When Mary opened her eyes, what greeted her wasn't the dark, grim interrogation room she had anticipated. Instead, she found herself in a well-lit basement, the walls smooth and clean, far from the ominous place she had envisioned
She blinked, her expectations shattered, and cautiously surveyed her surroundings. Curiosity flickered in her gaze as she scanned the room, her senses alert
The faint sound of footsteps echoed from the floor above, drawing her attention to the closed door at the top of the stairs. Her heartbeat quickened as the footsteps grew louder, nearing her position. Without a sound, she slipped into the shadows, concealing herself from view
The door creaked open, and a servant stepped into the basement, his brow furrowed with suspicion. He paused, glancing around the room as if sensing that someone had just arrived
But no matter how much he searched, the room appeared empty. Sighing in frustration, the servant turned to leave, dismissing the strange feeling as a figment of his imagination
But before he could take another step, a sharp pain pierced his chest. His breath hitched as he glanced down at the blade embedded in his heart, crimson blood spilling from the wound. He tried to turn and face his attacker, but his strength failed him, and his body crumpled to the floor
A dark pool of blood began to spread across the stone floor beneath him. As the daggers in Mary's quickly absorbed the red blade leaving no trace
Mary, hidden in the shadows, released a restrained sigh of relief. She stepped out of the darkness, her eyes cold as they swept over the lifeless body. The sight no longer bothered her as it once had, though the sick feeling in her stomach remained the same
-It's not time to relax yet' they warned, with a calm but insistent tone. 'Everyone in this mansion is part of the same group. You don't need to worry about witnesses or unnecessary killings'
Mary frowned slightly. 'Just because someone is a witness doesn't mean I have to kill them. Can't we use magic to erase their memories instead?'
-'In theory, yes. But we don't have that kind of ability yet. And memory-altering magic is rare and are usually riddled with flaws. It's too risky to use it on multiple people at once'
'Fine' she relented. 'So, everyone in this building is an enemy that needs to be eliminated?'
-'Exactly'
Mary clenched her jaw. The thought of more killing twisted her stomach, but she pushed the feeling down. She had a hunt to complete. Turning her attention to the staircase, she ascended the steps and found herself in an elegant corridor
The grandeur of the mansion caught her by surprise. The hallway stretched out before her, adorned with ornate chandeliers and polished floors, doors lining both sides. The building was far more lavish than she had imagined, a place of hidden luxury and deadly secrets
Her thoughts were interrupted as several figures rushed toward her—servants, armed with weapons, their faces hardened with resolve. They had clearly been alerted to the disturbance
Mary's expression turned cold. Without hesitation, she summoned her daggers from her inventory, the blades gleaming in the soft light. She slipped into a battle stance, her movements fluid, ready for the confrontation
*******************
Mary walked through the lavish corridors, her steps leaving a trail of crimson footprints as blood dripped from her before being absorbed by her twin daggers. The once pristine halls, adorned with elegant chandeliers and polished floors, were now stained with the dark reality of death. Bodies lay strewn across the floor, lifeless eyes staring into the void. Each door she passed concealed another room of slaughter, but she forced herself to keep going, ignoring the weight of disgust pressing down on her chest
Her breath hitched as bile rose in her throat, but she swallowed it down, her expression grim. She had a mission. There could be no hesitation, no turning back. Her discomfort showed only in the tense lines of her face, but her resolve was unwavering. She had ensured no witnesses remained. This massacre would remain a silent chapter, buried with the dead
At last, she arrived at the heart of the mansion, the center of its power. The grand double doors stood before her like the gates of a final trial. With a deep breath, she pushed them open
Inside, a long, opulent dining table stretched across the room. At its far end sat the Marquess, a noble figure dressed in regal attire, his cold gaze locking onto her. His demeanor was calm, almost bored, as he rose to his feet. He let out a soft sigh, as if her intrusion was a minor inconvenience
No words passed between them; there was no need. Both understood that only one would leave this room alive
The air became electric as both combatants raised their mana. The atmosphere was thick with tension as spells formed in their hands, ready to be unleashed
Mary moved first. *//Ice series:Ice javelin//*
A shimmering spear of ice materialized in her hand, its tip glinting dangerously. With a swift motion, she hurled it toward the Marquess, the spear cutting through the air with lethal precision. But the Marquess was no novice. His hand flicked upward, summoning a translucent red barrier that absorbed the blow. *//Blood maker series:Blood barrier//*
The javelin collided with the shield in a shower of frost, but it wasn't enough to break through. Undeterred, Mary summoned another, and then another, her ice javelins launching in rapid succession. Each one slammed into the barrier with increasing force, causing the red surface to tremble, cracks spider-webbing across it
The Marquess smiled, unbothered by the barrage. His shield may have been faltering, but he had used the time it bought him well
*//Blood maker:Blood Bullet//*
With a thunderous clap, the blood from his shield coalesced into a razor-thin bullet, its crimson glow flashing as it shot forward with incredible speed. The projectile whistled through the air, heading straight for Mary's chest
Her instincts screamed, and she threw herself into a roll. The bullet whizzed past her head, missing by mere inches. She hit the ground hard, momentarily vulnerable. And the Marquess seized the opportunity given to him
*//Blood maker series:Blood arrow//*
Crimson arrows materialized above him, aimed at Mary's prone form. Without hesitation, they launched, raining down in a deadly flurry
Mary gritted her teeth, her mind racing. She couldn't afford to stay on the defensive. In a split-second decision, she gambled everything. Pushing through the pain, she launched herself forward, dashing directly at the Marquess, her eyes blazing with determination
The arrows struck her, tearing through her skin, but she didn't slow down. Her reckless approach caught the Marquess off guard—he hadn't expected her to charge straight into the hail of arrows
But he wasn't without a counter
*//Blood maker series:Blood thorns//*
The blood from her wounds, still fresh and flowing, was suddenly ripped from her body, swirling back toward the Marquess before it solidified into thorny spikes. The thorns shot outward, twisting around her limbs, piercing her skin. Mary let out a sharp cry as the thorns dug deep, but her spell was already in motion
*//Fusion series:Fire blast//*
The room was suddenly bathed in orange light as a massive wave of fire exploded from her hands. The Marquess's eyes widened in alarm as the flames roared toward him. He cursed under his breath, his mana surging wildly as he tried to summon a shield
But his control faltered. As the blood thorns that had been tethered to Mary was still not fully cast, destabilizing his focus as he hurriedly raised a shield canceling his spell at the cost of a mana rebound. Yet it all seemed to be for naught as his hurriedly raised shield crumbled under the inferno exposing him
The fire blast hit him full force
The flames consumed him in an instant, his form wreathed in an inferno. His scream tore through the room as his skin blackened and blistered. The mana rebound was tearing him apart from the inside, his own magic betraying him. He flailed, trying to smother the flames, but it was futile. His body was being devoured by fire, his strength fading
Mary staggered forward, blood still dripping from the thorns embedded in her, but she pressed on. Her breath was ragged, her body weak, but she couldn't stop now. The Marquess was still moving, barely clinging to life, his hand reaching out toward her as if in a final plea
She then stepped forward, raising her hand to finish the fight
*//Wind series:Wind cutter//*
With one clean strike, she severed his head from his shoulders. His body collapsed, the flames still licking at his remains
For a moment, the room was quiet. Mary let out a breath, trying to steady herself. But something was wrong
A powerful surge of mana suddenly swirled in the air, centering around the Marquess's heart. The flames that had been dying down flared back to life, this time with a strange, unnatural glow. Her eyes widened as she sensed the build up of mana. Something was happening
Without hesitation, she dashed forward, her dagger drawn. She could feel the mana spiraling out of control, gathering at a single point—the Marquess's heart. She didn't need to know what it was as she only had to stop it
She plunged her dagger into the Marquess's chest, aiming directly for his heart. As her blade sank into his flesh, piercing his heart, the gathered mana was absorbed along with the blood of the Marquess but it seems she was unsuccessful as the mana still exploded outward, a blinding light enveloping her, burning with a force that shook the entire mansion
**********************
Mary had no idea how much time had passed before her consciousness stirred. When she finally awoke, she found herself floating in an endless expanse, suspended as if weightless in the void. Stars twinkled around her in the distance, scattered like shards of broken glass across the vast darkness of space
She blinked, trying to orient herself, but her body remained motionless, frozen in place. She strained to move, to break free from whatever invisible force held her, but it was as if the cosmos itself had her bound
Yet, despite the strange circumstances, she noticed something–her body no longer ached. The deep cuts from the Marquess's thorns, the searing burns from the battle, the exhaustion that had weighed on her—all of it seemed to have faded. She felt... whole again. Recovered, at least to some extent
She took a breath, closing her eyes for a moment. It was over. The bloodshed, the carnage–it was behind her. But the silence was eerie, the vast emptiness pressing down on her like the quiet after a storm
Realizing she had little control in this place, Mary decided to make use of the time. Focusing her thoughts, she summoned the Akasha system, the familiar interface appearing before her in a translucent display
'Akasha system'
The system responded immediately, displaying her most recent quest completion. The lines of text scrolled before her eyes
'Akasha system'
*//Quest:Kill the cultists//*
-Kill the blood mages:193/193
-Kill the Cultist:1/1
-Reward:20 gold, the skills Blood Control and Blood Maker
-Additional reward:Scarlet Moon Elf bloodline
Mary scanned the details, confirming that she had received the rewards. The two new skills, Blood Control and Blood Maker, pulsed faintly on her list of abilities, and the mention of a new bloodline, Scarlet Moon, caught her attention. Her gaze lingered on it for a moment, curiosity flaring. Then out of nowhere her two newly acquired skills dissapeared as a new system message appeared infront of her
'Akasha system'
-The skills Blood Control and Blood Maker has been sublimated to the skill Hemomancy of the bloodline Scarlet Moon Elf
Staring blankly at the message before her she didn't know what to expect but the possibility that her newly acquired bloodline is really powerful intrigueged her to the point she wanted to try it out right away
But this wasn't the time for experimentation. Later. She would ask about the new abilities later, when she was on solid ground again. For now, she closed the system panel, its light vanishing like a fleeting thought
She shut her eyes, allowing the stillness of the void to settle around her
**********************
Mary wasn't sure how much time had passed since the light engulfed her, but when she blinked her eyes open, she found herself standing in a grand, imposing courtroom. The room was packed, filled with unfamiliar faces, yet oddly, no one appeared old. Almost every person she saw retained a youthful appearance, and the air was heavy with tension
She glanced around, taking in the vast chamber, marble pillars, and intricate banners adorning the walls. There were people everywhere—on balconies, on seats, and surrounding the massive hall. Yet, amidst the crowd, the most striking figure sat high on a gilded throne at the far end of the courtroom, his bored expression and half-lidded eyes barely acknowledging her presence
He glanced at her briefly before closing his eyes again, seemingly indifferent, as if her very existence barely warranted his attention. After watching him for a few moments, Mary too lost interest, deciding to scan the room instead, her mind wandering
The silence was abruptly shattered by a sharp voice
"Sinner, are you aware of the crimes you have comitted?"
The voice belonged to an elder, one of the few who actually appeared aged, with deep lines etched into his face. He stared at her with barely concealed contempt, his patience clearly wearing thin
"Crimes?" Mary blinked, genuinely puzzled. Her expression reflected nothing but confusion as she tried to recall what the man was talking about. The massacre in the mansion felt distant in her mind, as though it had happened to someone else entirely
Looking at her a few veins bulged on the elder's forehead, his face darkening with anger at her lack of remorse. The court murmured at her apparent ignorance
"Are you unaware of your offenses? Or are you using silence as your defense?" the elder demanded, his voice sharp with accusation
Hearing him Mary tilted her head slightly "Again, i don't know what your talking about. Also why's everyone so stiff? Did someone die?" She asked, still trying to piece together the situation, her tone casual despite the atmosphere of the people around her
The elder's face flushed red with fury, his hands trembling as he gripped the sides of the podium "The crimes of assassinating a noble, genocide, and attempted treason against the Empire"
Mary looked even more confused, her eyebrows drawing together
"What noble? And what's treason?"
The elder finally snapped. His fist came down on the stand with a loud bang. "The Marquess family! The blood of nobles that stains your hands!"
"It's too loud" A low but commanding voice interrupted, bringing the court to a standstill. The Emperor lazily opened his eyes, his bored expression now tinged with mild annoyance
The courtroom grew deathly silent. Every individual present visibly tensed under the gaze of the Supreme Human Emperor. His aura of authority and his presence was so overwhelming, it felt as if the air itself had thickened, making it harder to breathe
His bored sapphire eyes scanned the room before finally settling on the elder who had been shouting moments before. "Explain to me why you are interrupting my sleep" His thundering voice resounded throughout the room with a cold edge, one that sent shivers through the room coupled with the mild shaking of the courtroom itself
"Y-Your Majesty…" The elder stammered, bowing deeply. "The Marquess house of—"
As the elder stumbled over his explanation, Mary's thoughts began to drift. 'Who is this guy? How is his voice shaking the floor? And why's everyone so scared of him?'
-'That's the Supreme Human Emperor Rex Everlast. The one born with the powers of Sloth, Pride, and Creation. As for the shaking it's not just the floor it's the entire building that is shaking'
'Okay cool, but that still doesn't explain why everyone and everything is trembling or shaking. He hasn't even bothered to stand up from his seat'
-'When the Four Heavenly Kings created the Empire, they conducted a purge to remove all nobles that they deemed unnecessary or unneeded in society. The Council of Elders was nearly wiped out for opposing the purge. And this emperor? He embodies that very authority—he could destroy anyone here if he felt like it since no one can stop him expect the archdukes'
'Right... that explains the trembling. But what about the shaking also how does someone even end up with creation?'
-'The buildings shaking because of his voice. And for creation we will have to find out for ourselves. Akasha show me his status screen'
'Akasha system'
-Name:Rex Alaric Everlast
-Race:Supreme Human Being
-Level:200 Rank:Fifth Order
-Title:Supreme Human Emperor
-Description:A descendant and successor of the Original Human God
As she skimmed through the details, her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the Emperor's thundering voice, now focused directly on her
"Let's proceed with your trial" Rex said, his voice cold and sharp as it shook the entire courtroom. "You have the right to defend yourself, or you may choose to remain silent"
'What now?' Mary's mind raced at the loud, deafening voice before her thoughts were cut off
-'Just give me the control over the body for a while and watch the show unfold' They stated confidently
Without hesitation Mary agreed and her posture shifted as her expression became calm and collected. "I would like to request the presence of one of the Archdukes of the Everlasting Empire" she said calmly, her voice carrying a silent authority
The Emperor's gaze narrowed. "If you're asking for the Archduke of Justice, I—"
"I request the presence and attendance of the Archduke of Dreams. Ethan Bright" Mary interrupted smoothly
The room fell into stunned silence. The Emperor's eyes flashed with brief surprise before he carefully examined her face. Her hair, which had once been a deep black color, had now turned silver from the roots, and her eyes, once golden, now glowed a deep, ominous red, exuding an eerie light
For a moment, the Emperor almost mistook her for someone from the Bright family. "Why do you request his presence?" Rex asked, his curiosity piqued by the girl before him
"I believe the Archduke of Dreams can prove my innocence. So i request a private meeting with him to prove my innocence" Mary responded confidently, her voice unwavering
Rex sighed, rubbing his temple in mild exasperation. His eyes shifted slightly, as if addressing someone unseen. "You heard her right Ethan?"
Suddenly, flowers bloomed from the marble floor, covering the cold courtroom in a sea of blossoms. The fragrance of obsidian roses, buttercup flowers and lilies filled the air as a figure appeared—handsome, dressed in pure white robes resembling that of a priest. Ethan Bright stepped forward, surrounded by delicate petals
"Yes. I heard her loud and clear" Ethan said, his voice soft yet melodic
But Mary wasn't impressed. As she narrowed her eyes before speaking. "I asked for the real Ethan, not a puppet. Kindly invite me into your garden for a proper conversation, would you?"
Despite her rude behavour Ethan's blank expression remained unchanged, but there was a flicker of something behind his eyes. He studied her for a long moment before nodding. And with a wave of his hand, a silver mirror made of ice formed behind him as he extended his hand towards her with great courtesy. "Shall we?"
Ignoring his question Mary took his hand with familiar grace, disappearing alongside him as he pulled her into the mirror as the flowers faded, leaving only a few stray petals swirling in the air
Meanwhile Rex watched them vanish with a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. But then a sudden realization seemed to dawn on him as he realized that he now had to deal with more paper work causing him to let out a long sigh of frustration before turning his attention towards the remaining audience who seemed to be stuck in some sort of dream as they stood still with a dazed look. Looking at these fools who couldn't even get past the first layer of the veil of trickery cast by a doll he couldn't help but let out another sigh of frustration as he clapped his hands with mana to force them out of it "The trial is dismissed. She is innocent. You may all return"
********************
When Mary opened her eyes, she found herself standing amidst a breathtaking garden, one that seemed almost too perfect to exist. It was filled with an endless array of flowers, each one unique in color and design, meticulously arranged in delicate patterns. Every bloom emanated a gentle, radiant light and pulsed with magical energy, making it clear that these weren't just ordinary flowers—they were precious, living materials imbued with power
In the distance, towering over the rest of the garden, stood a massive silver tree. Its trunk shimmered under the soft glow of a hovering moon, casting ethereal light over the entire scene. The sky above was a tapestry of countless stars, their brilliance dancing across the heavens, accompanied by a vibrant aurora that rippled like a celestial river
The path beneath her feet was no less beautiful. Smooth, polished stone, intricately decorated, stretched out ahead of her, almost guiding her toward the silver tree in the distance. As she walked, the warm sound of laughter echoed throughout the garden. Spirits and fairies flitted about, their tiny forms darting between the flowers, giggling as they played and weaved through the air. Their joy was contagious, and a sense of warmth blossomed in Mary's chest as she observed their carefree antics
*//The Garden of Ethan//*
-Recommended level:None
-Description:The most ideal and perfect garden created from Ethans thoughts and imagination manifested by the Akashic Records
The system message faded, leaving Mary alone in the quiet beauty of the garden. The only sources of light were the glowing flowers and the stars overhead. She continued forward, her steps sure and confident. Every time her foot touched the ground, a flower bloomed beneath it. With each step, a pillar of light rose, and the stone path transformed into a gleaming golden road, shining with the starlight from above
Soon, a flicker of flame appeared before her. It danced in the air before forming into the shape of a small child, glowing softly. The child-like flame reached out, taking her hand, and together they continued down the illuminated road. The small figure stayed by her side, leading her through the enchanting garden, keeping her company as they made their way toward the heart of the strange, ethereal world
After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached their destination. At the end of the glowing path, in the middle of a vast, dark void, stood a single glass coffin. It floated gently above a bed of white lilies, their petals drifting weightlessly in the surrounding darkness. The coffin itself radiated an aura of peace and stillness, yet there was something undeniably powerful about it
Inside the coffin lay a figure—Ethan. His doll-like face appeared serene, as though in deep slumber. His skin was as pale as snow, almost luminous in the faint light. Silver hair spilled across the pillow beneath his head, glowing faintly like the moon above the silver tree. His eyes were closed, long lashes resting gently on his cheeks, and though his features were delicate, there was no mistaking his presence
Standing at a towering 191 cm, Ethan's tall, lean form looked as though it had been sculpted by divine hands, every muscle and contour perfectly crafted. But his attire was what truly caught Mary's attention. He wore an elegant white robe, lined with black and gold accents, resembling a high priest's ceremonial garb. The robe was asymmetrical—longer on the left side, covering much of his body, while the right side barely reached his forearm
Odd, but striking. The accessories adorning him were even more peculiar. Over his heart was a golden flower, and around his neck, instead of a jewel or amulet, a golden blossom fastened the robe together. He wore pristine white gloves, leaving only his face and neck exposed, lending him an otherworldly, untouchable quality
Halting her steps Mary stared at him intently, taking in the sight before her
-'That's Ethan, right? His fashion sense is... interesting?" Mary thought trying to suppress a chuckle -'But hey, atleast he still looks handsome, so it works'
'Yes, that's Ethan. The attire was gift from the Fairy King. And it will be same set of clothes you'll be wearing when you—'
-'Wait, what?' Mary cut in, her eyes widening. 'You're telling me i'll have to wear something like that?'
'Yes. It's the same set of clothes you'll be wearing when you attend a ball or a social event in the future'
-'No way! I can't wear something that ridiculous'
'Don't worry. Your clothes will have variations tailored by the Fairy Queens. They'll suit you perfectly'
-'Really?! But how–'
Before she could finish her thought, Ethan's eyes snapped open. The glass coffin shuddered violently as cracks spread across its surface. In the next instant, an overwhelming force surged from within, releasing a massive wave of pressure that radiated from his awakening
The coffin could no longer withstand the raw power emanating from Ethan's body. It shattered, the glass flying outward in every direction as the force of his awakening exploded into the surrounding space
Mary barely had time to react. The sheer intensity of the energy sent her flying backward, her body thrown through the air like a ragdoll. She instinctively braced for impact, shielding her face as she was hurled away from the shattered coffin. The once peaceful garden was now a maelstrom of energy, the ground cracking beneath the weight of Ethan's presence as she blacked out
*****************
The last thing Mary remembered before blacking out was the raw energy blasting her backward, the world around her fracturing under the weight of Ethan's awakening. Darkness briefly claimed her, but it was only for a moment. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself standing before a grand building, adorned with intricate decorations and bathed in soft, glowing light
A familiar figure approached—Ethan, dressed now in more formal attire, his earlier ethereal appearance replaced with something suited for a refined meeting. The white garments he wore, though less extravagant than before, still carried an air of elegance and authority
"Greetings" Ethan said smoothly, a courteous smile playing on his lips. "I am Ethan Bright, the devil you called by name. It is my pleasure to meet you"
He extended a hand toward her with impeccable grace, his manner that of a perfect gentleman. His eyes, though warm, still held a hint of that overwhelming power she had just experienced. The Mary watching from the sidelines blinked, as she was momentarily thrown by the sudden shift in atmosphere
"Greetings" Meanwhile they responded with great composure seemingly unsurprised by his sudden change
"What tea would you prefer, My Lady?" Ethan asked, extending his hand toward her with elegant courtesy
"An Elven Tear, please" Mary answered, matching his formality as she placed her hand in his. His grip was firm but gentle as he led her toward a nearby tea table set amidst the perfectly manicured garden
Upon arriving at the table, the cups were already filled with a transparent liquid, just as she had requested—Elven Tears, a rare and delicate drink known for its purity and magical properties. Ethan took a seat across from her, picking up his cup with perfect posture, his pinky finger raised in a manner so formal it was almost comical
"So, what is the purpose behind this invitation, My Lady?" Ethan asked, his tone light but carrying a hint of curiosity
Mary placed her cup down with a graceful motion. "I came here to offer you a proposal that you can't refuse"
-'Wait—what? A proposal?' the Mary in her mind screamed in disbelief. 'I'm not ready to get engaged! And this is not the way I wanted it!'
'Calm down, we're not getting married… yet' They thought, trying to keep the internal voice quiet.
'Wait, what do you mean yet? Are we going to get married?! You didn't even ask my opinion on this!'
"It's my pleasure to listen, My Lady" Ethan said, his smile never faltering despite the flickering in his eyes
"I have three proposals that will benefit both of us" They declared, their voice unwavering. She met Ethan's gaze head-on, her confidence leaving no room for doubt
The voice in her mind bristled. -'Liar! You're trying to rip him off, aren't you?'
Ethan tilted his head slightly, his curiosity clearly piqued. "And what would these proposals entail?"
"My first offer" Mary began her voice steady "Is that I help you break your curse. In exchange, you will give me every blessing you can bestow and modify my Akasha system to fit my specific needs"
The Mary in her mind scoffed. -'See, it both looks and sounds like a scam to me'
Ethan's expression remained unreadable, though his lack of immediate reaction spoke volumes. "And the second offer?" he asked, not impressed but still intrigued enough to hear her out
"As you've likely noticed by now, I don't orginally belong to this timeline. I can give you an opportunity to save your sisters" Mary's voice softened as she mentioned his sisters, but then her tone sharpened with conviction. "In return, you will ask for my hand in marriage and announce it throughout the Empire, providing me with your unconditional love and support. This includes material, financial, emotional, and physical support"
Ethan's eyes flickered with a spark of amusement, though his voice remained calm. "You're aware, of course, that I could simply search your soul for the truth? It would be much quicker and far more effective"
"Yes" Mary said without hesitation "But you won't"
Her unwavering confidence seemed to catch Ethan off guard. He stared at her in silence, his expression betraying a brief moment of bafflement. She had spoken with such certainty, leaving him no choice but to consider her words carefully
-'Wait a minute!' the Mary in her mind piped up again, 'What do you mean by all of this?! Are we seriously talking about marriage right now?'
Ignoring the internal monologue, Mary leaned forward slightly, her eyes never leaving Ethan's. "Before I give you my third proposal, I want to ask you a question"
Ethan, still composed despite the oddness of the situation, nodded slightly. "I will answer any question, so long as it doesn't cross a line"
-'Hey! Don't ignore me!' the voice in her head protested
Mary's next words were spoken with deadly calm. "Tell me, Ethan—do you bleed?"
The air grew thick with silence. The stars overhead seemed to dim as a palpable tension filled the space between them. Ethan's eyes began to glow with a faint, eerie light, his mana flaring up in response to the challenge in Mary's voice. The atmosphere shifted, the mana in the air growing denser, pushing down on her with a suffocating pressure. It was an unmistakable display of dominance, an attempt to test her resolve
"You will" Mary continued, her voice unwavering despite the oppressive force around her. "Because my final proposal is this: you will accept all of my previous offers and promise to be my partner—on the condition that I make you bleed"
Ethan's mana flared, his golden eyes glowing even brighter, casting a luminous haze around him. The weight of his power pressed down on Mary like a crushing force, as if daring her to retreat, to crumble under its suffocating pressure. But Mary stood firm, her body straight and her gaze locked on his, her confidence unshaken
The air between them thickened, charged with an unsaid challenge. They stared at each other in silence, the weight of the moment palpable. Time itself seemed to stretch in that frozen space, neither willing to yield
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ethan let out a resigned sigh. The overwhelming pressure of his mana lifted, the light in his eyes dimming as he eased back. With a simple flick of his hand, the scene around them shifted, the oppressive atmosphere replaced by a new environment
Snow. Endless snowstorms and ice greeted them. The white, desolate landscape stretched out in all directions, a stark contrast to the garden they had left behind. Mary didn't flinch, her eyes still locked on Ethan as if nothing had changed
"Should we begin?" Mary's voice was calm, her expression unreadable
Ethan, ever composed, responded with his own question. "Tell me how you wish to begin"
He wanted to give her atleast somewhat of a fighting chance, to level the playing field. Yet, there was an undeniable curiosity behind his question, as if he was eager to see how she would approach him
"If it's my wish…" Mary paused for a moment, her lips curving into a faint, enigmatic smile. "Then I hope you won't actively attack during this fight. And you will start by opening your World of Thoughts. Oh, and make sure to lower your defenses… and don't use that eye of yours"
Ethan raised a brow, golden eyes narrowing slightly in intrigue. "Anything else? You won't be able to ask for more once the spar begins"
Her gaze lingered on him, unwavering. "One last thing; you will take the form of a human"
A beat of silence passed between them, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Ethan's expression shifted, his calm composure giving way to something deeper, a ripple of curiosity beneath his surface. He studied her, eyes sharp as ever, yet there was a hint of something unspoken in them, as if he was searching for her reasoning
"Elaborate?" He finally said, his voice steady, but there was now a shadow of interest present as if intrigued
"You aren't human" Mary replied, her tone resolute, leaving no room for debate. There was a confidence in her voice, confidence that came from understanding his abilities and the veil of deception that was active at all times
"May i ask why?" he asked, his voice a low murmur, but there was no denial
Hearing him Mary's smile softened, as if she were amused by the question. "I've already seen past that mask of illusions. To challenge you… I need to face you on my terms, not yours"
For a moment, Ethan said nothing, his gaze piercing, as if weighing her words against an unfathomable scale. He could feel the subtle shift in her demeanor, the quiet confidence that stemmed not from arrogance, but from a deeper understanding. She knew exactly what she was going up against
With a small, almost imperceptible nod, he relented. "Very well" he said, his voice quieter, yet carrying the weight of a promise
His form shimmered slightly, the air around him bending and distorting as he began to suppress the essence of what he truly was. The shift was subtle, almost unnoticeable to the naked eye yet the illusions that had once masked his existance began to fade away as he began to take on a human appearance. His presence was still the same yet there was no longer the artifice of deception around him as he was now truly in human form. He was now exposed. No, his human form was exposed
"Your wish has been granted" he said, his voice calm and steady
With a subtle but graceful gesture, he opened his World of Thoughts
A delicate white flower appeared in Ethan's hand, blooming with a soft glow. He brought it close to his lips, whispering something too quiet to hear. A crown of flowers manifested on his head, the petals luminous with ethereal light. A crown of flowers bloomed upon his head, the petals luminous and otherworldly. A single yellow flower covered his left eye, a clear sign that his World of Thoughts was now fully open
*//The Eternal Garden Of Dreams//*
The world around them shifted again, transforming into a breathtaking landscape. The garden they had been in earlier reappeared, but now it was even more vibrant, surreal. Spirits and fairies danced among the blossoms, their laughter blending with the soft murmur of a nearby spirit lake, its waters shimmering under the darkened, star-filled sky. Children made of light played beneath the glowing canopy of trees and flowers, their joy filling the air. The stars above seemed to burn brighter against the inky darkness, as if the universe itself was watching over this sacred space
It was a world of dreams, of serenity, a place where peace and beauty reigned supreme
Ethan's golden gaze followed Mary as she took in the sight. Under his watchful eyes, she began to weave her own magic, her presence growing heavier
'Watch carefully... And try to feel it' Mary's voice whispered within her mind, her inner self preparing for the challenge ahead
-'Feel what? What's happening?!' came the panicked response from the Mary inside her head. But they ignored it, focusing on the unfolding of her own World of Thoughts
//Opening The World Of Thoughts//
A black rose appeared in her hand, its petals stark contrast against the white landscape. She brought the dark flower to her lips, murmuring something in a soft whisper. Then a crown of thorned roses formed atop her head, a single bloody rose blooming over her right eye, obscuring it with its vivid crimson hue as it dripped with bloody tears
*//Bloody Land Of The Rotten//*
The world trembled as Mary's thoughts came to life. The once serene garden twisted and blackened before their eyes. The silver spirit tree withered, its leaves darkening as it became a twisted monument of decay. The spirit lake turned into a pool of blood, its once-pure waters now thick and red, corrupting the spirits that once danced in joy. The childrens of light screamed, their laughter twisted into agonized cries as their forms became grotesque, their bodies kept alive only by hatred and resentment. The fairies that had once fluttered with carefree grace had their wings torn away, their agonized wails echoing through the tainted air
Above, the sky was blotted out by swirling clouds of ash, and the stars that had once shone down so brightly were snuffed out. Only the blood-red moon remained, hanging ominously in the sky, casting its malevolent glow over the cursed land below
The air, once fragrant with the scent of flowers, was now thick with the stench of decay and burning flesh. The garden had become a wasteland, a place of endless suffering and despair
Ethan stood in the midst of it all, his expression unreadable. But inside, he felt something stir—something deep, something forgotten. As he gazed upon the desolation of Mary's world, he could feel the faint traces of his own power and promises, intertwined within the chaos. Even his own hopes and dreams seemed to be reflected in the twisted landscape, a disturbing parallel to the beauty he had created
Looking at the figure before him. He had no choice but to admit. It was him. He was the one who sent her here. And she was his hope and salvation
He had sent her here. Somewhere in his heart, in the depths of his soul, he knew it to be true. Her World of Thoughts mirrored his in ways that he couldn't deny, as if they were two sides of the same coin—light and dark, hope and despair
The World of Thoughts was a reflection of one's innermost self, a window to their soul. It told the story of one's journey, their values, their emotions, and everything they held dear. And the figure standing before him had seen and felt everything that could break a person. She had experienced suffering beyond comprehension—the loss of loved ones, the regrets of the past, the frustration of being powerless to change anything
Her world was filled with nightmares. Endless cycles of pain. The inability to protect, the agony of watching everything fall apart. And yet, there she stood, not broken, but strong. Her suffering had not destroyed her—it had shaped her into what she is today.
And it pained him.
Why did his heart ache just looking at her? Somewhere deep in his mind, forgotten memories stirred. Images flashed before his eyes, too fleeting to grasp. His head throbbed, and his soul cried out in recognition. This was not their first meeting. They had met before, in some distant time, in some distant place. His soul knew her, but his mind fought against the realization
The headache worsened, like a needle piercing his heart. He could barely think, barely breathe as his soul screamed for him to reach out to her, to comfort her, to protect her. His mind was now clouded with confusion, with the cries of pain from the spirits and fairies, but he knew it wasn't just that
There was something more
He needed to understand why. Why his heart felt like it was on fire, why his soul felt as though it had been torn apart just by standing in her presence. But there was no time for answers now
The battle was fast approaching
Ethan took a slow deep breath, steadying himself, and pushing the strange feelings aside for the moment. He would get to the bottom of this later, but first, there was a fight to be had. And a promise to be kept
"Very well" Ethan said, his voice low and calm despite the inner turmoil he was experiencing. "Let us begin"
Ethan Bright VS Mary Bright ???