Many, many days ago…A battle occurred, unbeknownst to anyone on the surface except Fels. In the deepest of depths only the Familia of old, Zeus and Hera, knew about, pathways and environments that would kill lesser beings, fights were natural. In this wasteland, dried out from the actions of Demi Spirits, it used to be a frozen tundra. Now, only a few small mountains and the singular green life existed. And yet, the dungeon adapted. Lifeforms that could survive on this level no matter what. Mighty dragons, creatures of myths. On such levels, the monsters of the dungeon possessed immense strength. Pride and intelligence to recognize that pride.
This battle was not such a fight. In fact, they were utterly avoiding this area. Instead, it was an impossibility meeting another impossibility, that not a single being in the public would ever know about.
"Got her!"
"Lido, now!"
The gargoyle and the arachne pulled as hard as they could when the strings finally wrapped around their opponent. Quick on the uptake, the other Xenos leapt at the substance Ranye created. Four, Cliff, even Wiene participated in trying to keep their hunter in place, their wish for survival strengthening their resolve. The silver haired human let out an annoyed grunt before raising an eyebrow when the lizardman got just a bit closer, rearing back his head with a deep breath.
Then Lido unleashed a stream of fierce flames from his mouth, hitting the Creature head on. The flames spread on the spider silk, reaching the Xenos' hands, claws and whatever else they used to tug at them. They winced at the heat but refused to let go, pulling even harder as much as the silk could withstand the forces of pulling and fire. And yet, they sweated, not from the warmth radiating but from nervousness as they gritted their teeth.
They did not hear a single exclamation of pain from Lido's best move. And it was only natural, for Alfia had withstood far far worse in terms of magic. Nevertheless, she considered the lizard as a warrior of level five at best. To imagine he was capable of 'magic' like this, it was decent enough. Still, she thought with a frown as the flames harmlessly washed over her 'layer'. They had already tried to use magic swords before, more powerful than these flames. What was the po-?
"Uuuuuuoooooh!"
Her eyes widened and perhaps for the first time, she felt proper pain as a fist hit her stomach head on. Even as her body reacted immediately, going limp and moving with the force of the attack, she still felt something crack within her. She couldn't help but smile ever so slightly even as she was flung away through the air, the flames dispersing from the raw force from the punch.
Ah, the flames were a distraction to her senses. She couldn't even tell that the biggest threat was approaching her nor from which direction it came from. Impressive use of intelligence.
Asterius exhaled, his eyes narrowing with frustration at the lack of response from his right straight. His form was similar to the martial arts from the Far East, right foot shifted forwards alongside the fist, with the elbow angled ever so slightly. He then let out a hiss staring at his arm he used to punch, seeing the blood drip from the gash that was not there before.
"Asterius!"
He let out a grunt at the concerned shout from Fia. Just a scratch. But to think their opponent was capable of such a counter attack while her senses were muddled and while getting hit. Alfia flicked her monstrous rapier, the blood splattering against the ground.
"How are we supposed to…?"
"Don't you start!" Gros snarled, causing Cliff to flinch. Still, they were all slowly backing away, warily eyeing their hunter.
They were this close to the meeting point as well. They had believed with the chaos in Orario, that Evilus would have not the time nor resources to hunt them down. And yet, here she was. This…this monstrous thing that shrugged off all their efforts. The only one who was capable of matching her head on was Asterius, and even he was at his wits' end. At first surprised by his martial arts and landing solid hits, the Creature known as Alfia quickly healed up from the few injuries she suffered, before easily adapting to his movements.
Unbeknownst to them, her head was not fully focused on their extermination. In a way, it was rather shameful, how weak her spirit and will was in this mission. But she couldn't help herself, the irony of the situation truly hitting her.
Here she was, facing monsters…and yet, they fought like a true adventurer party. As if she was the dangerous Monster Rex, their tactics and teamwork were top notch. Never leaving one of their own behind, always trying to cover each other even at the expense of their own health. Their sapience both let her enjoy this little struggle, as well as put a damper to her mood.
If only they were mindless monsters, she'd be quick about this. Instead…it almost made her feel too much guilt to kill them off. Existences she never knew about, never thought could exist. If only she could stall for time more. To avoid going to the surface, to use this as an excuse.
But then, all the sacrifices in the past would be in vain. She let out a small sigh.
It was time to stop playing around. Magical energy surged from her, causing the Xenos' eyes to widen. It was only natural.
Up until this point, she had used her magic without a chant. But not this time.
"Gospel."
Before, this spell broke the arm of Ranye. It crippled the wing of Gros, and smashed out the teeth of Lido. However, this time, the sheer force behind the spell was at least twice or even thrice the power.
One moment, they stood their ground. The next, they were all smashed into nearby walls, causing them all to spit out blood from the damage it caused. Yet Alfia let out an impressed hum.
Not all of them. Instead, Asterius' body shook, having moved forward the moment he sensed the spell coming. Then…he headbutted her spell. It left her dumbfounded for a moment, as the bull monster's head swayed, his eyes dazed as blood seeped out from his head. Yet he managed to diminish the force enough to turn a crippling blast into a merely painful one.
Such brutish manners reminded her of Zard. She covered her mouth with her hand, trying not to feel the amusement in her heart, that made her waver in her resolve. Unaware of her inner struggles, Asterius was about to fall over before the light snapped back in his eyes, causing him to stomp the ground to steady himself.
"We are not finished yet…!" He growled before letting out a mighty howl. "Rise up!"
"Shut up, you stupid bull, we're all awake!"
"Treat the most injured, quickly!"
They scrambled to their feet, their wings, whatever they used for movement. The weakest and smallest were knocked out. The ones next on the totem dragged themselves towards the unconscious, pulling out magic crystals and medicine. Meanwhile, the 'elite' barely were able to walk up to Asterius' side, raising their natural weapons, for their manmade ones long shattered against her. Alfia chuckled, this time unable to hide her smile.
"Valiant, but no matter." She raised her monstrous blade, belonging to this disgusting arm of hers. "It's ove-"
Suddenly, the ceiling exploded. Everyone's head snapped upwards, eyes wide except for Alfia's, whose eyes narrowed. This was unnatural behavior of the dungeon and its monsters on this level. The beasts above knew better than go lower than their station deserves. Only the powerful monsters went up instead.
Then she saw it. Nay, she felt it.
The crimson dragon's maw biting into her, tearing her in half.
She immediately leapt back, touching her chest, only to find no injury whatsoever. Instead, she only felt sweat forming on this inhuman body. It was then that something, no, several somethings crashed down on the ground.
"Owowowowow, my poor thighs!"
"Suck it up, tree hugger!"
"Why did we even jump?!"
"It was a shortcut, captain."
"T-Thanks for catching us…"
With a sudden swing of a golden sword, the dust cloud was cleared up. Alfia ignored the nobodies, the scandalous elf, the bearded barbarian, the short blonde, the Far Eastern girl and the supporter boy wearing suspenders.
Her eyes were solely focused on the wielder of the golden sword. Her armor dress scuffed and torn at places. Her skin blemished by dirt. Her blonde hair in chaos from the dungeon itself. Yet those green eyes pierced her, as if they were spears of legend, recognizing and focusing down an enemy.
"Apologies for the delay," Artoria Pendragon declared, a small, encouraging smile on her face as she glanced back. Some Xenos collapsed down, letting out a breath of relief. Others, like Asterius, nodded back, but still kept their combat stances up. It was then that the other adventurers of the Hades Familia saw who was facing the monsters, and their eyes widened in shock, immediately raising their own weapons up as nervousness swept across them.
"So the rumors were true…Alfia the Silence." Stefan, the captain, muttered as sweat ran down his forehead. He tightened his grip on his ornate dagger. "Haha…Artoria, you really don't pick the easy missions, do you?"
Alfia tilted her head.
"I'm surprised people still remember my title."
After all, she was sure the guild had censored all information about the Zeus and Hera Familia. The victors wrote history after all, and the losers were erased. As much as it stung, for their past deeds to be forgotten, it was better that way. After all, it would only discourage the world, to know how far their people truly got, only to be shamefully shattered into pieces. So why did outsiders like this know the truth, if Orario was ignorant? Artoria stepped forward, causing Alfia to tense up just a bit.
"Lord Hades remembers the children of his old friends."
The Silence let out a hum. Right, an old friend of Lord Zeus. So probably a lecherous scum of heaven as well. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but smile just a bit. At least someone actually remembered them. As long as he didn't share too much with the world…it was fine, Alfia supposed.
It was then that Artoria turned her head to the people and monsters behind her. It was a clear opening to the untrained eye. Yet Alfia did not make a move. First, she had to catch her breath. Second, she knew that if she leapt at Artoria now, she would be hit by a counter attack without hesitation. So instead, she allowed this.
Nevertheless, not even she could expect the words that were uttered from the Radiance's mouth.
"Escort the Xenos back. I will handle this."
Both Xenos and adventurers gaped at her, before their captain cut the air with his arm, shaking his head.
"Artoria, you can't be serious!"
"Yeah, I'm all for you acting all tough and all that, but this is Alfia we are talking about!" The elf shouted, before stopping as Artoria turned back towards the Creature before her, nodding once.
"I know. The Monster of Talent. One said to best all of her own level…and capable of even beating her superiors, ignoring the gap of levels. The one who destroyed the Leviathan with brute force. Quite frankly, I cannot claim that this will be an easy fight."
Alfia tilted her head, narrowing her eyes.
"Already getting wet feet I see."
In response, Artoria cracked a smile.
"Quite the opposite, in fact."
"Oh?"
She once more glanced back to her Familia and the ones she came to rescue.
"Trust me. She may be the strongest of her time…"
Raising her blade before her in her grip, Artoria flexed her fingers before exhaling slowly.
"But so am I. I will win."
Alfia felt a twitch of annoyance, her eyebrow moving against her will. And yet, she felt her dead heart beat, flooding her body with the rush of heated blood. She unconsciously tightened her grip on her dungeon rapier. The captain of the Hades Familia let out a hiss before clapping his hands, spinning around on his feet.
"Let's go!"
With hesitation, the order was followed. Alfia looked at the insane sight of monsters and the human races walking side by side, caring for their injuries and sharing food as they walked down into the darkness, towards wherever the Hades Familia came from. Leaving behind the Silence and the Radiance, in front of each other, weapon pointed at each other.
"I'm surprised you didn't try to attack them," Artoria wondered openly, causing Alfia to raise an eyebrow before shaking her head.
"And leave myself open? I don't want to make it too easy on you."
A beat of silence. Their eyes wandered over each other, investigating the definition of their muscles, the shape of their bodies. The way they breathed, slowly calming down from their individual exertion before meeting. The way their fingers moved ever so slightly, holding onto their respective weaponry.
This would be tough, the both of them thought at the same time.
Ironically, it was Alfia who stopped the silence first, letting out a playful hum.
"Giving me time to catch my breath? How honorable."
"My main mission is getting the Xenos to safety. By making you stay here, I am accomplishing it." Artoria's frown morphed into a small smirk."Not to mention, we wouldn't want to create any excuses for your defeat."
The two of them let out an amused chuckle. How long had it been, for them to experience smack talk by someone on their level? It was a sensation they had forgotten at this point. Alfia especially felt the ache of nostalgia hitting her heart. She shook her head, refusing her resolve to waver by diving into her memories. Her smile was gone as she narrowed her eyes.
"Why go so far for them?"
Intelligent or not, they were monsters. Their mere existence would unbalance the story that had been created up until now. They could not be allowed to exist, not just because they defied evil for some reason, but also because they would cause others to hesitate. To do what was right, to kill the monsters that plagued the world. Yet Artoria shook her head, her face blank, yet steeled with resolve.
"There are plenty of reasons. Despite their appearance and nature, they are mere refugees, desiring to find a place for themselves. I have heard and witnessed their valiant spirits and it is worthy of respect. I am denying you, and people like you, the satisfaction of completing their goal."
"Judging me?" Alfia asked quietly, causing Artoria to nod without hesitation.
"Indeed. You may have your reasons, but one way or the other…" The Radiance exhaled, her own eyes narrowing with a glint. "Your actions are despicable, and pretending that they are not is a fool's errand."
The Creature felt a flash of annoyance as she clicked her tongue. As expected of the infamous Radiance. A knight, like from the stories. But life was not like the stories. Sometimes, knights were destroyed and torn apart. Something this one clearly didn't experience, else those eyes wouldn't be so clear.
"It must be nice. Never knowing true despair."
Artoria tilted her head back ever so slightly. It took a beat for Alfia to realize that this petite woman…was looking down on her.
"Know your place, child." Alfia blinked. Child? "I have tasted it, was broken by it…and came back from it." She let go of her blade with her left hand, in order to extend her right arm forward with the tip of the sword. "You just use your own despair as a mere excuse to justify not returning to the light."
…A mere excuse? Alfia let out a scoff, a sneer forming on her face. What strange words. What mockery. This Artoria knew nothing of what she went through, and what it took to do what was necessary.
"Hmph. What a mood killer…" She took a deep breath, to make sure her anger did not shake her focus. She smacked her lips before twirling her rapier a few times. "I sense you have another reason to protect those…Xenos."
Artoria let out a chuckle.
"I do. Perhaps one of the most important reasons to use my blade for their protection." She glanced up at the ceiling, staring at something far off in the distance. "Bell Cranel believes in them."
Alfia refused to show the shock on her face. Refuse to let her facade crumble. Yet she was unable to hold back the clenching of her hand. She forcefully took a deep breath.
"...I see…" She muttered, before the growl escaped her throat. "What is your relationship with him?"
"What is yours?" Artoria asked, raising an eyebrow at the sudden shift in mood. Alfia shook her head, before she began to walk down the dungeon. Artoria mirrored her movements, the two of them pointing their swords at each other as they strolled through the depths of the mortal realm.
"Not willing to answer. That is just fine." Alfia rolled her shoulders, killing intent oozing out of her. "I will just have to kill you to give myself peace of mind."
"That sounds almost protective of him." Artoria shrugged her shoulders before returning to her two handed grip. "It will not change anything though."
The Silence pushed down any urge of wanting to 'protect' Bell. She lost that chance a long time ago. The right to feel angry that some harpy was closer to him than she had any right to be. Instead, she cut away her humanity, her emotions. All that was left was cold rationality, to erase an obstacle in her path no matter what.
Their pace increased, their footsteps becoming faster as they echo in this desolate floor of the dungeon.
"I'm quite happy with this. It's been a while since I have been challenged by someone claiming to be one of the strongest. I look forward to it."
"Do not flatter yourself." Artoria shook her head, the pressure increasing from her at the same time as Alfia readied herself for combat too, their auras and intents intermingling with each other in the air, distorting it with their will alone. "You are a wraith of the past who has no right to meddle with the affairs of the living. You are the challenger here."
They were both running at this point, the air pushing against their faces from their sheer speed. Yet their breaths were perfectly steady.
"Hm hm…I can't say I dislike the sound of that."
Then, without hesitation.
"Gospel."
The ground beneath Artoria exploded, as she suddenly propelled herself away. Then the shockwave slammed into the wall that was behind her for a moment, narrowly missing her. The swordswoman shifted her feet, about to use the opening to rush in, only for Alfia to smile ever so slightly. Artoria's eyes widened and raised her arm in a guard.
Alfia commended the reflexes to protect herself. But it was too late. The residue magical energy in the air was still in her grasp. It was something that many mages were incapable of doing. Once their chant was finished and the spell was released, there was nothing else to do.
But not with the silence. With a mental switch being flicked, the second detonation hit Artoria head on this time, the left over mana exploding by the domination of Alfia's will. This time it was her that moved in, rearing back her rapier to finish it quickly. But her eyes widened when the golden sword cut through the smoke, shining with magical power. Twisting her wrist, she blocked the blade before it could cut into her. Her eyes widened when the light around the sword exploded, sending her flying as the magical force swept past the rapier. Spinning in the air, her feet slid across the ground as she stabbed the earth to slow herself down.
Her eyes were wide. Artoria's eyes were wide as well. Both rubbed their left cheek, feeling the damage, the blood and the bruises. Both felt incredulous at the lack of damage they caused against the other, having underestimated the extent of the other's magic resistance. Both straightened up their back, already shifting their strategy in their mind.
Mana Burst surged Artoria forward, accelerating her sword even more. Alfia grit her teeth, parrying the blow as best as she could. This time, no energy blast hit her face. Instead, the Radiance used the Mana Burst to shift the direction of her sword, moving the rapier out of the way and slashing at Alfia's chest. She managed to cartwheel away in time, her heel aiming for the temple. Yet a hand shot up, catching her by the lower leg. Using the resistance as leverage, Alfia twisted her body, aiming for Artoria's legs with her weapon. Yet she merely raised her foot in time while letting go of Alfia. Spinning out of control, a foot crashed into Alfia's face, sending her flying. She grunted in pain, before her eyes widened as Artoria chased after her quickly.
Metal clashed against metal once more, sparks created from the clash, as they pushed against each other. Alfia spat out blood to the side, as she glared into Artoria's eyes. Her hand twitched before her leg shot out for a sweep. Yet Artoria didn't fall for the feints to begin with, tilting her head to avoid the left jab. Lacking the support from that hand, Alfia had to shift her body to not get stabbed by her own rapier. Artoria exhaled, already pushing down and aiming to split Alfia in two. However, the latter suddenly let go of her weapon, only to grip it in reverse with her left. Ducking she stomped off the ground and slashed past Artoria. Both clicked their tongue in irritation.
Artoria was cut. But it was not very deep. The blood covered her side, slowly seeping out. Alfia growled while Artoria hissed, both sharing the level of frustration in their own head.
It was as if that woman was seeing the future! Meanwhile, Artoria felt equally annoyed, as her opponent was as slippery as an eel with how she switched tracks in combat so quickly.
Disregarding their frustration, their swords clashed once more. With each clash, new information filled their minds, adjusting their strategies ever so slightly.
Artoria's swordplay was refined. The basics of two handed western combat taken to the maximum. Loyal to the core, she would force her moves to work even if they missed the first time, guided by her monstrous sixth sense. No unnecessary acrobatics unless strictly necessary. She was no Lancelot. No Mordred. What she had was a foundation that could never be shaken. Slash, stab, pommel, every part of her sword was used as an attack, smoothly transitioning through the forms of her time.
Alfia's swordplay was fluid. If something did not work, she'd discard it without hesitation. There was no preference to be found in her movements, no dedication to a certain school of thought. The Monster of Talent absorbed and used whatever she saw fit for herself in her career as an adventurer, an evil, a monster.
Depth against broad. Tradition against improvisation. Their swords were invisible to even the most veteran of eyes, monsters avoiding their paths. The few foolish ones trying to assault them were cut apart, in midswing, not even paid any attention to as they clashed again and again.
Yet it was Alfia who was being pushed back. She grit her teeth. It was only natural. In terms of strength and swordplay, Artoria might surpass her by just a bit. Add the fact she was using that damned magical burst of hers to suddenly accelerate beyond her usual parameters and she was getting hit more often than she liked. She already stopped healing the minor cuts with force of will alone, something that was supposed to be impossible, but Alfia did not know that. All she knew was that she had to waste as little energy as she could.
In order to use that energy for something like this!
Just as they separated, Alfia inhaled. Artoria already moved before she processed it, her instinct guiding her, but this close, it didn't matter if she saw it coming.
"Gospel!"
Artoria was propelled backwards with great force. The impact shook the entire floor of the dungeon. As her armor crumbled, dented by the hit, she coughed up blood, eyes wide as she realized the spell pierced through her magic resistance. Sitting in the crater that was created from her flying form, she was about to get up. However, Alfia was not satisfied at all, growling in annoyance. She pushed forward, holding her rapier like a greatsword and swinging down. Artoria roared and swung her sword up, slamming the flat side into the rapier and blasting Alfia with her Mana Burst. This time, blood spilled from Alfia's face as her back bent backwards and she crashed down on the ground as well. Wiping their mouths, both got up at the same time.
"I see. You have released whatever has been protecting you," the Radiance declared, after seeing the damage a direct hit of her Mana Burst did. Alfia scoffed, as both raised their blades at the same time.
"Combat without willing to take a risk…is foolishness."
"Fine words."
Once more, both exploded into motion. However, this time, it was literal for the both of them. Artoria's eyes widened as their weapons clashed with equal force this time, locking themselves in as their foreheads pressed against the other.
"You…!"
Alfia smirked ever so slightly, even if her face was tense with the pain she felt, her legs shaking.
"I never thought to use magic to propel yourself faster. Thank you for teaching me," she drawled before they separated. Alfia' cast Gospel without a chant, reducing its power but propelling her rapier for it with a stronger stab. It pierced into Artoria's stomach before she twisted her body, using her own magical enforced attack to pay back the favor.
"Hmph, it is a sloppy imitation at best!"
Without hesitation, Alfia caught the blade with her teeth before it could cut her. Using the downwards force, she twisted her body and landed her right foot into the back of Artoria's head. Before Artoria could use her Mana Burst, her teeth let go and she used the motion to spin herself to safety. Landing on one knee, she immediately jumped backwards, aiming her rapier blindly as well, only grunting when a backfist hit her temple. Rolling over the ground, they both used their magic again to close the distance and clashed into each other like two wagons going at full speed.
"Good enough for you!"
Their battle increased in level of maneuverability. They became like shooting stars, soaring through the battlefield. Some monsters were just in their way, used as platforms, ignored as obstacles, as they swung their blades and used their magic. Eventually, they weren't even in the same floor as before, rushing and clashing against each other as they bounced up a hole, a "shortcut" that usually spelled doom for the unprepared adventure…and usually a one way trip downwards, not upwards. Yet the two Strongest ignored the conventional wisdom of the dungeon, soon reaching a new level.
Within the labyrinth, the pathways were all over the place. If they lost vision on each other, they'd take a while to find the other. It'd suit Alfia, if she wanted to stock up on magic crystals to restore herself, something Artoria had to prevent. Both knew that.
Thus, Alfia did not go for the obvious route. Instead, she inhaled…and snapped her eyes open with focus.
"Blessing of the root of evil, curse of birth. My original sin that devoured half of my body. Not hard. There is no purification. There is no salvation."
Artoria's eyes widened before she increased her distance with Alfia, her instincts telling her she would not be able to stop the chant even if she managed to land any hits. But it wasn't just her instincts that made her create her distance.
Fast! A long chant, she knew it in her gut, and yet, the many lines were uttered so fast, it was as if someone sped up time. Artoria muttered under her breath, trying to weave and dodge out of Alfia's view.
"The resonance of this heavenly sound is my sin. The trumpet of gods, the lyre of spirits. Melody of light, the seal of the sin. Loved by the miniature garden, my destiny is shattered."
Yet the Silence chased after her, her chanting not slowing down whatsoever. She aimed her palm, as a guide, her eyes wide as she locked onto her target, not caring what Artoria was muttering under her breath, as power surged around her and almost deafeaned all of her senses.
"I hate you. The compensation is here. Destroy everything with a proof of my sin. Cry, holy bell tower!"
The radiant bell formed above her head. It swung back and forth, making no sound. Until…
"Genos Angelus!"
All noise disappeared as the spell that killed the Leviathan, one of the Three Great Beasts, was cast into existence. The bell rang and shattered. And then, Artoria's vision was filled with the remains, like a storm of comets falling down on her. Each impact exploded, each as strong as a high tier spell itself. Not just that, Alfia grasped the residue mana from each 'star' and caused it to detonate again.
Pure destruction, a chain reaction of magical destruction. It shattered the maze. It shattered the dungeon walls. It shattered anything inbetween. Until soon enough, nothing but a flattened and cratered wasteland was left. Alfia exhaled with a hiss, feeling the strain on her body, her soul, but shook her head with satisfaction. It has been a while since she had faced anything worthy of this spell. But at last, she had-
She heard heavy breathing. Her eyes snapped wide open with surprise. Then, she couldn't help but let a laugh escape her throat.
"Unbelievable…"
"Haa…haa…"
The light barrier around Artoria had shattered into nothing more than dust. Yet she was less injured than expected. Nay, Alfia could see the wounds having healed up, closing as best as they could by the remnants of the barrier. She had not noticed it, that Artoria was chanting herself, not to destroy, but to persevere her own life. A wise decision that saved her life. Then, Artoria forced herself up on her feet, cracking her neck with a red glint in her usual green eyes.
"My turn."
She gripped her sword with both of her hands.
Then, she began to chant.
"Oh, sword of fantasy, I beseech you. Oh those of the Reverse Side, I ask you."
Alfia noticed the light forming in her palms first, before it wrapped around her weapon. She narrowed her eyes, as she prepared herself.
Did her magic require a weapon to be used in the first place? It was mere conjecture, but Alfia decided to file that trait in the back of her mind. Instead, she was already moving back and forth, left and right, to make herself harder to hit. She saw that Artoria was slowly walking forward, keeping pace with her movements, but Alfia was confident.
Her chant was too slow compared to hers. Still, the power she was building up…Alfia refused to call it equal to her own, but it was intense. More intense than anything the Nine Hells could bring out.
"Support me. Let me grasp your handle, oh great Last Phantasm. Let me hold you up. Let me illuminate the path to a better future."
The sword was bursting with light. Artoria raised her sword above her head, and Alfia's eyes widened in shock as she realized the magical build up had already reached its apex.
"Shine, light of Promised Victory!"
Short! That chant was too short for the power that Artoria was generating! Alfia's mind quickly shifted, changing her strategy.
"Excalibur!"
"Ataraxia!"
Artoria swung down. The beam of light surged forth, aimed straight at Alfia. Unlike Genos Angelus, it had a smaller range…but it was still large enough that Alfia could not dodge it. She crossed her arms, gritting her teeth even as she leapt to the side.
Then, the pillar of light formed and engulfed the entire area. Nothing was allowed to survive within it. No structure, no fortress. Not even a shadow was left, as two figures were engulfed by it, the second one ignored and not noticed by anyone. Soon, the light ceased to be, and Artoria growled with annoyance as she saw a shadowy figure in the dust still moving, clutching her left arm.
"Not a direct hit…"
Alfia breathed heavily, forcing her side to heal up just enough to give it its full range of movement again. If she didn't jump away as far as she could to avoid the epicenter of the blast…if she didn't cast her Silentium Eden and increase her magical resistance as much as possible…she could've died from that.
Wiping their mouths, they both took one last final deep breath before steadying themselves, their tongues clicking with annoyance.
"This will…"
"...take a while…"
At this point, both have revealed their full arsenal. There were not many secrets left to be hidden. All that was left was to use the cards they had while avoiding and negating the cards of the other party. To find openings to land their strongest magic, to create openings to land their strongest attacks.
Thus, the days went by, as they roared and clashed once more in the dungeon, changing their locations more than once as time went by. It became not just a duel, but full on warfare.
Picking their battles and their rest…
Avoiding each other, but knowing the other's location, neither moved at all as they caught their breath within the magma filled area, the heat ignored by their innate toughness. Once their breath evened out just enough, Alfia's eyes landed on a nearby monster, daring to come close as the fighting seemed to stop. Only for her to roll her eyes in exasperation when a sword slammed straight into its core, with Artoria quickly following suit and tearing her weapon out of it.
She had been doing this the entire time. Stopping Alfia from even pondering of eating a magic crystal to boost herself. She just needed one magic stone. One to restore her injuries and fill up her Mind she was starting to run dry at this point!
Denying and sabotaging each other's health…
"Tch!"
Alfia was cutting her off from the fish supply! Having finally reached the rivers that flow through the dungeon, she barely was able to eat a singular fish before the Silence exploded the water and killed anything that was within it.
They tried to trick the other, to disappear just for a moment to rest up a bit more, to restore themselves a bit further than the other. But their senses, their instincts, their determination, they were all tools to stick to each other like glue. And as the days went by, even for their status as monstrous beings, their forms began to become…sloppy.
Artoria's precision wavered, hitting the shoulder instead of the head she was aiming for, ironically allowing her a proper hit. Alfia's Gospel was barely able to push Artoria off balance at this point, lacking in power as she was trying to ration herself out. Their lips were dry, no more sweat flowing form their body. They heaved and coughed, yet still swung their weapons, blunted to clubs at this point. Their clothes were in shambles, barely able to keep their modesty as they cut each other up again and again.
Blood was flowing, their skins were pale. Their limbs were shaking, their eyes half lidded with exhaustion. Yet neither ceased their attempts to kill each other. Neither desired to stop, as they killed everything around them, may it be normal monsters, irregular ones or even Monster Rex, leaving behind a path of carnage in their wake.
One deep breath. Regaining energy, ever so slightly. And once more, they rushed at each other. Then, it happened.
Artoria's grip on her weapon slackened ever so slightly. It could barely be called an opening. Yet Alfia leapt at it like a gluttonous hound at meat. Their weapons clashed, before the rapier slid past the blade, past the handguard. Artoria's eyes widened, as she tried to adjust, but it was too late.
Twist, twirl and then a slash upwards. Soaring through the air, Artoria's left hand flowing with blood, about to hit the wall. Rearing back from the crippling hit, Alfia grinned widely as she was about to deal with the finishing strike, lining up for a stab through the Radiance's throat.
"It's over!"
"Fool, you fell for it!"
Artoria stomped the ground with her Mana Burst. Alfia's form stumbled, before her eyes widened as the stump, cut diagonally, rammed itself into her rapier arm like a spear. Before the right arm could do anything, Artoria swung down her with her blade. Another limb cut off and soared through the air, this time an entire arm separated from the shoulder. Alfia hissed in pain before kicking Artoria into the stomach, forcing her away.
"Damn it!"
She clutched her bleeding found, while Artoria forced her wound shut with the heat of her own magic, grunting in pain. Then she raised her blade with one hand, while the stump was raised like a spear next to her head. Alfia couldn't help but chuckle dryly.
It spoke of Artoria's desperation…but also her cool-headed nature, that she did this sacrifice. Losing her hand willingly, to make Alfia throw away all caution and aim for victory. And now, she was down an arm. She grunted as Artoria forced herself forward, using her sword and the stump in tandem in a flurry of attacks, focusing on quantity instead of deep damage. And Alfia could do nothing about it, with one arm being on the backfoot.
She couldn't regenerate a new arm. Her power was too exhausted to do so. If she dared to make a new limb, she would be unable to move, all energy having been wasted at that point. It would be a guaranteed death sentence, and Artoria had to have figured that out somehow. What insane instinct, it was as if she was looking at the future itself.
However, she was not the Monster of Talent for nothing. The Silence slowed down in her push backwards, before finally coming to a stop. Artoria grit her teeth, increasing her speed, but so did Alfia, adapting to the one handed style of combat, quickly stabbing and twisting her blunt rapier as much as she could. Both held their breath as they slashed and stabbed. Eventually, Artoria had to stop using her stump as a weapon, the rapier having come close many times to turn it into a blunted weapon.
With one arm, they swung. With half consciousness they attacked. They didn't know at what level they were within the dungeon. All that mattered was holding their breath and keep swinging.
Until they couldn't anymore. Both jumped back and gasped for breath, as much as they could. Their lungs screamed for a break. They desired freedom. And yet, all they could focus on was their opponent, on their last leg, as they slowly stumbled while circling around each other.
Both narrowed their eyes as they came to a decision.
They had to risk it all before they'd keel over from exhaustion. They were both confident in their own stamina to outlast the other. However…
Artoria and Alfia didn't realize that their feet have stopped. That their mouths have formed wide, expecting grins as they took on their chanting stances.
What a pitiful end it would be!
"Blessing of the root of evil, curse of birth! My original sin that devoured half of my body! Not hard!
"Oh, sword of fantasy, I beseech you!"
A short chant against a faster chant. Using the last reserves within them, they used the only magic they knew could finish their opponents even in their dried out state. They would barely be able to move after this attack, if at all. But neither cared.
Alfia raised her sole arm, as the bell formed. Artoria held her sword with one hand, the other stump touching the hilt as well, as magic formed and wrapped around her weapon.
A pause, at their final line. And then…
"GENOS ANGELUS!"
"EXCALIBUR!"
The stream of silent stars smashed into the blinding beam of light. A constant stream of projectiles smashed into the unending form of radiance, exploding over and over again while the other spell pushed agains them in mid air. For a moment, time stopped, as two mighty spells pushed and shoved against each other.
Then, their eyes widened.
Then, both spells annihilated each other, and sent their bodies flying.
Both lost sight of each other as they tumbled and spun in the air, the burning of the magic clash covering their entire bodies. Eventually, their bodies smashed through rock and wood, ruining the interior as glass shattered, as furniture shattered.
Artoria coughed, wheezing in agony as her vision spun, the edges of her view in darkness. Then she froze, as she saw what was around her.
Potions. And…She couldn't help but cough as a snicker escaped her.
"Haha…damn you, Gawain…"
She grabbed the potatoes as fast as she could and stuffed them into her mouth, her stomach roaring with hunger before she flushed it all down with all the potions she could get her hands on.
Meanwhile, Alfia was in a similar situation. She laughed with a wheeze at the fortune she had literally landed…before grabbing a handful of magic crystals that were all around her and bit down with a strong crunch.
With a grunt, both stood up, color returning to their faces. Alfia flexed her new arm, grimacing at the exhaustion she still felt. Artoria frowned at her stump, having wrapped a bandage around it before she rolled her shoulders. Then, both stepped out of their respective ruin, and walked down the chaotic streets.
It was quiet. Too quiet. They could feel the presence of many adventurers, cultists and monsters around them. They heard in the distance, the clash of wind and the rumbling of fear itself. But they dismissed all of that.
They only had eyes for each other, as their paths finally crossed, near the middle of the city, their footsteps stopping as they stood beneath the cooling, almost soothing storm of rain. What a poor sight they made.
Artoria, surging with more energy than ever, covered in rags and lacking a left hand.
Alfia, paler than her opponent, also looking like a bum, both her limbs regained.
They should be sick of each other at this point. For how long have they fought? How much longer did they have to fight? They could've separated, moving to other targets. Helping the city, destroying the city. And yet, their feet remained rooted. Their grip tightened around the weapons they picked up on the way, their previous weapons gone from the earlier impact.
Artoria raised her spear. Alfia tightened her grip on the two sickles she held. And the two women, the two warriors…smiled upon each other.
After spending days with each other, clashing with their very souls on the line...despite their misgivings, their negative opinions, how could they not come to like each other? How could they not imagine what ifs?
If they were around in the same era…Or born in the same world…
A round table of knights. Discussing the goings of the kingdom. At Artoria's side, someone capable of standing up to Lancelot in terms of talent, a woman who was smiling ever so slightly as she brushed her silver hair back.
A tavern, filled with boisterous laughter. Drinks were shared, stories told and exaggerated about their past deeds. Alfia raising her cup subtly at her fellow Familia member, the blonde smirking and raising her own cup.
Side by side, against a threat against humanity, may it be in one world…or the other.
Indeed. If their paths had aligned sooner…if they lived in the same era or even the same world from the start…
They might have become rivals. Perhaps even friends. Thus, it was only natural that they smiled. It was only normal for them to laugh and nod at each other in approval.
"Such strength is wasted outside the dungeon!"
"And such talent is deserving of more honorable ambitions!"
Alas, this was not the timeline of being allies. They were enemies. Thus, reality caught up with them, their daydreams ceasing…and only two warriors remained, intending to end each other, their desire to do so having only grown stronger and stronger over the days.
"This is the final round…" Artoria whispered, causing Alfia to nod ever so slightly.
"Heaven or hell, it does not matter!"
""Let's begin!""
"ARTORIAAAAAAA!"
"ALFIAAAAAA!"
The deafening Silence clashed with the blinding Radiance once more.