"Are you going to keep messing around, you piece of crap? Speak up, you asshole," I said, expressing my frustration as I released another arrow towards the mysterious entity.
"You... are... interfering..." the voice responded, acknowledging my assaults.
"Interfering, my ass. I'm going to start getting pissed if you don't get out of this shit," I hissed, putting the bow on my back with the string against my chest. "Get the hell out of here, damn it. I need her more than you." I clicked my tongue and ran towards the mist.
"She... will be... my... vessel..." the voice replied, revealing its dark intentions.
"My vessel is my dick, you son of a bitch," I snapped my fingers, intensifying the shield that enveloped Elara. My drain increased, severing the connection between the spirit and her body completely.
"Do not... INTERFERE with me." The voice reverberated, echoing in the cave. Stalactites fell from the top, creating a shower of fragments in the arena.
The atmosphere became even more charged, as if the cave itself was reacting to the intensity of the confrontation. Now, I was face to face with the entity, ready to face any challenge to protect Elara.
The mist around the entity undulated aggressively, trying to resist my advance. However, my determination was unwavering. I ran towards the shadowy figure, ignoring the dangers posed by the rain of stalactites.
"You won't touch her, you bastard!" I shouted, fueling my rage. My hands rose, summoning the energy of the mist that now pulsed within me. The connection with Elara became stronger, as if the cave itself was responding to my call.
"I am not a mere mortal in this shit," I muttered to myself, feeling the energy flow through me. The entity let out a final roar before being enveloped by the intensified mist. The rain of stalactites ceased, and the arena fell into a tense silence.
I felt my mist being torn apart and witnessed Elara's body violently emerging from it, indicating the return of her spirit. "Finally," I murmured as I wrapped her body in the cloak and placed it in a corner of the arena. "I knew this shit was a boss arena, I knew it," I muttered, stomping my feet on the ground with a mix of resignation and determination. "So be it, so be it."
I faced Elara's spirit, ready to confront the next challenge. Before it could begin to speak, I advanced towards it. "No time to waste. If I can't bind you, I'll consume you," I said, determined.
Clapping my hands together, I propelled myself towards the spirit. In a disconcerting irony, I passed through its body. "Ah, what a pain in the ass, but turnabout is fair play. This shit is annoying," I sighed as I turned my gaze back and saw the spirit attempting to attack me. "But I can do this shit too." I dissolved my body into mist, watching the attack pass through me. "And this too." I solidified my arms and tried to grasp the spirit, only to realize there was nothing to hold onto. "Son of a bitch."
The spiritual battle continued, and I faced an opponent whose rules transcended earthly logic. Elara's spirit, now free, displayed a cunning that challenged my ability to comprehend.
"You're not getting away, damn it!" I shouted, frustrated with the spirit's elusiveness. I knew this fight went beyond the physical, involving intricate dynamics between the mist and the spiritual essence permeating the area.
The spirit continued to move, avoiding my attacks and launching strikes against me. I, on the other hand, alternated between dissolving my body into mist and solidifying it to try to restrain it. Each attempt revealed the complexity of this battle, a dance between material and ethereal forms.
"Let's end this once and for all," I declared, determined to find a solution to this impasse. I concentrated my energy, seeking a deeper connection with the surrounding mist. As the mist responded to my call, an idea formed in my mind.
This time, when the spirit tried to attack me, I anticipated it, completely dissolving into mist. However, instead of just avoiding the attack, I allowed the mist to envelop the spirit, trapping it in an ethereal web.
"This is how we're going to do it, you bastard," I smiled, feeling the mist pulsate under my control. With each moment, I strengthened the bonds that held the spirit captive. It was a battle of wills, of control over the mystical forces permeating the cave.
The spirit struggled within the prison I had created, attempting to break free from the ethereal chains that kept it restrained. However, my determination was unwavering, and the connection with the mist provided a unique advantage.
"You won't interfere with Elara anymore," I hissed, channeling all my energy in an attempt to solidify the prison even further. The weakened spirit seemed to yield to the resistance of the mist that held it captive.
"IF I CAN'T HAVE THE GIRL, I'LL HAVE YOU." The voice reverberated, penetrating my ethereal webs and invading my body. An unknown energy seized me, challenging the very essence of my existence.
"Damn it!" I shouted, feeling my body being filled with this intrusive force. "Don't you dare mess with this shit." I stomped my foot on the ground, gathering all my mist back into myself. The battle would now unfold within me.
"What the hell is this, damn it? Did I become the protagonist of a Shounen story? Get out of me, damn it." I brought my hands towards my neck, falling to my knees. "Damn it, where the hell did I get myself into, damn it." I closed my eyes, turning inward to my own being. If this battle would be fought within myself, I would seek refuge in a place I knew well.
"So be it, damn it. You're going to meet my greatest defense." I felt the veins in my body pulsating, and my body collapsed to the ground.
There I was, observing the spirit struggling against the giant wall I knew so well. "Go on, you son of a bitch, break it." I said from afar, a smile forming on my face, witnessing the violence of the spirit's advances against my projected self on the wall.
The scene was surreal, a visual representation of the internal battle occurring within me. Each assault from the spirit was like an unknown force seeking to break the foundations of my being. I, on the other hand, resisted with the steadfastness of the wall, leveraging the fortress I had built.
"You won't dominate me," I hissed, feeling the connection between my body and my mist strengthening. The internal struggle reflected the complexity of the forces shaping my existence. It was a dance of resistance, a battle for my very essence.
The spirit attacked with fury, attempting to break through the wall of my defense. Each collision echoed like thunder in that internal space. While I resisted, the awareness that this battle would determine not only my fate but also Elara's weighed heavily on me.
"I am more than this adversity," I murmured to myself, seeking strength to face the unknown that now manifested within me. The internal confrontation continued, and the outcome of this transcendental battle remained uncertain, shrouded in mystery and the unpredictability of the forces permeating my own being.
I could see the Wall open its eyes again, and I sighed in anger. "You son of a bitch, you stay quiet too, I'm busy now." I advanced towards the spirit.
"WHAT IS THIS? WHO ARE YOU?" The spirit screamed upon seeing me.
"I'm your father, what a stupid question, you invaded me," I hissed, realizing that my blows were now hitting its body. "HA, now you're gonna get beaten, damn it."
"HOW CAN THIS DEFENSE EXIST?" It continued to shout.
"Shut the hell up, take it quietly, scumbag." I kept punching the spirit, which faced the defiant gaze of the Wall.
"Oh, God." I turned my eyes to the Wall, which was exerting its influence on the spirit. "I DON'T need you." I pointed to my projected self on the wall, challenging the presence that sought to influence the course of the battle.
The internal struggle unfolded with renewed intensity. My fists delivered precise blows to the spirit, which now faced not only my resistance but also the determination of my projected self on the wall.
"You can't dominate me, neither you nor this wall." I declared, feeling the energy flow through my punches. With each punch, I reaffirmed my autonomy over my own being, challenging the forces trying to shape my destiny.
The spirit, weakened by my continuous attacks, seemed to yield to the strength of my will. The Wall, in turn, maintained its piercing gaze on the scene, a silent witness to the battle unfolding within me.
"You're not the only one who can influence this arena." I asserted, deeply inhaling the mist around me. Each breath strengthened my connection with the magical essence of the cave, making me a force to be reckoned with.
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The spirit, now visibly shaken, tried to resist my blows as I maintained the pressure. Each punch was an act of rebellion, a statement that I was the master of my own destiny.
I held onto the spirit, a strange situation that defied the very laws of reality.
"Now, you son of a bitch, what were you up to?" I stared at the spirit, which now took on the appearance of a man.
I noticed that the spirit didn't respond; it simply kept its gaze fixed on the Wall.
"Oh, damn it, I don't have time for this shit." Flying towards my face on the wall, I held the spirit there.
"Take this shit." I threw it towards the wall, watching its gaze follow the spirit's body.
I kept staring, waiting to see if anything would happen.
"So be it." I sighed, trying to return to my normal state, but I realized I couldn't. "Damn it, a new problem every day."
The feeling of helplessness and discomfort surrounded me as I tried to comprehend the complexities of this surreal situation. The connection with the mist, the Wall, and now a rebellious spirit, everything intertwined in a magical plot that challenged my understanding.
"What do you want, after all?" I murmured to myself, feeling the mist pulsate around me. Every attempt to return to my normal state seemed to be thwarted by invisible forces that now permeated my being.
"Alright, I get it. Speak up now." I said, looking at the wall, which finally met my gaze.
"Have you finally understood my importance here, Aidan?" The wall, with a deep and imposing voice, said.
"I won't even get into that. I want to go back, please, can you let me go?" I said with an ironic tone.
"I know you didn't want this, but you can't avoid what has already been done. At least let me teach you how to use my legacy." The wall said.
"Teach me to use the power that I'm going to use to destroy your plans?" I hissed, staring at the wall.
"What you'll do with this incarnation is already within the plans." It responded.
The exchange of words revealed an even greater complexity in the plot that surrounded me. I was caught between forces beyond my comprehension, guided by a destiny that seemed already interwoven with the magical fabric of my own existence.
"Do you want to teach me to use this power for your own purposes?" I questioned, maintaining my defiant posture.
"Purposes can align, Aidan. What matters is how you choose to use them," the wall replied, emanating an aura of ancient knowledge.
I sighed, pondering the spoken words. I stood at a crossroads where the choices I made would shape not only my destiny but the destiny of all involved.
"Then teach me, but know that I'll do it my way," I asserted, accepting the wall's offer.
The wall, displaying an expression of surprise reflecting my own confusion, seemed to understand that it made no sense to disagree with someone who already mastered the legacy it tried to teach me. Accepting guidance from someone with prior knowledge became a logical choice, avoiding wasting precious time in an unnecessary battle.
"But make me go back to my body; I'm wasting time here," I hissed, directing my words at the wall while casting a meaningful glance at the spirit I still held under my control.
"Very well," the wall responded, its voice reverberating in the magical chamber of the cave.
With a click of my tongue, I noticed the influence the wall exerted on my body. I opened my eyes and gradually returned to the reality of the cave. The familiar scene of the cavern began to take shape around me, and I felt the connection with the mist, now strengthened by the knowledge shared by the wall.
However, the transition back to my physical body was not instantaneous. I could sense that something was different, a subtle feeling that something had changed within me. Learning and magical power now pulsed in my veins, waiting to be explored and understood.
I sighed as I brought my hand to my chin and walked towards the figure lying on the ground.
"Now let's analyze this cohesively, what the hell was she doing here?" I crouched in front of her and nudged her face, but she showed no signs of waking up.
"And this new sensation? What the hell, negotiating with this bastard, damn it, a new problem every day." I sighed as I sat down next to her.
"If I need to learn my own legacy from the past, it would put me in a better position, but I would still be a pawn on the Blackwell's and my own chessboard." I reflected, diving into my own thoughts.
"Damn it, the same thing that got me into this shitty situation is now going to teach me." I clicked my tongue.
"But so be it, at this moment, I can't argue much with these events." I looked at Elara lying on the ground. "I hope I didn't mess up helping you." I reached my fingers towards her and enveloped her with the mist blanket.
"Well, let's investigate this place; there must be something here." I stood up, clapping my hands to dispel the heavy atmosphere that hung in the cave. It was time to uncover the secrets and challenges that still awaited in the depths of my new domain.
I walked to the center of the arena, looking at the top of that peculiar structure emerging in the heart of the mountain.
"This isn't naturally made, definitely not. But why does it exist inside a mountain?" I turned my body, examining every detail of the arena's poles.
While collecting my arrows, I noticed that two of them were broken. A sigh escaped my lips, but I quickly composed myself. After storing the arrows, I decided to explore further.
"Like the Elf Patriarch and this spirit, somehow, I absorbed them." I murmured to myself. "Okay, where did this energy go?" I closed my eyes, focusing on my own body. "Does this count as a new form of fuel?" I reflected on the possibility of testing this theory, but a better idea emerged in my mind. "Wall-face, are you there?" I said aloud, waiting for a response.
The voice of the wall, a constant and wise presence, resonated in the magical chamber of the arena. "I'm always here, Aidan. How can I assist you?"
"I absorbed some powerful entities and am curious about how I can use this energy. Any suggestions?" I questioned, seeking guidance from the wall that now seemed to be a magical advisor.
The wall emitted a gentle vibration, as if processing the information. "The energy you absorbed is a fusion of ancestral magic. It can be channeled and shaped according to your will. Try focusing that energy into your bow or the mist around you. Let it manifest naturally."
The wall's suggestion intrigued me. Experimenting with the fusion of this ancestral energy with my own magical arsenal was a tempting idea. I followed its instructions, directing the energy to my bow. A heightened luminosity appeared on the object, and a sense of renewed power pulsed in my hands.
"Interesting," I murmured, surprised by the immediate response to my experimentation.
"But let me guess, this energy doesn't belong entirely to me, right?" I asked, watching the bow pulsate in a chilling manner.
"Not entirely. You can mimic its essence, replicate it, but not exactly." The man in the wall's voice responded.
"Okay, so explain to me exactly what my incarnate ability is. After all, I'm not entirely knowledgeable about it." I commented, swinging the bow in my hand.
"Your incarnate ability is called Phantom." The man on the wall declared.
"How ironic, just like Albert's squad name." I chuckled, recalling the Red Jackets from New Eden. "So, it has a name. What are its main properties?" I asked, pacing back and forth.
"Primarily, defense. Your incarnate ability is entirely selfish. It doesn't synergize with any other; it serves only the purpose of keeping you alive." He explained with his unchanging voice.
I reflected on the nature of this ability, absorbing the information as I stared at the bow now imbued with Phantom energy. Defense, plain and simple. It was a feature that could be valuable in critical situations, but the lack of versatility was evident.
"It seems I'm a selfish ghost, then." I commented ironically. "But, this defense, how does it work? Can I activate it whenever I want, or is it more instinctive?"
"Your defense can be enveloped around your body once, and it will withstand a certain number of blows based on your affinity with the incarnation. After that, you return to feeling pain and getting hurt." The voice explained.
"Okay, so you're telling me I can envelop myself in mist, making my body immune to any kind of attack?" I asked, a bit surprised. "Precisely." The voice responded.
"Isn't that extremely strong? How the hell did you die then?" I hissed; after all, this incarnation belonged to my former self. "Enduring damage doesn't mean you can deal enough damage. There are incarnations stronger than yours, than ours." The voice replied.
I reflected on this information. Being able to become temporarily invulnerable was a notable advantage, but the lack of an equivalent offensive capability made the ability more balanced than I initially imagined.
"Understood. Defense for the sake of defense doesn't help much in real combat situations. I need to find a way to balance this." I commented, pondering how I could maximize the potential of this new ability.
"Yes, balance is crucial. Also, remember that each incarnation has its limitations and strengths. Mastering the symbiosis between them will be essential for your success." The voice of the wall echoed again, offering its wisdom.
"This defense was present in my initial tests, but its constant drain prevented me from testing it further. Concrete face, how would this enveloping work?" I asked as I began to delve deeper into it.
The voice of the wall resonated in the cavern. "The enveloping, as you called it, is a technique that allows the mist to temporarily solidify around you. It's a protective layer that withstands a predetermined amount of attacks, as mentioned earlier. To activate it, focus on the intent of protection and allow the mist to respond to your command."
"Got it. So, basically, it's a conscious activation of defense, allowing me to use Phantom more strategically." I commented, absorbing the information.
"But what would be the difference between this activation and the previous one? Are there other forms of summoning?" I asked, replicating my previous test and enveloping my fists, allowing the mist to flow through my pores.
"What's the difference between this activation and the one you're talking about?" I insisted on seeking a more precise understanding.
The wall's voice responded, clarifying the distinction between the two forms of activation. "The main difference lies in the nature of the defense. In your previous activation, the mist naturally enveloped your body as a constant layer, but now, with this conscious enveloping technique, you can control when and how this protection is triggered. It's an evolution that allows greater versatility and precise control."
"Understood." I murmured, assimilating the explanation. "Basically, the previous activation was more passive, while this one allows for active control over the defense. That makes sense."
"Okay, now explain to me about something else. What is the influence of the mist on bodies other than mine? Can I control it in any way inside another being?" I asked, recalling the rabbit test I had conducted earlier.
A voice of the wall resonated, responding to my question. "The mist, when infused with Phantom's energy, has the ability to interact with other bodies. However, this influence is limited and requires practice to master. You can exert some control over living beings, but caution is needed to avoid causing harm or loss of control."
"Got it." I murmured, pondering the implications of this ability. "I can influence, but I need to be careful not to inadvertently harm. That adds an interesting aspect."
I decided to test this ability more precisely. I enveloped my hand with the mist charged with Phantom's energy and extended it towards a nearby small stone. I focused on the intent to move it, and to my surprise, the stone began to float in the air, responding to my command.
"Interesting." I smiled, realizing the potential of this new ability. "It seems I can use this influence in a more refined manner than I initially thought."
The wall encouraged me to explore this facet of Phantom further. I experimented with objects of different sizes, gradually developing greater control over the mist and its influence on other elements.
"The mist can become an extension of my will, not only in defense but also in the subtle manipulation of the environment around me." I reflected, seeing possibilities unfold before me.
"So, let me get a clear answer. What is the real difference between this and any mind manipulation ability? If there is any in these incarnations." I asked, seeking a better understanding of the nuances of this new capability. "This seems quite strong from my point of view, not that I'm complaining, but it's something with a lot of possibilities."
The voice of the wall responded, clarifying the distinction between the influence of Phantom's mist and mental manipulation abilities. "Mental manipulation usually involves directly influencing a being's mind, affecting thoughts, emotions, and decisions. Phantom's mist, on the other hand, interacts more with the body and life energy. It allows for more physical manipulation, subtly altering the physiological response of living beings. It's a powerful tool, but it doesn't compare to the complexity of mental manipulation in terms of reach and subtlety."
"Understood." I murmured, processing the information. "So, I can mess with the physical, but I don't have the same level of control over the mind itself. Still, it seems to be a significant advantage."
"Tell me about energy drain issues now. By my calculations, simple activities consume about 5% of this energy, and the only way I've recharged so far is by absorbing energy from people I've killed, smoke from fire, and sleeping. Are there other ways, or are these the only ones?" I asked, once again, eager to discover what other methods I could utilize.
The voice of the wall responded, providing information on energy recharge options. "In addition to the sources you mentioned, there are other ways to recharge Phantom's energy. You can absorb energy from magical creatures, harness the energy released in magical power spots, or even channel the natural energy around you. The diversity of sources offers flexibility, but it's crucial to choose wisely, as each can have different implications."
"Interesting." I commented, processing the new information. "This means I have more options than I initially thought."