Outside the simulation, Sam, Yuna, Adder, and Cedric observe Aria's performance. Sam smugly asks Adder, "So, what do you think of my simulation?"
Adder grits his teeth, reluctant to compliment Sam's work. Inwardly, he is impressed by the level of detail and the fluid, cinematic combat sequences Aria is executing. The simulation's immersive environments and the way it seamlessly blends action, exploration, and narrative elements have caught Adder's attention. He begrudgingly admits to himself that Genesis, or Sam, has raised the bar for simulation development.
However, Adder refuses to give Sam the satisfaction of openly acknowledging his skill.
With a dismissive shrug, Adder replies, "It's okay, I guess." He turns his gaze back to the simulation, determined to find flaws or areas where his own work could surpass Sam's creation.
Cedric watches the exchange with a subtle smile, sensing the underlying tension between the two developers.
Sam smugly taunts Adder, "Heh~ I was expecting you to be harsher." He expects Adder to negatively review his simulation, but Adder remains silent, his frustration growing.
"Come on, Caliban. Tell me what you really think," Sam says, continuing to taunt Adder, who is clearly reaching his boiling point.
Yuna steps between the two developers, "Sam, I believe you've made your point."
"But the fun's just getting started," Sam quips, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Adder clenches his fists, his knuckles turning white. His jaw tightens as he fights the urge to lash out at Sam's goading. The simulation continues to play out before them, Aria's movements graceful and powerful, further fueling Adder's resentment.
Cedric turns to Sam, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "So, Genesis, how did you come up with the idea for this impressive simulation? I couldn't help but notice the influence of Aria's performance on it."
Sam grins, his confidence evident. "Ah, the ballet was quite the inspiration, I must admit. Seeing Aria's grace and elegance on stage got the gears turning in my head. I knew I had to capture that same sense of fluid movement and power in the simulation."
Cedric nods, a proud smile spreading across his face. "I can see that your efforts have paid off. Aria seems thoroughly satisfied with the experience so far." He glances back at the simulation, where Aria navigates the challenges with a focused intensity.
Inwardly, Cedric is impressed by Sam's keen eye for detail and his ability to translate Aria's artistry into a virtual world. 'This young man has a true gift,' he muses. 'No wonder he's managed to gain my daughter's attention.'
Cedric's confidence in Sam's victory grows with each passing moment. The simulation's seamless integration of narrative, combat, and exploration is a testament to the developer's skill. Cedric has no doubt that Sam's creation will emerge victorious in this competition.
Sam nods graciously at Cedric's compliment. "Thank you, sir. I'm just happy to create an experience worthy of Aria's talents." He turns his attention back to the simulation, where Aria is about to face one of the Four Cardinal Virtues.
…
As I move through Vigrid, I've been defeating angels left and right. With each battle, I've been mastering Bayonetta's fighting style and powers. I'm impressed by her fluid, elegant movements and the sheer destructive force she can unleash through her Wicked Weaves.
Summoning those massive demonic limbs to crush my foes is an exhilarating experience. And the way she can slow down time with Witch Time - it's an invaluable advantage that allows me to turn the tide of any fight. I've even learned to summon my own Infernal Demons, which I have to admit is pretty cool. Having those powerful entities at my command gives me an edge that few can match.
I have also encountered a playboy named Luka, who I find rather amusing. He appears to have some history with Bayonetta, and I'm curious to learn more as I progress through the simulation.
I stride into the coliseum, my eyes immediately drawn to the towering, two-headed dragon before me. Fortitudo. We've crossed paths before in this city, but the colossal angel always slipped away before we could truly clash. Not this time.
I tighten my grip on Scarborough Fair, my gaze unwavering as I take in Fortitudo's monstrous form.
I shoot at Fortitudo to gain its attention. The massive two-headed angel turns its gaze towards me.
"It is most kind of you to alleviate my need to search you out, Bayonetta. Please forgive me my prior trespass and lack of hospitality."
I respond with confidence, "I'm sure you will be more than hospitable to me this time around."
"I have been informed that a survivor of the witch hunts is resisting our dominion. However, her inevitable reunion with hell makes her such a sad soul. If you are this pitiful being, then shall I release you from your torment."
I shoot at Fortitudo to silence him. "Did anyone ever tell you you talk too much?"
"Challenging us with the dark arts!? No matter the age, witches never learn..."
Fortitudo unleashes scorching torrents of flame. I leap onto a nearby platform, evading the onslaught.
I leap off the platform, dodging Fortitudo's fiery assault. My body moves with feline grace as I weave between the angel's attacks, unleashing a barrage of bullets from Scarborough Fair. The twin pistols sing with each shot, but Fortitudo's thick hide seems impervious to the onslaught.
The dangel's massive claws swipe at me, forcing me to dive and roll across the ground. I holster my guns and summon Madama Butterfly, commanding her demonic fists to pummel Fortitudo. The blows land with earth-shaking force, but the Cardinal Virtue remains steadfast.
Fortitudo's dragon heads open their jaws, spewing gouts of flame that scorch the arena. I struggle to evade the relentless onslaught, my movements becoming more desperate. Just as I prepare to counterattack, one of the angel's heads lashes out, its jaws clamping down on my leg.
I cry out in pain as Fortitudo's fangs pierce my flesh. The angel lifts me into the air, my body thrashing futilely. With a mighty swing, Fortitudo slams me into the ground, the impact knocking the breath from my lungs.
Dazed and battered, I lie helpless as Fortitudo looms over me, its triumphant roar echoing through the coliseum.
The world around me fades to black as Fortitudo's triumphant roar echoes through the coliseum. Dazed and battered, I lie helpless on the ground, my vision blurring.
Suddenly, a screen appears before me, offering a choice: "Continue?"
I grit my teeth, refusing to accept defeat. Gripping Scarborough Fair tightly, I press the button to continue. The world around me reignites, and I find myself back on the battlefield, ready to face Fortitudo once more.
I leap into the air, my body twisting and turning with feline grace as I unleash a relentless barrage of bullets from Scarborough Fair. The twin pistols sing with each shot, but Fortitudo's thick hide seems impervious to the onslaught.
Undeterred, I summon Madama Butterfly, commanding her demonic fists to pummel the Cardinal Virtue. The blows land with earth-shaking force, yet Fortitudo remains steadfast. Its dragon heads open their jaws, spewing gouts of flame that scorch the arena. I struggle to evade the relentless onslaught, my movements becoming more desperate.
I grip Scarborough Fair tightly, my eyes narrowing as I study Fortitudo's movements. The angel's dragon heads continue their relentless onslaught, spewing gouts of flame that scorch the arena. Gritting my teeth, I leap into the air, my body twisting with feline grace.
Reaching out, I grab hold of one of Fortitudo's massive heads. With a series of swift, powerful motions, I flip and smash the angel's head against the ground again and again. The impact sends tremors through the arena, but Fortitudo's grip on me does not falter.
Switching tactics, I twist the dragon's head, using all my strength to sever it from the angel's body. As the severed head falls, a magical portal from Inferno opens, and demonic hands emerge to drag the severed head into the abyss.
Fortitudo roars in anger and scorches the grounds of the coliseum in lava. I leap between rocks to avoid the lava, my movements agile and precise. The twin pistols in my hands sing with each shot, but the angel's thick hide remains unfazed.
I holster my guns and summon Madama Butterfly, the towering demon's fists crashing against Fortitudo with bone-shattering force. The Cardinal Virtue recoils, but its dragon heads unleash another wave of searing flames. I twist and turn, my body a blur as I evade the relentless assault.
Fortitudo swipes his tail at me, but I grip it tightly and use the angel's own momentum to fling it skyward. With a flick of my wrist, I summon Malphas, the Harbinger of Finality. The massive raven-like entity spreads its obsidian wings and takes flight, its crimson eyes burning with purpose. Malphas darts forward, its razor-sharp beak piercing through Fortitudo's thick hide. The Cardinal Virtue roars in agony as Malphas rends its flesh, unleashing a torrent of dark energy that consumes the angel's very essence.
I watch with cold detachment as Fortitudo's massive form buckles under the relentless assault. The angel's roars of agony are music to my ears.
"You know, you're not nearly so ugly when you're screaming," I remark, my voice devoid of any sympathy.
Fortitudo's eyes meet mine, a glimmer of realization dawning in their depths. "It was as foretold... Your power... Incredible..."
I narrow my gaze, unwilling to be distracted by his words. "Foretold? Explain yourself."
The angel's breath rattles as it speaks. "I, Fortitudo, am but a simple sacrifice for the resurrection of the Creator. May the Creator, Jubileus grace you on your journey."
A portal from Inferno appears with more hands, dragging Fortitudo into it. I watch with detached satisfaction as the angel is consumed by the abyss. The battle has left me mentally exhausted. I've had enough of this simulation for now.
"Simulation end," I command, my voice calm and collected. The world around me fades to black.
///
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Advance chapters in my P@|r$0n/Najicablitz