“Come on…Let’s get this over with…”

As the setting sun painted the sky in a gradient of colours, Leo’s soft voice echoed out through the chilly mountain as his eyes glazed over the enemy standing before him.

The two were floating in the air, both making simple eye contact to observe an opening to make use of.

The silence floating around them was painful, crushing even. The only noise that was made was that of the blowing snowy wind, and even then, even the wind itself seemed to retreat in the presence of these two fighters.

“My, my. I didn’t know you were so impatient, especially knowing what you are.”

He didn’t reply to that, and simply floated in the air, contemplating his moves as he kept a vigilant watch at his enemy.

Or, he tried at least, because he disappeared straight after.

“[Impudent Surge]”

Then, he suddenly reappeared besides him, his hand firmly pressing into his hips before a raging darkness blew out into Leo, engulfing him.

Not that it mattered much, since Leo knew beforehand and teleported as quickly as he could, appearing metres away from him, their eyes still locked onto each other as his enemy simply shrugged his shoulders, regretting that his first hit bonus was a miss.

And then, an avalanche came tumbling behind him and crushed him. The man simply punched his way out of the snow and jumped out, dusting off the small bits of snow sticking to his black clothing.

“Still good as ever I see.”

“…Whatever…”

Well, while it might be slightly tough at first, this was only one of his clones, so it shouldn’t pose much of a problem. He thought jokingly, because he knew that was likely not the case. He may be a psychic, but this guy was beyond even his perceptions.

“Careful now. Don’t go daydreaming.”

“!?”

He was too late to react, as his incoming fist collided with his stomach, sending him crashing into the snowy terrain. He countered back by sending waves of snow towards him using his telekinesis. He easily dodged.

To be exact, he did dodge the snow, but a sudden comet from the sky hit him and sent him crashing down the mountain with a spectacular fiery explosion.

Not letting up, seeing the man trapped in the snow, he hardened the snow around him to restrict movement and sent a volley of quick fire comets onto his unmoving body, causing explosions after explosions.

‘The ice phoenix will be pissed~…’

He continued attacking, firing boulders, shooting air bullets, applying crushing pressure onto him, sending in another package of exploding comets, using his powers to rip-

“[Phantom Blade]”

“Gah!?”

A sudden incoming [Phantom Blade] stabbed through his chest. He was lucky to move slightly to avoid injuring his heart, but…it, it still hurts. His red blood spilling out violently as he did his best to heal and calm his wound.

And to add salt to his injury, the man simply appeared there, without any wounds no less.

“Have these years made you dull, my old friend?”

“O-Old f-friend…a…aha…yeah, r-right…guhah…” He spat back as he finally pulled out the magical blade from his chest, his wound quickly healing back up.

“Oho? Do you perhaps think me as more of a friend?”

‘Might as well…’ He thought as he raised his left hand into the air and chanted,

“[Sacred Treasure: Aurora]”

A surge of golden magical energy erupted from his body and surrounded his left arm, before it started to harden and crysta-

“As if I’d let you finish.” He appeared besides him and punched him down into the mountain.

…Except, he didn’t, as his left arm, now equipped with a powerful golden gauntlet, moved in to block his attack, and even repel some of the force back to him, sending him flying back instead!

Well, no matter. Such an increase in power would never be enough to truly shake him. And besides, he had a trick of his own, but using it would be no fun, not until Leo truly goes out that is.

“[Dawn]” It was the first named spell that Leo used in this fight, and keeping true to its name, a bright light appeared, melting anything in a close proximity to it. Snow, rocks, trees, even some of the monsters in the area, all of them quickly began to melt.

It was as if a second sun had arrived in the midst of the dark night.

The man too felt this, just to an incredibly low extent. The only thing he felt was the nice warmth it gave out. The chilly atmosphere of this place sure has made him want a nice cozy place to stay in.

And that’s exactly what Leo wanted.

“Take this.” He quickly closed the gap between them and blew a hole straight through the man’s chest.

But, it wasn’t enough.

Something like shooting him through the heart won’t be enough to kill him. After all, this man was a monster, and this being standing before him was only a mere fragment of his true power. The real one was somewhere else, watching.

He could worry about the real one later though. For now, he should really focus, because now that he’s done some visible damage, and seen that no blood or, anything really, came out from the gaping wound in his chest,

Round two, will begin.

“I’m…ra…ther sur…prised.”

The man said, his voice now sounding broken and stilted. His eyes were moving around rapidly and his body was convulsing.

“PrEpaRIng FIrE. COnNectIOn LosT. InItiaTInG AutO-BaTtLe.”

After all, this man was just a clone. Once his main core, I.E his ‘heart’, has been destroyed, the clone activated auto-pilot mode, which, much to his discontent, even worse to fight than the real deal.

“Kuh!?” The man’s movement became erratic, which was why his sudden rush towards him with his fists ready surprised him. He quickly brought up his left arm to guard, but his leg came and hit him, sending him crashing into a thick pillow of snow, cushioning his impact.

The man quickly rushed in to approach him again, just like a robot would. Sadly, it was just that, a robot.

And once you know how it’s AI works, it becomes easily destroyed.

“[Dawn]” Once again, a strong light shined from his hands, melting anything that comes even anywhere close to him. And since the man was the closest to his hands, the melting process on him was the strongest, melting him away in a puddle of magical energy.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

Sighing softly, he lied his head back down into the snow.

It was…although he hated to say it, a fun fight. It’s been a while since he even put any effort to a battle. That was just how strong Leo is. And…Well, although that clone wasn’t nearly enough to his peak, it was a good warm u-

“““I see you’re still the same as always. Time has done you well.”””

“Oh god…” He almost despaired as he looked up to the sky, seeing 5 other clones of the man floating above him, repeating the same exact words as the first clone.

“Damnit…Oldruin.” It’s been a while since he called the man by his name, and he could just picture the real Oldruin sitting on his throne, mildly blushing as he heard him call his name. He did have a crush on Leo after all.

…He’s not gay by the way.

……No, seriously, Oldruin ain’t gay. Since Leo’s both a guy and a girl, so it’s fine in his book…or something like that.

T-To be more exact, Leo can change his gender on will. He mostly sticks to being a guy though, since it’s easier to talk that way.

But, interests aside, standing up from the snowy bed, he clenched his fists and continued to fight!

…………………

Some time later,

It was night now, and as such, the sun had dipped far beyond the horizon, painting the sky in a starry black canvas. The stars twinkled lightly as the moon slowly rose into the sky, far outshining any nearby stars.

Back at the goblin camp, after everyone(except Diana) had dinner, they all went their separate ways. The goblin went out to do their own thing, Anna was exhausted from Ilgua’s intensive training and was passed out inside a hut, and Ilgua was…somewhere.

Diana, Rei, and Crystal on the other hand, were sneaking their way out of the forest, to watch if any goblin attacks would occur this night.

After the feeling they’ve felt, and the fact that even the usually stoic and emotionless Rei was vividly terrified, there was no way they could stay put.

But…well, they did try to sneak out, but…

“Where might you be going?”

Just as they were about to leave the forest, there he was, casually leaning his back on one of the trees, seemingly knowing that they would come this way.

“W-Well-“

“The village I suppose? To watch the goblins again?” He asked with a stern voice, much unlike his usual meek demeanour. It was…odd, but no one seemed overly suspicious, so she shrugged the thought away.

“I’ll take your silence as a yes.”

“Y-Yeah.”

Was he going to ask them to go back no-, no, wait. For some reason she had a feeling of where this was going to go. If she’s right, then-

“Take me with you.”

‘Bingo!’ She shouted inwardly. It’s almost a cliché at this point, but she’s not complaining! More hands, the better! With approval, she allowed Ilgua to join them and left to watch the village.

Half-way through the journey, they met up with Gaz, who had readily stationed himself at his usual spot to take out any incoming goblins. She also asked if he wanted to join, and after hearing the plan, he obviously said yes.

And Ilgua’s not fanboying over Gaz, which felt…unsettling.

Or maybe it’s just her. Who knows.

Anyways, with this new party assembled, the five went and watched the village from afar. Since it was night time, hardly any of the villagers were outside, and those that were looked to be drunkards or idiots.

An hour went by, then two, then she almost dozed off, Crystal already fell asleep from boredom, until finally-

It happened.

A swarm of goblins, coming from all four directions, rushed into the village and attacked, kidnapping as many women as they could. Because it was night, hardly any of them anticipated having their doors kicked down and their women stolen so suddenly. They were unable to put up a fight.

And those that did, got injured, some light, some heavy, and some even…died.

She could feel herself paling already, as if all the ‘blood’ in her veins just suddenly left her body. Seeing murder before her eyes, even if she wasn’t the culprit, will always be unpleasant it seems.

With 4 more women kidnapped, the goblins began to retreat from the village, making use of the chaos to make their escape. Which puzzled Ilgua greatly, since goblins are known to be stubborn, especially went it comes to fighting.

Following them from afar, the group tailed the goblins, making sure to not be spotted as the goblins made their moves. Until finally, they stopped.

And the area they stopped at was…creepy, to say it lightly.

They stopped at the edge of a steep cliff, and at the very edge of it, there was a large stone altar, somehow not falling over the edge, as if it was floating.

And then, the next scene shocked them.

The goblins stood atop the altar, held the women over the edge, and then dropped them. Their terrified screams echoed through the lands as they met their untimely deaths, their body crashing down against the hard dirt below.

…Or so it seemed, but there came no sound. No crash, no wind, nothing. Just, silence.

It’s still safe to assume that they were dead, but…what was this uneasy feeling in her heart?

After their task was done, the goblin simply committed suicide and leapt off the cliff.

But, back on track. As former residents of Earth, both Diana and Gaz were obviously angered and shocked by this, but they both managed to stop themselves. Luckily, she didn’t exactly know if they died or not, but…well, that kinda makes it worse, doesn’t it?

“Kuh, just 1 more…1 more…”

Then, a cloaked figure emerged out from the darkness, seemingly out of nowhere. Guessing from the voice, it seems to be a he, and an old one at that. His voice was croaky and ratchet, as if he hasn’t drunk any water for 3 years or something.

If she had to take a guess, there was still a need of two more ‘sacrifices’ until whatever that bastard was doing will come to fruition. And, oh hell, was she going to stop that.

Now, all she needed to do was wait for the right moment and-

“OI! YOU SICKILY BASTARD! THE F*CK DID YOU DO TO THOSE GIRLS!?”

…Never mind. Like a pot finally bursting open, Gaz’s anger couldn’t be contained any longer and he jumped out of cover, shouting at him while making a familiar pose to a certain quite terrible lawyer in a blue suit.

“……Huh?” And the old dude turned around and was just, like, ‘…whaaaat?’ Even if his facial expression was covered by his cloak, she could just tell.

“I have to ask the same thing.”

The next to come out was Ilgua, speaking in a calm and confident manner, his magical sword already in his hands. Next came Rei, who was power faced, then Crystal, and finally, Diana was the last.

With this, the five stood before him, ready to attack.

‘…But…’ Well… He looked, dangerous, and creepy as hell. He’d probably make a really good stalker in a movie. But…he just doesn’t seem all that…threatening, if that’s even the correct word.

And her [Danger Perception] wasn’t ringing loudly either, which meant that there wasn’t any bloodlust coming from him...Well, yet, anyways.

Oh-, also, her [Danger Perception] levelled up, so she’s certain of it!

“Now, speak, criminal.” Ilgua demanded, his eyes gleaming in the dark of night. It looked pretty damn cool, if Diana had to say.

“Please understand, young man, I’m doing this for the better-“

“WHAT OF THIS IS GOOD, HUH!? YOU’RE KILLING WOMEN!!”

‘Ooh, shit…he’s piiised…’ She unconsciously took a step back. She’s not an angry type, and she’s terrible at dealing with angry people. Well, all that anger was justifiable though. He did just see innocent girls pretty much get dropped to their deaths.

Gaz, not being able to see this crime for any longer, readied his fists and was about to strike, but then-

“W-Wait, Gaz, uh, l-let him speak first.”

He felt Diana’s hand grip his tightly. It wasn’t the strength one would expect from a feminine hand like hers, which did came to shock him at first, but it was quickly overshadowed by the raging anger in his heart.

“Huh!? The f*ck!? He’s the bad guy! He made those goblins kill them like it was nothing!”

“Y-Yeah, but…”

-I don’t want to kill him either. Was what she wanted to say to him, but the words got stuck in her throat. Killing was bad, yes, that’s obviously true. But if they went in, their bloodlust gushing out to kill him, would that make them any better?

“Gaz, let her go.” Thankfully, as Gaz’s grip started to tighten, Ilgua’s hand came to free hers.

“Oi, don’t tell me you’re also-“

“She asked him to speak. So shut up.”

Gaz froze over after that. With a bitter feeling, he withdrew his hand. He might be a reincarnator and a powerful ogre, but even he knew not to mess with someone with those eyes. Hell, just staring at it feels like his soul was being watched.

“Now, speak.”

“…Ahem, very well. As you have seen, I have trapped those women by-“

“Skip that.”

“…Alright. Years ago, when this country of [Albion] was first established, a man-

‘[Albion!?]’ At that exact moment, her willingness to hear the reason to save this country just took a nose dive. I mean, like, the king of [Albion], Grasure or something, sent someone to kidnap and make her a slave. As if she’d let someone like that roam loose in this world!

“-that goes by the name Oldruin came to visit. He requested to have an audience with the current king, but arrogant as he was, he drove him away and spat at him. Seeing this behaviour, he cursed this kingdom, so that darkness of people’s hearts shall slowly build until it consumed it all.”

“And where’s this ‘darkness’ you speak of?”

“Take a look yourself.” The man simply pointed down the cliff, where there they could see a large kingdom. It was well-built, fortified, but if she squinted a bit, she could see something rising out, something black and…gooey. Yuck.

“To break this curse, in the past, there existed a ritual, where, by trapping and sacarficing 100 women, and gathering their residual souls, a spell could be invoked that will break the curse.”

“T-That means-!”

If she was counting right, he needed 100 women, and earlier he said that he needed only 2 more, which meant that…he’d already trapped…99 women.

“You bastard! They were innocent!” Gaz would have splattered his head all over the floor by this point, but Ilgua’s constant watch was keeping him still. But even Ilgua looked disgusted by this man.

And…she couldn’t deny that she didn’t feel the same, but…by killing 100 women, thousands upon thousands of innocent unknowing lives of the kingdom would be saved.

But, if that gooey black energy was representative of the citizen’s hearts, then they would need to be pretty damn corrupt and sinful to generate that much darkness. That means that those citizens weren’t exactly innocent either.

So, there goes the question:

Kill this man to save 99 innocent lives, but let thousands die to that consuming darkness.

Or let him sacrifice 1 more life to save sinful thousands?

She had to choose, and time was running out.