Bel, Orolo, and Damien walked into the large hut where the feast was to be held. In the center stood a long table, large enough to seat at least sixty people. It provided more than enough space, considering the village had only about twenty-four shamans.
As they scanned the room, they felt a bit awkward, unsure whether to sit or stand, feeling out of place. "Please, sit wherever you're comfortable," their host said, gesturing to the table.
They nodded and carefully chose seats that wouldn't obstruct the other shamans.
"This craftsmanship is impressive," Orolo said, his eyes tracing the intricate woodwork. As he sat down, he couldn't help but think how remarkable it was. Considering the trees in this region weren't known for their quality, the table's craftsmanship was top-notch—good enough to pass for something made from the finest wood in the Great Forest.
As Bel settled in, a rich, inviting aroma caught her attention. It was warm and earthy, with a hint of sweetness, stirring something deep within her. She breathed it in, and her stomach growled as she was overwhelmed by the tantalizing scent of food that hadn't even been served yet.
Practically drooling, she was suddenly tapped on the shoulder by Darian. "Uh, yes?" she said, quickly wiping the spit from her face.
Darian merely pointed discreetly to the other end of the table. There sat a little girl with dull blonde hair, dark bags under her eyes, staring right at them. The intensity of her gaze made both of them feel uneasy.
Far from the village in the forest, Ban and Taod were sent flying backward, but they landed gracefully, skidding across the forest floor. Without hesitation, they sprang apart just as a large man slammed his fist into the ground where they had stood moments before, splintering the earth beneath him.
"What's the matter, too scared to fight back?" the man taunted, his breaths coming in heavy, labored gasps.
Taod quickly responded, flicking a small knife in the man's direction. The blade whistled through the air, forcing the man to dodge, momentarily shifting his focus. Ban seized the opportunity, charging in with speed and precision, delivering a powerful punch to the man's side. The impact was like a hammer striking iron—there was a loud thud as the man grunted, his muscles rippling from the blow. He swung a counterpunch, but Ban slipped out of reach, letting the man's fist smash into the ground with a resounding crack.
Wasting no time, Ban used elemental magic to make roots erupt from the earth, wrapping tightly around the man's hand, pinning it to the ground. Taod moved in, landing a sharp blow to the man's jaw before sinking three knives into his legs with practiced precision. The man roared in pain, his face twisted in agony. Taod followed up with another brutal punch to the man's stomach, forcing the air from his lungs with a sickening gasp.
But the man wasn't finished. His muscles tensed as he regained his senses, shockingly quick for someone on the verge of collapse. He began ripping his bound hand from the ground, but before he could free himself, Ban was there again, delivering a fierce punch to his side. This time, the force was even greater—the blow sent shockwaves through the air, rattling the nearby trees.
Taod capitalized on the opening, landing another blow to the man's already bruised face. Without hesitation, Ban spun around, channeling all his momentum into a devastating uppercut that connected with a resounding crack, lifting the man off his feet. His body collapsed to his knees, beaten and barely conscious, the ground trembling beneath him from the force of the strike.
The man took heavy breaths as he knelt on the floor, "Ok now that everyone is level headed, mind telling us who you are? Are you bandits?" Ban said as he squatted down in front of the man.
Suddenly the man screams out " Quickly return back to the village while they devour me!" He roared, seemingly signaling the three other attackers to retreat.
Bans looked confused and annoyed at the same time, "That's not gonna be happening." Ban said gesturing to the other attackers who were tied up by vines and roots, "You disgusting bastards! I hope you choke on my flesh, I won't even give you the satisfaction of a scream." The man practically shouted at Ban and Taod who were still confused.
"No on wants to eat you, you the one who attacked us first." Ban said standing back up, "You think using the face of the warriors you have possessed will trick us? Just reveal those black eyes of yours." The man said, stopping Ban in his tracks.
"Black eyes? You have seen people with black eyes?" Ban said genuinely intrested he worried that maybe the magic affecting the animals of this mountain may have already started to affect intelligent creatures.
Ban suddenly grabbed the man by the collar. "Earlier, you called us shaman—why is that a bad situation?"
The man, startled, stammered, "S-shaman, they're the ones who possess the animals on this mountain… devouring any humans who pass through." Realization dawned on his face as he recognized Ban wasn't one of them.
"Damn it!" Ban cursed, a rush of anger flashing across his face. "How didn't I see it? The weird Arc, the dizziness, that sickening magical wavelength—it's all centered around the village." He practically began to rant, piecing together that the further they had moved from the village, the fewer of these tainted creatures they'd encountered.
Ban's face paled as the truth hit him: if he was right, then others was in serious danger. "Taod, the others are still in the village. We need to get back, now." He turned, ready to bolt, but the man's voice stopped him.
"Wait!" the man called, rising to his feet. "I see I misjudged you and your friend. My apologies. You're strong warriors… and I can tell you have others with you. But don't rush in. If you do, not even your strength will be enough against those shaman."
"Why should I listen to you?" Ban snapped, irritation clear in his voice.
"Because we've faced them many times before," the man replied. "My people have lost several warriors to these madmen. Their power is... otherworldly. Those they devour seem to resurrect, tainted, becoming just like them."
Ban considered this. He hated to admit it, but the man had a point. His own knowledge of the shaman was thin, limited to their apparent ability to control the dead—hardly enough to plan an attack.
"Please, come back to my village," the man urged. "With your strength, maybe we can finally fight back against those shaman."
Ban thought about it, reaching out with his senses. He could feel Bel's Arc wavelength in the distance—it was stable. For now, he didn't need to worry. Besides, she was capable enough, especially with Orolo at her side.
"Hmph, fine," Ban finally agreed, extending his hand. "If you know the shaman best, we'll trust you."
The man clasped Ban's hand firmly. "I am Kleos, a Barbarian," he said, nodding to the two others nearby. "Come—we'll return to the village and help you rescue your comrades."
Ban thought how even if they were to be ambushed, Ban was confident he and Taod could fend of as many Barbarians as they were in the forest.
Meanwhile, back in the village, Bel, Orolo, and Darian found themselves swept up in a whirlwind of laughter, music, and overflowing drinks as the villagers ushered them deeper into the warmth of the celebration
Bel, surrounded by some of the village women, cast basic elemental spells to entertain them—small bursts of fire creating a miniature light show, tiny dragons formed from mist swirling through the air. As she cast, she chatted with the women about a variety of topics, from magic to cooking to sewing.
Orolo, meanwhile, was locked in an intense arm-wrestling match with several of the village men, while Darian engaged in a lively eating contest with some of the others.
As Bel spoke, she glanced to her right, catching sight of the same little girl she'd seen earlier. This time, though, something was wrong.
The girl's eyes seemed vacant and hollow, as if they were drilling into her soul. A sharp pain twisted through Bel's chest, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. The sounds around her faded until all she could hear was her own breath, steady yet somehow louder than ever. She tried to speak, to call out, but just as she opened her mouth, one of the village women touched her shoulder, snapping her back to reality. Bel looked again in the girl's direction—only to find her gone, as if she had never been there at all.
Bel felt uneasy but continued to chat like nothing happened, brushing off what just happened as a side effect of the battle they had with the unded days ago, so she didn't think much of it.
Meanwhile Kleos lead Ban and Taod through the dense forest until they come across a wooden gate that towered over them, as they approached kleos stretched out his hand towards on of the other Barbarians that stood beside Ban.
The Barbarian brought out a wooden horn, handing it to Kleos, as he put it to his lips it let out a loud sound similar to a wolf howling.
As the sound stops, Ban hears a voice from the top of the Gate, "Who goes there!" An old woman said looking down at them from above the gate.
"Open the gate, you crusty old goat!" Kleos shouted, his voice booming and startling Ban.
"Talk to me like that again and I'll crush that ugly skull of yours!" the woman atop the gate barked back. After a bit of time, the gate creaked open, grumbling as it did, allowing Ban and Taod to enter, with Kleos leading the way.
As they passed through the entryway, Ban noticed the strength and rugged beauty in the construction of the village's housing. The structures were built with sturdy, weathered wood, reinforced with thick animal hides, and decorated with trophies from hunts and battles. Everything looked carefully crafted for both defense and comfort, and Ban found himself nodding in appreciation at the attention to detail.
Around them, barbarians of all ages and genders trained, their movements fierce and practiced. Even the women sparred with intensity, wielding heavy weapons and grappling with one another.
As they walk they are stopped by two Barbarians with spears who point them at Ban and Taod, as they hear a old woman's voice, "What the hell do you think your doing, bringing outsiders in here out of nowhere?", Ban turned around to see were the voice came from looking down he saw a short woman, who was the same one who was untop of the Gate.
Ban noticed that even with the woman's short height, she had an imposing aura, her ability to use Battle Will was commendable, "Keep it down you old hag, do you see anyone else shouting here!?" Kleos shouted, which Ban thought was ironic since Kleos was also screaming but Ban decided not to say anything.
"Is that the way you talk to your own mother?" The old woman said, "She... is your mother?" Ban said genuinely surprised, as other than a few similarities between the two you would never believe they were mother and son.
"Yeah, I am, what about it!?" The old woman yelled once again, "Who are you anyways?" She asked getting close to him, she sniffed the air around him, and as soon as she did she went wide eyed, as she suddenly attacked Ban, swinging her walking cane towards Bans head.
He blocked her attack easily, he looked at her confused as to why she would suddenly attack him, "You idiot! Why would you bring two outsiders here!? They reek of the Shamans magic!" The old woman yelled, causing for the other Barbarians surrounding them to shift their focus to them, Ban was already ready to fight his way out of this and head back towards the Shaman village, but before any thing could happen, Ban heard a loud sound behind him.
As Ban turns around, he sees that Kleos had slammed his foot into the ground, grabbing everyone's attention, "This man is not a shaman, I have made sure of that myself, this man is a great warrior who has bested me in battle!" Kleos said as he walked in between Ban and the other Barbarians " So have some respect, unless I need to beat it out of you."
"Like hell! How do we know they don't have you under their control, huh?" another barbarian broke through the crowd, pointing an accusing finger at Ban.
"Thumos, your foolishness isn't needed here," Kleos said, turning to face him. But Thumos, undeterred, scoffed.
"It is you who is foolish, brother."
"They're brothers?" Ban thought, surprised, and his shock grew when a woman stepped forward to address them.
"Kleos, your elder brother is right!" Kleos's mother declared, her voice carrying authority. Ban found this puzzling—between the two, Kleos looked like the older sibling, with his impressive height and muscular build. Thumos was noticeably shorter and leaner.
As the family continued to argue, Ban, growing impatient, interrupted. "Look, I'm not one to get in the middle of family disputes, bu—" Before he could finish, Thumos thrust his spear toward Ban's neck.
"Keep quiet, outsider. We could kill you right now," Thumos snarled.
Ban smirked instinctively, "I'd love to see you try."
Kleos stepped in, grabbing his brother's hand with a grip so tight Ban thought he'd break it. "What do you think you're doing? Lower your weapon."
Kleos's face was set with a fierce anger that even Ban found a bit intimidating. Their mother, however, wasn't swayed. "Your brother is right, Kleos. These men are outsiders—magic users, no less. Who's to say they haven't placed some spell over you?"
"Exactly, brother. Mother speaks the truth. Or are you too foolish to see it?" Thumos smirked, taunting.
"How immature can you get?" Ban thought, rolling his eyes. Without hesitation, he reached forward and crushed the tip of Thumos's spear in his hand.
"I didn't come here for family drama," Ban said, turning his attention back to Kleos. "I thought you might actually help me defeat the shaman." But before Kleos could respond, Thumos swung his fist at Ban, who casually caught it, bending the metal bracers on his own forearm.
"And who are you to demand our help?" Thumos sneered.
"Will you ever shut up?" Ban said, exasperated. His patience with Thumos's outbursts was wearing thin, but before things could escalate, Kleos's mother spoke once more.
"Enough!" Her voice cut through the tension, silencing everyone. "We'll settle this with a duel," she announced, stepping toward Ban.
"If you can defeat my son, it will prove your intentions," she declared.
Ban was confused. How would that prove anything? He glanced around at the cheering barbarians, then remembered their tendency to rely on strength over logic. Well, whatever mental gymnastics they're doing works for me. The faster this goes, the sooner we can get the others out of the village, Ban thought, nodding as he shrugged off his cape.
The surrounding barbarians cheered even louder. Thumos smirked and raised a new spear, taunting, "Since you magic users are so weak, I'll let you use any little spells you want!"
"You wouldn't even be worth a bit of my Arc," Ban replied, matching his smirk with one of his own as he plunged his sword into the ground. He wasn't worried—he could tell from a glance that Thumos was no match for him.
They faced each other, standing ten meters apart, while the barbarians formed a rough circle around them. Ban raised his fists, settling into a loose stance.
Are they trying to make sure I can't run? Ban thought with a bemused look as he rolled his eyes.
"Come on, then, or are you scared?" he taunted, flashing a mocking grin.
Thumos, clearly provoked, charged forward, driving his spear at Ban, who ducked effortlessly. Each time Thumos jabbed, Ban dodged with a calm precision, moving just out of reach. Ban threw a quick jab into Thumos's side, staggering him. Thumos recovered, twirling his spear with a determined scowl.
Is he getting faster? Ban noted, watching as Thumos continued to press forward. Thumos's attacks, while straightforward, cleverly used his weapon's range and his own increasing speed. Soon, his strikes were so fast they seemed to cut the air itself, breaking through the sound barrier.
He's more skilled than I thought. With a spear, he could probably give Orolo some trouble, Ban thought, dodging yet another thrust. Thumos grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge.
But Ban grew tired of the game. He surged forward, quickly closing the distance. Of course, that's if Orolo wasn't trying, Ban thought as he moved in to strike. Thumos anticipated this, swinging his spear in a wide arc. Ban ducked, moving back to reassess.
I really hate spears, Ban mused. He's hoping I'll wear myself out dodging. Annoying strategy, pretty pathetic for Barbarian too.
Thumos grinned as he continued his relentless assault, each strike faster and stronger than the last. But Ban effortlessly dodged every one.
That's enough, Ban thought, catching the spear in his palm, stopping it dead. Thumos's eyes widened, stunned that his weapon hadn't even scratched Ban's skin.
Kleos chuckled softly, amused. Ban tightened his grip, pulling the spear forward, snapping the spear's shaft with a quick twist and sidestepping, leaving Thumos momentarily off-balance.
Ban met Thumos's angry glare with a mock-innocent look, glancing down at the broken spear. "Oops," he said, smirking.
Enraged, Thumos charged again, but Ban moved first, slamming his fist into Thumos's abdomen. A loud crack echoed through the air as Thumos gasped, falling over.
Before he could recover, Ban threw a swift punch to his back, sending him sprawling to the ground. Ending the duel.
The other Barbarians were silent at first until, Kleos took Bans hand raising it to the sky, they all erupt into shouts, signaling that Ban had won.
Kleos busted out into laughter as he patted Ban on his Back, "Incredible! You didn't even break a sweat!" Kleos laughed before continuing " We must feast!" Kleos said loudly, but Ban immediately spoke up, "uhh Kleos? I didn't come her for a feast."
"What? Oo yes" Kleos said whispering, Kleos cleared his throat before he yelled out again "Now! These men have proven Them selves, so in lines with the agreements I have made with them, we shall aid them in battle." Kleos yelled.
In the village, the feast was in full swing. Darian and Orolo both devoured their stew, but Orolo paused between hearty slurps to share stories from his days as an adventurer. Bel sat beside him, listening closely, laughing at jokes that only the two of them could understand.
As Bel laughed at another one of Orolos jokes, she glanced behind him, seeing the same little girl from earlier once again.
She seemed to have the same blank expression and empty eyes, Bel finally decided to ask about the girl, since Bel thought maybe the girl was sick.
"Hey," Bel said, tapping a shaman woman on the shoulder.
"Yes?" the woman replied.
"That little girl over there—what's her name?" Bel asked.
The shaman's eyes narrowed. "What girl?"
Bel pointed directly at the child. As her finger stretched toward the girl, the faces of all the shamans went eerily blank. Orolo, Darian, and Bel felt a sudden, searing pain in their chests. Bel clutched her chest, Orolo staggered to his feet, and Darian collapsed to the floor.
Just then, every torch in the hut extinguished at once, plunging them into darkness as a cold, unnatural wind gusted through, slamming the doors open and casting an eerie glow into the space.
Bel tried to speak, her mouth trembling, but a retching noise behind her stopped her. She turned, vision blurring, to see Darian vomiting violently onto the floor. The pain in her chest throbbed, making it hard to focus.
Struggling to steady herself, she stumbled into a bowl of stew, tipping it over. What spilled out twisted her stomach—clumps of human flesh, clotted blood, and other foul remnants splattered across the floor.
"What... the hell—"
She choked back bile, nearly joining Darian in retching. What is this? Why can't I channel Arc? She thought, as she tried using healing magic to no avail Her mind raced as her vision blurred, and she froze, her gaze landing on the shamans. They stood like lifeless puppets, jaws hanging slack, eyes vacant and black as the void, with only their white tiny pupils being visible.
A shuffling sound behind her made her turn, and she saw the old man from earlier, his face unreadable, moving closer.
"Wh-what is thi—" Bel's voice faltered to a terrified whisper, her words stolen as her limbs grew heavy and unresponsive. The old man loomed above her, his presence oppressive, like shadows closing in. His eyes shone with something dark and vile, and an unnatural grin split his face.
"Oh, don't worry, princess," he drawled, voice twisting into something between a growl and a hiss. "We like you. We won't eat you... but your friends," he continued, his mouth stretching wider than humanly possible, revealing blackened, decayed flesh and rows of teeth that seemed far too sharp. The stench of rot drifted from his mouth, suffocating her.
Bel tried to lift her hand, desperate to channel Arc, to summon any scrap of power. But no matter how hard she strained, the energy refused to answer her call, like it was being smothered.
"Oh? What's this?" The old man tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "Trying to do a magic trick, princess? I told you... nothing works here." His voice warped, seeming to echo in her skull, reverberating with a malevolence that made her bones ache. He twisted his body, bending in unnatural ways as he laughed, each movement more monstrous than the last.
Move. Heal. Anything! Bel's thoughts screamed. But her body betrayed her, pinned down by an excruciating, creeping pain that spread with each passing second. My Arc channels—how are they blocked? How?
The old man's face inched closer, his breath rancid as he stared down at her with an eerie fascination, his head twitching slightly, his smile stretching wider with each small movement. Then, out of nowhere, an axe cleaved into the side of his skull.
"Get away fr-from her!" Orolo's voice was shaky but determined. He staggered forward, exhaustion evident in every step. But before he could reach her, the old man straightened with a sickening crack, the axe still embedded in his skull. With an unnatural calm, he turned his head, eyes locking on Orolo.
As if triggered by some silent command, three of the shaman lunged from the shadows behind Orolo, eyes empty and glassy, their bodies moving stiffly but with terrifying speed.
Orolo tensed, his body reacting on instinct. He twisted, dodging one shaman's attack, ducking under another's lunge, and shoving the last one with enough force to break the hut's wall. But when he spun back to face the old man, his weakened punch was caught mid-air, easily stopped by the old man's skeletal hand.
The old man chuckled, the sound hollow and wrong. With terrifying strength, he flung Orolo outside, sending him skidding across the dirt. Orolo caught himself on his knees, but more shamans closed in, their heads twitching at odd angles, eyes locked unblinking on him. One moved with unnatural speed, its claw-like nails aiming for Orolo's side. He ducked and countered, his fist smashing through the shaman's face. But another one lunged, sinking its filthy nails deep into his ribs.
"Dammit!" Orolo gasped, pain wracking his body. He spun, smashing the shaman's head off, but the exhaustion was clawing at him, weakening his strikes, slowing him down. Two more of the shamans barreled into him, pinning him down as he struggled to push them off. Blood dripped from his mouth as he fought to breathe, his vision blurring.
Bel's voice shook as she whispered, "How... how did this happen?" But the old man was already turning back to her, his unblinking eyes wide with twisted delight.
"Princess, why look so frightened?" he asked, leaning close. "Didn't I say we wouldn't harm you?" He grinned wider, revealing teeth blackened and jagged, his head tilting as if he were savoring her terror. "You're safe with us," he murmured, his words dripping with venomous amusement.
Bel's mind raced. With us? Is this... a hive mind? If I kill him, will the others fall? But her rage built up, a fire barely contained. Every attempt to use magic failed, her channels choked off by some suffocating curse that blanketed the entire village.
Mind magic? Is that how he tricked us? It has to be, she thought as she forced herself to crawl toward the door, inching forward, her body trembling, as she reached the door she heard the old man's disgusting voice.
"Oh, princess, there's no need to go anywhere." His voice slithered from behind her, sending a chill up her spine. Suddenly, he grabbed her, hoisting her up with ease, forcing her to watch as Orolo fought and fell back under the relentless assault of the shamans.
Bel's lips moved silently, to the ood man is seemed like an old man. The old man leaned in, his voice mocking, "What's that? No need to pray, princess... there's no one listening." He leaned closer, his smile widening.
But her fingers tightened around his tattered robe as a tiny orange spark flickered into being in her palm. His grin faltered as he noticed the faint light, then narrowed in confusion as more particles began to form, floating like embers in the air.
"What's this...?" His voice wavered, a hint of fear creeping in as he watched the lights gather, coalescing in her hand.
With a sudden, fierce shout, Bel channeled all her rage, focusing the light into her palm. "Burn to ash!"
The old man shrieked, dropping her as flames engulfed him, his shrill cries of agony echoing through the woods. His skin bubbled, peeling away as he stumbled back.
Around them, the other shamans froze, convulsing as the pain seemed to ripple through the hive mind. Bel collapsed, gasping as Orolo, though battered, seized the chance and ran to her, scooping her up as he jumped as high as he could.
"Darian..." she whispered, trying to look back at her fallen friend. But Orolo shook his head "There is no time, we need to get out of here–" he said.
his tone filled with regret. But before they could escape, a cold, bony hand clamped around his ankle, pulling them both downwards at high speed, before they hit the ground Orolo threw Bel a few meters away from him to safety as he was slammed into the ground.
Orolo coughed up blood, as he tried to get up but a sudden force on his back, kept him down, he turned around to see that it was the old man's leg "tsk tsk tsk, princess that... hurt!" The old man said as he stomped into Orolos back once again.
Bel quickly tried to use another incantation but her body had reached its limit for now, she watched helplessly as the old man continued to stomp on Orolos back, as if to break it.
"S-stop please." She said as she reached out to Orolo as tears welled up in her eyes, Orolo seeing her distress he stretched out his hand too as if to comfort her, but alas they were to far apart, the old man raised his leg again ready to crush Orolos tough spine, Bel tried screaming for him to stop but her voice went horse, and as the old man lowered his foot at high speed.
Nothing happened, not even a sound, the old man didn't even feel the impact he looked down confused only to see that his foot was gone, no his entire leg was now gone.
"You looking for this, old man?" Ban said behind the old man, the old man went wide eyed, turning around to face Ban, but as he did, Ban cut off the second leg.
The old man fell to the floor, he expected to fall on Orolo but he was gone, turned behind him once more just to see Darian and Orolo in Taods hands.
"Is this really how you treat visitors?" Ban said pointing his blade at the old man, The old man seemed scared as he moved back slowly.
"Oh come on were are you going? I thought this was a feast?" Ban said mockingly as he approached but that's when the old man grinned, Bans hair stood up on edge signaling him to danger.
He turned around as two shamans jumped at him, Ban swiftly cut them in two, unfazed, he looked around noticing that all the shamans seemed ready to attack, without a word he raised his hand into the air and snapped his fingers.
"ATTACK!!!" A voice yelled from the forest, and almost instantly Barbarians rushed put from the forest dashing at the shamans, with no mercy or hesitation the Barbarians began to rip I'm to the shamans that got in their way.
"I thought I would invite some friends, I hope you don't mind?" Ban said with a mocking grin on his face, as he stood over the old man.
I told them to come In stealthily, but to them that could be stealth, Ban thought as he cut down a shaman that tried sneaking up on him.
"So your the one that is maintaining this magic? Not surprising to be honest." Ban said as he stroke downwards, but the old man seemed to slide backwards and lift up into the air.
"That's not creepy at all..." Ban said sarcastically as he turned around to block the sharp claws of a shaman, side stepping it he cut of its arms then his head.
Another Jumped at Bans back, but a spear went straight through its neck, Ban turned to his side to see Thumor who gave him a nod.
Ban rushed over to Bel, orolo and Darain, immediately he started healing them, stretching out his hands as green particles emanated out from him and flowed into them.
Suddenly someone grabbed Bans hand, it was bel who with lathe little strength she had spoke, "B‐an? Is that–" She was cut of by Ban, "Try not to speak princess, you don't seem to hot." He said increasing the rate at which he healed them.
Bel's voice cut through the chaos. "You have to kill him," she said, pointing at the old man suspended in the air. "He's the one controlling them all."
"Yeah, I can see that," Ban replied, standing up and drawing his blade, his gaze fixed on the old man. "Don't worry, princess, I'll cut him down for ya." He stepped forward, watching as the old man hovered, black mist billowing from his mouth, seeming to fuel the other shamans.
As Ban prepared to strike, he hesitated. "Something's off," he murmured. Even though the old man seemed to be controlling the others and is conscious... the Arc in this area doesn't seem to be anchored to him. So what is it anchored too? Ban thought.
Ban narrowed his eyes, igniting his blade with a spark of flame. In a fluid motion, he leapt into the air, using a wind spell to amplify the flames around his weapon and keep himself aloft, prepared to strike.
Ban zoomed towards the old man, Ban stabbed into his back, He believed that he had struck his heart, but in reality he had struck nothing but his cloak.
"Is that as fast as you go?" The old man said as his face was above Bans, Ban swung his blade upward sending out flames, but the man doged, the old man dashed in using his sharp claws to try and stab Ban, but he blocked his attack with his blade.
Pushing the old man back he rushed in with blinding speed, launching another slash but the Old man parried it aswell.
Ban unleashed a flurry of attacks, moving his blade at blinding speeds, landing a few cuts on the man, the old man parried one last slash before jumping back.
The old man took a deep unnatural breath, making his chest expand irregularly, as he unleashed a large mass of black mist towards Ban at high speeds.
What the— Ban thought, but without wasting a moment, he used air magic to push the black mist back toward the old man. However, despite the gust, the mist seemed to consciously slither through the wind toward him.
Ban dodged and weaved as the mist moved like a serpent. Dammit, he thought, letting loose several quick, flaming slashes at the old man. Although the old man tried to evade, a few of the flames struck him, leaving shallow cuts across his arms.
The old man clicked his tongue, frustration in his eyes. "Damn you!" he yelled, releasing even more black mist that surged toward Ban, who deftly twisted through the air, slipping past each attack.
Below, Bel and Orolo, now awake, looked up in awe. Each clash between Ban's flaming blade and the old man's claw-like nails sent sparks scattering in the air.
His manipulation of Arc is so precise, so efficient, Bel thought, marveling at Ban's control. Not only was he maintaining the flames on his sword, which required a steady Arc flow, but he also kept himself suspended with air magic, balancing both spells with minimal Arc usage—using raw sorcery, no less,impressive as he was human, and there were minimal light sources to draw Arc from.
Meanwhile, Orolo was captivated by Ban's swordsmanship. Every swing and movement was deliberate, with no wasted motion, a perfect blend of agility and raw power.
In a flash, Ban vanished from sight, appearing behind the old man. The old man smirked, anticipating the move. "Got ya!" he sneered as he turned. But as he did, Ban was gone—a faint. Ban reappeared at the old man's side, ready to strike a fatal blow. Just as he was about to make contact, a sharp, searing pain shot through his right hand, spreading rapidly through his body. Ban's concentration faltered from the sudden agony, and he plummeted to the ground.
"Shit!" Ban said as he fell unto the floor, his right hand glowed with a strange arcane symbol that seemed to grow, Why now? Ban thought as he slowly got off the floor.
"MOVE!!!" Orolo yelled, Ban immediately turned his gaze upward to the black mist heading his way at high speed, he immediately initiated his wind magic to move out of the way fast enough.
He flew into the forest at high speed, to escape the mist, dodging trees and other greenery while using wind magic to repel the mist, which seemed just to split into three masses of black mist.
He landed, while sliding along the floor, placing his hand of the floor, he used elemental magic creating a wall of ice. Blocking one of the black masses, as he immediately took off with wind magic back towards the the village.
"Is his brain becoming fatigued due to him using magic to this extent?" Bel said aloud as she began to worry, Bans movements became slower less focused, but Orolo spoke up, "No it's not that, he seems to still be performing those spells at the same extent but he seems like he is in pain."
Ban fell down unto the floor as another pang of pain flowed throuout his body, "Shit!" He said before creating a barrier of twirling wind, finally dispersing the black mist that persuade him.
As he did he seemed to bend over, leaving him defenseless to the old man who rushed in planning to stab the back of Bans head, but suddenly a bolt of lightning blew right throught the old man's head stopping him, Ban raised his head to see Orolo rush towards the old man in order to hold him off.
"Ban! quickly let the princess heal you, if we all take him on we can take him out and end this!" Orolo yelled as he approached Ban, but Ban raising his head looking at Orolo with a smirk on his face.
"It dosent matter if we kill him, he isn't the one casting the spell." Ban said as he slowly got up, "What!?" Orolo and Bel said almost at the same time.
"How can that be? He is clearly controlling the others." Bel said as she approached to heal Ban, but he raised his hand to stop her, "Don't try, it would be a waste." Ban said as he held his right hand in pain.
"While he might have influence over them, even he is under control, or in some sort of symbiosis with who is actually casting this spell" Ban said as he picked up his blade, "Then who?" Bel said before Orolo yelled "What are you saying boy!?" Orolo yelled as he weaved the old man's attacks.
"I'm saying he is being controlled by... her." Ban said casually as he pointed towards a blonde girl with pale skin who stood in the door way of the large hut.
As they turned their direction towards the girl the old man seemed shocked, even irritated.
"HOW!?" The old man yelled as he hurled black mist towards Ban and Bel, but Ban using elemental magic created a barrier of pure wind.
"It was very simple actually, even before we made it to the village, we had already been affected by her mind magic, from the weird Arc that flowed in the air, that's how they camouflaged everything from the huts to even the food." Ban said as he picked up his blade.
As Ban moved forward, he steadily advanced toward the old man, using wind magic to deflect the black mist the man sent his way.
"I noticed my senses weren't as sharp as usual when we got here—that's because her presence was hidden. Everything about her was being suppressed from our senses: sight, sound, even touch," Ban said, still deflecting the mist. "I guess the spell broke once we saw her directly." If my instincts weren't as sharp as they are, I might not have noticed at all, Ban thought.
Ban surged forward, closing the distance. "But what's even stranger is that, although she's the one casting this spell, you seem to have some sort of influence over her." His words made the old man flinch and retreat in fear.
"But hey, the simplest way to understand all of this is to end the spell, right?" Ban said, his eyes fixed on the girl. He dashed toward her, who remained eerily still. The old man screeched like a trapped animal, "STOP HIM!" His command sent the other shamans, who had been locked in battle with the barbarians, hurtling toward Ban to defend the girl. Ban snapped his fingers and said, "Burn." At his word, the wounds he'd inflicted on the old man ignited into flames.
"RAAAAHHHH!" the old man roared in agony, halting the other shamans in their tracks as Ban pressed forward. He stabbed the girl, sending shockwaves through the gathering as eyes widened in disbelief.
"B-Ban!" Bel stammered, watching as Ban withdrew his blade. Black mist poured from the girl's eyes, mouth, and the wound he had just inflicted.