A curious glance into the hallway wasn't only completely unnecessary but also dangerously foolhardy; utilising stealth whilst maintaining the element of surprise was the key to my escape. Having traversed these hallways on countless occasions prior: The building layout, security guard's names, faces and movement patterns had become burnt within the nether regions of my mind for whatever length of time I had remaining on this godforsaken earth. Furthermore, since nobody with half-a-brain was stupid enough to break into the WFA's headquarters, CCTV remained arrogantly unmonitored, (I hope).
"Veil of darkness."
The three omnipotent words I'd repeated countless times over the past eight years. Though I lay no claim towards being an expert in the field of Artemesia, I'll attempt a short summary with what little knowledge I possess. The precious stone held within this necklace is glamorously bestowed upon those deemed worthy enough by the WFA, (World Freedom Alliance) to join the SoL (Soldiers of Light). A group of highly trained warriors tasked with the upkeep of justice, maintaining order and every other cliché trope you've come across at some point during your undoubtedly worthless lives. In the words of the esteemed lab-coat dweebs within the WFA, "Artemesia removes the limitations of normal progression within humans, allowing an individual's innate abilities to flourish towards incomprehensible levels."
In simpler terms for the educationally-challenged peons out there attempting to decipher my previous words. Artemesia is akin to applying multiple super chargers to your automobile, exponentially improving abilities you inherently possess. In particular the following 2 aspects:
1) Any physical capabilities
2) The natural elements you resonate towards
The key phrase is "exponentially improving abilities you inherently possess". Artemesia won't suddenly turn a timid pussy-cat into the next Bruce Lee. However, a martial artist trained in both traditional and contemporary styles, proficient in firearms and swordsmanship and a previous stunt girl such as myself….. Well you can imagine the results when Artemesia is thrown into the mix. Furthermore, Artemesia enables you to draw upon the aura of the surrounding area, utilising earth's natural elements to perform devastating magical abilities. Whilst the specifics remain slightly mysterious; your character and actions mould your natural tendencies towards particular elements, which in turn determine the magical abilities your able to utilise.
Earth's seven natural elements include: Earth, Fire, Ice, Water, Wind, Light and Darkness.
Given my current situation and circumstances, perhaps it's fitting that the element I resonate towards happens to be darkness. "Veil of darkness," temporarily hides my presence from anyone within a certain distance, (roughly 15 meters during previous tests), more than enough to deal with a few measly guards. My other abilities include "Phantom Shroud," whereby both myself and any weapon currently within my grasp become coated in a layer of irrepressible dark aura; forging unstoppable instruments of death capable of tearing through anything (or anyone), brave enough to stand in my way. Finally, we have my supremely powerful ability I've ingeniously named "Eternal Rage." Though you'll have to carry on reading to find out what it does…. After all every good soldier requires a few surprises up her sexy little sleeve.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Taking one final glance towards one of the ridiculously overpriced digital clocks situated roughly 2 feet above the door within every room, (clearly no expenses spared for anything beyond the walls of that sadist prison); I momentarily forced my eyelids to a close whilst exhaling a few short breaths, mentally picturing what lay beyond the door's threshold whilst simultaneously visualising the precise movements and actions required in the inevitable approaching fight. Preparation is the cornerstone to perfection, burn those words into your memory and never forget.
Now for the details: Two guards pace up and down the hallway in opposite directions, taking exactly 58 seconds to reach the adjacent side. A further 2 seconds is required for the guards to turn 180 degrees in order to return back toward their original position. Within the first of these 2 precious seconds, the guard's view on the opposite side of the hallway becomes temporarily obstructed, creating a small window of opportunity to move into position. However, were the guards to become alerted of my presence at any time, (bearing in mind opening and closing doors completely unnoticed isn't an issue with my rigorous training), they'll hit the alarm button on their wristwatch and the facility will instantly go into lockdown…. "Game Over," as Jigsaw would so eloquently have retorted.
Carefully slipping out into the dimly lit hallway, a gleeful smile immediately purses across my lips as I silently manoeuvre into position behind the guard called Tommy. (Part 1 complete!!) Maintaining a distance of exactly 2 steps at all times behind the guard; the impeccable timing and precision that rose my status to beyond legendary within the SoL, would very soon be under intense scrutiny. At exactly 29 seconds the two guards will pass shoulder-to-shoulder in the middle of the hallway, providing me with a split-second opportunity to act.
27 seconds and counting, my hand was readied in position hovering mere centimetres above the handle of Tommy's sword as my lips silently mouthed the words, "Phantom Shroud". Grabbing the sword a few microseconds before go-time, at 29 seconds the two guards were nothing more than a pair of lifeless corpses. The moment the guard's bodies aligned, Tommy's sword (imbued with my irrepressible dark aura) had sliced directly through the throats of both guards, a thick stream of blood immediately gushing in every direction as if it were some macabre sacrifice towards the demonic Baphomet. Call me twisted if you will, but the sight of two pairs of pupils slowly vanishing into the back of their owner's heads whilst their bodies crumple into my arms in almost perfect unison, remains a moment of unquestionable beauty.
One of the most important lessons learnt during those long and arduous days training to be a soldier, is learning how to properly regulate the release of Adrenaline. Maintaining a regular heartbeat is imperative, not only preventing over-exertion but more importantly preserving clarity of thought. Momentarily sitting cross-legged upon the floor, I allowed my eyelids to draw to a close before undertaking 3 minutes of silent meditation, inhaling and exhaling deep breaths in a highly controlled rhythmic fashion. The metaphorical clock, (conveniently situated towards the forefront of my mind), continuously ticked the seconds away as I opened my eyes and gradually rose to my feet. Reinvigorated within a wave of calming blue aura; a grin subsequently pursed joyfully across my lips as I pranced onwards, my vengeance drawing ever closer with each step I take.