Despite Elena's fierce onslaught, the battle reached a crescendo, her movements growing predictable. Marcellus, ever observant and calculating, seized the opportunity to turn the tide of the fight. As Elena's attacks became more predictable, Marcellus saw an opening—a split second where her defences faltered. In that fleeting moment, he capitalized on her lapse in judgment, launching a series of swift and calculated jabs aimed at incapacitating her. His movements were precise and controlled, each strike landing with accuracy and purpose.
In a decisive manoeuvre, Marcellus swiftly manoeuvred behind Elena, placing his hands on her neck and delivering a well-executed kick to her legs. Caught off guard, Elena lost her balance, falling flat on her back with a resounding thud.
"Good fight," Marcellus said, extending a hand. "You showed great skill and judgment. But you need to work on your predictability. Don't let your guard down too easily."
Now breathless and humbled, she stared at Marcellus' hand, her eyes reflecting a mixture of defeat and sorrow. Was she going to die just like that? Losing meant death!
She accepted Marcellus's hand, allowing him to help her back on her feet. Despite the temporary setback, her fighting spirit remained, and the defeat only fueled her determination to grow stronger, to fight back when Ayden or Marcellus decided to kill them.
She was no poultry to be beheaded, she was Elena, daughter of a warrior.
As Ayden observed the encounter, a knowing smile played on their lips. The stage was set...
Marcellus glanced at Ayden, his eyes reflecting a mix of contemplation and apprehension. Ayden's mouth twitched, a subtle sign of amusement dancing across her features.
The prospect of venturing into the first would be challenging, They understood the importance of strength in numbers, but they also knew that taking along weak individuals would only hinder their progress, yet they really couldn't be picky.
This was the core of their ordeal according to Ayden; they needed to cooperate with others. It couldn't be a battle royale because their true enemy was far too powerful to be defeated straightforwardly. She had ruled out assassination because half the time they had to hunt their opponents who were purposefully hiding. This necessitated a more strategic approach, involving alliances and intricate planning to outmanoeuvre an adversary who thrived in the shadows.
However, their options were to recruit them or neutralize them, yet there was a third option Ayden had suggested to Marcellus previously.
Summoning her sword, Ayden slowly stepped into in centre, dramatically.
"You two are not strong enough to fight alongside us," Ayden remarked, her tone laced with a tinge of disappointment. "If only you had been a bit stronger..."
As Ayden's sword began to materialize, Elena's body suddenly sank to her knees, her eyes trembling slightly. This was no mere happenstance; Ayden had dramatically released her Tenma, exerting a pressure that overwhelmed Elena. Swept by a wave of enervation, her initial optimism swiftly faded into profound pessimism, How many people has she killed to have such an Aura?
During the fight, they refrained from using their fighting spirit (Aura/Tenma), purely because in this realm it could be compensated for with "Ether Cores." Naturally, this was a variable, so it was initially ignored. However, now was the time for sentencing Ayden would not hold back.
"Please! Spare me! I offer my life, my Ether Cores, and everything I have... I pledge my unwavering loyalty to you, Marcellus, right? I remember you. Keep me alive, and I promise to prove my worth. I can be useful. I... I can't die I remember, I remember, I have a younger brother relying on me."
Marcellus's expression hardened, reflecting a blend of surprise and contemplation. Naturally, Ayden turned to Marcellus—not because she thought him weaker, but because facing Ayden, she felt her head might be lopped off at any moment. Ayden's Aura was too terrifying, especially with a sword in hand. Elena sensed that Ayden's mind was already made up, and no amount of pleading for her life would change his stance. Her next attempt was to potentially sow discord between Marcellus and Ayden. Earlier, Marcellus had complimented her—"Good fight," he had said—and also given her advice. It was clear Marcellus had a soft spot for her.
Ayden, ever sharp and playful, interjected with her characteristic wit to lighten the mood. Neither Ayden nor Leon found this humorous. "Weaklings don't usually have the privilege of making requests, do they, Marcellus? But it seems you might have found yourself a dedicated follower. What's your take on that?" Marcellus chose to overlook the latter part of Ayden's remark, focusing instead on the essence of their journey. "Indeed. We too were once not as strong as we are now. Perhaps Who knows, even after..." His tone conveyed a sense of fairness and reflection on their past vulnerabilities.
Elena's eyes widened, a glimmer of hope shining through her fear-stricken expression. She glanced at the figure standing beside her, a silent plea for their shared fate. Leon quickly grasped the situation and followed Elena's lead, dropping to his knees in a plea for mercy. "He's ready to prove his worth too. Together, we can be useful. Just give us a chance, and you won't be disappointed." Then, with a strategic hint of personalization, she added, "My name is Elena!" hoping that by revealing her identity, Marcellus might find it more difficult to carry out a death sentence.
Marcellus observed them silently, his gaze analytical as he considered the potential benefits and risks of this unforeseen offer of allegiance. The tension in the air was palpable as everyone awaited his decision. Ayden, with a smug grin, chimed in, addressing Marcellus, "Perhaps you should give it a shot. After all, I can always eliminate them if they become a liability... But remember, they are not to accompany us to the first circle."
In a symbolic gesture, Marcellus conjured his sword and lightly placed it on Elena's shoulders as she finched fearing her head would roll to her feet, signifying her acceptance into their ranks. "Stand, Elena. From this moment, you are under my command," he declared, his voice firm yet fair. "But be warned: I will not tolerate weakness. You will be responsible for Leon; he doesn't possess the strength to be of direct use to me." Elena rose, her eyes a blend of thankfulness, as she accepted her new role. "Thank you, Marcellus. I promise you won't regret this decision. I'll support you in every way I can and ensure Leon's survival."
If the author of The Knight and His Squire saw this scene, he'd probably choke on a mouthful of blood. Marcellus just plagiarized him outright. But for Marcellus and Ayden, this was no joke—they were dead set on living out the adventures they read about as kids.
Leon, for his part, felt no resentment. Elena's actions had effectively saved his life, and he silently acknowledged her bravery and quick thinking. Ayden's amusement continued to grow, lips twitching with an irrepressible smile. This unexpected turn of events had taken an intriguing and comical twist. Chuckling, Ayden couldn't suppress her internal sense of accomplishment while dismissing their sword. "Well, well, Marcellus. Who would have thought? An anointing ceremony. This could be a scene straight from a theatre play." She was calling him out for his plagiarism.
Marcellus glanced at Ayden, their usual stoic expression softening to reveal a hint of amusement. Grinning with white pearls, Marcellus remarked, "Indeed, Ayden. Life ought to be peppered with moments that add joy, even amidst all this. It's embracing these bits of fun and joy that keeps me grounded." This line Marcellus just spouted shamelessly was a direct quote. Ayden had called him out and he wasn't ashamed instead they were both happier, It was slowly becoming an inside joke.
Their plan hadn't gone exactly as envisioned, but Marcellus and Ayden were adaptable. Ayden's strategy had been to recruit or neutralize potential allies or threats, turning them into subordinates if possible. Elena's spontaneous offer to join them as a subordinate had taken them by surprise.
"You can come with us to the second circle," Marcellus stated decisively, fixing his gaze on Elena and Leon. "But it's crucial for you both to maintain good hygiene. Shower and change your clothes daily. It's essential for survival." Elena's cheeks tinged with a blush of embarrassment and understanding upon hearing Marcellus's words. Leon shifted uneasily, suddenly self-conscious about his scent. "I apologize, Marcellus. It's not that we don't want to, but we never felt safe enough. The fear of being ambushed in the restroom always loomed," Elena explained.
Marcellus nodded, his expression softening with understanding. "Hygiene isn't a luxury here, Elena; it's a necessity. But don't worry, you're under my protection now," he reassured. Ayden, watching the exchange with a sly grin, chimed in, "How else do you think we found you? By your rank scent, you really can't hide that." Elena and Leon nodded, now fully understanding the importance of Marcellus and Ayden's directive. They headed towards the modest two-story building Marcellus had indicated. Inside, Elena and Leon diligently followed Marcellus's instructions, taking time to shower, cleanse themselves, and change into fresh attire. Emerging after a while, the transformation between Elena and Leon was striking. Clean and dressed in new clothes, they looked rejuvenated and more composed. Now with a renewed sense of purpose, they rejoined Marcellus and Ayden on the street. Together, the four of them blended into the cityscape, ready to continue their journey.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Though Elena and Leon had been spared, Elena's soul and spirit remained intact. However, while Leon retained his soul, his spirit was long lost. This fact was not missed by Ayden—Leon was a husk of his former self.
[Day 1397]
With Elena and Leon incorporated into their group, they undertook an intense training regimen. Hunting adversaries in the second and third circles became a regular activity, as they honed their skills in preparation for the challenges ahead. The group's synergy grew as Ayden, Marcellus, Elena, and Leon pursued their quarry relentlessly. The sunlight cast long shadows over them, highlighting their readiness to embark on the journey to the first circle.
As the sole survivors in this desolate area, Ayden, Marcellus, Elena, and Leon were the last remaining fighters within the second and third circles, at least they guessed. The sound of their training filled the air, the clash of metal echoing as Marcellus, still unarmed, demonstrated formidable strength and skill. Ayden observed with a nonchalant expression, yet her attention to detail was unmistakable. It had been 1,397 days since Marcellus and Ayden first awoke in this realm. They decided to head to the first circle after they maxed out all their stats. They had spent the entire previous day bidding farewell to Elena, knowing that they would be venturing into the first circle today.
As Marcellus and Ayden strolled down the desolate road, their expressions were serious and contemplative. At long last, they were about to enter the first circle. It had taken them 1,397 days to reach this decision, during which they had vanquished every foe in the third and second circles. Marcellus started reminiscing about everything they had accomplished. "I never thought I would live to see this day or become this strong." Marcellus's mind wandered back to when he was initially assigned to Leon as his leader. Leon back then had been strong and intelligent, but under his command, many team members had lost their lives.
"Hehe... guess we just haven't been killing enough people before! All this glorious bloodshed for the greater good, right?" Ayden mocked. Marcellus felt she was directly mocking his mother's religion, yet he wasn't entirely sure why. He never asked, perhaps because he was unprepared for the answer or because it just didn't matter if she hated Pugnalism. Nevertheless, he was certainly concerned with why.
Ayden had always been critical of Leon's mentality, perhaps considering it too lenient. But now, as Marcellus reflected on their journey, he felt grateful to have someone like Ayden by his side. So many times, during the gruelling training sessions without his sight, he could have easily succumbed to despair. It was Ayden's unwavering support and comforting voice that pulled him through those darkest moments, Especially when he was truly blind. Marcellus's heart swelled with appreciation for his dependable companion. Their bond had grown stronger with each obstacle they overcame together.
In the face of 1,397 days of adversity, they had found strength and resilience. Marcellus felt that as long as they had each other, they could face any challenge that awaited them in the first circle and beyond. "Finally, after all that time wasted..." Ayden mumbled as she was about to cross the threshold into the first circle. "Wait!" Marcellus suddenly exclaimed, a hint of fear creeping into his voice. "This doesn't make any sense," he continued, his fear growing more palpable. "Nothing we've done has been logical," Marcellus clarified.
Marcellus silently yearned for a telepathic ability, a power that could effortlessly convey his innermost thoughts and intentions to Ayden. He stared at Ayden as if there was a terrifying monster lurking behind her. Ayden instinctively looked back but saw nothing of interest. "Marcellus, you're scaring me. What is it?" Ayden asked concern etched on her marble face. Marcellus's voice trembled slightly as he responded, "I... I can't explain it, but something feels terribly wrong. Like we've been manipulated, duped all this time."
Ayden's brow furrowed in a theatrical display of confusion. "What do you mean, manipulated?" she drawled. "We've just been on a glorious vacation, pummeling our way through these happy little circles and "conveniently" forgetting everything about our past. Obviously, we haven't been manipulated or anything. Nope, not a chance. We're totally in control here... right?" Her voice trailed off into a sarcastic monotone, dripping with disbelief.
Marcellus's eyes darted around nervously before settling on Ayden. "I don't have all the answers yet, but there's something off about our purpose here. I feel like we are forgetting something."
Ayden's resolve faltered slightly upon seeing the unmistakable fear in Marcellus's eyes. In the 1,397 days she had known him, Marcellus had always been reasonably smart with above-average logical faculties. She didn't believe he would suddenly become a dope and start pointing out the obvious. "Okay, let's pause and rethink our strategy. We've journeyed this far side by side; we'll uncover the truth, no matter what it holds," she said, offering words of consolation. Marcellus nodded, feeling a wave of relief as Ayden was open to considering his concerns.
"There are different pieces that don't make sense, and I don't know if there's more to this," Marcellus began. "Firstly, why are we here? In this citadel? What is the true purpose behind all of this? Secondly, why did it take us so much time to finally decide to venture into the first circle? Doesn't it strike you as suspicious? We haven't significantly grown stronger compared to a year ago. So why did we wait for so long?" Marcellus questioned, his thoughts pouring out like a waterfall. "Thirdly, we have already bested every opponent in the third and second circles. Who says we must proceed to the first circle?" Marcellus continued, attempting to articulate his enlightenment coherently.
He looked at Ayden, hoping to find some answers or at least a shared understanding. Marcellus yearned for clarity and sought to challenge the assumptions they had accepted blindly until now. Before this moment he had strangely accepted every idea as natural. Ayden listened attentively, his expression thoughtful. It was clear that these questions unsettled him as well, at least stirring something within him. After a pause, not too long but long enough to indicate Ayden's contemplation, Ayden finally spoke. Ayden's voice sounded slightly shaken, "Now that you've pointed it out, I realize I don't have any answers either, except for the notion of the 'first circle.' It is undeniably strange."
"When I ponder why we are here, my initial thought is always the first circle. And if I question why we wasted so much time, my answer once again points to the first circle. Furthermore, as for why we must proceed to the first circle, my answer remains the same—to dominate it." Marcellus's heart raced, a tempo he hadn't felt since he awoke here. It took a lot to fluster him or leave him breathless, but that was exactly how he felt now—flustered and out of breath. Ayden's response mirrored his own confusion, leaving them both grappling with more questions than answers.
The realization that their journey may have been driven by a purpose they had yet to fully comprehend brought a mixture of anxiety and determination. It was evident that they needed to dig deeper, challenge their assumptions, and uncover the truth. Marcellus spoke up, his hands nervously rubbing the brown pants to dry off the sweat. "Let's... I don't know, let's not go to the first circle. This feels too ominous, too uncertain." Ayden nodded, "You're right," he affirmed, wiping his forehead. "We need to take a step back and think about this. Rushing headlong into the unknown could be incredibly dangerous."
Marcellus and Ayden decided to withdraw from the desolate street. They entered a dimly lit building that resembled a common room, finding solace in its secluded atmosphere. Taking their seats opposite each other, they sat in silence, surrounded by the darkness. Uncertainty hung in the air, casting shadows over their previous convictions. As the weight of their decision hung in the air, Marcellus and Ayden engaged in a deep conversation, reflecting on everything they had experienced since arriving in this enigmatic realm, yet they made no breakthroughs.
Marcellus's eyes fixed on Ayden, a glimmer of unease shimmering within them. "Remember when we first woke up here? We had no memory of how we ended up in this place, surrounded by unfamiliar landscapes and daunting challenges. It feels like a lifetime ago." Ayden's voice trembled slightly, "Yes, it's hard to believe how far we've come. We were told we were chosen but now I no longer question the legitimacy of that claim. They never distinguished between the elderly and the young when selecting us. It seemed almost random like they plucked people from various walks of life without any clear criteria."
"That's true, I just now noticed that too, it feels like I have had many conversations with you I don't remember, many things I don't Question." Ayden nodded in agreement. "When I arrived in the citadel, something shifted inside me. I felt compelled to break away from Leon's team, to forge our path."
Marcellus's voice grew strained, laced with an undercurrent of fear. "But since then, we've been driven relentlessly towards the first circle. Every step, every battle, it feels like we're being pushed, and manipulated."
"It is strange, I remember having a family, I sometimes have the urge to worry but that worry immediately dissipates as soon as I think of them." "We only decided to head to the first circle after all our stats have been maxed out... feels like someone is luring us to the first circle, to a conclusion." Ayden's voice wavered, punctuated by uncertainty. "I... I don't recall. Maybe I never truly knew the reason behind our pursuit of the first circle. It's as if our memories are not linear, shrouded in shadows."
The conversation continued in a back-and-forth exchange. Ayden couldn't recall when she first felt the strong urge to head to the first circle. Alas, the fear and strong emotions revived a lot of memories—memories they were not allowed to remember, at least not yet.
Around them, the air silently cracked, forming serpent-like branches.