Chapter 115
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Chapter 115
Authors note:
Theres more description of injury than average in this chapter. If you read The Immortal Berserker by me, its not more than some of that, but if you dislike gore you might just prefer to skim the first section.
-----
The sand beneath Devons boots was depressing. Not because it was too hot or too cold, but just because it was there. Sand didnt belong in the middle of a city. Dirt was easier to get. But sand was preferred for some reason. Maybe it was the clean color, or maybe it was how it absorbed blood. He had the feeling it was the latter.
It was possible for Devon to get behind the idea of fighting or dying for a cause. Sometimes, you had to fight and kill others. Hed had to do so. Hed been forced to do so. That or die, and since somebody would be dying, he preferred it to be the other guy. It was nothing personal. But now he was in the worst sort of situation. He wasnt fighting for something. He didnt have the choice to do so, nor did he even have the option to kill his opponent. Not really.
He held the unfamiliar fencing sword in what he hoped was a reasonable stance, looking at the too-small buckler held in his left hand. It was probably a perfectly reasonable setup for someone who trained that way. The weight of his armor rested on him. It was the same as all the rest of the armor. Inadequate. The helmet and breastplate were fine, but the arms and legs didnt cover everything. So that there would be more blood. People liked blood.
If those sorts that liked to watch humans die were people. Maybe they were just monsters in human skin. Devon looked up at them, the bright sun making it difficult to make out their faces. They were just a mass. He only saw one face he recognized, and that was more a matter of remembering her energy. Tonina Potenza. The person most responsible for his current situation. Hed like to live today, just to spite her.
But that wasnt possible. He knew that, as he turned his eyes towards Moreno. There was more than just a single step of cultivation between them. In fact, though he was concealing it, Devon felt that Moreno had more than just stepped into Spirit Building, but completed the first stage of his cultivation technique there. Maybe that was even the reason hed been away, to complete his advancement. Devon noted how his armor covered his knees and elbows and how the long chain he was dragging along behind him sparkled in the sun.
He never consciously heard the call to begin fighting anymore. When it was time, it was time. His legs moved, pushing off of the sand as it flew up into great clouds behind him. He didnt have the stamina to draw out the fight. He probably didnt have the power to finish the battle early, but he had to try for something.
The chain writhed on the surface of the sand, Morenos powerful arms manipulating it to flick towards him. Devon slid underneath it, taking advantage of the sands malleability to sink low. He carried as much of his momentum forward as he could, thrusting with the sword straight towards Morenos eyes. A slight turn of his head and the mans defensive energy absorbed most of the blow- with the helmet deflecting the rest.
Pain. Chunks of flesh were pulled out of his back as the spike laden chain raked along his back like he knew it would. It tore through energy, breastplate, and skin before slicing into muscle and bone unevenly. He shoved the buckler into it to divert its momentum as he shifted around Morenos side. He wasnt sure how much of his success was his own, and how much was the man playing with him.
A series of thrusts with his unfamiliar weapon allowed him to get used to its motion. If hed chosen it, it wouldnt have been a bad weapon. Beyond just relying on his armor and energy, Moreno was forced to dodge and even tried to grab the sword with his weapon, twisting the chain around it. However, before it could bind the sword Devon pulled away.
The rest of the length of chain was not idle during that exchange. It twisted and snaked around, savaging the rear of Devons left thigh before coiling around his left arm, pulling away parts of him as it left. The pain was sharp yet lasting. Some of the finer sand was already finding its way into his wounds, clumping together with the blood. It was the sort of pain that should make him cry out to the heavens for relief.
Instead, he grit his teeth. If his jaw clenched any harder he was certain he would crack it or his teeth or both, but he wasnt willing to give anyone the satisfaction. If hed been faced with a real weapon he would just be dead now, his torso sliced in two or at least his arm on the ground. Since they wanted to cause him pain, he wouldnt show it.
His energy surged inside of him. He had not held back one iota since the beginning of the match, but he began to exceed the maximum output he thought he could control. Maybe he couldnt. It felt more like the energy was controlling him, leading his attacks and twisting his body. Then again, wasnt it all him? He didnt know. He just fought, oblivious to anything but himself and his opponent.
Thrust after thrust failed to pierce Morenos defenses, but he wouldnt give up. He pushed his body beyond its limits, since it was the last time hed have the chance to use it. He even stopped using energy for defense- if Moreno could break through anyway, why bother?
White hair extended, growing even longer than its actual length as Elder Varela took advantage of the momentarily broken formation to grab the metal bars and twist them. They snapped apart, leaving room for a man to walk through upright. He was first into the arena, but Anton was only a step behind.
Elder Varela spoke before Anton could. Members of the audience, I am here to inform you that you have been witnessing the Potenza Arena in the midst of a committing a crime. As you must have already heard, this man should have never been enslaved. I provided proof of this to the young lady there, but instead of following her legal obligation she arranged for a spiteful death match. Now stay out of our way.
There was just enough patience within Anton to let him finish speaking. It was a nice reprieve to let him clear up his energy as the immediate side effects of Candle Wax were very disruptive. Tonina stood up in the stands and opened her mouth, but by that point a Spirit Arrow was already flying towards her.
It was a disappointment when he merely managed to pierce through her defensive energy, the flexible armor she had on, and a couple centimeters of flesh and bone. The arrow was supposed to have gone all the way through her heart. She was the equivalent of the twelfth star, having continued her cultivation but ultimately having been surpassed by Anton, but that one step wasnt quite enough for him to kill her instantly. The second arrow was blocked by Masozi, who was in mid Sprit Building. The man had not been immediately by her side, but now he stood in front of her.
Then he charged towards Anton, leaping directly along the path Anton had shot, his body completely concealing Tonina. Anton prepared another Spirit Arrow. One last use of Candle Wax should leave him no closer to his death than when he had first begun cultivating. Maybe even with a handful of spare years. The arrow shot straight towards the mid Spirit Building man but of course Anton had no hope to kill him in a single shot. As he rode with the arrow, it spiralled around the guardian out of his reach, once more flying towards Tonina behind the man. Masozi reached out, stretching his energy to grab the tail of the arrow. He reduced half of its power before Anton was able to break apart and continue forward. He was the arrow, and he once more struck towards the heart of Tonina. Her energy was fully committed to block, but she was slow to parry with her sword and he pierced through her defenses with some small amount of momentum left. He was precisely on target for the same spot, but barely had the energy to pierce another half centimeter, merely scratching her heart and not puncturing through it as intended.
Toninas guardian immediately reversed course once he hit the ground, blocking the next dozen arrows Anton shot. He knew that would happen, and didnt commit himself to anything extreme. Young mistress, we must retreat!
But hes- you should kill him!
Youd die. The man didnt let her give any more argument and yanked her along with him.
Antons ears were barely able to pick out her words, even with his enhanced senses. ...but I beat him
With that, they were almost out of sight and moving into the structure of the arena. He considered trying one more shot but resisted the urge. A waste of energy, or lifespan and energy. There were multiple ways into the arena, all full of cultivators. While he might be able to fight through them, he would not have the power left to combat her and her guardian. Elder Varela could no doubt match the guardian, but they werent here to kill. All of the guards along the way died simply because it was easier than sparing them, and their chosen profession gave them no sympathy from Anton.
Anton looked to Devon, smiling. Devon smiled back, then began to fall off his feet. Elder Varela was already there, gently catching him and picking him up. While I am certain you would like to seek further revenge, now is not the time. We should leave the way we came. I sense Elder Rocha is there waiting. She cannot shield us if we move away from her.
Anton nodded. I understand. Is he-
Elder Varelas hands and hair were moving, plying Devon with all sorts of medicines both on his wounds and internally. Even as he ran towards Anton and performed so many actions, Devon remained perfectly level as if he were simply floating. Do not worry. His breath continues.
-----
Authors note 2:
Well this one got long. But splitting it up wouldnt feel right, so have almost two chapters together.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 115
Authors note:
Theres more description of injury than average in this chapter. If you read The Immortal Berserker by me, its not more than some of that, but if you dislike gore you might just prefer to skim the first section.
-----
The sand beneath Devons boots was depressing. Not because it was too hot or too cold, but just because it was there. Sand didnt belong in the middle of a city. Dirt was easier to get. But sand was preferred for some reason. Maybe it was the clean color, or maybe it was how it absorbed blood. He had the feeling it was the latter.
It was possible for Devon to get behind the idea of fighting or dying for a cause. Sometimes, you had to fight and kill others. Hed had to do so. Hed been forced to do so. That or die, and since somebody would be dying, he preferred it to be the other guy. It was nothing personal. But now he was in the worst sort of situation. He wasnt fighting for something. He didnt have the choice to do so, nor did he even have the option to kill his opponent. Not really.
He held the unfamiliar fencing sword in what he hoped was a reasonable stance, looking at the too-small buckler held in his left hand. It was probably a perfectly reasonable setup for someone who trained that way. The weight of his armor rested on him. It was the same as all the rest of the armor. Inadequate. The helmet and breastplate were fine, but the arms and legs didnt cover everything. So that there would be more blood. People liked blood.
If those sorts that liked to watch humans die were people. Maybe they were just monsters in human skin. Devon looked up at them, the bright sun making it difficult to make out their faces. They were just a mass. He only saw one face he recognized, and that was more a matter of remembering her energy. Tonina Potenza. The person most responsible for his current situation. Hed like to live today, just to spite her.
But that wasnt possible. He knew that, as he turned his eyes towards Moreno. There was more than just a single step of cultivation between them. In fact, though he was concealing it, Devon felt that Moreno had more than just stepped into Spirit Building, but completed the first stage of his cultivation technique there. Maybe that was even the reason hed been away, to complete his advancement. Devon noted how his armor covered his knees and elbows and how the long chain he was dragging along behind him sparkled in the sun.
He never consciously heard the call to begin fighting anymore. When it was time, it was time. His legs moved, pushing off of the sand as it flew up into great clouds behind him. He didnt have the stamina to draw out the fight. He probably didnt have the power to finish the battle early, but he had to try for something.
The chain writhed on the surface of the sand, Morenos powerful arms manipulating it to flick towards him. Devon slid underneath it, taking advantage of the sands malleability to sink low. He carried as much of his momentum forward as he could, thrusting with the sword straight towards Morenos eyes. A slight turn of his head and the mans defensive energy absorbed most of the blow- with the helmet deflecting the rest.
Pain. Chunks of flesh were pulled out of his back as the spike laden chain raked along his back like he knew it would. It tore through energy, breastplate, and skin before slicing into muscle and bone unevenly. He shoved the buckler into it to divert its momentum as he shifted around Morenos side. He wasnt sure how much of his success was his own, and how much was the man playing with him.
A series of thrusts with his unfamiliar weapon allowed him to get used to its motion. If hed chosen it, it wouldnt have been a bad weapon. Beyond just relying on his armor and energy, Moreno was forced to dodge and even tried to grab the sword with his weapon, twisting the chain around it. However, before it could bind the sword Devon pulled away.
The rest of the length of chain was not idle during that exchange. It twisted and snaked around, savaging the rear of Devons left thigh before coiling around his left arm, pulling away parts of him as it left. The pain was sharp yet lasting. Some of the finer sand was already finding its way into his wounds, clumping together with the blood. It was the sort of pain that should make him cry out to the heavens for relief.
Instead, he grit his teeth. If his jaw clenched any harder he was certain he would crack it or his teeth or both, but he wasnt willing to give anyone the satisfaction. If hed been faced with a real weapon he would just be dead now, his torso sliced in two or at least his arm on the ground. Since they wanted to cause him pain, he wouldnt show it.
His energy surged inside of him. He had not held back one iota since the beginning of the match, but he began to exceed the maximum output he thought he could control. Maybe he couldnt. It felt more like the energy was controlling him, leading his attacks and twisting his body. Then again, wasnt it all him? He didnt know. He just fought, oblivious to anything but himself and his opponent.
Thrust after thrust failed to pierce Morenos defenses, but he wouldnt give up. He pushed his body beyond its limits, since it was the last time hed have the chance to use it. He even stopped using energy for defense- if Moreno could break through anyway, why bother?
White hair extended, growing even longer than its actual length as Elder Varela took advantage of the momentarily broken formation to grab the metal bars and twist them. They snapped apart, leaving room for a man to walk through upright. He was first into the arena, but Anton was only a step behind.
Elder Varela spoke before Anton could. Members of the audience, I am here to inform you that you have been witnessing the Potenza Arena in the midst of a committing a crime. As you must have already heard, this man should have never been enslaved. I provided proof of this to the young lady there, but instead of following her legal obligation she arranged for a spiteful death match. Now stay out of our way.
There was just enough patience within Anton to let him finish speaking. It was a nice reprieve to let him clear up his energy as the immediate side effects of Candle Wax were very disruptive. Tonina stood up in the stands and opened her mouth, but by that point a Spirit Arrow was already flying towards her.
It was a disappointment when he merely managed to pierce through her defensive energy, the flexible armor she had on, and a couple centimeters of flesh and bone. The arrow was supposed to have gone all the way through her heart. She was the equivalent of the twelfth star, having continued her cultivation but ultimately having been surpassed by Anton, but that one step wasnt quite enough for him to kill her instantly. The second arrow was blocked by Masozi, who was in mid Sprit Building. The man had not been immediately by her side, but now he stood in front of her.
Then he charged towards Anton, leaping directly along the path Anton had shot, his body completely concealing Tonina. Anton prepared another Spirit Arrow. One last use of Candle Wax should leave him no closer to his death than when he had first begun cultivating. Maybe even with a handful of spare years. The arrow shot straight towards the mid Spirit Building man but of course Anton had no hope to kill him in a single shot. As he rode with the arrow, it spiralled around the guardian out of his reach, once more flying towards Tonina behind the man. Masozi reached out, stretching his energy to grab the tail of the arrow. He reduced half of its power before Anton was able to break apart and continue forward. He was the arrow, and he once more struck towards the heart of Tonina. Her energy was fully committed to block, but she was slow to parry with her sword and he pierced through her defenses with some small amount of momentum left. He was precisely on target for the same spot, but barely had the energy to pierce another half centimeter, merely scratching her heart and not puncturing through it as intended.
Toninas guardian immediately reversed course once he hit the ground, blocking the next dozen arrows Anton shot. He knew that would happen, and didnt commit himself to anything extreme. Young mistress, we must retreat!
But hes- you should kill him!
Youd die. The man didnt let her give any more argument and yanked her along with him.
Antons ears were barely able to pick out her words, even with his enhanced senses. ...but I beat him
With that, they were almost out of sight and moving into the structure of the arena. He considered trying one more shot but resisted the urge. A waste of energy, or lifespan and energy. There were multiple ways into the arena, all full of cultivators. While he might be able to fight through them, he would not have the power left to combat her and her guardian. Elder Varela could no doubt match the guardian, but they werent here to kill. All of the guards along the way died simply because it was easier than sparing them, and their chosen profession gave them no sympathy from Anton.
Anton looked to Devon, smiling. Devon smiled back, then began to fall off his feet. Elder Varela was already there, gently catching him and picking him up. While I am certain you would like to seek further revenge, now is not the time. We should leave the way we came. I sense Elder Rocha is there waiting. She cannot shield us if we move away from her.
Anton nodded. I understand. Is he-
Elder Varelas hands and hair were moving, plying Devon with all sorts of medicines both on his wounds and internally. Even as he ran towards Anton and performed so many actions, Devon remained perfectly level as if he were simply floating. Do not worry. His breath continues.
-----
Authors note 2:
Well this one got long. But splitting it up wouldnt feel right, so have almost two chapters together.
Chapter 115Authors note:Theres more description of injury than average in this chapter. If you read The Immortal Berserker by me, its not more than some of that, but if you dislike gore you might just prefer to skim the first section.-----The sand beneath Devons boots was depressing. Not because it was too hot or too cold, but just because it was there. Sand didnt belong in the middle of a city. Dirt was easier to get. But sand was preferred for some reason. Maybe it was the clean color, or maybe it was how it absorbed blood. He had the feeling it was the latter.It was possible for Devon to get behind the idea of fighting or dying for a cause. Sometimes, you had to fight and kill others. Hed had to do so. Hed been forced to do so. That or die, and since somebody would be dying, he preferred it to be the other guy. It was nothing personal. But now he was in the worst sort of situation. He wasnt fighting for something. He didnt have the choice to do so, nor did he even have the option to kill his opponent. Not really.He held the unfamiliar fencing sword in what he hoped was a reasonable stance, looking at the too-small buckler held in his left hand. It was probably a perfectly reasonable setup for someone who trained that way. The weight of his armor rested on him. It was the same as all the rest of the armor. Inadequate. The helmet and breastplate were fine, but the arms and legs didnt cover everything. So that there would be more blood. People liked blood.If those sorts that liked to watch humans die were people. Maybe they were just monsters in human skin. Devon looked up at them, the bright sun making it difficult to make out their faces. They were just a mass. He only saw one face he recognized, and that was more a matter of remembering her energy. Tonina Potenza. The person most responsible for his current situation. Hed like to live today, just to spite her. But that wasnt possible. He knew that, as he turned his eyes towards Moreno. There was more than just a single step of cultivation between them. In fact, though he was concealing it, Devon felt that Moreno had more than just stepped into Spirit Building, but completed the first stage of his cultivation technique there. Maybe that was even the reason hed been away, to complete his advancement. Devon noted how his armor covered his knees and elbows and how the long chain he was dragging along behind him sparkled in the sun.He never consciously heard the call to begin fighting anymore. When it was time, it was time. His legs moved, pushing off of the sand as it flew up into great clouds behind him. He didnt have the stamina to draw out the fight. He probably didnt have the power to finish the battle early, but he had to try for something.The chain writhed on the surface of the sand, Morenos powerful arms manipulating it to flick towards him. Devon slid underneath it, taking advantage of the sands malleability to sink low. He carried as much of his momentum forward as he could, thrusting with the sword straight towards Morenos eyes. A slight turn of his head and the mans defensive energy absorbed most of the blow- with the helmet deflecting the rest.Pain. Chunks of flesh were pulled out of his back as the spike laden chain raked along his back like he knew it would. It tore through energy, breastplate, and skin before slicing into muscle and bone unevenly. He shoved the buckler into it to divert its momentum as he shifted around Morenos side. He wasnt sure how much of his success was his own, and how much was the man playing with him.A series of thrusts with his unfamiliar weapon allowed him to get used to its motion. If hed chosen it, it wouldnt have been a bad weapon. Beyond just relying on his armor and energy, Moreno was forced to dodge and even tried to grab the sword with his weapon, twisting the chain around it. However, before it could bind the sword Devon pulled away.The rest of the length of chain was not idle during that exchange. It twisted and snaked around, savaging the rear of Devons left thigh before coiling around his left arm, pulling away parts of him as it left. The pain was sharp yet lasting. Some of the finer sand was already finding its way into his wounds, clumping together with the blood. It was the sort of pain that should make him cry out to the heavens for relief.Instead, he grit his teeth. If his jaw clenched any harder he was certain he would crack it or his teeth or both, but he wasnt willing to give anyone the satisfaction. If hed been faced with a real weapon he would just be dead now, his torso sliced in two or at least his arm on the ground. Since they wanted to cause him pain, he wouldnt show it.His energy surged inside of him. He had not held back one iota since the beginning of the match, but he began to exceed the maximum output he thought he could control. Maybe he couldnt. It felt more like the energy was controlling him, leading his attacks and twisting his body. Then again, wasnt it all him? He didnt know. He just fought, oblivious to anything but himself and his opponent.Thrust after thrust failed to pierce Morenos defenses, but he wouldnt give up. He pushed his body beyond its limits, since it was the last time hed have the chance to use it. He even stopped using energy for defense- if Moreno could break through anyway, why bother?White hair extended, growing even longer than its actual length as Elder Varela took advantage of the momentarily broken formation to grab the metal bars and twist them. They snapped apart, leaving room for a man to walk through upright. He was first into the arena, but Anton was only a step behind.Elder Varela spoke before Anton could. Members of the audience, I am here to inform you that you have been witnessing the Potenza Arena in the midst of a committing a crime. As you must have already heard, this man should have never been enslaved. I provided proof of this to the young lady there, but instead of following her legal obligation she arranged for a spiteful death match. Now stay out of our way.There was just enough patience within Anton to let him finish speaking. It was a nice reprieve to let him clear up his energy as the immediate side effects of Candle Wax were very disruptive. Tonina stood up in the stands and opened her mouth, but by that point a Spirit Arrow was already flying towards her.It was a disappointment when he merely managed to pierce through her defensive energy, the flexible armor she had on, and a couple centimeters of flesh and bone. The arrow was supposed to have gone all the way through her heart. She was the equivalent of the twelfth star, having continued her cultivation but ultimately having been surpassed by Anton, but that one step wasnt quite enough for him to kill her instantly. The second arrow was blocked by Masozi, who was in mid Sprit Building. The man had not been immediately by her side, but now he stood in front of her.Then he charged towards Anton, leaping directly along the path Anton had shot, his body completely concealing Tonina. Anton prepared another Spirit Arrow. One last use of Candle Wax should leave him no closer to his death than when he had first begun cultivating. Maybe even with a handful of spare years. The arrow shot straight towards the mid Spirit Building man but of course Anton had no hope to kill him in a single shot. As he rode with the arrow, it spiralled around the guardian out of his reach, once more flying towards Tonina behind the man. Masozi reached out, stretching his energy to grab the tail of the arrow. He reduced half of its power before Anton was able to break apart and continue forward. He was the arrow, and he once more struck towards the heart of Tonina. Her energy was fully committed to block, but she was slow to parry with her sword and he pierced through her defenses with some small amount of momentum left. He was precisely on target for the same spot, but barely had the energy to pierce another half centimeter, merely scratching her heart and not puncturing through it as intended.Toninas guardian immediately reversed course once he hit the ground, blocking the next dozen arrows Anton shot. He knew that would happen, and didnt commit himself to anything extreme. Young mistress, we must retreat!But hes- you should kill him!Youd die. The man didnt let her give any more argument and yanked her along with him.Antons ears were barely able to pick out her words, even with his enhanced senses. ...but I beat himWith that, they were almost out of sight and moving into the structure of the arena. He considered trying one more shot but resisted the urge. A waste of energy, or lifespan and energy. There were multiple ways into the arena, all full of cultivators. While he might be able to fight through them, he would not have the power left to combat her and her guardian. Elder Varela could no doubt match the guardian, but they werent here to kill. All of the guards along the way died simply because it was easier than sparing them, and their chosen profession gave them no sympathy from Anton.Anton looked to Devon, smiling. Devon smiled back, then began to fall off his feet. Elder Varela was already there, gently catching him and picking him up. While I am certain you would like to seek further revenge, now is not the time. We should leave the way we came. I sense Elder Rocha is there waiting. She cannot shield us if we move away from her.Anton nodded. I understand. Is he-Elder Varelas hands and hair were moving, plying Devon with all sorts of medicines both on his wounds and internally. Even as he ran towards Anton and performed so many actions, Devon remained perfectly level as if he were simply floating. Do not worry. His breath continues.-----Authors note 2:Well this one got long. But splitting it up wouldnt feel right, so have almost two chapters together.
