Easily one of the most nerve-wracking fights for the young elf. Lefiya Viridis did not expect to be fighting a corrupted Spirit of all things. After seeing both Axton and Miss Ais use their magic in such a way that she has never seen before, it raised some questions. This, again, wasn't the time to be distracted. She worried greatly for the two of them and she was most certainly going to scold Axton for being so damn reckless.
At this point, the Spirit had upped the ante. Since she was absorbing the spent magic energy in the air, a magic circle appeared under the Spirit, illuminating the barren wasteland. The multi-rainbow circle flashed with all these colors because it was absorbing the elements in the air. Even Ariel's leftovers. If the facial expression of the Spirit was anything to go by, it was like dangling a piece of meat in front of a starving dog.
To think that this floor is much, much bigger than Orario. For comparison, they couldn't see the end of the floor. This was true from floor fifty onward.
"Ais, Axton, save your strength, you'll need to deliver the final blow!" What a way to say that it hinges on Royalty. Axton already knew that it had to be Ais would land the decisive blow. As it stood, Axton had expended far too much Mind and physical strength. He was nearing his last legs. It didn't help that he had passed out from Guardian overload, to what he dubbed it. Strong Body may help in this but he would be surprised if it ranked up to H by the end of this. All the superficial injuries he had were healed. Coupled with the potion he consumed earlier, he wasn't injured that way. Mentally injured…probably.
Axton believed that the passive trigger on Guardian was a lie. It reacted when he felt like anyone he cared for was in mortal danger. That could literally be anyone at any time. It just triggers more within the Dungeon. You know, the place with the big scary monsters who want nothing more than adventurers' flesh in their mouths? Sounds like a field day, right?
For everyone else, the main goal was to get Royalty to the Spirit to finish it off. Nothing else mattered after that. Ais activated Ariel and the formation of the charging adventurers changed. Ais was in the middle, Axton to her immediate left and behind. Finn was at the helm and everyone else charging was split into an arrowhead shape. The Pallum had another idea though. It involved placing the trust in everyone else.
"Magic spear, penetrate my forehead offering blood!" he screamed.
Raising an eyebrow, "About time we see Finn fight like a maniac," Axton muttered under his breath. This wasn't the first time that they've seen Finn fight nor was it the first time seeing him fight like this.
*Hell Finegas!*
With this spell, Finn's lust for battle—and abilities—shot up whilst his mental capacities for rational thought decreased. It almost made him like an animal on the hunt. Except the hunt was going to be a bloody one. One of the only physical changes to Finn was his eyes. Normally, they were a nice, soft blue color. Now? They were alight with crimson. They showed no mercy and with the enemy so close, now was the time to let them know that these vermin fucked with the wrong Familia.
"GgggggggggrrrrrraaaaaaaaAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Finn screamed. This Pallum was done giving orders for the time being. Every man, or woman for themselves, when it came to coordination.
The crazed Pallum grabbed the Durandal spear from Tione, now dual-wielding them, as the first monsters rushed in an attempt to kill off the interlopers. It would be a funny sight, seeing someone wield two weapons taller than the wielder. The thing was…the wielder knew how to utilize them to the fullest extent of their abilities. Finn's weapon of choice was the spear, so no doubt, he was in his element.
With the bolster in his ability, Finn met the monsters first and began his onslaught. He was far from merciful. The sight of the Captain of Loki Familia chopping, slashing, and piercing monsters into bits was a satisfying one, for himself anyway. The spears within his hands were making these monsters seem like butter.
The hot knife was obvious.
Seeing how Finn was killing the monsters with a terrifying swiftness, watching as the stones within them be shattered and falling over bleeding was a sight not for the weak. Seeing the normally restrained Pallum fight like this was only an example of Finn's raw power. Royalty had a distinct feeling that if they were to fight Finn like this…he'd probably maim them in some form.
Everyone advanced through the path cleared by Finn. Lefiya hung back with Tione, her protector, while the elf would launch any spell she thought necessary. Axton himself almost stayed back with her but Ais needed him now. No monster even reached them. Finn easily proving why his magic is fucking terrifying. This Pallum single-handedly carved a path to their victory.
The Spirit, on the other hand, frowned at this development. While yes, Aria's offspring were advancing, the interlopers were doing all they can to protect them. She flung out a few tentacles at them, hoping to knock them off course, killing all chances of them succeeding. As she was about to lash out at the berserking ant, pain flooded her senses.
Three of her tentacles were sliced clean off. Disbelief crossed the Spirit's face, actually giving it a more human look for a fleeting second before it went back to a frown. There was a trace of anger in her soulless eyes. "Ah-ha…"
Finn didn't give a single fuck. Badass in its own way, even as his spears carried traces of the monster's blood, it only increased the bloodlust within him. The battle was raging within him. This barren spot of the fifty-ninth floor of Orario's Dungeon. To think he would be having an adventure right now. The adrenaline flowed within the tiny body, giving in to the lust that called for him, tempting him like the Amazons in the Red Light District.
Bete and Tiona also helped with the tentacles, batting them away as well. While not as brutal as Finn, the Spirit definitely thought twice before attacking again. Ais still stood strong, gathering her wind. Axton was secretly giving her his own wind to assist even as he felt the callings of a Mind Down.
This fight has been nothing but crazy. Axton had nothing but time to recall it. To think this expedition was supposed to be simple. We all know the rule about this. Stupid Murphy, the blond cursed internally. Axton looked up to see the soulless golden eyes looking directly at him and his sister. They were unreadable.
Guardian flared once more, bringing his attention back to the present, and to the few remaining monsters. They were persistent, Axton will give them that.
"You've come so far…but now is the time for it to end," She said, her voice sounding a little flat like she was bored with this game. "Arise, flame—"
Bete snarled, "No fucking way is she chanting again!" They barely survived the first barrage and if this Spirit got this chant off, they were done for. They were committed to the charge and not going to back down now. Bete's wolf pride wouldn't allow him to. He wouldn't be weak, he couldn't be weak.
The Spirit had retracted the tentacles, closed up her petals to begin her chant. They were two hundred meders when they started charging, now they were just above a hundred. It was easily the longest sprint that any of the members will ever have to do. Life and death hang in these moments.
It's times like these that people would either lose the will to fight or fight on until the end. Obviously, no one chose the former. The latter was for the stubborn. Everyone here was stubborn. That stubbornness rubbed off on the High Smith. Seeing these crazy fools readily charge forward to their uncertain doom was something only real adventurers would do. Let it be known that Tsubaki never thought of them as lesser. She respected each and every one of them.
Back to the hundred meder blitz.
The Spirit continued the lightning-fast poem of destruction as everyone's hearts sunk in their guts, churning up a feeling of despair and fear. Except for two. Axton, under Guardian's influence, was one. The other…
…was not Ais like one expected.
It was Finn.
Finn Diemne. In case we've forgotten was still in Hell Finegas berserk mode. The Pallum jumped as soon as the chant was nearing completion. He pushed his legs into the ground before springing up into the air, high above the Spirit.
Before the words were even uttered, Finn threw his Fortia Spear as hard and as fast as he could. He put every ounce of bloodlusting strength into it. The travel time between him throwing it and it reaching its target was near-instantaneous. It was like a bullet from the barrel of a gun. No one could react that fast.
His target, you may ask?
Of course, it was the Spirit but he threw it straight through the mouth of the abomination, where the magic circle was. The sharpened and bloodied edge of the spear pierced through the shields that she had conjured. It didn't matter to Finn, he had his target and he succeeded. The spear was currently peeking outside the back of the Spirit's head. More specifically, it cut into her brain.
Does everyone remember what happens to a mage who loses control of their magic energy?
That's right!
Kaboom!
More accurately, the Spirit lost control of the magic because she couldn't finish the incantation. The resulting explosion was a sight to see, even as they continued to slaughter monsters who got too close. Even as Raul, Jericho, and Dino let out cries of joy at seeing that spell shut the fuck down. Riveria and Gareth were just plain stupified.
"This is our chance, forward!" Tione shouted, taking temporary lead.
Beta and Tiona took the forward charge whilst Axton actually managed to get a good few cuts in, slicing up the Virga and Violas. They seemed extra snappy towards him and for a reason he knew.
"Please—give me the strength!" a harmonic voice sang.
*Elf Ring!*
Lefiya took the chance with Concurrent Chanting. What was known as a Summon Burst, a golden magic circle appeared beneath her feet and followed her footsteps. The young elf had something to prove today and she would take that chance. She was not worthless. She was not weak. She was as strong as everyone else. She may not be in level but in spirit, she more than makes up for that gap.
The smoke began to clear and the damage showed. The Spirit's green skin was slightly charred and blackened. The proof was in the pudding, as the saying goes. It definitely did damage and it stopped the spell but the Spirit was far from defeated.
A single limb reached up and grabbed the spear, yanking it out of her head before snapping the stick in two. It was a Superior weapon type so it would have broken eventually. Finn cared not. The Spirit smiled as she pulled magic energy from the air and repaired the damage done to her. The blackened skin faded but did not fully disappear.
Those eyes spoke of many deadly sins. They turned to Finn and crew before opening her mouth once more, "Pierce, spear of lightning! Your envoy beseeches you, Tonitrus! Incarnate of thunder! Queen of lightning—!"
"I shouldn't be surprised that a Spirit has Swift Strike-type magic," Axton grumbled, feeling more sluggish as the fight continued. Requiem spun in his hand as he slashed at another monster attempting to get to his sister.
The Sword Prince knew that there were questions that he needed to answer but he was not entirely comfortable giving those out. After all, there was one person who deserved answers…
Axton was actually incorrect in his observation. It was not Swift Strike Magic. It was a short chant. The chant was spoken so fast that it could be called the former. The power behind the spell would be grand. Not as much as Fire Storm and Meteor Swarm but it was a Spirit casting here.
*Thunder Ray!*
The Spirit screamed with a small flourish. The die was cast and there was no such thing as cover here.
Let this be enough, "Become a shield, holy grail of crushing evil!"
Lefiya had confidence that it would intercept the spell…so she threw herself to the front of the group and the golden circle became a translucent light forming a light barrier.
*Dio Grail!*
The spells met a second later.
At first, the spells looked to be on even ground, and looks are indeed deceiving. Lefiya was almost immediately pushed back and almost forced to take a knee. Then, another sound reached their eardrums.
CRACK!
The same cracking sound that shattered Via Shilheim was about to consume Dio Grail. The force of the spell may be less but Lefiya was also a level three. The Spirit was easily a level six or seven; leaning towards the latter. Thousand Elf screamed in anguish as the cracking grew louder.
The white in everyone's vision made it difficult to see. However, they knew that Lefiya was struggling. Her knees were beginning to give. Her whole body trembled in the face of her foe but she didn't give up.
"Lefiya! I know you have what it takes!" A voice she very much wanted to hear. Axton was cheering her on.
"Show us what you have!" the words of encouragement from Tione were needed.
"You can do it!" a third voice joined in as three blurs raced past her and slammed into the barrier.
The young elf looked to see Tione, Tiona, and Axton all pushing against the barrier. Their footing was solid, much like Gareth's before. Axton pushed Requiem into the barrier, pushing the flat of the blade against it.
*Tempest!*
One more miracle, yeah, Mom? Axton grinned ferally as he used the wind to keep himself grounded. Spots covered his vision but he forced them away. Even Guardian was…unresponsive.
Odd.
Tione and Tiona felt the wind keeping them in place. Using their Roland series weapons, they crossed over Requiem and held the barrier as long as possible. It felt like a battle of wills. The lightning singed their skin and for Axton, jolted his muscles but he stood firm. Strong Body was being a good pal right now.
"Axton! Tione!" Ais said, sucking in a breath, "Tiona! Wha-"
"I'm doing my damn job, Ais. You already knew that!" Axton shouted back. "Now, get ready to kill this corrupted thing!" Guardian's presence in Axton's left eye was shining gold. No emotion was received so it was really his own willpower doing this.
Finn, Bete, and Ais stood behind Lefiya, giving silent support. The elf's knees were shaking so much, all she wanted to do was give up. But why?
She gasped.
Why would you give up? Don't you see? Don't you see what he's doing for you? He said he was willing to give up his own life for anyone. You and I both know that he meant you most of all, bar his sister. He, and the twins, are making this choice because they believe in you. So, why don't you believe in yourself? The voices in her head were both helpful and not.
Her eyes shot open with renewed resolve, "I. Can. Do. THISSSSS!" she roared as a new pulse of light erupted from the barrier. The barrier pushed back against the lightning and it resulted in another explosion.
In the end, the spells canceled each other out.
As a result, the trio who were up close and personal was sent flying back in the same direction. Tiona and Tione landed first but Axton was sent back a little further. He held onto consciousness as he rolled along the ground, his grip on Requiem lost somewhere along the way. He was a good seventyish meders away from the Spirit now. His body was still running on adrenaline so no doubt when it wore off, he would be in pain. Blood still dripped from his lips and he didn't notice the small drip from his armor.
Axton was in the middle of No Man's Land, no monster in sight but that didn't mean there wouldn't be one. Lefiya had no time to worry as she finally fell to her knees, breathing heavily. She fell to the floor, exhausted. Her eyes closed as her breathing normalized.
"NOW, YOU IDIOTS!" Bete shouted as he, Finn, and Ais pushed forward. The last one had tears in her eyes. She didn't like the way he looked on the ground. The distance between them and the Spirit was just under fifty meders. There was still plenty of ground to cover.
Riveria was by no means idle while they were all fighting. "Harbinger of the end, white snow…"
The High Elf was not slacking in the slightest. She knew what her job was and she was going to fulfill it. The supporters, Tsubaki, and Gareth were all ready to unleash hell when she did.
Her staff, Magna Alf, glowed slightly in the darkened floor of the Dungeon. Her concentration was only on the spell. She trusted those around her to protect her. This was one way to have an expedition go awry. While she didn't see Royalty's stunts, she could vaguely hear them speaking about it. A lecture was in their future.
Now though, she had to gather all her remaining Mind and push it into this one spell. The spell that would ultimately decide their fate.
Raul shouted out an order, "Get those magic swords ready! We have to defend Lady Riviera and buy her all the time she needs! Dino, if you have the opportunity…"
The dark elf grinned, "Don't you worry, sub-group leader, I know what you need." He cracked his knuckles, getting his gauntlets ready. Dino schooled his expression before opening his mouth, "For the rise of one comes the fall of another, the wall in place must stand for eternity."
*Terra Firma!*
Dino's fists were coated in a rocky material and they moved with his fingers. "Bring it on." His tone was flat and his face impassive. His magic allows him to be excellent at CQC but it robs him of all emotion during the spell. All he needs is an enemy to pummel.
The roars of the monsters came a second later. Raul then pointed, "You know what to do! Dino, find your targets, take them down but play for your life! Aim for the Virga first, the Violas will come second!"
"Understood," a flicker of emotion came before it was snuffed out and the Stoic Berserker moved with all of his speed. The caterpillar didn't see it coming.
While they were occupied, Riveria's chant continued,"…Gust before the twilight…"
Raul swung his magic sword, sending bolts of lightning at the caterpillars. Dino was pummeling another. Alicia shot her ice magic at them, as she refused to use a magic sword—considering what it did to her people. Narfi grabbed the flame sword and sent wide arcs that burned the area and the monsters.
Jericho used his other spell to send a bolt of dark magic at the monsters, "Beyond our vision, darkness swarms. Reach out and find your mark."
*Faust Shadow Storm!*
Pillars of inky black darkness shot up from the ground, impaling the caterpillars and even a couple Viola. The shadows were everywhere here, making his magic even more effective. The cries of the monsters echoed across the floor and Jericho tried to not take satisfaction in it.
The combined efforts of the five of them were noticeable, and Raul swung once more and quickly adjusted as the magic sword crumbled in his hand. A bow and arrow found its way from his pack to his hands. Easily, Raul fired arrow after arrow, his shots finding new homes through the magic stones.
"Uhm, Raul?" Jericho said. "We have a lot of monsters on our six!"
Sure enough, the High Novice turned around and noticed the waves of monsters approaching. At least until someone passed him, "Let me handle this one."
"T-Tsubaki? You can't take that al-"
"Nonsense!" The High Smith brushed off the concern. She stood in nothing but a cloth covering the bare essentials, sandals on her feet, "Give those to me and I'll take care of them."
She pointed to where Tiona's Urga and Gareth's Roland Ax were. "From there, you just have to worry about one front."
"You can't possibly carry both of the heaviest weapons ever made!" Jericho said. Raul agreed with the sentiment.
"Ha! Don't you know how many weapons I've made, kiddo? I test my creations, and got stronger on the way! This is child's play to me!" The excited half-dwarf grinned far too wide for a cyclops.
No normal man or woman could carry these weapons. Raul remembers Axton carrying Urga and said while he could use it, he had a better chance cutting his arm off. It just wasn't his weapon. The Ax, though, he didn't bother trying.
"Axton!" Alicia cried as she watched him fly through the air, landing in the middle of the area. His weapon lay a few meders away from him. He was not getting back up. Raul could barely make out his chest rising and falling.
Raul turned to see the wave of monsters change direction towards the downed Sword Prince, "Gareth! Get the Prince to us! Do not let them near him!"
"Aye laddy, you sure you'll be alright without me?" The dwarf said, shouldering his normal ax.
The de facto leader of the group didn't take too kindly to that, "We don't have a choice! Get to him, please!"
While Gareth isn't as fast as Bete, Finn, or Royalty, he is still level six. That means his speed is at least up there. Gareth launched from his spot towards the poor boy, seeing him getting surrounded by caterpillars. The vines from the Violas were closing in. Gareth could see him try to rise to his knees but his arms were shaking.
It concerned the dwarf to see a discolored puddle beneath him. He's been bleeding for a while now…this isn't good. A vine was about to reach the boy before the ax came down, severing it. "Hands off the Prince! None of ya creepy lil' bastards are goin' get your prize today! Instead, taste my blade!"
The ax came around, bisecting a group of Virga, slashing the vines of multiple Viola. Gareth scooped up Requiem, put it back in Axton's sheath in one fluid motion not often seen from the burly dwarf. He hefted the young lad on his shoulder and booked it back to the rest of the adventurers. He set Axton down, laying him down on his side to prevent choking on his blood and tongue, and the boy's golden-tinted eyes opened. "Gareth…" his voice was weak, face pale and clinging to whatever he has left.
"Stay down, lad, you've done well," Gareth said, forcing the boy down, "Give me one of our highest grade potions!"
"Kinda busy!" the supporters shouted back.
"Fading light, freezing land."
Riveria's voice continued to drown out the action.
"Blow with the power of the third harsh winter—advent of the end," The High Elf continued and Axton moved his head over to see the beauty that was Riveria. The amount of power she was gathering was far less than the Spirit but for some reason, he could feel the emotion that she was pouring into her words.
Gareth gently let the boy rest before rejoining the fight. Ironically, the safest place for him right now was right near the best mage in Orario.
What caught Axton completely off-guard was how she flowed from one spell to the next. The Sword Prince isn't knowledgeable on everything when it comes to magic—his origins notwithstanding—so when Riveria opened her mouth again to continue chanting, he was in awe. "A blaze shall soon descend."
The magic circle under Riveria's feet started off as a jade-colored one, matching her hair and eyes. Then, it gained a slight blue hue. After this, there was a tinge of an ember mixing in. Axton found himself ensnared, his hand reaching for his trusty sword, trying to scrounge up the will to fight once more, even if it meant his death. He was prepared to do so.
He always knew it would come down to it one day. Guess the day is today. Just trying to get up was a challenge. No one even noticed his attempts. Even if they could, they wouldn't be able to disengage to stop him. The boy known as Axton Wallenstein was pretty damn stubborn. She helped me, I helped her. She saved me. I'll save her. The her was obvious.
Strong Body helped Axton take the hits but it was a mental battle right now. He needed to stand. He needed to get the body to follow the brain. They needed to be one. The development ability kicked in and the minor wounds healed but it was a struggle, a fight, to even put himself on his knees. Blood dripped from his mouth and the grin that accompanied it was nothing short of scary.
"Approaching flames of war from which this is no escape. Battle horns blaring on high, all atrocities and strife shall be engulfed." This ability was something only the High Elven Queen could do.
While Riveria's Father is the King, her mother may be alive and his Queen, they were not the true royal line. The true Queen of the Elves was here in the Dungeon. Not there in the Royal Alf Forest. She was far above them in terms of being able to lead. This was only passed down the Alf bloodline.
Concatenated Chanting.
This was a step above concurrent chanting. While the latter is for two different spells, the former is for any three spells within Riveria's status. And we all know her alias of Nine Hell…
"Come crimson pyre, merciless inferno. Become hellfire."
Everyone fighting felt the shift in Riveria's spell, gaining a chill down their spines. One of the most powerful people is putting forth all the effort in order to take down the Spirit. Axton finally got one foot on the ground and one knee. One hand was still planted on the ground, supporting him.
Riveria spoke once more, her staff and its cracked orb lighting up the area, "Purge the battlefield, end the war." Her hair danced in the light of magic power. Her eyes that were closed for the entire chant opened. "Incinerate, sword of Surtr—My name is Alf!"
Axton felt the power of the magic surge beneath his feet as the jade circle extended across the entire battlefield. Then when Riveria spoke again, pronouncing the name of the spell, she stepped forward and pointed her staff towards the target.
*RAE LAEVATEINN!*
The flames were indeed unleashed as they barreled from every line available on the circle. They launched for their target and slammed into the Spirit. All of its defenses were obliterated. They all were gone and even the monsters were not spared. Truly, the most terrifying woman known to man walked amongst them.
The Spirit's skin burned, melted, charred, and reached for every crevice it could find. A form of torture that would be outlawed if ever practice. Good thing Riveria has no pity for this Spirit. It was easily the most powerful thing that he's ever witnessed.
Axton stood after a monumental effort. His hand went for the sword. His mind was already planning a follow-up. It's not that he lacks faith in Riveria, no. It's just he knows the Spirit has another move. Come on…MOVE! His hand drew the sword from its trusty sheath, the sound of metal tingling, blending in with the destruction went unheard.
The Spirit's ever-present smile was wiped clean off her face. By digging into the trenches of her power, she screamed and brought up a twenty-meder dome-like barrier around herself. The ones who were up in the front, Ais, Bete, and Finn tried to sink their blades into it but they did nothing.
The charge was over.
However, not all hope was lost.
That hope came in the form of an ax. The ax dug deep into the barrier and the owner of said ax followed. Now that the monsters were null and void. Gareth took the chance to move up. Using his strength and both of his hands, he swung again and again, making the small dent wider and wider. "Was this all a load of shit, Finn?"
Finn smiled wryly, his eyes still red, "Don't make me say it."
"Bah, you wish!" Gareth said, striking again and again at this barrier and after a few powerful swings, the barrier split apart.
Yet the Spirit was waiting.
Vines shot through the gap and the target was in front of her. The vines pierced the dwarf's body.
"This isn't enough to kill me! You'll…have to do…better THAN THAAAAAAAT!"
The assault wasn't over yet.
""Ais, go!"" Both Finn and Bete shouted. The Sword Princess took off, still imbued with the wind that she's conjured for the entire charge.
Throughout this fight, she hasn't contributed much but that was the plan all along. As she charged the last bits of the distance she had a few thoughts. A culmination of it all. In the backline, the Sword Prince had the same thoughts.
We are not Aria. We are our own people.
We do not know you. We never have.
All we do know is that you should not exist.
The blood in her veins urged her to cosign this monster to the depths of hell where no one can reach. Ais Wallenstein ran towards the goal, Desperate raised for a final strike.
The end was near.
Groaning, the young elf opened her eyes. Lefiya was still in the same spot she was when she passed out. What she saw was a sea of red. Pure unadulterated flames soared above her.
With only one choice, Lefiya weakly raised her arm. She had to do something. So, she chose to sing. Unleashed…streak of light…" The song of her people. "...bow limbs of the holy tree. You are…an expert of…the bow." After everything they've gone through, after everything she's endured…she would not fall now.
The little elf still had a lot to prove and over time, she will, when the time is right.
For now, though, she had a performance to finish.
"Shoot…sniper of the fairies. Penetrate…arrow of absolute accuracy," her voice weak and vision still blurry, she could make out the shape of the Spirit.
*Arcs…Ray…*
Even as he struggled to stand, he eventually did. He was humming on adrenaline. He had to help somehow. He couldn't make it there in time, already on the verge of his body giving out in order to preserve itself.
Axton drew his sword, the tip falling to the ground with a small tink sound. The only indication that Riveria had noticed, seeing him standing before a squall showered her vision. "Come on, one more miracle…" Axton said and it echoed. "Please…let me help…"
Riveria covered her face, and the supporters cowered away, "Axton, what are you doing?! You'll hurt yourself more than you already have!"
She only saw his eyes through the wind storm and the effect that Bete, Ais, and Lefiya have seen. Guardian's mark, the shield in his eye. He ignored that and all the wind he cast was absorbed by Requiem. For once, being a demi-spirit comes in handy. "I call upon the wind, I beg you…fly to my target…"
*TEMPEST!*
It was not a chant but a prayer.
The wind formed a shape around Axton's sword and the boy gripped it tightly, despite his body was trembling from the exertion. "Urrgghhh…RRAAAAHHHHH!" Axton screamed before falling to the ground in pain, his face set in a grimace.
And so, his weapon learned to fly that day.
Ais was within reach and she needed to make it count. As she leaped, the cyclone of power swirled around her. Yet the Spirit was smiling coyly, laughing, almost mockingly. Ais was about to descend when She opened her mouth and inside was a pale blue magic circle.
The Sword Princess was just baited into a trap. Since she was in the air, she had no way of maneuvering out of the way. That was impossible.
*Icicle Edge!*
The blade of ice came instantly. Ais was too close to do anything. That was until a light came from under her and crashed into the pillar of ice that was about to skewer the girl. It diverted the path of the ice. Golden eyes refocused on the target and she moved in for the kill.
Of course, the Spirit was not one to give up and tried to raise her hands and tentacles to stop the attack. Ais brought down her blade to finally end this show.
That never happened.
Ais felt a burst of wind not originating from her. She couldn't spare a glance but felt it was coming closer…and fast. SHING! Ais had enough time to glance below and see the Spirit no longer had hands, just below her wrists. They were cut clean off.
The weapon that did this was now lodged in her neck. It was a familiar hilt. Axton…you…and that spell…Lefiya…thank you. You saved me. The Spirit was struck silent as the pain started to register. Ais took advantage of the situation and plunged her blade and bisected the corrupted Titan Alm turned Spirit.
As Ais bisected the Spirit, she shot up a tentacle in response, sending the swordswoman flying into the air. Everyone watched with bated breath.
Tiona and Tione saw her go and both cried out her name, ""Ais!""
Lefiya had tears streaking down her cheeks as she watched, horrified. Her voice refused to work now. The song was sung and it was time for the finale.
The supporters watched as the strong girl they know sailed up in a show of sparks and blood. Dino clenched his fists, his facial expression that of burning rage. Jericho felt his features twitch. Narfi was in plain awe. Alicia looked up weakly. Raul clenched his fists ready to do whatever it took.
Bete was slack-jawed, Finn biting his thumb, Gareth watching from his position on the ground. Riveria's attention was split between the duo of Royalty. As for the younger half of Royalty, he was smiling, or attempting to through his pain. He had absolute faith in his sister, his elder. She was better than him in some ways as he is better than her in some ways.
The girl in question never faltered. Her eyes were still sharp, even as her forehead was speckled with blood. Reorienting herself, she landed on the roof of the floor. In a single second, she stood there. In the next, she pushed herself off.
*Rage: Tempest!*
A facet of her power that usually only works with Avenger but right now, her hate drove her forward. The voices of her friends, her Familia, her brother were drowned out as she descended like a shooting star, the winds a pleasant green and dash of black swirling together.
Putting her weapon in front of her, the face of the Sword Princess was shining with emotion. The raw feelings in her words…
"Li'l Rafaga!"
The unbreakable Rapier, Desperate, tore through all resistances the Spirit had left. Chucks of gore and flesh spiraled away as the wind tore through it all, leaving nothing in her wake. Eventually, the ground arrived and when it did, an explosion of the earth greeted her.
The resulting shock wave shook everyone's balance.
The rumbling eventually settled. The blade felt like it was going to break but held firm. She looked over to see Requiem, the blade buried in the dirt, still in one piece. Ais stood up, grabbed the blade, and began walking. It's finally over.
Everyone was looking to see where she was. One person, in particular, was fighting to stay awake. The dust hasn't cleared as of yet and time was ticking.
Footfalls were heard as the Loki Familia plus Tsubaki met up. Out from the dust was one Ais Wallenstein, her armor half missing, blood trickling down her face, weapon in hand. As Ais came into view, everyone cheered for their success. However, not all was well.
"Is he going to be alright?" Lefiya asked. She was already by his side, and he felt worse than he looked.
The voices were hazy but he was still conscious. "Lef…I…" if he had to guess, a lot of internal injuries because of the strain he put on himself. It doesn't seem like he did much but his wind is a part of him.
"He's conscious!" Riveria shouted, drawing Ais's attention. She looked to his weapon and then back, and immediately fear crept into her veins. Considering if this was where it was thrown, and where Ais was…the distance was great...Her expression showed as Tione and Tiona noticed. They almost looked ready to hold her back but decided against it.
Axton, meanwhile, was moved and able to lean to the side, letting the blood flow from his mouth, "Lef...Lefiya?"
The young elven maiden bent down to hear him. Riveria was actually sitting on the Dungeon floor, much to Alicia's refusal to let her do so, stroking his hair. The High Elf was acting like a Mama would and could hear every word.
"Y-Yes, Axton?" Her eyes hyper-focused on him, as asking how he's feeling seemed pretty redundant.
"W…Want t-to go…out…sometime?" He gave a bloody smile before he lost the battle with consciousness. His head rested on Riveria's lap.
Lefiya blinked owlishly, Riveria looked surprised, caught completely off-guard. Her hand paused running through his hair. "EEHHH?!" Dino just facepalmed but there was a grin that slipped onto the Berserker's face.
"Only he would do something so dumb…" the dark elf muttered.
Ais was by Axton's side immediately, fear was manhandling her and she didn't know what to do. Mini Ais—still exists by the way—was running laps around in her memory trying to see if she could help.
"Did Princey…just ask you out?!" Tiona said, getting progressively louder with each and every word. She started laughing so much it hurt her to do so. Tione jabbed her side to get her to stop. "Owie! He finally admitted it."
Bete growled as he looked longingly at Ais but knew that she was more worried about her brother.
Finn sighed, "Right now, we need to take stock of what we have and find a way back to base camp."
Raul, wanting to be ahead of the game, already did that, "Seven potions, enough rations for another three days, and our tents."
The Pallum turned to Raul, "Give Axton a potion to heal his injuries but only one. The Saint will have to deal with the rest. Tsubaki, will you be able to make quick repairs to our weapons that are still in one piece?"
The half-dwarf tilted her head, "Sure, but I'll have to be quick. We need to head back."
Finn nodded, then turned to stand in front of Lefiya, who was still starstruck, her face ignited in a blush, "What's your answer, Lefiya?"
"Bu-But I…he…we…ack!" Lefiya sputtered to find an answer but it evaded her. Internally, she already knew what her answer was. If only his timing was better. Dino sympathetically laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Just tell him, yes, and if he doesn't remember, come get me and I'll let him know. However, do you approve, Lady Riveria?" Dino shifted his slate eyes to the High Elf holding the unconscious boy. "Surely, you have an opinion. Allow me to be blunt." Riveria raised an eyebrow at him, "Do you want your pseudo-son dating your protégé?" Riveria's jade eyes snapped to Dino, a glare behind those eyes. Dino smiled awkwardly but pressed his line of questioning, "Think of it like a blessing. For all we know, you were playing matchmaker."
"Dino!" Alicia spoke up, "Treat her with respect! You're so nosy."
"But my dear Alicia, have thoust forgotton what thouth tolth me on that midsummer's night?" Dino said in a horrible old accent. To further this poor act, he got on one knee in front of her and put one hand to his heart and outstretched the other. Alicia blushed and turned away, not before getting angry.
Laughs echoed around the camp and Dino stood without waiting for an answer. Finn noticed that everyone seemed a little less tense than before. The Captain nodded to the dark elf who bowed slightly.
Seeing the tension lessen, Finn turned to Axton, who was still blissfully out of it. "Riveria, are you able to assess his wounds?"
The dwarf interrupted, "We should head back to the fiftieth floor before making any moves. We are a bit exposed here."
"A wise decision, Gareth," Finn said, slightly mocking but all in good humor. No doubt that while the battle was won, the war had just begun. The Pallum had much to think on. With everything that happened, are they going to have to reveal their secret?
Up on the surface, two Goddesses were still confined in Hephaestus' office. One such child of the Forge Goddess knocked on the door. "Lady Hephaestus, are you in there?"
The one-eyed Goddess opened her eye, cursing the sudden influx of light. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Welf," the voice identified.
Shooting up from her desk, she looked around, the hangover lingered but rational thought returned to the woman. Bottles were everywhere and she may have gone nose-deaf from the smell.
"Is everything all right in there?" Welf heard the commotion. He was hoping for a status update after his Dungeon dives with Bell and Lil' Bit. However, when he got the news that no one has seen Hephaestus in a few days.
Clearing her throat, "Perfectly fine."
A tone of disbelief came through, "Let me in. I will help you clean up the room. I can smell the booze."
"You already know the code," she replied.
"Mmmhmm, is it morning?" Another voice slurred.
"Get up, Trickster," Hephaestus said, nudging the other redhead in the room. The door opened and there stood Welf Crozzo, nose covered with the blue bandanna. His back robe descended down his body, hanging loose.
"Are you two alright?" He asked.
Loki, still drunk, checked for any signs of her kiddos. When she felt them, she almost didn't believe it. She shot up, her body protesting the action, "They're alive!"
""Huh?""
"Phae-Phae, check for them. I can feel them all, even though one is weak…" her tone dropped, "but…why doesn't…no, he couldn't have…"
The office became tense, "Loki, what's going on?"
Loki turned to Hephaestus, "Sorry, Familia business. You know I would normally tell you but this is something that I can't share. I'll…" she looked around and saw the numerous bottles, "…help pay for the booze…they just have to get home."
Hephaestus knew there was something else because the eyes of her friend opened as if she had a revelation. "Okay…and…thank you for staying."
Regaining her perky attitude, "You're welcome Phae-Phae." She turned to Welf, the third redhead in the room, "take good care of her."
Blushing—the pair of them—Welf looked away, "Yes, Lady Loki."
Loki stumbled slightly but gained her footing, "Mind if I use your facilities here?"
Hephaestus recovered from her blush, "Just this once, Loki."
"Thanks…" she replied before slipping into the connected bathroom in Hephaestus' office. What did they fight? What did they do? The connection I feel…it's not one that is weak…but it's changed. Hmm, if it is him, then…she probably is the second one I feel… Loki paled…"I need to give them all a status update when they return…and if I'm right, that secret may just come out on its own."
Meanwhile, back in the office.
"So…"
"No Welf, nothing happened, quit worrying."
"I wasn-" Welf was cut off by a raised eyebrow. "Can't say I wasn't worried about you. No one has seen you in almost four days."
"And you didn't try to come see me?"
The red-headed smith scratched his neck, "All I heard was crying the first day…"
Hephaestus looked down, "I see…well, when Loki is done, you can help me." She flashed Welf a smile that made his heart race.
"It would be an honor," he replied easily.
Underneath the halls of Pantheon.
"I have gained control once more. Whatever transpired down on the fifty-ninety floor has passed."
"My lord, are you sure? That was one of, if not, the greatest disturbance of your prayers in the last three centuries," a disembodied voice said. They were not doubtful in nature. They just know that if Lord Ouranos gets interrupted, there's no telling what can be unleashed.
The Primordial God on his throne closed his eyes and let out a breath, "Now that the Dungeon is reacting normally…Fels, send a message to the Loki Familia, I wish to speak to her."
The shadow, Fels, bowed, "At once."
"Fels?" Ouranos called for his right hand.
"Something else, my lord?" The Sage asked, turning the hood just enough to be looking over their shoulder.
"Tell her to bring her two favorites."
If Fels' face could be seen, there would be a raised brow. Nevertheless, Fels lived to serve. "As you wish."
Once Fels left, Ouranos began to think, raising a hand to his beard, While the cause of the disturbance was dispatched, that begs the question: who or what was that? That power lines up with…but that's not possible…they cannot have children and the last we heard from her, she…
"It couldn't be…"
Lord Ouranos, the Founding Father of Orario, smiled slightly but had much to think about in the coming days.
...
Delicate Balance received an update at the same time as this. Hooray. Now, did I make some more Spirit BS up? Absolutely. No shame. I plan on letting Ais have a bit of that later on.
Lefiya and Axton. We're back on this and would you look at that?! HE MADE A MOVE! Question is, will he remember ever asking? Dino acting like an old Victorian English person, had to diffuse the tension. The Dark Elf means well.
What I scrapped. I was going to have Revis show up after the Loki Familia defeated the Spirit. Revis was going to make a mockery of them all. Think about it. They were injured, tired, and open to an attack. I had just under 1k words for it.
However, since she didn't grab her prize—Axton—it was a useless scene as it really didn't do much. If you want, I can sift through the versions of the doc and put it as a NON-CANON omake for next chapter.
Super late upload as this has been done for almost a week...
But you can expect a chapter on April 24th, the one-year anniversary of this story, and I daresay, my most popular one, beating out—in follows/favs—Chance Beyond Reality and that's close to three years old.
So, thank you.
