Argentum: Alright… seems as if I'm addicted to writing this story now.
Grel'Slyfer: Well… it is more unique compared to the other stories we have on the account.
Shadow: Yeah… I mean compared to everyone else you're starting off pretty weak.
Argentum: Wait you're here again?
Shadow: Well as the accounts so called "mascot" I gotta make an appearance every now and then.
Cassandra: I don't like him… seems a bit evil if you ask me.
Grel'Slyfer/Argentum: PFFFT….
Shadow: …Why? Why does everyone keep…? Whatever… with nothing really to discuss I'll be ending this farce of a chapter intro.
Argentum: I thought it was the chapter heading?
Grel'Slyfer: No it's the comment section.
Cassandra: No it's the title introduction!
Shadow: Whatever it is! I'm ending it!
Everybody else: Okay…
Shadow: Ugh… Alright… ahem… We here at the Dark Guard productions own nothing but reality building concepts and OC's. Everything else belongs to their respective owners. Now without further ado…
Everyone: Here's the story!
Argentum: Wait a minute… hasn't it also been called the disclaimer section?
Shadow: …aaaaAAAARGHH!-Message board terminated-
Hello= Regular talk
Hello= Thoughts
[Hello]= Radio
(Hello)= Telepathy/Mind reading
Chapter Five: How I learned more about gravity or… how it became my worst enemy.
The next morning found ourselves in a… let's just say and awkward situation. For me, Cassandra, and Chris were hugging each other as we slept. As we happened to open our eyes and sit up as one, we looked at each other… our faces couldn't have turned red faster.
Chris was the first to speak up. "Uh… I guess I shouldn't have teased you two before huh?" We both nodded while still blushing. Though Cassandra said something that made me blush heavier then the two of them.
"Well…Michael is actually pretty cuddly… in a purely platonic sort of way." Chris seemed to think on this before nodding in agreement. I did the only thing I could think of in that moment… and that was to bury my burning face into my hands. Seeing this both girls lost their blushes and laughed, and though it was at my expense I smiled. After all it was a relief that despite what we had been through… we could all still laugh and smile. But such things could not be forgotten or ignored for long. In this case all it took was for me to look at the wall. Our dirty equipment being a strong reminder of what we just went through. As I looked at it all, the other two soon looked on as well.
Once more silence reigned, and it was heavy… seeming to try and crush us. A weight the three of us couldn't seem to overcome… As images assaulted my mind, I knew the other two were going through the same thing. Unable to bear the sight of the reminder I looked down at my hands. My hands were another reminder and I couldn't help but clench my fists. They were covered in dirt and scratches; we had simply entered my room without cleaning ourselves. Having no energy for anything else the night before.
Unclenching my hands I turned them over so I could look at my palms. Despite my years of archery and the months I spent leveling… they were still rather smooth. I knew they were not the hands of a warrior. Of someone who is strong enough to save his friends. I knew… because the hands belonging to my archery coach were rough. Every time I shook his hands I could feel the calluses formed from years of practice.
I felt… determined because of those thoughts. After all my coach wasn't fighting for this life like I was. Taking a breath I closed my eyes and opened them. Knowing I needed to get started, after all time didn't stand still for anyone.
Standing up I went over to the wall and grabbed my sword before speaking. "You two can stay and rest if you need to… I know we all could use it." I then turned to them tying the sword onto my belt. "But if I stayed I'd feel like I was being lazy… and maybe that's just me. But I don't want to sit around when I know what I need to do." Turning back I put on my dirtied coat and then put on my bow and quiver. I then smiled as I heard footsteps on both my sides. Smiling I headed for the door. "I'll order us some breakfast, see you two in a bit." Chris and Cassandra who were getting ready simply nodded at me.
Back in the guild hall everyone still seemed to be sullen. A number were also looking pretty angry, seeing all of this simply made me more determined. I can't afford to give in… Nel'Ren… I will defeat you one day! Around me I could see some stare at with looks of admiration. For my feelings and thoughts had manifested onto my face.
It was a look of someone who hadn't given in… and who would continue onwards. It wasn't anything unique… and I knew this. I wasn't special just because I decided to not give up. No… in the eyes of everyone there it just meant I decided to simply man up… and to all the adventurers there. That was simply enough for them to acknowledge me as one of them. The feelings conveyed by everyone's faces made me smile as I sat down.
As I did so one of the waitresses came up to me. "How may I help you today?" I could tell that she felt sorry for me from her eyes. Not quite knowing how to treat me. It was cute in its own way but I decided to help her over it.
So with a smile I answered her. "I'll take three plates of eggs, bacon, and buttered toast please."She blinked at my smile, but then smiled herself. Confirming my order before going off to fulfill it. Nodding I took out my new sword and put it on the table. The blade reflected the light despite being pitch black. It was an interesting sword, a bit longer than the usual katana. Being more of the length of a longsword but I was fine with that. I knew it was going to be key for me to master this blade.
Narrowing my eyes I remembered how useless my archery was. How Nel'Ren either dodged my arrows or used them as weapons. Despite this I knew I wouldn't give up on it, but I also knew I needed to become a better swordsman. As I contemplated about how I would balance my training, I felt the table shake a bit. Looking up from my sword I saw Chris and Cassandra sitting on the opposite side from me.
Smiling I sheathed my weapon and spoke up. "Well I ordered for us like I said I would. Hope you both like toast, eggs, and bacon." While Cassandra nodded putting her helmet on the table Chris sighed in anticipation.
"Oh yes I do… and no offense to your rations Michael… but I can't wait to have real food." While Cassandra shook her head in amusement I laughed. Everyone watching us seemed to also be amused. Pouting because I laughed Chris then smiled sadly. "So… what do you two plan on doing now?"
Taking a breath I looked at them both. "I plan on following Oswald's advice. Because despite being able to instantly gain strength through leveling… it won't help me if I don't have any skill." Chris nodded as she turned to Cassandra, I to also turned to her prompting our elf to speak.
"I will also look for someone to help train me. Though I will probably take up the sword and shield. For despite not having a desire before I saw how well it could be used." She then looked down at her clasped hands before continuing. "And I want to honor Tiff in some way… and seeing how he used a shield to help us. Well… I felt that it would be appropriate."
I could only nod before I turned towards Chris. "How about you? I know that you won't join us but I'm still curious about what you'll do." Chris sighed before smiling sadly at me.
"Well… with how busy I am… while I will train and try to build up my strength and skill. More than likely I won't be able to do as much as I like." She then smirked and winked at me. "But if you ever need a thief I'll waive my usually fee for ya." I couldn't help but smile back and reach over to pat her head. Causing her to pout. "Hey… I'm not some little kid…" I couldn't help but laugh before stopping.
"Sorry but I couldn't help it." I then gave her a warm look. "Still thank you Chris that means a lot." Cassandra also smiled and nodded at her causing Chris to blush lightly.
"Hey now… you'll both give me a big head at this rate." Me and Cassandra laughed at her expense at that point. Chris also joined us after pouting for a moment. As we lightened up the mood in the guild the food arrived. We thanked the waitress as I paid the amount due and also tipped her. It has kind of become a thing for me to tip them. Probably one of the reasons the guild employees liked me so much.
Meh I'll worry about that later, for now it's eating time! With that thought I began my meal, knowing I'd need all the energy I could get for today. Because I planned on first cleaning up, then going shopping to restock on equipment, before finally going about to try and find someone to train me.
After we finished eating I said my goodbyes to Chris and Cassandra as we separated. We all wanted to wash up and clean our equipment, so while I promised to meet Cassandra in front of the guild I went to do just as I said. It took a number of hours to finally get all the dirt and grime out of my coat. But it was definitely worth it! For it felt a few pounds lighter as I put it on.
Nodding to my now clean and respectable appearance… I walked over to the guild to wait for my party member. Huh… never had a permanent one. It feels kind of nice. Smiling to myself I kept an eye out for said party member. Eventually she came into view and I waved her over. Like myself she was now squeaky clean.
As she got near I spoke. "So… want to shop with me? Or do you want to go and find yourself a teacher?"
She shook her helmeted head before answering. "I was thinking shopping; this would not only allow us to restock. But also allow me to buy myself a shield and a sword for you as I had promised." At the mention of a new sword I waved her off gesturing to my new katana.
"Nah… I'm good on swords, but I won't say no to some new arrows." She simply nodded in agreement at my request; I copied her smile before leading the way to the general goods store. It was a simple affair, buying what we needed before moving on.
The next stop we made was at the blacksmith, where Cassandra showed her former status as a princess to me. Because simply put… pulling out a enchanted money bag and buying a shield worth five hundred grand… well it certainly showed how rich she still was. Cassandra then paid for all the arrows I could carry, both enchanted and mundane. That had cost another fifty grand… if nothing else seeing the shocked face of the blacksmith was entertaining. She then left her sword for repairs before picking up an arming sword. After a couple of test swings she bought it, saying it would work well with her shield… of course the sword had added on another four hundred grand.
What with it being an enchanted sword of thunder… so yeah despite not looking like it Cassandra was a big spender. Though she said it was more or less an investment into survivability. Me and the blacksmith didn't really say anything else after that. Not that the latter would seeing how he was the one being paid. But with that over and done with we set out to find our new teachers…
We didn't find anyone that day… I mean it is just the first day of looking… not like we would simply find someone so soon. So with a sigh and a smile I decided to just be patient and continue forward. After all it was just a matter of time before we found someone. So after helping Cassandra get her own room, I paid for mine once more, cleaned it up, and then went to bed. Believing that I'd find someone if not tomorrow then soon.
Let's let this line break live and learn.
Another day of looking… maybe we'd have better luck in a different town? It's been two months… two whole months since we've started our search. During that time we've also gone of jobs and trained in whatever way we could. Unfortunately the only thing that had truly improved was our levels. Having gone on harder quests to improve ourselves and our equipment.
Sure I could take on harder and better paying jobs with Cassandra… and the improved equipment was a plus. But that wasn't what we wanted. We wanted… no needed someone to teach us how to truly fight. Having completed another quest, and having searched fruitlessly once more. The both of us were back at the guild eating dinner. It was probably depressing to see us just sullenly eat our meals. But there was nothing anybody else could do; even when a number of other adventurers helped… well we still couldn't find anybody.
Sighing I took a sip of water before speaking my thoughts. "At this rate we might need to search other towns." Nodding Cassandra swallowed before giving her own opinion.
"That might very well be true. Though I am reluctant… this city has treated us well and it'd be a shame to leave it. On the other hand if we are to one day defeat the Darkwraith, we need training." She then sighed before continuing. "And though I might be hesitant to say so… defeating Nel'Ren takes precedence over our own comfort." That was something I completely agreed with. Especially with the way he seemed to build elaborate traps to murder adventurers with.
So nodding my head in agreement I voiced my plans. "I agree… so how about we search for at least another month. If by then we still can't find anybody we'll search elsewhere." Cassandra was about to agree when someone slammed a hand on our table. Startling the two of us as we quickly turned to the culprit. Turns out it was Luna and she seemed pretty upset.
Thankfully what she said next cleared up any confusion we had. "Did I hear you correctly? Are the both of you planning on leaving Axel?" A bit hesitant I nodded my head causing her to scowl. "Sorry but I can't let you do that." We were about to protest when she cut us off. "You two are becoming some of the best adventurers we have. If only because of the revenue the two of you bring in." The both of us couldn't help but give her looks of disappointment at that statement. Noticing our looks she blushed and coughed into her fist. "Ahem… and while I understand that you've had no luck searching for trainers… I have an idea that might help."
While I cocked an eyebrow Cassandra now interested hummed in thought. "Hmm… well we are all open for ideas. Especially if it would allow us to stay in Axel… so what do you have in mind?"
Grinning Luna slapped a piece of paper down. "A request that I'll put up for free!" At our confused looks she elaborated. "Okay let me explain. You see every time someone asks to put up a request a fee is required. Then upon completion, the guild takes some of the money from the reward. The rest is then given to the party who completed it. Usually the only exceptions are requests for party members. However with this the guild is willing to not ask for any payment. We simply ask that you put up a request asking for anyone to help search for trainers for the both of you. The two of you can then hash out anything else you want on it. Of course this all is under the condition that you two stay."
I picked up the paper and started thinking. Overall it wasn't a bad idea… it would allow us to stay while expanding our search radius. Of course it would be a bit harder to evaluate the people who came in talk to us. Despite all that it was a good idea and one I wasn't opposed to.
With that in mind I turned to Cassandra. "Well… I say it's worth a shot at least. What do you think?" Clasping her hands on the table she answered after a moment.
"I say give it a try as well… though I believe a time limit would be understandable?" She turned to Luna with that last part.
If she was upset about it Luna didn't show it but simply nodded. "That's fair… how about five months?" I shook my head and held up three fingers. This caused her to sigh before giving a counter. "Three and a half… that's the least we're willing to give you." Smiling me and my party member nodded as one. Luna quickly perked up with that. "Perfect! Now I'll just leave this here, you two feel free to put whatever you want on it." With that she went to go continue her work.
Now alone me and Cassandra started planning. We knew the main objective was to get two masters… one for her to learn from and another for me to learn from. For Cassandra it was about learning how to use a sword and shield. I wanted someone to teach me about single edged swordplay. Now we both understood it would be harder to find a teacher for me. For despite all the time I've been here, I have never seen someone have a katana out on display. In fact even Cassandra had never quite seen a blade like it before.
With that in mind we started on our request, tossing ideas out and discarding the ones that were detrimental. Thankfully while I was quite new at this sort of thing, Cassandra was able to quickly pick up the slack. Her background and former training certainly shown through. Even still it took us until the middle of the night to finally make something fair for all parties. Smiling at our accomplishment we posted the request and then retired for the night. Hopes a bit better with the request up. Heh… guess being nice and working hard does come in handy. Grinning I fell asleep wanting to be ready for the morrow.
The next day seemed to have come quickly, with me simply closing my eyes and then waking up at first light. At this point I was used to all of it, but I was happy that I wasn't plagued by nightmares. Smiling at that I popped my back and got ready, following my morning routine I went and got breakfast, tipped my hard working waitress, and then went for a jog. This was proceeded by pushups and sit-ups; with those done I began to do basic sword swings. Wanting to at least be proficient with the basics.
After my sword swings I went to an archery range and fired my bow. It was a good way to do some morning training, though I made sure not to overdo it. After all I still needed to go out and do quests and search the city. Though with the request up I wasn't too worried about that anymore.
Firing my bow I relaxed my mind and pulled out another arrow. Meditating on my shots so I had the perfect muscle memory. As I did so I once again got a bull's-eye, seeing this I aimed at a target further down range. Repeating the process every time I hit my main target, though I wasn't perfect. Often needing to fire multiple shots, but that was why I was practicing. As I was about to fire once more I felt someone tap the back of my left leg. This was enough to distract me and my shot missed. Sighing I turned to the source of my failure.
It was an old man who looked disappointed; he even spoke as if he was. "Still so much to learn… if a small thing like a tap can throw off your accuracy then you're in trouble." Stroking his long beard he seemed to ponder something. "You know… I've seen you here every day for almost a whole year. But you always seem to start having the most trouble when you reach the ranges midway point." He then grinned at me. "Now don't get me wrong! You've certainly improved and two hundred feet is nothing to sneeze at. But if you really want to reach the four hundred mark then you need to focus more. Not just on how you position your bow… no that's almost perfect. What you need to focus on is all the details."
I couldn't help but blink at that, and though I was polite enough I had to question him. "But what else could I possibly focus on? Could you perhaps elaborate?" The short old man grinned before walking up to the firing line. Bringing his own large bow out to bear.
He then pulled back the string flawlessly before speaking. "Son I can tell that until recently you've never needed to hit a target out this far… am I correct?" I simply nodded as he continued. "Well… in that case let me tell you something that most newbie's simply don't account for. And know I don't mean this in an insulting way it's just usually what it is." He then let the arrow fly hitting the farthest bull's-eyes with no error. "Even the tiniest bit of wind resistance can ruin a shot at long range. In order to truly make the furthest shot you need to think about how much power it'll lose, and how the slightest nudge can ruin the trajectory. And that requires focus."
After firing two more times he gestured to me and I paid more attention this time. Entering my meditative state I fired… only to completely miss my shot. I could only frown at this while the old man laughed. I didn't quite understand I had copied his movements perfectly… even adjusting for the size of our bows.
"Ah always fun to see a newbie make that mistake." Looking back at him he smirked as he elaborated. "My boy… your body is different than mine." I blinked and was about to say something when he cut me off. "And I don't mean in just height! I also mean how broad our shoulder's are, how much strength we have in our arms, how good our eyes are, our hearing, our sense of smell. Everything about us is different! Even if we looked exactly alike we would still not be able to copy each other's movements. Because the way we think is also different." He then gestured to my bow. "When you practice you enter a meditative state to train your mind. To be able to use the most precise movements am I right?" I nodded as he continued. "See… I've never done that! So already we're different! Now try again… but this time truly focus!"
I didn't know what he meant by that… after all I was already in a state of focus but did so anyways. How can I focus more than I already am? Firing again I missed, and then missed again, and again… I kept missing until I was out of arrows.
The old man sighed before speaking once more. "I can see your confusion… understand that meditation isn't the only way to focus." Turning to him I listened knowing that he held a lot of insight. "I've been around the block and I've seen blind men make these shots perfectly. In truth this has nothing to do with level or stats. No… in order to truly master the bow… or any weapon really… one need's to focus on all the details. Wind… the terrain… every detail of your bow, every detail of every arrow you fire. With practice such focus becomes instinctive. Find your focus and you'll be able to make any shot possible."
As I thought on this another man spoke up. "Darius I see you're trying to impart your wisdom again." Turning around I saw a man who looked awfully like the old man I was speaking to. Only he was much taller and seemed about fifteen years younger.
The old man… now named Darius could only chuckle before speaking. "Oh you know me… I hate it when the young waste their talents. Besides Garus you're the same way, though maybe a little more rigid." Garus laughed rubbing the back of his head.
"True…" He then looked at me and I couldn't help but gulp. It was if he was evaluating my whole being with those brown eyes of his. Though his eyes did linger on my sword for a split second more. "So… learning both the sword and the bow? Heh I wish you luck kid." He then turned to Darius. "I'll be heading off now… there's something I need to check." With that the man took off, his black colored waist cape flapping a bit as he turned.
Sighing a little in relief I turned to Darius. "So… will you be here tomorrow?" This caused the old man to chuckle.
"Heh… looking to mooch off my skills?" I rubbed the back of my head while nodding, thankfully he laughed at that. "HAHAHA! An honest one aren't ya? But for your information I will be. Though really the only way for you to improve is to find your own focus. But I'll be here… if only to show you up!" He then kept laughing as he left. Smiling to myself I decided to do as he suggested, and though he wasn't the teacher I was looking for. I was happy to have him provide me tips.
Though what he said about focus… it is intriguing. I admit I've never thought of it like that… in fact now that I thought about it. The focus he's talking about sounds more like focused instinct then my meditative focus. It was an interesting revelation, and I continued to think on it as I fired my bow. Still missing every shot, but I knew practice is what made perfect so I kept at it.
It wasn't till an hour later that I decided to stop for the day. Cassandra was usually up by now and getting breakfast, so with that in mind I picked up my arrows. Paid for the time I spent there and went back to the guild hall. As I entered I saw my companion at our usual table, smiling I sat down next to her.
"So… want to pick the quest today… or shall I?" She mulled my question over as she took a bite of toast. I decided to wait until her thoughts were collected. Turns out the elven princess was pretty slow in the morning. Something I discovered over the last two months, even if she tried to hide it.
After a bit of thinking she gestured to me. "You go ahead; I'll just finish my meal as you choose." Smirking I nodded before heading over to the request board. Looking at the different jobs, I couldn't help but have my gaze pause on the newest one. Taking it off the board I looked at it… my gaze intense as I felt something different. The request was one about slaying a demon that had possessed one the cities larger manors. Now normally the priests would take care of such a job. After all they were the ones with holy magic.
However for a reason I didn't know the request was sent here to the guild. The reward was pretty good, being worth three hundred grand. But beyond that… there was something that just drew me to it. I wonder… the difficulty matches what we can do… even if it'll be on the higher end of the difficulty scale. But maybe… maybe I want to fight this demon. To gain experience against such foes for the next time I fight Nel'Ren. Now I knew they were two separate entities, but demons and Darkwraith seemed at the very least similar to one another.
Making up my mind I took it to show to Cassandra, who was justifiably skeptical. "A demon slaying quest? You sure about this?" Nodding I explained to her my reasons, even going so far as to say she didn't have to come with me if she didn't want to. "Heh… no… I'm going with you, and besides you do make a good point. It would be good experience for us." As she started finishing up she gestured to Luna. "I'll finish quickly; you go ahead and register the quest."
Doing as she said I went to Luna who was also skeptical. "Are you sure about this? I mean you don't even have a priest in your party." While I conceded her point I also gestured to my sword.
"True but this blade of mine has anti demon properties. So I'm sure we will be able to handle it." Still a bit worried but at least mollified Luna signed off on the quest.
Though she did decide to scare me before I left. "Just remember… don't die now!~" She said it with a smile… but there was just something about her aura that scared the daylights out of me. So I quickly nodded in understanding before going back to Cassandra, the elf princess was now up and stretching her back.
"Ready to… what's with you?" She must've saw my fear, but I waved her off walking towards the doors.
"Don't ask…" While still confused she did as I asked and we left.
Let's let this line break live and learn.
It took a bit but we eventually made it to the manor. It was an older looking building, almost like a creaky haunted house. One thing was certain however, it was no longer in use. Who could have once lived there I did not know. But we were here for a job and with that in mind we kept walking.
As we approached it I felt something… something rather sinister. I quickly realized it was a more diluted feeling that I felt being near Nel'Ren. Heh… guess demons and Darkwraiths really are similar. Turning to Cassandra who turned to me we both nodded to one another. No words needing to be said about what we were feeling. Turning to face forward once more we drew our swords and stepped forward. Her holding up her new arming sword and shield while I held aloft my katana. Now ready we approached the large double oak doors.
Each putting a hand on a door I spoke. "On three?" Cassandra nodded as I than began. "One… two… three!" We swiftly opened the doors, stepping inside and taking up defensive positions. However… it was for naught as there was no one in the main parlor. Though all the candles and chandeliers were lit. Still we weren't about to let our guard down, and took a few more steps into the house. Unfortunately that's when the main doors closed on their own.
I couldn't help but sigh at this. "Ugh… should've known that would happen…" Despite the situation Cassandra giggled a bit at my tone of voice. Shaking my head in amusement I turned to her. "So… how would you like to do this?"
After a moment of contemplation she answered me. "I think it would be best if we stuck toge-" She was interrupted as the room seemed to just shift. My sight spun around disorienting myself. Thankfully it didn't last long, but as my sight recovered I noticed two things… One I was now in some storage room filled with old boxes and a few cobwebs. Secondly… I was separated from my lovely elf princess.
"Well… this poses a problem." I quickly took the situation for both what it was and what it meant. The was is that I was alone in a house with a demon. The what was that it also meant the demon had full control of the house. Able to teleport us anywhere it wanted. Sighing I used my light spell to well… give me light. Looking around I began to inspect my surroundings. I quickly noticed a few things; first off there were many swords and shields of all kinds. In fact I even saw some old katana's and wooden boken. Secondly there were a number of destroyed and refurbished practice dummies.
Deciding to investigate this later I continued onwards. Trying to use my budding instinctive focus… with less than success. Opening a door at the end of the room, I saw that I was now in a large training room. This led me to believe that this manor was used to train individuals. More than likely knights based on the equipment I saw. However the room seemed to scream one thing… definitely a place to set up an ambush… sighing I decided the best course for me was to trigger said ambush. While also keeping my guard up as possible.
So turning on my now named mystic eyes… simply because I couldn't decide what else to call them. I raised my sword and walked into the room. Almost immediately something happened that threw my vision for a loop. The equations of the room went haywire, and I suddenly found myself falling towards the ceiling.
My eyes widened as I twisted my body so I landed in a crouch. It was still a rough landing, but it was better than landing on my head. I was still confused though as everything seemed flipped, both my orientation and the equations. Looking around as I reached my current limit of twenty seconds I stood up. That's when a voice spoke up behind me.
"Impressive… didn't think you'd be able to right yourself so well." Eyes widening I turned around and raised my sword. Just barely blocking a steel staff from caving in my skull. "Hmm… perhaps you will be more difficult than I thought." I had come face to face with the demon. It was humanoid in shape, though it had five black eyes staring at me. Wearing nothing but a loincloth, revealing its blood red skin. It grinned with its sharpened teeth, its two tusks extending a bit more as it pressed its staff on my blade.
Gritting my teeth I knew that I couldn't win in a battle of strength. So I disengaged, moving to its left as I turned my blade towards its hands. As I slid my sword forward aiming to cut off its fingers the demon also pulled back. Getting back into a defensive stance I waited for it to make a move. I didn't need to wait long as it thrusted its staff at my chest. Raising my blade I deflected the blow to my right, then using the momentum generated I cut at its neck. Using the other end of its staff, it blocked my cut before bringing the other up hitting my chin. I quickly tasted blood as I felt my jaw crack; the force was also strong enough to lift me a couple feet. Forcing myself through the pain I swiped my sword across its left most eyes.
It was quick to dodge back, however I was able to slice one eye open. Yelling in pain it gripped its second left eye while glaring at me with its other eyes. I healed up my cracked jaw hearing it pop into place. That's when I felt it once more. Gravity seemed to shift as I fell to the right, this time I wasn't able to right myself and slammed into the wall. The blow made me feel as if I broke my left shoulder.
Let me tell you it hurt quite a bit! Gritting my teeth I looked up just in time to see the demon's staff coming at my head. Eyes widening I rolled to the left as I saw that the demon was still standing on the ceiling. I knew I was in trouble at this point, and I also knew I needed my eyes to keep to know whatever the demon was doing. So activating my mystic eyes I got back up. The demon growled and charged at me, and I could see the equations once more shift. This time I recognized them and I jumped… straight towards my opponent as everything shifted back to the ceiling. His eyes widened as I slashed at him, this time I managed to cut deeply into its chest.
Coughing out blood he took a few steps back before speaking. "How? There's no way you should have been able to know which way I was shifting the rooms gravity!" Raising my blade I decided not to tell it that I was basically cheating. Seeing how I was still ready for battle seemed to make it angrier however. "You little… well then… take this!" With those words my vision swam. The whole room seemed to shift around as its gravitational pull constantly changed.
I couldn't find any footing; I just felt each blow as I slammed into the floor, ceiling, and walls. Even when I tried to keep myself still by stabbing my blade into a wall. The gravity simply increased and pulled me and my sword down anyways. Thankfully it all ended as I randomly slammed into a door, busting it down and landing in another room. I realized through the pain, that the demon could only control one room at a time. It was a relief even as I felt multiple broken bones.
Argh… seems as if even demons at this level are incredibly powerful in their own right. Using my healing spell I sat up, bones creaking and cracking as I did so. Spitting out some blood I looked up to see the demon approach me. Standing up I took a healing and mana potion from one of my pouches. Thankfully their enchantments protected their contents. Downing both potions I could feel myself recovering just that bit more.
Taking a deep breath I tried to figure out what I was going to do. Because though limited as it was, being able to control the gravity of whatever room it was in… well it was a useful ability in this situation. That's not even taking into account how it can probably teleport me. Gritting my teeth I jumped forward, planning on bringing my blade down on its head. However as I jumped it vanished and the whole room spun. This time with my mystic eyes active, I could see how things changed as I landed in a different room. This time I was in a rather modest room with a bed and wardrobe.
I was understandably confused. Why would it randomly teleport me like that? Shaking my head I exited the room only to find myself in a long hallway. Looking around I heard a sound. It was an odd sound like someone tapping a stick onto stone. Looking up towards the sound I saw a horrifying sight. It was a spider… but where its head should've been was the body of a man with pale white skin. Having eight yellow eyes and no hair he dropped down towards me.
"DIE!" Jumping away I avoided his twin axes, and luckily I did as he carved right through the wall I was next to. "HEHEHE… wonderful… Wonderful! You will be fun prey!" It didn't take a genius to realize that this was another demon.
I couldn't help but grimace as I brought my sword up. This job just became a whole lot more complicated. Giving me a deranged fang filled smile he charged at me.
"Come on! Entertain me!" Gritting my teeth I ran forwards preparing for anything this abomination could throw at me. As we got near one another I swung my blade.
Let's let this line break live and learn.
Argentum: And today I'll be evil and decide to leave you all on a cliffhanger!
Cassandra: You are going to make many people angry…
Shadow: HAH! That's perfect…
Darius: Kids these days…
Garus: Tell me about it…
Grel'Slyfer: Funny how you say that cause me and Shadow are-
Shadow: And that's classified… for now at least.
Argentum: Pfft… yeah right… anyways hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you did please leave a comment… Also please if you so desire give me a better suggestion for what my eyes are called.
Shadow: Yeah kind of feels as if we're ripping off something but I have no idea what. Anyways who wants to end this?
Garus: I might as well… Once more this has been a Dark Guard production now signing off.
Everyone: Goodbye!
Cassandra: Hmm… what do we call this part of the chapter anyways?
Shadow: No! We are not starting this again!