ACT V
THE GLORY WARS
BRUTALITY WARNING
During the past month, Hans might not have been chummy with his friends, but he was actively pursuing knowledge. His primary focus was on soul weapons, and the professor in charge had introduced him to him till the syllabus allowed him - A soul weapon came in two categories, blessed and cursed. The first one could be handed down, but the latter remained loyal to one in its lifespan.
These weapons were capable of granting extraordinary abilities when supplied with sufficient aura. But what intrigued him the most was the cursed series, where the wielder had to pay the price of wielding enormous power. "What kind of idiot uses the weapon of self-harm? Masochist?"
"Oh, there are many nutjobs, farmboy," Walter remarked.
Since his professor hadn't provided the information he was seeking, he turned to learning from Walter. "So, out of all the swords, which is the most powerful?" Hans asked, intrigued. However, Walter responded passively, "Each sword can become formidable or worthless, depending on its wielder."
"Agh, just give me a name?" Hans asked, his annoyance topping his face.
"Fine, farmboy," Walter motioned for him to pause and began to explain, "Take Sir Alastor, for example. He wields a blessed sword named ThunderClap. However, the name doesn't truly reflect its power. That sword can control gravity in its vicinity. Then there's Faith, wielded by Norwin. This sword possesses the unique capability to harness the belief of others, converting it into power for its wielder." Walter carried on, telling him more, but the first two stood among the rest.
"What about cursed?" Hans asked, this time more curious than ever.
"You're probably interested in learning about your father's sword, aren't you?"
"Bullseye, professor, but not for the obvious reasons. Just spill everything." Hans nodded, acknowledging the context, while Walter answered, recalling the information."Hm... Rebellion - the cursed sword forged by Samson himself. It has the nasty curse of eating aura, and sending what it can not digest to people around, essentially opposite of Faith." Walter paused and remarked, "Your father really had issues with his old man." Heaving, he continued," But Faith being the blessed weapon did not eat the strength of others, it just converted their belief into power while Rebellion sucked its user dry. That's why it was not Samson's primary weapon, he only used it in emergencies.
"I don't get it! What was the advantage?"
"Hmm... Didn't I mention this before? The sword can transfer the user's aura to others. So what would occur if someone holding the sword possesses an excessive amount of aura that they can't fully utilise—"
"The sword channels it to allies, making... No, keeping them in top-notch condition even in long battles."
"See, you aren't that dumb," Walter teased. But Hans remained quiet, his mind going haywire with another concern. "What if Xandor could use it? Then, aren't I an idiot putting wings on my possible enemy?" "Agh," he grunted in frustration, "Wait, didn't cursed weapons can only be used by the owner?" He said it out loud, and Walter responded promptly, thinking of it as another question of Hans, "Of course, anyone other than the owner will die just as it happened in the past."
"Are you sure, I mean betting your life sure?" Hans asked for confirmation, seeking reassurance. Walter nodded, acknowledging and putting his massive wealth of information on the line, "Cursed swords can never be used by none other than its owner, period."
Their conversation about the 'Rebellion' concluded that day, and Hans resolved to concentrate on the present rather than an uncertain future that may not happen, or he prayed it to not happen. "Whatever, Arat said, Samson would be back, he can get his sword back. I just want the second book." The days were slipping by, and having distanced himself from Chris and Delimira, he spent most of his time alone, regularly practising his VoidZone, his swordsmanship and making his spells more efficient. Yet, every time he attempted to push beyond his limits, his body prevented him, as if a tranquillizer kicked in when he tried something drastic.
One instance was when he aimed to take the fourth step in his ManaStorm practice. The result was him knocking himself out, only to wake up after a deep sleep facing the familiar ceiling of the Infirmary and the nagging of the women around him.
And today seemed like any other ordinary day, but a small event managed to brighten Hans's mood slightly. The second-year students were finally having their hunting class, and they were headed to a second-star region in the Floatlands, an island adjacent to Midlands. However, even this brief moment of happiness was shattered by disturbing news that consumed the midlands like wildfire: Xandor had attacked the Sunfall and razed one of their ducal houses.”
“Can’t that man keep the fire in his pants? Why is he dead set on flashing at the world?” Hans was venting his frustration about Xandor, yet this wasn't the sole problem hovering around him. Vanir rushed in, his expression filled with urgency as he shared another troubling update. Taking a breath, he informed Hans, "Just like you said, Senior, I spotted those around the princess.”
Haa..." Hans let out a weary sigh, adding, "I can’t catch a break. And that stubborn Deli, is she out of her mind? I told her to stay away from her. Alright, today I'm going to put an end to this," he resolved to himself, and gave Vanir another errand to run, Go get Deli and bring her to the back of academy grounds."
“You mean, Duelling Grounds?” Vanir confirmed.
“Yes, go before those people catch up with her,” he said, leaving for the place himself.
In the meantime, a storm raged across the world since the remnants of Napronia Duchy made a revelation to the Alliance. They confessed to having possession of half Book of Death, a record of similar value to the already known myth: 'Book of Power' which was rumoured to make Samson - the most powerful knight of this era, hinting that more such books were hidden across the world. This kickstarted an event, a goose chase of the books of fate that the holders wanted to conceal. And Xandor having the complete book compelled them to join forces with Arat.
Yet, these monumental global shifts scarcely affected Hans. Though many doubted him, they lacked both the means to confirm the truth and the courage to approach Concordia for direct answers. Away from the brewing troubles, Hans was waiting for Delimira's arrival, he once thought of telling her about what was actually happening around her. "Yeah, I should tell her, this might get dangerous." he resolved to put everything behind him, yet upon spotting the uninvited guest tagging along, he snapped, “Screw this, she needs to be taught a lesson, instead of training they were hanging around. How many days have passed since she focused on getting stronger? It's all because of this shrimp. It was fine till she came here.”
“So, what do you want Hans?" Delimira said the words in a tone she didn't mean, "Your errand boy said you have something —”
"Get over here. Some sense needs to be knocked into you," Hans retorted, his emotions slipping his grasp. "That wasn't what I meant to say, damn it," he silently cursed his lack of control. But words were like arrows once released, causing unintended harm and it did, Delimira replied, disappointed, “Yes, that is very you." She paused and raising her head, mocked, "But you never won —” or tried to, but Hans interrupted her, “I’m serious today, you better prepare to lose some teeth, Delimira Winters.”
“I’m done entertaining your whims Hans.” She rushed to the duelling platform and pointed him to come up. From the second year onwards there was no need for a proctor since many can spar unofficially, and this was it, the unofficial duel. "If I win, I want her gone," Hans declared pointing at Allynna. But Delimira firmly denied, "Not happening."
"Then I'll take what I need, Winters," Hans cried, and clenching his fist, he got ready for the showdown. They were now confronting each other, glaring like enemies of past life, and despite Chris’s unending pleas the fight started with a bang, and it was none other than Hans’s two-step Manastorm that sent Delimira flying with a deafening sound. “Krosh art, dead mana, invisibility, Don’t joke with me Winters,” he roared, his eyes fixed on her. "Shatter, Smash," his VeganBind went on the rampage, erupting and ravaging the duelling ground. The once solid earth crumbled and morphed as if it were soft butter under a scorching blade, granting her no time to rest.
His attacks rained down unpredictably, granting him an advantage over Delimira, who was accustomed to anticipating his moves. "Damn it!" she cried out, realising her evasion has led her to an opening.
“SeedBullet” Hans shouted, stretching the mana path right at her head, “This will hurt like hell, so bite it down Winters.” Unlike before, this time it wasn't a metal seed but a wooden one. He released it, sending it hurtling toward her head. However, an unexpected repetition of what had occurred during their previous duel happened again - a sudden, sharp pain came knocking his head, breaking his focus. This caused the mana pathway to waver, the stress dissipating, and the SeedBullet that should have struck Delimira only managed to graze her.
"Damn it, what is she? The main character of some trashy novel?" Hans grumbled in frustration, pushing through the headache as he drew another mana path. Yet, the same thing kept repeating. In a closely contested battle, even a brief pause could tip the scales. Executing the second move of the Krosh art – the Empty Cut – she darted toward him, gracefully sidestepping all the VeganBind vines obstructing her way. Her blade, crafted from dead mana, swung alongside the rapier, targeting the disoriented Hans.
However, Hans was feeling a headache, not blindness. He remembered the move that had worked against her previously. "Get lost! ManaStorm!" he yelled and quickly took two steps forward. It was not perfect, but enough to push her back. No matter how much momentum she carried, against the ravaging mana it was akin to a candle before the sun.
She was thrown back, suffering many wounds, and this time lost her balance in stopping herself. She rolled many times on her journey back to her initial position as a consequence of that mistake. Shaky yet resolute, she stood once more. In the meantime, Hans suffered a huge headache. "What? This won't work on her either. Fucking, plot armour!"
| Warning !!! |
| Warning !!! |
| Warning !!! |
"Argh!" he growled through the throbbing pain, “What is this now? Screw it, I’m not submitting to this?" With his sheer will, he started gathering all of the surrounding mana, spiralling it around him. And with a gasping breath, he taunted the injured Delimira, “Is this what you amount to half blood?” And that word, being her reverse scale, turned her furious. Activating the first and second moves of Krosh art: Mirage + Empty Cut. She shot herself at Hans like a bullet. This time faster than ever. Hans almost stumbled, but clutching his head he cried, “Get Lost.”
A self-destructive mana discharge coursed through him, inflicting damage on both himself and the target. The energy surged and tore through the duelling platform, tearing through the slabs that VeganBind's chaos had left intact, but the sheer force was on an entirely different scale. This was Hans at his peak, a move only witnessed by Xandor until now. Chris, Allynna, and Vanir, the spectators of this duel, stood in awe at the magnitude of power displayed. Delimira, on the other hand, bore the brunt of this barrage and had no chance to be amazed. It felt as if someone had struck the back of her head and then beat her nonstop.
Her bones shattered, and her body lay battered as she glimpsed Hans, his rage escalating to unprecedented heights as he approached her. Truthfully, she was scared, he was no longer the friend she knew or the mischievous kid from Edenberg. He was a Parvian and he was making a statement as one.
“I asked you to stay away from her,” his voice carried a lethal edge as he seized her collar, hoisting her up slightly before landing a punch squarely on her face. “I asked to stay away from her,” another punch followed, breaking her nose. “Stay away from her!” The refrain echoed, accompanied by powerful blows raining down on her once-beautiful face, now marred and disfigured.
The scene's brutality shook Chris out of his daze. He never fathomed that Hans could descend to such depths of violence. With a belated rush of resolve, he intervened, lunging at Hans and grasping his arm. Yet, Hans's strength was overwhelming; even while Chris tried to restrain him, his hand continued connecting with Delimira's unconscious head.
In a desperate bid, Chris infused his aura and pushed Hans back with all his might. Allynna also joined the fray, placing herself between Hans and the unconscious Delimira. “Stop, you'll kill her,” she implored, tears streaming down her face. She sobbed, “She called you her friend – what a disgusting lie.”
Despite their pleas, Hans remained deaf to their words, lost in his fury. The last thing he registered was a message from the Command Centre.
| Warning !!! |
| Warning !!! |
| The body of the Host might suffer permanent damage if this condition is not addressed. Scanning the Source |
| A reprogrammable tapeworm is found as the cause. Putting the parasite into Hibernation. |
| Hibernation/Wake Command Failed. |
| Adjusting the action. A KILL command is issued. It will erase the program inside the parasite.
|
All he said was yes, and his pain vanished, but the next thing he remembered was Allynna and Chris looking at him with disgust. And, shifting his gaze to the bloody mess behind them, he understood, “Fuck, what happened here?”
AnnouncementNEXT : THE REPROGRAMMABLE TAPEWORM (2)
ACT V
THE GLORY WARS
BRUTALITY WARNING
During the past month, Hans might not have been chummy with his friends, but he was actively pursuing knowledge. His primary focus was on soul weapons, and the professor in charge had introduced him to him till the syllabus allowed him - A soul weapon came in two categories, blessed and cursed. The first one could be handed down, but the latter remained loyal to one in its lifespan.
These weapons were capable of granting extraordinary abilities when supplied with sufficient aura. But what intrigued him the most was the cursed series, where the wielder had to pay the price of wielding enormous power. "What kind of idiot uses the weapon of self-harm? Masochist?"
"Oh, there are many nutjobs, farmboy," Walter remarked.
Since his professor hadn't provided the information he was seeking, he turned to learning from Walter. "So, out of all the swords, which is the most powerful?" Hans asked, intrigued. However, Walter responded passively, "Each sword can become formidable or worthless, depending on its wielder."
"Agh, just give me a name?" Hans asked, his annoyance topping his face.
"Fine, farmboy," Walter motioned for him to pause and began to explain, "Take Sir Alastor, for example. He wields a blessed sword named ThunderClap. However, the name doesn't truly reflect its power. That sword can control gravity in its vicinity. Then there's Faith, wielded by Norwin. This sword possesses the unique capability to harness the belief of others, converting it into power for its wielder." Walter carried on, telling him more, but the first two stood among the rest.
"What about cursed?" Hans asked, this time more curious than ever.
"You're probably interested in learning about your father's sword, aren't you?"
"Bullseye, professor, but not for the obvious reasons. Just spill everything." Hans nodded, acknowledging the context, while Walter answered, recalling the information."Hm... Rebellion - the cursed sword forged by Samson himself. It has the nasty curse of eating aura, and sending what it can not digest to people around, essentially opposite of Faith." Walter paused and remarked, "Your father really had issues with his old man." Heaving, he continued," But Faith being the blessed weapon did not eat the strength of others, it just converted their belief into power while Rebellion sucked its user dry. That's why it was not Samson's primary weapon, he only used it in emergencies.
"I don't get it! What was the advantage?"
"Hmm... Didn't I mention this before? The sword can transfer the user's aura to others. So what would occur if someone holding the sword possesses an excessive amount of aura that they can't fully utilise—"
"The sword channels it to allies, making... No, keeping them in top-notch condition even in long battles."
"See, you aren't that dumb," Walter teased. But Hans remained quiet, his mind going haywire with another concern. "What if Xandor could use it? Then, aren't I an idiot putting wings on my possible enemy?" "Agh," he grunted in frustration, "Wait, didn't cursed weapons can only be used by the owner?" He said it out loud, and Walter responded promptly, thinking of it as another question of Hans, "Of course, anyone other than the owner will die just as it happened in the past."
"Are you sure, I mean betting your life sure?" Hans asked for confirmation, seeking reassurance. Walter nodded, acknowledging and putting his massive wealth of information on the line, "Cursed swords can never be used by none other than its owner, period."
Their conversation about the 'Rebellion' concluded that day, and Hans resolved to concentrate on the present rather than an uncertain future that may not happen, or he prayed it to not happen. "Whatever, Arat said, Samson would be back, he can get his sword back. I just want the second book." The days were slipping by, and having distanced himself from Chris and Delimira, he spent most of his time alone, regularly practising his VoidZone, his swordsmanship and making his spells more efficient. Yet, every time he attempted to push beyond his limits, his body prevented him, as if a tranquillizer kicked in when he tried something drastic.
One instance was when he aimed to take the fourth step in his ManaStorm practice. The result was him knocking himself out, only to wake up after a deep sleep facing the familiar ceiling of the Infirmary and the nagging of the women around him.
And today seemed like any other ordinary day, but a small event managed to brighten Hans's mood slightly. The second-year students were finally having their hunting class, and they were headed to a second-star region in the Floatlands, an island adjacent to Midlands. However, even this brief moment of happiness was shattered by disturbing news that consumed the midlands like wildfire: Xandor had attacked the Sunfall and razed one of their ducal houses.”
“Can’t that man keep the fire in his pants? Why is he dead set on flashing at the world?” Hans was venting his frustration about Xandor, yet this wasn't the sole problem hovering around him. Vanir rushed in, his expression filled with urgency as he shared another troubling update. Taking a breath, he informed Hans, "Just like you said, Senior, I spotted those around the princess.”
Haa..." Hans let out a weary sigh, adding, "I can’t catch a break. And that stubborn Deli, is she out of her mind? I told her to stay away from her. Alright, today I'm going to put an end to this," he resolved to himself, and gave Vanir another errand to run, Go get Deli and bring her to the back of academy grounds."
“You mean, Duelling Grounds?” Vanir confirmed.
“Yes, go before those people catch up with her,” he said, leaving for the place himself.
In the meantime, a storm raged across the world since the remnants of Napronia Duchy made a revelation to the Alliance. They confessed to having possession of half Book of Death, a record of similar value to the already known myth: 'Book of Power' which was rumoured to make Samson - the most powerful knight of this era, hinting that more such books were hidden across the world. This kickstarted an event, a goose chase of the books of fate that the holders wanted to conceal. And Xandor having the complete book compelled them to join forces with Arat.
Yet, these monumental global shifts scarcely affected Hans. Though many doubted him, they lacked both the means to confirm the truth and the courage to approach Concordia for direct answers. Away from the brewing troubles, Hans was waiting for Delimira's arrival, he once thought of telling her about what was actually happening around her. "Yeah, I should tell her, this might get dangerous." he resolved to put everything behind him, yet upon spotting the uninvited guest tagging along, he snapped, “Screw this, she needs to be taught a lesson, instead of training they were hanging around. How many days have passed since she focused on getting stronger? It's all because of this shrimp. It was fine till she came here.”
“So, what do you want Hans?" Delimira said the words in a tone she didn't mean, "Your errand boy said you have something —”
"Get over here. Some sense needs to be knocked into you," Hans retorted, his emotions slipping his grasp. "That wasn't what I meant to say, damn it," he silently cursed his lack of control. But words were like arrows once released, causing unintended harm and it did, Delimira replied, disappointed, “Yes, that is very you." She paused and raising her head, mocked, "But you never won —” or tried to, but Hans interrupted her, “I’m serious today, you better prepare to lose some teeth, Delimira Winters.”
“I’m done entertaining your whims Hans.” She rushed to the duelling platform and pointed him to come up. From the second year onwards there was no need for a proctor since many can spar unofficially, and this was it, the unofficial duel. "If I win, I want her gone," Hans declared pointing at Allynna. But Delimira firmly denied, "Not happening."
"Then I'll take what I need, Winters," Hans cried, and clenching his fist, he got ready for the showdown. They were now confronting each other, glaring like enemies of past life, and despite Chris’s unending pleas the fight started with a bang, and it was none other than Hans’s two-step Manastorm that sent Delimira flying with a deafening sound. “Krosh art, dead mana, invisibility, Don’t joke with me Winters,” he roared, his eyes fixed on her. "Shatter, Smash," his VeganBind went on the rampage, erupting and ravaging the duelling ground. The once solid earth crumbled and morphed as if it were soft butter under a scorching blade, granting her no time to rest.
His attacks rained down unpredictably, granting him an advantage over Delimira, who was accustomed to anticipating his moves. "Damn it!" she cried out, realising her evasion has led her to an opening.
“SeedBullet” Hans shouted, stretching the mana path right at her head, “This will hurt like hell, so bite it down Winters.” Unlike before, this time it wasn't a metal seed but a wooden one. He released it, sending it hurtling toward her head. However, an unexpected repetition of what had occurred during their previous duel happened again - a sudden, sharp pain came knocking his head, breaking his focus. This caused the mana pathway to waver, the stress dissipating, and the SeedBullet that should have struck Delimira only managed to graze her.
"Damn it, what is she? The main character of some trashy novel?" Hans grumbled in frustration, pushing through the headache as he drew another mana path. Yet, the same thing kept repeating. In a closely contested battle, even a brief pause could tip the scales. Executing the second move of the Krosh art – the Empty Cut – she darted toward him, gracefully sidestepping all the VeganBind vines obstructing her way. Her blade, crafted from dead mana, swung alongside the rapier, targeting the disoriented Hans.
However, Hans was feeling a headache, not blindness. He remembered the move that had worked against her previously. "Get lost! ManaStorm!" he yelled and quickly took two steps forward. It was not perfect, but enough to push her back. No matter how much momentum she carried, against the ravaging mana it was akin to a candle before the sun.
She was thrown back, suffering many wounds, and this time lost her balance in stopping herself. She rolled many times on her journey back to her initial position as a consequence of that mistake. Shaky yet resolute, she stood once more. In the meantime, Hans suffered a huge headache. "What? This won't work on her either. Fucking, plot armour!"
| Warning !!! |
| Warning !!! |
| Warning !!! |
"Argh!" he growled through the throbbing pain, “What is this now? Screw it, I’m not submitting to this?" With his sheer will, he started gathering all of the surrounding mana, spiralling it around him. And with a gasping breath, he taunted the injured Delimira, “Is this what you amount to half blood?” And that word, being her reverse scale, turned her furious. Activating the first and second moves of Krosh art: Mirage + Empty Cut. She shot herself at Hans like a bullet. This time faster than ever. Hans almost stumbled, but clutching his head he cried, “Get Lost.”
A self-destructive mana discharge coursed through him, inflicting damage on both himself and the target. The energy surged and tore through the duelling platform, tearing through the slabs that VeganBind's chaos had left intact, but the sheer force was on an entirely different scale. This was Hans at his peak, a move only witnessed by Xandor until now. Chris, Allynna, and Vanir, the spectators of this duel, stood in awe at the magnitude of power displayed. Delimira, on the other hand, bore the brunt of this barrage and had no chance to be amazed. It felt as if someone had struck the back of her head and then beat her nonstop.
Her bones shattered, and her body lay battered as she glimpsed Hans, his rage escalating to unprecedented heights as he approached her. Truthfully, she was scared, he was no longer the friend she knew or the mischievous kid from Edenberg. He was a Parvian and he was making a statement as one.
“I asked you to stay away from her,” his voice carried a lethal edge as he seized her collar, hoisting her up slightly before landing a punch squarely on her face. “I asked to stay away from her,” another punch followed, breaking her nose. “Stay away from her!” The refrain echoed, accompanied by powerful blows raining down on her once-beautiful face, now marred and disfigured.
The scene's brutality shook Chris out of his daze. He never fathomed that Hans could descend to such depths of violence. With a belated rush of resolve, he intervened, lunging at Hans and grasping his arm. Yet, Hans's strength was overwhelming; even while Chris tried to restrain him, his hand continued connecting with Delimira's unconscious head.
In a desperate bid, Chris infused his aura and pushed Hans back with all his might. Allynna also joined the fray, placing herself between Hans and the unconscious Delimira. “Stop, you'll kill her,” she implored, tears streaming down her face. She sobbed, “She called you her friend – what a disgusting lie.”
Despite their pleas, Hans remained deaf to their words, lost in his fury. The last thing he registered was a message from the Command Centre.
| Warning !!! |
| Warning !!! |
| The body of the Host might suffer permanent damage if this condition is not addressed. Scanning the Source |
| A reprogrammable tapeworm is found as the cause. Putting the parasite into Hibernation. |
| Hibernation/Wake Command Failed. |
| Adjusting the action. A KILL command is issued. It will erase the program inside the parasite.
|
All he said was yes, and his pain vanished, but the next thing he remembered was Allynna and Chris looking at him with disgust. And, shifting his gaze to the bloody mess behind them, he understood, “Fuck, what happened here?”
AnnouncementNEXT : THE REPROGRAMMABLE TAPEWORM (2)
