The Blood Empress

Bloody 36: Meeting a Gaia Elder

"A powerful sword belongs to an equally powerful owner. You don't deserve to wield this sword, child."

An ominous presence suddenly filled the air, making my body still from pressure. What kind of aura is this?

I held my breath. Pakiramdam ko ay hinahatak ako pababa ng sahig. My body felt especially heavy as if the gravity was pulling me down forcefully. Tumagaktak ang pawis sa aking noo habang pinipigilan ang sariling matumba.

I gritted my teeth as I struggled to lift my head. What is wrong with this old man? I'm sure it was his trait but damn, how can a trembling old man like him have such ridiculous strength?

"Lower your head and bow down to your knees. Resistance will make your bones break, my child."

Umangat ang tingin ko sa kanya ngunit nanatili lamang siyang nakatalikod habang sinusuri ang espadang inagaw siya sa akin. He was just there, leaning against the balcony ledge while I suffer. Lalong nagngingit ang aking mga ngipin dahil sa kanyang mga sinabi. I hate how he looks down on me as if I'm his lowly servant but I do respect his enormous strength,

What an interesting person. I feel like killing him.

My lips curled up into a wicked grin despite the intense pressure pushing me down. No matter what, I will never bow down to someone's back.

I struggled to open my lips. "Bring it on, old man." I uttered firmly, not showing a trace of fear before him.

Handa na akong mabalian ng buto nang marinig ko ang isang halakhak. Kumunot ang aking noo dahil sa pagkalito. My eyes darted towards him and saw how his shoulders shook from laughing. What is it? What's the deal with this old man?

"What a funny kid."

In an instant, the tremendous force pushing me down vanished like it never existed. Natagpuan ko ang aking sarili na hinihingal matapos nitong mawala. I took one step behind to prevent my body from swaying and falling down.

Hah.

As if that'll happen.

I stabilized my breathing to regain my strength. Sa maikling sandali ay mabilis akong umatake sa kanya. I swiftly jumped as I turn around to kick him in his neck. When I thought I'd hit him, his figure suddenly faded like a cloud of smoke. Tumama ang aking paa sa hangin dahil sa kanyang paglaho.

My forehead creased as I thought of his abilities. What kind of trait could it be?

"You're no match for me, child. Yield before it's too late."

I felt his voice behind me. Mabilis akong lumingon ngunit agad ding siyang nawala. I let out a sneer as I lower my head. Is this old man toying me?

Instead of getting angry, my lips curled up into a demonic grin. With the  sweetest voice I can muster, I spat out a string of violent words. "If you're eager to play then I'll gladly oblige. Just don't blame me if your head comes rolling down the balcony's floor."

My mind pictured the scenario with extreme thirst for bloodshed. Ahh, now I really want to kill him.

"You are far too weak to do that. Don't underestimate your elders." He replied, humor audible in his voice.

In a split second, I can feel the murderous intent seeping through my entire body. Sa pagkakataong ito ay hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip na gamitin ang aking kapangyarihan. What's the point of hiding myself when the enemy is already certain about my identity?

He just made the game even better.

Sa isang iglap ay naramdaman ko ang pagbago ng kulay ng aking mga mata. When I felt my senses getting clearer, I became even more aware of the surroundings.