Above the walls, a red glow rose, consuming the darkness like the sun's rays piercing the abyssal ocean filled with terrifying creatures. Wherever the light touched, it birthed a hunter whose thirst for blood could never be quenched.
The blue waves were not as deep or turbulent waters, but like swelling tides growing larger with each moment, engulfing everything around. Its control was under the light—like a spark resembling a constellation in the dark sky. The slender beam traveled from corner to corner, penetrating the golems' tough hides and melting them away.
The great golem, marked with glowing circular patterns, launched powerful blows. Each impact caused massive explosions. From its chest, its core pulsed with ever-increasing energy, marking the golem's very existence. Its master moved his hands with incredible agility, subtly casting spells so potent they resembled blades wielded by a skilled and seasoned warrior.
Killbit advanced through the chambers, his strikes cutting deeper while sparks lit his path. His crimson eyes pierced the darkness effortlessly, finding enemies. His instincts gave him confidence—but something unsettled him.
His ability to alter the weight of any object or being was faltering. He couldn't maintain the increased mass within the golems to shatter their cores. Even in rooms where he usually controlled the atmospheric pressure, he now had no control—he could rely only on his blade.
He sensed growing strength, but also a loss—something slipping away. Though his blade split golems impressively, its silver glow began to blind him. Meanwhile, August's spells wrought unfamiliar expressions on the scientist's face. Clearly, he was experiencing a pleasure unknown before, even when consumed by his own shadow.
"August, are your spells somehow interfering with my powers? I can't seem to wield them properly despite growing stronger than ever." Killbit looked at his silver sword. "Or is it because I'm too far from my sector? There, I managed to free Beatriz from a powerful beast. I've encountered nothing that compares to her."
August dismounted the golem, deactivating it with a spell. "Impossible. Homunculi are immune to all magic—only that cast by beasts can affect you. The scientists thought of everything when creating their masterpieces." He glanced at the walls. "Behold my craft! The walls brim with spells. I never imagined I could merge magic with science without the project leader's aid. I feel a divine aura around me—what a glorious sensation." Tears welled. "Thank you, sword of fire, for this blessing."
"I think the power is going to your head. I wonder what Beatriz will think when she finds that her sword—majestic and a symbol of her strength—is reduced to a spark worshiped by a fanatic like you." He folded his arms. "The sword's energy is strangely akin to my own." Summoning his cleaver, he said, "That's why you shouldn't wield it. Its energy is finite. It's best to let Beatriz reclaim it and energize it with her own heat. She knows how to recycle energy."
Grinding his teeth, August knelt and traced circles on the wall. "Don't say that! The essence of the sword is divine and can't be corrupted by something mundane like a sinner's creation. Every moment I feel my soul soothed, relieved of centuries of pain." He pointed at Candela. "But you're somewhat right—the sun of the coliseum was like you but pure, unlike you."
"No, Candela, calm down—that's Beatriz's body." She laughed and charged August. "Think, sister—Henri's in there too. He's a good man and taught you many things. Thanks to him, I didn't die, and you recovered a bit of your memory." She slammed August to the ground. "He's our only guide. When you're whole, you'll finally beat Beatriz to a pulp. I did it!"
He embraced Killbit. "You're right—I owe Beatriz much, but I swear to repay her with interest. But don't forget: when all aligns—sun, moon, Earth in eclipse—I'll destroy your creation, August." His cleaver transformed into a black axe. "Let's start paying the debt now. Golems incoming—prepare!"
Darkness flowed from Candela's body, and shadowy versions of herself emerged. She completely absorbed the light August so fiercely adored, making it her means to grow—a being radiating an aura that consumes all. With a simple swipe through the air, she cleaved every golem nearby in two.
With a look steeped in deep hatred, August moved his hands swiftly, casting painful thorn-like spells that pierced flesh. The golem rose, radiating intense heat, lunging to the edge of the space. Its core vibrated, shaking the whole tower, causing more golems to materialize and advance on it.
Still fueled by rage, August traced a massive magic circle overhead. Losing control, he conjured a smaller flaming sword and charged the golems. With every strike, the golem's core pulsed at his command as the sword absorbed cores from other golems.
August then wounded his own hand with the sword, activating a spell from the ceiling and his body. Darkening his expression, he charged a golem, engulfed in golden flames that quickly turned black.
Through the steam emerged a golem bearing twelve cores. It was smaller and slimmer, its once-empty face now marked by two blue eyes.
In the blink of an eye, this golem defeated another, crushing its head with both hands.
"I think energy depletion will no longer be a concern. Let's call this one Faust. He feeds on other golems' cores. What do you think, Candela?"
"Acting like a real man—I'm impressed and enthusiastic. But remember, the power behind your Faust isn't yours; you merely stole it from Beatriz."
"I don't get it. If she's my creation, isn't everything she does because of me? I'm just borrowing something from my daughter, which I'll return with love, making her stronger and purer. Her flames prove it—pure red, unlike your growing corruption. Beatriz may have been born of an unforgivable sin, but she has enough to be a saved soul."
"I'll take no offense. You've at least shown courage, which means you're easily overcome by your emotions. That makes you less strange, but more dangerous. I'll keep an eye on you."
"Phew, that went well. You're incredible—what now?"
"Just a bit further, little Killbit. In a few hours, we'll finally reach the Sloth Sector."
Killbit's eyes shone brightly.
Candela shed her dark cloak.
Faust strode forward fiercely.
August held the spark close.
The stones made a clear path.
The Sloth Sector was near.