Winston and Thorne walk up the second pathway of the mountain, Thorne engages in small talk with Winston to kill time as they go further into the pathway
"Not much of a talker today huh Winny, something bad happened?" Winston remained quiet as they continued walking. "Ah, there's nothing like the crisp mountain air to clear the mind. Don't you think so, Win?". Winston nodded silently as his eyes focused on the path ahead.
As they walked Winston got his book, reading spells about blood manipulation. He studied on how to create blood beasts and as he read it the hologram from last time appeared once again
[Select weapon: Scythe, Sword, Mace]
Winston chose Scythe hoping the hologram would go away, it did as Winston closed the book. "What have you got there Winny, a book huh since when were you into books?". Winston shrugged "It's nothing Thorne, we should go faster they're probably there already waiting for us right?"
"You're right, you know, Winston, we've come a long way together. It's good to have someone you can trust on a journey like this". Winston forces a smile "Yes trust is important" Thorne grabs Winston's shoulder "That's what makes it exciting, right? overcoming those challenges together." Winston put his head down and murmured "Together.. some challenges aren't meant to be overcome together" Winston's anger worsened, how can he say something like overcoming challenges together when all he is is a backstabbing traitor, a fist formed on Winston's right hand.
Thorne's facial expression changed into one of concern, "Win you're not making any sense, we've always had each other's back, I've always had your back" Winston grits his teeth and glares at Thorne, his eyes are cold "And if one of us had to betray the other?" Thorne got angered by this "What are you talking about I would never-" Winston got closer "I never said who would betray the other" Thorne steps back "What the hell are you saying, acting all tough you're nothing but a weakling!" Winston's eyes looked more terrifying "You and the rest of the group... you've all made choices that I can't overlook."
Thorne for the first time ever, was scared of fighting, the expression that Winston had on his face made it clear he meant every single word he said. "Hey.. Win come on stop.. we both know you can't beat me what are you doing".
Winston gets his book and the hologram appeared once more, showcasing the scythe he selected earlier
[Equip Scythe: Accept or Decline]
Winston accepts the terms and a black scythe forms in his right hand, it releases an aura similar to death's with darkness coating the blade of the scythe. Thorne gets his dagger, his hands shaking he tries to strike Winston, Winston successfully dodges from the left and gets down taking the scythe he aims for Thorne's torso, Thorne jumps and lands behind Winston attempting to strike him again, Winston blocks his dagger with the scythe and pushes him away
Thorne is in awe, "How.. when did you become this strong.. you're nothing!" He comes near Winston again aiming the dagger to his head as the hologram appears and tells Winston to close his eyes, the dagger lands on Winston's face but deals no damage
[Heavenly Protection has been activated, you are shielded from any incoming attack]
Winston opens his eyes, unaffected by the attack he uses the scythe and cuts Thorne's hand, Thorne screams in pain and agony, "How could you do this!?". As Thorne falls down, his amputated arm bled, he attempts to flee crawling on the stairs of the pathway, Winston follows him from behind, with a murderous glint he states, "Sometimes, one must act alone to prevent a greater catastrophe". Thorne's screams worsened as well as his injury, "Please spare me! Why are you doing this!?" Winston made his move. "I know what you're planning," he said, his voice steady and unwavering. "I know you intend to betray me."
Thorne's eyes are in terror seeing the look on Winston's face, "How could you possibly know that!? Winston gets down and grabs Thorne's face, ""It doesn't matter how I know. What matters is that I'm not the same man you betrayed. I've been given a second chance, and I won't let you take it from me." Before Thorne could react Winston swiftly decapitates Thorne, blood spilt on the ground as blood poured on the blade of the scythe
The hologram asks Winston
[Would you like to activate gluttony attribute]
Winston accepts and the scythe absorbs all the blood in the area, the hologram asks him a question again
[Create a blood beast: Decline or Accept]
Winston agrees again as the blood slowly forms into a blood beast resembling Thorne, the beast bowing down to Winston, "My master, you have called me". Winston eventually turns to the beast, "You will be of use later on, for now be gone", the blood beast nods and separates into blood, floating around him he absorbs the blood with his scythe.
The hologram presents itself again
[Congratulations you have successfully created a blood beast]
Winston places the scythe back to the hologram as it disappeared, a satisfied smile on his face.
One down, three to go.