With a sword thrust, the last wolf hit the ground with a lifeless thud.
"Last one," The Knight said, wiping sweat from his brow as he turned to notice the other knights staring at Xavier talking to the two young traitors.
"What are they talking about?" The knight asked as he sheathed his weapon, but the others shook their heads.
"Can't really hear them from here. But…" Another knight replied, his gaze fixed on the dark expression on Xavier's face, "…it's rare to see the boss look that serious."
Meanwhile, the injured Dom, crouched on a knee, clenched his fists as he heard every word clearly.
Xavier's words were cruel, pessimistic, and dark… but even Dom couldn't deny that there was logic in them.
"As it or not, newbie," Xavier said, his expression still daunting, "… a war is coming. And it's because the Monarchs acted like heroes without actually solving the root problem."
Dom's angered expression slowly softened the more he thought about Xavier's words… until a frown completely overtook his face.
"Then…" He said, his eyes now passive, "…how can we solve the root problem?"
Xavier stared for a moment, his gaze softening to an almost vulnerable degree. "We can't." He said.
Dom flinched at Xavier's blunt response.
"It's said that the war didn't originally start out of anger or righteousness… it was greed." He said as he raised a hand, gesturing to emphasize his point.
"I want this land; that resource should be mine; I am more powerful than they—all those stupid thoughts by rulers are what drive wars."
Dom bit his lip, ready to retort, yet eager to hear more.
"The only way to stop war for good is to destroy that selfish desire completely. But…" Xavier tapped his temple. "…how can you stop something that's basically ingrained into human psychology since birth?"
Dom's expression fell deeper into despair.
Selfishness--
--A word his guardian had always warned him about.
Once Xavier saw Dom's helpless face, he shrugged and lazily spun his spear at his side.
"The cycle of war will never end," Xavier said, his gaze softened, saddened by his own words… but that expression vanished, quickly replaced by his heartless smirk. "So, at least until that day comes, I'm going to do my job and enjoy myself in the process." His magic conjured a gentle whirlwind around his body. "I suggest you do the same thing, newbie."
His smirk widened.
"And with how long the other nations have been hiding in shame and frustration, I'm sure they've cooked up something crazy for this next war."
Dom suddenly stood, his expression fired up once again.
"You're wrong," He said. "The Council may be twisted…, but I'm sure they have something to stop that from happening."
"They probably do," Xavier answered. "In fact, I'll be happy if the war didn't happen. Less work for me."
His smile quickly faded, his tone now serious.
"But the Monarchs raised the bar. So when the war starts again… this time, it could potentially end our world. And the trigger… is the old man."
"Hey, boss! What's taking so long?!"
Xavier turned to find his men already done with the wolves.
"Damn," Dom grumbled under his breath.
Seeing her defeated family, Lucy growled, teeth bared, trying to stand, only to stumble back down, her body still weakened by pain and blood loss.
"Guess I should finish this then," Xavier said, taking a low stance again.
Already anticipating the bullets, Dom guarded with his arms, mana flaring up.
"You can just move out of the way, you know? I'm sure you're fast enough," Xavier said.
"You'll just hit her, right?" Dom said, acknowledging the weakened damsel behind him.
"Got me." Xavier chuckled as he drew his spear back, his wind magic swirling around its edge.
Dom's eyes widened as he focused most of his mana into his arms.
Xavier suddenly fired… and Dom grunted as the bullet pierced his arm again, whistling past his face.
"Did you really think I wouldn't change my bullet's nature?" Xavier said, showing Dom the rapidly spinning dust around his spear's tip. "As long as I have my magic, my bullets cut through anything."
Another shot was fired, and Dom groaned as it ripped through his side, sending him stumbling to a knee as blood leaked from the wound.
Xavier laughed, firing again.
The bullet pierced Dom's shoulder and grazed Lucy's cheek, making her wince.
Dom glanced at her and glared at Xavier, who laughed.
"Come on, hero. If you don't block it, it'll hit your girl," Xavier said, drawing his spear back, his red aura now visibly intensified, his left arm muscles bulging.
Sensing the danger despite not being the target, Dae shouted, "You can't stop it! Run!"
Dom didn't even acknowledge Dae. His entire mind focused on Xavier, the spear, and the person he wanted to protect.
If I move, he'll hit her. And if I try to move her away, he'll hit us before I take a single step. In that case… there's only one thing I can do now.
Without saying a word, Dom took a low stance, ensuring every inch of Lucy's body was covered while his own body became encased in a thick shroud of blue mana.
Xavier scoffed. "Heroes… so predictable."
With a sudden shift in footing, Xavier fired several bullets at once, all of which penetrated Dom's body.
"Dom!" Dae shouted as blood spilled from the numerous cuts and holes on Dom's body while Xavier fired a few more shots.
A second later, Xavier stopped, a heavy sigh escaping his lips while steam hissed at his spear's tip.
Dae scuffled forward, the pricking pain in his leg nothing compared to the sight of his partner in such a state.
Despite maintaining his stance, Dom's body was riddled with bleeding cuts and bullet holes. His clothes and bandages were torn to pieces and soaked in blood.
Either from the pain or the blood loss, Dom staggered but managed to catch himself at the last second. His body trembled, vision blurry, chest heaving with each fast breath.
"Wow. You're still standing," Xavier said with a smirk, which quickly faded as Dom dropped to his knees, hand on his gut, coughing up blood. Xavier shook his head. "And there it is. You know you could…"
Xavier quickly stopped himself once he realized something…
Now that Dom was hunched over, he had a clear view of Lucy, who did not have a single new scratch. His eyes then focused on Dom's back.
Despite the numerous entry points on his front, there was not a single exit hole, just bruises under his skin.
Dae's eyes widened as he understood immediately.
"I thought you just poured your whole mana into stopping the bullets… but that's not what you did, right?" Xavier said, straightening, spear pressed to the ground, eyes narrowed at Dom.
"You distributed your mana differently, with your back taking the brunt. You used your body to absorb and slow the bullets enough to stop them completely. Like those bulletproof vests I hear Northern soldiers use."
Dom couldn't respond. He could only look up through reddened eyes at Xavier's now annoyed expression.
"A strategy completely fixated on protecting the one behind you while abandoning your own health…" Xavier said, grip tightening on his weapon, pupils trembling with fury. "That stupid selfless regard… really pisses me off."
This anger seemed strange. It wasn't just fixed on Dom; the act alone reminded him of someone he couldn't forget.
Lucy stared at Dom, hunched over. She weakly reached out, eyes filled with concern, just as Xavier suddenly let out a loud, irritated groan.
It lingered for only a second before dying off, replaced by silence-thick, deliberate. When he spoke again, it carried a blunt finality.
"Alright, I'm officially bored with this."
With that, Xavier turned away.
"Wait," Dom grumbled, forcing himself up.
"Don't bother," Xavier said as he walked away, not sparing him a glance. "I made sure to avoid all your vital organs, but you're still losing blood. You'll pass out in a few minutes. And if someone keeps moving by then, you're dead."
"I said… wait." Dom tried to step forward, only to fall onto his side, coughing up more blood.
"Hey, guys! Tie these idiots up!" Xavier waved dismissively.
As the knights approached, Dae picked up a sword with his uninjured hand, his eyes narrowed with dangerous rebellion, until his gaze shifted back to his partner, the sight freezing him in place.
The knights stopped, shocked as well, while Xavier stopped, sensing a shift in the air. He looked over his shoulder, his eyes narrowed at Dom, now standing—but something was different.
Saliva mixed with blood drooled from his open mouth. His dim eyes remained unfocused, his vision dulled, while his body trembled.
…one day, they'll try to use you too.
Those words filled Dom's drowsy mind, completely distancing him from the environment.
"Pathetic," Xavier sneered at Dom's miserable state, continuing on his way.
The knights approached with chains and mana cuffs, but Dom couldn't notice them. He was lost in memory, his body reaching its limits.
If that happens, what should I do?
"What…" The knights stopped as Dom murmured, "…what should I…"
Then he recalled the bright grin on Pops' face.
But knowing you, I'm sure you'd figure it out.
Those words resonated, echoing over and over… until his eyes suddenly glowed as life returned.
He lifted his head and let out a battle cry so loud the knights had to cover their ears.
"Dom?" Dae mumbled, clearly confused.
Lucy stared, confused and concerned, as Dom screamed until he stopped, eyes fixed on the night sky. He suddenly gritted his teeth and glared at Xavier's back.
"I SAID, WAIT!" Dom shouted, his voice ripping through the clearing like a wave.
Xavier stopped, his eyes darkening but still uninterested in turning around.
"I can still fight," Dom said, wiping blood from his lips.
Xavier sighed. "Don't push your luck, newbie." He said, tapping his spear against his shoulder. "You can act tough all you want, but I know that your body is in so much pain now that you can barely move."
"Pain? What pain?" Dom asked, a grin forming as he audibly beat his chest with a fist. "I feel fucking great!"
The knights stared speechless at Dom's firm stance, even though his wounds still bled, silently dripping to the ground.
Dae, however, smiled. That was the reckless, muscle-brained partner he knew.
Xavier finally turned and stared at Dom for a moment, his eyes locked on the determined grin on the young man's face. The way his body remained firm despite his injuries caused an unyielding memory to surface in Xavier's mind.
Then, just as suddenly, a sick grin spread across Xavier's lips.
Without hesitation, he dashed toward Dom, his spear spinning rapidly in his hand.
"Stay back unless you wanna get hit!" Xavier shouted to his men, who scrambled for safety as they instantly recognized that reckless look in their leader's eyes.
Dom's pupils widened at the rapidly approaching Xavier, the spiraling wind reminding him of two other wind mages from his past--both just as eager to destroy him.
You know… all these wind mage bullies just gave me a good idea, He thought, and in an instant, his body surged forward with a sound-breaking dash.
As Dom pulled his fist back, Xavier laughed. "Can't you do something else, you one-trick pony?!" He jeered, drawing his spear.
Dom then planted his foot firmly into the ground, creating a small crater beneath him, halting his momentum.
"You can't reach me from t—"
With a grunt, Dom swung his fist forward. The punch moved at hypersonic speed, briefly distorting the air in front of him. The resulting explosion of force generated a shockwave of wind that slammed directly into Xavier, flinging him across the clearing.
Dom staggered back, nearly losing his balance from the attack's momentum, while the knights stared in shock as their leader soared past them.
"What the f—" Xavier muttered, flustered, barely noticing the shadowy figure behind him until another explosion of wind slammed into his side, blasting him skyward. His spear spiraled from his grasp and clattered to the ground.
Several feet above the ground, Xavier twisted his body mid-air, conjuring a current of wind with a single hand to halt his flight.
"Pressured wind? From just his punches? No fucking way." He murmured, eyes searching for his target, then widened as a figure appeared behind him. He turned—and flinched—as Dom's fist, now trailing a streak of radiant blue light, rocketed toward him.
Xavier gritted his teeth and conjured a barrier of wind. The collision exploded outward, sending both combatants hurtling toward the ground in opposite directions.
Xavier softened his descent with magic, landing gracefully, while Dom crashed loudly, dust and debris flying in every direction from the impact.
Xavier frowned at the torn fabric of his shirt just as Dom emerged from the cloud, chest heaving, a proud grin spreading across his bloodied face.
"Looks like I finally got my first spell," Dom said, lifting his fist, blue mana oozing around his knuckles like smoke. "I'll call it… Gale Punch."
"Spell?" Xavier scoffed. "All you're doing is making a breeze by moving around."
Dom's grin widened to an almost manic degree. "At least it's a breeze strong enough to throw your dumbass around," He replied, mocking as he beat his chest.
A vein twitched visibly on Xavier's forehead, above his brow, betraying his irritation. "You're gonna regret that," He muttered, glaring. With an annoyed motion, he raised his hand, red mana coursing visibly along his arm.
"Whirlwind."
A harsh spiral of wind erupted in front of him, surging toward Dom, who narrowly dodged its deadly path.
"Gale Punch!" Dom shouted, thrusting his fist forward with wind-pressure infused power. The recoil sent his body spiraling backward, his blood still leaking into the roaring currents of air.
Xavier raised a palm, dispelling the wind attack as it struck him. "I'll admit you caught me off guard before, but… do you really think you could beat me with my own affinity?"
Dom just smirked, deepening Xavier's annoyance.
With a single wave of his arm, Xavier summoned multiple whirlwinds, hurling them from all directions at Dom. Though he couldn't see each one, Dom's instincts and finely tuned senses allowed him to dodge them, finally dispersing the last with another well-timed Gale Punch.
"Shit," Dom muttered, rolling across the ground from his blast's recoil. As he struggled to rise, a sudden thought sparked in his mind.
Oh. I can use this.
Xavier snatched up his discarded spear, spinning it with practiced precision, his gaze locked on Dom—until a distant thunderclap forced him to raise the spear just in time to block a katana swing descending from above.
"You too?" Xavier muttered, narrowing his eyes in irritation.
Dae smirked, backing away as he gripped his sword tightly with his uninjured left hand. Pain shot through his leg as he tried to stabilize his stance, nearly faltering.
Xavier fired, and Dae barely managed to block the projectile with his blade, tumbling again.
Vanishing in a blur, Xavier reappeared behind Dae, spear aimed directly at his back.
"You're even slower now," He sneered, slashing across Dae—but his eyes widened in surprise as Dae's body slowly dissolved like mist, vanishing before the strike could land.
Xavier's attention snapped upward as dozens of blurry copies of Dae appeared, moving in chaotic patterns around him.
"Lightning magic… Image Concert," Dae's voice echoed, reverberating between the copies.
A slow smile spread across Xavier's face. "This brings back memories," He murmured, scanning the illusions with keen eyes. "But like I said…" He dashed to the side, thrusting the blunt end of his spear into one of the images.
The image collapsed to a knee, groaning in pain, while the other copies flickered and vanished almost instantly.
"You're not Jin. Too bad, kid," Xavier said, drawing his spear back—only to freeze as two hands gripped it tightly.
He whirled, meeting Dom's grin. "Let's try this again," Dom chuckled, confident and unyielding.
Xavier's gasp caught in his throat as Dae suddenly adopted a stance in front of him. "Form 24!" Dae shouted, purple mana and electricity surging along his body.
Xavier grunted, tugging on his spear—but this time, he couldn't pry it from Dom's vise-like grip.
Desperation flickered across his face as he raised a hand, unleashing a wide-range wind spell from his palm. Dae was blown back violently—only to vanish again, then reappeared unscathed at his side.
Dae crouched low, his blade raised high. "Cross," He muttered, the pearly white steel gleaming as it revealed the blood coating its edge.
Xavier groaned, clutching his chest, his warm blood seeping through the rip in his shirt, forming a cross-shaped mark. Pain and disbelief flashed across his face as he realized what had just happened.