The vessel has reached The Kingdom's Edge. It is here that I will have my answers. If the little ghost can truly defeat me in combat, if it can successfully take the King's Brand, then I will know that this is the one I have been waiting for. I must take this time to prepare myself. Mentally, I must be ready. I cannot go easy on you this time, Little Ghost.
It is not long before the tiny warrior appears with a coiled nail at its back and draped in a mothwing cloak. It appears to be serious, for once, as it does not come bolting toward me when it meets my gaze. Perhaps it can sense the importance of this meeting.
"So, you'd pursue the deeper truth? It isn't one the weak could bear. Prove yourself ready to face it. I'll not hold back. My needle is lethal, and I'd feel no sadness in a weakling's demise."
The vessel responds by drawing its nail. I can feel its resolve and desire to meet the challenge. Excellent.
"Show me you can accept this Kingdom's past and claim responsibility for its future."
It rushes forward to strike and our weapons clash. Despite the circumstances, I cannot help but feel excited to face off with the little ghost again. It is not often that I find an opponent who can keep up with me. The vessel's technique has improved considerably since we last fought. Its nail is stronger, strikes faster, reaches farther. But more importantly, it attacks with more confidence. I can tell that it has become much more comfortable in combat.
The little ghost's ability to wield soul has also improved. In addition to firing attacks from afar, it now uses soul power to dive down from above and strike with devastating strength. Even more surprising is the way it uses soul to expel, what I can only assume to be, ghastly spirits from itself. It creates a resounding boom of howling and screaming when it does so. I am certain that vessels cannot speak, so this technique must be unrelated.
I find myself enjoying our match quite a bit. The little ghost still struggles with dodging my diving attacks, and it has difficulty maneuvering once I scatter my spiked, silk traps throughout the room. As in our last battle, however, the vessel excels at finding openings. It jumps over my thrown needle and patiently waits for me to leave myself vulnerable after a powerful strike. It can even seem to register when I am attempting to parry an attack and tactfully backs off.
Most annoying, though, is the way that it leaps over my head and swings downward with its nail. It strikes multiple times, bouncing around like a hopper, without even touching the ground. Where is it learning these foolish strategies? While unorthodox, it has proved to be effective, I suppose. We continue to trade hits on each other, but, in the end, it is I who must stand down.
"…So strong…"
The vessel puts its hands on its hips and puffs its chest out triumphantly. I cannot help but smirk.
"Heh. That was an impressive display, Little Ghost, I must admit. But do not get overconfident. You have much yet to do before your task is complete. Are you ready for the next step?"
Its nods.
"Good answer…Then do it, Ghost of Hallownest! Head onward. Burn that mark upon your shell and claim yourself as King."
I am unsure if the vessel understands that of which I speak, but it marches forward nonetheless. I keep watch over it as it quickly makes its way through the old body of the Pale King. The fierce winds and falling ash appear to grow more severe with time, but the ghost does not look to be phased in the slightest. It presses on until it reaches the end of the ancient Wyrm's shell where the King's Brand rests.
Despite being covered in a worn, seal of binding, the mark is easily acquired by the little ghost. However, just as all seems well, the roaring winds intensify, and the ground begins to quake. The vessel attempts a desperate escape from the shell but is cut off and battered by falling rocks. After our duel, it must have been quite weakened and I start to question whether it will make it out alive.
The ghost is struck by an alarmingly large boulder. Its movements begin to slow, and I realize I must act quickly. It is difficult to see through the waves of falling ash, but I am able to pull the vessel out from under the rock. The white ash piles up around us at a rapid pace and the entire shell threatens to cave in. With what energy I have remaining, I throw my silk and needle toward the entrance and I feel the string tighten. I've confirmed the shot, and, with a forceful pull, I launch the vessel and I to safety.
I lay the little ghost gently on the ground. It is unconscious, I assume. I stay by its side until it finally begins to stir. It surveys its surroundings before its eyes come to rest on me.
"…Little Ghost?" Are you…unharmed?"
It appears lost in thought.
"I…did not mean to put you in danger. I had no idea that this would happen."
Its stare lingers.
"…I apologize."
The vessel responds by leaping at me, knocking me off balance. I let loose a cry as it pulls me to the ground.
"G-Get off of me! You are much too close!"
As if to aggravate me even more, it only hugs me tighter.
If I had any energy left, perhaps I would fight back against this pest, but I am simply too tired. With a long sigh, I lay my head down and accept my fate.
"…Little Ghost, you are truly not hurt?"
It loosens its grip slightly and looks down at me. It nods.
"…Good. I was…worried."
I realize that was not the smartest choice of words. Seemingly touched by my sentiments, the ghost squeezes me even tighter.
"Gah-L-Little Ghost! S-Stop this smothering or-or it will be the end of me!"
It finally chooses to listen and release me, instead laying down beside me.
"…Thank you."
Hmm. How funny that I find myself taking a moment to laze about with this strange vessel. I am not one for idling, but this…is nice.
"You now bear the King's Brand, Little Ghost. Referring to you simply as a ghost may not be appropriate of me anymore."
It watches me.
"You are more like a little knight, I think. Certainly, your skill with the nail can attest to that. What do you think?"
It nods with enthusiasm.
I laugh. "I had a feeling you would agree."