Cid, Dee, and Cindy slowly made their way through the school store, marveling at the incredible variety of weapons on display. Each case seemed to hold a new wonder, from elegantly crafted swords with intricate hilts to high-tech plasma rifles that hummed with barely contained energy. The holographic projections above the cases provided tantalizing details about each weapon's origin and capabilities.
As they walked, a particular display caught Cid's eye. Nestled on a velvet cushion was a striking weapon, resembling a scythe or a polearm characterized by its dark, menacing design. The blade featured sharp, jagged edges and intricate detailing, giving it a gothic appearance
The hologram above read:
"Inferno Scythe - Tier: Mythical- 3500 credits"
Cid felt an inexplicable pull towards the Inferno Scythe, as if the weapon was calling out to him. He stepped closer to the display case, his eyes tracing the scythe's menacing curves and jagged edges. The dark metal seemed to absorb the light around it, radiating an aura of power and danger.
Dee and Cindy exchanged glances, sensing the change in Cid's demeanor. They watched as he reached out a hand, his fingers hovering just above the glass, itching to touch the weapon that had captured his attention so completely.
"The Inferno Scythe," Dee murmured, reading the holographic display. "Tier: Mythical. That's incredibly rare and powerful."
Cindy's eyes widened as she took in the scythe's intimidating appearance. "It looks like something out of a nightmare," she whispered, a mix of awe and unease in her voice.
Cid barely registered their words, his focus entirely consumed by the weapon before him. He could almost feel the scythe's weight in his hands, the way it would slice through the air with deadly precision.
Draven materialized beside him, his ghostly form shimmering in the store's artificial light. The Crimson Reaper's eyes were fixed on the Inferno Scythe, a look of recognition and longing etched on his spectral features.
Draven spoke, "I used a scythe like this when I was still alive!" Cid's expression fell as he said sadly, "I really want it, but I only have 3000 credits." Dee clicked a few buttons on her bracelet and tapped it against his, transferring 500 of her own credits to him. "If you want it, go ahead and get it," she said. "You seem to really like it."
Cid's eyes widened in surprise as he felt the gentle vibration of his bracelet, signaling the transfer of credits from Dee. He turned to her, a mix of gratitude and disbelief etched on his features. "Dee, I can't accept this. It's too much."
Dee shook her head, a warm smile playing on her lips. "Nonsense. Consider it a gift from a friend. Besides, I have a feeling that scythe belongs with you."
Cindy nodded in agreement, her golden eyes shining with admiration. "She's right, Cid. The way you looked at it... it's like the weapon chose you."
Cid glanced back at the Inferno Scythe, his heart racing with anticipation. He couldn't deny the connection he felt to the weapon, as if it were a missing piece of himself he hadn't known he needed. With a deep breath, he reached out and pressed his bracelet against the display case, watching as the holographic interface registered his purchase.
The case hissed open, releasing a cloud of cool mist that swirled around the Inferno Scythe. Cid reached in, his fingers closing around the scythe's handle. The moment he touched it, a surge of energy coursed through his body, like a jolt of electricity that set his nerves on fire.
As he lifted the scythe from its cushion, Cid marveled at its perfect balance. Cid was Happy!
The Inferno Scythe felt like a natural extension of Cid's body as he held it aloft, admiring the way the light danced across its dark, jagged blade. The weapon seemed to hum with an otherworldly energy, as if it had been waiting for this moment, for Cid's touch, all along.
Draven's ghostly form circled the scythe, his eyes alight with recognition and approval. "This weapon suits you, Cid," he said, his voice echoing in Cid's mind. "It's as if it were forged for you, to be wielded by the Crimson Reaper reborn."
Cid couldn't help but grin at Draven's words, feeling a surge of pride and purpose. He turned to Dee and Cindy, his eyes shining with excitement. "Thank you both, for being here with me, for your support. I couldn't have done this without you."
Dee reached out and squeezed his shoulder, her touch sending a warm tingle through his body. "That's what friends are for, Cid. We're in this together, no matter what."
Cindy nodded enthusiastically, her green skin flushing with joy at being included. "Absolutely! I may be new here, but I can already tell that we're going to make an amazing team."
As they left the school store, Cid couldn't resist the urge to give the Inferno Scythe a try.
With a grin, Cid twirled the Inferno Scythe in his hands, feeling its weight and balance as he moved into an open area outside the school store. Dee and Cindy stepped back, giving him space to test out his new weapon.
Cid took a deep breath and focused, allowing his instincts to guide him. He began with a few simple strikes and slashes, the scythe cutting through the air with a satisfying whoosh. As he grew more comfortable, his movements became fluid and graceful, the weapon an extension of his body.
Soon, Cid was lost in a mesmerizing dance, the Inferno Scythe spinning and twirling around him in a blaze of dark metal. Passersby stopped to watch, their eyes wide with awe as they witnessed the incredible display of skill and power.
Dee and Cindy stood transfixed, their hearts racing as they watched Cid move with a deadly grace. There was something primal and alluring about the way he wielded the scythe, a raw energy that seemed to crackle in the air around him.
As Cid finished his impromptu demonstration, he turned to his friends, his chest heaving with exertion and his eyes alight with a fierce joy. Draven's ghostly form hovered nearby, a look of pride and satisfaction on his spectral features.
"That was incredible, Cid!" Cindy exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration! Just then a sarcastic sounding slow clap echoed in the surroundings the everyone who was present to witness Cid's display of skill with the Scythe turned to see who it was and it was the same person Cid had knocked unconscious in the canteen Sebastian Blaze the Oldest son of the Blaze family one of the highest ranking families in Eldoria.
Sebastian Blaze sauntered towards Cid, his eyes glinting with a dangerous mix of anger and anticipation. The crowd that had gathered to watch Cid's impressive display with the Inferno Scythe parted, an uneasy silence falling over the scene as the tension between the two young men crackled like electricity in the air.
"Well, well, well," Sebastian drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "If it isn't the hero of the canteen. Looks like you've got yourself a shiny new toy to play with."
Cid's grip tightened on the Inferno Scythe, his body instinctively shifting into a defensive stance. Dee and Cindy moved to flank him, their expressions wary but determined.
"Sebastian," Cid acknowledged, his tone even and controlled. "I see you've recovered from our earlier encounter."
A muscle twitched in Sebastian's jaw, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage. "You caught me by surprise last time. It won't happen again." He took a step closer, the heat of his fire ability radiating from his skin. "I'm here to teach you a lesson in respect."
Cid stood his ground, refusing to be intimidated by Sebastian's display of power. "I have no quarrel with you, Sebastian. But I won't stand by and watch you bully others. If you want respect, you have to earn it."
Sebastian let out a harsh laugh, the sound grating and devoid of humor. "Respect? You think I need to earn respect from the likes of you?" He shook his head, a cruel smile twisting his features. "No, what I need is to put you in your place. To show everyone here what happens when you cross a Blaze."
With a flick of his wrist, Sebastian summoned a whirling vortex of flames, the heat intense enough to make the nearby onlookers flinch and step back. The fire danced around him, casting an eerie glow on his face and highlighting the malice in his eyes.
Cid's instincts kicked into high gear, his body moving before his mind could fully process the situation. He spun the Inferno Scythe in a wide arc, the dark metal absorbing the light and heat of Sebastian's flames. A shimmering barrier of energy formed around Cid, Dee, and Cindy, protecting them from the scorching heat.
Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise, his flames sputtering and dying as they collided with Cid's barrier. "What the hell?" he snarled, his face contorting with rage and disbelief.
Cid stood tall, his grip on the Inferno Scythe tight as it hummed with power. "I already warned you, Sebastian. I have no desire to fight you. But if you continue to put my friends in danger, I will protect them," he said sternly, Just then, a wave of red aura radiated from Cid, causing Sebastian to take a step back in fear and he also couldn't help but feel intimidated by Zumi's bright crimson eyes that were now glowing brightly red.
Sebastian's confidence surges as he remembers his identity as a member of the powerful Blaze family. Stepping forward, his fists glowed with an intense fiery orange flame that seemed to radiate off of him in waves. Just as he raised his fist, ready to strike Cid with a flaming blow, a sudden fist of water collids with Sebastian's fist, blocking his attack, it was Cayden who seemed to appear out of nowhere and now stood in front of Sebastian, protecting his friend from harm. Both of them stagger back from the impact, everyone shocked by the unexpected interference. Ignoring the presence of Cayden who had blocked his blow, Sebastian gathered all of his strength and unleashes a fierce torrent of fire towards Cid. But to his surprise, nothing happens, no flames emerge from his hands. In that moment, Zeph appears and explains that he has temporarily nullified Sebastian's powers. Before they can react, a teacher shows up and orders everyone to disperse immediately. The group quickly flees to the canteen together, where they find it almost deserted. Huddled around a table, Cid, Dee, Cindy, Cayden and Zeph sit in silence, unsure of what to do next. The tense atmosphere is thick with unspoken questions and uneasy glances as they wait for someone to break the Slience.
Cid finally spoke up, breaking the silence. "Zeph, when you said you temporarily negated Sebastian's powers, what did you mean?" Sebastian remained quiet for a moment, as if considering how to answer. He then spoke and said, "I used Qi. I'm sure you and Dee have already realized, but I am actually a werewolf." Cindy and Cayden looked surprised at this revelation. "And werewolves are masters of Qi. Every living being has this energy within them, whether they are aware of it or not. All I did was manipulate his Qi, or life energy, to block his abilities from being used. He can use them now, but I can also activate and deactivate them when needed. It does take immense concentration though, so I can't do it for extended periods of time during battle."
Dee nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I had a feeling you were a werewolf, Zeph. Your scent gave it away." She turned to Cid, her crimson eyes searching his face. "But I'm more curious about what happened with you, Cid. That red aura, the way your eyes glowed... it was unlike anything I've ever seen before."
Cid shifted uncomfortably in his seat, acutely aware of the questioning gazes of his friends. He glanced at Draven's ghostly form, seeking guidance, but the Crimson Reaper merely shrugged, a hint of a smirk playing on his spectral lips.
Taking a deep breath, Cid decided it was time to come clean. "There's something I haven't told you all," he began, his voice low and hesitant. "Before I arrived at the academy, I found an ancient sword in the forest. It was the blade of the Crimson Reaper, a legendary vampire warrior from centuries ago."
Cindy's eyes widened, her green skin paling slightly. "The Crimson Reaper? I've heard stories about him, but I thought they were just myths."
Cid shook his head. "They're not myths. When I touched the sword, I accidentally cut myself, and my blood awakened the Crimson Reaper's essence within the blade. We... merged, in a way. His power, his knowledge, everything was given to me and I became a Vampire.
Everyone absorbed what Cid had said and Dee finally revealed her secret: she was born a vampire, the daughter of the Queen. She explained how she had run away from her royal family. They all agreed to keep this information between themselves, especially Cid, as he was turned into a vampire by the sword of Draven.
As the group sat in stunned silence, processing the revelations about Cid and Dee's true identities, a sense of unity began to form between them. They were all outsiders in their own way - a goblin, a werewolf, a runaway vampire princess, and a human turned vampire by an ancient blade. Despite their differences, they found solace and understanding in each other's company.
Cayden was the first to break the silence. "Well, I guess we're all full of surprises, aren't we?" He chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. "But you know what? I think it's pretty amazing. We've got a real diverse group here, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Cindy nodded, a small smile gracing her green features. "Cayden's right. We may come from different backgrounds, but we're in this together now. We'll keep each other's secrets safe and support one another, no matter what."
Dee reached out and grasped Cid's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for trusting us with your truth, Cid. I know it couldn't have been easy to share." Her crimson eyes shone with understanding and acceptance.
Cid felt a wave of relief wash over him, the weight of his secret lifting from his shoulders. "I'm grateful to have friends like you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Together, we can face anything that comes our way."