shared. With each deep breath, I felt more centered and prepared for whatever challenges awaited us in this crumbling city.
"Thank you, all of you," I whispered, knowing they couldn't hear me but feeling the sentiment deeply.
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As I settled into my cozy corner, I couldn't help but think, "Two months in this hellhole. How did I know it was two months?" Well, the interface said so. In these two months, my Mana Core is only at Master Core - IV, just one sublevel. Understandable, considering I haven't fought with all my power since coming to this world. I've been more of a support character. My companions needed experience, after all. They're only, at most, a year old.
I watched a one-year-old Fire Sprite burn an undead to ashes and give me a warm smile. I chuckled, thinking how this world's child labor laws would have a fit if they saw this.
I reviewed my skill set. Enhanced Shunpo, my favorite move. It's basically teleportation for those who want to feel like a ninja. Judgement Cut and Rapid Slash, my go-to heavy hitters. Pyrobolts, Giant Sword, and Summoned Swords—the first being like magical fireworks, fast and annoying. I "tested" it on a poor undead, startling Kai. Oops.
The Giant Sword, although not as stamina-draining as before, still costs a hefty amount. And Summoned Swords? I glanced at the twenty-two ethereal swords hovering around me, crackling with fiery-earthy energy. It's like my own personal floating armory, very handy when you need to look intimidating.
Next were my Elemental Manipulations: Fire, Air, Earth, Lightning, and Electric. Fire, now boosted with the Allflame, can potentially be used as a healing buff. But I'm not crazy enough to harm myself… yet. Air? Still needs some fine-tuning, but it's getting there. Earth? Impeccable. I can't let Jade outskill me, can I? And Lightning and Electric, mostly used as buffs. Sure, I could zap some enemies here and there, but meh, Pyrobolts are fancier.
I chuckled as I saw Kai, still twitching from the surprise Pyrobolt, zooming around zapping enemies with newfound enthusiasm.
I reflected on the situation, feeling a mixture of pride and amusement. Here I was, in a world where my companions—essentially toddlers—were taking down undead hordes and ancient constructs. If I had a diary, today's entry would read: "Day 60 - Kai got cranky, Dem smiled warmly, Jade saluted like a knight, and I accidentally set off fireworks in Kai's face. Another typical day in Wraeclast."
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So long story short, we killed undead, cultists, and ancient douchebags. Notably, we dealt with Piety and Gravicius. Piety, ever the elusive drama queen, ran away again, much to our collective eye-rolling annoyance. Gravicius, though, was a tough cookie. He pulled out some flashy moves, like summoning flaming orbs that tracked us with the persistence of a heat-seeking pigeon, and throwing out shockwaves that made the ground ripple like a really bad dance floor. But hey, we handled it.
Now, we're standing at the foot of the Sceptre of God, the ultimate monument to ancient egos and shoddy maintenance. The grand staircase ahead looks like it was designed by someone who believed health and safety regulations were just a suggestion. Each step is worn and cracked, and I'm pretty sure that statue on the left is giving me the stink eye.
We start our ascent, trying not to trip on the uneven steps. The stone underfoot feels like it's ready to give up at any moment. We pass by crumbling statues that seem to mock our every step. One of them looks suspiciously like it's about to sneeze itself into rubble.
The facade of the Sceptre is, let's be honest, a bit of a letdown. Ivy and moss cling to the stone like they're the only things holding this place together. Faded carvings that were probably impressive a few hundred years ago now look like they were doodled by a bored giant with a chisel.
Stepping inside, we're greeted by a hall so vast you could fit your entire adventuring party—and their egos—comfortably. The vaulted ceilings stretch high above, supported by massive pillars that look like they're held together with spit and hope. Tattered banners hang limply, as if they've given up trying to impress anyone.
We continue upwards, navigating twisting corridors that seem to have been designed by a maze enthusiast with a grudge. The walls are adorned with faded murals that might be epic tales of heroism or just really old graffiti. Occasionally, beams of light pierce through cracks, illuminating dust motes that dance around like they own the place.
As we make our way higher, the air grows heavier, charged with an oppressive energy that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Every creak and groan of the ancient structure sounds like a warning. But hey, we've come this far. What's a few more stairs, right?
Finally, we arrived and stepped onto the platform, feeling like we've just walked onto the stage of the world's most intense reality TV show. The balustrade surrounding the arena offers a breathtaking view of Sarn below, perfect for contemplating the life choices that brought us here. The stone floor is marked with glowing arcane symbols that practically scream "boss fight ahead!"
There's an eerie silence, the kind that makes you feel like you're the punchline of a cosmic joke. The only sounds are distant rumbles of thunder and the occasional creepy whisper that sends shivers down your spine.
Dominus stands at the center of the arena, looking like he's just stepped out of a fantasy fashion show. His golden armor glints ominously, and his eyes blaze with the kind of intelligence that makes you wish you'd stayed in bed today. He moves with the precision of someone who practices their evil overlord routine in the mirror every morning.
Dominus wields a staff that's so large it's clearly compensating for something. As if sensing my inner monologue, he unleashes powerful spells and summons minions who look like they're having second thoughts about their career choices. The ground shakes with his attacks, adding a nice touch of seismic drama to the proceedings.
"Alright, team," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt, "you know the drill. Dem, keep those minions busy. Kai, do your zippy thing. Jade, be the wall you were born to be."
With a collective nod, they sprang into action. Dem's flames roared to life, creating a fiery barrier that the minions found hard to cross without singeing their eyebrows. Kai zipped around like a caffeinated squirrel, his electric energy crackling as he stunned and confused our foes. Jade, ever the reliable tank, stood firm, his earth constructs deflecting attacks and shielding us from the worst of Dominus's spells.
I zipped towards Dominus, my Summoned Swords swirling around me in a deadly dance. He responded with a blast of energy that I narrowly dodged, the heat singeing the tips of my hair. I returned fire with a Judgement Cut, aiming for the weak points in his armor. The strike hit home, but Dominus barely flinched, his eyes narrowing with annoyance.
"Is that all you've got?" he sneered, twirling his oversized staff like a baton.
"Oh, you haven't seen anything yet," I shot back, cladding myself in Quadra-elemental properties that swirled around me, creating a spectacle that would have been quite pretty if it weren't so lethal.
Dominus raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. He summoned a ring of dark energy that expanded outward, forcing me to Shunpo away to avoid being caught in its destructive path. The arena was now a chaotic mess of flashing lights, roaring flames, and ear-splitting explosions.
Through the chaos, I saw Dem holding her own against the minions, her flames burning brightly despite the exhaustion evident in her eyes. Kai was a blur of motion, his electric attacks striking with pinpoint accuracy. Jade stood like an immovable fortress, his shields absorbing the brunt of Dominus's fury.
I knew we couldn't keep this up forever. Dominus was powerful, but he wasn't invincible. I just needed to find the right moment to strike.
Seizing an opening, I unleashed a Rapid Slash, darting in close and striking with all the speed and precision I could muster. Dominus staggered, a look of genuine surprise flashing across his face.
"Nice try," he growled.
"So, is it time for round two?" I teased the now changing form of Dominus. I fired several Pyrobolts toward him, but they barely left a mark.
"Is this plot armor at work?" I mused, imagining an unseen developer snickering in the background.
Just as I'm about to comment on how he's overdoing the special effects, his golden armor begins to crack and shatter. Dominus is now emitting light like he's auditioning for a role in the next Avengers movie. I shield my eyes, half expecting him to burst into a musical number. Instead, he starts to growl, and not the fun kind of growl you get from your dog when it's playing.
Just when I think the glow might be the worst of it, tentacles burst from his back. I stifle a laugh, thinking, "Is this his version of accessorizing?" Dominus' face twists into something more monstrous, but all I can think about is how impractical those tentacles must be for daily life. How does he fit through doorways?
"Behold my true form!" Dominus bellows, his voice echoing dramatically. I roll my eyes. Of course there's a speech. Why do villains always have speeches? I start mentally drafting my own counter-speech, something witty and cutting, but I get distracted by the way his new tentacles flop about awkwardly.
I responded with a golf clap, "Wow, you look like Squidward, my guy," I said toward Dominus-Squidward. I then glanced at my companions and said, "Alright, guys, time to rest."
Dem's glowing form flickered with both hesitancy and acknowledgment. Kai bounced in defeat, and Jade plopped to the floor with a thud. I used Earth Manipulation to gently grab the three-foot-tall golem.
To my annoyance, Dominus attacked me with a tentacle, which I sliced off in a flash, surprising even him. "You," my playful demeanor replaced with a somber tone, "Wait." That was all I said.
I turned to my supposed kids, "You three, exit the room, okay?"
Dem looked like she wanted to argue but instead gave me a firm nod. Kai's ears drooped, and he trudged off, clearly "muttering" something about missing the fun part. Jade saluted, then slowly waddled towards the exit.
As they left, I turned back to Dominus, who seemed a bit taken aback by the sudden lull in the action. "You know," I said conversationally, "you'd think after all this time, they'd come up with a better final boss. I mean, tentacles? Really? This isn't a cheap horror movie."
Dominus roared in frustration, launching another attack with his remaining tentacles. I deftly dodged, feeling more like I was in a dance-off than a deadly battle. "Seriously, do these things even have a practical use? Do you use them to hang your laundry?"
He ignored my taunts, his attacks becoming more erratic. I zipped around the room, using Shunpo to dodge and strike, making sure to stay just out of reach. "Maybe we should get you a new stylist. Someone who can work with your, uh, unique physique."
With a powerful slash, I severed another tentacle, causing Dominus to howl in rage. "You," he snarled, "will regret this."
I shrugged. "Doubt it. I've regretted worse things, like letting Kai handle my morning coffee. Trust me, that was a mistake."
As Dominus prepared for another attack, I readied myself for the final showdown. This guy had a lot of bluster, but at the end of the day, he was just another oversized boss with a flair for the dramatic. And I had a flair for taking down oversized bosses.
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With a zip, I cut through an unsuspecting tentacle. With Sanchomo in my hand, cladded with Sword Essence and Quadra-elemental properties, I cut through his tentacles like a hot knife through butter. But the most annoying thing is that some barrier is protecting him.
Dominus lashes out with his tentacles, and the ground trembles with his power. I dodge left, then right, thinking, "Couldn't he have gone with something more original? Like, I don't know, laser beams?" The tentacles keep missing me by inches, more flailing than actually aiming.
The arena itself seems to warp and twist. I find myself hopping over cracks in the ground, avoiding random bursts of dark energy. I can't help but chuckle, realizing that Dominus is now less a terrifying overlord and more a clumsy kid with a new toy.
"Is this supposed to be intimidating?" I call out, dodging another tentacle swipe. "I've seen scarier things in a haunted house on a Tuesday."
Dominus growls, his eyes glowing brighter as he channels more energy. "You dare mock me?" he bellows, his voice echoing through the arena.
"Mocking? No, I'm providing constructive criticism," I reply, slashing through another tentacle. "Seriously, man, the tentacles are overdone. Maybe try a giant laser next time?"
Dominus's barrier flickers, giving me a glimpse of hope. "Ah, finally," I mutter, readying myself for another attack.
With each strike, I chip away at the barrier. It's a slow process, but I can feel the tide turning. "You know," I say between swings, "you could have just gone for a nice retirement somewhere instead of this whole 'doom and destruction' gig. Less stress, more sunshine."
Dominus roars, the sound reverberating through the chamber. "This world is mine to rule!" he declares, launching another flurry of attacks. His voice carries a hint of desperation, a reminder of the power he once wielded effortlessly.
I can't help but feel a twinge of sadness. Despite his monstrous appearance and malevolent intentions, there's something profoundly tragic about Dominus. Here he is, a once-mighty ruler reduced to lashing out in fury and frustration, clinging to remnants of a power that's slipping through his fingers.
"Do you really believe that?" I ask softly, more to myself than to him. "Is this all you've got left?"
The barrier flickers again, weaker this time. I press the advantage, slashing with renewed vigor.
The barrier shatters with a resounding crack. Dominus, exposed and vulnerable, stares at me with a mixture of rage and fear. For a moment, we lock eyes, and I see the flicker of a life once lived, a story now closing its final chapter.
With a final, decisive strike, I drove Sanchomo through his chest. Dominus let out a final, anguished cry, his form dissolving into a burst of light and shadow. The arena fell silent, the oppressive energy dissipating like mist in the morning sun.
Sensing three familiar figures, I turned around at the now-quiet arena and gave them a mock bow. "Thank you, thank you! I'll be here all week! Try the veal!"
Dem just looked at me, with a look that clearly said, "Really?" Kai, ever the bundle of energy, bounced up and down excitedly. And Jade, bless him, gave me an approving nod, though he looked like he was ready to fall asleep on his feet.
I approached my companions and used my Earth Manipulation to construct our iconic out-of-place igloo right in the middle of the arena. This time, it had a complete set of beds and furniture. Details matter, people. This might be a hellhole, but you can still live like a modern person. Just don't mind the rough colors.
"Alright, team, let's get settled in. You've all earned a good rest." I said, my voice warm with pride. Dem's glow flickered with appreciation, Kai gave an enthusiastic bounce, and Jade managed a weary but satisfied nod.
As we stepped inside our makeshift igloo, I couldn't help but admire my handiwork. "Not too shabby, right? I know, I know, it's not exactly the Ritz, but hey, it's home." I plopped down on a bed, feeling the fatigue of the day's battle finally catching up to me.
Dem floated over and settled on her own bed, her fiery form curling into a soft, glowing ball. "Comfortable?" I asked. She gave a gentle flicker in response. "Good. You did great today."
Kai zipped around the room, checking every nook and cranny. "You know, if you keep moving like that, you'll wear yourself out even more," I teased. He stopped for a moment, looking at me with what I imagined was a sheepish grin, before curling up on his bed.
Jade, ever the stoic protector, positioned himself by the entrance. "You know, Jade, it's okay to relax. I've got the first watch," I said, patting his stone shoulder. He hesitated, then slowly settled down, his heavy form sinking into the ground slightly.
"Get some rest, all of you. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow," I said, my tone turning serious. "Dominus was just the beginning. Who knows what other horrors await us in this crazy world?"
They all gave me their unique versions of a nod, and I smiled, feeling a deep sense of camaraderie and pride. "We've come a long way, haven't we? From clueless Janitors to... well, slightly less clueless cleaners. But we've got each other, and that's what counts."
As I sat there, watching my companions settle in, I felt a rare moment of peace. Sure, the world outside was a mess, and there were more battles to be fought. But for now, in our cozy, mismatched igloo, everything felt just right.
"Goodnight, team," I whispered, leaning back and closing my eyes. "Tomorrow's another day to kick some ancient ass."