Galkin's words were cut off, turned around to face another amusing person that wanted to entertain him.
Yet no one in the fearful crowd was the one who courageously shouted at him, suddenly a sense of ominous aura.
"Martial Arts: Heat Seeker!!!"
Goouggh?!!!
Galkin's crazed eyes widened, he's been strucked away off his feet from behind, feeling the burned sensation.
"Your...are Late! Junior." Misha's teased, smiled at the strange young man in front of her despite her battered eyes and bruised face.
"Sorry master, just encounter some minor hiccups, that's all." Corrin calmly replied as his intense gazed locked towards the crazy old man in front of him.
.....
I'm back!!!
Man. That's way too fucking long off screen, you Goddamn writer!!!
Anyway, since we need to summarize what I did during this off screen scene well....
Oh! Yeah.... I almost forgot the fucking plan.
The plan was actually just simply clearing out all the mobs of a terrorist group who are currently hijacked this floating ship.
Which is probably the only reason behind for my favorite heroine's late joining the protagonist's party during the last act of the first mission scenario.
And since I already send her towards the protagonist's ship much earlier than it was supposed to....
That I was caught myself stumble upon in a midst of creating a new plothole in which the system has graciously forcing me to encounter a new mission.
[ Mission: Stop the terror! ]
Simple, right?
Well then, here's comes the real problem....why I been so long off screen.
First, There were too fucking numerous mob enemies per area in fact so many of them, I almost thought that this world has been set into a Nightmare Mode.
If this what has happened in the protagonist's party on their side against the general's forces been dealing with, then that makes a lot of sense for them being taking a sweet ass time ending the fight.... much less the whole battle.
While on my side, there's like around 15 mobs terrorist per area of the floating ship which in the game was around five waves before the final boss of the mission scenario.
Second, this is probably also one of the many factors for Alicia's late entry: How in the hell are these Mission 3 mob enemies of New Wind Society was here in walk in the park stage?
In the game, when the protagonist stumble upon a quest to uncover secret that led him to discover a unknown cult organization was hiddenly operated within the holy Land.
And that is none other than, "New Wind Society".
I don't want to explained the deeper details about this organization for now anyway....
But, what was been notorious about this cult organization, notably these mob guys for when you defeated them, physically I mean, it simply exploded automatically.
Highly recommended of defeated them is use a ranged unit like.... Yes just like my favorite heroine, Alicia.
Without her, then you must acquire a certain type of yellow stone which is what I had equipped right now in my ring weapon, "Stun Stone".
"Stun Stone" has a simple debuff of "Stun" as you might have guessed its knocked out them unconscious.
Though in the game, simply just knocked them out cold and defeated them physically would also result in the same explosions.
Thankfully, in this world is was the opposite of that or else we might get hurt in the process and get really exposed by other terrorist. But I have to be cautious as to throw them all out the floating ship.
The mana array bombs that were strapped in their bodies isn't just only triggered an explosion by the wearer alone, it has a special function that were indirectly connected to the leader for himself to be triggered in case that his men were captured.
That leader is the probably a boss what the system has send me for it to encounter and is also the real culprit behind my favorite heroine's being late.
Which brought us to...
(What the hail!! Is that Galkin?!!)
Galkin — known as "one hand–grappler", a formidable adversary encountered by players in Chapter 1, Mission 3 of the game.
He was a powerful mid–boss, a significant obstacle in the protagonist's journey to uncover the secrets of the New Wind Society that are operated within the Holy Land.
In the game, he was known for his ferocity and combat prowess. The fact that he was here, of all places would explained in dealing with his men from before.
But why was he present in here of all places? And why did he have two arms now, when in the game, it was famously depicted with only just one arm?
Realization washed over me as I able to reconcile the stark disparity between the Galkin that I knew from the game and the man before me?
(So that's why I couldn't recognize the man when I threw him off)
In the game, he exuded a rustic charm, resembling someone who had spent his life in the wilds.
But now, clad in black cloak and suit, he bore a demeanor of a mad mafia boss– a far cry from the character that I remembered.
Alicia Meletes, my favorite heroine, had predestined to play a pivotal role in this unexpected encounter.
Slowly the puzzle was piecing itself together, if we actually followed the main scenario that were depicted in the game just like he did approach this ship just now....
He would've naturally faced off against Alicia.
But, my actions to interfering the variables set by the system had inadvertently altered the course of her story, and the system had to react in the variable that I created.
The realization hit me like a ton of bricks as to initiate a encounter against a mid–boss from Mission 3 of the Chapter 1, that what I previously moved against him did was like a luck is part of the game.
Its worth it because I did managed saved my favorite side character in the game.
My heart sank at the sight when she was dragged her in front of everyone as she was being presented like a bag sack of meat.
If wouldn't have mattered if it were anyone else, but her was different.
Misha Clearwater, my favorite's one and only best friend and childhood friend.
And the fact that Misha's role was a side character, she was someone very important to my beloved favorite made me quiver in both regret and anger.
As someone who played the game, I even sought advice from her on certain romance missions, Misha was more than a friend in my heart.
Side character or not, extra or not, but...
She was my master.
I quickly took off my uniform coat to cover her vulnerable body away from further shame as I advanced a deliberate step, making a distance between her and Galkin.
"Junior.... just be careful." Misha said, her battered eyes expressing deep concerned.
I only nodded back at her as I take another deliberate step, knowing she would be relatively safe throughout all this.
Not to mention, I also noticed that my friends were now lurking in between the crowd to add another layer of protection.
These guys were clearly made a lot of substantial gains of EXP during the time of clearing off against terrorist mobs, now they at least able take on lower–level enemies without needing to worry about their safety.
And for a fact, thanks for the ring weapons that these two also equipped had improved their combat effectiveness.
Looking at my stats once more, I knew I had little to no chance against a Galkin with two arms despite also gaining some few levels myself, but the time was ticking. Any minute from now, Alicia would arrive, and we would likely be saved by then.
But would I still be able to hold him off by then?
I didn't know....
Seeing before me a someone else's remains that were scattered was like witnessing a bloody scene straight out of a horror movie, coupled with putrid stench of blood in the air was evident that Galkin just recently used his unique skill.
[ Galkin's unique skill ]
[ Ironmaiden's Embrace ]
It was offensive unique skill in the game, that Galkin always used to indulge his sadistic urges as he torture his victims slowly until death through physical means either by his hand or embrace.
Typically reserved for his final moments. If you chose a option that is to spare him alive, would leading the protagonist to the dreaded as he slowly being crushed till death upon by Galkin's cold embrace.
[Bad End no. 6: Embrace of the Ironmaiden]
Normally it wouldn't be a problem if Galkin has only one arm, and now seeing he has both arm actually hurts my chances.
To make matters worse, I had limited use of martial arts skill left in my arsenal as it were being used against the mission three mobs before entering.
And even if I used it now wouldn't be as effective as the first one as Galkin was alerted.
My heart pounded in my chest.
(If I die right now, much rather gladly take it than everyone here in this ship....)
But, I had to do something....
If it's just for one minute.... one minute of repentance for my miscalculation, I'll gladly do so and accept a little punishment in the process.
"HEY!"
Hearing my call, he looked at me with his intense gaze..... as he laidback himself to the wall, remained sitted on the floor.
"This crazy old man....!!!"
"Do you hear me...!!!"
Surprisingly, my voice came out straight, devoid from any signs of fear or confusion but, just pure, and unfiltered anger.
"Are you her son, silver boy?" Galkin's voice was cold, calculating.
Silver? Ah, he must've mean my hair....
Then again, what did he mean by "Her son"?
Did he know about my mother?
This is probably first time for me, I hadn't encountered like this in the game of this conversation ever came up.
Then again, this could probably be likely a another "Corrin's backstory" scenario that were neglected by the developers.
"Where do you get that ring weapon?" He changed the question, still cold and calculated.
Ah, he must've question my ring weapon.
Instinctively, I stretched out my arms gripping in the air like I was holding a handle of a sword in front of me.
And for a moment, it manifested itself within my hand, a sword with eerie purple glow as it was enveloped around its blade.
Ring weapons could be manifested in some ways depending by the user's heart, some say it could by manifest anything ranging from a sword, a dagger, and a spear to a bow or crossbow, a staff, and a gun or rifle.
Notably, in the game there were certain ring weapons that were labeled as "unique", meaning that a specific user would able to use and manifest it, it cannot be equipped by any character in the party.
Such as the protagonist's [ Sword of Light: Falchion ], my beloved favorite's [ Sword of Color: Arc-en-ciel ], and much more.
However mine really pushes me off at the edge from being a disposable character to a hidden boss. Really.
[ Sword of Corruption: Siegfried ]
In the game, Corrin didn't have any specific ring weapons like that at all.
And now that I have this curse.... It really boggles my mind of what the developers make when creating the game.
"Is this what you mean?" I asked, held my sword up high, pointing it at Galkin.
He paused, didn't even bother in answer my question as he looked at my weapon with such intent gaze.
"Are you her son, silver boy." He asked with the same coldness and calculated.
Again with "Her son" question.
My mind was utterly confused. This all new to me and it wasn't what depicted in the game's narrative, maybe I get more answers about "Her son" by indulging his curiosity.
"Yes."
I answered immediately, though I weren't exactly know what I answer till this happen...
"I see...."
Galkin's nod was all the confirmation that he needed before he blurred into motion, appearing beside me in an instant.
Before I could even comprehend what was happening as his vice-like grip closed around my neck, cutting off my air supply in cruel vice.
Panic surged through me as I struggled against his iron hold, my frantic attempts to free myself met with futile resistance.
"Ughck.... fughjck." I choked out the words lost in strangled gasp as I fought for breath.
As the world spun around me, my senses were dulled by the overwhelming pressure that was bearing down on me.
Desperation clawed at my consciousness as I grappled with the suffocating grip of Galkin's hand.
Was it getting hotter, or was it the chill of death was creeping in?
The thought was fleeting as my sole focus narrowed down to the primal instinct of survival.
With each futile attempt to break free, I felt the crushing weight of Galkin's strength that was amplified by his unique skill as it bearing down on me. His grip was unyielding, his body a fortress of unassailable power.
I lashed out in a desperate bid for freedom, each blow of my sword only serving to worsen my agony.
His arm was began to show darkened spots as it was spreading out quickly though he didn't care as he looked straight to my eyes.
"Tell me, child. Are you even worthy to her blessings?"
"You're not deserved to be loved by her."
"I've sacrificed everything just to see a glimpse of her divine grace."
"My life, my dreams, my reality, all of it, WORTHLESS!!! in front of her divine grace."
"Her divine grace shall be the sole foundation of this new world order!!!!"
"I've deserved to be her chosen son, NOT YOU!"
"NOT YOU, NOT YOU, NOT YOU, NOT YOU!!!"
Galkin's voice cut through the haze of pain as his words make a chilling reminder of the danger that loomed over me.
But in that moment, his inquiry felt like nothing more than a sadistic taunt, a cruel mockery of my plight.
Fighting to maintaining consciousness as I locked my gaze to Galkin, a surge of defiance coursing through me.
His satisfaction was palpable, his twisted smile a grotesque testament to his enjoyment of my suffering.
As pain surged through me, I could feel my neck slowly cracking....
How can this be happening?
Fuck, I really make a miscalculation. I shouldn't have to be so inclined in indulge his curiosity.
Am I really going to die just like this?
What about my friends, master.....
I'm about to die, before I even do a single thing that could changed my looming fate of death.
Its all gone in a heartbeat.
What about my happy ending?
[ Warning.....! ]
[ Warning.....! ]
[ Fate: The Saintess's eternal is breaking ]
[ MAIN SCENARIO IS BREAKING! ]
[ WARNING!!! ]
[ Failed to fulfill the main scenario could lead to ??? ]
Suddenly, Red text screens popped up like crazy.
Even though I couldn't see them clearly, the annoying popping sound in my head was all too familiar.
I didn't know exactly what it was saying, but it must be something about the main scenario or bidding me goodbyes or similar to that.
As I felt myself slowly dying.... All the pain suddenly washed away as time stopped.
The only thing that kept moving was the red screens in front of me.
[ Warning.....! ]
[ Warning.....! ]
[ A unknown interference was breaking into this system's administration function]
[ The system's emergency measures has been..... ]
[ You don't want to end right here, do you? ]
What...?
A genuine voice of a woman speaking inside my head.
[ I have noticed that you have reason to live, is that right? ]
Who..... are you?
That's impossible, right?
[ If I grant you a authority, could you go on? ]
[ I proposed a soul contract. ]
[ In exchange for granting this authority, you must accept to make my wish come true. ]
[ Accept this contract would accept it's condition. ]
[ While you live in the world ruled by man and demon beast, you will live be forever changed like any other. ]
[ a new providence.... a new era... a new life ]
[ The power of the emperor would stray away from the mundane path of solitude. ]
[ Are you prepared for this? ]
Yes. I have accepts these terms of the contract
[ Then, heed my calling. ]
Oh, mother of corruption. Heed your son's call.
Your son has fallen into a state of peril. For he has encountered the unexpected and he was afraid to advance.
If you are here beside me, watching....
Then hereby granted authority....
As the words flowingly through my mind by force, yet it was all natural by heart like I was praying. I didn't know that my interference in the variables in the main scenario would actually inadvertently speed up the process of ever looming fate of mine into a permanence.
As it would change my fate forever....
[ Certain conditions had been met. ]
[ Emergency measures applying! ]
[ Fate: A saintess's eternal is stabilizing ]
[ Attempting to correct variables.... ]
[ Attempting to correct variables.... ]
[ Attempting to correct variables.... ]
[ Failed! ]
[ Finding suitable action.... ]
[ Boosting Stats ]
[ Applying.... ]
[ Applying.... ]
[ Failed! ]
[ Finding suitable action..... ]
[ Unlocking Skill ]
[ Application successfully ]
[ Finding appropriate skill.... ]
[ Applying.... ]
[ Berserker's Strength ]
[ Failed! Strength and Endurance stat are too low ]
[ Sword Cardinal ]
[Failed! Strength and Agility stat are too low]
[ Skill had been met, unable to break the loophole to apply ] [ Required: either STR or AG ]
[ Light God ]
[ Failed! No detection of ring weapon of light: Falchion ]
[ True Mana ]
[ Failed! No detection of Mana ] [ Required: Magic-based Class ] [ Required: Magic Stone ]
....
...
[ All skills from C to S-class Skill were inapplicable ]
[ All D-class skill were inappropriate in the mission scenario ]
[ Unlocking Unique Skill category... ]
[ Unlock successfully! ]
[ Finding suitable skills through the soul history ]
[ Successful! ]
[ Unique Skill: Dominion's Order ]
[ Description: Dominion's Order embodies of the host's indomitable spirit and commanding presence. Channeling their boundless ego into a potent force within his dominion. As the host taps into their innate heart of self-assurance and confidence, an unfathomable aura radiates from their being, exerting an overwhelming influence over the surrounding dominion. ]
[ Effects: Absolute Order ]
[ Effects: 90 percent stat reduction ]
[ Description: Effect may be vary depending on how strong of the host's willpower ]
[ Note: it is imperative to cautious when exercising this unique skill. Once utilized this skill and invoked, the host may find themselves succumb in the state of a dominator, perceiving others as inferiors, a mere subjects to their absolute decree ]
[ Notes: this skill will be effective within a specific space that anyone within can be interpreted as inferiors, the space can be spreading as the host walks. ]
[ May we meet in the earliest.... good luck!]
Huh....?
Time have starting to move again.
I didn't even have the time to look into all those system messages
As the world turned into a various shades of colors constantly shifting before me, yet it was overwhelmed by shades of red and white, a pink.
Hmm....
I wondered why this bug was clutching onto my neck...
"Unhand me, bug."
My voice ringing out with an authority I hadn't known to have possessed, as it cuts through the air like razor.
The bug was stood there like a clown, his crazed gaze were gone in an instant, trembling in inexplicable surge of fear.
In that moment, bug found himself stepping back as he loose the grip onto my neck with disbelief look in his ugly face.
It was seemed that my command had forced to compelled him to obey my orders, overriding his own instincts and react on what command I invoked.
Interesting.... this authority is very incredible.
As the bug retreated, his disbelief gaze was still onto him as he try to disway my overwhelming pressure.
However, he was still failed to resist as his body began to dreaded with fear.
"Boss... are you okay?"
"Hey kid, what did you do?!!"
More bugs wants to challenge my authority as one of them charged in rage, yet faced with confusion and disbelief as his blows didn't connect, hanging in the air.
In their perspective, probably thinking there was a barrier.
In my perspective, a long line barbed wire that wrapped around a nail was parried against the sword as the bug swings at my direction.
The bug leader didn't even look at me as he diverted his gaze away, though he took a small peek at overwhelming presence....
His face was pale like he was seen a ghost or something.
Annnoying...
"Your head are too high...Kneel!"
The words carried a weight of command that brooked no defiance, a wave of obedience had washed over the crowd.
From students to ships crews, even the terrorist and the ever looming presence of the bug leader – all of them knelt down before my imposing presence.
It was as if a unforeseen force compelled them, bending their wills to my command.
To me, they were all been marked of my authority in their minds.
The thicked air was cracked with tension, no one had speaking freely, there were unsure of what just happened.
As I approached the terrorist group, the bug leader managed to regain his cold gaze, retrieving his fallen sword from the ground as he held aloft, the glint of steel casting a menacing shadow over his features.
That is remarkable for him to least resist a little....
"To think mere bugs would actually pushed me this far.... How dissapointing."
"What did you do to us?!!" A green haired bug just dared to speak without my permission.
"Did I give you permission to speak?"
"..."
That's right, know your place, bug.
"You... who are you?"
It seems the bug leader managed to choke out the words with such desperation.
Then, let this son enlighten them.
"I'm just in this world, an equilibrium."
"To those bug terrorist, listen well... "
"I, Corrin von Ashfallen, hereby commanded all...."
"To Die!!!"
As the word of command override to all the terrorist group's mind, a unspoken understanding was surging as the bug leader stand in front of me.
His wicked smile was shimmering in force, his bug men also smiling in delight.
"Gladly, your Highness!"
Without hesitation, all of the terrorist were kill each other, some took their lives in by slitted their throats.
Even the bug leader was exploded by his unique skill.
A hushed silence fell over the scene, broken only by the soft thud of their lifeless bodies collapsing on the floor.
Fwooosshh!!!
The sudden rush of air drew my attention.
As I turned around, my gaze has landed upon a figure shrouded in ethereal aura, surrounded by floating mech cards swirling around her in a mesmerizing dance.
The Crimson energy that had enveloped her form dissapated into the ether, leaving behind an air of anticipation.
A pink hair billowing in the wind and with a witch's hat clutched in her hand as she stood before me, her golden eyes alight mixture of curiosity and wonder.
In that fleeting moment, it was as if time itself held its breath as the world around them fading into insignificance as two opposite sides converged.
The world witness....
The Emperor and Empress met.