“I was worried you wouldn’t make it, or that you wouldn’t know how to use my spell effectively,” Irene panted, sitting down in front of Jaxith. His face and sword were smeared with blood, obviously the scarlet giant’s blood. Despite the carnage, he remained calm, almost serene, though his heavy breathing betrayed his exertion, his chest rising and falling like an old man’s. He clutched his sword tightly, his grip unwavering.
“Hey, are you okay? Are you wounded?” Irene asked, concern etched on her face. His current state was alarming and she was afraid that something bad may happen to him.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry,” Jaxith replied quietly, his breath ragged as he gazed at the ground.
“You’re the one who doesn’t look good. You used up all your divine energy in that spell, didn’t you?” Jaxith asked, panting heavily as he raised his eyes to meet hers.
“Yeah, it’s the first time I’ve exerted this much divine energy at once. But it was a challenge I was willing to take. I couldn’t leave you alone,” Irene replied.
“I have to say, I’m surprised. I didn’t know you could use divine energy. I’ve never seen a demonic hybrid capable of such a feat, especially not at your age,” Jaxith said calmly.
“Yeah, it’s just a simple spell that a friend of Lance taught me. I can’t do much else though, but everyone I know says it’s unique for my age. Just like you said,” Irene replied with a shy smile.
“You shouldn’t have taken such a risk, though. It was a brave act,” Jaxith said with a faint smile, his breathing still labored.
“Don’t mention it. Are you sure you’re okay? I know you’re the calm type, but you don’t look well,” Irene said, her voice filled with worry.
“I’m fine, stop worrying-“ Jaxith began, but a coughing fit interrupted him, blood splattering from his mouth.
“Oh no, Jaxith, you’re not fine!” Irene panicked, her face pale. She reached out and gently cupped his face. “Tell me what happened. Maybe I can help.” Fear gnawed at her, the thought of losing him as she had lost everyone else filled her with dread, she was afraid from being alone again.
“Irene, calm down. I’m fine, I told you,” Jaxith assured her, patting her head as he panted. “Just a strong hit, that’s all.” He smiled calmly.
“I know it’s more than just a hit. You’re coughing up blood, for God’s sake! You might have a broken rib or something. You can’t ignore this. I’m going to get a doctor. Stay here and don’t move,” Irene insisted, pulling her hand away from his face while standing up. But Jaxith caught her wrist, halting her.
“Where are you going? You’re the most wanted person in Orstone now. You wander the night seeking a doctor, you’re caught by a guard, and everything is ruined,” Jaxith said calmly, his gaze fixed on the ground. He couldn’t bring himself to look up.
“And everything will also be ruined if you die! I can’t leave you suffering like this. It’s not right. And don’t tell me you’re fine, both of us know that’s a lie,” Irene retorted angrily.
“Listen, I appreciate your concern. You’re a kind girl. But I know what I’m saying. I’ll be fine in a moment. Don’t go anywhere,” Jaxith pleaded, his breath still ragged as he tried to calm her.
“Then promise me you won’t die. I don’t want anyone else to die because of me. When you told me to go to Lumina if you died, I was terrified. That’s enough. How many more must die for me? I couldn’t bear it,” Irene said, tears streaming down her face. Jaxith pulled her hand gently, bringing her down again on her knees, their eyes meeting.
“I promise you, I’ll keep you safe no matter what. I can’t die and leave you alone. You won’t face your destiny alone. I’ll be with you. Deal?” Jaxith said, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he patted her shoulder. He understood her fear, her guilt over the deaths of her friends. She couldn't bear the thought of anyone else dying because of her.
“For real?” Irene asked, her eyes wide with hope.
“For real,” Jaxith replied calmly.
“Deal,” Irene agreed, wiping her tears with her sleeve and forcing a smile. She had never known a true family, only the Seekers. But in just one day, she had formed a bond with Jaxith, a bond that felt like that of an older brother.
“Looks like I interfered at the wrong time,” an anonymous voice echoed from the direction of the demon’s corpse!
Jaxith instantly pulled Irene behind him, drawing his sword from the ground and rising to his feet, despite his pain! He was ready to face whatever threat emerged from the shadows.
“Who’s there?” Jaxith asked, his voice stern. Irene’s worry returned. When would this nightmare end?
“So, you’re the one who defeated my pet. That assassin mentioned a stranger helping her. He said you were dangerous, but not that dangerous to defeat a scarlet giant. That was Negative Abyss… if I’m not mistaken,” the anonymous voice replied. Jaxith focused, pinpointing the source of the voice – the demon’s severed head.
“Jaxith, who’s there?” Irene asked, her voice trembling.
“That’s the real summoner, most likely the employer himself,” Jaxith explained, his gaze fixed on the head.
“Smart, too. I prefer smart ones. They’re more challenging, and I prefer challenges,” the voice continued.
“How is the head talking? It’s disturbing,” Irene remarked, her confusion evident.
“It’s possession. He’s using the severed head as a vessel to observe and communicate,” Jaxith explained calmly, lowering his sword. He had been ready to protect Irene, but the threat was intangible, making a physical defense unnecessary. Still, he kept the sword at his side, a shield between her and any potential danger.
“Quite familiar with dark magic, too. Outstanding. Combining that with the Negative Abyss, I can conclude you’re really dangerous as stated by the assassin. But that must have exhausted you. Perhaps you haven’t used it in a while, right?” the anonymous voice mused.
“Jaxith, what does he mean by all that?” Irene asked, her confusion growing.
“Nothing, just bluffing,” Jaxith replied, his eyes narrowing at the head.
“You know I’m not,” the voice retorted.
“You’re that one called Blamore, right?” Jaxith asked, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
“Indeed, it seems the demon’s possession was incomplete, and that assassin divulged more than he should. In any case, you have no idea what you’re wading into, Jaxith. And definitely, you don’t want to be my enemy. You’re neither kin nor close friend to her. All her companions have met a similar fate to the ones in the hideout. You, however, are different. You could say MORE… dangerous. I recognize your face, but little else. But I will rectify that. I prefer to know my adversaries intimately to ensure victory. Or, you could simply let her be, as if nothing transpired. Perhaps chance or curiosity brought you together. Regardless, you’d be wise to withdraw. You know nothing of me, not even my visage, merely a name. But inquire the right individuals about me, and they’ll advise you to flee for your life. Leave her. She’s a walking corpse. Whatever path you choose, it will lead to your demise. Best return to your life. I’m offering you a lifeline, and I’m not known for my benevolence. So, what’s you’re answer?” Blamore declared, his tone audacious and menacing.
“We both know that’s not going to happen,” Jaxith replied, his tone unwavering.
“I dislike stubborn men, but I anticipated this from you. A formidable warrior, emerging from obscurity, seeking justice. Perhaps forged in the fires of adversity, or perhaps driven by a desire for redemption after a string of poor choices. In any case, that warrior will soon face a harsh reality, a dead end. All their efforts will be futile, wasted on a world that’s anything but paradisiacal. I’ve warned you once, and I won’t repeat it. You may survive a day, a week, perhaps even a year, but ultimately, you’ll achieve nothing but a bitter defeat and a miserable end. And she will fulfill her destiny, her grand purpose,” Blamore threatened, his voice laced with menace.
“What do you want from her? She’s harmed no one. Give me one reason why such dangerous individuals as yourself are pursuing her,” Jaxith demanded, his tone grave.
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“That’s none of your concern. Perhaps time will reveal the truth, if you live long enough, of course. Remember my words, young man. We’re everywhere. You’ve chosen death over life,” Blamore replied, before the demon’s head convulsed and exploded, a grotesque display of blood and brain matter.
“Gross,” Irene muttered, visibly disturbed by the gruesome spectacle.
Jaxith’s eyes narrowed, lost in thought. What did Blamore mean by ‘serving her destiny’? Who was this mysterious Blamore? More questions arose, but no clear answers were forthcoming.
Within the imposing coastal castle, Blamore stood at his balcony, a sinister figure silhouetted against the moonlit sea. His left hand cradled his gnarled staff, while a shimmering portal materialized before his face. This arcane conduit had allowed him to communicate with Jaxith. Behind him, the noble from Arlyn city, who has received his letter by the crow before, and young John who was in his early twenties, obviously the noble’s son and the one who sent the crow the noble, both of their faces etched with concern.
“It seems your assassin’s endeavor was less than successful, wasn’t it, Alphonse?” Blamore inquired calmly, turning his gaze towards the noble and his son.
Alphonse bowed slightly, his right hand pressed to his chest. “My apologies, Lord Blamore. I did not anticipate such a turn of events. The assassin was one of Vidin’s finest, and more importantly, a loyal servant to our cause. That’s why I entrusted him with one of your powerful black gems, not a simple one just for summoning hounds but one capable of conjuring a scarlet giant. I misled him, promising increased power if he shattered the gem in case things got complicated. In truth, I intended for him to become a vessel for the giant, ensuring the mission’s success. However, I miscalculated. We encountered an unexpected adversary, I didn’t expect such a difficult enemy, I apologize again, my lord.”
His son, John, stood nearby, silent but mirroring his father’s posture.
Blamore declared, “Well, considering the unexpected slaying of a scarlet giant by an unknown monster hunter in a secret plan that no one knows about is surely an unexpected outcome, it’s unfair to blame you, Alphonse. You did your part admirably.”
Alphonse replied, “It’s an honor to receive your praise, my lord.”
John interjected politely, “My lord, if I may, I’d like to suggest something.”
Blamore responded, “Go on, John.”
John expressed his concern, “I fear that this man named Jaxith might be a government agent.”
“Indeed, my lord, I suspect he is one of Zathar’s or Captain Adam’s men, the king’s personal guard. I fear they may have found her before us,” Alphonse stated gravely.
Blamore smiled dismissively, “No, nothing of the sort is true. Not even remotely.”
Alphonse persisted, “Perhaps we should at least consider that possibility, my lord.”
Blamore responded confidently, his robe billowing in the chilling wind as they stood on the balcony, “Firstly, our informants assure us that neither Zathar nor the king has located the girl, not even a trace. We’ve outmaneuvered them. However, even if our sources are inaccurate, I possess more than an irrefutable evidence, gleaned from the minor possession I’ve just done, that this Jaxith is not a government agent.”
“And what is your proof, my lord?” Alphonse inquired curiously.
Blamore replied, “Well, it was quite evident, but perhaps your lack of insight has blinded you both. Let me illuminate you, dear zealots. Firstly, he was utilizing negative abyss, a fact that alone excludes him from government affiliation.”
John admitted, “My lord, I didn’t observe the specifics due to the mist. However, you did mention it to him earlier. I’ve heard of it before, but I never delved into it or paid it much mind.”
Blamore explained, “It’s considered an energy-producing dark art for physical enhancement. It’s exceedingly rare, with few practitioners nowadays. In fact, this man is only the second person I’ve ever encountered using it.”
“And how does that prove he isn’t an agent? On the contrary, someone with such a rare ability would be invaluable to the government, much like the spiritual knights, who are far more common than this. You claim this man is only the second you’ve encountered in your entire life, my lord. With all due respect, that doesn’t seem logical,” John argued.
“Of course it’s forbidden. Didn’t I say you both lack wisdom? I said it’s a dark art, a soul consuming art, a corrupting force. To harness it without immediate soul burning consequences requires a pact with the phantom sinisters, one of the strong demonic species that existed a long time ago, they were against the scarlet army by the way. You literally sell your soul to them, becoming a walking corpse. The more you utilize it, the more your soul becomes tainted with dark energy. Eventually, once your soul becomes saturated enough, the demon you’ve contracted with will claim your soul to enhance its own power. It’s a one-way ticket to death. To avoid unnecessary details, it’s treated similarly to dark magic, both forbidden due to their sinister, dark nature. Furthermore, a negative abyss user isn’t as powerful as a spiritual knight. Rarity isn’t always indicative of strength. In fact, spiritual knights are far superior, offering immense potential without the corrupting influence of the negative abyss. Its limitations and negative side effects far outweigh its advantages. All of this evidence leads to one undeniable conclusion: he cannot be a government soldier.”
“When you put it that way, my lord, it does make sense,” John conceded.
“That’s not the only proof. If he was a government agent, his primary objective would be delivering the girl to the king. He wouldn't risk his life by pursuing the assassin to uncover the identity of their employer. The third piece of evidence is his reaction when she suggested seeking medical attention,” Blamore explained.
“What do you mean, my lord?” Alphonse inquired.
“He claimed to be fine, despite his obvious injuries, and warned her that she would ruin everything if she was captured by a guard. Now, tell me why a government agent would fear her arrest when he could simply order her release with the king’s authority? Stirring up the entire town to find her is certainly an effective way to locate her quickly, especially after she’s revealed herself after the incident at the mayor’s. As a government agent, I would exploit this situation to my advantage. Any guard apprehending her would be beneficial, as I could easily secure her release. If I found her myself, I would simply inform the mayor to leave her alone and halt the search, returning his ring back to legitimize my actions. Then, I would return with her, unperturbed by the threat of arrest,” Blamore explained.
“Well, that’s quite astute, my lord. I didn’t realize you could deduce all that from mere observation,” John exclaimed, impressed by the insight of Vex Blamore, the revered leader of the Cragmoore zealots.
“Don’t be amazed; learn. That’s what distinguishes the wise from the foolish,” Blamore replied.
“I will, my lord, I promise,” John assured him politely.
“Good. Now, to the crucial matter. Based on this information, I believe our challenge won’t be finding her. Our believers are ubiquitous; wherever she goes, we’ll find her. Our true adversary is him,” Blamore stated.
“The hunter?” Alphonse questioned.
“Precisely. We know nothing about him, except his name. He appeared out of thin air to rescue her. Clearly, he's unaware about who we are, at least for now. While he’s skilled with a sword, his true strength lies in his intelligence, and also discretion, he didn’t want her to know about his use of negative abyss, suggesting a troubled past. However , how he found her is particularly concerning, I’m afraid that may not be a coincidence,” Blamore mused.
Back to Jaxith and Irene after the head exploded, Irene remained bewildered. She heard the man say she would eventually die.
“Jaxith, am I really going to die?” Irene asked nervously.
“Nothing will happen. Trust me,” Jaxith reassured her, sheathing his sword on his back.
“Then what was that man saying?” Irene pressed.
“I don’t know,” Jaxith replied evasively.
“You’re lying,” Irene accused.
Jaxith turned to face her, surprised. “What?”
“He said something that left you exhausted. It’s obvious you’re hiding something. How can I trust you if you’re lying about this? What makes me sure that the other things aren’t lies too?” Irene worried.
“Come on, I told you it was just a hit. His other words are still encrypted to me,” Jaxith said calmly.
“STOP IT! You don’t know anything, so who does? What’s happening? I feel like everything around me is changing. Demons are hunting me, and a crazy assassin attacked me. Then you appear out of nowhere, helping me but refusing to tell me anything. Even how you found me is suspicious and doesn’t make sense. I feel like I’ve done something terrible to deserve all this, but I don’t know what. I don’t know why those people are after me. I don’t know why you’re helping me when you can’t even trust me enough to tell me what happened to you. I don’t even know why I was born into this world, left alone without parents to raise me like a normal child. They just abandoned me,” Irene cried, her confusion overwhelming her. Jaxith watched her calmly, understanding her feelings all too well. He had once felt the same way, lost and adrift in a world that made no sense.
“Maybe you should leave too, just like them. He said I’ll die. Maybe saving yourself is the better choice. There’s no point In protecting someone you can’t trust. It seems everyone close to me either abandons me or dies. You should listen to him," Irene said nervously, tears streaming down her face.
“That’s not going to happen. I’m not lying about anything. A friend once told me that helping others is my nature. I heard about you and accidentally detected you in the market. Curiosity brought me to you, that’s all. I never expected to encounter all this, but it doesn’t matter. I’ll still help you reach your destination safely. Don’t worry about his words. We’ll figure out what’s happening. Just don’t panic. You’re not the only one in confusion here, okay?” Jaxith said calmly, trying to regain her composure. He understood that it wasn’t easy for her to deal with such events, he knew that for her age it’s not easy to encounter what she has passed by, it’s normal after all of that to break down after hearing she is dying especially after a brief moment of regained confidence.
Irene began to calm down.
“You would risk your life just for a reward?” Irene asked, perplexed.
“I didn’t want one from the beginning. I told you that to give you a reason for my help,” Jaxith explained.
Irene looked down, her hands tugging at her hair, she looked regretful. “I’m sorry for yelling at you. I just don’t understand what’s wrong with me. I’m yelling at the only person helping me. I-I’m just confused and I ca-“ she began, but Jaxith interrupted her.
“I know. You don’t need to explain. You need to know that I completely understand you, Irene,” Jaxith said, as rain began to fall.
“Fine, Jaxith,” Irene said, raising her head.
“Good. The rain should put down the fire that the creature created. If it hadn’t rained, the entire hill would have burned in a couple of hours,” Irene observed.
“That rain is intentional,” Jaxith said, his head tilted as he listened intently.
“What do you mean?” Irene asked, turning to face him.
“Rain magic,” Jaxith replied, pausing. “We have company,” he added, his expression serious.
“Wait, I don’t hear anything. And how do you know that’s magic? I think that hit really got you ba-“ Irene began, but was interrupted by the sound of neighing horses.
“Oh, you’re absolutely right,” Irene exclaimed, shocked.