Alpha, with golden hair, stood atop the clock tower at night, observing the bustling Midgar capital below. As the Shadow Garden hunted down the Cult of Diablos hideouts and their followers, she marveled at the orchestrated chaos.
In the quiet of the night, Alpha whispered, "Everything is going perfectly. This night belongs to the shadows."
Somewhere...
Awakening, Alexia finds herself in a room visited only by a lab-coated man and a caregiver.
Bound to a pedestal, sleep becomes her only solace. Despite her monstrous roommate, an unspoken truce prevails. Outside, growing tumult hints at a rescue she anticipates with a hopeful smile. "Maybe they'll break in with a big bang," she wonders.
After a brief interval, the sound of an unsettled unlocking reached Alexia's ears. The lab-coated man burst into the room in haste, exclaiming, "Shit, shit!!"
"Good day, isn't it? How do you do?" Alexia greeted with a touch of sarcasm, but the man, consumed by urgency, ignored her pleasantries.
"Just a little more. I WAS SO SO CLOSE!" he exclaimed, disregarding Alexia's attempt at conversation.
As panic gripped him, Alexia calmly advised, "I suggest you surrender; resistance is futile. If you release me, I could appeal to them on your behalf."
"L-, like they'll let me go! D-, dead, everyone is dead! Th-, they are killing everyone!!" he stammered in distress.
"The Knight Order won't indiscriminately take lives without reason. If you don't resist, they won't end yours," Alexia reassured, offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
"I don't give a damn about the Knight Order! There's something else out there, something that's going to kill us all!" the man shouted, his desperation escalating.
Alexia, taken aback, pondered, "Strange that he's not scared of the Knight Order. Could Kirito be out there searching for me?"
Realizing the unlikelihood, she sighed, "No, he can't be out there risking everything for me. I'm just a burden, someone who doesn't deserve to be saved."
The man, his laughter echoing through the dimly lit room, approached the deformed monster with a injection needle in hand. "Even a failure like you could be of use with this prototype," he sneered, injecting the concoction forcefully. The monster let out a chilling scream as it suddenly grew larger and more terrifying.
Alexia, witnessing the grotesque transformation, shouted, "You just chose to kill yourself with that decision!" In a surprising turn of events, the monster lashed out, swiftly ending the man's life. As the lifeless body fell to the ground, the monster, now free from its chains, turned its attention to Alexia.
With immense strength, the monster destroyed the room's roof, allowing moonlight to spill in. Alexia, still bound to the pedestal, found herself released from the chains as the monster roared. It seemed the unexpected turn of events had granted her an unlikely ally.
The monstrous creature, no longer restrained, escaped into the night, leaving chaos and destruction in its wake. Alexia, now free, stood amidst the wreckage, contemplating the mysterious circumstances that had just unfolded.
In the other side of the city...
Iris issued a command to the Knights, "Eliminate every identified threat, sparing innocents whenever possible. Exercise discretion."
A knight rushed to her, reporting, "A colossal monster emerged in the southern region."
Iris determinedly declared, "I will handle it personally. Ensure the safety of the citizens and coordinate efforts to contain the situation."
As the city braced for impending chaos, Iris prepared to confront the monstrous threat looming in the southern region.
The monstrous creature let out a deafening scream, a chilling symphony of agony that echoed through the night. Its roar reverberated, shaking the foundations of nearby houses as it unleashed chaos upon everything in its path. Buildings crumbled, and the once serene neighborhood became a scene of destruction.
As the knights retreated from the approaching menace, fear etched on their faces, the monster prepared to strike. Its massive hands, poised for destruction, loomed over the retreating figures, ready to unleash havoc upon them.
In a burst of fiery determination, Iris emerged, wielding a flaming sword that illuminated the darkness. With swift precision, she cut off the monster's hands, sending monstrous appendages crashing to the ground. Iris stood in a serious stance, radiating an aura of unwavering resolve amid the chaos.
Fixing her gaze on the disarmed creature, Iris declared with authority, "I, Iris Midgar, will be the one to bring about your demise." The flames on her sword flickered with intensity.
The monstrous creature's scream pierced the air, a symphony of pain and rage echoing through the night. Iris stood firm, her flaming sword at the ready, prepared to face the impending attack.
As the creature lunged forward, its severed hand regenerated in an instant, catching Iris off guard. The unexpected regeneration left her momentarily stunned.
Iris, managing to avoid the creature's renewed assault but not without some wounds, wiped her face and remarked, "Regenerating, are we? This won't be an easy for your own good."
With a determined expression, Iris fueled her sword with her magic, causing the flames to surge in size. She declared with unwavering confidence, "I won't make the same mistake twice. Prepare yourself."
Iris, channeling immense magical power, unleashed a torrent of flames from her sword, creating a swirling vortex of destruction aimed at the monstrous creature. The intense heat and energy consumed the immediate vicinity, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
As the flames subsided, revealing the scorched battlefield, the monster, though severely wounded, retaliated with renewed vigor. Its remaining monstrous hand lunged towards Iris, ready to strike back.
Just as the creature's attack seemed imminent, Iris sensed an ominous presence approaching. In that instant, she felt an unseen force, something dreadful, drawing near.
Suddenly, a mysterious figure in a dark coat and a black fox mask appeared, swiftly intercepting Iris's flaming sword with the mere touch of their fingers. The monstrous creature was pushed away, creating a momentary pause in the chaotic confrontation.
In a cold and indifferent tone, the masked person remarked, "Your idealistic reasoning is one to pity rather than admire." The night air seemed to carry an air of enigma as the masked figure confronted Iris, their motives shrouded in mystery.
Beta, perched on the rooftop, wears a worried expression as she glances at the chaos below. "The Dark Swordsman has acted earlier than expected. This complicates things further," she mutters to herself, anxiety evident in her demeanor.
Alpha, appearing beside Beta, places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Calm yourself, Beta. I had planned to intervene with Iris, but it seems The Dark Swordsman anticipated our moves once again."
Beta, still visibly concerned, asks, "What should we do now? His early move has disrupted our carefully laid plans."
Alpha's gaze turns towards The Dark Swordsman in the distance. "We cannot be a force to stop him. There's only one person who can bring him down," she declares with a solemn tone.
Excitement lights up Beta's eyes as she exclaims, "Lord Shadow! He's the only one powerful enough to face The Dark Swordsman and emerge victorious."
Iris, her patience wearing thin, narrowed her eyes at The Dark Swordsman. With an assertive tone, she demanded, "Identify yourself. I won't tolerate mysterious figures meddling in my city."
The Dark Swordsman, shrouded in an air of enigma, calmly responded, "All you need to know is that I'm not your enemy."
Iris, unyielding, pointed her flaming sword at him and retorted, "One's sword is turned only to those deemed an enemy. Convince me you're not."
In a stunning display of power, The Dark Swordsman unleashed torrents of magic, creating mesmerizing blue flames that danced around him. With unwavering confidence, he declared, "It's your choice to make. Decide what you want me to be to you."
The Dark Swordsman extended his hand towards the monstrous creature, an aura of potent magic emanating from his fingertips. Surprisingly, the creature hesitated, unwilling to launch an attack against him.
In an instant, brilliant blue flames enveloped the monstrous form, causing it to writhe in pain and let out agonizing screams. As the flames subsided, a young girl emerged from the charred remains, and The Dark Swordsman caught her gently in his arms.
Iris, witnessing this extraordinary display of advanced magic, was left in awe and shock. The transformation from a monstrous entity to an innocent girl defied her understanding of magical capabilities.
Meanwhile, Alpha and Beta, observing from their vantage point, were equally stunned. The Dark Swordsman's ability to not only subdue the monstrous entity but also cure and the possessed person within mirrored the unique powers possessed by Shadow.
With Alexia...
Alexia stumbled through the dimly lit canalizations, each step echoing her pain. The throbbing ache in her body seemed insurmountable as she pressed on, desperate to escape the labyrinthine passages.
As she navigated the murky waterways, Alexia muttered to herself, "Why is everyone after me? Is my blood truly worth all of this chaos?"
A mysterious voice echoed through the damp tunnels, responding, "Your blood is the rarest of all, the key to unlocking my greatest ambitions."
Startled, Alexia turned to see Zenon emerging from the shadows, a wicked smirk playing on his lips. His sword gleamed ominously in the dim light as he advanced, revealing his sinister intentions.
Alexia, with a defiant glint in her eyes, retorted, "Surprises are overrated, Zenon. I already knew you were a scumbag. Does my lack of shock disappoint you?"
Zenon, unfazed by her words, coldly stated, "Say what you want, but your fate is already sealed."
Undeterred, Alexia assumed a determined stance and declared, "Then I'll defy you and my fate until my last breath."
As she tried to remember Kirito's teachings, focusing on concentration, stance, and the bond with her sword, Zenon sneered, "That bastard wasted his time teaching someone as useless as you swordsmanship."
Zenon, taken off guard by Alexia's sudden burst of skill, instinctively evaded her attack, narrowly avoiding a lethal strike. A thin trail of blood marked his cheek as evidence of the close encounter.
Alexia, fueled by a surge of determination, pressed on, relentless in her pursuit. "You underestimate the power of perseverance," she remarked, her blade poised for another strike.
Zenon raised his sword, infusing it with malevolent magic, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "I've had enough of you," he sneered, readying himself for a decisive strike.
Suddenly, with a thunderous crash, the roof above them shattered into pieces. A dark figure descended, landing gracefully amidst the debris, a gleaming sword in hand. The aura of the Dark Swordsman filled the cavern, casting a shadow over Zenon's malicious intentions.
Zenon, recognizing his nemesis, his face contorted with both rage and fear, spat out, "You... You're the bastard who slaughtered an immeasurable number of Cult followers!"
The Dark Swordsman, with an icy gaze, met Zenon's defiant stare and uttered a single word, "Bow down."
As the Dark Swordsman commanded, an intense gravitational force emanated from him, causing Zenon to be immediately slammed into the unforgiving floor. The impact echoed through the cavern, leaving Zenon incapacitated and utterly shocked.
Zenon, struggling to stand up, was visibly surprised by the Dark Swordsman's control over magic. Gasping for breath, he defiantly declared, "You may have some tricks, but they won't defeat me."
The Dark Swordsman, with an air of indifference, glanced at Zenon and coldly replied, "You're not worthy of facing my sword."
Confused and scared, Alexia looked at the Dark Swordsman, unsure of what to make of the situation. The enigmatic figure then turned his attention to her, his gaze lingering for a moment before sheathing his sword.
The Dark Swordsman, his voice low and resonant, addressed Alexia, "You spoke of defying your fate. Now is the time to prove it."
Alexia, intimidated yet determined, nodded in acknowledgment of the ominous challenge laid before her.
Without a word, The Dark Swordsman removed one of his five rings and tossed it to Alexia. As she caught it, he spoke, "This ring carries the essence of resilience. Wear it, and let it guide you in the battle that lies ahead."
He continued, "You have the strength within you. Embrace it, defy your fate, and face the challenges that await."
Alexia, surprised by the familiar ring in her hand, looked at it in disbelief. As her eyes widened, a flood of memories rushed back, taking her to a moment during her training with Kirito. She remembered a time when Kirito, exhausted from training, had fallen asleep, and out of curiosity, she approached him.
In that quiet moment, she had observed him peacefully sleeping, finding a certain innocence in his expression. However, what truly captured her attention were the four rings adorning his fingers. Drawn by an inexplicable curiosity, Alexia reached out to touch them.
To her amazement, as her fingertips brushed against the rings, a sudden surge of energy enveloped her. The air crackled with an ominous aura, and before her stood the figure of the Dark Swordsman, his enigmatic presence piercing through the quiet scene.
As Alexia connected the dots, her eyes widened with disbelief. The realization hit her like a wave, and she thought, (Kirito... The Dark Swordsman is Kirito?)
A mix of emotions surged within her—surprise, confusion, and a hint of amusement. She hadn't expected Kirito, her mentor, to play such a mysterious role in this unfolding saga.
Despite the shock, a smile tugged at the corners of Alexia's lips. (Kirito, you always manage to surprise me,) she thought, acknowledging the depth of his hidden abilities.
With newfound determination, Alexia wore the ring, feeling its energy resonate with her. She looked at Kirito's figure, now The Dark Swordsman, and declared, "I'll surpass your expectations. Just watch me."
Taking a deep breath, she got into a determined stance, focusing on the energy emanating from the ring. She realized she had a long way to go before mastering its full potential, but the resolve burned within her.
Pointing her sword at the angered Zenon, Alexia boldly proclaimed, "Zenon, you'll be my opponent. I'll put an end to your malevolent schemes."
The cavern echoed with the clash of swords and the determination of a young swordswoman ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.
Later on...
With a single, swift swing of his sword, The Dark Swordsman decimated the hidden base of the Cult of Diablos, reducing it to rubble and ashes. The echoes of destruction reverberated through the desolate remains of the once-secretive lair.
As the dust settled, The Dark Swordsman sensed a presence approaching. His senses heightened, he turned his attention to the impending figure.
"I knew you'd come," The Dark Swordsman calmly declared.
From the shadows emerged a figure, shrouded in darkness. It was Shadow, a formidable force in his own right.
Shadow, with a smirk on his face, remarked, "It seems our paths were destined to cross."
Author's Note:
So, Kirito's move to hand over one of his rings to Alexia wasn't just a bling gesture—it was like passing the power of self-reflection to someone with more resolve than a damsel in distress. I considered making Kirito duke it out with Zenon for a longer time, but Alexia deserved the spotlight to serve justice, and Kirito knew she could handle Zenon, tears of Diablos and all. It's all about empowering your harem with kick-butt individuals, not just a bunch of helpless souls.
A Little Bit Lost:
Shadow wandered lost in the urban maze, unintentionally turning bandits into accidental roadkill, only to stumble upon the enigmatic Dark Swordsman.
A Wise Opponent:
Kirito's decision to avoid clashing with Iris wasn't merely due to her inferiority against him. Instead, he recognized that sometimes, the most effective way to enlighten individuals like Iris is through subtle dominance. Employing an ancient healing technique with blue flames, Kirito showcased that while these flames possess immense destructive power, their true essence lies in restoration. Given Iris's inclination towards fiery destruction, Kirito subtly conveyed that her methods might be misguided. By healing the monster using these flames, he sent a powerful message.
Concluding the encounter, Kirito offered Iris a choice: to stand by his side as an ally or oppose him as an adversary.
I bamboozled you with details, but let's unwrap this chapter together. Wishing you all a merry Christmas! 🎄