“It would take a normal naturalist years to learn the Skywave Cannon. But, it’s worth it there aren’t too many attacks that can match and even fewer that can match its power while being as conservative in arcana usage. That also means it requires precise control as the kickback from it could easily rip you to shreds.”

~Bones

Daimyon

I don’t know if this is desperation or anger. Either way I follow the steps. I place my hands in front of me and visualize my arcana. The wind kicks up and then the pressure starts to build. First it’s a circle, then a pulse erupts adding more arcana creating a sphere. Another pulse shrinks the sphere adding more wind. Then another and another. Like a slow heartbeat each pulse bellows and the compression starts to pull objects in that stop getting caught on ribbons of leaking arcana. The pulse gets faster as I try to both add more power and maintain the now glowing green sphere. Sable stands there gawking amused.

“You think I’m just going to let you charge up some ultimate attack? What are they teaching you fools?”

No point in paying attention to him. This attack is all that matters. Using my fingers I clasp the sphere, forcing it smaller, forcing more arcana into it. The pulses continue and now even the trees he knocked me into are caught in the gravity well. He charges his arcana into an ice spike.

“This should end i-’

A punch comes from behind *BOOM* and knocks him into the ground. It’s Chase, he pulls his hair back and makes eye contact with me.

“Daimyon, just tell me when you’re ready. I’ll make sure it hits.”

From inside the dust Sable’s laughter rings out

“HAHAHAHAHA!YES! That’s more like it. I’ll give you a C+. Your arcana is so unimpressive that I couldn’t even sense you.”

Chase sucks his teeth in response.

“You’re gonna regret telling me that.”

“Oh? Enlighten me then.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Chase stomps his foot into the ground, softening it and then brings it up with a furious kick.

“I don’t need to see to beat you. ”

The dust swirls around spreading through the vicinity of the area and I can’t help but to wish I could tell what’s happening in there. Crashes, booms and other impact sounds are all I can make out. I have to push it to the side, it doesn’t matter. This thing needs to finish charging and I need to focus to make that happen. The pulses of compression continue and increase. My hands can barely contain the skin on my fingers starts tearing. There would be blood but it gets compressed into the arcana. It’s almost ready. I need to let Chase know.

“Chase! It’s almost ready.”

A few more clashes happen dispersing the dirt in the air. Chase and Sable are in a stand off.

“This is far more than I expected from a couple of amateurs. I’m quite enjoying myself. Too bad that you’re running out of energy.” Sable says.

“Doesn’t matter. My only objective is for Daimyon to hit you and I’ve already accomplished that.”

Several trees fall at Chase’s command and create a kind of arena around them. I recognize his intention immediately. It’s a staging area for me to aim towards. Sable cackles “Your only advantage was that I couldn’t see you and let that go to put your head in a death trap. Foolish boy, let me show you the error of your ways.”

“Yeah, I’m kind of daring you too.”

They both break towards each other but the action is over quick. Sable impales Chase in the side with an ice sickle. Thrusting it deeper he lifts Chase off the ground. Chase holds on to Sable's arm, never breaking eye contact with him.

“Daimyon do it now!” Chase exclaims.

Chase manages to pull a reverse on Sable forcing himself down and Sable into the air. He swings Sable directly into my path. Sable struggles to move somehow now paralyzed.

“Stabbing me was a mistake if you haven’t figured that out already. You can’t move because my spirit is overriding yours. Now, you’re gonna stay in place and eat this loss bastard.”

That’s my cue. I unleash the power stored in my hands jutting my arms forward to do it.

“Skywave cannon!”

The sphere of energy that had rent the flesh of my fingers down to the bone bursts out uncontrollably. I’m violently swept from my feet leaving deep prints from my heels being dug into the ground before being overcome by the sheer force of the attack. My arms feel the pressure of the backlash twisting, breaking and tearing. It’s agonizing but also beautiful. The concentrated arcana is a neon green, the leaves, trees and debris warp around it being pulverized as the explosion takes the form of a perfect sphere. The singularity only takes a fraction of a second to consume Sable; the impact pulls him from Chase’s hold, blowing them both away. It spirals carving a giant crater into the ground. I’m sure people miles away can see it or at least I hope so. As it subsides I drop into the ground face-first. My completely mangled body finally gives out on me. I’m barely conscious enough to see that Chase isn’t faring any better. This isn’t a win Sable accomplished exactly what he was hoping to I can only hope it was enough.

~End