As the tournament finally came to a close, I stood on top of my opponent with my blade pressed against his neck.
The Skull Kid had proved to be a more extraordinary opponent than I ever thought. His might was such that he was able to force me to enter into my incomplete transcendent state while using two high ranked spirits simultaneously. It got to the point that my blade, Sunbringer, had changed its color after it mutated into its secret form, White Fang.
Again and again, I was barely able to survive his powerful attacks. There were several moments where I thought I wouldn't make it, but fortunately I was able to finally put him down after using my ice powers to slow down his movements and fool his perception, making me able to land a decisive blow against him.
I was surprised that he was able to survive that punch. I had put all of my strength as well as much mana as I could into my attack. He was left in a very sorry state, yet he still survived. That only served as proof of how much a dangerous opponent he could truly be.
The name of Skull Kid was truly fitting for him.
“With this, the future I envisioned before will not come to be. What a relief.” I mumbled to myself as I stared down at my opponent.
I don’t know if it was immediately after my punch or when I placed my blade against his throat, but the boy had started to sob quietly and mutter something completely unintelligible. I imagine that he finally realized that he was no match for me in my transcended state.
Is this the first time he experiences defeat? Is that the reason why he is crying? I can understand the frustration he must be feeling. To be able to demolish most of the participants in the tournament only to suddenly savor the bitter taste of defeat when victory was right around the corner.
In a way, he reminds me of myself. Back when I was an arrogant child and had to be rescued by the Skull Crusher from those goblins. Back when I didn’t understand what real strength was.
In the end, he is still just a young boy, barely old enough to participate in this tournament. I guess it is only reasonable for him to be so frustrated that he would begin to cry like that.
I understand because the same happened to me with those goblins. There’s no shame in shedding tears of frustration.
“Those tears will be a very important lesson to you.” I said to the crying boy. “I do not know if you’re even paying attention to me, but never forget how defeat tastes like. This is the taste of your own weakness. Only the strong had the right to taste victory. Only those who remember the bitter taste of defeat and are willing to do whatever it takes to surpass themselves and become more powerful are the ones deserving to be called the strong.” I said as I prepared myself to finally end this match once and for all.
As I gazed at the white blade pressed at the neck of the boy, I suddenly found myself hesitating for a little. I do not know why, but I felt like I had a knot in my stomach, like something was horribly wrong.
“I suppose that putting you down like a dog goes against my honor, especially when you were such an exceptional opponent and forced me into this state.” I couldn’t help but sigh. “It would be far too easy to stab you in the neck to eliminate you. There would be no pain and no injury. You’d be sent to the infirmary immediately after to recover.” That way of finishing off the Skull Kid simply didn’t sit right with me. I suddenly found myself trying to comfort him somehow.
I suppose that's the least I could do for him… To give him an honorable defeat so he can at least keep some of his dignity intact after the match.
With a swift motion, I moved my blade from his neck and raised it above my head. My objective was to fully break his almost shattered bracelet.
“You were a remarkable opponent, Skull Kid. If you do continue to seek strength after this, then I welcome you to challenge me again. You, Neris and Felicia have been the only ones who have almost made me taste defeat in a very long time, as a result I am stronger and closer to my objective because of you three.” I gave him my honest praise before the end. “Farewell then. Until we meet again.” I bid the boy goodbye as I swung my sword down at his bracelet.
In my mind, victory was already secure with this. The moment my sword touched his bracelet, everything would be over.
But destiny had other plans, it seems. Plans that I had not predicted at all, or rather, plans that I was too much of a fool to predict.
Instead of hearing a soft crushing sound of a mithril sword cutting a bracelet like hot butter, I heard the sounds of a mithril sword crashing against steel. I was welcomed by the sight of a lone light blue sword with a crown of ice flowers in its hilt stopping my sword mere centimeters away from the boy’s bracelet.
There was no swordsman wielding the blade. I knew because I could still see my opponent lying on the ground almost like a lifeless corpse. The sword was moving on its own, almost as if it had its own conscience.
Said sword was struggling to push me away from its master. This was the sword that Julius had used in one of his other duels.
“Peculiar… A sword that moves on its own. Is this perhaps some sort of trick from you, Skull Kid? I wasn’t aware that you could also use telekinesis to wield your weapon.” I said while looking at the boy resting by my feet. He still looked completely defeated, so there was no way it was him. “It seems I’m wrong… Then how is this sword…-” before I could finish my sentence, I was interrupted by a voice I had never heard before.
An ominous voice spoke from the blade. I could feel the fury in its words.
“A talking shapeshifting weapon… This is something that you don’t get to see everyday. I wonder where this boy found you.” I expressed some interest in the blade.
Hmm… A powerful weapon capable of talking and changing its shape… I feel bad for the Skull Kid, but I think he is not capable enough to bring out the full potential of such a weapon. Perhaps I could use my rights as the strong and the victor of this match to claim the weapon.
As much as I like Sunbringer/Wolf Fang, the weapon I made with my own hands, there’s simply no way it could compare to a weapon of such caliber. I suppose that this is something that was headed my way anyway. I suppose the day to change Sunbringer for a better weapon has arrived.
“I didn’t particularly intend to hurt him this badly, but what can you expect from the weak.” I said nonchalantly. “Tell me, sentient weapon… What is your name? Isn’t it a burden to have someone so weak as your wielder? Why don’t you come with me and become my new weapon? I promise that I will put you to good use.” I immediately offered to claim the blade.
Besides the sounds of metal clashing against metal, the battlefield had fallen silent again. The weapon didn’t reply to my proposal initially.
The weapons suddenly gained a second wind, pushing me back away from the boy with unbelievable strength.
In the blink of an eye, I had been pushed back several paces away from the Skull Kid and the sentient sword that was guarding it.
The weapon suddenly introduced itself before suddenly turning back into a scythe.
One of the Five Abyssal Weapons? Dying Scarlet? A demonic weapon… What a surprise! I never thought I would find a legendary weapon from the Thousand-Year War, much less find it in the hands of a young boy.
An explosion of aura suddenly occurred around the weapon before it lunged itself at me.
I barely had the time to block as the scarlet scythe aimed at my neck. I didn’t even have the chance to counterattack as the weapon began to launch follow up attacks with so much fervor that it was difficult to believe that I was facing just a weapon instead of a person.
And to make matters worse, I couldn’t even see its future movements. My evil eyes of foresight didn’t work on the sentient weapon for some reason.
“Tsk. I was just offering you a better hand to wield you. There’s no need to become so angry, Remillia.” I said as I deflected one of the scythe’s attacks.
The weapon shouted as its shape became that of a white bow.
The bow fired several elemental arrows at me, all of them which I avoided with great difficulties, and as soon as I did many more came after. Since I couldn’t use my foresight against the weapon, I was struggling to defend myself from the onslaught.
The sentient weapon alone was just as troublesome as its master… I suppose I’ll just have to tame it if I want to claim it for myself! I need one clear strike, and I’ll take down the weapon too!
I could feel the hate in its voice as it suddenly changed into the blue sword again. The weapon suddenly shot itself at me like an arrow, thrusting at my heart with an unbelievable speed.
It almost seemed like a desperate last ditch effort coming from the sentient weapon, but it was exactly as I needed. Even though its speed was nothing to trifle with, it was not something I couldn’t handle.
As soon as the sword came close enough to strike me down, I swung my blade as fast as I could, hitting the sentient blade on the tip of its edge and effectively changing its course.
The blade spun around in the air several times unceremoniously before falling to the ground, with most of its body fully sinking into it.
Even a relic from the distant war against the demons is incapable of competing against my power. Heh.
“That was close… Who would have thought the Skull Kid had such a lively hidden card up his sleeve?” I couldn’t help but let out a sigh due to the strangeness of the situation.
The ominous weapon spoke with great regret.
“Now that you’re defeated, I suppose I will be taking you as my own. The strong rule over the weak, so you better start to acknowledge me as your new master.” I said as I walked over the sword, which was now trapped on the ground.
The weapon refused me again.
“Spoken like a true loser.” I scoffed. “What makes you think that you even have a choice? Who cares if you can talk, at the end of the day you’re just a weapon, sentient or not. Weapons should simply obey their masters. And as I said before, you were defeated. The weak have to obey the strong, so as the loser you must obey me!” I placed my right hand on the hilt of the blade.
The sentient weapon made an empty threat.
“Or what? You yourself said to your precious master that you were powerless.” I brushed off its threats. “If you start acknowledging me as your master, I will pull you out from the ground. How does that sound? If you don’t, then I suppose I could leave you here to rust for eternity. It wouldn’t be too difficult to convince Professor Dante to seal you away in this space, especially after considering that you’re a dangerous demonic artifact.” I threatened the weapon.
The weapon grew enraged again. Before it suddenly fell silent, almost as if considering my offer.
“I suppose that your precious master doesn’t mean that much to you anyway, considering that you prefer to be free.” I smiled knowing that I had almost tamed the sentient weapon.
That is how the world works. The strong rule over the weak. The weak must obey the strong. The strong have the right to do as they please and take whatever they want from the weak. That is simply how life works in this world.
The weapon appeared troubled due to my threats. It was still trying to hang onto the Skull Kid.
It seems it will only take a little persuasion and I will get a very powerful weapon soon. Now for the killing blow…
“Useless… Am I… Useless?” While focused on my interaction with the sentient weapon, I heard those dreadful words. Words that I hoped never to hear.
Wait… Those words… It can’t be…
As I turned my head around, I saw the Skull Kid back on his feet. His head was cast down, looking to the ground yet I could still see the tears streaming down his face.
Even though he should have been on the verge of unconsciousness and out of mana, he was standing yet again. The sight of the boy standing motionless in front of me sent chills down my spine.
I couldn’t help but feel afraid as I was reminded of the vision I had before the semifinals.
This can’t be! Wait… I can still stop it! I can still stop destiny’s wheels from turning! I can still prevent whatever is going to happen next!
“Useless… Am I… Useless?” The boy spoke again, this time he raised his head to look straight into my eyes. As soon as I looked into those dead eyes, I was no longer afraid… I was terrified.
His eyes, which were previously brown, were mutating rapidly. His irises were changing their form and color almost like shapeless slime.
No… I need to act now! I have to stop him before the vision becomes true!
But before I could even move, my body was suddenly trapped by the sentient weapon. My hand was bound to the hilt of the sword.
As the tournament finally came to a close, I stood on top of my opponent with my blade pressed against his neck.
The Skull Kid had proved to be a more extraordinary opponent than I ever thought. His might was such that he was able to force me to enter into my incomplete transcendent state while using two high ranked spirits simultaneously. It got to the point that my blade, Sunbringer, had changed its color after it mutated into its secret form, White Fang.
Again and again, I was barely able to survive his powerful attacks. There were several moments where I thought I wouldn't make it, but fortunately I was able to finally put him down after using my ice powers to slow down his movements and fool his perception, making me able to land a decisive blow against him.
I was surprised that he was able to survive that punch. I had put all of my strength as well as much mana as I could into my attack. He was left in a very sorry state, yet he still survived. That only served as proof of how much a dangerous opponent he could truly be.
The name of Skull Kid was truly fitting for him.
“With this, the future I envisioned before will not come to be. What a relief.” I mumbled to myself as I stared down at my opponent.
I don’t know if it was immediately after my punch or when I placed my blade against his throat, but the boy had started to sob quietly and mutter something completely unintelligible. I imagine that he finally realized that he was no match for me in my transcended state.
Is this the first time he experiences defeat? Is that the reason why he is crying? I can understand the frustration he must be feeling. To be able to demolish most of the participants in the tournament only to suddenly savor the bitter taste of defeat when victory was right around the corner.
In a way, he reminds me of myself. Back when I was an arrogant child and had to be rescued by the Skull Crusher from those goblins. Back when I didn’t understand what real strength was.
In the end, he is still just a young boy, barely old enough to participate in this tournament. I guess it is only reasonable for him to be so frustrated that he would begin to cry like that.
I understand because the same happened to me with those goblins. There’s no shame in shedding tears of frustration.
“Those tears will be a very important lesson to you.” I said to the crying boy. “I do not know if you’re even paying attention to me, but never forget how defeat tastes like. This is the taste of your own weakness. Only the strong had the right to taste victory. Only those who remember the bitter taste of defeat and are willing to do whatever it takes to surpass themselves and become more powerful are the ones deserving to be called the strong.” I said as I prepared myself to finally end this match once and for all.
As I gazed at the white blade pressed at the neck of the boy, I suddenly found myself hesitating for a little. I do not know why, but I felt like I had a knot in my stomach, like something was horribly wrong.
“I suppose that putting you down like a dog goes against my honor, especially when you were such an exceptional opponent and forced me into this state.” I couldn’t help but sigh. “It would be far too easy to stab you in the neck to eliminate you. There would be no pain and no injury. You’d be sent to the infirmary immediately after to recover.” That way of finishing off the Skull Kid simply didn’t sit right with me. I suddenly found myself trying to comfort him somehow.
I suppose that's the least I could do for him… To give him an honorable defeat so he can at least keep some of his dignity intact after the match.
With a swift motion, I moved my blade from his neck and raised it above my head. My objective was to fully break his almost shattered bracelet.
“You were a remarkable opponent, Skull Kid. If you do continue to seek strength after this, then I welcome you to challenge me again. You, Neris and Felicia have been the only ones who have almost made me taste defeat in a very long time, as a result I am stronger and closer to my objective because of you three.” I gave him my honest praise before the end. “Farewell then. Until we meet again.” I bid the boy goodbye as I swung my sword down at his bracelet.
In my mind, victory was already secure with this. The moment my sword touched his bracelet, everything would be over.
But destiny had other plans, it seems. Plans that I had not predicted at all, or rather, plans that I was too much of a fool to predict.
Instead of hearing a soft crushing sound of a mithril sword cutting a bracelet like hot butter, I heard the sounds of a mithril sword crashing against steel. I was welcomed by the sight of a lone light blue sword with a crown of ice flowers in its hilt stopping my sword mere centimeters away from the boy’s bracelet.
There was no swordsman wielding the blade. I knew because I could still see my opponent lying on the ground almost like a lifeless corpse. The sword was moving on its own, almost as if it had its own conscience.
Said sword was struggling to push me away from its master. This was the sword that Julius had used in one of his other duels.
“Peculiar… A sword that moves on its own. Is this perhaps some sort of trick from you, Skull Kid? I wasn’t aware that you could also use telekinesis to wield your weapon.” I said while looking at the boy resting by my feet. He still looked completely defeated, so there was no way it was him. “It seems I’m wrong… Then how is this sword…-” before I could finish my sentence, I was interrupted by a voice I had never heard before.
An ominous voice spoke from the blade. I could feel the fury in its words.
“A talking shapeshifting weapon… This is something that you don’t get to see everyday. I wonder where this boy found you.” I expressed some interest in the blade.
Hmm… A powerful weapon capable of talking and changing its shape… I feel bad for the Skull Kid, but I think he is not capable enough to bring out the full potential of such a weapon. Perhaps I could use my rights as the strong and the victor of this match to claim the weapon.
As much as I like Sunbringer/Wolf Fang, the weapon I made with my own hands, there’s simply no way it could compare to a weapon of such caliber. I suppose that this is something that was headed my way anyway. I suppose the day to change Sunbringer for a better weapon has arrived.
“I didn’t particularly intend to hurt him this badly, but what can you expect from the weak.” I said nonchalantly. “Tell me, sentient weapon… What is your name? Isn’t it a burden to have someone so weak as your wielder? Why don’t you come with me and become my new weapon? I promise that I will put you to good use.” I immediately offered to claim the blade.
Besides the sounds of metal clashing against metal, the battlefield had fallen silent again. The weapon didn’t reply to my proposal initially.
The weapons suddenly gained a second wind, pushing me back away from the boy with unbelievable strength.
In the blink of an eye, I had been pushed back several paces away from the Skull Kid and the sentient sword that was guarding it.
The weapon suddenly introduced itself before suddenly turning back into a scythe.
One of the Five Abyssal Weapons? Dying Scarlet? A demonic weapon… What a surprise! I never thought I would find a legendary weapon from the Thousand-Year War, much less find it in the hands of a young boy.
An explosion of aura suddenly occurred around the weapon before it lunged itself at me.
I barely had the time to block as the scarlet scythe aimed at my neck. I didn’t even have the chance to counterattack as the weapon began to launch follow up attacks with so much fervor that it was difficult to believe that I was facing just a weapon instead of a person.
And to make matters worse, I couldn’t even see its future movements. My evil eyes of foresight didn’t work on the sentient weapon for some reason.
“Tsk. I was just offering you a better hand to wield you. There’s no need to become so angry, Remillia.” I said as I deflected one of the scythe’s attacks.
The weapon shouted as its shape became that of a white bow.
The bow fired several elemental arrows at me, all of them which I avoided with great difficulties, and as soon as I did many more came after. Since I couldn’t use my foresight against the weapon, I was struggling to defend myself from the onslaught.
The sentient weapon alone was just as troublesome as its master… I suppose I’ll just have to tame it if I want to claim it for myself! I need one clear strike, and I’ll take down the weapon too!
I could feel the hate in its voice as it suddenly changed into the blue sword again. The weapon suddenly shot itself at me like an arrow, thrusting at my heart with an unbelievable speed.
It almost seemed like a desperate last ditch effort coming from the sentient weapon, but it was exactly as I needed. Even though its speed was nothing to trifle with, it was not something I couldn’t handle.
As soon as the sword came close enough to strike me down, I swung my blade as fast as I could, hitting the sentient blade on the tip of its edge and effectively changing its course.
The blade spun around in the air several times unceremoniously before falling to the ground, with most of its body fully sinking into it.
Even a relic from the distant war against the demons is incapable of competing against my power. Heh.
“That was close… Who would have thought the Skull Kid had such a lively hidden card up his sleeve?” I couldn’t help but let out a sigh due to the strangeness of the situation.
The ominous weapon spoke with great regret.
“Now that you’re defeated, I suppose I will be taking you as my own. The strong rule over the weak, so you better start to acknowledge me as your new master.” I said as I walked over the sword, which was now trapped on the ground.
The weapon refused me again.
“Spoken like a true loser.” I scoffed. “What makes you think that you even have a choice? Who cares if you can talk, at the end of the day you’re just a weapon, sentient or not. Weapons should simply obey their masters. And as I said before, you were defeated. The weak have to obey the strong, so as the loser you must obey me!” I placed my right hand on the hilt of the blade.
The sentient weapon made an empty threat.
“Or what? You yourself said to your precious master that you were powerless.” I brushed off its threats. “If you start acknowledging me as your master, I will pull you out from the ground. How does that sound? If you don’t, then I suppose I could leave you here to rust for eternity. It wouldn’t be too difficult to convince Professor Dante to seal you away in this space, especially after considering that you’re a dangerous demonic artifact.” I threatened the weapon.
The weapon grew enraged again. Before it suddenly fell silent, almost as if considering my offer.
“I suppose that your precious master doesn’t mean that much to you anyway, considering that you prefer to be free.” I smiled knowing that I had almost tamed the sentient weapon.
That is how the world works. The strong rule over the weak. The weak must obey the strong. The strong have the right to do as they please and take whatever they want from the weak. That is simply how life works in this world.
The weapon appeared troubled due to my threats. It was still trying to hang onto the Skull Kid.
It seems it will only take a little persuasion and I will get a very powerful weapon soon. Now for the killing blow…
“Useless… Am I… Useless?” While focused on my interaction with the sentient weapon, I heard those dreadful words. Words that I hoped never to hear.
Wait… Those words… It can’t be…
As I turned my head around, I saw the Skull Kid back on his feet. His head was cast down, looking to the ground yet I could still see the tears streaming down his face.
Even though he should have been on the verge of unconsciousness and out of mana, he was standing yet again. The sight of the boy standing motionless in front of me sent chills down my spine.
I couldn’t help but feel afraid as I was reminded of the vision I had before the semifinals.
This can’t be! Wait… I can still stop it! I can still stop destiny’s wheels from turning! I can still prevent whatever is going to happen next!
“Useless… Am I… Useless?” The boy spoke again, this time he raised his head to look straight into my eyes. As soon as I looked into those dead eyes, I was no longer afraid… I was terrified.
His eyes, which were previously brown, were mutating rapidly. His irises were changing their form and color almost like shapeless slime.
No… I need to act now! I have to stop him before the vision becomes true!
But before I could even move, my body was suddenly trapped by the sentient weapon. My hand was bound to the hilt of the sword.
