Time slowed as Ray’s heartbeat sped up. A torrent of thoughts and feelings flooded him as his gaze fell upon the motionless form, the spreading pool of crimson growing larger. Grief, disbelief, sadness, and finally, an overwhelming rage. Ray’s face contorted into a look of pure hatred staring at the approaching Alistrod as his anger overpowered the rest of his emotions. He would make this man pay for taking his friend even if it killed him. Mana and stamina flowed through him as he pushed his body and weapon to the limit. His blade extended to one, then two, then four feet. Cracks ran across the blade as he pushed the weapon to its max, but he did not notice or care. He pushed all the stamina that he could into his legs without thinking and blurred into motion. Alistrod, laughing madly at the poor resistance that the girl had put up, did not notice when his second target vanished from view. Warnings suddenly blared in his head as a 4-foot-long blade swung toward his head. Ray’s rage only increased as his target ducked his first strike, his mind consumed with thoughts of killing the man in front of him. He let out a bellowing war cry as he increased his stamina consumption further.
“Warning stamina limit exceed. Internal injury imminent.”
The words filled Ray’s mind, but he could not comprehend them while his mind was so utterly consumed. He went even faster, turning into a whirlwind of strikes. Alistrod transformed his arm into a blade and tried to defend himself, but he could not keep up with Ray’s speed.
“Warning stamina limit exceed. Internal injury imminent.”
A flurry of cuts opened a wound on Alistrod’s stomach.
“Warning stamina limit exceed. Internal injury imminent.”
He slipped past the madman's guard, cleaving a large gash into his side.
“Warning stamina limit exceed. Internal injury imminent.”
Ray yelled as he put all his might into his next swing, cleaving through the blade and severing the madman’s left arm. As a dark liquid flowed from his injuries, Alistrod collapsed, his eyes wide with terror. Ray lifted his dagger and prepared to strike the killing blow
“Warning stamina limit exceed. Internal injury imminent.”
A spout of blood came from Ray’s mouth as an encompassing pain radiated through his body. He fell to his knees, his blade shattering against the ground as it also succumbed to the overexertion. As a horrifying laugh ripped from his throat, the terror fled Alistrod's eyes, replaced by a wide, unsettling grin that stretched his features unnaturally.
“All that, just to end up dead.”
He said while getting back to his feet in between bouts of uncontrollable laughter.
He pointed his left hand at Ray, extending his index finger, revealing a small hole in his fingertip.
“I would say it was fun playing with you, but you're a terrible dance partner. Far too quick and violent. At least I will get to savor this moment.”
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
A loud bang echoed through the hall as a bright light expanded from his fingertip. As the fog in his mind lifted, Ray shifted his body, positioning his wounded arm between himself and the potential threat. The tinkling of shattering glass filled the room, followed by a heavy CLANG of steel hitting the ground. Ray looked at the horrific scene that he had just caused. He had rolled his body, positioning his sword breaker into the path of the incoming projectile. With nothing to lose, he infused every remaining point of mana that he had into its skill, causing it to amplify the effect to a startling degree. Alistrod, or what remained of him, lay on the ground 6 feet away with his head and most of his left shoulder replaced by a large hole. Pain exploded from Ray’s right side. He looked down, seeing that overcharging the Weapon had also taken a toll on him. The feedback had destroyed his right arm and dagger, leaving multiple metal shards lodged in his side. As blood poured from the wounds, he felt his concusses fading as the ground rumbled in a rhythmic beat and the world faded to black once more.
“A feat of strength has been performed. Compatible class detected absorbing spark of slain Incarnate.”
A scream erupted from Ray’s through as he awoke. He frantically looked around, finding himself in a bed situated large stone room. Bejeweled furniture and luxurious carpets decorated the room.
Whew, He thought, getting his bearings. It must have all been a horrific nightmare.
He tried to reassure himself, then reached his right hand up to wipe the sweat from his brow, but it never made contact. Fear reigniting in his chest, he looked over at his right side and saw his arm was missing. Another scream echoed through the room as Ray realized the terrible experience hadn't been a dream. A young woman, in a scarlet silk dress, burst through the large door. A crown adorned her head with three large rubies inlay at its three points. Long brown hair cascaded down, brushing her shoulders.
“You're finally awake.”
Her voice, though sweet, evoked the image of rolling thunder.
“Where am I? Who are you?”
He asked in between ragged breaths.
You're in my castle, located on the west coast of the shattered continent. While you know my identity, this is a new form for you, so let me introduce myself again. I am Zenith, the Scale mother and current ruler of the draconian people of this continent.
“What is the shattered continent? And how could you be Zenith? She was a giant monster the last I remember.”
“That's quite rude, little chick. I have half a mind to squash you where you stand for that comment.”
Her voice grew deeper than her body contorted, revealing a smaller version of her true form for a few moments before returning to normal.
“I'm sorry, please forgive me, oh noble lady, Zenith.”
Ray said with the closest thing to a bow that he could manage while in bed.
“I accept your apology, but do not insult me again, human. Regarding your second inquiry, the shattered continent is the term we use for the expansive landmass encompassing the Carinthian forest and numerous other incongruous biomes.”
Ray nodded, learning that he was still somewhere in his homeland. His lips curled into a frown, instantly casting a shadow over his mood.
“What did you do with Erith’s body?”
He asked, hoping that Zenith had taken it with them.
“Body?” Zenith asked, a confused expression crossing her face before her eyes lit up in recognition. “Oh, you must have assumed that she perished back in that awful cave. That's understandable given her condition, but her injuries were nothing compared to yours, and I kept you alive.”
Ray’s eyes lit up at that statement and an overwhelming sense of relief washed over him. He almost forgot about his missing arm momentarily as joy overtook him. His friend was alive!