[System: Shadow Mantle |Level 2 --> Level 3| ]
Oh my shadow mantle has levelled up so quickly. I can now finally unlock the subskill that makes my shadow become my replica. The next subskill to unlock is at level 7, which is somewhat far away, but I know it will be worthwhile.
Then I proceeded forward to where three level 2 goblins—also referred to as advanced goblins because of their ability to use weaponry—were standing in front of the gate. Both of them were brandishing spears, and their malicious and intelligent eyes shone. A third goblin, a fire wizard evident from his fire rune stone, was behind them, guarding the next gate with a wand at the ready.
Together, the spear goblins let forth a ferocious snarl and surged at me. I blocked both of their sphere thrusts with my katana as the sound of my katana parrying reverberated throughout the cave. "It's going to be difficult."
With their spears aimed at my body and legs, they launched another onslaught. I dodged their blows with my dancing back and flung a dagger at one of the goblins. It gave a painful groan when the dagger impacted its arm. I took advantage of the situation and sliced at the wounded spear goblin, severing its side. It swung fiercely and shouted. I released the shadow step and took a stride back.
With its spear pointed directly at my chest, the second spear goblin surged forward. I moved to the side and got closer, grabbing the scorpion knife instead of my katana. Seeing an opening, the fire wizard hurled fireballs in my direction. I felt the heat singe my clothes as I ducked and twisted beside the enchanted flames but it still burned a part of my clothes and shoulder.
"That damn mage goblin!"
Once more, the first spear goblin attacked. I used the katana to block its spear and quickly stabbed the scorpion knife right through its heart to retaliate. It broke down with a groan. Upon witnessing its companion's collapse, the second goblin threw itself forward with even more energy. It threw its spear at me, trying to hit a vital point.
Even though I avoided the spear thrust at the crucial position, I still took a strike to the burned shoulder. With a swipe of my katana in retaliation, I severed his head while the spear was still embedded in my stomach and he was not able to pull out the sphere back in time to protect himself.
"Aagh!" Hopefully this wound will heal after this, otherwise I might really die in the next stage.
I took the sphere off my arm and concentrated on the fire mage, gasping in air. I drew closer with deliberate motions. The scorpion knife whirled in my fingers, its two blades poised to strike: one to block the mage's wand blows, the other to poison its knuckles and hit its heart.
I gave the wizard a quick cut at the arm holding its wand, making it cry out and drop it. I sank the poisoned blade deep into the mage's chest with an exacting motion. With a stumble and a collapse, the last spell's flames instantly went out. "It was very almost fatal. If they make it any stronger, it's going to be really hard for me."
After winning the fight, I got my blades back and stood over the goblins that had fallen.
I got my blades back and took a position above the fallen goblins, having won the battle. It had been a vicious battle, but I had won because my scorpion knife was so deadly effective. The room beyond was dark as I unlocked the gate leading to the next test. As I stepped inside the gate, it shut with a loud clang, engulfing me in darkness and solitude. I was momentarily disoriented in the emptiness since everything was completely dark. I was dumbfounded and powerless.
I suddenly experienced a sudden loss of weight, as though gravity had vanished. Before I could respond, a familiar sensation struck, reminding me of my suppression as a spinning black ball emerged before my eyes. Panic was on the verge of rising within me as it reminded me of a similar incident that had occurred while regressing in the past.
I then had the sensation that something was drawing me in and forcing me to move. My thoughts felt heavy all of a sudden, vivid, piercing, strong memories flooded through me like a never-ending storm. It hurt; I could as well have died rather than keep living through my regrets. Then I was back in the emptiness, and it was all over again.
The initial wave was unbearable, the losses, regrets, and hopelessness coming at me one after the other, intensely agonising. But when the memories came back to me, they felt a little less intense, like the hurt had lessened with each recollection.
Trying to keep my cool in the face of this unrelenting assault, I clenched my teeth and battled the overpowering stream. I had the impression that my head might explode at any moment, and that I would pass away the next. Please help me out of this. Kill me if you have to, but some at least try to ease the pain.
With each cycle, I struggled to find a way to endure, to push through the anguish that threatened to overwhelm me with every regret of my life that was being drilled into my head. I eventually started to see patterns in the recollections, such as times when I had become stronger or brief happy moments in the middle of the chaos. My history seemed to be telling me over and over again, 'If you can't change it this time, the misery you will see will be a lot more than this.'
I fortified myself against the suffering as the memories resurfaced, drawing strength from the resilience I had developed. It was more than simply a physical test; this was a struggle against the eerie reminders of my past that tried to shape my present and destiny. With each cycle, the same thing came to my mind: "I will change my fate… I will change my fate… I will…"
< [Shadow Mantle (Level 3): 1) Reduces the user's aura presence by 80%. 2) Creates one duplicate of the user* (but can only be activated at night or you duplicate will appear black.)] >