In the depths of a hidden cavern, nestled in solitude, a fissure crackled and sparked, akin to a celestial gateway carving its niche within the fabric of space. Through this arcane portal, a captivating figure materialized, stepping forth into the hallowed chamber. Adorned with resplendent strands of pearl-colored hair cascading down her shoulders, the enchantress possessed a beguiling countenance, accentuated by the graceful sweep of elongated obsidian horns emerging from her regal skull.
Her attire, an embodiment of paradox, clung tenaciously to her lithe form at the upper reaches, while embracing a loose, billowing nature below. With a discerning gaze, the young woman meticulously surveyed the secluded refuge, her eyes traversing the cavern's desolate expanse with an air of both curiosity and caution.
In her wake, a man with hair ashen as the night materialized, his countenance partially perplexed by the stillness of the enigmatic woman. "Scythe Seris, is everything in order?" he inquired, his words hung in the air, unanswered, as her piercing gaze fixated on a particular point in the desolate cave..
"Come out, you can't hide from me " she uttered resolutely. As her words reverberated through the cavern, a form emerged, causing both Seris and her retainer, Cylrit, to pale in visage.
Before their trembling forms loomed a titan of darkness, an embodiment of primordial malevolence, its colossal figure exuding an intimidating presence. Cloaked in a shroud of ashen flesh, the demon's sinewy form seemed to ripple with latent power, every sinew and muscle taut with an eerie vitality.
Commanding attention were its eyes, twin orbs of ethereal luminescence, radiant beacons of piercing white and lavender that seemed to draw the onlooker into a bottomless abyss of profound mystique. From its skull, a mesmerising cascade of white locks emerged, akin to tendrils of incandescent fire cascading in ethereal allure. Each strand danced with an otherworldly grace, twisting and flickering as if touched by the ethereal fingers of spectral entities.
A serpentine tail, coiling and undulating with predatory elegance, slithered behind the demon, it's sinuous movements mirrored the rhythm of a predator patiently stalking its prey, imbued with a mesmerising allure that belied the imminent danger lurking within. Crowning its menacing visage were four majestic horns, prominent and commanding, each an exclamation of diabolic authority.
"Oh, but concealment was never my intent," his voice crackled with a primordial resonance, reverberating through the air like a haunting melody of pandemonium. From the depths of his being surged an intense aura of sinister mana, swirling with hues of crimson and azure.
As if stirred by the inferno of his presence, lightning in shades of scarlet and sapphire erupted, cascading from his form with untamed fervor. Each crackle and surge of electric energy resonated with a maniacal intensity, an erratic dance of power and madness in the throes of chaos itself.
His voice, distorted by the very fabric of reality, resonated with a disconcerting blend of pitch and timbre. Its dissonant tones wove through the air, causing the very essence of existence to quiver under his overwhelming pressure. Seris and Cylrit, overwhelmed by his the barbaric intent, found themselves compelled to their knees, their bodies humbled before the barbaric intent.
"Calm your head Baran,"
A new voice resonated, its tone infused with a tranquil authority that sliced through the chaos. As if struck by an unseen force, Baran's outburst abruptly subsided, his towering figure gracefully descending to one knee. From the depths of the encroaching shadows, Jin Woo materialized, his form draped in an enigmatic veil of darkness. Yet, despite the temporary veil that obscured his features, his eyes emanated a radiant purple light, shimmering with an otherworldly glow.
Jin Woo's piercing gaze swept over the two figures before him, Seris and Cylrit, as they regained their footing. Seris's scrutiny lingered upon him, a sense of intrigue mingling with her wariness. It was perplexing, for in comparison to the mighty demon who had bowed before him, Jin Woo appeared unassuming. However, there was an ineffable quality to his presence that sent shivers down her spine, as if an angel of death had descended upon the earthly realm, poised to mete out profound reverence and retribution.
However her retainer did not share such perception.
In a swift motion, Cylrit unsheathed his sword, determination etched upon his face as he lunged towards Jin Woo, who regarded him with a perplexed gaze, his expression a mixture of confusion and curiosity.
But in the blink of an eye, Baran, with his gargantuan form, vanished from sight, propelled forward at monstrous velocities. His colossal hand reached out, seizing Cylrit's head with an iron grip, and with a bone-rattling force, smashed it down upon the rugged surface. The impact reverberated through the cavern, sending shockwaves rippling across its foundations, while shards of rock scattered in all directions, like fragmented credits strewn in the aftermath of destruction.
A malevolent surge of electricity danced upon Baran's lips, tendrils of crackling energy snaking around his monstrous form. His voice, a thunderous growl, echoed through the chamber, filled with wrath and contempt. "How dare you lay a hand upon the king, you insect!"
Witnessing her loyal companion's assault, Seris instinctively sought to defend him. She summoned the mana with her core, conjuring arrows of blackened wind, imbued with a chilling aura. With a swift release, the arrows streaked through the air towards the crackling demon. However, their impact proved futile, as the arrows merely rebounded harmlessly off Baran's electrically charged form, their intended strike thwarted by his overwhelming power.
In the midst of the escalating confrontation, just as the demon prepared to respond to Seris, he found himself momentarily halted as Jin Woo moved past him. The enigmatic figure fixed his gaze upon Seris, his eyes brimming with intrigue and curiosity. "You're a Scythe right?" He inquired, his voice laced with a tinge of amusement.
Seething with frustration, Seris met Jin Woo's gaze with an intensity matched only by her disdain. "And if I am?" she retorted, her voice laced with defiance and a hint of underlying power.
Jin Woo, seemingly unfazed, merely shrugged, a bored expression adorning his face. "Don't care really," he replied casually, as if the answer held little significance.
Unable to contain her mounting anger, Seris gritted her teeth, her features contorted with determination. A swirling mist of inky blackness began to emanate from her, billowing outwards and enveloping Jin Woo's form. Her void magic clung to him, an attempt to grasp control and his mana. However, to her chagrin, her efforts only elicited a chuckle from Jin Woo, his amusement undeterred by her assault.
The black mist coalesced around him, tendrils of her void magic reaching out, but Jin Woo remained unaffected, his amusement amplifying as the tendrils writhed futilely against his indomitable presence.
"Your magic isn't half bad," Jin Woo snickered, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
With a casual flick of his fingers, he initiated a spell that set the very fabric of reality in motion. The world around Seris seemed to liquefy, melting away like a wet canvas under the heat of an artist's torch. In its wake, a paranormal void materialized, stretching out infinitely with a terrifying malevolence, exuding an aura of maddening chaos.
Seris, attempting to comprehend the unfathomable, struggled to wrap her mind around the nightmarish scene before her. As she sought to maintain her grasp on sanity, clawed hands of darkness emerged from the void, snaking towards her with sinister intent. They ensnared her with an unyielding grip, constricting tightly around her, their touch invoking a shiver of dread.
Desperately, she reached inward, seeking solace in the wellspring of her core. But to her horror, her attempts to draw upon her mana were met with futility. It was as if her very essence, the source of her power, had vanished into thin air, leaving her bereft and vulnerable
"Do you understand now?" Jin Woo's voice reverberated, a haunting chorus that seemed to emanate from every corner of existence, carrying an air of omnidirectional precision.
Her spirits dampened, Seris braced herself for the worst, only to be met with a surprise. The all-consuming void that had entrapped her dissipated, like a fading fog, leaving her once again within the confines of the cave. The menacing claws that had restrained her vanished, their grip relinquished as she found herself sprawled on the floor, her face glistening with beads of sweat.
As she slowly regained her bearings, Seris's countenance betrayed a mix of confusion and bewilderment. Her gaze fixed upon a peculiar sight—a woman with flowing white hair, possessing an ethereal aura, had Jin Woo firmly pinched between her fingers. The woman's lavender eyes glimmered with irritation, casting an imposing aura that even eclipsed the fear Seris had harbored for her own Sovereign.
Standing behind them, Baran appeared uncertain, a droplet of sweat trickling down his forehead as he grappled with the perplexity of the unfolding situation.
"What did I even do?" Jin Woo complained, his attempts to free himself from Sylvia's grasp proving futile as she held him firmly in her clutches.
"Don't even get me started," Sylvia responded, her voice devoid of emotion, as she released her grip on Jin Woo's cheek. Stepping back, she observed him intently, her lavender eyes piercing through his facade. As Jin Woo murmured a string of words, his voice drowned out by the pounding of blood in Seris's ears, she strained to catch any semblance of meaning in his muttered utterances. However, the words remained elusive, slipping through the cracks of her perception like whispers carried away by the wind.
As Sylvia's penetrating lavender gaze fell upon her, Seris could feel her body trembling under the weight of that malevolent stare. The intensity in Sylvia's eyes was unmistakably that of an Asura, emanating an aura of superiority and potent menace.
"I have done you a favour," Sylvia spoke, her tone cold and calculated. "Now, explain to me why I shouldn't finish what he started." Her words hung in the air, charged with a palpable threat.
Gathering her composure, Seris steadied herself, her voice resolute yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "I didn't come here with malicious intent. I am simply here to meet someone," she replied, her words measured and deliberate.
Sylvia raised an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering. "And who would that be?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued. Seris hesitated, unsure of whether to divulge the information. But before she could respond, a realization dawned upon Sylvia. "Would it happen to be Caera?" she asked, her words causing Seris's eyes to widen in surprise.
"I have a question for you, Scythe," Sylvia inquired, her tone laced with a calculated curiosity. "Does your loyalty lie with Agrona?" A flash of anger surged through Seris, momentarily eclipsing her usual composed demeanor. "My loyalty does not lie with those who violated me," she spat, her voice dripping with resentment. "I simply want you Asuras out of my home."
To Seris's surprise, a smile spread across Sylvia's face, an enigmatic glimmer dancing in her eyes. Against all expectations, Sylvia extended her hand towards Seris. Confusion mingled with caution in Seris's expression as she regarded the outstretched hand before her.
"Then we have much to discuss," Sylvia remarked.
_______________________________________________________
Arthur let out a resigned sigh, his gaze fixed on the unfolding spectacle before him. Beside him, Caera observed with a mix of concern and anticipation as Feyrith, defeated and deflated, returned to his seat after being mercilessly humiliated by the professor.
Geist, the instructor of practical mana manipulation, wore a mischievous grin as he scanned the classroom. "Would any other DC member like to step forward?" he taunted, his eyes locking onto the eager faces in the front row. It was then that Kathlyn's hand shot up, her determination shining through as she made her way towards the front. Geist, known for his cunning ways, relished the opportunity to leave an indelible impression on the human princess and the other girls who sat in the front rows, their minds already captivated by the enigmatic allure of their instructor.
As Kathlyn approached Geist, she retrieved her diminutive wand, her gaze neutral as ever.
Geist's voice dripped with both intrigue and mischief as he addressed the princess. "Are you prepared, Princess Kathlyn?" he inquired, his smirk betraying the hidden excitement within him as he readied himself for the impending duel.
Kathlyn simply nodded, her meekness contrasting with the intensity in her eyes, as she summoned a swirling vortex of ice mana around her slender wand.
Arthur's eyes remained fixed on Kathlyn as the mana coalesced around her wand, taking shape with precision and purpose. He couldn't help but notice that she seemed wholly engrossed in the imminent spar, her focus resolute and undeterred by distractions.
Softly whispering to herself, Kathlyn called upon her chosen spell. "Ice shards," she uttered, prompting a barrage of razor-sharp ice projectiles to shoot towards Geist with remarkable speed.
Despite Geist's notorious reputation, his position as a professor at the esteemed institution of magic and his vast experience as an adventurer commanded respect. As Kathlyn's icy assault closed in on him, he swiftly encircled himself with orbs of vibrant azure flames, creating a protective barrier that clashed violently with the incoming ice shards.
The collision of elements produced a thick veil of mist, obscuring the battlefield and veiling the spectacle from the view of those with lesser mana-core levels.
Lowering his gaze, Arthur realized that Geist's power outmatched Kathlyn's magic, causing it to steadily advance towards her position. Ice spikes materialized out of thin air, causing the temperature to plummet as water molecules crystallized around them. In response, Geist raised his hand, casting a spell skyward, summoning a colossal fireball that fragmented into smaller fiery projectiles, hurtling towards Kathlyn like a meteor shower.
Caera's instincts urged her to intervene, but before she could react, Arthur had vanished.
Geist's countenance grew ashen, drained of color, as the vicious assault crashed into Kathlyn, but to the astonishment of everyone present, as soon as the dust settled, Arthur boldly extended his hand outward, willingly bearing the full force of the attack without even a hint of injury.
Geist found himself lost in contemplation, his mind grappling with the question of when exactly Arthur had arrived at the scene.
"Your starting to annoy me." The irritation in Arthur's voice was palpable as he addressed Geist, causing steam to rise from the latter's visage, even though he was unquestionably at fault. However, before Geist could fully articulate his rebuke, Arthur's molten eyes began emanating an alarming degree of intensity, causing him to stumble back.
In a swift motion, Arthur turned around and assisted Kathlyn to her feet, examining her with great care: "Are you alright?" he inquired.
"Yes, I am, and thank you," she responded softly, causing Arthur to release a sigh of relief, while adding, "Why don't you take a seat? I'll handle this." His words prompted Kathlyn to nod in agreement as she returned to her designated place.
Arthur then shifted his attention towards the students, his gaze meeting that of Caera. Uncertainty flickered in her eyes, but she placed her trust in him.
"Well, Professor, perhaps you should extend your honor to this student as you have done with the others," Arthur challenged, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Geist's face contorted with anger, but he managed to compose himself.
"As you wish. Would you prefer a weapon?" Geist inquired, itching to humiliate Arthur.
"I will determine whether or not I require one," Arthur replied nonchalantly, successfully further provoking Geist.
"Very well, then," Geist responded, his hands enveloped in flickering blue flames, preparing to launch himself at Arthur.
Despite the attack's impressive speed, it seemed sluggish to Arthur, as slow as a turtle. With a swift swing of his blade, Arthur skillfully extended his hand behind his head, gracefully evading yet another strike as he stepped back.
"You're slow, someone could have killed you a hundred times already," Arthur thought, his assessment manifesting audibly. Geist lunged once again, and this time, Arthur allowed the flaming sword to come perilously close to his neck before deftly ducking at the last possible moment. His daring manoeuvre paid off, as onlookers began to grow concerned.
"Is running and dodging the extent of your abilities?" Geist bellowed, his weapon descending in a furious arc.
"Well, if you insist," Arthur retorted calmly, his own scarlet slash intercepting Geist's blade, forcefully repelling him backward.
Murmurs rippled through the crowd as Arthur's hand manifested a golden blade, emanating a faint crimson aura. Though Geist was too consumed by frustration to fully appreciate the magnificent sword before him, he lunged forward once more, only to be met with Arthur's swift retaliation. The flaming sword, weakened at its vulnerable point, suffered a slight chip under Arthur's precise strike.
"Two," Arthur calmly counted.
"What in the world are you doing?" Geist roared, attempting another strike, but before he could fully comprehend the situation, Arthur's blade transformed into a blur of crimson, relentlessly assaulting the same spot multiple times.
"Twelve," Arthur continued, unyielding, while Geist roared in frustration, channeling all his mana as the blue flames erupted from the sword, causing the surrounding students to instinctively retreat.
"Predictable," Arthur smirked, propelling himself towards Geist, his form cutting through the air. With each swing of Drakon, he struck repeatedly at the compromised area, exploiting its weakness. Soon, the sword succumbed, cracking and falling to the ground, leaving Geist horrified.
"Twenty-one. I must say, your weapon's quality isn't half bad," Arthur complimented, pointing his own blade at Geist with unwavering confidence.
"Fight fire with fire, as the saying goes," Arthur pondered, his words drifting amidst the mounting tension.
In a sudden surge of raw power, an aura of ethereal blue flames, tinged with a mesmerizing hint of amethyst, erupted forth from the depths of his very being. The intensity of the blaze was palpable, its scorching heat radiating with an almost otherworldly presence. Like a conductor of an infernal symphony, Arthur directed the conflagration, his palm transforming into a vessel for this raging elemental force. The flames danced and flickered with a mesmerising rhythm, casting an enchanting glow upon their surroundings.
As the all-encompassing flames encircled Geist, the once-proud figure crumbled, collapsing to his knees under the relentless assault of this fiery onslaught. The scorching heat permeated the air, the flames hungrily licking at his flesh, leaving an imprint of searing pain and unyielding destruction.
"Yield," Arthur commanded, his voice resolute and unwavering. Geist, unable to conceal his fear any longer, succumbed to the overpowering sensation that gripped him. "I surrender," he whimpered, his voice barely audible. A contented grin spread across Arthur's face, a sense of triumph emanating from him as he retracted the flames, extinguishing the blaze that had engulfed them.
Casting his gaze backward, Arthur observed the multitude of emotions that played out across the faces of the bystanders. Fear, awe, and jealousy mingled in a captivating display, painting a vivid portrait of the impact his display of power had on the onlookers. However, it was Caera who captured his attention, her expression devoid of any discernible emotion, her gaze fixed upon him with an unflinching deadpan stare.
"Maybe I went a bit too far," Arthur murmured, his voice tinged with a hint of self-doubt, as he meekly scratched his head