You are getting this at about 1 AM because I won't be at my laptop most of tomorrow (today). So enjoy the semi-early chapter!
I am happy to present the end of the War Game. We know what's going to happen. And something else is going to happen and it was a long time coming...
...
Hyakinthos was frustrated. "How hard is it to fight six people?"
"One of them took out half of us outside the castle," a fox demi-human said. "Then another used gravity magic to hold down a quarter of us. If we try to get close or use projectiles, they are shot down or held down. Her concentration is commendable."
"I don't care, we are the Apollo Familia, we should be able to take out half a dozen people," Hyakinthose said, oddly calm. Underneath it all, he was seething. The members still present were aware of their Captain's temperament.
Again, that changed when the floor ten meders ahead suddenly vanished, causing rubble to crash down, taking out all but one. "That damn rabbit…" Hyakinthos cursed as he crawled out of it. The entire throne room was in ruins. Just what was that attack? Smoke covered the area, and he couldn't see, but his instincts were on point. There wasn't much remaining, the castle structure was old, maybe a few decades old.
The sunlight beat down on the remnants of the castle throne room. It certainly wouldn't be getting a facelift anytime soon. In fact, it may just be left alone as a testament to the battle here.
"It seems that he made a right mess. Bell, do you have to flex that hard?" Hyakinthos heard a voice that made him grit his teeth in anger.
He wants you, so he'll get you, but he didn't say what condition you had to be in. You have to be alive at the very least. Mentally stable though… that wasn't a requirement. The Apollo Familia Captain gripped his blade, Sun's Flamberge, and leaped from the smoke towards the voice.
What he didn't expect was a dagger to block him. Staring back at him was a set of bored hazel irises, "Could you at least have tried to hide your intent? I knew where you were from the moment I spoke." She was holding off his blade with no signs of struggling.
She has to be close to a Mind Down after chanting multiple spells, even with the Mage development ability.
Speaking of, a flash of pale blue erupted under her feet, and when she spoke, it sounded like a hymn, "Come to me, Spirit of the skies, bless this humble vessel with the power to send obstacles awry."
Forming behind her were multiple bird-like sculptures, large enough to having one in your hand be a handful. The grin on her face suggested that this was a spell that had tracking.
*Birds of Prey!*
The spell was unleashed and Hyakinthos, who attempted to back off, marginally succeeded as he dodged the first three, minor cuts on the fourth through ninth. However, it was the last three that managed to inflict some semblance of damage. One aimed for the lower chest, at the edge of his rib cage. The second aimed for the side of his left knee cap, forcing him into a prime position for the third. Like Irene had wanted, this one didn't aim for the crotch, but it aimed for his face. The wing of the ice-bird scratched his cheek, the bird had gotten a sliver of red attached to its wing.
"As much as I want to utterly pound you into the ground for attacking my home, hurting my friend, and being a pain in my ass... This isn't my fight, isn't that correct?" At that point, she wasn't talking to Hyakinthos.
"You'd be correct, Irene," the voice of the rabbit said. He was a little winded from his Argonaut-enhanced Firebolt, but she emerged mostly unscathed. "I have to regain my pride, and I will once I defeat you."
"You think you can beat me, you worthless rabbit?" Hyakinthos asked hysterically. Irene cuffed him on the head. He attempted to block, but Irene's raw status was higher than his. She pushed him to the ground.
"I know I can. I'm not the same person I was the first two times. I have someone I'm trying to catch up to and right now, you're in my way!" Bell took calculated steps towards the kneeling Hyakinthos, knife in hand.
The Apollo Familia Captain obviously wasn't going to take this laying down. In response, he parried the blow, but what was surprising was the fact that Hyakinthos wasn't able to push him back. Only ten days ago he was wiping the floor with him, and now he can hold his own? That's impossible.
Wow, training with Isaac, Miss Ais, and Miss Tiona really helped. However, I cannot be overconfident. I need to see how he fights now that he sees me as a threat. Even still, I won't lose.
Irene backed away and was soon joined by Lili and Welf. Mikoto was still struggling to get up, and it's not like they were going to strike when she was down. One, all of Orario and possibly beyond was watching. Two, they would look like assholes and be shunned for it. Three, they knew not to incur Harpe's wrath. Aspis would make sure of it.
"Where's that mage you were chatting up?"
"Hog-tied in a closet. The door's open though. I'm not that bad," Irene said flippantly, her attention solely focused on the fight before her.
That got two bewildered looks from the Prum and smith. Ryuu herself had heard the exchange from behind the wall and rolled her eyes.
Bell lashed out with an underhanded strike, but that was a feint. Instead, he flipped the knife around in a forward grip and stabbed through Hyakinthos's arm. It wasn't in the middle, but the knife did dig into his arm. Bell then brought up a knee into Hyakinthos, making the air escape from his lungs.
Bell backed off in favor of not wanting to push his luck. Hyakinthos growled as he picked himself up. The Captains stared one another down. No doubt the spectators were wondering what they were doing. It was a man's battle. Even if they didn't want to admit it, the man's battle was not to be interrupted. If it was, then there would be hell to pay.
Hyakinthos then charged at Bell, aiming for not one feint, but two. Bell had to withhold his smirk; instead keeping a mostly blank face as he dodged the first, dodged the second, and when the third blow came in, Bell immediately let it graze him, giving false confidence to Hyakinthos.
Bell responded with a solid kick to Hyakinthos's side. "Isaac's training and conditioning have paid off. Irene, this is what he went through?" He asked off to the side, not taking his eyes off his opponent, not even for a second.
"You forget that I went through this too, but I see you're applying it properly. Maybe a little more time, you could easily hold off an experienced level four," Irene said as she thrashed another straggler of the Apollo Familia. They kept trying to interrupt, and honestly, she was seriously considering putting out another Blazing Meteor. She's been casting Smokescreen on herself making it look like Bell was speaking to nothing. Hyakinthos was angered that he wasn't taking this seriously.
"Face me, rabbit! When I'm done with you, you'll wish you never stepped foot in Orario!"
You can try to intimidate me all you want, but I won't rise to your bait. "You won't be able to stop me. You have beaten me twice before, but today is important. This is merely a stepping stone to catching my idol." Bell's ruby eyes held a determination sought by many, but only few can possess. Hyakinthos looked into those eyes and saw the imposing figure of a hero.
The captain stood and began chanting, "My name is love, precious child of light. I offer my body to my sun. My name is sin, jealousy of wind. I call a gust of wind to my body. Released ring of fire - come, wind of the west Rupele!"
*Aro Zephyros!*
A ring of wind and fire formed and Hyakinthos pointed his sword at Bell, and the ring followed. With quick instinct, Bell dodged, thinking that was the end, but Hyakinthos chuckling made Bell glance over his shoulder. The magic was circling around, and it wasn't planning on stopping.
*Firebolt!*
Bell cast his own magic to dispel it, but Aro Zephyros weaved itself around Bell's fire. Irene took a chance and began chanting. "Your humble vessel calls to you, Vishnu, give my allies the spirit to withstand!"
However, as Irene was chanting, she was a split-second slow. She had gotten distracted by the remaining members. Welf and Lili were on their last legs too, so they couldn't have known. Even still, she cast the spell, not letting this magic energy go to waste.
*Living Shield!*
The aura washed over her allies, and in the midst of it, no one noticed the necklace that Bell had received from Syr had been disconnected from its chain. The front of it shattered revealing a symbol known to all of Orario, but they didn't see it. Everyone waited with bated breath.
Dust and rubble sprung into the air and clouded everyone's vision. Most spectators were in an uproar for one reason or another, the ones with higher stakes clenched their fists. None more so than Isaac.
He's been tense since the fight started. While not being able to fully critique Bell, he wanted to see his improvements and wanted to fight alongside him. He must have been really spaced out as multiple members of the Loki Familia were watching him out of the corners of their eyes. None more so than Riveria. He hasn't spoken a word since the bright beam of light.
It's gotten to the point where blood was sliding between his fingers, his knuckles were split, and he didn't even seem to notice. They've tried to call out to him, but he hasn't even acknowledged their existence. Bete seemed to actually have a shred of worry. Being one of the only other guys here, other than Finn and Gareth, he knew that this was far out of the ordinary for him.
"It is over?" Tiona asked innocently. The smoke and debris had covered the Divine Mirror, so no one saw anything. Even if they did, it was only a giant dust cloud.
"No, it's not…" Isaac's voice was tense, but it held a sliver of hope. "Bell won't be taken out by something so trivial…"
Riveria immediately detected the underlying feelings, If Bell falls, then he'll feel guilty for not properly preparing him. However, he didn't carry the same worry for Irene, and for good reason. She was with him for a long time, so he knows she can handle herself. The High Elf placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling just how tightly-strung he was. He felt as if he was a wall out of place from the foundation.
Isaac finally took away his eyes from the Mirror to look into Riveria's eyes. What he saw almost brought him to tears, but it was the look of worry that made him release his posture and everyone, even Ais, noticed how worried he really was. He looked down to his hands, finally seeing the blood, "I'll pay to clean the carpet," was what he murmured.
Finn eased his worries, "Not necessary, Isaac. We have a solution to clean it up. You'd be surprised at how handy it is."
I'll have to ask him about that solution later, Isaac thought to himself but nodded nonetheless.
Speaking of the Sword Princess, she was worried too. She didn't want him to be taken away from her. She wanted to know how he was getting so strong so fast. She wanted to know what his drive was. She cared far more than she knew. Tione had a small knowing grin. Gareth still had his attention on the Mirror.
"It looks like the boy isn't out yet," the dwarven executive chuckled heartily.
Looking back to the Mirror, Bell indeed was still awake, but his armor was basically falling apart. So were his clothes, the black underclothing was torn in places, blood was visible, but he was still awake and that meant he could still fight.
A flash off to the side and it was one that Isaac knew well. Irene was going to use Orb of Divine Healing. She wanted Bell to win, and she didn't care how. As soon as the glow happened, it disappeared. Raising an eyebrow, Isaac hummed, "He told her to stop, to let him finish this…"
Riveria didn't notice the flash, as her attention was on Ais, whose golden eyes held worry. Both Isaac and Ais had a moment of eye contact before nodding to each other. When you're so assured of your victory, you're at your weakest. This is the moment that he can turn it around on Hyakinthos.
Everyone's attention was back on the Mirror, except Loki—yeah, she was still here— looking at the children watching a spectacle. Again, Dee-Dee, where did you find these two? A smile came to her lips as she sipped her glass.
"You're mine!" Hyakinthos rushed forward with a knife, intent on stabbing Bell. His own balance was weak, but that would change real soon. Irene was distraught and as a result, she had gone into an automatic response. She didn't intervene in their fight, but she turned to the members still standing. How many of them are there?! The young mage questioned this internally. Apollo didn't have more than one hundred and fifty members, and well… maybe there were a lot more than anticipated.
Irene brought out her shurikens and her eyes were fierce, and the ones who approached her quickly considered if it was worth it. She took slow steps and they scattered. From where she stood in the rubble, she immediately threw five different shurikens and heard a yelp from each.
As Hyakinthos was about to run Bell through with the knife, he leaned back—Matrix-style—brought up his foot, and kicked the blade out of his hands. Ting Ting. The sound of Argonaut caught everyone's attention and Bell's eyes were as determined as ever. With an obvious windup, he descended his fist into the pompous Captain's face, making him spit out a couple of teeth in the process. Irene knew that it was, at the very least, a broken jaw. Anything less, and she'd have to show him how to properly break a jaw.
Bell was standing on shaky legs but held on as the victor was crowned. When it was all said and done, Lili had latched on to him to support him and because she wanted to give him a hug without Hestia getting in the way. Welf just sighed and shouldered the poor boy. Even standing like he was, he still had a smile on his face, all traces of worry washed away.
However, Irene noticed an object on the ground, and once she looked at it, her intent rose. Only briefly. The feeling was gone as soon as it arrived. The symbol on the necklace was none other than the Freya Familia. Then, Irene remembered where he got it from. "That little minx…"
"Irene, you coming?" Bell's tired-addled voice asked.
"Sure, let's grab Mikoto and our mystery guest and head home," she responded as she pocketed the necklace to show Isaac later. This was an interesting development, and she didn't know what would come of it.
In Babel, there was a flurry of emotions being shed. Disbelief, Relief, Joy, Shock, and so many more, but none were more relieved than Dia and Hestia. Apollo himself was completely floored, and it only made it worse when Hestia spoke in a sing-song tone, "Oh Apollo~!"
Accompanied with Dia's most evil grin, "Looks like you owe us, Mister Arrogant piece of… you know what? Words cannot describe you and I am above that." She sighed, "I can be comforted knowing that my and Hestia's children are safe from you. That goes for other Familias too, I know you've been trying to poach my children. They will never go to anyone else, and if you try to challenge us to another War Game, we as the victors of this have the absolute right to deny you."
"Listen, I talked a big game, but it was all in jest, I assure you!" Apollo was really trying to weasel his way out of this.
"Hermes, didn't Apollo say that if we won we would get anything we wanted?" Dia turned to the mischievous feather-hatted God.
"Why if I remember correctly, he did say that he would give anything you desire. So," his lips turned to a cruel smirk, "what is it that you two lovely ladies desire?"
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Hermes. In fact, I only want what Hestia wants. So, my friend, what is that you want from Apollo?" Dia turned her eyes to Hestia who was rubbing her hands together like a villain.
"You are to disband your Familia, all your assets now belong to us, and you are forever banished from Orario!" Hestia declared and some deities gasped.
Dia turned to them, "Did you honestly forget that he tried to exile us? This is Apollo getting his 'just deserts' if I recall the saying properly." Dia looked to the Mirror and the petite Goddess focused on her child, her brows furrowed and she seemed to be contemplating something. Looks like I'll need to ask her about this later.
Meanwhile, in the Hostess of Fertility, all the patrons, waitresses, and Mama Mia herself watched with piercing eyes. They saw the fight, they saw the outcome, and they saw Irene pocket the necklace. Only a certain silver-haired waitress showed any sign of worry.
They also saw Irene scoop up Mikoto who seemed to insist that she can walk. Then whatever Irene had said, made Mikoto flush red. Those in the know understood exactly what was probably said. The pub went about its business when the Mirror disappeared.
Further north, Isaac had left the Manor in order to head to Babel. He wanted to see Dia about what had Irene's mind rolling. From where he was, he was unable to reach his sister. Maybe once she was about a day out from Orario, they could talk. He was pretty sure that he gave Loki Familia a scare once he ran out of the room. He was very tempted to leap out the window and rush to Babel.
While he was on the way, he looked to the top of the tower, wondering what she was planning. Not to mention that she hasn't exactly done anything to prevent him and Mikoto being together, and that was only scratching the surface of his worries. He continued along, even some people congratulating him, knowing he was in the Dia Familia, he acknowledged them with a nod.
After making a brief detour to the roofs, he saw who he was after. His Goddess. "Dia!"
The emerald-eyed Goddess looked up with a smile, "Isaac!" He leaped down and he hugged her, the tension fully and finally leaking out of his shoulders. "She did it, they did it…"
"Yeah, but you saw…"
"..the expression on her face?" A nod from his deity. "I figured that she found something, and I will be attempting to contact her over the next day. Two days is a stretch and even if I did, it would throw me into a Mind Down once we finished. Considering how many spells Irene cast, she is probably close to doing so," Isaac said, breaking the hug.
"Wait, where are you going?"
Isaac grinned, "I have a smith to check in on, or have you forgotten the date?"
Dia pondered that for a moment before her eyes widened, "It's your birthday tomorrow! I didn't get you a gift!"
The quarter elf chuckled, "Your blessing was your gift and that's something that can never be topped."
You little… Dia had to give him that one. "But I-"
"No you don't~" he responded before heading to Goibniu Familia's home. Lady Hephaistos may be a smithing Goddess, but Goibniu has smiths that suit his needs. After all, a smith there was able to craft something that they specialize in, provided with the right materials, of course.
Two days had passed since the end of the War Game, and Isaac could be found sitting by the gate. Shakti Varma, Captain of the Ganesha Familia, could be seen right next to him. "You were here all day yesterday, and now you're here again. Care to tell me why?"
Her navy blue hair and eyes had scanned over Harpe as he sat with a bundle next to him. He responded with a few words, but his eyes were darting all over the place. Once she had asked about what's in the tarp, he responded with, 'A welcome home present for my sister.' When she pestered him for more information, she did not get a response.
In the distance, carts appeared over the horizon, Irene, are you there?
Finally! I can talk to you, you don't realize how much we have to talk about. I would have sooner, but I was worried about Mind Down. To finally hear his sister—mentally, at least—after almost five days was a relief. He wasn't showing it, but the separation was getting to him, as he probably guessed was getting to her.
I know we have a lot to talk about, but I have something for you when you get to the gate. I'm sitting next to Shakti, Lord Ganesha's Captain, Isaac grinned.
"Okay, what are you doing?" Shakti asked, seeing the very giddy grin on his face. It honestly freaked her out.
"Chatting with my sister, we share a spell that allows us to communicate. Simply put, think of it as a form of twin telepathy, except it only works for us," Isaac explained.
"That would really be handy for a large Familia like ours," Shakti said.
"Unless you had a twin, then that isn't possible," the young swordsman responded, not noticing Shakti's wince.
Once the wagons were close to the door, Isaac stood and shouldered the tarp. "Well, I need to welcome them back, but I also need to have a word with my courted." Shakti wisely did not question him on that.
Down in the wagon, Irene was really excited. She was finally going to be able to sleep in a bed and have a nice meal, and she wanted to see what Isaac had for her. From the tone of his voice, she had an inkling as to what it was.
Mikoto herself was glad to be back, as she wanted a bath. She loved bathhouses, and she would do almost anything to have one. Maybe she could invite Isaac to one so they… she flushed again as her thoughts spiraled out of control once more, thankful that Irene did not notice… again.
Welf was ready to go back to his forge and work on Irene's gift for Isaac. He also had to make yet another set of armor for Bell, as it was getting shredded. It did hurt his pride as a smith, but it also bolstered his pride as a smith. The armor did and didn't do its job. Most think that being a smith means hitting something hot with a hammer. No, the craft is much more intricate and grueling than one would imagine. Welf has the fire to make weapons that can surpass the Gods, or at least that's what he told Hephaistos.
Lili was just pleased that this whole thing was over and they could live normally. Ryuu had gone back to Orario separately, as she didn't want her identity to be revealed and she'd rather stay out of the limelight.
They were allowed through the gate andIrene found herself in her brother's arms, "Welcome back!"
Irene giggled as she returned the hug, their conversation far from their minds. Right now, they were enjoying what they had. "So, what's in the tarp?"
Isaac's grin became a smile, "Since you decided to get picked for a War Game," a snort from Irene, "I had to get something together, thanks to a smith from Goibniu, no offense Welf, but you weren't here."
"None taken," the red-headed smith said.
Isaac revealed the first part of the tarp and saw the glint of the weapon. Irene's expression turned to child-like joy, "You commissioned a hatchet for me?!"
"Yeah, I did, but there's something else in here," the clinking of the tarp indicates that Isaac was not lying. He pulled a handful of objects and once he did, did Irene squeal and jump like a child. "You had these made for me?!"
"Happy Birthday, Irene. One, this War Game provided an opportunity for me to get the materials for it, and I know you've been saying a hatchet would work for you, so I did." The hatchet itself was orange-red with three different heads. One head was the main side of it, meant for slashing. A second head was at the end of the handle, akin to a spearhead. The third was similar to the first, in almost every way, except smaller. "They even crafted a holster so you don't cut yourself. Now, we gotta train you in using this," Isaac said through the hug.
"You even had shurikens made?" Irene asked, inspecting those very things. "I was running a bit low."
Once Irene was done swirling about her gifts, he turned to Mikoto, who had pointedly looked away. He clasped a hand on her shoulder and one under her chin, making her look into his eyes, which held no traces of anger. Frustration? Definitely. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I-"
"I would have helped you too!" he said as she struggled to respond. "It worried me greatly that you were there! Just for that, I'm taking you out on a date in two days, no matter what," he declared.
Irene's eyes glazed over with an evil look, "Don't make me an auntie this soon~!"
"That never happens on the first date and you know it, sis. Shut up and enjoy your birthday present for the next two minutes," Isaac responded to his sister's teasing. Mikoto was about to reply but Isaac went to Bell and hugged the rabbit. "I was worried when Hyakinthos hit you with his magic. I was feeling so guilty that I had failed you…"
The boy seemed to realize how much he was being affected, as did others in the area. Bell hugged him, "It was thanks to you and everyone else that we won, so why don't we celebrate?"
This pure boy… Isaac thought.
Isn't he something? Irene chimed in.
"I would, but Irene… I bet you're anxious for something…" he trailed off as confusion took place on her face.
It soon morphed into understanding, "You're saying…"
"Time for an adventure. Does Goliath sound good?" Isaac asked, making other adventures cry in shock, Shakti included.
"Just the two of us?"
"Yeah, I already cleared it with Rivira and Bors. He only wants to witness it, and he'll bring some people up to support us just in case. In exchange, they get the drop item if it does drop, we get the stone. If it doesn't drop, we split the stone's worth. It took some convincing, but I got them to agree."
"When do we leave?" Irene's joy was now gone, replaced with determination.
Isaac grinned, "We'll meet at Babel in an hour. We'll truly celebrate when we return as level fours." I also have something to show you.
Oh, do you? Irene was intrigued.
The plan was set.
That's where we find the twins. In the Dungeon, on the seventeenth floor, opposite the Big Wall of Sorrow. The twins were geared up and ready. Next to them was the party from Rivira. "Are you sure you don't need help? Goliath isn't something to mess around with."
"We know, but we need to prove that we can be more," Isaac said, checking his equipment over again. Lady Freya has something up her sleeve. After guessing that she is after us, her Captain tracking us down when we first arrived, and then Allen being Allen, it wasn't hard to figure it out. Isaac shut his connection to Irene temporarily to voice this. I also want to see if I can find the Xenos. It's been a while and I hope to show them to Irene. I just wonder what she is going to think.
Thankfully, Isaac didn't have to worry about that as the wall started to crack. The twins adopted their respective stances. Irene had her quarterstaff, which was actually shorter than a normal quarterstaff by about a half meder in one hand, and a handful of shurikens in another. They weren't meant to be damage dealing, but distractions. That, and her repertoire of spells were plenty powerful.
Isaac wanted to kill Goliath for revenge, one. Two, he wanted to see if he has improved at all. He readied his longsword and his persona switched. He was ready and waiting. Stepping into the open area, the wall continued to crack and break, almost shattering in some places. The Goliath's eyes were scanning for its targets. The group from Rivira were peering over the lip of the entrance to the eighteenth floor to avoid its ire, not that it could reach them, but better safe than sorry. "Do it."
"The monsters of the night, heed my call. I request passing to the Great Beyond. Let my enemies know true fear. Phobos, I call upon thee, cast us into the shadows!" Irene's violet magic circle flashed and Isaac's grin turned monstrous.
*Shadow Concealment!*
Their backs burned, Tsuinzubatorukurai was active, and they felt the immediate burst of power. Getting two full ranks for just being in a fight with each other, and no downsides, was the perfect trade-off. They easily felt the difference and they continued to formulate plans, openings, and even counters.
The twins disappeared from view, and while they were confident that Goliath couldn't see them, he might possibly be able to smell them. So, Isaac took off with light footsteps and aimed for Goliath's left leg. Specifically, the tendons that resided there. If he could sever one of them, then Goliath's mobility would be crippled. Isaac ended up right by Goliath and once he was close enough, he swung with all of his might.
The Goliath didn't have a read on the room, freshly spawned and slightly delirious. It did recognize that it was being attacked. It tried to move but found that it couldn't lift its leg. As a result, it crashed on one knee, roaring in agony.
To add insult to injury, Isaac cast his own magic, aiming for the wound he just created. Holding his palm out, he shouted.
*Fissure!*
Small shards of rocks peppered the wound, forcing it open further, resulting in more blood spilled, which further increased Concealment's effect. Even if the room was basked in light because of the Wall's reflection, as shown by the shimmers that could be seen by the Rivira party, Goliath now had a bigger problem on its hands.
While it tried to swing its arms around in an attempt to hit Isaac off course, it was slammed with a giant fireball, courtesy of Irene. The young mage didn't stay in one place though, as Goliath immediately tried to slam its fists down on where she was standing. Even moving as fast as she was, she couldn't escape the shockwave. It made her stumble until she hit the sidewall. Fortunately, she was able to keep her focus on keeping the spell up. Spirit Healing was in effect, but her Mind usage would eventually win out. I may have to drop the spell soon in order to have enough Mind.
It's been that long already? It feels like we just started! Isaac shouted back.
It's true. While this fight seems to have only been going on for five minutes, it's almost been a half hour. The twins haven't suffered any major injuries. Goliath almost got lucky with both twins with a random fist smash. In return, Goliath looked worse for wear, multiple deep cuts, courtesy of Isaac and Fissure. Irene gave Goliath burn marks that would make Minotaurs cry. Yet, it still wasn't dead.
Isaac, I have to drop the spell, I need time to chant a new one. Can you distract it?
Depends, how long? Isaac asked.
Forty seconds at most.
Done, he replied instantly. Let me know when you're dropping the spell.
Irene took a deep breath, "For the job is done, let us escape the Great Beyond!" With that, the two became visible.
Their armor had minor dents from wayward rocks, but nothing major that required Welf's help. The Rivira party watched with apt attention. "These two have been circling Goliath for like ever now, why don't we go in and steal it?"
Bors was quick to yank them back, "You're stealin' their adventure, and then they'll turn to you in 'self-defense' do you want that?" That was a worst-case scenario. Bors didn't believe that they would do that, but the possibility existed. They've heard rumors of Irene's legendary temper. "Not to mention what he might do to you."
Now visible, Goliath roared with more force. It made them tense for a second, and that was what Goliath needed. Its eyes were on Isaac and immediately tried to crush him. Isaac smirked, using his agility, he dodged and then brought his sword into its arm and ran. There was a considerable amount of resistance as he did so, but with help from the blood spray, it provided the perfect cover as he ran up on its arm and cleaved it. Pulling the sword out, he immediately leaped up and brought it down in an overhead slash.
Shing!
The sound of the blade severing Goliath's arm was a sight to behold. These two were defying everything that the veteran adventurers knew. No one was crazy enough to challenge Goliath, especially with two people. These were not ordinary people, Bors thought, well no shit me, they are descendants of the Great Mage.
While Isaac was fighting, Irene had been casting her spell, "Let the spirits hear my call. I open my heart and soul to those who still linger. Shine down onto this vessel, grant me the power needed to smite my enemies. Please, allow me this request, Lord of Thunder. Bless me with the smiting spirit."
With a booming voice that echoed in the Goliath chamber, it was a name that would forever haunt Goliath's future incarnations.
*Insurmountable Spark!*
'Spark' was a vast understatement. The magic circle under her feet flashed from blue as the sky, to bright as lightning. It wasn't this massive thunder cloud, but a singular bolt of lightning crashed down onto the Goliath—don't ask how it made it through the walls of the Dungeon— making it howl and writhe in agony.
However, it was not enough to kill it completely. It stunned it enough where it was not strong enough to fight back, and it can only watch as Isaac leaped into the air, his eyes filled with determination and pride. Pride for his sister for being the badass mage she was. Pride for him because of the last time he fought Goliath, he was at death's door. His sword pierced Goliath's chest and it hit the magic stone, signifying the end of its existence.
With a death croak, the Goliath started to fade into ash, which Isaac was mostly prepared for. This fight took a lot out of him, but not enough to be immediately worried. He landed with a small whoosh next to him, two items plummeted with a thunk and a small puff. Both the items had dropped, much to Isaac's relief.
Tsuinzubatorukurai deactivated, but the effect still lingered. That could only mean one thing… it worked. We did it.
Oh we freaking better have, Irene snorted mentally.
The Rivira party watched in awe, even some of them rubbed their eyes in disbelief. They saw history here today and they would retell it for times way beyond them. Isaac immediately rushed to his sister, seeing her leaning on her staff. Taking out a potion, courtesy of Nazha, he made her drink it in its entirety. "That spell… was so fucking awesome. I am glad you didn't use that in the War Game."
Ignoring her brother's swear, "That better be our rank up because that was utterly stressful. Why did I agree to this again?"
"Because I want Lady Freya to leave us the hell alone…" Isaac whispered to her, once again, reminding her of the conversation they need to have.
"Right… now, don't you have something you need to show me?"
"That requires at least the twenty-fifth floor, I believe, maybe even higher, like the twenty-first," Isaac said, before making her stand up properly.
Bors was the first to congratulate them. Irene sternly reminded them of the deal they made with Isaac. With his accompanying glare, they quickly agreed. They also agreed to hold on to the items while they took care of their other reason for being down here.
Turns out, they didn't need to descend farther than the twentieth floor. Isaac and Irene were walking next to one another, they both found that a walk in the Dungeon was perfectly acceptable after two-manning Goliath. On the way down, he reminded her of the Xenos, the monsters with intelligence. If he was right, then they'd be here. He really wants to see Marie again, as she did save him not only once, but twice. That place on the thirty-seventh was a nightmare, one he's not ready to confront again.
"So you're telling me that intelligent monsters saved you? They have a dream of residing on the surface?"
"Basically yes, didn't I explain this to you in Rivira? Why are you acting so surprised?" Isaac said, watching for movement out of the corner of his eye.
"Well, to be honest, it was certainly hard to believe, I mean really think about it. Monsters with intelligence? It sounds far-fetched and nigh impossible. I want to believe you, but I can't without evidence," Irene responded, wringing her fingers nervously.
"Fair, but are you going to keep hiding, or are you going to introduce yourselves?" Isaac addressed his sister, then seemingly no one.
"Awe, you're no fun, Isaac!" a gruff voice said.
Turning to his left, he saw a very familiar reptile. "To be fair, we didn't expect to see you again so soon." Next to the reptile was a siren, whose wings covered her body. "Also, you two smell."
"Blame your pal, Goliath. We went on an adventure, and it was just the two of us," Isaac said. They had cleaned themselves up once they reached Rivira, using a private room. That didn't mean their armor got the same treatment. It still had blood on it, so no wonder they smelled it. They could see it.
Irene blinked, "Hey Isaac?" She was tapping his arm, looking quite lost.
"Yeah?" There was a smug tone in his voice. One that she couldn't exactly rebuke him for.
"I believe you now."
...
Birds of Prey: Tracking Spell, ice element. Grants the user twelve ice birds to attack. Useful for multiple targets or a distraction to a single target. Chant - Come to me, Spirit of the skies, bless this humble vessel with the power to send obstacles awry.
Insurmountable Spark: A lightning spell, one that would make Zeus proud. A decimating lighting bolt which, if hit or graze, causes paralysis of the muscles. Cooldown of once a day. Chant - Let the spirits hear my call. I open my heart and soul to those who still linger. Shine down onto this vessel, grant me the power needed to smite my enemies. Please, allow me this request, Lord of Thunder. Bless me with the smiting spirit.
Edit (7/20/21): ALSO, SINCE I AM BIG DUMB, I AM GOING ON VACATION FROM FRIDAY JULY 23RD TO AUGUST 2ND, MEANING THAT THERE IS NOT GOING TO BE A CHAPTER FOR A FEW WEEKS. IT GIVES ME TIME TO WRITE MORE.
So you can hate me later. Because with what I'm cooking up, you will either be happy, upset, or have expected it.