Chapter 2: Beyond Realms, A Soul Split in Two
The echoes of battle resonated through Ishitori's mind as he returned to Rui's humble quarters. The scars of victory, both physical and mental, served as a constant reminder of the perilous journey they had undertaken. Yet, amidst the echoes of steel and fire, a question lingered: how had Ishitori(Sadao), a mere mortal, acquired such potent magic and knowledge?
The answer lays within the shadows of a past life, a life woven into the fabric of a MMORPG. The countless accessories he had equipped, each imbued with the skills and memories of other players, had granted him access to power beyond his natural limitations. This power, once limited to replicating the abilities of others, mutated after his arrival in Lufinca. He could now feel the raw essence of magic, manipulate it with the finesse of a seasoned mage, and even absorb the memories and experiences of those around him. Rui, with her fractured memories and pain-filled past, had become a conduit, blurring the lines between his reality and hers.
However, victory often came at a cost. To shield Rui from the potential harm lurking within her fragmented memories, Ishitori had faced a difficult decision. With a heavy heart, he split her soul in two. One half, burdened with the weight of her past, was hidden away in a safe haven, while the other, a blank slate, became the foundation for their new life together. He carefully crafted a tapestry of fabricated memories, weaving a narrative of their childhood, a childhood that never was. This fragile construct served as a shield, protecting Rui from the darkness that resided within her true memories.
Driven by a thirst for justice, Ishitori sought refuge in the Principality of Dragon Spire, a land steeped in ancient magic and legend. Its verdant forests, vibrant adventure guild, and rich history of monster hunting provided the perfect backdrop for their next chapter. He registered them as a team, their bond forged in fire and strengthened by their shared purpose. He sold remnants of his past life, artifacts imbued with the echoes of other worlds, to secure a modest dwelling for them to call home.
As they settled into their new life, Rui blossomed. Embraced by this newfound security and love, her true self began to emerge. She discovered an innate affinity for Elven magic, the power to manipulate time itself. Her nimble fingers, once scarred by hardship, now held the promise of alchemy and the creation of Adamantine-forged gear. Ishitori, though ever watchful, allowed her to explore her talents, a flicker of hope flickering within his hardened heart.
Yet, beneath the surface, a darkness festered. In the dead of night, when the moon cast long shadows and Rui slept peacefully, Ishitori donned his mask of vengeance. He unleashed his Nocturne Abyss, a spell born from the depths of his rage, transporting him to the homes of those who had inflicted pain upon Rui. One by one, they fell victim to his wrath, their lives extinguished in 999 agonizing deaths, each more gruesome than the last. The Imperial Principality was gripped by a wave of terror, whispers of a vengeful spirit echoing across the vast Demon Continent, a continent nearly the size of Earth itself, with Lufinca, their island home, dwarfing it by a factor of eight.
Thirty-nine souls met their end at his hands, each death a chilling reminder of the horrors Rui had endured. He was driven by a singular purpose: to exact revenge on the man who ignited the spark of her suffering, her father. This man, a clergyman of supposed piety, was a monster in disguise. He had fathered Rui with one of his slaves, a mere pawn in his twisted game. To shield his reputation, he sold her into a life of servitude and silenced her mother forever.
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Rui, abandoned at a tender age, endured years of abuse at the hands of a vile criminal, forever scarred by the trauma. Finally, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of Rafael, a holy knight masking his own dark desires. He and his men exploited her innocence, leaving her broken and alone once more. Freedom came at a cost – a debt of three million Rufs, a burden she shouldered by selling her body and soul.
Ishitori stood before Paul Reginald Azhenford, his eyes burning with righteous fury. He was no longer the boy who had entered this world, but a vessel of vengeance, his soul stained by the darkness he fought against. He had become the very monster he sought to destroy. As he faced his nemesis, the question remained: would he succumb to the darkness or find a flicker of redemption amidst the ashes of his past?
The answer, along with the fate of Rui and the world they inhabited, hung in the balance, waiting to unfold in the hands of Ishitori
A Dance in the Shadows
The memories of rui in his mind had consumed ishitori, a tempest of rage, revealed the horrifying truth: Paul was the father who abandoned Rui fifteen years ago, leaving her to an existence of unimaginable suffering.
Paul, a once-respected clergyman, stood tall, a testament to his rigorous training. He excelled in both the demonic and divine arts, wielding four magical forces with unmatched mastery. He was destined for nobility, a general to grace the King's court. But unlike the weaklings Ishitori had faced before, Paul was a force to be reckoned with.
A grim duel commenced. Ishitori summoned the demonic sword of Nazareth, its dark energy pulsing with malevolent power. Paul countered with the holy Tatsu, a magnificent weapon forged from the essence of a vanquished dragon general. The clash of their blades shook the very foundations of the mansion, reducing neighboring houses to rubble.
Ishitori unleashed the sword's curse. With each strike, Paul's life force would be leeched away, fueling Ishitori's own power. But the price was steep. With each strike, Ishitori risked losing one of his senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, or hearing.
A savage grin stretched across Ishitori's face. He was a bloodthirsty wolf in human form, relishing the thrill of the hunt. He had lost his hearing, a handicap that should have been a crippling disadvantage. Yet, Ishitori's senses were honed to an almost preternatural level. He could smell Paul's fear, anticipate his every move, a fleeting scent betraying his opponent's attack just a hair's breadth before it struck.
But the duel had become a monotonous dance of steel. Ishitori craved a swift end. He nullified the invisibility spell cloaking Paul, simultaneously removing the curse he had placed upon himself. With lightning speed, he seized Paul by the throat and unleashed the "Nocturne Abyss."
This wasn't just a spell; it was a living nightmare. Paul was condemned to relive 999 deaths, each one more gruesome, agonizing, and terrifying than the last. To ensure his suffering, Ishitori cast an immortality spell, forcing Paul to endure every torment, an endless loop of despair.
As if sealing a tomb, Ishitori used a ring – a cheat from his past life – to trap Paul in a personalized dimension. Here, Paul would relive his agonizing demise, a five-second reprieve between each brutal death. He would feel his flesh boil from within, his bones shatter and reform, his sanity teetering on the brink of oblivion.
With a cold heart and a feigned smile, Ishitori returned to Rui, his "oh-so-lovely girl." Together, they embarked on a quest to subdue fire dragon sprites, aiming for the coveted Saint-class adventurer rank. On their journey, they encountered Quill, another solo adventurer. Will Ishitori extend a hand of camaraderie, or will he choose to manipulate this new acquaintance for his own nefarious purposes? A darkness lingers within Ishitori, a soul stained with vengeance and teetering on the precipice of monstrous cruelty. Who will he choose to be? Only time will tell…