The portal room of Master Malice, located within the Sanctuary of Malice, was a place of awe and dread, perfectly reflecting the dark grandeur of its master.
The portal room itself, deep within the inner sanctum, was a place of dark majesty. The walls were covered in runes that glowed with a sinister light, and the air was thick with an otherworldly energy. At the center of the room stood the portal to Glacies, a swirling vortex of dark energy that pulsed with a cold, malevolent force. The portal was surrounded by intricate, arcane machinery that hummed with power, ready to transport those who dared to enter to the icy realm beyond.
In this room, Master Malice stood as the ultimate arbiter, his presence dominating the space with an aura of dark authority. It was here that the true nature of his power was revealed, and where those who sought to prove themselves had to face their greatest challenges.
“Behold my greatest creation, the great Hells Portal. With it, I can send any who dare to and from Glacies, and I could even send some to Umbra, but that would simply be suicide. For the past twenty-three thousand years I’ve been coming and going from Glacies, bringing back the thick Black Ice you see all around you, with it comes a cooling sensation that counteracts some of Infurnace’s punishment.”
So it’s the Hells counteracting each other, interesting.
“If the Black Ice counteracts Infurnace’s burning do you have something that lends you aid in Glacies?” Flawless tentatively asked.
“Glacies’ Cryonic Desolation is more powerful than our own Infurnal Pugatory, which means we need something stronger than the mundane, such as the Black Ice. While we do have some it is incredibly rare and valuable, though it’s not that hard for the likes of us Lords to obtain, it is Infurnum.”
So to counteract the so-called Cryonic Desolation I need a suit of Infernum armor good to know.
“How much Inurnum do you currently possess? And would you be willing to part with some, for a price of course?” In his many many years of craft, Flawless had become somewhat of a shrew negotiator.
Laughing light-heartedly Lord Malice shook his head.
“Fret not young lord, for your master has long since forged special charms that allow us to escape from the Cryogenic Desolation, if only by a little. The Infernal Artisan himself was the only one of us completely immune to the Desolation, due to his immaculate armor, but due to his charms Painwright and I could also skate through Glacies with relatively little discomfort. Less pain than outside the Sanctuary but more than within.”
“Speaking of which what do you think the chances are that mas… Artisan will come out on top in his and Painwright's battle? He had to have some reason to challenge him so suddenly, otherwise why give him warning?”
"The Artisan is a cunning one, but Painwright is no less formidable. This battle is a long time coming, driven by old grudges and the desire for dominance. The outcome is uncertain, but it will be a spectacle to behold."
"Do you believe the Artisan stands a chance? His power seemed immense, but so did Painwright's."
"It's not merely about raw power. Strategy, timing, and willpower play critical roles. The Artisan has always been resourceful, but Painwright’s unique ability to weave pain itself could tip the scales. It's difficult to predict who will emerge victorious."
"If the Artisan falls, what happens to his domain and his disciples?"
"In the Hells, power never remains unclaimed for long. If the Artisan falls, his domain and disciples will either be absorbed by Painwright or scattered, seeking new masters. Such is the brutal law of our existence."
"I see. This battle will change everything, won't it?"
"Indeed. But do not concern yourself overly with their duel. Focus on your own journey and the trials you will face in Glacies. Prepare yourself for the cold, the challenges, and the opportunities to prove your worth."
"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Malice. I will heed your words and prepare for what lies ahead."
"Good. Remember, in Hell, it is not just strength but also cunning and resilience that ensure survival and success. Now, let us proceed. There is much to discuss about your upcoming trial."
With that, Flawless followed Lord Malice deeper into the sanctuary, the weight of the impending battles, both his own and those of the lords, heavy on his mind.
Closer and closer they grew to an ominous door labeled “Armory”. The door to the armory was an imposing barrier of blackened steel, standing twelve meters tall and covered in intricate, glowing runes. At its center, a demonic face with crimson gem eyes snarled menacingly, flanked by coiled serpentine dragons that appeared almost lifelike. Reinforced with iron bands studded with spikes, the door featured a complex, puzzle-like lock below the central visage. The entire structure exuded a palpable sense of foreboding, designed to intimidate and challenge anyone seeking entry.
“This is where I keep all the Infernum in my possession, as well as the arsenal for my personal guards.”
Lord Malice approached the towering, blackened steel door and with a swift, practiced motion, he placed his hand on the intricate, puzzle-like lock. The runes glowed brighter under his touch, and the complex mechanism began to shift and click. As the final gear fell into place, the demonic visage and serpentine dragons seemed to come to life, their eyes flashing crimson. With a resonating creak, the massive door swung open, revealing the armory beyond, a realm of dark power and meticulously crafted weapons.
“Artisan forged anything made of metal within this room, Painwright made the items of cloth, and my own people made the rest. This is the most valuable room in all of Infurnace, if I felt the desire to, I could send an army to Glacies take control of an area and make it my second home, however, the lords of Glacies would not take kindly to that, and even I am remise to anger anyone in Glacies let alone the lords. After all even the regular dead are more fearsome than most warriors in Infunace.”
The armory of the Sanctuary of Malice was a cavernous hall, filled with an awe-inspiring array of weapons and armor that spoke to the dark majesty and meticulous craftsmanship of its creators. Rows of gleaming swords, axes, and spears, each forged from the rare and powerful Infernum, lined the walls. Their blades shimmered with an inner fire, casting eerie reflections in the dim light.
Armors of every conceivable design, from sleek and sinister suits to hulking, imposing plate, stood on display, each piece a testament to the infernal artistry of the Hellspawn artisans. Some were adorned with intricate runes that pulsed with dark energy, offering protection beyond the physical. Others bore the unmistakable marks of Painwright’s handiwork, woven with materials that seemed to writhe and twist, ready to ensnare any who dared to touch them.
In the center of the room, a grand table held the most prized items: enchanted weapons that glowed with a cold, malevolent light, and artifacts of immense power, each with its own storied history. The air was thick with a palpable sense of power, a reminder of the deadly potential held within these walls.
Lord Malice's voice echoed through the armory, "Every piece here is a masterpiece, crafted with the utmost care and imbued with the essence of our realm. This armory is not just a testament to our might, but a symbol of our unyielding will and the sacrifices we make for power."
Flawless couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and dread as he took in the magnificence of the armory, knowing that each item held the potential to change the fate of any who wielded it.
“Here, take the charm, and as a present to the new Lord of Infurnace, I will grant you a suit of armor, with your unique features I’m afraid you will be limited to those pieces that have self-fitting enchantments, they are on the right between the two statues of Artisan and I.
Looking at the grand display he thought it would be hard to pick but in all actuality, there was but one option available. Two sets down from the statue of Artisan there was a single gem, the same gem that was planted within his chest. Reaching for it he could tell there was something different about it other than the fact it was not a set of armor of course.
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Picking it up he felt the weight of the world suddenly fill his hand, a split second later it let out a radiant red light that resonated with his own gem that too began to glow brilliantly. Following his instincts he placed the gem up against his own and the two began to merge.
A voice thick with pride suddenly resounded from behind him, “So you have decided on Artisan’s old personal armor, ha, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised with your eyes and all.”
Master Malice was correct it was his unique trait that had led him to the gem. After all the only flawless piece of equipment was the gem itself. Focusing on the new feeling the gem was producing he suddenly understood how to activate not only it but the stiletto as well. With a flash of crimson, he was covered in an eerily familiar armor and a matte red stiletto was resting in his bottom right hand.
His body, tails and all, were suddenly covered in Infernum, glistening runes spred across his taloned gauntlets and his spiked tails, and there were even runes on his clawed feet all enhancing their ability to rend flesh from bone. Growing curious he looked at the final parting gif of his master the crimson stiletto, it too was covered in runes though these were much smaller, and much much more intricate, he could not tell what most of them were for but could none the less tell they were immensely powerful and above all else… flawless.
With a flourish he planted the stiletto in his chest and the armor dissipated as well, leaving him stark naked, it would appear summoning his armor had destroyed his mundane garbs. Quickly resummoning the armor he tried to look away from Master Malice, who could swear the cheeks of the armor were a few shades brighter red.
“Ehem… This, this is wonderful thank you Lor- Erm, Malice. This will serve me well in Glacies, by the way, when do we leave? Not that I’m impatient I just, well, I really wanna get out of this place, I have far to many bad memories here.”
“We leave soon, however, I must warn you we are not going to Glacies to make good memories we are going to steal their resources, it will be a true test of your combat prowess, which I have yet to witness, though slaying even a single Molten Guard, even if temporary, is incredible in and of itself, do you mind telling me how you did it?”
“I used my most practiced motion, really it’s my only viable move in combat, though mostly useful for single opponents, I can reengage my technique withing a few seconds, though in a true battle a few seconds can be an eternity.”
“Come let us enter the training grounds so that I may test your medal.”
The training grounds within the Sanctuary of Malice were a stark contrast to the dark grandeur of the armory and portal room. As Flawless and Lord Malice approached, the atmosphere shifted to one of intense focus and brutal efficiency.
The entrance to the training grounds was marked by a pair of massive iron gates, each adorned with the same intricate runes that seemed to permeate the sanctuary. As the gates swung open with a heavy groan, a vast expanse of rugged terrain was revealed. The ground was a mixture of cracked stone and scorched earth, littered with the remnants of past battles. Towering obsidian pillars were scattered throughout the area, their surfaces etched with battle scars and deep gouges, evidence of countless intense training sessions.
The training grounds were divided into several distinct sections, each designed to hone a specific skill or ability. To the left, a labyrinth of jagged rocks and shadowy corners provided the perfect setting for stealth and evasion training. Flawless could see several Hellspawn engaged in a deadly game of hide and seek, their movements swift and silent as they darted between the shadows.
In the center, a large open area was dedicated to combat training. Here, pairs of Hellspawn clashed in fierce duels, their weapons a blur of motion. The air was filled with the sounds of clashing metal and the grunts of exertion as each fighter pushed themselves to their limits. Blood occasionally splattered the ground, quickly absorbed by the thirsty earth, leaving behind only dark stains as a testament to the intensity of the battles.
To the right, a series of towering stone walls and precarious ledges formed an obstacle course designed to test agility and endurance. Hellspawn warriors scrambled up the walls and leaped from ledge to ledge, their movements fluid and precise. The course was fraught with traps and hazards, each one demanding unwavering concentration and quick reflexes to avoid.
In one corner of the grounds, a group of Hellspawn were gathered around a large pit filled with a thick, bubbling black liquid. This was the Pit of Infernum, used for resilience training. Warriors would submerge themselves in the liquid, enduring its searing heat and corrosive properties to strengthen their bodies and minds. The cries of pain and determination that echoed from the pit were a chilling reminder of the brutal reality of life in the Sanctuary of Malice.
Lord Malice led Flawless to a secluded area at the far end of the training grounds, away from the chaos of the other sections. Here, a circle of obsidian stones marked a sparring ring, its surface unmarred by the signs of previous battles. The air was thick with an oppressive energy, and the ground seemed to hum with anticipation.
"Welcome to the sparring ring," Lord Malice said, his voice carrying an edge of excitement. "This is where I will test your skills and determine if you are truly ready for the trials ahead."
Flawless stepped into the ring, feeling the weight of the moment settle upon him. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenge to come. Lord Malice watched him closely, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and expectation.
"Show me what you are capable of, Flawless," Lord Malice commanded, his voice echoing through the training grounds. "Prove to me that you have the strength and cunning to survive in Glacies."
With a nod, Flawless readied himself, his muscles tensing as he prepared to unleash his most practiced combat techniques. The training grounds fell silent, all eyes turning towards the sparring ring as the battle between master and disciple began.
The air in the training grounds grew tense, the anticipation palpable as Flawless and Lord Malice faced each other in the sparring ring. The obsidian stones surrounding the ring seemed to pulse with dark energy, reflecting the intensity of the moment. Flawless, clad in his newly acquired Infernum armor, felt the weight of expectation bearing down on him. He knew he had only one move to rely on: the legendary Sheathed Strike, this time with his obsidian odachi.
Lord Malice's eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and challenge as he studied Flawless. "You have one move, you say? Show me the extent of its power," he commanded, his voice a low growl.
Flawless nodded, gripping the hilt of his odachi tightly. The massive blade, forged from the darkest obsidian, glistened ominously in the dim light. He took a deep breath, centering himself, and entered a low stance, his eyes focused on Lord Malice. The Sheathed Strike was a move of precision and speed, requiring perfect timing and unwavering concentration. It was a technique he had honed over countless years, and now he would put it to the ultimate test.
Lord Malice moved first, his form a blur of motion as he lunged towards Flawless with the speed and power befitting a master of the Sanctuary. His blade, dark and menacing, sliced through the air with a deadly hiss. Flawless remained still, his eyes locked onto Lord Malice, waiting for the precise moment to unleash his strike.
As Lord Malice closed the distance, Flawless's body moved almost instinctively. In a fluid motion, he drew his odachi from its sheath, the blade gleaming with an eerie red light. The Sheathed Strike was a single, swift movement, a slash that aimed to incapacitate an opponent before they even realized what had happened.
Time seemed to slow as the two clashed. Flawless's odachi met Lord Malice's blade with a resounding clang, the force of the impact sending shockwaves through the ground. The power of the Sheathed Strike was in its speed and precision, and Flawless executed it flawlessly. His blade moved with blinding speed, slicing through the air towards Lord Malice's side.
But Lord Malice was no ordinary opponent. With a deft twist, he parried Flawless's strike, his eyes flashing with a mixture of approval and challenge. "Impressive," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the sound of clashing metal.
Flawless didn't hesitate. He knew the Sheathed Strike could be re-engaged quickly, but in a true battle, every second counted. He stepped back, recalibrating his stance, and prepared to strike again. Lord Malice pressed the attack, his movements a whirlwind of dark energy and raw power. Flawless danced around him, his odachi a blur as he executed the Sheathed Strike repeatedly, each time aiming for a vital point.
The duel was a dance of death, each move calculated, each strike precise. Flawless's armor glistened with runes, enhancing his speed and agility, while Lord Malice's presence seemed to dominate the ring, his power almost overwhelming. Yet, Flawless held his ground, his focus unwavering.
In one swift motion, Lord Malice's blade came crashing down towards Flawless. Seeing an opening, Flawless executed the Sheathed Strike once more, his odachi moving faster than the eye could follow. The massive blade sliced through the air, aimed directly at Lord Malice's heart.
For a moment, time stood still. The blades met in a final, resounding clash, and the force of the impact sent both combatants staggering back. Flawless stood panting, his odachi still in hand, while Lord Malice straightened, a look of approval in his eyes.
"You have proven yourself, Flawless," Lord Malice said, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and satisfaction. "The Sheathed Strike is indeed a formidable technique, and you wield it with exceptional skill. You are ready for the trials that await you in Glacies."
Flawless nodded, a sense of relief and accomplishment washing over him. The duel had tested him to his limits, but he had emerged victorious, proving his worth to his master. As he sheathed his odachi, he couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of confidence. The challenges ahead would be daunting, but with the Sheathed Strike in his arsenal and the support of Lord Malice, he felt prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
Hell's dark portals whirl,
Ice and fire realms collide,
Flawless stands, reborn.