They reach the citadel, and make their way to the same alley where they had left the box behind. The area seemed relatively safe... Perhaps too safe. They hadn't heard a single shriek since the time they had come back.
Xayn: Highly unusual... Things are eerily quiet.
Raxyas: Yeah... Maybe they're resting?
Bazren: I'm not sure those things ever rest...
They cautiously made their way through the ruined buildings.
Raxyas: But Xayn, you didn't actually tell us how you and Tentoria hit it off back then.
Xayn: Well... It was pure coincidence, really. When we were first captured, there was a time Incola were not entirely sure what they would do with me. So I was placed in a cell, with my arms and feet fettered, to help keep me from trying anything. A guard was assigned to keep watch over me, as well. This guard was Tentoria... She struck me as odd right from the beginning. Everyone else seemed like they knew exactly what their role was and what they should be doing, but not her. She didn't even seem like she really wanted to be there. It was more like she had to be there.
Bazren: Did she say anything to you?
Xayn: Not at first, no. I believe it was I who spoke with her, initially. I asked her what they would do to me... She didn't know at the time. I also asked her about you, Raxyas... She was able to tell me that you were safe, and that I needn't worry. You wouldn't be harmed. Now, for her to know you would come to no harm, yet be uncertain about my own future... Needless to say I was alarmed. I asked her about Incola, about what they were trying to do by capturing us... But she didn't say a word. However, as days passed by, we got closer and closer. I asked her about her past, what had brought her there... She told me of her search for answers, how she yearned to recover her memories. I told her about my own time in Mortmundus, about how we met and trained under Za... She thought it was a nice story.
Xayn smiles.
Xayn: Not many days after, she comes into the cell looking as serious as I had ever seen her. She told me what they would do to me. That they would send me to fetch some box that was impossible to get... And that they were fully expecting me to not return from that task. I have to admit, I expected worse. At least I was being given some sort of chance, right? Beats getting killed on the spot if you ask me. She said she didn't think it was fair... That she didn't agree with Incola. She promised to help me, as long as I gave her my word that Incola wouldn't catch wind of it. Of course, I promised her... Anyone would have, given the situation I was in. But, I did mean it. I told no one about it, played along, and came here to Ragma. Before leaving, I told her she could trust you, Raxyas, and I also told her to deliver a message to you... So that you would hopefully know that you could trust her, too.
Bazren: So she offered help just like that...?
Xayn: Tentoria's past may be a horrible one, but she has a kind heart. She wants answers about her own existence, yet I'm confident she's not willing to go to the same lengths Incola goes to in order to achieve their goals. It's my belief that they keep a lot of secrets from her...
Bazren: I'm not so sure... She said it herself that the things she knew were terrible enough to justify the destruction of Incola...
Xayn: Bazren, is that not what she is doing by helping you?
Bazren was caught off-guard.
Xayn: She clearly does not like them, but she needs them. Yet, that hasn't stopped her from trying to put a wrench in their plans when given the chance, provided that she doesn't get found out. Yet, now that we have the same information Incola does... The time for her to free herself from their schemes is almost at hand. I have no doubt of Tentoria's intentions. She will help us take down Incola.
Raxyas: I think Xayn is right, Bazren...
Bazren: Well, it sure would be a great time to hear her take on it...
They finally reach the area where the box should be. Yet... It was missing.
Raxyas: Are we in the right spot?
Xayn: Undoubtedly. I should know, given how long I spent here... The box is gone.
Bazren: Gone, huh...
Bazren recalls how the beasts were attracted to the box.
Bazren: Maybe it was taken by the monsters. They seemed awfully agitated when we tried to take it, right?
Xayn: That could be a possibility... Though I admit, I wished we didn't have to face them to get it...
Bazren: Oh don't be like that Xayn, have some faith in us! Plus, if we're going to take down Incola, I think we should see this as a once-in-a-lifetime training opportunity!
Xayn: That's... One way to look at it, for sure...
Raxyas: Any hunches where they might have taken it, Xayn?
Xayn ponders for a moment.
Xayn: Not exactly... I suppose our best bet is to head towards areas in the citadel where the concentration of monsters is higher. If we start taking them down, we're bound to run into the one who took the box.
Bazren: Sounds good to me, let's get moving!
Spurred on by Bazren, they explore the citadel as they head towards the market district, where Xayn reports that there should be high monster activity. On their way there they see dead monster corpses, akin to the one Bazren had slain.
Xayn: Are they... Dead?
They walk slowly, looking at the freshly-deceased foes.
Bazren: But... When did this happen? Surely not before our initial arrival, right? All the soldiers wouldn't have died otherwise... And I know for certain that I didn't take these ones down.
Raxyas: How many shrieks did we hear when we first came to the citadel?
Bazren: I don't know but... It wasn't just one. There have had to be many more. And they all came from different places within the citadel, judging by the direction their sound came from.
Xayn: So what you are suggesting is that something killed all of these monsters... Between the time you left the citadel and now?
Bazren: I suppose... But that cannot be right... There's no way they could have killed them all in such a short window of time. How can that be?
Xayn: Whatever the justification may be, remain on highest alert everyone...
They continue to walk, making their way to the market district.
Raxyas: Look at that building...
Claw marks painted the entirety of the walls of one of the buildings. It seemed something was desperately trying to escape.
Bazren: Let's take a closer look...
As they approach, they hear something. Like a muffled scream. When they make the corner, a horrible sight greets them. One of the monsters had survived, and was rummaging through nearby buildings attempting to locate vessels to strengthen its body with.
The monster was too busy, and did not notice them [https://img.wattpad.com/8b5549662a0a5328b739e3f24778afa829f3045a/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f706c376a6849324a6a42666a54513d3d2d313231303736383438342e313732623738373034383866326566343435303037363835393235342e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The monster was too busy, and did not notice them. They quickly turn back, hiding behind one of the buildings.
Raxyas: Seems like one of them must have gotten away...
Xayn: We should take it down now, while its guard is down. We have to be as efficient as possible here, given that whatever slaughtered all of these beasts may still be around... We can't afford injury and we especially cannot afford to draw unnecessary attention.
Raxyas: Agreed... Bazren, do you see any weak spots?
Bazren peeks around the building, to take a better look. It seemed like the beast needed to use its flesh to consume vessels, so it had its backside completely exposed, as the flesh had to be redirected to the front, where it was occupied with consuming a vessel.
Bazren: A glaring one. Its back is completely exposed. All I need is to get a solid hit in, and it'll turn to ash.
Xayn: Good. Then I shall look for a way up into the rooftops, where I can assist you better with my ranged abilities in case things go south. Raxyas, I suggest you approach from behind, in case Bazren's attack fails and the creature turns around. That way, it will leave its back exposed to you, allowing us to get another hit in immediately.
Raxyas: Sounds like a plan to me.
Bazren: Same here.
Xayn: Good, to your positions everyone. Wait until we are ready to strike, Bazren. I'll fire an arrow into the sky to let you know.
Bazren: Very well, I'll be waiting.
Xayn manages to climb onto one of the rooftops by using the debris of some collapsed buildings. When he gets up there, he positions himself in a way that he can see both Bazren and Raxyas. After confirming that both of them are prepared, he nocks an arrow, aims upwards, and fires. As soon as Bazren sees it, she strikes. Sending her flail with full force against the beast's exposed weak spot, a good portion of its bone structure cracks, as it lets out a shriek of agony. It quickly turned back to face Bazren, meaning it was time for Raxyas to strike. With the beast's attention completely drawn to Bazren, he runs and uses his whip-gladius to carve onto the unsuspecting monster's back, shredding some more of the damaged bone structure. Even though both attacks were successful, the beast still wasn't taken down.
Bazren: Shit! This one's tough...
The monster snarls and strikes Bazren. Anticipating the attack, she blocks it with her shield, which at this point was overflowing with energy, still stored up from her previous fight.
She thought of using it then and there to finish the battle quickly, but decided to save it for what could await them next [https://img.wattpad.com/e4af5621a46128f63a371286f9226f2ca7cb7a7f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f51583269613354354c334d5546513d3d2d313231303736383438342e313732623738636531626332373766373638303437323236393239372e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
She thought of using it then and there to finish the battle quickly, but decided to save it for what could await them next.
Raxyas: Xayn, this thing has noticed us both, there's no way either of us can get a solid hit in anytime soon! Take a shot from up there!
Above, Xayn carefully aimed his bow at the foe. In an attempt to keep both Bazren and Raxyas at bay, it had fortified the sides of its body, leaving the top mostly unprotected as a result. There was an area completely clear of tar on the monster's skull, making it the perfect target to hit. It was the perfect opportunity for Xayn to use one of his signature moves.
Xayn: About time I got some revenge...
He fires a single, large arrow from the bow, which travels at a surprisingly slow speed. Once it flies above the monster's head, it stops. Frozen in mid-air, the arrow rotates and adjusts as its tip follows the exposed area on the monster's skull. As the monster moves and the arrow shadows those movements, it gains more and more energy. When enough energy is stored, it fires. Like a flash of light, it hits the target with overwhelming precision, punching a hole straight through the monster's head. It falls to its knees and collapses on the floor, dead.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Bazren: Impressive...
Raxyas: Seems like you're as good as new, Xayn!
Xayn descends from the rooftop to join them. The plan had been a success.
Xayn: That could have gone worse, couldn't it?
Bazren: Well, I actually was expecting to take it down in a single hit. Perhaps this one was stronger than the last... I suppose that would explain how it managed to survive, while all the others were slain.
Raxyas: Either way, it didn't stand a chance.
Xayn: Shall we carry on? We are almost at the cathedral.
Raxyas: Hang on a minute, Xayn...
Raxyas approaches the site where the monster was frantically digging. Once he searches through the rubble, he confirms his suspicions.
Raxyas: Figures... Bazren, look at this.
Beneath the rubble, lied the carcass of yet another one of the city's redeemers. The monster's critical condition must have heightened its senses, allowing it to discover a vessel buried deep underneath some rubble.
Bazren: You think we have time?
Raxyas: I think even if we don't, we still have to try. If it increases our chances of taking whatever is still lurking around here done, then we can't pass it by.
Xayn: Excuse me, but what exactly are you two on about?
Raxyas looks at Xayn, and smiles.
Raxyas: It's time for an upgrade, my friend. Come on.
They make their way inside one of the buildings. It was sturdy enough to have remained in relatively good condition, given the state of many of the other structures in the citadel.
Xayn: Are you sure this will work?
Raxyas: Of course it will, it did with Bazren! Now, do you have them, Bazren?
Bazren takes out her soul sphere. Inside, were Neio and Okir's souls, as well as one of Raxyas' soul shards. Besides that, thanks to the leftover souls from the fortress assault and to the two monsters that were recently taken down, they were able to collect an overwhelming amount of souls to power up with.
Raxyas: Good...
Xayn: Those are the shards you told me about, then?
Raxyas: Yes. Currently, I have two of my shards, and Bazren has another one. This fourth one goes to you.
Xayn: Thank you, Raxyas... But is this enough to stop them? How many more shards do they have...?
Raxyas: Plenty more, they were 18 total. But they are no redeemers, Xayn. Their combat ability is beneath our own. Most of them did not have a weapon to begin with, meaning that, without my shards, they would be nothing. It takes a special kind of power to develop two weapons... Ilka has that power, as we already know. Tentoria... Probably does, as well. We haven't met that many of the other members, but from the ones we did meet I don't think any of them should be powerful enough to acquire them.
Bazren: But there are still plenty more members we don't know about...
Xayn: Bazren, in your current state, how many members with a single weapon do you reckon you could take down?
Raxyas: Oh sure ask her, she's not known to over-exaggerate her combat abilities at all!
Xayn: Answer honestly, Bazren.
Bazren thinks for a moment.
Bazren: Naizk is a complete glass cannon. He'll go down fast.
Raxyas: Yes, I actually do agree with that.
Bazren: Then there's Linvaes with his dagger... Which quite frankly didn't seem to be all that strong during the assault on the fortress.
Raxyas: Without Eanai I reckon he too would be easy to take down, yes.
Bazren: Eanai herself has a whip, right? Your weapon is similar Raxyas, what did you think about hers?
Raxyas: ... Call that a whip? Compared to mine it seemed more like a wet piece of rope. She might be a nuisance, but she won't be much trouble, either.
Bazren: Now, Gunjia might be tricky with that big ass shield of his, though...
Raxyas: But he has next to no offensive capabilities. Just leave him for last, I suppose,
Xayn: So... How many do you think? 3? Perhaps 4?
Bazren: Four sounds about right. What are you thinking exactly, Xayn?
Xayn: I'm just thinking of the worst case scenario... If Incola have 18 shards, and 4 of those shards are here, that still leaves them with 14 shards. Even if Ilka is the only other enemy that can wield two weapons and if Tentoria is on our side... They still have 12 or 13 shards at their disposal. I don't know... The odds don't seem too good for us.
Raxyas: We still have master Za's help, however.
Bazren: And I'm sure master Qu can lend us his strength as well!
Xayn nods.
Xayn: I see... Very well.
He looks over at the empty vessel.
Xayn: Let's hope it is enough, then.
He claps his hands once.
Xayn: Now! Shall we get that transfer done?
Raxyas grins. With some of the souls they had obtained from destroying the monsters, paired with the last soul shard of Raxyas' soul, Xayn acquires a new weapon: A pair of jet boots, that allows him to soar for a limited amount of time. His pupil shape also changed: the hollow circle had become an enso.
His pupil shape also changes: the hollow circle had now become an enso [https://img.wattpad.com/67feebaf5597aca4746503955e1d3936be5ee6db/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4644396759724d592d5a707874673d3d2d313231303736383438342e313732383732633631613333636236383830323838393739313030302e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Xayn: So I can fly now...?
Xayn laughs.
Xayn: Well, stay put you two, I'm going to take these for a quick test drive!
As he ascends, Raxyas and Bazren look at him from below.
Bazren: You know...
Raxyas knew what she was about to say.
Raxyas: Don't. Stop it.
Bazren does her best to hold her laughter in.
Bazren: ... A pair of boots is still cooler than a gauntlet.
Raxyas gives her a death stare. She bursts out laughing.
Raxyas: We'll see what's so funny about it the next time you lose an arm...
In the meantime, Xayn uses his boots to soar high above the buildings of the citadel. He notices something peculiar inside the cathedral... A sight he wishes he didn't have to see. The structure seemed to be almost entirely consumed by black tar, which was seeping out from within the cathedral itself. It was difficult to ascertain, but he could swear there was something moving in there... He descends, to inform Raxyas and Bazren of what he has seen.
Xayn: Bad news... It would seem that our biggest foe is indeed still lurking, most likely inside the cathedral... It is being consumed by tar from the inside out, and I'm almost certain that I saw something lurking inside it...
Raxyas: Alright... Then our task is clear. Let us make our way there and destroy whatever that entity may be.
They reach the cathedral. The doors were completely busted open. They got as close as they could to it, without stepping on the tar that covered it.
Bazren: I don't see anything around here, Xayn...
Xayn: Be on your guard, still. Perhaps it has gone somewhere...
Female voice from within the cathedral: Perhaps he has already left this rotting citadel.
Male voice from within the cathedral: Perhaps he's behind you!
The voice of children from within the cathedral: Or perhaps he rots still in the same place he did back then...
Inside the cathedral, two glowing eyes open up. They were completely black, yet they emanated a light that could be seen among the shadows and blackness within. The trio takes a step back, assuming combat positions.
Xayn: Get ready, everyone!
The entity moves, its body larger than that of any undead they had encountered thus far.
As it did, it spoke [https://img.wattpad.com/0f235653ef88d0706e8dcfbfeb9274f1ff0e7158/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f466a656979356662454f5f3537773d3d2d313231303736383438342e313732623739383662393837383633623135323436333335363332352e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
As it did, it spoke. The voices that they had heard all came from him.
Female voice: You come to my citadel...
Male voice: After all these years...
The voice of children: Why...?
It stopped moving just a few feet in front of them. Its body shifted and morphed before its eyes, as countless mouths amalgamated to form a single one.
Corrupted Entity: Why did you take so long...?
The entity falls to its knees. The group of undead grip their weapons tighter, not knowing what to expect.
Raxyas: Who are you?
Corrupted Entity: I am but a shadow of the ruler that was. I am guilt. I am sorrow. I am... All that is left. I am the one who answered the ringing of the bells.
Xayn: Ringing of the bells...?
Corrupted Entity: I heard them, in the distance. As buildings collapsed and monsters shrieked. I heard the ringing... I came to answer it. To answer my citadel's cry for help.
Bazren: Shit...
Bazren recalls the sound she heard when battling the first monster. It must have come from the cathedral...
Raxyas: Bazren?
Bazren: I might've awakened this thing earlier... With the ringing from the shield.
The entity stands up and speaks.
Corrupted Entity: Are you here to help...? Or destroy my citadel further...?
Xayn: As a matter of fact, we just came here to collect a box.
Corrupted Entity: Box...
The monster extended a black tentacle from its torso, which was grasping a purple box.
Corrupted Entity: This box...?
Raxyas: Yes... That would be the one.
Corrupted Entity: Why... Do you want it...?
Xayn: We need the knowledge inside it. To protect Mortmundus.
Corrupted Entity: Protect... And... Who protects the entrance to this citadel...? Who let you in here?
Raxyas: ... Master Nu. From Ragma.
Corrupted Entity: Nu... NU...!
The entity absorbs the box into itself, and grows out black limbs as if it was preparing to attack.
Corrupted Entity: RUIN-BRINGER...
Bazren: Careful, Raxyas!
The beast swings but misses, as Raxyas manages to dodge the attack just in time.
Raxyas: Guess there's no other way...
Xayn: Way ahead of you!
In a flash, Xayn had already summoned his bow and used his jet boots to circle around the enemy. He fired three arrows in quick succession at some bits of exposed bone in the monster's back. Enraged, the monster turns around to strike him.
Xayn: Get him now!
As their enemy turns their back on them, Raxyas and Bazren prepare to strike. However, the tar that covered the monster's back began bubbling, and out of the bubbles countless eyes began to form. There were no more blind spots to exploit...
Bazren: Careful!
Even though the monster was busy trying to swat Xayn out of the air, it was also keeping Raxyas and Bazren at bay by making use of the eyes on its back. Several tentacles were protruding from the beast, so many that all redeemers had their hands full.
Raxyas: We gotta think of something else...!
Then, Raxyas remembered. Back in Slynvha, by touching Xi's corrupted vessel with his gauntlet, he was able to violently separate the many different pieces of vessel that formed it. It was worth a shot...
Raxyas: I need to get closer... Xayn, fly above me and hold your bow out! Make sure that your hands are nowhere near the handle!
Xayn complies. As he quickly soars above Raxyas' head, he extends his whip-gladius and wraps it around the handle of Xayn's bow. The monster attempts to strike him, but it is already too late. Raxyas had already left the ground and was now flying through the air, hanging onto Xayn's bow.
Xayn: Raxyas, this is far too much weight...! I'm gonna drop soon!
Raxyas: Just a while longer, fly above its head!
Xayn did as Raxyas asked, but it was no use. The monster had plenty of eyes on them and was keeping its body covered in tentacles in such a way that none of the redeemers could get anywhere near its vital parts.
Xayn: Raxyas... We're gonna fall...
Bazren: What the hell's the big idea?!
Raxyas: Bazren, we need you... Use your shield!
Bazren hesitates.
Bazren: What if we need it for later...?!
Raxyas: We won't be alive for long enough to know if you don't use it NOW...!
Bazren grinds her teeth and begins channeling energy into the shield.
Bazren: Xayn, you're gonna have to fly higher than that if you don't want to get hit!
Xayn was struggling immensely. Using the boots for so long, and with the extra weight of Raxyas' vessel, was straining him far too much...
Xayn: Raxyas... You only get one shot at this...
He channels all his strength into the boots, managing to soar higher above the monster's head. But... He was out of energy. Unable to keep going, Xayn's weapon fades and his boots de-activate.
Raxyas: BAZREN, DO IT NOW!
Bazren lets loose. A massive pink blast surges through her shield and hits the monster, causing the entire citadel to quake from her attack. Bazren herself slides several meters backwards with the sheer power of it. From within the blast, the loud shrieking of the monster could be heard, as chunks of black tar were being torn from its body, due to the force of the attack. Behind the monster was the cathedral, now sporting a massive hole that pierced it from one end to the other. After a while, her attack stops, and Bazren falls unconscious due to the strain on her soul.
Raxyas: It's all me, now...
Raxyas was now free-falling through the air. In his right arm he carried Xayn, who, too, had lost consciousness thanks to how much energy he had expended to get them high enough. Beneath them stood the naked body of the beast, with barely any tar holding on. It struggled to move, as if its joints had completely rusted over.
Raxyas: Your vigil is finally over!
Raxyas touches the monster's skull with his gauntlet as he falls from the sky, causing its vessel to explode apart in several directions. Raxyas' arm is torn off, as the skull shoots upwards into it. Even though he was in great pain, the worse was yet to come, as the ground beneath was quickly closing in. In an attempt to minimize the damage from landing, he rotates his torso, landing on his ribs, fracturing several of them. Xayn's vessel was mostly intact... But his own not so much. Still, their enemy had been defeated. He lied motionless on the ground for a while, catching his breath.
Raxyas: Why the fuck are we losing arms and legs each time we fight anything nowadays...?!
At long last, the elusive box was theirs. Raxyas stumbles over to it, grasping it with his right hand. As he channels into it, the secrets of the box begin unraveling before his eyes.
Raxyas: Shit... So I can activate them now...
Still, it was useless to him. The information shown to him was incomplete. Just another piece of the puzzle, which would only make sense if interpreted alongside the remaining ones. He was frustrated, but perhaps master Qu could make use of it. While Xayn and Bazren were unconscious, Raxyas took some time to scout the area around the cathedral, in search of his lost arm. It takes him a while to find it but, while looking for it, he's able to see that not all of the cathedral has been contaminated by tar. There seemed to be a room that was now accessible thanks to Bazren's attack, which they could use to rest up while laying low, in case more monsters had survived. After healing his vessel, Raxyas carries his comrades into the room, healing them and awaiting their return.
Raxyas: This seems almost like... A master's chambers...?
There were several bookcases in the room, filled with books written in an undecipherable language of old. There was also an old, large bed, completely covered in dust. Underneath the blankets seemed to be something... It was almost the size of the bed's length, which was saying something, as it could easily fit almost two master channelers stacked on top of each other.
Raxyas: Hold on...
As Raxyas pulls the blankets, he cannot believe his eyes. Whatever they had just fought, it was not the master of the citadel... As the master's vessel was lying right there before him. It was the largest vessel Raxyas had ever seen.
Raxyas: Holy shit...
It was in great condition... Immediately the thought of transferring into it crossed his mind. As he was thinking about it, something else caught his eye. Behind some books in one of the cases, something emanated a purple light. Raxyas approaches the bookcase, and takes some of the books from it. And indeed, concealed behind them is yet another box... In pristine condition.
Raxyas: Well, guess it can't hurt to peer into this one, too...
Raxyas touches it, and distant visions of times long gone begin flooding his mind...