Yeah I really messed up this time, it's not a small mess up either things are really screwed up. I was just doing some basic spell creation practice and got a little carried away. These sorta things just tend to happen you know?
You get excited when you open your new toy and though your parents tell you not to play with it a certain way because you’ll break it you ignore them. You just got a new toy and feel like you're king of the world. Your overconfidence leads to you playing with your toy the way they told you not to and then it breaks. In the end you only have yourself to blame. I’m in that kind of situation right now.
My [Rock Riffle] created a massive explosion which rocked the ship pretty hard. On its own that isn't a problem. The problem is what the explosion caused. You see the Captain thought they had hit something so they stopped the boat and some of the crew were sent to inspect the hull. All passengers were ordered to return to their room for the time being while inspections occurred.
As I casually slinked my way into a crowd towards my room I was spotted by a certain woman and dragged away. It was Rebecca and she was not happy with me at all. Jason didn’t care much like usual but Rebecca was furious. She yelled at me for at least twenty minutes about how dangerous what I just did was.
“Well as long as you understand why what you did was dangerous…” Rebecca sighed.
“Yeah, my bad.” I muttered rubbing the back of my head. I had slammed into the wall pretty hard, not enough to draw blood but I had a nasty migraine from it. Rebecca and Jason moved ahead of me towards the captains quarters to see if they could calm things down while I hung around in one of the hallways waiting for their return.
It was then that something unprecedented happened. While I stood there leaning up against the wall I heard the unmistakable sound of people running. A group of them.
but why would they be running towards me? I wondered. I was in the opposite direction of the rooms so unless they forgot something or were members of the crew they shouldn’t be coming anywhere near me.
“!”
As the footsteps got closer my [Observation] flashed red, I could sense their aura. These were magic users.
I struck a defensive stance as they turned the corner. In total there were four of them. I could immediately recognize who they were. Toumeikan Yakuza.
Why didn’t I consider them sensing my [Rock Riffle]!? I wondered, I Really am an idiot. Now I’m alone with four magic users who have an aggressive disposition.
Upon seeing me, the weakest of the group, a short man with blonde hair and green eyes immediately turned around and ran in the opposite direction.
Wow what a coward… Well whatever makes things easier for me right? Or maybe not, he could be going to get more Yakuza? So while I now only have three to fight in a few minutes there could be another four guys running up here.
Shit this is bad…
I could not possibly fight a 3v1. Maybe I could do three 1v1s but would they even give the option of doing that? If I was them I wouldn't.
So I’m screwed either way basically.
The first Yakuza to make a move had dark skin and large square eyes, he prepared to throw a punch so I quickly cast a wall of ice.
His fist smashes into the ice unable to break it but the ice suddenly explodes into a splash of liquid. The 2nd Yakuza member who’s wearing a Sokutai uniform with a long mustache is probably responsible, his hand is smoking meaning so I assume he’s an elementalist. Without hesitation the square eyed man jumps forwards with his arm cocked back.
“!?” I grunt in surprise and throw up my arms to block my face. His fist slams into my forearms and I feel my entire body shudder from the impact and I’m thrown backwards through the air.
[Ice Prison!] I cast ice around my feet to catch my footing.
“Why are you attacking me!?” I yell out as intimidatingly as I can. The Sokutai man and the 3rd Yakuza member who seems to be around my age with brown curly aren’t interfering.
“You’re the one who set off that explosion were you not?”
“Maybe…” I say with puckered lips.
“We came here to see what the commotion was and you took an aggressive stance so we attacked.”
“That was a defensive stance!” I protest.
“No, that was totally an aggressive one.” The curly haired guy said, shaking his head.
“Shut up!” I bark.
He flinches at my town and covers his head. He must be a long range fighter then. This square eyed dude is probably an energy manipulator since he came at me physically… Against Ranged fighters it’s good to use close combat but against those who specialize in close combat it’s best to use ranged attacks.
However with these three no matter what I do they’ll be able to defend and attack… what a pain. I guess I should defuse the situation.
“Look I didn’t mean to set off that explosion alright! It was an accident.”
“If you surrender yourself to us we can avoid using force.” Square eye responded.
“Not happening.” I sigh, charging my hand with aura.
“...”
“...”
I make the first move, leaping to the side I create a finger gun and aim it at square eyes, [Mana Pistol!]
My Emissions flies towards him but Sokutai stops it with a wall of stone. Square eyes slammed through the wall right in front of me with a kick aiming for my neck.
“!” Putting all three of my basic skills to the max I manage to dodge by ducking down. I use that momentum to spring upwards and deliver a nasty uppercut to his jaw.
“Ow!?” I cry out feeling my own jaw sting as though I’d just been hit.
“I split my damage between us.” Square eyes said correcting his footing
Why is he explaining himself to me? Unless this is some sort of restriction, by explaining his spell he gets a boost in power? Seems reasonable.
“I still take 100% of the damage I’ve received and 25% is returned to my attacker.”
Oh wow okay that’s not quite as bad as I was expecting… Wait! No it’s probably more like 35-40% given him explaining his spells effects.
Just then I sense something incoming and quickly create a wall of mud right as a fireball is about to hit me.
The mud is instantly burned into a brick and I feel a cold sweat drip down my back, I’m surrounded, it’s not even been a minute and I’m already overwhelmed.
As I watch my wall being baked I sense something coming towards me, the square man throws another punch this time I’m unable to react in time and his fist slams into my jaw.
“!” grunt as I slam into the wall behind me and he continues to rain down a flurry of punches. I try to defend against them but he’s too fast, even using my full enhancement I can only defend half of what’s thrown in my direction.
[Rock Riffle!]
The square eyed man jumped back to dodge the projectile and I’m able to slip away from him. As I try to catch my breath I feel my body aching.
I’m going to die here aren’t I?
“Sorry we’re late!” Rebecca called out, bursting through the wall next to me and striking a superhero pose.
“Rebecca!” I said with a wide smile.
“And Jason!” Rebecca said, pointing behind her to where Jason was standing.
“Are these the Toumeikan Yakuza you told me about?”
“Yeah, I’m 99% sure they are.”
“How many were there originally?”
“Four but one ran away.”
“I see, well I’ll take the curly haired one in the back, Jason will take the old man and you take badly how’s that sound?”
“Sounds good to me.” I sigh, rubbing the sweat off my forehead.
“You!” Rebecca yelled out pointing at the curly haired man. “Prepare to die!” She laughed charging towards him.
In response the curly haired man turned around and ran away while she gave chase.
“You heard the lady.” Jason sighed looking at the Soukutai man who smiled in response.
Nice, I'm actually going to survive this! I thought as a fist was imbibed into my face.
“!”
I’m thrown backwards some distance and slam into a wall at the end of the hallway we were fighting in.
I feel blood pouring out of my nose and down my chin. As I look up I see the sole of a shoe right in front of my face.
He’s fast.
# # #
“Where are you going?” Rebecca called out from the shadows, Tensuke froze in his tracks and turned around to see Rebecca standing proudly with her hands on her hips and chest puffed out pridefully.
“I don't like fighting girls.” Tensuke grumbled putting his hands up in a rather cowardly defensive pose.
“Hoho? For someone who doesn’t like to fight women you sure a striking a pose rather quickly! But don't worry I’m not some weak little girl.” Rebecca laughed. Then within a split second she slammed her foot onto the ground filling it with mana.
“!”
Sensing the incoming attack Tensuke jumped up into the air right as the floor stretched upwards.
“Tch, you’re good.” Rebecca spat as the floor snapped back down with a crack. I was hoping to take him out with that first hit and go help Kanashi. But it looks like this might be a bit tougher than I wanted…
Just then Rebecca's observation flashed red. The air seemed to become thicker and her ears rang. She felt something running down her upper lip and when she wiped it away she saw her hand was covered in a red liquid.
Rebecca looked up at Tensuke who was clinging to a pipe on the roof with no signs of injury. He scowled down at her with a fearful expression.
It must be something he’s doing then… Rebecca frowned.
Tensuke was not weak by any means; he simply used unorthodox methods. His spell [Pressure Gauge] adjusted the pressure of a certain area every few dozen seconds.
Though the pressure had only increased once it was enough to break the blood vessels in Rebecca's nose, the thinnest in the human body.
This is gonna be fun… She thought.
# # #
“So It’s going to be a battle of range then?” Jason asked, lighting up a cigarette.
“Hmph, you young ones sure don't have much respect for the elderly…” Ryutarou sighed.
“Spare me, I have had enough with your kind.” Jason laughed. “Well I’m not a combative type either so this will be challenging for both of us.”
“What makes you think I’m not a combative type?” Ryutarou asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh well you haven’t made a move on me yet so I assumed you’re like me. Not only that but your emission of [Fire] earlier was sloppy. I’ve seen children do better than that but I guess you got the job done at least.”
A vein appeared on Ryutarous forehead and his wrinkly face contorted into one of rage. “I’ll skin you alive.” He spat.
“Try me Geezer.” Jason laughed.
It looked as if someone had set off a palette of fireworks all at once. Electricity, Fire, Stones all rained down upon Jason yet not a single attack hit him.
Every time one would come within his person a small [Shield] would be conjured and deflect it.
Ryutarou grew visibly exhausted as he continued to shoot hundreds of different emissions out at Jason who on the other hand was perfectly relaxed.
“I've fought a lot of people in my time and you’re one of the better ones I’ll give you that however, I’m still far stronger.” Jason said, clasping his hands together as if he was going to pray.
“!” Ryutarous face contorted into fear at this, Jason was far above what he had predicted.
[Inner Reflection: Endless Boundary Collapse]
A Liminal Realm! Ryutarou immediately attempted to cast a liminal division technique. However this was the incorrect move as when he started to cast his spell he noticed something was missing. Something important, his Jikai.
The boundary which keeps your soul inside your body, since he had used mana his aura would need to be replenished and his soul would burn. But if his soul has nothing to be bound to it would continue to burn without pause.
“GAAAH!” Ryutaraou screeched as he felt his body begin to waver.
“I know it’s cheating to tell you after the fact but only physical attacks are allowed inside my Liminal Realm.” Jason huffed, throwing his cigarette bud on the ground and stomping it out.
# # #
The square eyed man Mugiwagis foot smashed right where Kanashis was resting against the wall.
Kanashi narrowly dodged this attack by rolling to the side. Without pause Kanashi jumped up and sprinted down the hallway as fast he could with Mugiwagi giving chase closely behind him.
This was going to be a battle of endurance and Kanashi knew he was horrible at such a game. For example in the pacer test in Gym class of the Plank competitions he was always one of the first to drop out.
Mugiwagi judged that this was Kanashis weakness based on his reactions thus far and planned to push him to his limits so he would break.
[Mudd!] Kanashi yelled, stomping his foot down as he ran. From behind him came Amphibious golems which charged at Mugiwagi. Once a bit further ahead Kanashi spun around and watched his golems attack Mugiwagi.
Since they’re golems would they be counted as their own entity and receive 25% of the damage or would I still receive 25% of the damage because they’re created from my aura? Kanashi wondered while rubbing his chin.
One of the Salamander shaped golems smashed into Mugiwagi and as its forehead crushed Mugiwagis Stomach it exploded. A frog golem shot out its tongue and wrapped it around one of Mugiwagis arm as another salamander tackled him and exploded upon impact as well.
So it’s the latter! Alright I have an Idea then…” Kanashi thought with a smile, he once again slammed his foot down on the ground and more Golems arose to join the madness.
It was still going to be a battle of endurance but one that was more Kanashis type. He had more than enough aura for this sort of thing.
Kanashis golems rrelentlessly attacked Mugiwagi who could offer little to no defense against the mass horde of amphibians. He destroyed some with physical blows and others destroyed themselves after attacking him but in the end he was the one suffering the most. If Kanashi had to guess he was currently at around 70% HP and it was quickly dropping. If he could get another couple minutes of this he would win. All the while Kanashi continued to activate [Mudd] and conjure more golems.
“Graaah!” Mugiwagi roared, leaping up from the ground and stomping onto one of the frog golems. Mugiwagi hopped from Golem to Golem destroying each in his wake while slowly encroaching on Kanashi who frowned.
“I’ll need to keep my attacks with low power but alot of knock back…” He thought with a frown.
Mugiwagi came down on Kanashi with a powerful right swing which Kanashi managed to catch. Kanashi pulled Mugiwagi inwards and intended to sweep his leg from under him but Mugiwagi, predicting his movement, reversed the technique and Kanashis head was the one which slammed down onto the ground.
Mugiwagi fell forwards with his fist cocked back intending to crush Kanashis skull with a final punch but as Kanashi fell his knee shot up off reflex alone.
Mugiwagis descent led him on the perfect path to Kanashis knee which smashed into his Groin.
“GRAAAAH!” Mugiwagi screeched, clutching his groin.
“Hehehe.” Kanashi giggled with a weak smile. At this rate I’m gonna end up with brain damage… He thought,.
“!”
Then it hit him too, since Kanashis body had inflicted harm onto Mugiwagi it still counted as an attack and his own groin received roughly 40% of the damage Mugiwagi had taken.
“AIEEEE!” Kanashi screamed with tears in his eyes. “Damnit!” He cried pushing Mugiwagi off of him.
[Rock Riffle!]
Putting only enough force to push Mugiwagi back some distance Kanashis spell shot off and Mugiwagi was sent a few meters backwards still clutching his nether region.
“!”
Kanashi clutched his chest feeling as though he’d just been punched by someone, the recoil from his rock riffle. Even though I lowered the output so much it still hurts this much? Is that because of my lack of experience or is it simply that powerful as a base?
Mugiwagi looked up with tears in his eyes and face pouring beads of sweat. Kanashi returned the favor and they made eye contact for a short moment each catching their breath.
Like two predators analyzing their prey they silently stood their and watched intently
“...”
“...”
Suddenly both Kanashi and Mugiwagi moved at the exact same time. Kanashi cast [Bog] to trap Mugiwagi who lunged forward to kick Kanashi in the head.
However from the [Bog] below Mugiwagi came a giant tongue made from mud shot upwards and grabbed into Mugiwagi pulling him backwards.
“!”
Mugiwagi looked behind him to see that the [Bog] was not the trap. No the [Bog] was cast on top of a massive frog golem to hide it. He cast two spells at the same time!? Mugiwagi thought as he tried to break free from the frog's grip.
“Gotcha.” Kanashi laughed with a snap of his finger.
[Paralysis]
“!” Mugiwagis head shot back and his eyes rolled into the back of his head. He let out a thunderous cry from the intense pain. Within only a few seconds foam came out of the corners of his mouth. In total after around ten seconds of electrocution the Golem was destroyed by the share of damage it had taken.
Mugiwagi fell down into the [Bog] below, trapping him further.
“It wasn’t just two spells but three, I’ve never done anything like that before so it was a gamble but the result was worth the risk. First I cast a [Bog] heavy enough to break the floor. I then used the Mud from the [Bog] that dripped to the floor below to form a massive [Mudd] golem. As the Golem formed I imbued it with [Paralysis].” Kanashi said with a smile, even though Mugiwagi couldn’t hear him he thought it would be polite to explain how he lost. Actually the real reason was that he simply wanted to brag. However such a thing certainly had taken a hit on his mana pool, he could still move forwards but he felt the impact of that three layered spell.
That aside, Mugiwagi was down for the foreseeable count and Kanashi needed to make sure he didn’t do anything dangerous if he did wake up any time soon.
I’m not exactly sure how to stop him though… I wish I had some of those [Sealing Chains] Julius had. I could try and freeze him with [Ice] but eventually that would melt and he’d be free. I could try to make some kind of prison with [Stone] but again eventually that would dissolve since I’m only replicating Stone instead of actually creating it like Transmutation does. Elementalist creations will run out of mana and disappear at some point. I guess for now I can just do this…
Kanashi pulled as many rags and cloths as he could from the many boxes inside the closet, he used these to slowly tie Mugiwara up in such a way that if he awakened he would be powerless to escape. He tied hundreds of knots in every way imaginable, many in ways that it would be impossible to undo without a knife. In the end it looked like some kind of BDSM ritual gone wrong but Mugiwagi would for sure not be able to escape from this even with Enhancement.
Now what do I do… Kanashi wondered, rubbing his chin. This current situation sure had a lot to be desired but it was absolutely horrible.
I guess the Griffon is next then? Well that’s assuming there are not more Yakuza down in the basement waiting for me. Well the ship is already in pandemonium anyways so I might as well give it a shot and if things go wrong I can get Rebecca and Jason back up.
Kanashis train of thought was broken by the sound of an explosion. The ship weighed heavily to one side so much so that you’d think it was going to fall over. Kanashi ran out into the ship's hallway where he saw people running and screaming.
Then a message came on over the intercom one that filled him with absolute dread.
The boat would sink in two hours.
# # #
Satoshi moved to walk up the stairs leading out of the basement when it happened. A last ditch suicide attack by one of the Yakuza he’d just killed.
You could call it a final “Fuck You!” If you so desire.
Whether it was some kind of self imposed contract created in the past or something they made with their final breath it didn't matter.
They created an explosion using their own death as a catalyst. A self destruction method rarely used in modern times. During the Houkanan war of Edoland it was a common technique so they’d probably got the idea from there.
The basement was instantly engulfed in a bright flash and Satoshi was thrown through many walls from the explosion's force.
Satoshi slammed through a mass of machinery which crinkled and snapped as his body crashed into them. The machines hissed smoke and flashes red lights while sparks flew.
“Gruhhh…” Satoshi groaned, resting on his hands and knees, he’d been blown back quite a bit by that blast. Across the entire basement or half the ship.
“!”
Satoshi projectile vomited blood into a thick pool below him. His stomach cramped like a vice grip covered in shards of glass was squeezing his intestine. His vision was blurred while his ears rang loudly. He was covered in cuts which were slowly closing but he felt his mana pool quickly depleting. If this was a video game he’d be around 40% health right now with about 60% of his Mana pool left.
Satoshi stood up and looked at his surroundings to see where he’d ended up. It was a rather fine open location much like the hideout the Yakuza had been in before.
“!” Just then he sensed something. Someone coming towards him, someone with a death defying aura.
Satoshi took an offensive pose and pulled his katana [Tsubashinai] out from the shadows below. When his target walked down those stairs he’d plant the tip of his blade between their eyeballs and kill them.
# # #
Rebecca flicked the blood of her hand, her experience told her that Tensuke much like herself was an energy Manipulator.
He’s probably manipulating the space around me, since he’s keeping himself at a distance that also means that it’s something capable of killing me without him interfering directly. Not only that but it’s invisible, going off those things and my current symptoms I imagine that it’s him manipulating the Air Pressure. Since he himself appears not to be affected by the air pressure changing it has to be infused with the area around us.
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
Otherwise he’d have to use himself as a [Medium] to affect me. He would be the base of the spell and take on the effects of it but by doing so he could also include me in the spell without making any kind of physical contact.
But that’s probably not the case. I know for a fact this isn’t a Liminal Realm so that only leaves a Territory as the final option.
I didn’t sense myself entering a barrier at all so unless this man is a candidate for Pillar God Of Barriers he must have cast it once I was within his personal range.
Maybe he used himself as a medium at first and then transferred that into a territory? Well whatever, I assume that I’ll be able to freely enter and exit the territory as I please so if things get bad I can always bail.
However, that's what he wants me to do. If I escape his territory then he’ll just de-cast it and escape from me. At that point I wouldn't be able to do anything either since I have no long ranged attacks. So I’ll just have to stand my ground and beat him down here!
Coming to her solution Rebecca took a fighting chance.
Seeing this Tensuke dropped down from the ceiling and ran in the opposite direction of her without a second thought.
“!?” If he leaves the territory will dispel! Was my theory not correct then and is it something else? As Rebecca pondered her next actions in a panic Tensuke suddenly came to a stop with one leg forwards and then spun around kicking off towards Rebecca at a great speed.
He built up interia by running away and then used energy manipulation to come at me? Rebecca threw up her arm to block incoming attack from Tensuke which slammed into her forearms and sent her stumbling backwards.
It wasn’t just his leg that he had transferred all that interia into but also his arm. It felt like Rebecca had been hit with a baseball bat and her forearms throbbed in pain.
Tensuke dropped to the floor and tried to kick Rebecca's leg out from under but she jumped up just in time and escaped from Tensukes range.
“!”
Rebecca felt her head pound and blood shoot out her nose like a fountain.
The pressure has already changed again!? So it is a territory and he’s just trying to stall out time until I succumb to the air pressure once it reaches a deadly amount! Rebecca clicked her tongue and punched the ground, shattering it and making Tensuke and a great amount of rubble fly into the air.
This is the best I can do for ranged attacks at the moment! Rebecca thought, punching the rubble and sending it towards Tensuke like bullets.
“GAH!” Tensuke yelped as he felt the rubble smash into thigh and side. He fell to the floor and rolled away from Rebecca who gave chase trying to stomp her foot down onto his chest.
Tensuke somersaulted himself backwards and onto his feet where he sprung up with an uppercut slamming his fist into Rebecca's chin.
“!” Rebecca grunted and her nose poured more blood out but she had Tensuke where she wanted him.
“Wait!” He cried suddenly feeling the weight of his body shit towards his back side. He tried to adjust himself forwards but he couldn’t. It defied logic. He fell backwards slamming into the floor with a loud crack and gasped in pain.
“Hah!” Rebecca laughed, dropping down and punching him square in the nose. “Most people think since I’m a girl I don't know how to fight with my fists! That used to piss me off but now I’ve learned to use it to my advantage!” While speaking Rebeeca continued to pound Tensukes face in.
Teeth and blood threw the air but she didn’t stop until she was sure he was unconscious.
“Gah!” Rebecca clutched her mouth as she vomited blood, her ears ached like someone had just stabbed her ear drum and her eyes bled profusely.
Her entire body ached like she’d been put into a vice grip. It was extremely painful. But Tensukes spell should have been undone, he’s unconscious after all so there’s nothing keeping it running.
"...!" Rebecca's eye widened and her stomach twisted into a knot when she realized what that meant. The barrier which held Tenuskes Territory together must have been a passive force that existed as long as he did.
With that there’s two possible options on how to dispel Tensukes barrier, either she needed to place Tensuke out the barrier which would cancel it out or she needed to kill him to dispel it.
The barrier was without a doubt a passive force which allowed free exit and entry while he was awake but it’s very possible he created a fail safe where if he were to lose consciousness the barrier would become enclosed permitting no exit or entry. Then the only way to open it would be waiting for him to run out of mana or killing him.
The risk of him being unconscious and easily killable would definitely make such a thing possible.
For someone like Jason who could just passively heal himself as the damage came in, the former would be the best answer but Rebecca's healing wasn't great. She could fix cuts and bruises maybe even a broken bone or two within a few days but this was out of her capabilities for a lifetime.
If it was a closed barrier then the only option she had left was to kill Tensuke. She didn't even know his name and she would kill him. Why was he working for the Yakuza? Was he actually a bad person or a good one put into a bad position?
With a grunt Rebeeca grabbed Tensuke by the nape of his neck and dragged him along with her as she walked back the way she had come.
The barrier can’t be larger than a few meters in diameter right? But that could be entirely based on the shape of the area. I would probably be a dome shape normally but since we’re in a hallway I don't doubt that he could have made it fit the space and become narrow and long!
Normally Rebecca would be able to throw him around with only a single hand but the stress put on her body and the increased air pressure made Tensuke feel like he was a thousand times heavier.
She grunted and groaned as she used both her hands and back to heave him along her path.
How much longer until she reached the barriers edge? A dozen meters? Two dozen? Maybe it went on forever and ever. It felt that way at least as she used every little bit of energy to pull him along.
“Keep going!” She yelled between her grit teeth. Blood continued to rocket out of her nose and eyes. Her vision stained red as she stomped forwards, each stop more exhausting than the last.
It felt like she was pulling an entire wrecking ball with nothing but a harness and her body. However even through the excruciating pain she keeps moving forwards.
She clenched her teeth hard enough that her molars began to crack. But she could see the end of the barrier now. It was only another meter or two away.
“!” The pressure had risen again. Rebecca felt her ankle snap and she slammed down the floor.
SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT She screamed in her head looking down at her twisted ankle. This was bad, she was actually going to die here. Just a little further! She thought while pulling herself and Tensuke along the ground.
Her nails carved into the floor leaving blood and splinters behind her. Once she was a little closer she used her remaining strength to throw Tensuke ahead of her and out of the barrier.
However he didn’t exit the barrier, instead he bounced off of it with a “thunk” and fell to the floor right in front of her.
“DAMNIT!” She cried, the only thing she could hear was a loud ringing. Like an entire bee hive was in her ear canal.
The only way to escape this was killing Tensuke. She had to time to hesitate either. The next time the pressure increased she would die and it would do so any moment now.
She looked at Tensuke with her brows furrowed and lips curled up into a grimace.
Then the pressure rose a final time.
# # #
“How unfortunate.” Jason sighed, lighting up another cigarette. Below him was the corpse of his opponent Ryutarou.
Compared to Rebecca or Kanashi, Jason had no issue with killing others. In his line of work it was inevitable. Kill or be killed as one would say.
Ryutarou put up a decent fight, he used flashy displays of magic which would make most average magic users tremble.
But Jason was not at all average. He was amongst the ten greatest barrier masters in the world.
To him setting up an automated defense spell was child's play. The moment an attack encroached upon his [Jikai] a [Shield] was automatically cast to defend against the attack.
Unlike Jinen who can keep a barrier around him at all times with no fatigue Jason had to find other methods around surprise attacks. This was one of them, and it earned him his renown as a Barrier Master.
In the end Ryutarou truly stood no chance, his death was an unfortunate inevitability in Jason's mind. Though Jason had no regrets about killing the man he didn’t find it pleasurable or exciting.
The panic and desperation on Ryutarous face was truly depressing, he pitied the man but what happened happened. It was time to move onto more pressing matters.
In total his bout with Ryutarou lasted only a few minutes. He currently had three plans of action to choose from.
>Assist Kanashi
>Assist Rebecca
>Evacuate Passengers
Jason immediately crossed option one off the list. It’s not that he hated or disliked Kanashi, he simply didn’t see much importance in him.Whether he lived or died was none of his concern. Kanashi was Rebecca's pet, not his.
As for Rebecca, she was important to Jason. No, important would be an understatement. She was his partner. She had been for the past half a decade or so. But she was replaceable, it sounded cruel but in this line of work it was kill or be killed. If Rebecca was to be killed of course Jason would be upset but it wouldn’t be the end of the world. He’d just be given a new partner.
But he liked her, she was someone who he enjoyed being in the company of. She understood him. She could read his emotions and help him express himself when he didn’t know how.
But she knew the risks involved in their line of work. His top priority should be saving the passengers. One life Vs. The hundreds onboard. Even if that one life was more valuable to him compared to the others it didn’t matter.
This world cares more about quantity than quality, his should should be simple. So why was he struggling?
Jason bit his bottom lip in frustration and a vein grew on his forehead thumping with each heartbeat. He was going to be selfish, it was human nature to be selfish. He valued Rebecca more than the passengers so he was going to help her. If he didn’t need help then they together could help the passengers. That is how Jason rationalized it.
If someone else explained how they chose their personal feelings over logical reasoning he’d probably be angry and explain that they were wrong. Yet here he was being a hypocrite. He hated Hypocrites, he always had. But humans were inherently hypocritical.
Those who didn’t acknowledge their hypocrisy were evil, however he recognized his hypocrisy so he was not evil. He was a true human, through and through. That thought made him laugh, of course he’s human what else would he be? He is and always will be a selfish weak hypocrite human. That was something that would never change.
Jason made his move, he quickly walked the direction Rebecca had run off in. It didn’t take long before he found her collapsed into a heap on the floor. His heart skipped a beat as he saw her bleeding out from every visible orifice. His eyes shot open and sweat trickled down his cheek.
As he thought the worst, Rebecca exhaled loudly gushing blood as she did so. Jason let out a sigh of relief, she was alive. As long as she was alive he would heal her. No matter how skilled at healing magic you are, it was impossible to bring back the dead. Some people claim to be able to and saw some success in doing so but that was not the same person who had lived in that body before.
But such thoughts were unimportant right now. He walked up to Rebecca slowly and calmly inspecting the area. The floor was destroyed with chunks of wood and metal everywhere. He could clearly see traces of a barrier having been placed.
The person who had cast this barrier knew what they were doing. They’d created a territory or the poor man's Liminal Realm. Those who could not realize Spatial Manipulation coped with advanced barrier manipulation.
Through forming a barrier in a dome shape around a section of land. Once this barrier was established they’d infuse spells into it. For someone like Jason this would be easy to counter; he could simply realize his own Liminal Realm and over power their territory.
Though separate concepts Liminal Realms and Territories could still interact, no matter how strong a territory is it will lose to even the weakest of Liminal Realms. To create your own space outside of this universe Vs. creating a bubble within it is incomparable.
Rebecca had fallen into this territory and suffered some kind of ill effect from it. Territories often were used by those within the Elementalist and Energy manipulation categories. Those placed in these categories are on average the most incompatible with Spatial Manipulation. No one quite knew the reason but Jason accepted it as fact.
The damage induced to the environment was purely from physical force and there was no evidence of Elementalist magic. So it must have been energy manipulation based. Not only that but based on Rebecca’s injuries it was most likely a spell which damages the target internally, it seemed to have crushed her organs and broken her bones.
It was air pressure Manipulation. Jason concluded instantly. That was the most obvious answer. There were other possibilities but Jason lived by the code of Occam’s Razor. The most likely option was likely the answer.
Next to Rebecca was a man, he had curly hair and seemed to have been rather young. Though it was hard to tell since his face was caved inwards like he’d been crushed with a sledge hammer. Using Occams Razor once again Jason concluded that Rebecca had killed this man to escape the territory. After it was dispelled the pain, shock and air pressure change must have all hit her at once and made her faint.
Going from high pressure to normal pressure would be very stressful on your body and that should be enough to kill someone alone. But Rebecca was a tough woman, tough enough to do many things people would consider impossible for a female. She was strong, and that was something she was proud of yet never flaunted. A respectable person through and through.
Jason crouched down and rubbed Rebecca’s back while applying healing magic. It would take a few minutes but he could heal her, he’d healed worse injuries before and succeeded. Compared to
those this was nothing, yes this would be easy for him. He was capable of doing many things and this was nothing to note him for being capable of.
He would heal Rebecca that much he promised himself.
# # #
Kanashi sprinted through the many hallways on the Cymba in search of a staircase. Along the way he found many small groups of people in a panic searching for an escape route which he was happy to help.
Finally Kanashi found what he was looking for. “Staircase!” He cried reading the sign above the door. The door was a lot bigger than the others he’d seen a bright cherry red but perhaps it was just a fire escape.
Yeah, that’s it. He reasoned. Without pause Kanashi slammed his foot into the door intending to kick it open.
“OW!” Kanashi screeched, feeling his foot slam into the solid metal door. His whole body quivered from the impact which shot bolts of pain throughout his leg. “Why make it metal!? If there is a fire you won't be able to touch the door because it will be smoldering hot!” He hissed, rubbing his throbbing ankle.
After a few moments Kanashi took a deep breath and opened the large red door. As soon as he did so he was already inside the room.
“?!”
He hadn’t entered the room, only opened the door to it so how was he inside. It was as if he’d been teleported as he opened the door.
The room was large and empty with dim mood lighting overhead, standing in the middle of the room was a young man with spiky blonde hair. The same man who had been with the other Yakuza but had run away immediately. With that established in his mind Kanashi instantly pieced together what had happened.
“Shit.” He whimpered rubbing his forehead, he’d fallen straight into a trap. This was a Liminal Realm without a doubt and he would now die. “Oh!” Remembering the Enchanted Jewelry Jin had given him, Kanashi looked down at his hand to see if he was wearing the ring imbued with [White Water: Space Cutter.] But the only ring on his hand was the blood red hilt of Itachi.
I forgot it in my suitcase! He lamented internally, Alright then, I’ll just have to make the first move and see if I can take him out before he does anything! In a burst Kanashi leapt forwards imbuing his fist full of enchantment, he smashed it straight into the middle of the Yakuzas face. If it landed there was a good chance this man could die but Kanashi was in such a panic he didn’t think about it.
“Wow, hold your horses!” The Blonde man said as Kanashis fist bounced off of him.
“!?” Did he block it!? No, my attack was completely negated! It must be a rule of this Liminal Realm! Kanashi thought while jumping back.
“First things first don't go swinging on me! This is a no combat zone, same with magic. I’m sure you noticed that all your aura nodes and mana circuits are locked right.”
“!” I didn’t notice at all! “Well I thought it was weird!” Kanashi laughed trying not to look embarrassed.
“Well my name is Gemuji and as you can see this is my Liminal Realm [Toy Palace: Gamers Paradise]. As a condition I have to explain the rules of this Realm, oh and don't try to cover your ears. As long as I explain the rules with the intention of you hearing them it counts. Only you will be at a disadvantage then.”
"I didn’t plan on doing that but now that I know I’ve gotta ask why you told me. Why not just let someone plug their ears and be at a disadvantage. Isn't that easier?” Kanashi said, raising his brow.
“NO! Playing against someone with a disadvantage is no fun! I only want to play games fair and square so that way I can prove I’m the best! If someone lost with a disadvantage they can just use that as an excuse to say they're better than me and would have won if they weren’t at a disadvantage. Then when you try to play again to prove you’re the best they say they don't want to play against a cheater like you! Or they’ll ignore you!” Gemuji spat out clearly frustrated.
Sound’s personal… Kanashi thought with a frown, but ignoring that this Liminal Realm didn’t seem to be the instant kill type Jin warned about. With enough time I could probably escape. “Please continue, I don't want to waste anymore time.”
“Huh? Oh, dont worry time doesn't pass at the same rate inside [Toy Palace: Gamers Paradise] as it does outside. I’d say it’s about one second outside to an hour or so in here. I’m not exactly sure since I’ve never timed it out but I know it’s within that range. Anyways I’ll get back to the main pain. Inside [Toy Palace: Gamers Paradise] we will play three games, or four technically but the first one doesn't count since it’s just us playing Rock-Paper-Scissor to decide who picks the first of the three games. After the first game is chosen and played, whoever loses will pick the second and so on. In total it’s best out of three so whoever loses two games will have their Aura Nodes and Mana Circuits sealed for the next three days.”
“What kind of games can we play?”
“Pretty much anything as long as I know it is. I’ve imbued transmutation into this Realm so I can conjure whatever is needed to play said game.”
“Got it…” Kanashi hummed, rubbing his chin. This didn't seem so bad. There was a good shot at him surviving this. But because of that it would be harder to escape from. In comparison an instant kill Liminal Realm was normally easier to break out of because most of it is focused on killing the person inside. Limiting itself in one way to make it stronger in another.
But three days of having your Aura Nodes and Mana Circuits sealed is a heavy penalty so there must be some kind of weakness to exploit there. Perhaps it’s super easy to excorize as a result? Like just bathe in some tomato sauce? Kanashi wondered.
“Oh and now that you know the rules I should say that anything cheating and or violence from this point on will count as an immediate loss of the game we’re playing.”
“Got it, but what happens if we tie in a game?”
“We’ll play Rock-Paper-Scissors to break it.”
“Understood!” Kanashi exhaled. He spread his legs shoulder width apart and couched every so slightly forwards. He put his left palm down with it facing the ceiling and balled his right fist placing it over his palm ready to spring down at a moment's notice.
Gemujis eyes shot open when seeing this stance. Oh my god, that form is perfect! His legs are spread just far enough apart that his balance is stable no matter how hard he throws down his hand sign! Not only that but his forward posture shows him my hands subtitles of movement so he can read by intentions and react accordingly. This man… is a Rock-Paper-Scissors expert!
“So are we going 1-2-3 and throw down your sign on three or 1-2-3-Go and throw down our hand sigh at “Go?”” Asked Kanashi.
“The latter of course, that’s the only correct way to play!”
“I agree!” Kanashi grinned.
“Well then let us begin!” Gemuji yelled out, striking his own perfect form.
Then in sync they each began to chant.
“One.”
“Two.”
“Three…”
“GO!”
Kanashi threw his fist down first. Most people pick rock since it’s the easiest hand sign to create but he probably already knows that and expects me too as well. If that is the case he’ll expect me to throw paper and he will choose scissors. I’ll choose rock and crush him immediately! Kanashis fist stayed balled as it slammed onto his palm.
“Tch.” Gemuji hissed, looking down at his own open hand, he’d chosen scissors. A rookie mistake. “Alright that’s fine I guess.” He said, rolling his eyes.
Wow it’s just a game dude! Kanashi thought with an awkward smile. “How about Badminton?”
“Got it.” Gemuji said, snapping his fingers. From the room's floor came a badminton court and two rackets as well as a birdy. “Since you won you can pick which side you want as well.”
“Alright, I’ll go with the head of the court then.” Kanashi answered, taking his position.
“Fine by me.” Gemuji said, picking up his own racket and the birdie.
Unbeknownst to most, Kanashi was great at badminton, it was the only sport he was good at. In highschool he was known as God Of The Court for that reason. He could take a team of five on at once and still win. That being the case Gemuji should have been no problem to deal with.
“Let’s begin.” Gemuji called out, throwing the birdie up into the air. He hit it with enough force for it to fly towards Kanashi in a perfect arch. It fell straight into Kanashis racket and he hit it back to Gemuji with his own perfect arch.
He’s going for a blunt hit next, I’ll have to act like I don't expect it while still being on guard. Kanashi thought while arching forwards ever so slightly.
As the Birdie fell into Gemujis racket he suddenly smashed it with such force that it soared across the court with a whistle.
“!” He’s trying to make it go right before the end zone!? Kanashi thought, leaping backwards. Pushing himself off the floor he just barely smacked the birdie back to Gemujis court before falling backwards to the floor with a crash.
Kanashi was unable to control the trajectory of the Birdie which fell right into Gemujis racket. Without pause Gemuji bunted the birdie making it just barely go over the net.
Seeing this Kanashi leapt to his feet and dove forwards. Was that his plan? For a wild hit and then bunt it when I’m down!? Kanashi slid across the floor like a baseball player trying to make a base. He just barely made it in time and gave the Birdie enough of a tap that it fell right over the net, another bunt.
“!” Gemuji, who had been expecting a wild swing, leapt forwards and made his own slide to the net. Unlike Kanashi he was wearing shorts and could feel the skin on his knees being peeled away by the floor but he didn’t care. As long as he could move he could win.
Gemuji slid his racket right under where the birdie would fall and smacked it upwards.
The birdie flew into the middle of Kanashis court which he easily hit to Gemuji who had got back up to his feet.
Gemuji hit the birdie straight to Kanashi who returned the favor. The pair exchanged a few simple mid court hits waiting for the other to make the first move. Whoever would bunt or long court next could be the winner.
The first to do so was Gemuji, with an unexpected ferocity he smacked the birdie with enough force to send it across court out of bounds and towards the wall.
“?” Kanashi looked at the birdie and then Gemuji in bewilderment. Was that a frustrated swing? He was a sore loser obviously so maybe this was him letting his frustration get the better of him after his last two plans failed?
No he looks too confident for that… “!” Then Kanashi realized it. He sprinted towards the birdie as fast as he could. He’s trying to bounce it off the wall and back into my court! It was something he’d seen before in highschool. As long as the birdie didn’t hit the floor it was fair game. Few were talented enough to pull it off but Gemuji seemed competent enough to do it.
“GURAH!” Kanashi cried, leaping forwards and performing a side swing which slammed into the Birdie just in time. The birdie flew straight upwards towards the roof above the net.
“!” Gemuji quickly realized that Kanashi was trying to perform his own bounce off the environment tactic. In a panic he tried to calculate where the birdie would fall so he could prepare his racket. The right! He decided and jumped to the side, hitting the birdie towards Kanashi as it fell downward.
At this Kanshi smiled wide, Gemujis hit was just strong enough to make it go over the next. Not a bunt but a weak bat and Kanashi seeing his plan come to fruition jumped up over the net and like a basketball player dunking he put all his weight into his next move. He crashed his racket down onto the birdie, sending it to the floor directly in front of Gemujis side of the net.
“NO!” Gemuji cried trying to make another dive for the birdie but it was already over. The birdie smashed down into the floor shattering in yellow bits of plastic which scattered throughout the air.
“I WIN!” Kanashi screamed and threw his racket behind him while performing a spartan victory pose.
“DAMNIT!” Screeched Gemuji, breaking his racket over his knee. He bit his lip hard enough that blood was trickling down his chin and he wheezed like Javelina.
“Ah, it’s just a game dude!” Kanashi said, trying to calm Gemuji.
“Who the hell asked you!?” Gemuji barked. “Next is [Big Dog]!” He cried out stomping on the floor.
“Big Dog?” Kanashi asked. The badminton court sank down into the floor and a bench press along with a set of weights rose up in its place.
Seeing Kanashis confusion Gemuji gave a wide and sinister smile. “We’ll each start off by benching 45 lbs once, if we are both able to we’ll increase the weight by 10 lbs. We’ll do this until one of us can’t bench the weight anymore and loses.
“Oh okay.” Kansashi nodded, it seemed pretty straight forwards but he felt as though there was a chance he could lose this game. His bench press record in highschool was 150 lbs but he’d seen people in the same weight class as himself bench 225lbs. So just because Gemuji was smaller than Kanashi didn’t mean he was weak.
“Alright.” Kanashi said, walking over to spot Geumji who had already taken his position on the bench. “To the chest?” He asked.
“Yes.”
“I won’t touch the bar unless you tell me to help you.”
“Of course, that’s the only way to spot someone.”
Aghh why do you have to be my enemy when we agree on so much! Kanashi frowned.
Gemuji picked up the naked bar and easily performed a solid rep. It was perfect in every way which made Kanashi nervous.
“Your turn.” Gemuji said with a smile. He slid out from under the bench and to the spotter position.
“Got it.” Kanashi replied, he layed down under the bar and did his own rep which was flawless as well.
“Next!’ Geumji clapped. Two 5lb plates appeared on either side of the bar. Gemuji quickly slid himself onto the bench and shakily lifted the bar. “Oh wow! This is sooo heavy. I don't know If I’m gonna be able to lift it!” He said with a coy smile. “Here it goes!” He cried, dropping the bar down to his chest.
It’s only 55 lbs dude, don't brag about benching it yet… Kanashi thought with a frown. “Alright my turn.” He sighed, laying down on the bench and lifting the bar. It was thankfully still very light. He’d have cried if he had struggled to lift it. No, after working out these past few weeks he should be able to beat his old record with a doubt.
Kanashi dropped the bar to his chest and then racked it.
“Hmpf, next!” Gemuji grumbled with a clap. Now the two 5lbs grew to 10lbs.
65lbs? I remember when I first hit two 10lbs in 8th grade and felt like the king of the world.
Gemuji and Kanashi once again both benched the weight with no sign of struggle.
“Next!” Gemuji cried with a harsh clap. This time two 15 lb plates appeared. They repeated this process over and over again until Gemuji was practically screaming his lungs out with each clap. The bar now had two 50 lb plates on each side which made Kanashis hand twitch from anxiety.
145 lbs? Five off my old record… No I could still do this but the next one will be 155 lbs will I surpass my old record? With these thoughts in Kanashis mind he watched Gemuji struggle to rack the weight after performing a lackluster rep.
“Hah!” Gemuji coughed, “Let’s see you do that!”
“Got it.” Kanashi said, taking his spot on the bench press. With a deep breath Kanashi lifted the weight, thankfully he found it only moderately heavy. There was a notable amount of weight but he was able to lower and rack the bar with ease. He was slowly getting tired but he had a lot left in the tank. Meanwhile Gemuji was covered in sweat and gasping for air.
“Damnit!” Gemuji growled. “NEXT!” Two 55 lbs plates appeared, which would be 5lbs above Kanashis record.
I’ve got this! Kanashi smiled.
Gemuji laid on the bench and lifted the bar with a great amount of effort. He was clearly struggling and looked to be on the verge of popping a blood vessel as he racked the bar “HAHA!” He cried jumping up
“I’ll go ahead then.” Kanashi said getting into his position and lifting the bar. It wasn’t really that heavy. The next round he would for sure win. Kanashi dropped the weight to his chest and then quickly racked the weight full of pride.
“Next! NEXT! NEEEEEXT!” Gemuji shrieked clapping his hands together hard enough that his skin began to welt.
This would be the final weight, 165lbs. Kanashi was convinced that this would be his 2nd victory.
Gemuji laid down onto the bench and took a deep breath and firmly grabbed the bar. He rubbed his hands across the rough surface and with a loud exhale he lifted the bar before dropping it to his chest.
“Phooo!” He coughed struggling to lift the barHis legs and arms were shaking as his teeth grit and veins grew across his tomato red face. Against all odds Gemuji managed to rack the bar. His eyes were bloodshot and he gasped for air as he stood up.
“I’ll go ahead then!” Kanashi said, diving down onto the bench. He could feel his hair get whitened by Gemujis sweat which made him scrunch his face in disgust. But he was about to win. This was no time to be worried about such dumb things.
Kanashi griped the bar and lifted it up off the rack. It was for sure heavy but not enough to make his arms give out. He dropped the bar down his chest slowly making sure it touched his chest. He wanted his victory to be absolute.
Gemuji loudly grinded his teeth and breathed heavily while watching Kanashi lift the bar.
As Kanashi lifted the bar and went to rack it he made a mistake. As he went to rack the bar he put it back at an angle and over extended it from the rack behind him.
“AGHH NO!” He cried trying to correct its position but it was too late. The bar fell from his hand to the ground with a loud crash.
“...”
“...”
The loud crash was followed by silence. Kanashi felt as if his heart had stopped and his body grew so warm that his sweat felt ice cold.
He’d lost, he dropped the weight by accident and was disqualified. It was a stupid mistake, he was supposed to win this. It made no sense at all. He’d failed due to his clumsiness and that thought made him feel like crying.
“I did it!” Gemuji cried, throwing his arms into the air and cackling triumphantly. ‘I did it! I’m the best at Big Dog! YOU SUCK!”
Kanashi was tempted to point out the fact that Gemuji only won because of a fluke, Kanashi lost because he was an idiot not because Gemuji was stronger than him. But he bit his tongue, he had to decide on the next game.
“Well then loser boy what game are we playing next!?” Gemuji asked with a grin.
“One second…” Kanashi muttered, rubbing the crease between his eyebrows. I don't want to do something physical since I’m pretty tired and that’s making me become sloppy. I’m sure Gemuji is even more tired than me but the rush from winning might just be enough to push him to win. I can’t do something as risky as Rock-Paper-Scissors either. I need something I have a real shot at winning…
“Alright then let’s play [Battle Monsters].”
“The card game?” Gemuji asked, cocking his head to the side.
“Yeah.” Kanashi nodded.
“Fine by me!” Gemuji snapped his fingers and the bench press transformed into a metal folding table with a playing mat in the center.
“What about our decks?” Kanashi asked.
“I conjured all the card cards currently released, feel free to make it with those.” Gemuji said pointing to a large red crate under the table.
“Oh wow, how handy.” Kanashi said with a small smile. I wonder if he’ll let me take these home when this is all over?
Kanashi and Gemuji too their opposite seats as the table and took turns getting through all the conjured cards. After about an hour's worth of time they both had completed their decks and began the game.
[Battle Monsters] was a fairly standard anime based card game. Each player has a deck and 10 life points. You can spawn monsters and or cast spells as well as fuse monsters to create stronger mutated monsters. The first to 0 life points loses.
“All right then I’m ready!” Gemuji yelled, throwing his stack of cards down on the table.
“Me too.” Kanashi said, putting his own deck down on the play mat.
The stacks of unused cards that covered the table instantly disappeared signaling the games start..
“I’ll go first if that's okay?” Gemuji said drawing a card.
“Fine by me.” Kanashi frowned. Why ask if you’re gonna just go ahead and do it anyways?
Gemuji looked down at the card he drew and laughed loudly. I spawn [Skeleton Swordsman: Atk 3 Def 4].
Hmm, that’s a pretty bad card, it's on the stronger side but has no effects so why put it down? Kanashi thought, raising his eyebrow.
“Then I end my turn!” Said Gemuji, slapping his hand on the table.
Wait no spell cards or anything? What the hell is this guy doing? Does he think this is format 2 still!? “Okay then.” Kanashi said drawing his own card, he looked at his hand which was pretty good.
[Spell: Frost Calm: Your opponent cannot attack next turn]
[Monster: Deck Goblin: Send this card to your deck and draw a new card. This can only be used once per battle. Atk 1 Def 2]
[Monster: Headless Knight: When this card is destroyed you can spawn two other headless nights from your deck. Atk 2 Def 0]
[Spell: Rat Trap: Your opponent cannot draw a card next turn.]
[Monster: Magic Man: Discard this card and activate a spell during your opponent's turn.]
“I’ll play [Deck Goblin].” Kanashi said putting the card back into his deck and shuffling it, he then drew another card.
[Spell: Infinite Rotation: You can cast one spell continuously as long as this card is on the field.]
Perfect. Kanashi thought with a smile, “Then I’ll spawn [Headless Knight: Atk 2 Def 0] and end my turn.
“HA!” Gemuji laughed seeing the weak monster Kanashi had spawned, he threw a new monster down this one being [Golden Dragon: Atk 4 Def 1]. “Then I’ll fuse [Golden Dragon] and [Skeleton Knight] to create [Golden Dragon Knight: Atk 5 Def 3]!” Gemuji laughed.
Kanashi opened his eyes in surprise at this, he didn't expect Gemuji to pull out a monster at this level so quickly but that was fine.
“Now I’ll have my [Golden Dragon Skull Knight] attack your [Headless Knight]!”
“Damn.” Kanashi said putting his [Headless Knight] into the discard pile. “But I’ll use his effect and spawn two other [Headless Knights.]”
“Hmph, spawn as many of those wimps as you like. I'll take care of them no problem!” Gemuji said, ending his turn.
“Got it…” Kanashi said drawing a new card.
[Spell: Multiply: Repeat one spell card effect up to 3 times per turn.]
Nice! “Alright then I’ll fuse my two [Headless Knights] into [Demon Knight Hollow: Atk 5 Def 3] and set down two spell cards to end my turn.
“Tch.” Gemuji clicked his tongue at the [Demon Knight Hollows] Spawning. “I’ll draw and then spawn [Ogre General Atk 3 Def 0] . His effect is that he can attack twice per turn!”
“Oh scary.” Kanashi smirked.
“[Golden Dragon Skull Knight] kill his [Demon Knight Hollow]!”
“Hold up, I activate the effect of [Magic Man] which allows me to activate the spell card [Frost Calm] from my hand. You cannot attack this turn or your next turn now.”
“!” Gemujis eyes narrowed as a vein bulged on his forehead. “Fine, go ahead.”
“Don't mind if I do~” Kanashi hummed while drawing another card.
[Spell: Freemason: Choose one spell card from your deck. This card will take on that effect.]
“Okay then, I’m ready.” Kanashi said with a smile, “I place one spell card down and end my turn.”
“Pfft you and your spell cards huh? Do you think that is going to stop this!?” Gemuji slammed down his newest drawn card [Dragon General Diamond Atk 4 Def 3]. “Then I’ll fuse him with my [Ogre General] to create [Demon Dragon God Lapis Atk 7 Def 5]!”
“Oh wow.” Kanashi said with a face of surprise, this guy's luck was really good.”
“Hahaha! Next turn I’ll fuse these two to create an even stronger monster which will be able to kill your ass!”
“Fine by me.” Kanashi said drawing a new card.
[Spell: Card Reaper: Both players discard half of their deck to the discard zone for five turns.]
“All right then I’ll start off by using the spell card [Card Reaper].
“I Dont care.” Gemushi said, ripping half of his deck from the table and throwing it to the discard pile.
“Then I’ll activate the card [Spell: Rat Trap: Your opponent cannot draw a card next turn.] and also I’ll activate [FreeMason] giving me the ability to copy the spell [Opposites Attract: This card can reverse a negative effect to a positive.]”
“?” Gemushi raised his brow in confusion, “You mean you’re letting me draw one card next turn?”
“Not just one card!” Kanashi said throwing down the card [Spell: Multiply: Repeat one spell card effect up to 3 times per turn.] and finally [Spell: Infinite Rotation: You can cast one spell continuously as long as this card is on the field.] So now every turn you’ll draw three cards.”
“But why?” Gemushi asked, looking down at his cards, and then it hit him. “You’re trying to deck me out!”
Kanashi didn't reply but smiled, this is the way he’d won a local tournament and got $500 store credit. Compared to those guys Gemuji was nothing.
“Whatever, I'll crush you before that happens!”
“Fine by me.”
Gemushi drew a card, “I'll attack your [Demon Knight Hollow] with my [Golden Dragon Skull Knight] and attack you directly with my [Demon Dragon God Lapis]!”
“Oof.” Kanashi muttered, placing his card in the discard pile and making note of his current 3 life points.
“Next turn you’re done!”
“I hope not.” Kanashi said with a laugh drawing his next card, he smiled seeing it, he’d won. “From the discard pile I activate the effect of [North King Kelsier] which lets me send half my deck to the grave!”
“?”
“But then I’ll activate the spell card I just drew [Magic Mirror!] My affect is reflected to you as well!”
Gemuji looked down at his deck which only had ten cards in it, meaning he’d be shortened down to five cards. But that didn't matter because he’d still have one card left.
“Doesn't matter!” Gemushi said drawing his four cards. He still had one left and he could win this!’
“I will attack you directly with my two monsters!”
“Nope! From my discard pile I activate [Gatekeeper] your [Demon Dragon God Lapis] attack is canceled!”
“But that’s still enough to kill you!”
“No! Because the second effect of [Gatekeeper] allows me to increase my life points by two if you have another monster on the field to attack after he is activated!”
Gemuji leapt across the table, his eyes full of rage and tears. “YOU STUPID CHEATING META PLAYING BASTARD!” He screeched, punching Kanashi in the nose.
[WINNER KANASHI]
The Liminal Realm vanished putting Kanashi and Gemuji into the small nook right before you would enter the staircase.
“!” I can't feel my aura! Gemuji thought, looking down to see his hands. He’d lost completely.
Without a moment's hesitation Kanashi punched Gemushi straight in the jaw and swept his legs out from under him. As Gemushi slammed to the floor Kanashi conjured a weak layer of rock around him. Strong enough that he couldn't break out unless using even the most basic enhancement which he couldn't because of his aura nodes being locked.
“See ya then!” Kanashi laughed, turning to the staircase's descending direction. He was about to save that Griffon. To see such a thing in his life was instantly exciting. Running down the staircase he made it to the final floor where he saw someone standing.
A short man with spiky black hair and a Katana in hand.
“Yo, Kanako.” He said with a malicious smile.