Under the light, darkness becomes forgotten, as do all the things we go through after a defeat. Its pain causes the entire body to break, and the mind turns into a fortress of resentment.
At this moment, the lurking darkness takes shape, swallowing everything that was once good. It consumes you from the inside out—your viscera, your lungs—leaving only a sigh. Your eyes become part of the darkness, and your tongue is ripped out so you cannot call for help.
The once-straight walls distort, and a sharp, piercing sound echoes like a predator's claws. From the hollow, formless, opaque structure, beings wander like lost souls condemned to hell. Their eyes burn a deep blue, their bodies cracked, their forms molded from earth and clay.
These creatures are those who spent far too long facing the sun, which made them resilient but ugly. Then, turning to face the moon and the cold, cracks formed on their bodies, while their cores remained intact.
The Golems vanish, blending with the environment, only to reappear just as swiftly. One becomes two, two become five, and then they all become one again.
Even so, there is no difference between one created from him or from others; his eyes are just as piercing, and his voice equally distorted.
"This is going to be so much fun!" A flaming sword appeared in Beatriz's hand. "Come on, Killbit, you go first! With your ability, you can freeze them in place, then I'll destroy them completely!" Her eyes turned purple. "Henri, apologize for what you did to him!"
Candela lunged in front of Beatriz. "Don't try to fool me by shifting the color of those eyes whenever you please—I know you did that to Killbit on purpose!" She removed her mask. "Today, I'll show you how to respect me!"
"Please, don't fight! We're working toward the same goal! You don't want to miss anything, do you?" Both women looked at Killbit, confused. "Together, we can get whatever you want!"
Beatriz laughed. "That mix of Bernard and Killbit is so cute. I forget you have this habit of imitating others." She slung her sword over her shoulder. "Being yourself is the best thing possible. At least you can do that!"
Candela showed displeasure, swinging her cleaver and slicing through the air. "Don't try to sway my brother—he'll figure things out on his own! Stop trying to make us pity you!" She looked down. "Even if I'm an empty shell with no memories, I know he's the most important thing to me right now."
"Stop, both of you, please! Think for a moment—if you focus your strengths together, it will be better than fueling your rivalry!" The two women assumed combat stances. "Damn, if only my creator were here, it would be so much easier! But I can do this! Bernard taught me a few tricks!"
Killbit shook his head with a smile. He activated his own ability, leaping high toward the Golems. His hands free, he landed and struck them with multiple blows.
The Golems were thrown against the walls, merging partly but never fully blending. Beatriz spun her sword, releasing heat into the environment and concentrating it upon the walls. Using heat transfer, she focused the energy toward Candela, who stood amidst the walls.
Candela saw the smile on the homunculus's face and smiled back, transforming the attack into pure energy. Her cleaver left a trail of light across the environment. Using this path, Killbit normalized the weight of the Golems, causing them to merge into an amorphous mass that Beatriz's sword swiftly cleaved.
The mass quickly reformed, showing that after some time, the Golems would return stronger than ever. Realizing this, the group quickened their pace through the long corridors.
Killbit worried that Candela and Beatriz might start fighting, but nothing happened. Candela gave a long, knowing smile, while Beatriz's eyes shifted to another vibrant color.
Observing the scene, Killbit felt the pressure of the heat and a growing thirst. He knew he needed to act fast. With a decisive movement, he began controlling the weight of the environment by adjusting the air's density around him. His ability allowed him to manipulate the pressure, creating a more balanced atmosphere that helped dissipate the excessive heat. This left his hands tied, should the two start to fight.
"You impressed me, maid. I never thought your control of light was so powerful it could convert heat into light." He put his hands behind his back; his eyes turned green. "Had I known, I would have fought you myself. I'm glad you're headed to the Beasts' Coliseum."
She adjusted her loose hair. "I don't enjoy watching bloody fights—I just like dismembering people. Want a sample?" She laughed, her green eyes shining brightly. "You, Henri, are better than her. At least you don't pretend to be innocent. You're too simple, just a beast craving raw meat."
"She was too foolish to be swayed by emotions. I only fight when I know I'll feast on my enemies' flesh. Now she'll rest for a few hours. I'll take care of her body for now." He created a fire sword. "Now the blade has lost its edge, its breath. Maybe I should let you beat this body to teach her a lesson. How about that?"
Killbit stepped between them. "Please don't do this, Candela. She's suffered enough—she's lost, wanting to return to her creators. Just like us, who only want what's best for our own, to have our wishes fulfilled." Killbit looked at Beatriz. Henri had offended him. "Come to think of it, your sword isn't made of the same material as mine; it's only your heat control ability. So where's your real sword?"
"You catch on fast, kid. I despise the child who owns this body with all my heart." He leaned against the wall. "The sword is passed down from the strongest gladiator to the next strongest, but the idiot gave it to her pet, Vergil, to protect himself." He hit the wall hard. "Why am I complaining? I was the strong one who lost, so the sword is hers. I have no right to speak."
He approached Beatriz and forced her against the wall. "Where's the guy who was supposed to tear me apart? How pathetic. At least I respect this in Beatriz: her devotion to those she loves. That's how we're alike." He looked at the mask. "For Gustav and Killbit, I would sacrifice myself without hesitation. I think Beatriz would do the same for Vergil."
Killbit felt his heart steady.
The walls began to scream loudly.
Their eyes turned forward.
Henri smiled.
Candela followed.
A large, shining black Golem appeared.