The air between them was thick with tension. Maki Zenin followed Scathach-Skadi through the winding alleys of Orario, the hustle of the city growing distant with each step. They walked in silence, but Maki's mind buzzed with questions.
Who was this woman? Why did she command such fear and respect? And what did she mean by "extraordinary spark"?
Finally, Scathach stopped at the entrance to a modest building nestled on the outskirts of the city. Its weathered walls and simple design stood in stark contrast to the grandeur of Orario's central districts. The faint hum of magic emanated from within, making Maki's skin tingle.
"This is my domain," Scathach said, pushing open the heavy wooden door. "Enter, if you dare."
Maki's instincts screamed at her to turn back, to not step into the lair of a woman whose aura felt like a coiled serpent. But she wasn't one to back down. Gritting her teeth, she stepped inside.
The interior was a curious blend of warmth and foreboding. Flickering lanterns bathed the room in a golden glow, while rows of ancient books and glowing runestones lined the walls. At the center stood a table carved with intricate runes, radiating an otherworldly energy.
Scathach gestured for Maki to sit, taking the seat opposite her. For a moment, neither spoke. Then, Scathach's piercing violet eyes locked onto Maki's.
"You are not of this world," Scathach began, her tone devoid of preamble. "Your soul carries a fragment of power that does not belong here—a spark of divinity tempered by mortal will."
Maki frowned. "I don't know what you're talking about. I was just… reborn here. I don't even know why."
"Rebirth is no accident," Scathach replied. "You were brought here for a purpose. The Dungeon of Babel is more than a test of strength; it is a nexus—a convergence of dimensions. Something, or someone, guided your soul to this place."
Maki clenched her fists. She hated feeling like a pawn in someone else's game. "So, what? I'm supposed to just accept that? That I was thrown into this world to fight again?"
Scathach's lips curved into a faint smile. "You misunderstand. This is not a punishment, Maki Zenin. This is an opportunity."
The air around them shifted as Scathach raised her hand. Shadows coalesced, forming a spear of black and violet energy that hovered in the air between them. Its presence was suffocating, yet mesmerizing.
"This is Gae Bolg Alternative," Scathach said. "A weapon forged in the Land of Shadows, capable of piercing even the divine. If you are to survive here, you must wield power that transcends mortals. I can teach you, but you must accept the cost."
Maki eyed the spear warily. "And what's the cost?"
"Loyalty," Scathach said simply. "To me, and to the path I will set you on. It will not be easy. The trials ahead will break weaker souls. But if you succeed, you will gain the strength to challenge gods themselves."
Maki leaned back, her mind racing. Loyalty wasn't something she gave lightly. But if what Scathach said was true—if this was her chance to grow stronger, to take control of her own destiny—then she couldn't afford to hesitate.
"I don't bow to anyone," Maki said, her voice firm. "But I'll follow you—on my terms."
Scathach's smile widened, and for the first time, it seemed genuine. "A fair compromise."
The next few days were grueling. Scathach's training was unlike anything Maki had experienced. It wasn't just physical—though the endless drills and sparring matches left her body screaming—but mental and spiritual as well.
"Your strength is formidable," Scathach said during one session, circling Maki like a predator. "But strength alone will not carry you in this world. You must master your spirit, your mind. The enemies you will face are not bound by mortal rules."
Maki wiped the sweat from her brow, her grip tightening on the practice spear. "I've fought curses, sorcerers, and monsters. I'm not afraid of gods."
"Confidence is good," Scathach replied, her tone icy. "Overconfidence will get you killed."
With a flick of her wrist, Scathach summoned a shadowy projection of a monstrous creature. It lunged at Maki with terrifying speed, its claws raking through the air. Maki barely had time to react, dodging to the side and countering with a thrust of her spear. The creature dissipated, but Scathach's expression remained unreadable.
"You lack precision," she said. "Again."
Maki growled in frustration but obeyed. The training continued until the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving her exhausted but determined.
One evening, after another relentless session, Maki found herself sitting on the roof of Scathach's home, gazing at the stars. The city was quiet, its usual energy subdued under the night sky.
"Do you miss your old world?" Scathach's voice came from behind, startling Maki.
She turned to see the older woman standing a few feet away, her expression softer than usual.
"I don't know," Maki admitted. "I hated a lot of it. My family, the way they treated me… But there were people I cared about. People I wanted to protect."
Scathach nodded, her gaze distant. "The bonds we form often give us strength. But they can also be our greatest weakness."
Maki frowned. "Is that why you're so distant? So… cold?"
Scathach chuckled, a rare sound that caught Maki off guard. "Perhaps. Or perhaps I simply haven't found anyone worth forming a bond with."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air between them felt charged with something unspoken. Maki looked away first, her cheeks flushing.
"I should get some sleep," she muttered, standing up.
"Rest well, Maki Zenin," Scathach said, her voice soft. "Tomorrow, we begin your descent into the Dungeon."