Flashes of light illuminated shadowy waves dancing on top of the cliff overlooking the war. Sounds of clashing metal rang louder with each passing moment. Attacks went off course and shifted the landscape without regard for collateral damage. Vethyean forces near the rock wall met similar fates as demons as all were in danger of sudden slashes bisecting them. Massive portions of land plummeted towards the land below and crushed both forces. They attempted to move away but couldn’t divert focus from other enemies. But many felt worse for the hero fighting against the beast causing such wanton destruction.
Great Sunderer’s size only mattered in regards to speed and getting past Aisha’s guard. No matter what form it took, the strength remained level. Its attacks could easily cut through their target if not for empowered shields backed up by masterful movements. Magical redirection allowed for swings that were impossible for others. Aisha’s perception was faster than ever before as the essence of her lightning manifested across her eyes. Unfortunately, Aeraza’s movements were still fast enough to sometimes break through.
Cuts marked every piece of armor on the adventurer. Some were deep enough to catch skin and caused blood to pour through. If not for diligent training the liquid would have made Aisha lose her grip. Instead she locked her fingers tightly around the hilt and focused on paying back her opponent. As powerful as Aeraza was, he wasn’t impervious to wounds. At least not ones coming from Valefor. The legendary blade tore into the demon’s armor with ease. Black ichor burst from the wounds. Obsidian armor made it difficult to identify where attacks landed during the brief moments the fighters separated.
These were not moments of respite. Rather both fighters opted to cast spells in order to hinder the other from recovering. A single chance to study their opponent would give the upper hand. Even Aisha’s modified vision only confirmed Aeraza’s attack patterns which were so powerful he didn’t bother altering them. Though the demon king wasn’t over confident enough to battle without a plan. The ink wasn’t used simply to conceal movements like Freckle’s smoke. It changed shapes and rippled across the land for hundreds of feet centering around Aeraza. With a silent command the inky shapes solidified before lunging towards the hero. Malleable shapes of all origins attempted to strike Aisha but she reacted with blasts of lightning. Balls of electricity burst from the fingertips of her right hand as it hovered near her blade. Any that got too close were swiftly cut apart and collapsed into their liquid form.
While Aisha believed she was being defensive, Aeraza knew she was growing stronger. With each clash her magic cast a little bit faster. Reactive blocks transformed into serpent-like strikes that weaved around the demon king’s relentless attacks. Even her movements became more refined while remaining nearly imperceptible. Every passing moment brought her closer to complete elemental attunement. Shockwaves traveled through every attack. Vibrations shook the ground with each lightning strike. Thunder boomed following every collision.
The demon king did not waver as his opponent got the upperhand. Whatever damage she did began to heal mere moments after they were made. It was the same trick that allowed him to survive so many battles against Kharim. Though even Aeraza had to admit that Aisha fought with a peculiar ferocity. Unlike the First Hero, this one was desperate to succeed. Few things could cause enough concern for her to hesitate. Bodily harm meant nothing in the face of her goals. After all, the demon king had to be stopped and the loss of the Hero would only serve as inspiration.
That’s what made having a powerful combat partner so fun. Aeraza could grow for the first time ever as he faced someone on par with the one that killed him. With each bouth he had more chances to learn from the powerful warrior. Their deal was fresh in his mind. As long as Aisha lost she would remain as his combat partner. It was likely she assumed that meant the demon king would hold back. The mere notion was foolish.
“I wonder how much you will improve as a resurrected being,” Aeraza said.
Aisha kept up her guard but didn’t press towards her opponent. Rapid lightning coursing through her body made it appear as a blur even while standing still. The brief smirk on Aeraza’s face gave away how impressed he was at her rapid growth. He composed himself with a not so subtle cough and continued.
“You must realize that in order to win yet keep you as a pet I do not need to hold back. I can simply end your life then revivify you like my many underlings. It would make communicating with you less of a hassle,” he explained. “Once I have dealt with you, no others would dare stand in my way. None can compare to your strength after all.”
A curious tilt of the head conveyed Aisha’s intrigue. Several long seconds passed as she considered her next words. Toying with an opponent didn’t suit her. But it was important to state facts as she identified them. No matter how far fetched they may seem.
“You’re not improving,” she said as a matter of fact. “I’m not even sure you’re stronger than you were a thousand years ago. Being so powerful made you stagnant. And that attitude of yours makes you complacent.”
With a wary motion Aisha raised her right hand to her face to examine it. Then she moved it to her side while looking at Valefor. The purple lightning streaked off everything around her at rates she’d never experienced. Not a single bit of focus was used to empower her conduit. Mana flowed freely and could be manifested as easily as Aisha breathed.
“You can’t win so you’re stalling. Or you’re hoping to figure out some way past my defense,” Aisha continued. Her lack of assurance was clear but no fear presented itself.
Aeraza shook his head and sighed. The following groan and unimpressed stare reminded Aisha of her early years as the chosen one.
“I do not need further strength to defeat you, Aisha Ilphelkiir. Growth can occur at a time when I do not have other matters to tend to. While I enjoy this battle, I must admit it is a hindrance towards my goals.” Aeraza nodded towards the cliff and continued, “My army is thinning at a greater rate than I would like. This is only due to your subordinates assisting a large group of insects. I think it is about time I thin the herd and guide my troops to conquering Vethyea.”
“That involves you overpowering me. You’ll need time to kill me even at full strength. By then, I think my allies can take out the strongest of your troops. Who knows, maybe they already have?” Aisha retorted.
There wasn’t a shred of doubt in her voice when suggesting her friends were already victorious. While she didn’t like to assume things, Aisha believed explicitly that they could overcome anything in their path. It was clear that confidence alone was enough to aggravate Aeraza. Clicks of the tongue were audible between them as his stoic face briefly revealed his true emotions.
“I cannot deny that I feel more confidence in your subordinates' combat abilities than my own,” he admitted. “However, Elmud and Veil had a capacity for violence far beyond single combat.”
“I knew Veil’s experiments had to be for you but didn’t realize the Dawncaster attack provided anything,” Aisha said. While silence was more comfortable, eking out information was crucial.
Aeraza sighed. “You are far too obvious about your need to gather information. Once I’ve humored you, I expect regret to follow. Let me begin with what you’re sure of. Veil’s experiments were indeed to assist me upon my return.”
Black ink that had pooled out slowly receded into the demon king as the first words of explanation passed his lips. Upon completely disappearing, a shockwave of energy burst forth. It wasn’t strong enough to physically affect the adventurer but it didn’t get past her notice. Something was coming and she prepared for it without taking a step towards Aeraza. The wheels were in motion, there was no stopping that. Information about what threatened to shift their battle was all Aisha could hope for.
“There are innumerable races capable of transformation. From mighty titans to the weak mimics, they are able to shift forms in incomprehensible ways,” Aeraza explained. “That remains the case for many people in this realm. It is not so for those privy to Veil’s research.”
“There was research conducted outside forcing mutants to hunt for magic items,” Aisha said.
“Those lacking your wisdom could figure that out. Yes, centuries were spent solving what exactly allowed creatures to transform freely. Magic and nature bound together in ways that were inexplicable. While I am not one to indulge in brutish practices, I cannot deny their results. Hundreds of thousands of lives were sacrificed in the search for the secret to transformation. The ability to force mutations or introduce transformation to any creature’s skillset was no longer a dream.”
Loud grinding echoed from the demon king’s castle. It was still in Aisha’s periphery but she didn’t dare shift focus from Aeraza. Metallic clanging reverberated behind the walls as rods hidden structures moved within. Familiar squelches like the sound of uncovered muscles slowly grew louder. The demon king slowly walked to the side in order to put his fortress directly behind him. Whatever was happening wasn’t something he’d allow the hero to ignore.
Past the condescending figure was the familiar sight of black ink. Copious amounts poured out of the bending joints of the castle. Red, bloody muscle and viscera expanded under the stone walls. The massive building seemed to grow taller as the base of the structure rose. It was held aloft by four bulging trunks. Each one sprouted upwards from where the gate once stood before bending down halfway. The ends were flat like an elephant’s feet but the entirety eclipsed multiple in size. Giant spires on two sides of the central pillar erupted into muscular arms ending at meaty hands with three towering fingers. What were once walls were now armor plating on the grotesque beast.
A bellowing roar burst from the roof of the final intact piece of the stronghold. It shattered as a featureless head erupted through. Jagged teeth lined its giant maw which stretched well across the creature’s face. Red skin everywhere else opened to reveal hundreds of massive insectoid eyes. Each one moved individually as they flitted about in search of prey. No amount of waiting made them stop. The creature, standing at more than a dragon’s height, was frozen in place in an endless hunt.
It took everything for Aisha not to freeze at the sight of the gargantuan beast. The lightning and vibrations around her masked uncontrollable shaking. With every fiber she focused on calming her nerves. The fight wasn’t over and Aeraza’s expression made clear that he wasn’t done yet.
“Atlas is quite magnificent, isn’t it. Veil allowed the mixture of organic and mechanical beings,” Aeraza explained. “Such a pained form excuses its habit of running rampant. However, Elmud helped control that infuriating problem. You are familiar with the Artifact, Lightbringer. Do you recall its use in Dawncaster?”
“The light shield. It blocked magic but didn’t do much against physical entities,” Aisha replied as her nerves slowly calmed.
“Full marks. That shield naturally encompasses the wielder. With the use of certain tools, it can be amplified. What if the magic that is modified is not from an Artifact but from one’s self?”
Aeraza held up his gauntlet to reveal engravings lined with silver. Ink endlessly flowed along the embellishments and over the demon king’s body. Similar, thicker lines squirmed over the entirety of Atlas as its frantic motions slowed. Each eye turned to focus on Aisha in a wave.
“My growth in strength needn’t be a surprise to you or myself. Well-laid plans always come to fruition,” Aeraza said calmly as he flourished his sword. He remained peculiarly nonchalant when he continued. “This will eradicate your lands. It will show the vast difference in your strongest warriors and my most mindless of servants. Every waking moment left for Vethyea will be drowned in horror as it is reshaped by my creation.”
Saliva dripped from the giant’s mouth as its hunger for battle grew. Muscles quivered throughout its body finally moved. Crab-like legs carried it forward until it was directly next to the cliff. As high as the landmass was, the monster’s torso rose above it.
Aeraza smiled unabashedly and sent a chill down Aisha’s spine. He stated, “You take great pride in that speed. Why wouldn’t you? It allows for weaving through my attacks. Even those made by Great Sunderer’s true form. However, those attacks are on a much smaller scale than Atlas. How will you defend yourself from it?”
Atlas’s muscles bulged as it reared back a giant right fist. The swing traveled much faster than a creature of such size should be capable of. Pressure equivalent to a falling meteor accompanied the incoming strike. Aisha stared at the monster until a wave of heat hit her back. A comforting sensation washed over her and she turned her focus to Aeraza.
It was clear that her next action would trigger a response and she only had seconds. There was no time to plan for how he might react. But the hero didn’t work on assumptions. With unabashed confidence she stared at the demon king. His face furrowed in confusion then twisted to anger as his opponent’s encroaching fear vanished. Under the pressure of impending doom, Aisha smiled.
Flashes of light illuminated shadowy waves dancing on top of the cliff overlooking the war. Sounds of clashing metal rang louder with each passing moment. Attacks went off course and shifted the landscape without regard for collateral damage. Vethyean forces near the rock wall met similar fates as demons as all were in danger of sudden slashes bisecting them. Massive portions of land plummeted towards the land below and crushed both forces. They attempted to move away but couldn’t divert focus from other enemies. But many felt worse for the hero fighting against the beast causing such wanton destruction.
Great Sunderer’s size only mattered in regards to speed and getting past Aisha’s guard. No matter what form it took, the strength remained level. Its attacks could easily cut through their target if not for empowered shields backed up by masterful movements. Magical redirection allowed for swings that were impossible for others. Aisha’s perception was faster than ever before as the essence of her lightning manifested across her eyes. Unfortunately, Aeraza’s movements were still fast enough to sometimes break through.
Cuts marked every piece of armor on the adventurer. Some were deep enough to catch skin and caused blood to pour through. If not for diligent training the liquid would have made Aisha lose her grip. Instead she locked her fingers tightly around the hilt and focused on paying back her opponent. As powerful as Aeraza was, he wasn’t impervious to wounds. At least not ones coming from Valefor. The legendary blade tore into the demon’s armor with ease. Black ichor burst from the wounds. Obsidian armor made it difficult to identify where attacks landed during the brief moments the fighters separated.
These were not moments of respite. Rather both fighters opted to cast spells in order to hinder the other from recovering. A single chance to study their opponent would give the upper hand. Even Aisha’s modified vision only confirmed Aeraza’s attack patterns which were so powerful he didn’t bother altering them. Though the demon king wasn’t over confident enough to battle without a plan. The ink wasn’t used simply to conceal movements like Freckle’s smoke. It changed shapes and rippled across the land for hundreds of feet centering around Aeraza. With a silent command the inky shapes solidified before lunging towards the hero. Malleable shapes of all origins attempted to strike Aisha but she reacted with blasts of lightning. Balls of electricity burst from the fingertips of her right hand as it hovered near her blade. Any that got too close were swiftly cut apart and collapsed into their liquid form.
While Aisha believed she was being defensive, Aeraza knew she was growing stronger. With each clash her magic cast a little bit faster. Reactive blocks transformed into serpent-like strikes that weaved around the demon king’s relentless attacks. Even her movements became more refined while remaining nearly imperceptible. Every passing moment brought her closer to complete elemental attunement. Shockwaves traveled through every attack. Vibrations shook the ground with each lightning strike. Thunder boomed following every collision.
The demon king did not waver as his opponent got the upperhand. Whatever damage she did began to heal mere moments after they were made. It was the same trick that allowed him to survive so many battles against Kharim. Though even Aeraza had to admit that Aisha fought with a peculiar ferocity. Unlike the First Hero, this one was desperate to succeed. Few things could cause enough concern for her to hesitate. Bodily harm meant nothing in the face of her goals. After all, the demon king had to be stopped and the loss of the Hero would only serve as inspiration.
That’s what made having a powerful combat partner so fun. Aeraza could grow for the first time ever as he faced someone on par with the one that killed him. With each bouth he had more chances to learn from the powerful warrior. Their deal was fresh in his mind. As long as Aisha lost she would remain as his combat partner. It was likely she assumed that meant the demon king would hold back. The mere notion was foolish.
“I wonder how much you will improve as a resurrected being,” Aeraza said.
Aisha kept up her guard but didn’t press towards her opponent. Rapid lightning coursing through her body made it appear as a blur even while standing still. The brief smirk on Aeraza’s face gave away how impressed he was at her rapid growth. He composed himself with a not so subtle cough and continued.
“You must realize that in order to win yet keep you as a pet I do not need to hold back. I can simply end your life then revivify you like my many underlings. It would make communicating with you less of a hassle,” he explained. “Once I have dealt with you, no others would dare stand in my way. None can compare to your strength after all.”
A curious tilt of the head conveyed Aisha’s intrigue. Several long seconds passed as she considered her next words. Toying with an opponent didn’t suit her. But it was important to state facts as she identified them. No matter how far fetched they may seem.
“You’re not improving,” she said as a matter of fact. “I’m not even sure you’re stronger than you were a thousand years ago. Being so powerful made you stagnant. And that attitude of yours makes you complacent.”
With a wary motion Aisha raised her right hand to her face to examine it. Then she moved it to her side while looking at Valefor. The purple lightning streaked off everything around her at rates she’d never experienced. Not a single bit of focus was used to empower her conduit. Mana flowed freely and could be manifested as easily as Aisha breathed.
“You can’t win so you’re stalling. Or you’re hoping to figure out some way past my defense,” Aisha continued. Her lack of assurance was clear but no fear presented itself.
Aeraza shook his head and sighed. The following groan and unimpressed stare reminded Aisha of her early years as the chosen one.
“I do not need further strength to defeat you, Aisha Ilphelkiir. Growth can occur at a time when I do not have other matters to tend to. While I enjoy this battle, I must admit it is a hindrance towards my goals.” Aeraza nodded towards the cliff and continued, “My army is thinning at a greater rate than I would like. This is only due to your subordinates assisting a large group of insects. I think it is about time I thin the herd and guide my troops to conquering Vethyea.”
“That involves you overpowering me. You’ll need time to kill me even at full strength. By then, I think my allies can take out the strongest of your troops. Who knows, maybe they already have?” Aisha retorted.
There wasn’t a shred of doubt in her voice when suggesting her friends were already victorious. While she didn’t like to assume things, Aisha believed explicitly that they could overcome anything in their path. It was clear that confidence alone was enough to aggravate Aeraza. Clicks of the tongue were audible between them as his stoic face briefly revealed his true emotions.
“I cannot deny that I feel more confidence in your subordinates' combat abilities than my own,” he admitted. “However, Elmud and Veil had a capacity for violence far beyond single combat.”
“I knew Veil’s experiments had to be for you but didn’t realize the Dawncaster attack provided anything,” Aisha said. While silence was more comfortable, eking out information was crucial.
Aeraza sighed. “You are far too obvious about your need to gather information. Once I’ve humored you, I expect regret to follow. Let me begin with what you’re sure of. Veil’s experiments were indeed to assist me upon my return.”
Black ink that had pooled out slowly receded into the demon king as the first words of explanation passed his lips. Upon completely disappearing, a shockwave of energy burst forth. It wasn’t strong enough to physically affect the adventurer but it didn’t get past her notice. Something was coming and she prepared for it without taking a step towards Aeraza. The wheels were in motion, there was no stopping that. Information about what threatened to shift their battle was all Aisha could hope for.
“There are innumerable races capable of transformation. From mighty titans to the weak mimics, they are able to shift forms in incomprehensible ways,” Aeraza explained. “That remains the case for many people in this realm. It is not so for those privy to Veil’s research.”
“There was research conducted outside forcing mutants to hunt for magic items,” Aisha said.
“Those lacking your wisdom could figure that out. Yes, centuries were spent solving what exactly allowed creatures to transform freely. Magic and nature bound together in ways that were inexplicable. While I am not one to indulge in brutish practices, I cannot deny their results. Hundreds of thousands of lives were sacrificed in the search for the secret to transformation. The ability to force mutations or introduce transformation to any creature’s skillset was no longer a dream.”
Loud grinding echoed from the demon king’s castle. It was still in Aisha’s periphery but she didn’t dare shift focus from Aeraza. Metallic clanging reverberated behind the walls as rods hidden structures moved within. Familiar squelches like the sound of uncovered muscles slowly grew louder. The demon king slowly walked to the side in order to put his fortress directly behind him. Whatever was happening wasn’t something he’d allow the hero to ignore.
Past the condescending figure was the familiar sight of black ink. Copious amounts poured out of the bending joints of the castle. Red, bloody muscle and viscera expanded under the stone walls. The massive building seemed to grow taller as the base of the structure rose. It was held aloft by four bulging trunks. Each one sprouted upwards from where the gate once stood before bending down halfway. The ends were flat like an elephant’s feet but the entirety eclipsed multiple in size. Giant spires on two sides of the central pillar erupted into muscular arms ending at meaty hands with three towering fingers. What were once walls were now armor plating on the grotesque beast.
A bellowing roar burst from the roof of the final intact piece of the stronghold. It shattered as a featureless head erupted through. Jagged teeth lined its giant maw which stretched well across the creature’s face. Red skin everywhere else opened to reveal hundreds of massive insectoid eyes. Each one moved individually as they flitted about in search of prey. No amount of waiting made them stop. The creature, standing at more than a dragon’s height, was frozen in place in an endless hunt.
It took everything for Aisha not to freeze at the sight of the gargantuan beast. The lightning and vibrations around her masked uncontrollable shaking. With every fiber she focused on calming her nerves. The fight wasn’t over and Aeraza’s expression made clear that he wasn’t done yet.
“Atlas is quite magnificent, isn’t it. Veil allowed the mixture of organic and mechanical beings,” Aeraza explained. “Such a pained form excuses its habit of running rampant. However, Elmud helped control that infuriating problem. You are familiar with the Artifact, Lightbringer. Do you recall its use in Dawncaster?”
“The light shield. It blocked magic but didn’t do much against physical entities,” Aisha replied as her nerves slowly calmed.
“Full marks. That shield naturally encompasses the wielder. With the use of certain tools, it can be amplified. What if the magic that is modified is not from an Artifact but from one’s self?”
Aeraza held up his gauntlet to reveal engravings lined with silver. Ink endlessly flowed along the embellishments and over the demon king’s body. Similar, thicker lines squirmed over the entirety of Atlas as its frantic motions slowed. Each eye turned to focus on Aisha in a wave.
“My growth in strength needn’t be a surprise to you or myself. Well-laid plans always come to fruition,” Aeraza said calmly as he flourished his sword. He remained peculiarly nonchalant when he continued. “This will eradicate your lands. It will show the vast difference in your strongest warriors and my most mindless of servants. Every waking moment left for Vethyea will be drowned in horror as it is reshaped by my creation.”
Saliva dripped from the giant’s mouth as its hunger for battle grew. Muscles quivered throughout its body finally moved. Crab-like legs carried it forward until it was directly next to the cliff. As high as the landmass was, the monster’s torso rose above it.
Aeraza smiled unabashedly and sent a chill down Aisha’s spine. He stated, “You take great pride in that speed. Why wouldn’t you? It allows for weaving through my attacks. Even those made by Great Sunderer’s true form. However, those attacks are on a much smaller scale than Atlas. How will you defend yourself from it?”
Atlas’s muscles bulged as it reared back a giant right fist. The swing traveled much faster than a creature of such size should be capable of. Pressure equivalent to a falling meteor accompanied the incoming strike. Aisha stared at the monster until a wave of heat hit her back. A comforting sensation washed over her and she turned her focus to Aeraza.
It was clear that her next action would trigger a response and she only had seconds. There was no time to plan for how he might react. But the hero didn’t work on assumptions. With unabashed confidence she stared at the demon king. His face furrowed in confusion then twisted to anger as his opponent’s encroaching fear vanished. Under the pressure of impending doom, Aisha smiled.
