Dark found himself standing in the heart of a dense forest, the familiar sounds of nature surrounding him. The air was filled with the scent of pine and damp earth, the leaves rustling softly in the gentle breeze. But there was something different, something off. The usual comforting silence was thick with an eerie stillness, and the shadows seemed to pulse with a life of their own.
Dark: (thinking) Where am I? This place... it feels familiar.
He took a step forward, the ground soft beneath his feet. As he moved, the scene around him began to shift and change. The trees grew taller, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that blocked out the sky. Suddenly, he was no longer in the forest of his childhood, but in the grand hallways of the Academy of the Elites.
Dark: (looking around) The Academy... how did I get here?
In the distance, he saw a younger version of himself, no more than a boy, walking alongside Leona. They were laughing, their faces lit with the carefree joy of youth.
Leona: (younger version) Dark, you have to see this! It's amazing!
Young Dark: What is it, Leona?
The scene shifted again, and Dark was now standing in a training yard, watching as his younger self sparred with Tier. The camaraderie and competition were evident in their movements, each pushing the other to their limits.
Tier: (younger version) Come on, Dark! You can do better than that!
Young Dark: (laughing) Only if you can keep up, Tier!
Dark felt a pang of nostalgia and sadness as he watched these moments from his past. He had pushed these memories aside, focusing only on his quest for power. But now, seeing them again, he realized how much they had shaped him.
Dark: (thinking) I never wanted this... I never wanted to be alone.
The scene darkened, the vibrant colors fading into shades of gray. Dark turned, sensing a presence behind him. There, standing in the shadows, was Retsyu. His eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and his form seemed to blend into the darkness.
Retsyu: (echoing) You cannot escape me, Dark. You stepped into the wrong home.
Dark: (angry) What the hell?! It's not my fault that I had to-
Retsyu cuts him off.
Retsyu: (smiling) To show you the truth. The power you seek comes with a price. Are you willing to pay it?
As Retsyu spoke, the shadows around Dark grew darker, closing in on him. He felt a cold dread seep into his bones, the weight of his choices pressing down on him.
Young Dark: (pleading) Why are you doing this? Why push everyone away?
Dark turned to see his younger self standing before him, eyes filled with confusion and sorrow.
Dark: (desperate) I... I didn't want to lose anyone. I thought I could protect them by staying away.
Young Dark: (softly) But you lost yourself in the process.
Retsyu: (echoing) Embrace the darkness, Dark. Only then will you find the strength you seek.
The vision began to blur, reality and memory merging into a swirling vortex of emotions. Dark felt himself being pulled in every direction, the conflict within him reaching a fever pitch.
Voice: (distant) Dark... wake up...
The voice grew louder, cutting through the chaos. Dark's eyes snapped open, and he found himself back in the cave, his body drenched in sweat. Tier and Gilmuar were by his side, their faces etched with concern.
Tier: Dark, are you okay? You were thrashing around in your sleep.
Gilmuar: It looked like you were having a nightmare.
Dark: (breathing heavily) It was more than a nightmare... it was a vision. We need to move. Retsyu is closer than we think.
Tier and Gilmuar exchanged worried glances, sensing the urgency in Dark's voice.
Tier: What did you see?
Dark: (rubbing his temples) My past... our time at the Academy, and then Retsyu shows up...Guys...he's more than just a distant threat. He's here, and he's coming for us.
Gilmuar: (firmly) Then we need to be ready. We can't keep running forever.
Dark nodded, his resolve hardening. He stood up, his muscles still aching from the recent battle, but his mind was sharper than ever.
Dark: We have to strike first. If we stay on the defensive, he'll pick us off one by one. We need to find his stronghold because we are completely lost... and take the fight to him.
Tier: (nodding) Agreed. But we need more information. We can't just walk into his territory blindly.
Gilmuar: There's a network of informants in the nearby town. They might know more about Retsyu's movements and where he's hiding.
Dark: Then that's where we'll start. We move at first light.
They spent the rest of the night in tense silence, each lost in their thoughts. As dawn broke, they packed up their gear and set out towards the town, moving quickly and silently through the forest.
The journey was uneventful at first, the forest gradually giving way to open fields and then to the outskirts of the town. The town itself was a small, bustling place, with narrow streets and crowded markets. They moved cautiously, avoiding attention as they made their way to a discreet tavern known to house informants.
Inside, the tavern was dimly lit, filled with the low murmur of conversation. Dark scanned the room, spotting a figure in the corner who matched the description Gilmuar had given him. They approached cautiously, the figure looking up as they neared.
Informant: (narrowing eyes) What do you want?
Dark: Information. About Retsyu.
The informant's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly composed himself.
Informant: That's dangerous knowledge you're asking for. It'll cost you.
Dark: (leaning in) We don't have time for games. Tell us what you know, or we'll find someone who will.
The informant glanced around nervously, then leaned forward, lowering his voice.
Informant: Alright, alright. Retsyu's been seen in the old fortress on the eastern cliffs. It's heavily guarded, but there are rumors of a secret passage that leads directly into the heart of the fortress.
Tier: How do we find this passage?
Informant: (smirking) That's the tricky part. It's said to be hidden in the catacombs beneath the fortress. You'll need a map to navigate the tunnels.
Gilmuar: Where can we find this map?
Informant: There's a black market dealer in the next town over. He deals in rare artifacts and information. He might have what you need.
Dark: (standing up) Thank you. We'll take it from here.
As they left the tavern, Dark felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead was dangerous, but they had a plan. They moved quickly, making their way to the next town in search of the black market dealer.
The next town was larger and more chaotic, with narrow, winding streets and a constant hum of activity. They found the dealer in a secluded alley, his stall filled with an assortment of strange and exotic items.
Dealer: (eyeing them warily) What can I do for you?
Dark: We need a map of the catacombs beneath the eastern fortress.
Dealer: (raising an eyebrow) That's a tall order. Maps like that don't come cheap.
Tier: (stepping forward) We have gold. Name your price.
The dealer considered for a moment, then nodded.
Dealer: Follow me.
He led them to a back room, where he produced a worn, ancient-looking map.
Dealer: This will get you into the catacombs. But be careful. The tunnels are treacherous, and not all who enter make it out alive.
Dark: We'll take our chances.
They paid the dealer and left, carefully studying the map as they made their way out of the town. The eastern cliffs loomed in the distance, the fortress perched ominously on the edge.
Gilmuar: (looking at the map) We need to enter through the old ruins at the base of the cliffs. From there, the catacombs will lead us to the fortress.
Dark: Then let's move. We don't have time to waste.
They moved quickly, the weight of their mission pressing down on them. As they approached the ruins, the air grew colder, the sky darkening with ominous clouds.
Dark: (thinking) This is it. The beginning of the end.
The descent into the catacombs was steep and treacherous, the air growing colder with each step. The dim light of their torches flickered against the damp stone walls, casting eerie shadows that danced and twisted.
Dark: Stay close. We don't know what kind of traps might be waiting for us.
Gilmuar: (examining the walls) These markings... they're ancient. Whoever built this place didn't want anyone getting through easily.
As they moved deeper into the labyrinth, the first trap sprang to life. A series of pressure plates triggered a barrage of arrows from the walls. Dark reacted instantly, pulling Tier and Gilmuar to the ground as the arrows whizzed overhead.
Tier: (panting) That was close. We need to be more careful.
The traps grew more complex and deadly as they advanced. Swinging blades, hidden pits, and walls that threatened to crush them required all their skills and teamwork to overcome. At one point, they found themselves in a chamber filled with puzzles that needed to be solved to open the path forward.
Gilmuar: (studying the puzzle) It's a test of our knowledge and resourcefulness. We can do this, but we need to work together.
Dark: Agreed. Let's figure this out.
Working together, they solved the puzzles and navigated the traps, each success bringing them closer to their goal. Through their shared struggles, their bond grew stronger, reinforcing the importance of their unity against the overwhelming odds.
Finally, they reached a massive door, ancient runes glowing faintly on its surface. Beyond it lay the heart of the catacombs, and the path to Retsyu's stronghold.
Tier: This is it. We're almost there.
Dark: (determined) Let's finish this.
As they stepped through the door, a deafening roar filled the air, and the ground beneath their feet trembled violently. A blinding light erupted from the center of the empire, followed by a colossal mushroom cloud ascending into the sky. The force of the explosion was unlike anything they had ever witnessed.
Tier: What the hell was that?!
Gilmuar: (reacting quickly) I'll keep them safe!
Gilmuar invoked his Gravity Magic, forming a protective barrier around Leona and Tier. The intense pressure and force of the nuclear explosion pressed against the barrier, but Gilmuar's control held firm. At the same time, Dark took out his half-shattered Kyuketsu from a spatial portal and positioned himself to deflect the incoming radiation and debris.
Dark: (gritting his teeth) Hang on!
The Kyuketsu absorbed and deflected the energy, the blade glowing with an intense light. Dark's arms trembled under the strain, but he remained steadfast, protecting his friends from the deadly blast.
As the dust and debris settled, the scene shifted to the heart of the empire's fortress. Cron stood amidst the chaos, his eyes locked on Retsyu. The remnants of the explosion crackled around them, the sheer power of their clash evident in the scorched earth and shattered structures.
Cron: (smiling) Your reign ends here, Retsyu.
Retsyu: (smirking) You think you can defeat me, Cron? You're nothing compared to the power I wield.
Cron's eyes gleamed with excitement. He had already copied several of Retsyu's abilities, his magic arsenal growing stronger with each passing moment. But it was the thrill of the fight that drove him, the exhilaration of matching wits and strength with such a formidable opponent.
Retsyu: (smirking) You copied my power... Impressive. But it won't be enough.
Cron: (grinning) We'll see about that.
With a burst of energy, Cron launched himself at Retsyu, his copied abilities mirroring Retsyu's own. The two clashed in a furious exchange of blows, their magic lighting up the battlefield. Each strike was a testament to their immense power, the very fabric of reality bending under the force of their battle.
Retsyu fought with his hands clasped behind his back, using only his legs to counter Cron's attacks. His kicks were swift and precise, each one landing with devastating force. But Cron was undeterred, his smile widening with each successful block and counter.
Cron: (laughing) You're not taking me seriously, are you?
Retsyu: (smirking) Why should I? You're just a copycat, mimicking powers you don't fully understand.
Cron: (eyes gleaming) Then let me show you what I've learned.
Cron's Inventory Magic summoned a myriad of weapons, each infused with the abilities he had copied. Swords, spears, and axes materialized around him, all striking in unison at Retsyu. The sheer number and variety of attacks forced Retsyu on the defensive, his smirk faltering. Blood splattered as some of Cron's strikes found their mark, but Retsyu's movements were still unnervingly precise.
Retsyu: (dodging) You... how are you doing this?
Cron: (pressing the attack) You underestimated me, Retsyu. And that will be your downfall.
With a surge of Gravity Magic, Cron intensified the pressure around Retsyu, pinning him to the ground. Retsyu fought back, but Cron's relentless assault left him with little room to maneuver. The ground cracked and groaned under the strain, the fortress trembling.
Cron: (channeling his power) This ends now!
Retsyu: (smirking) Does it?
In a blur of motion, Retsyu vanished from beneath the crushing force, appearing behind Cron with a cruel grin. Blood poured from a sudden gash across Cron's chest. Cron staggered back, surprised but still smiling.
Cron: (laughing through the pain) You're faster than I thought.
Retsyu: (voice cold) You have no idea.
Cron's wounds began to heal as he tapped into his Arsenal Magic, drawing on the regenerative abilities he had copied. He launched himself back at Retsyu, the thrill of the fight making his blood sing.
Retsyu: (amused) Still enjoying yourself, I see.
Cron: (grinning) More than ever!
The battle raged on, their powers clashing violently. Cron's adaptability and sheer joy in combat drove him to push harder, while Retsyu's contemptuous amusement masked his lethal precision. Blades clashed, and the air crackled with energy. Blood stained the ground as both fighters exchanged devastating blows, neither giving an inch.
Retsyu: (dodging effortlessly) You're persistent, I'll give you that.
Cron: (smirking) And you're still underestimating me.
Cron summoned a massive war hammer with his Inventory Magic, swinging it with bone-crushing force. Retsyu met the blow with a powerful kick, the impact sending shockwaves through the ground. The two combatants were locked in a deadly dance, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
Blood sprayed from a deep cut on Cron's arm, but he barely flinched, the pain only fueling his excitement. He countered with a barrage of magical projectiles, each one exploding on impact with Retsyu's agile form. Retsyu's laughter echoed through the chaos, his movements a blur as he avoided the worst of the blasts.
Cron: (grinning) Having fun yet?
Retsyu: (eyes narrowing) You're amusing, I'll give you that.
With a sudden burst of speed, Retsyu closed the distance, his hand slicing through the air toward Cron's chest. Cron barely had time to react, summoning a shield to block the attack. The force of Retsyu's strike shattered the shield, sending Cron sprawling.
Cron: (laughing, blood trickling from his mouth) That all you got?
Retsyu: (smirking) Hardly.
As Cron struggled to his feet, Retsyu unleashed a flurry of kicks, each one landing with bone-crushing force. Cron's body was battered and bloodied, but his spirit remained unbroken. He countered with a powerful gravity wave, sending Retsyu crashing into the wall with a satisfying crunch.
Cron: (breathing heavily) You're tough, I'll give you that.
Retsyu: (grinning) And you're more resilient than I expected. But let's see how you handle this.
With a blur of motion, Retsyu appeared in front of Cron, his leg a blur as it lashed out. Cron barely managed to raise his arm in defense, but the force of the kick sent him flying across the chamber, crashing into a pile of rubble. Blood dripped from Cron's mouth as he pushed himself up, his eyes gleaming with determination.
Cron: (grinning) Not bad. But I'm just getting started.
As they continued their brutal dance of death, the air thickened with tension and the scent of blood. Each blow was a test of wills, a clash of titans that shook the very foundations of the fortress.
Cron: (laughing) You're holding back. Why don't you show me your true power?
Retsyu: (smirking) You wouldn't survive it.
Cron: (grinning) Try me.
Retsyu's eyes glinted with amusement as he unleashed a torrent of energy, the force of his attack tearing through the air. Cron met it head-on, his own magic crackling in response. The resulting explosion rocked the chamber, sending debris flying in all directions.
Cron emerged from the cloud of dust, a wide grin on his bloodied face. His clothes were torn, and deep cuts marked his skin, but his spirit remained unbroken.
Cron: (laughing) That's more like it! Show me what you're really capable of, Retsyu!
Retsyu: (thinking) Is this guy for real? He's not all that powerful yet his durability increases after each blow. Alright time to crank this shit up.
In a blur of motion, Retsyu vanished and reappeared behind Cron, delivering a devastating kick to his back. Cron was sent crashing into the ground, but he quickly rolled to his feet, summoning a shield just in time to block Retsyu's follow-up attack. Sparks flew as Retsyu's leg met Cron's magical barrier, the sheer force of the impact sending shockwaves through the air.
Cron: (grinning) You're fast, but I'm getting the hang of your moves.
Cron's eyes flashed with determination as he tapped into his Gravity Magic, increasing the pressure around Retsyu. The ground beneath them cracked and splintered, unable to withstand the immense force. Retsyu's movements slowed slightly, but his expression remained confident.
Retsyu: (voice cold) Is that the best you can do?
Cron: (smiling) Not even close.
Cron summoned a barrage of magical weapons, each one aimed directly at Retsyu. Swords, spears, and axes flew through the air, their edges gleaming with deadly intent. Retsyu dodged and deflected the attacks with ease, his agility and precision unmatched. Blood splattered the ground as a few of Cron's weapons grazed Retsyu, but the wounds were superficial.
Retsyu: (mockingly) You'll have to do better than that.
Cron: (determined) I intend to.
Cron's magic intensified, the weapons becoming larger and more powerful. He channeled his Arsenal Magic to its limit, summoning a colossal war hammer and swinging it with all his might. The impact shook the chamber, and Retsyu barely managed to deflect the blow with a swift kick.
Retsyu: (eyes narrowing) You're starting to get annoying.
Cron: (laughing) That's the idea!
Retsyu's expression darkened, his amusement giving way to a cold, deadly focus. He moved with blinding speed, his attacks becoming more ruthless and precise. Each strike aimed to cripple or kill, leaving Cron with no room for error. Blood flowed freely from both combatants, painting the ground in crimson.
Cron: (panting) You're good. But I'm not done yet.
Retsyu: (coldly) You should be.
Retsyu's next attack was a blur of motion, his leg slicing through the air with lethal intent. Cron barely managed to block the strike, but the force of the blow sent him crashing into a wall. He coughed up blood, his vision swimming, but he refused to back down.
Cron: (smiling through the pain) This... this is what I live for.
Retsyu: (voice cold) Then die for it.
Retsyu closed the distance in an instant, his hand reaching for Cron's chest. But just as he was about to deliver the final blow, a voice echoed through the chamber.
Dark: Cron! We're here!
Cron turned his head slightly, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Dark, Tier, and Gilmuar entering the chamber. Despite his battered state, a smile spread across his face.
Cron: Ah, you're here. Don't bother helping out—I'm enjoying this as much as I love destroying empires.
Dark: (shouting) Cron, you can't do this alone! Retsyu is way too powerful!
Cron clenched his fist, a wink and a smile playing on his lips.
Cron: (calmly) Don't worry, Dark. I still have a trick up my sleeve.
Dark's eyes widened as he realized what Cron meant. Cron had yet to use the Divergent Fist Of God, the powerful ability he had copied from Cosmic. The knowledge sent a chill down Dark's spine, but also filled him with a sense of hope.
Cron: (grinning) Now, Retsyu, let's see how you handle this.
With a surge of energy, Cron's fist began to glow with an otherworldly light. The air around him crackled with power, the ground trembling under the force of his magic. Retsyu's eyes narrowed, recognizing the threat.
Retsyu: (voice cold) You think that will save you?
Cron: (smiling) It's worth a shot.
Cron charged at Retsyu, his Divergent Fist Of God ready to strike. The power emanating from his hand was enough to warp reality itself, a testament to the immense strength he had copied. Retsyu braced himself, his smirk replaced by a look of grim determination.
Cron: (laughing) Let's finish this!
The two clashed with a force that shook the very foundations of the fortress. Energy exploded around them, the light from Cron's fist blinding in its intensity. The shockwave from their collision sent Dark, Tier, and Gilmuar sprawling, the sheer power of the attack overwhelming.
As the dust began to settle, the chamber was silent, the air thick with tension. Cron stood panting, his body battered but his spirit unbroken. Retsyu, barely standing, looked at Cron with a mix of respect and fury.
Retsyu: (breathing heavily) You're... stronger than I thought.
Cron: (grinning) And you're LITERALLY still underestimating me.
Retsyu stays standing still for a while....
End of chapter 17.