Fulgor always had this habit of toying with his prey.
When he targets normal civilians, he takes pleasure in hearing their cries of begging and suffering. When it was fights with fellow wizards, he gives them a false hope of victory, then crushes it to see their faces of helplessness and despair.
Even among dark wizards, he was considered as a truly deranged individual that can naturally look at humans like cattle if he wanted too. It was simply a miracle that Argonia managed to tame somebody like him.
"Go to hell, psycho."
Curses were just music to his ears, a fuel to keep him motivated. He especially hated Ordo with a passion. Fulgor only saw him as prey like the others he killed during that town massacre the guild initiated.
But somehow, he was seen as a useful asset for the guild master. The blight had no choice but to follow orders, sparing the only survivor of the town. Someone like that was elevated into an important status within Dark Sky.
He even became one of the keys to Argonia's successful metamorphosis, giving Fulgor no opportunity to do his usual hobbies. Its as if he was seen through by the guild master, those obsidian-colored eyes chilled him into having to swallow his complaints.
Yet… All of that grace and magnanimity gifted to him were rendered useless, and this fool decided to rebel at the most crucial moment that could decide their future?
Fulgor gazed at the sound wizard with only the most gruesome of thoughts imaginable. There will be no mercy for traitors like you, my prey. I will make sure your torture will be a symphony that echoes with your cries. And this soundless domain shall crumble after your mental breakdown. His expression could make even the most hardened of souls feel fear.
However, Ordo simply stared at him with anger, until his expression actually switched to a small smile. This confused Fulgor, who expected him to wail in agony and suffering.
In the next moment, a smokescreen exploded right in front of him. He was startled for a second before he stepped on the ground to soften and divide his blocked vision. The person in question vanished under his nose, making him grit his teeth.
What a slippery bastard! He could also mask his magical signature so it's a hassle to search for him. Did he retreat to the upper layers? I also feel strong foreign presences below... Its no wonder his intentions were so obvious, he has reliable support.
Fulgor stood there as he assessed the situation. Hmph! Those two should be able to handle Ordo's little helpers. Since they're simply going for the generators, all we have to do is kill them! This domain only served the purpose of nullfying sound, but its infuriating...
He wasn't aware of the identities of those two light wizards, already confident on his guild mates strength. The domain also jumbled his senses without him noticing, thinking that the situation was still under control.
So, he decided to chase after Ordo instead. You made quite the ruckus... In return, I'll let you witness the reward that Lord Jackal gave to me. Be honored that you will get to see it before your death.
Fulgor's eyes ominously glowed, transforming into a eerie purple hue. His body convulsed afterwards, radiating a scent of malice and evil that permeated within the floor.
If anybody saw him right now, only one question would pop in their heads.
Is he still considered human?
…
Dark Sky, Second Layer.
Ordo knocked out another dark wizard smoothly, holding his pierced stomach in heavy breaths. "Those healing items saved me just in time." He looked down at his palm that was stained with crimson color.
"He really looked at me like I was some kind of finished worked." He remembered the sadist's expression, clicking his tongue in annoyance.
When Fulgot basked in his so-called victory, he took that time to smear high-grade healing paste from his pocket. And since he stole various kinds of items, especially from prominent factions, it was easy to bring it along in his person.
But, his relief must be brushed off the side for now. He needed to find a way to destroy the Lacrima against a now-alerted-angry crazy person. Ordo already expected that the bastard would do his best to track him with all his might.
He could feel the Soundless Domain slowly disappearing due to his current state. If he didn't bring that healing paste, the advantage they had would have been gone, alongside a cold corpse that failed miserably.
Ordo continued to sneak around the panicking dark wizards, formulating a plan to return to the lower layer without getting the psycho's attention. Even in these conditions, being careful was the best approach.
Disappointing one of Fiore's most prominent official guilds was the last thing he wanted, so he stabilized the domain with pure, ice-cold determination.
He leaned on a wall to rest for a while, closing his eyes to replenish his weary mental state. His healed stomach injury still made him sluggish, but it was bearable after the paste was applied.
Ordo gripped his dagger, sensing that its magical output was cut in half thanks to that disruption. To think he was baited into that… No, his objective was obvious from the start, and he let it get to his head.
"What happened to being cautious!? Stupid me." He muttered indignantly.
He was gonna take his time to recover until he felt more energized, but a sudden chill made him pause in movement. This familiar air flew like a bullet towards his position, yet he could only widen his eyes in realization.
"It's just like when they destroyed my hometown!" His consciousness was blurry during that time, and he simply chalked it up to his mind playing tricks with him.
But if he remembered that one-sided conversation with them, they briefly gloated about receiving some mysterious power from a big shot in Tartaros. Yes, now those memories became very clear…
He witnessed those figures in…
Inhuman states.
VRRMMM!
The ground below him softened as a hand swiftly grabbed him by the throat. Ordo responded by swinging his dagger with maximum force. The other hand of the attacker blocked it with ease, producing a clanging sound afterwards.
He observed the arm that was lifting him up, noticing that it was entirely made up of green stones instead of the blight's usual gauntlets. Ordo could sense something different, something that's tainting the madman in front of him.
"I see… I've figured it out now." Fulgor's sharp gaze prickled Ordo with peer pressure, his appearance not even within the bounds of humanity anymore.
"When I activated the demonic blood within me, I suddenly felt a bit lighter." His voice actually had a frequency within the domain, making the sound wizard gawk at him with disbelief.
"Y-You… can… bypass… my spell!?" Ordo managed to blurt out his thoughts under the chokehold he was now enduring. He understood the properties of his domain down to the minute detail, for it touches upon the fundamental essence of magical power.
No matter how strong the wizard is, he was certain that they will be affected, whether it would be a minuscule or huge result.
What he was witnessing right now is something that's beyond the scope of his knowledge. Because the only reason for Fulgor to nullify its effects… is to completely absolve his being from Ethernano.
Ethernano naturally exists throughout the environment, an energy that resides within all living beings. It was the source for all magical power and is harnessed in many ways.
Now, you're telling him, that there's a dark wizard scum who can walk through this Ethernano-based domain unhindered?
All his efforts to set up the battlefield… is completely rendered useless if the other blights had this weird ability.
"Hmm~ Hmm~ I don't need to explain myself, do I? Only the blights and the guild master have the privileges to request audiences with Tartaros' top brass. A useful tool like you isn't worthy to know." Fulgor was finally satisfied after seeing his expression, laughing maniacally afterwards.
"Call it a blessing from Lord Jackal, perfect for prolonging your suffering, you insignificant traitor!" He tightened his hold, making Ordo grunt in pain.
Fulgor activated his magic as they went through the structure, forming bumps along the way that struck the helpless thief with no remorse. If one were to hear closely within his sound armor, the rattling and cracking of bones were prevalent.
An example of how he utilized his magic to toy with his prey, one couldn't imagine how it will be used to deal when it came to betrayal.
They returned to the third layer, where the Lacrima was placed, still untouched by their battle even now. Fulgor continued to drag Ordo by the throat, and after arriving near the generator, he dropped the weakened light wizard as he snapped his fingers.
"Kghk!" Soft earthly restraints locked Ordo's limbs with no openings. The now mutated dark wizard observed him with a gleeful expression.
"What a great feeling! I've always disliked you ever since you joined." He clapped his hands together, adorning a smile that looked extremely ugly.
Ordo had the energy to sneer, spitting at the man in front of him. "Spare me the monologue, monster. We are of the same sentiment ever since you slaughtered my town, dumbass!" He stated in a resolute tone.
He promised to himself when he vowed to destroy this guild… Even if he was captured or tortured for betrayal, he would not regret it one bit.
These are people who are simply not right in the head, and trying to coax them with words will hasten one's demise.
Action was the best approach for barbarians who wreaked havoc, initiating conversation through absolute physical means. Fighting was truly the love language of such groups.
"Interesting. You don't feel frightened at all… Or are you hiding it behind that false courage of yours?" Fulgor manipulated the restrain on Ordo's left arm, clenching his hand as the sound wizard screamed in agony.
"AHHHHHHH!" Ordo felt his arm being crushed under the increasing pressure, tears coming out as he tried to endure it. He understood the person in front of him very well, and didn't want to give the satisfaction he wanted.
Even if all his limbs were twisted or gone, he'll triumph over such suffering through sheer spite. Little victories like these soothes his soul, no matter how pointless it may seem.
Fulgor narrowed his eyes as he clicked his tongue. "Boring." He stopped circulating the restraints, while Ordo was twitching violently, still feeling the immeasurable pain.
I held out… But who knows how long he'd do this. I will be dead by then, so I need to find a way to escape and shatter that Lacrima. He panted as he thought of potential ideas.
"I can already tell that you're not gonna be easy to break. In that regard, you have my respect, my traitorous prey." Fulgor continued his manipulation as he twisted all of his limbs at once.
Ordo wailed again as his voice echoed throughout the domain. He felt more pops and cracks, but not enough for them to cease function. The blight was too experienced in regulating the level of his tortures.
Fulgor walked towards his captive, and backhanded his face with moderate force. A mark could be seen on Ordo's cheek while he coughed another mouthful of blood.
"Who are your allies? Is it only those two below?"
"Eat shit."
BAM!
"... Let us hold a proper conversation, shall we? How many are aware of this location?"
"Dark Sky."
BAM!
"You like to play jokes, traitor? My patience is running thin."
"Patience? Someone like you has patience? That's a good joke."
BAM!
"I hate stubborn preys. If you don't answer my questions, I'll tear your limbs off slowly, one by one."
"Well, going for a new look fits in this day and age. Your ugly mug is a good example."
BAM! BAM! BAM!
Fulgor pummeled Ordo non-stop for a few minutes, infuriated by the man's sly responses. Only the sound of his fists graced the domain, making it an eerie spectacle in these conditions.
It faltered again, representing Ordo's current state. But his will was truly made of steel, since it stabilized after a moment. His Fairy Tail allies were doing their best in those lower layers, so his bravery and determination were at an all-time high.
The blight quietly panted as he stopped, looking at his captive's features that were slightly disfigured. He shook off the blood from his demonized knuckles, calming down in the process.
"Now, time for a restart! It has been a while since I've been this lenient towards my prey, because you hold valuable information of our guild." Fulgor stated. "And if the council got such details… They might dispatch a Wizard Saint out of urgency."
He patted Ordo's head as if he was a disobedient pet. "So, tell me everything that you did prior to this little siege. Maybe the guild master will forgive you if you reflect on your actions."
Ordo only felt boiling rage after hearing his words, laughing at the absurdity of such a statement. "… Reflect? Your filthy mouth has to right to utter that word. A guild covered with so much sin and malice, wants to bend the concept of human redemption?"
The sound wizard's face radiated so much anger that he protruded veins all around. His tears falling not because of the physical torture, but the sense of loss and grief that engulfed his very being.
Survivor's Guilt.
The nightmares plagued him daily, whispering their haunting screams as to why he was the one who survived. But what could he even respond with? The magic world was an unfair place, where he simply got the short end of the stick.
How would he even predict that Dark Sky discovered his existence? They acted according to their whims of slaughter just because they wanted to test something new. How would he even know the versatility of his magic if he envisioned a normal peaceful life for himself?
The sound of the breeze under a clear sky.
The sound of joy and laughter.
The sound of the memories he fondly looked back on.
All became silent under the sound of darkness.
It constricted him like a parasite that clung desperately.
Why does fate roll the dice on the wrong side, giving him misfortune? Under the guise of soul-searing vengeance, he played along with this guild's delusional ambitions.
But if he reached that wish of his, what would become of him afterwards? Being associated with them already guaranteed time in prison, even if he explained his reasons for doing so.
What should I even…?
Then, he remembered the words of someone he just met recently.
Fairy Tail Wizards only look forward, and are determined to overcome any type of struggle.
The Salamander of Fairy Tail said it with a grin full of excitement and hope, as if he's ready to welcome gigantic wave called life. It was said with so much conviction that it mesmerized him for a moment.
Heh. You definitely have a mindset that's straightforward, Salamander. I envy that kind of thought process.
"It appears that I can't get anything out of you. What a useless farce, traitor." Although Fulgor gazed at him with no change in expression, the slight twitch of his face made it too obvious that his words affected him.
"There's no point in interrogating you anymore, but I can still entertain myself with continuing your torture." He remarked darkly with a hint of anticipation.
"Be my guest." Ordo simply sneered, his head lighter after having a realization. There was no fear in his eyes, ready to endure another session with shining courage.
"Y-You! Where do you even get such confidence!? You're only prey!" Fulgor shouted in irritation.
But before he could continue, he felt a surge of magical power coming from below. The blight noticed it was swiftly coming towards his way, prompting him to manipulate the ground to block the incoming strike.
BOOM!
Although there was no sound, the force of the attack was undeniable.
A transparent slash went through Fulgor like paper, forming a large gash wound on his left body.
"GAAAHHHH! SUCH SHARP ENERGY! WHO THE HELL IS FIGHTING LOCKINE!?" He went down on one knee, witnessing the clash through the hole that was created.
A purple-haired woman could be seen parrying the endless spikes, while she relentlessly went on the offensive against the fully armored blight. The armor in question was already breaking down at a fast pace, and Lockine could only try to mend the broken parts immediately.
"I-Impossible… Lockine is at a disadvantage even with his Imperishable Armor Spell? Who is that swordswoman?" Fulgor remarked with disbelief, focusing his sights on the torn opening on the woman's right shoulder.
"Fairy Tail!? You got them to cooperate with you, traitor!?" He turned around to glance at his captive, but only the cold glint of his dagger greeted him. Fulgor instinctively dodged, yet he still received another injury.
"AHHHH! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" The blight hastily applied first-aid, staring helplessly at the man who swung at the Lacrima with all of his might. His stone skin crumbled under the weight of two slashes.
The weapon glided through the generator, silently cutting it in half as it flickered with a dying breath. It exploded afterwards, while Ordo tried to avoid it as best as he can.
But him and Fulgor were still sent flying a fair distance, landing on different places within the floor. Another section of the layer was torn apart, bringing noiseless chaos under the silence.
Ordo simply laid down on the rubble, ignoring the destruction around him. He slowly started to chuckle, until it became a full-blown laugh. The burns and wounds he received from the explosion didn't matter at all, he felt liberated.
He glanced at Fulgor who was staring at him with hatred. "Miss Kagura's slice also broke the restraints." The pain of his limbs were immense, yet he willed himself to move to get the job done.
Ordo glanced at the dagger that dimmed considerably. "Operating it at full power in my state was a gamble… If I missed either one, then it would have been a pity." The Soundless Domain strongly shook, as if it was ready to burst.
He sighed in relief. "Maintaining the domain as long as possible is the only thing I need to do currently." His voice rang out through the domain.
Fulgor heard it, his demonic form currently in a uncouth and pitiful state. "Ordo… Ordo… ORDOOOO!!!" He screamed in pure anger, trying to get back up to finish this traitor with his own hands.
"Stop screeching, sadist. If you still have the energy to call me out like that. Why not use it to mitigate the damage from the magic bombs I stuck on you?" Ordo grinned mischievously.
"Wha-?" The blight observed his own body, spotting at least a few bombs that clung like iron clamps.
Fulgor's expression finally became panicky, which brought joy to the sound wizard. It was already too late as they started to blink rapidly, a rookie mistake on his part by letting his guard down.
"... When did you do it?" He gritted his teeth as he attempted to pry off his impending doom.
"Mid-swing."
Fulgor was about to reply, but the bombs finally went off, drowning the demonized human in flames. His wails of pain could be heard, a small retribution for all of the atrocities he did.
A cloud of dust covered Ordo's vision, showcasing the bomb's potency in magical power. After a few more seconds, he saw the unconscious body of the blight, twitching uncontrollably.
He blankly stared at the ceiling, his body with pain all over.
"One down… The rest is up to you, Fairy Tail."