-Fei's POV-
"AaaaAAAAH!!" I yelled, sword gripped in reverse as I flew down and stabbed the behemoth's head.
It was a creature that seemed so alive one would mistake it as nothing more than mutated animal. With its three legs, a pair of arms and a head of an antelope, it was a Flame-Type Golem capable of razing down an entire town in one night.
As the black sword pierced through the thick skull wrapped by blazing fur, I could feel my aura deteriorating faster than downpouring rain and even my stamina was shaved off a great deal.
But - as the beast roared, bellowing in mad agony, I kept myself from flying off its head, continuing to put pressure to break through the accursed constructed beast!
My body was torn with wounds, my right eye could not see anything yet I pressed on. What else could I have done? I was born and raised this way.
As a juggernaut, I have no obligation other than killing my enemy.
And so I proceeded to cut the head, shaping wounds after wounds and howled as I struck the head in hope of smashing through the skull and splattered the brain of the thing!
"Damn it! Just die already! I have no time to waste for you, damned doll!!" I roared in anger as I recalled the earliest memory before I fought this monstrosity.
I have to go to her. I'm sure she's worried. I can't let her cry again. I don't want to leave her side!!
"Then fuck off already. You're getting in the way, you dolt!!"
That was when I sensed an incoming presence, and a terrifying amount of mana. But what is this pressure?
As if pressure could be applied in the air when internal mana was being used...
No. It can't be! The same enchantment spell Charlotte always conjured?! Who is this person!?
"I said - GET THE FUCK OFF MY WAY, YOU PIECE OF BLOODY SCRAP!!"
I jumped out from the path as a blazing crimson sphere struck the behemoth. It shrieked but I sensed movement from the blazing sphere...
Wait. Is that truly a flame? A mixture of aura and mana was being gathered rapidly, revealing a figure of a person equipped with a pair of gauntlets. The weapons held unique design with various parts sharpened and the finger parts were designed as claws.
Then the person - a boy with red hair reminiscent of tainted fire struck the Golem with angry roar.
Once - a punch caused the surface of the protective blazing fur to crack, including the hard-like-titanium alloy shell.
Twice - another punch delivered a deep dent that caused the monster to cry out.
Thrice - and the third punch made it through, smashing apart the shell, sending it out as flying shards including spraying 'black' blood.
"Gah!? What the fuck is this thing!?" The boy leaped backward and landed near me, missing the black substance in the nick of time.
"That's the bodily liquid of the Goliath." I answered. "A highly flammable substance, a pollutant to the environment and a catalyst next to fairy ore that could accelerate the flow of mana infused into it."
It resembled artificial blood rather than a mere liquid though.
As I watched the monster falling to its feet, the limbs creaked and cracked and the black liquid spurred a dazzling fire. It's quite ironic that the golem's blood caused the flame ‘fur coat’ to burn brighter.
"...you're awfully knowledgeable of these 'things'." The boy stood next to me said, implying something I don't really want to know.
Unfortunately, he's right. I know because I am 'informed' of them. Of this place and its forgotten inhabitants, of the risks and rewards that enticed me and also of fear that someone might found out had I kept silent about it.
Still...
"Why are you here, Leonhardt A. Augmund?" I asked with a threatening tone and also signs of bitter hatred.
"The little runt told me you two're going out." The boy scoffed, then sending out a death glare. "Is it true that both of you are engaged?"
...engaged...? Certainly, the Oratoria Crest caused my relationship with Charlotte into that level but... We've been going out for no less than two weeks.
Therefore...
"I think Charlotte isn't one who will push our relationship to that level. Yet." I answered bluntly.
"So you don't deny going out with her, huh!?" The redhead lashed out with a fist thrown at me but I dodged with leisure.
Bah. Too much extraneous effort. Even a farmer could dodge that strike.
"GHRRAAAAAAAAARR!!"
Hum? Oh, it's still alive. I exhaled as I raised the black sword tip up to my neck level, and I saw the persistent boy setting up a stance.
It lacked any chance to defend. Is he serious to attack without caring for his life? Such a foolish brat.
"Piss off, Scrap. I ain't got any time to deal with the likes of you." He said, hinting on something which caused me to raise an eyebrow.
"When did you notice?" I asked just in time to see more Golems appearing from the tunnels ahead of us.
Goliaths, Cosms and... I see. Those spiraling appendages, that bulky body reminiscent of a spider to contain supply for extended period, also those glass eyes. It didn’t even take me for a second to clarify the behemoth towering beyond the other golems as Earth Breaker.
From their abilities, the heavy labor golem was a perfect fit as its name dictates. So that's the culprit of the tunnel fallout. I found it odd to face so many at the first floor though.
"Way too damn easy to tell. They damn smelled like rotten mixed meatheads, just like those things the Bloodsucking Duchess liked to have." He pointed out.
...I see. I guess it's obvious considering how he could send out those insane blows at the Goliaths. Even his eyes and intelligent were trained. Even if he did not know what constituted of the products of witchcraft, he could at least surmise their definite resemblance, one being the fact that golems were crafted by fusing a large amount of dead humans flesh to construct their cores.
Expecting less from someone like him would be insulting and arrogant of me.
"Tch. Looks like there won't be any end to them." The boy commented. "And you... where are sister?"
I flinched a little, only to realize how idiotic I was once I felt the intensifying glare from the boy.
"Something happened huh...? You're lucky I have to deal with these things first, you fucker."
Emitting a bright crimson aura, the boy growled and his eyes... turned jade green with slots appearing. That feature... it can’t be right?
"Are you not worried?" I asked with a glare.
"Shut it. Sister isn't a weakling that will drop dead in this rotten place." The brat responded.
"...I have plentiful amount of questions for you to answer. Else I will kill you next." I threatened.
"Suit yourself, Wolf in Sheep Clothing." He responded.
Then we heard the signal in the form of incoherent cries. Not even batting an eyelid at one another, we ran forward, straight toward the horde with our respective weapons in hands.
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The battle went smoother beyond expectation that all I could do was exhaling. As I spread mana thread to check any additional enemy lurking in the shadow, the near-transparent threads reported nothing to note for.
Thus, the flame has been put down. At least for now.
“Hmph. Not even worth my time.” The brat – Leonhardt scoffed as he kicked the head of the Earth Breaker, one which he ripped out from the body with one hand.
No other wound than a small cut on his cheek proved how strong he was despite being faced against the odds.
To think he thrashed around and littered the battlefield was also not in my calculation. In fact, his personality did nothing but wasting energy in prolonged battle, reducing my impression slightly. Still my opinion of him stood tall as a force to reckon with.
As an ally, he’s a volatile factor that may as well be an ace under the sleeve but comparing him to Charlotte was an entirely different matter. For one, this boy seemed delighted in fighting unlike his thoughtful elder sibling. Not to mention getting on his bad side will probably set him as an incarnation of painful death.
“…No. They can be cunning and superior in numbers but halfway down there, several types of golems would always appear.” I said to convince him from letting his guard down, “When They appear… I doubt you and me can hold out beyond thirty minutes.”
“Even if you try to use your full strength?”
……In a terribly flat tone, my effort was denied with a single line. I stared at the redheaded boy who cracked his knuckles and he glared back at me.
“I’m damn tired seeing your vain face. It’s as if you don’t give a shit at all even if the heaven falls upon you,” he said. “Why’d you come here then if you know your limits? It makes no sense.”
No sense… I could not refute it. Despite all he did was picking a fight, I could feel something from the glint of his jade eyes. It was as if he was assessing me… and disappointed.
Despite knowing he was ignorant, that gaze was one I have seen for so many times I grew tired of it. In fact, I twisted my lips to make a smile full of resignation due to it.
“Is that why you rushed here? To stop me…”
“Like hell I would stop you from committing suicide. I came here to drag sister back.”
……ah, so I see. I guess I jumped on the conclusion too often as of lately. Nodding down, I swatted the black sword in my hand, cleaning the blade from the black blood of the golems and sheathed it.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Unfortunately, we were… separated. All because of that Earth Breaker from earlier. We have to move with haste.” I explained my predicament, earning me a scowl and a click of tongue.
“Why can’t we just use that pitfall?” Leonhardt pointed with a thumb.
”I assure you certain death will follow should you ignore my warning, boy.”
I frowned, narrowing my eyes as a certain Royalty exit the shadow ahead of us. To think she’d been hiding while we fought to the bitter end…
“What do you mean by that, Eliza? Speak.” I commanded without mincing my words or hostility.
The vixen giggled with an all-too-familiar haughtiness, “Do you think I will heed your words?”
Ignoring her condescending gaze given to me, she eyed Leonhardt the same way she eyed Charlotte. But for him, she soon lowered her eyebrows and exhaled, hiding next to nothing about her disappointment.
However, the battle-hardened gauntlet wearing boy shot a glare that did not lose against Eliza’s. Not soon after a minute or so, she caved in, realizing he’s on an entire different level. Her reaction also showed me way too well that she’s the same as me; a Vagnalos.
“Hrmm…” Hiding her trepidation, Eliza cast her gaze away, haughty no more in front of Charlotte’s younger sibling. “I peered down and dropped several spells downward. All went in vain once a net of magical array expanded, reflecting them back.”
…A what? Both astounded, we tried to check if there was any falsehood in her words but Eliza gripped the hem of her skirts in frustration.
It was one of her honest-to-goodness weakness, always trying to hide lies from the face and words but unable to when it came to her limbs. This came in as a surprise for a magical array could reflect Vagnalos’ magic.
Excepting purebred dragons who could rip out my body in halves with a sweep of claws as if it was the most natural thing, only several races knew how to counter the strongest pawns which were Vagnalos. Demons with their particular Gifts, spirits with their Soul Breaker attribute, High-Elves who survived the Dark Age, and the 12 Divine Beasts as well as their heritage.
Some humans across history also were capable of killing us but the number was so low they could no longer be said as humans knowing the origin of their power.
Hence why I have to voice out.
“How could this be? Is it the puppeteer of the golems?”
Eliza shook her head at the notion, “I thought of it at first but presently, no sorcerers are capable of reflecting my
I snorted in disdain hearing the last part. To think she’d even mention him meant Eliza’s pride was shattered into bits. Because she bore the title
Especially when nobody knew who or what caused the harm. Even I can’t put a dent on Eliza’s
“This has turned into a hassle.” I muttered while rubbing my temple.
“Oy. What about sister, son of a bitch?” Leonhardt cut in.
I glared at him in gusto, “I’d rather die a hundred times over than leaving Charlotte behind. But surely you can recognize the situation or are you blind and deaf?”
“Bah. If you worry about it and stop moving, then give up on her. Sister is way too good of a woman for a lying scoundrel like you.” He retorted, and then walking into the biggest tunnel the Earth Breaker came from.
“Besides, if you don’t even know which one of the paths will lead to, then try all of them. It’s not like you lots can die anyway.”
…
And so he left, going deeper into the mine. As silence ensued, the first one to react was Eliza with a gasp full of surprise, eyes as round as dinner plates.
“Did he just-“
“Yes, I know. I am quite certain Charlotte has also noticed for a while. Those bearing the Augmund’s name have always been... eccentric ones.” I cut off Eliza's words short as I walked away, wanting nothing with her any longer.
But what I didn't tell her was this odd trait that had drawn me in. For it was her audacity to intrude into my life that she could drag me away from the abyss I was born and fated to die in. Although... knowing the house she once belonged to...
To be honest, those born in the Augmund house were either abnormal individuals or simply powerful they'd weave a certain part of history without failing in hiding their tracks.
They are also extremely sharp. Sharper than me who was, and would always be known as the sharpest
Like a sword, even the beloved maiden seemed to resemble her predecessors as days went by. Sharpened with experiences regardless of them being bad or good.
Perhaps, that sharpness was also one of the reasons why the most powerful lineage rivaling the Ruler’s crumbled overnight. Is that the reason why the Deceitful King feared them? Is that why he burned everything down once they found no other candidate to pass down their 'heritage'?
"In any case..." I murmured, peering into the darkness with the black sword drawn.
Thousands of red orbs gleamed within the darkness. In this den of abominations crafted through forbidden sorcery, what I wanted lied at the depth of the ruin. Despite their numbers, they hardly posed any threat. What I feared was how they could 'steal' what they saw and turn it into their power. And I'm even more scared to let my loved one threatened.
Recognizing my 'Link' with my dear Princess still existing, I sighed in relief.
"But how long will this situation lasts?" I told myself, scolding myself and erasing any slight thought of 'going steady'.
Poising a stance, I pictured the 'Lock' within myself unlocked. There existed several 'Stages' before I am consumed by my
[Aha ha haaaa! I can feel it! So many 'Life'! So many 'Destiny' to reap for, Wielder!!] A voice exclaimed in my head as the black sword was consumed by the black 'hazes' before changing form into the white sword I always knew.
A pure white sword with ominous design. A Sacred Sword bearing a Curse. A vile object that made me what I am. Once I reached the 'First Stage', this sword appeared. I continued to 'unlock' the 'Stages' up to the 'Second Lock' and a gauntlet materialized, a few parts soon melding with my arm and the white sword.
Breathing out a steam of white breath. I exhaled. My eyes turning into blank golden eyes with my vision filled to the brim with glowing floating texts, numbers, and percentage of my survival rate. My body feels rejuvenated as if being reborn anew, accompanied by waves of intoxicating pleasure and desires to destroy. I want to kill. I want to break everything. I want to destroy my enemy.
But who? Who's the enemy right now?
[Come! Come! Let us eat! Let us become stronger! The more you kill, the more you will gain power! And the more you gain power... The closer you will be as a
"I... will not lose myself to you, Lagnaris."
I won't submit to you. I'll fight if I have to, I'll sacrifice my Destiny if I must protect her, but know that I will never obey you. Know that as long as I am breathing, I will not let you 'vanquish' my life. And never will I give up in releasing myself from this maddening power.
"I will fight with her. Even if our enemy is the world and all that exists... I will fight for her, and live!!"
Access to the Root of Abraxas granted. Ruler's confirmation accepted. Vagnalos' Independent Movement authorized.
Uploading data to Hyper Augmented Vision... completed.
Calculating factors and resources... completed.
Type of Enemy:
- 'All-attribute' Cosm x2100 (still rising rapidly)
- 'All-attribute' Goliath x721
- Earth Breaker x26
- Prototype [Automaton] >247 (still rising exponentially)
Survival rate: <35% (sharply declining)
Critical threat(s) against Vagnalos and Oratoria detected. Proceeding to eliminate threats through all viable means.
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A/N: And so, I want to shed some light more about Fei, Leon and Charlotte's family circumstances. In the end, it became like this. I wonder if it's okay and by the way, the Root! Is! Back! Though I'm quite sure one of you have started to notice what this meant buuuuutt... I won't tell you! Not yet!