Shun always possessed the uncanny ability to read the details of the ethereal arms he wielded, but the Harvester presented a peculiar anomaly. The interface glitched, stating that the weapon needed completion. But how?
Killing and absorbing the ethereal arms of others? It seemed the only plausible explanation. This was Shun Xshasi's true ethereal arm, capable of exerting dominion over all others—its true strength would only reveal itself through the act of harvesting.
Dominic's excitement only grew in response to this unfolding drama. His initial certainty that Shun had no ties to the Shun of seventy years ago began to waver. No one truly knew what transpired during the fateful conversation between Shun and Nathaniel Heaven. Yet when they emerged, both wore enigmatic smiles, as if sharing an unspoken victory.
Shortly after, Nathaniel announced a new decree: ethereal arms would be distributed among all citizens and their offspring. The selection would be random, but the first hundred complete ethereal warriors were personally chosen by the Crusader King himself. Was this decision linked to the conversation? Did Shun possess insights into ethereal arms that others lacked? Had he gained some advantage from that enigmatic exchange?
Though Dominic's memory remained intact, uncertainty gnawed at him. How would he even know if it had been erased? Nathaniel was a noble king, revered for prioritizing peace and the welfare of his people, yet he had not hesitated to employ questionable tactics to uphold that peace.
Rather than dispiriting Dominic, these thoughts kindled a sense of curiosity—an ember that brought purpose to life itself.
"Is that your ethereal arm? Have you finally chosen to reveal it?" Dominic's voice rang out, brimming with determination, undaunted by the overwhelming aura emanating from the small dagger.
Shun, absorbed in his contemplation of the blade, failed to respond. Dominic realized he would have to uncover the truth himself. Once again, he launched himself across the room, claymore charging behind him, golden energy coiling around the weapon as it felt his excitement.
In an instinctive reaction, Shun raised his arm to meet the incoming strike. In his mind, the name of an ethereal arm surfaced. "Blade of Diversion!" he shouted, summoning the power within. The dagger transformed into a delicate sword, reminiscent of the one Danica Amnir wielded, but now imbued with an added layer of darkness and strength.
When the claymore met the sword, an unexpected force coursed through Dominic, causing him to stagger. The impact sent shockwaves through the room. Shun's eyes glimmered with fierce determination as he seized the moment, charging toward Dominic, dagger aimed for his head. A dark, almost divine aura enveloped him, making him appear as both devil and god.
Dominic felt a chill of helplessness wash over him; he knew that a single hit from that strike would seal his fate. In that moment of despair, he sensed his claymore transforming into a shield, responding to his shifting emotions as if it sensed his desire to survive.
He finally felt the sense of resignation he craved, but it wasn't as pleasant as he thought would be.
But just as the dagger was about to land, fatigue surged through Shun. He faltered, collapsing to the ground, utterly drained. The Harvester was a formidable ethereal arm, as its description proclaimed—the only ethereal arm across all time. Yet the power to harvest and absorb also siphoned his own.
Dominic watched in stunned silence as Shun fell, a heavy dread settling over him. He had never encountered such strength, not even among the three champions or the tyrant himself.
"If you were the one Nathaniel would trade his dignity for, then I blame him no more," he whispered slowly.
"No wonder he made his decision so quickly."
...
"Who's covering the expenses?" A delicate black glove materialized on Eriq Ranborg's hand as he spoke.
"I'll take care of it; after all, I was the one who lost," Dominic replied, the carefree demeanour he usually wore absent.
"Not entirely unexpected." Eriq surveyed Shun and Silver's conditions, his brows furrowing. "The girl can be saved without much trouble, but the boy…"
"He's just exhausted. Let him rest, and he'll recover without needing my powers," Eriq smiled towards Dominic, a sign of apology for his satirical response.
Dominic sighed. "So I don't have to pay too much, right?"
Eriq's enigmatic smile was his only response. Knowing the old man's tendencies, Dominic cursed himself for asking. Eriq Ranborg was an exceptional doctor, devoted to saving lives, yet he had a penchant for charging the wealthy extra for his services.
"Don't worry; I only ask for one thing." Eriq's tone turned cold and serious, a stark contrast to his usual demeanour.
"Whatever you witnessed in that fight, keep it to yourself. Not a soul must hear it."
Dominic's heart raced with excitement and curiosity. "Do you know the truth behind his powers?"
Eriq nodded slowly, then shook his head. "Barely. But I do know this for certain: crossing paths with that boy is not an option. No matter what he has done, is doing, or will do, you must never stand against him."
Dominic lowered his gaze, lost in thought. Eriq, always busy travelling to heal the sick and injured, had rushed to this encounter without hesitation. He must know something about Shun that Dominic did not.
Meanwhile, a gentle, vibrant energy flowed from Eriq's gloves, enveloping Silver's unconscious form.
Before long, Silver's eyes fluttered open, confusion mingling with fear. "Shun?" she whispered.
"Don't worry, my child; he is fine. You will be as well," Dominic assured her, offering a smile as he nodded.
Reassured, Silver closed her eyes again, basking in the soothing energy enveloping her. It was a comforting sensation, as if she were being reborn.
Soon, Silver regained her strength, rising to her feet. She grasped the situation quickly. However, Dominic declared his victory, backed by the fact that Shun lay unconscious on the floor. While he wasn't wrong, deep down, he knew the truth of who had triumphed. Still, he refused to reveal the mysteries surrounding Krystal Fritz and Antonio Valdis, willing to be considered shameless to keep those secrets hidden.
After about an hour, Shun stirred, jolting upright and still caught in the reverie of battle. He remembered everything, including the moment he collapsed while charging at Dominic.
Silver rushed to his side, crouching beside him. "Is everything alright?" Her concern was palpable, though she sensed he was not seriously harmed.
Shun smirked, a glimmer of confidence in his eyes. "More alright than ever."
With her assistance, he stood, nodding at Eriq and Dominic. Though disappointment flickered in his gaze, excitement and determination overshadowed it.
"I lost," he admitted.
Dominic's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You know you could've won, right?"
Shun nodded. "I know. But defeat is defeat. I failed to land that final strike. Even if it could have taken you down, it was the outcome that mattered."
"I lost, and I accept it wholeheartedly, without the need for sympathy or pity."
Shun meant every word. He was someone who would do anything he desired, regardless of societal norms, yet he was equally someone who would take responsibility for his actions. The insights he gained from this battle were far more profound than what he had lost.
As the two made their way toward the exit, Dominic called out one last question. "When did you awaken your powers?"
"My birthday, February 19th," Shun replied without looking back.
Dominic froze, realization crashing over him.
February 19th—the day the Crusader King Nathaniel had passed away fourteen years ago.