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***

Arthur Kamui

In the midst of swirling dust, a brave prince stood firm, resolute in his mission to protect his Kingdom from a fearsome divine beast. That prince is me, wrestling with the overwhelming power of the creature looming before me, feeling the immense pressure of the impending battle.

Also, this isn’t my kingdom, but it damn sure should be the way I’m giving my everything here.

With a swift flick of its right paw, the beast unleashed a flurry of claw strikes that sent shockwaves rippling through the air, about three each one aimed directly at my life. The sound of its claws slicing through the atmosphere was thunderous, reminiscent of sharp metal tearing through stone.

Using my Severing Kata, I managed to deflect one strike and deftly maneuvered around the others, sprinting toward the white beast.

Realizing that such basic attacks were ineffective, it retreated slightly. For a fleeting moment, I thought I had the upper hand -I even smirked too. But then… I noticed a twitch in its left arm.

With both limbs extended, it seemed ready to take flight. Before I could react, I found myself staring down three deadly claw strikes.

I barely managed to deflect two while narrowly avoiding the third, the force of the blows resonating through my bones. As I dodged, the gravity of my mistake hit me… This was no ordinary “miscalculation.”

(Crap… He’s left-handed, isn’t he…)

He hadn’t unleashed three slashes; he had unleashed six. And these three were far more dangerous than the previous ones. The speed of the assault left me with only enough time to shift my body, narrowly avoiding any critical injuries.

“*Pant… *Pant.”

“Already tired, boy? Whatever happened to that bravado?”

“Sh-Shut up! I’m just holding back!”

Despite my attempts to convince both him and myself, the truth was undeniable; this creature was nearly unbeatable. My only advantage was my Kata technique, but even that felt inadequate to take it down. But it’s all I’ve got, so I have to make the most of it.

(If only I could unleash my father’s annihilation kata… no. This is exactly what father keeps telling me about. I have to broaden my horizons.)

Gripping the hilt of my sword tightly, I pointed it toward the sky, preparing to deliver a downward strike against the beast.

“Slashing me again? I’ll give you credit; the first attempt caught me off guard, but what’s the use of that attack if it can’t inflict real harm?”

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“Severing Kata: Arondight!”

Even if this strike wouldn’t finish him off, my goal was to weaken him enough to land a decisive blow later.

At that moment, a wicked grin spread across his face as he whispered:

“Empower: Impervious.”

Slowly, his three furry heads merged into one humanoid form, while his body morphed into a mass of fur resembling a polar bear. It was a stark contrast to his previous appearance. And to make matters worse…

*Shatter!!

My carefully crafted attack, designed to bypass any defense, shattered into a shower of sparkling fragments. I stood there in shock as the reality of my situation fully sank in.

So, this is the might of a god.

Despair consumed me like a glass filling to the brim, each drop of hopelessness spilling into my mind. The beast reveled in my suffering, his laughter booming like thunder across the silent battlefield. “HAHAHAHA!! To see such confidence crumble from the slightest touch! Today must be my fortunate day!!”

(Man, I hate this guy. It’s like every frigin syllable that leaves his lips is a dagger to my spirit.)

I felt the heat of rage building inside me- aw who am I trying to kid… All I feel right now is this hot ass sun beaming down my back. And a tang of irritation for my father sending me here.

(Who even fights in a desert? I have half a mind to just leave these people and go back to bed…)

{Your hero act is slipping, buddy}

(…How did he even do that? Man, I really do hate this guy.)

Like a persistent wasp, he buzzed:

“Your expression is absolutely priceless. And the best part? I won’t even tell you how my powers work! Despair boy. Despair!”

(Father, just what did you set me against? How can I possibly overcome this?)

“Tamazen Empower: Believe!”

“Finally using your empower, huh? You’ve kept me waiting long enough.”

“My empower grants me the power to instill belief in anyone, and thanks to that, I firmly believe… I will vanquish you!” With fierce determination igniting my spirit, I lunged forward.

He clicked his tongue in annoyance and said:

“Another slash? How dreadfully predictable.”

“Not quite.”

“?”

“Now, Tamazen: Arondight! Pirce!!”

*SPEWW!!

This is a little surprise I’ve been keeping under wraps. What makes Arondight special is its ability to unleash piercing shockwaves, mimicking the effect of slashes, despite being a longsword. In other words, a piecing attack that can sever. My trump Card!

*Shatter!

“!”

“I don’t quite get it. If what I’ve heard is true… All your power does is fill your head with nonsense. And to think I was actually looking forward to this…” He palmed his fac in disappointment as he let out a mighty sigh. “I suppose it’s time for you to meet your end.”

(No. He can’t possibly reach me from this distance. We’re still at least ten sword lengths apart-)

I must have forgotten who I was dealing with. This opponent was unlike any I had encountered before. His speed defied all reason. How could I be staring right at him -with my guard up- and yet he was suddenly right in front of me?

(Damn it. I can’t evade in time… Father… Lancelot… Is this where it all ends…)

“Constellation Arts: Justice!!”

*Boom!

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a brilliant star descending upon the beast. In an instant, the creature -mere inches from my face- was sent crashing six feet into the dry, jagged ground. Above it floated a figure that looked like an egg or perhaps a gnome? I couldn’t quite make it out, but he seemed to be about half my height, with a face as ancient as my uncle Ban’s, complete with a full beard. What on earth is this plump little creature? It’s oddly cute now that I take a closer look, much like a stuffed animal.

“Rest easy, kid…” the gnome said, hopping down from the beast he had just sent tumbling into a crater. With a proud gesture towards himself, he added:

“…The Four Saints of Qishi Lu will handle these puny gods.”

"..."

(Who the hell is this turd?!)