"Securing the owl as an ally is crucial; she is the pivotal element in our strategy to win this war," the leader of the Ghouls declared to his followers before embarking on their mission to Nibel. "Our immediate goal is to capture the offspring to bolster our ranks. However, forming an alliance is essential for our long-term plan. Once we have gained enough leverage, we will execute our final move - betrayal," he elaborated, outlining the calculated steps of their strategy with a commanding presence.
Sein's Super Nova tore a clean hole through the snake, revealing that Neshan and Mitzhari had already made their escape. Suddenly, a cone-shaped cluster of vines materialized behind Sein. Retracting back into the earth, the vines disclosed Neshan and Mitzhari, who appeared remarkably unharmed.
Sein pivoted to face her adversaries, the Super Nova still swirling energetically around her. She beckoned the fiery sphere closer to herself. Sensing a growing threat, Neshan, driven by the need to shield Mitzhari, launched an assault towards Sein. Meanwhile, Sein started her incantation, "Guiding Light… Restoring Flame… Fierce and Stout."
Growing more wary, Neshan decelerated, carefully watching Sein's movements. "Fierce and Stout… Nova Out Burst," Sein finalized her chant with a resounding clap of her hands. In response, the Super Nova burst into a myriad of lethal rays, each one autonomously seeking its target with unyielding persistence, they continue their pursuit until making contact.
Neshan, with a swift, fluid motion, strikes the ground, his arms transforming into robust, hard thorned vines. Multiple thorned vines, each one more formidable than the last, burst forth in front of him, each one reaching out towards the menacing beams. The moment the beams make contact with the vines, a spectacular explosion ensues, incinerating the vines in a burst of light and energy.
"ANY TIME NOW, MITZ!" Neshan bellows at his teammate, his voice tinged with desperation. Before he can react further, he's violently shoved aside by a Corrupted Gorlek. This one, however, appears more formidable, its massive frame pulsating with sinister purple veins that throb menacingly across its entire body.
Sein's eyes widen in surprise at the sight of the Gorlek. In a mere heartbeat, the Gorlek smashes the ground, causing jagged stone spikes to erupt violently. Reacting swiftly, Sein swirls her hands over each other, conjuring a glowing, explosive orb. With a determined flick of her wrist, she hurls it towards the emerging spikes, resulting in a resounding explosion that lights up the surroundings.
Gorlek; Formidable creatures, bearing a striking resemblance to a blend of apes and lions. They possess a robust physique characterized by four muscular arms and two sturdy legs. Encircling their heads is a magnificent mane of fur, adding to their regal and wild appearance. Renowned for their mastery over the Earth element, they are revered as skilled architects and builders within the Forest of Niwen, their homeland.
"What the heck is that, Mitz…" Neshan mutters, brushing off the layers of dust clinging to his clothes. "That's a Gorlek, but a corrupted one," Mitz explains calmly. "It's a more aggressive variant. They have significant control over the element of Earth. I surmised it would be an effective counter against fire-based attacks."
Neshan shoots Mitzhari a look of confusion. "Wouldn't water be a more logical choice to counter it?" he questions, only to receive a playful hit from Mitzhari. "I don't have knowledge of any potent water creatures," Mitzhari states matter-of-factly, while Neshan rubs his cheek where Mitzhari had just hit him, a hint of amusement in his expression.
At a safe distance, Fil and Leru had been keenly observing the entire skirmish. Reem, too, had been watching the intense brawl from afar. "What should we do?" Leru inquires, looking towards Fil, who seemed torn between intervening and staying back. "I... I'm not sure," Fil admits with a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "Our strength pales in comparison to theirs…"
Neshan was gearing up to leap back into the fray, but Mitzhari quickly held him back. "Don't," Mitzhari urged, his voice tinged with caution. "The beast is unpredictable and wild; it will attack anyone who crosses its path," he explained. "Its instincts invariably drive it to target the one radiating the most energy," Mitzhari continued, his hands interlocking again as he prepared to direct his next move.
The creatures previously summoned by Mitzhari, which had been in a passive state, were now reactivated into the fray. While Sein was preoccupied with defending herself against the relentless Gorlek, a sudden onslaught of creatures emerged from behind. With a swift, elegant spin, Sein unleashed a burst of flames, incinerating the advancing creatures in a fiery display of defense.
Neshan gingerly places his hands on his jaw, checking its alignment, only to break into a grin at the one who had landed the punch. "You! It's you, isn't it? Oh, I've been waiting our second round!" Neshan exclaims, his voice ringing with anticipation as he confronts Reem, who now seems more prepared and knowledgeable about how to handle the Soul attacking Ghoul.
"Neshan!" Mitzhari calls out sharply, his focus momentarily shifting. Just then, Ori launches his other spear, and Mitzhari narrowly evades it, though not without sustaining a minor cut on his cheek. "Tsk," Mitzhari mutters under his breath, wiping away the blood. Frustration flickers across his face as he internally curses, "Most of my summons have been wiped out by that wisp... that exploding Nova... its beams targeted my summons predominantly... Neshan only managed to intercept those targeting us directly..." His thoughts spiral into a monologue, his frustration evident as he scratches his neck with increasing speed.
"It's fine... I'll make do with what I have," Mitzhari resolves, ceasing the rapid scratching of his neck and replacing it with a confident smile as he eyes the spirit before him. "Let's see what you can do without the wisp," he taunts Ori, beckoning with a hand gesture, a mix of challenge and intrigue in his expression.
"...I'm in trouble," Ori silently acknowledges to himself, aware of his limited proficiency in combat. "All I'm really capable of is evading…" he continues, his thoughts racing as he intently stares down the Ghoul. A subtle, almost imperceptible disruption in his senses catches his attention—the ground beneath him trembles ever so slightly. Could this be an effect of the battle Sein is engaged in? He quickly dismisses the thought, "No… there are two distinct sources…" With this realization, Ori stands his ground, alert and ready, anticipating Mitzhari's first move.
"Don't feel like engaging in the fight?" Mitzhari taunts, his words cutting through the air as they maintain their intense stare-down. "Then so be it…" he murmurs under his breath, hands interlocking in preparation. Ori, with feet planted firmly, senses a different tremor this time, and in a flash, a Mutated Mortar Worm bursts from the ground directly beneath him.
Ori reacts with lightning speed, clamping the Mortar Worm's mouth shut and swiftly entangling it in his grapple. Using the worm's body to gain momentum, he propels himself upwards, spinning elegantly and hurling the Mortar Worm directly at Mitzhari, who sidesteps. "Tch…" Mitzhari scoffs, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone. "...Does he possess some innate ability to adapt to any situation?" he wonders, growing increasingly frustrated.
"First, in our initial encounter, he understood my tactics in barely a minute, and now this… My sneak attack was meant to be concealed by the tremors from the ongoing Gorlek fight…" Mitzhari theorizes internally. "But that doesn't seem to align with his currently known Inherited Art…"
Mitzhari's eyes narrow at Ori, his annoyance boiling over into a seething, angry smile that reveals his sharply pointed teeth. "I want to kill you so, so badly," he hisses through clenched teeth, the words laced with venomous anger. "First, you thwart my only chance to kill the wisp when she underestimated me… Then, you interrupt my chant, ruining this entire DAMN PLAN!" Mitzhari spits out the words at Ori, his hands furiously scratching the sides of his head in a frenzied manner.
Ori, feeling a growing sense of discomfort and urgency, braces himself for the impending confrontation. Meanwhile, Mitzhari, consumed by his fury, regurgitates a black goop, splitting it into both hands. With a forceful slam against his sides, the goop morphs into two small wolves. "How does that pre-planted black goop even function?" Ori wonders aloud, his mind racing for answers.
Without hesitation, Mitzhari commands his newly formed wolves to attack. Ori, in response, spreads his fingers wide and swings them forward, releasing a multitude of strings from his fingertips, entangling the wolves in an intricate web. The question Ori posed earlier echoes in Mitzhari's mind, sending him spiraling further into agitation. The goop, he knows, is intelligent, summoning creatures based on the Light Art of whoever steps on it.
Ori's stepping on the goop had altered the nature of every creature summoned, tailoring them to be particularly effective against his grapple, while for Sein's flames, the challenge would be significantly less. "I absolutely despise you," Mitzhari utters in a quiet, deep tone, his eyes widening as he glares at Ori, a fierce bloodlust burning in his gaze.
Now aware of the types of creatures summoned, Mitzhari's gaze shifts to the ground. "The most troublesome adversaries for someone with your powers... are creatures that lurk underground. Given that we're on a large wooden platform, some, or even most, would have already fallen from the Ginso tree," Mitzhari muses internally, piecing together his strategy.
Ori, noticing Mitzhari's focus on the ground, makes an educated guess and braces himself for whatever might emerge. He leaps into action, using the entangled wolves as a weapon, slamming them down onto the ground. His quick thinking pays off as two mutant mortar worms emerge, ensnaring both wolves in their grasp.
No longer surprised by Ori's quick adaptation, Mitzhari switches the passive worms to a hostile mode. As Ori lands, he instinctively backsteps, avoiding a worm that erupts from where he had just been. Ori continues to move rapidly, dodging an onslaught of mutant mortar worms that burst from the ground, each firing a pink, acidic projectile in his direction.
Reem, with a flurry of punches, relentlessly assaults Neshan, landing multiple hits. Neshan, with his palms wide open, attempts to retaliate with a slap, but it only grazes past Reem's torso. Agilely dodging the attack, Reem counters with a vicious elbow strike, landing squarely on Neshan's nose, breaking it with a sickening crunch.
Recoiling from the blow, Neshan jumps back, clutching his broken nose. "AUGH," he groans in agony, a mixture of shock and anger in his voice. "What the hell!" he exclaims, hastily wiping the blood from his nose. Reem, not giving Neshan a moment to recover, closes the distance once again, ready to continue the onslaught.
Neshan, locking his eyes onto Reem, braces himself to endure another hit, planning to counterattack. As Reem unleashes a powerful punch aimed at his face, Neshan stands his ground. The force of the blow sends him reeling back slightly, but he focuses his strength on not being thrown far. In the blink of an eye, Neshan's palm comes dangerously close to grasping Reem's arm.
Before Neshan could react, Reem skillfully used Neshan's body to propel himself backward. "Wha-" Neshan stammered, taken aback by the unexpected move. "It's an ability passed down through my lineage," Reem states, locking his gaze on Neshan, his tone firm and revealing.
"Oh, explaining now, are we? What's your reasoning, huh?" Neshan mocks, trying to unsettle Reem. "Tch, don't misunderstand," Reem responds coolly, brushing off Neshan's taunt. "Your explanation of your ability has triggered a memory of mine," Reem continues, his mind drifting back to a time when he was stealthily perusing books in a library.
"Something known as a Spiritual Confluence," Reem elucidates. "It's a connection between me and my light, a bond that allows for deals to be made with others. If one fails to uphold their end of the bargain, they are punished by their own light. Interestingly, imposing such a bond on oneself is also possible, like revealing one's own techniques," he explains thoughtfully.
"You're more astute than you appear," Neshan acknowledges, offering a rare compliment. Reem smiles in response, "Since you've already revealed your technique to me, it's no longer binding for you, is it?" he poses, prompting Neshan to chuckle. "Nope," Neshan replies confidently.
"My inherited technique is Bash," Reem elaborates, "which allows me to harness the energy of the world around me in a moment of graceful interaction. When activated, I can connect with certain objects or creatures in my immediate environment. This connection forges a powerful, yet transient bond, enabling me to maneuver through the air with agility and speed." Neshan listens intently, his smile turning to a mix of respect and irritation.
Revealing one's inherited technique initiates a Spiritual Confluence with their own light, a process both risky and empowering. By disclosing the nature of their technique, a practitioner potentially exposes themselves to an enemy's counter-strategy, as the adversary gains the opportunity to adapt more effectively. However, this act of revelation is not without its benefits. In exchange for this vulnerability, the practitioner receives a subtle yet significant enhancement to their technique. This boost increases both the efficiency and effectiveness of their abilities, providing a strategic advantage in the heat of battle.
"Heh… handy technique," Neshan comments outwardly, while internally, he's seething with frustration. "Which makes him my natural enemy…" he broods silently. With a resolute expression, Neshan declares, "Doesn't matter, I'll ensure I touch you before this day ends," raising his arms wide as he fixates on Reem with determination.
Suddenly, Neshan is caught off guard by a forceful punch from behind – it's Fil, delivering a Piercing Fist that barely affects Neshan. "F-for real?!" Fil exclaims, shocked by his lack of impact. Neshan turns around, his face etched with boredom. "Don't interfere, nobody," he dismisses Fil, gearing up to strike with his palm, but before he can act, his arm is unexpectedly severed.
It was Reem, acting out of desperation to keep Fil safe, who had shot a nearby wooden ball, severing Neshan's arm. Neshan whirls back to face Reem, an evil grin spreading across his face. "So, you CAN bash things that aren't made of energy," he notes. Fil, realizing his misstep by intervening, finds himself in a vulnerable position. Neshan, his decapitated arm transforming into a large vine whip, swiftly captures Fil and flings him aside.
"I initially thought 'certain objects' meant things imbued with a significant amount of energy," Neshan muses aloud. "But it seems you can also propel small objects, or really, any object of a reasonable size…" he deduces, piecing together the mechanics of Reem's technique.
"He's overanalyzing it… I can use this to my advantage," Reem thinks to himself, maintaining his composure. Meanwhile, Neshan's vine arm regenerates into its normal form. However, as he steps forward, a mortar worm bursts from the ground, taking a large chunk out of his leg
Neshan, taken aback, steps backward only to face another threat. This time, as a worm lunges towards him, he sidesteps swiftly, but not quickly enough to avoid the worm biting off his arm. Reem, frozen in shock, doesn't move a muscle. Meanwhile, Fil, having landed on the ground, finds himself in peril as he sprints away from worms that keep surfacing where he was just a step before.
Leru, observing the chaos, watches Fil's predicament intently. As new worms start to surface, she acts decisively, hurling a large wind shuriken. She knows well the vulnerability of a mortar worm's body. Her shuriken slices cleanly through several worms in one fluid sweep, tracing the arc of Fil's desperate run.
Neshan, now airborne, focuses on regenerating his lost limbs. "THE HELL, MITZ!" he bellows in frustration, his voice echoing across the battlefield towards his fellow Ghoul, who is preoccupied with manipulating the worms to avoid targeting himself.
Reem, taking a silent but deep breath, prepares for his next move. With a sharp exhale, he leaps into the air. However, he underestimates the speed at which a mortar worm can emerge, as one is poised to seize his entire leg. But Reem reacts quicker, bashing away from the worm and propelling himself directly towards Neshan.
As Reem advances, a swarm of Shadow Ravens converges towards him. "Perfect timing," he thinks to himself. As the ravens close in, Reem tactically bashes off each one, using their momentum to propel himself even closer to Neshan, turning the attack to his advantage.
Mitzhari, though gradually showing signs of fatigue from his continuous manipulation of multiple mutant mortar worms, skillfully conceals any overt sign of exhaustion. Meanwhile, Ori, persistently on the move, reacts swiftly to each worm that emerges, whether it's from above, below, or even from the side.
Ori approaches a large branch in his path. Casting a quick glance backward, he notices one worm arching high into the air. Suddenly, a noise from his right grabs his attention, and he instinctively slides to the ground, narrowly evading another worm that bursts from beneath, nearly biting off his head.
Regaining his footing, Ori leaps onto the branch, using his momentum to spring backward, turning to face his airborne adversary. As the worm descends from its lofty leap, Ori skillfully positions both hands above its gaping mouth, vaulting elegantly over the creature.
Ori shifts his focus and begins to make a beeline towards Mitzhari. However, his advance is abruptly halted as a burst of flames rockets towards the Ghoul. Ori stops in his tracks, turning to see what transpired. It was Sein, and behind her, the Gorlek bore a massive chunk missing from its body.
Although he doesn't show it, Ori senses something amiss with Sein. His train of thought is abruptly interrupted by a tremor beneath him. Reacting instantly, he leaps aside as a mortar worm appears. However, this one differs in appearance and behavior from the others, making Ori wary.
Ori hears an unusual sound from the mortar worm. Not willing to take any chances, he instinctively pushes the worm with one hand. In response, the creature shoots a pink substance that lands behind Sein. The mortar worm then swiftly retracts back into the ground, leaving Ori contemplating his next move. He gazes at the ground, noting the scars etched into the wood, a clue to the worm's movements.
"Wow, you took care of that Gorlek pretty quickly!" Mitzhari remarks to Sein, his voice tinged with annoyance despite the words of praise. "But, of course, that's to be expected from the eye of the forest," he adds, his expression shifting from a carefree shrug to one of visible irritation.
Sein, choosing not to speak, decides to respond with decisive action. She charges forward, propelling herself towards Mitzhari by blasting a surge of flames behind her for extra momentum. Meanwhile, Mitzhari, growing increasingly impatient, exclaims, "Where the hell is Shelegzar?" while fortifying his arms with the durable shell of a rammer beetle.
A massive wave of blue flames engulfs Mitzhari, who stoically endures the fiery onslaught. As the wave of flames dissipates, Sein, far from passive, launches a powerful punch, effectively shattering one of Mitzhari's hardened arms.
Recoiling from the impact, Mitzhari is thrown backward, his arms reeling from the force. In a swift move, he flings his shattered arm forward, transforming the fragments into a web of energy. Within seconds, a concentrated blast of energy is unleashed from the web. However, this energy attack is promptly met and neutralized by a fierce blast of fire from Sein.
Mitzhari, aiming at Sein once again, is abruptly interrupted as something purple explodes in front of him. Startled, he quickly turns his head in the direction of the blast, only to see Ori skillfully entangling a mortar worm with his grapple, the source of the unexpected explosion.
Gritting his teeth in anticipation, Mitzhari braces himself as another torrent of flames surges towards him. Employing the same defensive strategy as before, he withstands the full force of the flames, fully expecting Sein to launch a surprise attack. Mitzhari readies himself to counterstrike, but, to his surprise, no attack comes.
Ori shifts his attention to Sein, only to realize that her condition has worsened. Her breathing has become even more visible, and the heat haze radiating from her has intensified drastically. "Is this the very thing she had to be cautious of?" Ori wonders to himself, a sense of concern growing as he suspects that Sein may have reached her limit.
Suddenly, a rough thud resounds from Mitzhari's left. It's Neshan, forcefully thrown to the ground by Reem. Following closely, Reem also collapses with a heavy thump. Ori, quickly assessing the situation, notices that Reem's left leg appears to be injured.
"Mitz… I'm tired," Neshan complains, lying sprawled on the ground, his voice laden with fatigue. Meanwhile, Reem struggles to his feet, evidently having difficulty balancing on his injured leg. Fil and Leru rush to Reem's side. "Are you okay?" Fil inquires with concern. "I'm fine. Did you get hurt?" Reem responds, his voice laced with concern, despite his own injury. "Aside from being thrown aside, nothing major," Fil answers.
Leru, observing Sein's evident exhaustion, moves to assist her but is halted by Sein's own intervention. Meanwhile, Neshan rises to his feet, his markings fading away. "What now…" he queries, his tone reflecting uncertainty. Mitzhari, however, remains silent as the two groups engage in an unresolved staredown.
Both parties stand in a tense standoff, each waiting for the other to initiate the confrontation. However, before the clash can begin, Sein collapses onto one knee, steam escaping her body, as she begins coughing violently, the once vivid marks on her skin starting to fade. Every eye quickly turns towards Sein, with Mitzhari being the first to react, expelling a stream of black goop.
Acting on pure protective instinct, Leru is the next to react, hurling a large wind shuriken towards Mitzhari. The attack catches Mitzhari completely off guard, his facial expression betraying his shock. Just as the shuriken is about to hit its mark, Neshan intervenes, shoving Mitzhari aside but sacrificing his own arm in the process. "FUCK!" Neshan exclaims, pain flashing across his face as he immediately starts to regenerate his lost limb.
With a singular resolve, the spirit party decides on their course of action—escape. Ori is quick to act, attempting to lift Sein by her arm, only to wince at the scalding heat, reminiscent of volcanic rock. "Ori-," Sein tries to protest, but Ori, determined, gently repositions his grip on her arm, momentarily bracing against the pain. With a swift motion, he spins, leveraging his strength to propel her upwards towards the heart of the Ginso Tree.
As Sein reaches the Heart, she understands Ori's intention. Taking a deep breath, she begins to channel her light into the water element. The others quickly grasp the plan; Reem extends his hands, ready to boost Fil upwards. "Fil," he says, and with a nod, Fil positions himself. Reem then launches him upwards. Mimicking Sein's fluid combat movements, Leru clenches her fist and, with a firm flick downwards followed by a leap, uses a gust of wind to propel herself upwards.
Ori gazes at his palm, the first layer of skin charred, his expression one of pain and resolve. Mitzhari, in retaliation, begins to charge an energy blast aimed at Ori, only to be interrupted by a wind shuriken, halting his advance. Neshan, deciding to flee, tells Mitzhari, "Sorry, Mitz, I'm out of here," as he transforms his arms into vines, using them to ascend rapidly, disregarding the ongoing conflict below.
"Do what you must, but inform the others," Mitzhari commands, even as he transmutes his arms into a slime-like substance to regenerate. Meanwhile, a surge of energy erupts from the water element, unleashing a torrent of water from the heart. Ori finds himself drenched as he hastily moves out of the water's path.
Mitzhari, too, seeks to escape, but his speed pales in comparison to Neshan's, whose vine-transformed arms allow for versatile and elastic movements. Ori and Reem are also desperate to reach the top, racing against the rapidly rising water that threatens to overtake them.
"Reem," Ori calls out, positioning his hands ready to provide a boost. However, Reem hesitates, torn between ascending before Ori. It's at this moment Fil intervenes from his vantage point above, shouting, "Reem, Ori! We gotta get out of here, now!" emphasizing the immediacy of their escape.
Mitzhari waits below, observing the unfolding events with a calculated patience. Finally, Reem, swayed by Ori's suggestion, accepts the boost, launching himself upward with Ori's assistance. As Reem ascends, Mitzhari seizes the moment to attack. Transforming his arms into wings, he propels himself towards Reem with swift determination.
As Reem turns to confront Mitzhari midair, Mitzhari reveals a grin, poised to unleash an air slice. But his attack is abruptly interrupted by Fil, who leaps down in a bold move to stomp on Mitzhari's head. Mitzhari groans, caught off guard and focused on targeting Reem, leaving him vulnerable to Fil's unexpected assault.
Reacting instinctively, Reem catches Fil and propels him upwards, sacrificing his own momentum in the process. He had intended to use the Ghoul as a pivot for a Bash maneuver, but Mitzhari recovers swiftly, preparing to launch the wind slice attack in earnest. At that critical juncture, Ori intervenes, skillfully using his grapple to entangle Mitzhari, thwarting his offensive.
The moment Mitzhari finds himself entangled, he transforms his arms into quilled slime, slicing through the grapple with ease. Ori, not missing a beat, grabs onto Reem's arm and launches another grapple upward. However, before they can fully capitalize on this momentum, Mitzhari retaliates with an air slice, severing Ori's grapple.
Faced with dwindling momentum, Ori makes a critical decision. He swiftly entangles Reem's arm, connecting his grapple to another and prepares to launch. With a calculated flick of his wrist, Ori fires another grapple upwards, momentarily pulling Reem down to harness the build-up of elasticity. This action catapults Reem upwards with significant force.
"Ori, what are you doing-" Reem begins, caught in the midst of the action. "Making sure the team gets out of here with more firepower," Ori responds, watching as Reem is propelled upwards. Speechless, Reem transcends upward, propelled by Ori's quick thinking.
Mitzhari, taken aback, hadn't anticipated the same maneuver being executed a second time. He halts, preparing to unleash another slice, but his target has already ascended beyond reach. The more formidable spirit, Reem, is now out of immediate danger. Before Mitzhari can redirect his attack towards Reem, Ori cleverly ensnares his wings with a grapple, thwarting any further aggression.
Ori pulls Mitzhari and himself closer together by tugging sharply on his grapple, then delivers a powerful stomp to Mitzhari's stomach, sending them both plunging into the water below. As Reem reaches the pinnacle of the heart, he detaches the grapple and gazes down at the unfolding chaos.
Before anyone can react, a violent explosion of water occurs. Ori is hurled against the wall, while Mitzhari, leveraging his agility, leaps out of the water at an astonishing velocity. However, before he can initiate another attack, Ori ensnares him with the grapple once more and forcefully slams him back into the aquatic depths.
"Ori, we have to go now!" Fil shouts from above. Ori, however, remains singularly focused on Mitzhari. "What is he doing?!" Fil exclaims in confusion. Reem then clarifies, "The ghoul has absorbed some abilities from water-based creatures. Ori is ensuring he doesn't pursue us further," explaining Ori's strategy.
"We… we need to go now," Reem insists, his voice laden with urgency. Despite their reluctance, Fil, Sein, and Leru realize the gravity of the situation as more jets of water erupt, signaling an imminent danger. Ori, clinging to the wall with his grapple, notices the others' hesitation and Mitzhari's absence.
As Ori assesses the unfolding chaos, time seems to slow, rendering the world around him in shades of grayscale. He realizes that the events transpiring within the Ginso Tree are intricately linked to the heart, which shares the same hues as the portals. An idea sparks in his mind—a risky venture that could either secure his escape or seal his fate.
As the world regains its color, Ori springs into action, spurred by Mitzhari's visible impatience and Fil's urgent calls. "Ori, we need to move," Fil shouts once more. Mitzhari, anticipating their next move, re-emerges from the water on the opposite side of the water element. Ori, channeling a burst of strength, launches one grapple towards Mitzhari while simultaneously firing another in a different direction.
The grapple aimed at Mitzhari connects, and Ori attempts to pull him closer. Mitzhari, anticipating this, morphs his arm into quilled slime, slicing through the grapple while gripping it with one hand and lashing out at Ori with the other. Ori, reacting swiftly, raises his hand in defense.
The quill pierces Ori's hand as he lands on Mitzhari's stomach. Intent on withdrawing his hand from the barbed quill, Ori finds it stubbornly lodged. Yet, he realizes their position directly below the Water Element offers a unique opportunity. With agile precision, Ori wraps his legs around Mitzhari, and with his free hand, he fires a grapple towards one of the Heart's branches. Pulling with all his might, he drags both himself and Mitzhari into the heart, executing his bold plan.
A startling noise leaves the spirits atop the Water Element bewildered. "Ori..?" Fil calls into the silence, but no answer comes. The group exchanges puzzled glances. "What happened?" Fil inquires, turning to Sein, who seems just as perplexed. "I… I don't know," she replies, her confusion mirroring that of the group.
With their concerns unvoiced, Leru, Sein, and Reem heed Fil's directive, "...Leru, get us out of here." Exhaling deeply, Leru conjures a wind platform, signaling the start of their departure. The air is thick with tension, Reem and Sein grappling with their emotions. Fil clarifies the dire situation: "Listen, the water is closing in on the elemental heart. If it breaches, the water level will surge uncontrollably. We must ascend swiftly, aiding each other as we go." Acknowledging the gravity of their predicament, the group nods, united in their resolve to escape.
"Sein, how well can you move?" Fil inquires, concern lacing his voice. Sein, brushing away the sweat from her brow, replies with a weary but firm tone, "I can move fine…" her words followed by a deep, steadying exhale. Turning his attention to Reem, Fil asks, "And you, Reem?" To which Reem, with a determined expression, responds, "I can work through the pain," his voice carries a mix of resolve and grit.
Upon reaching the next floor, the party faces a steep ascent, dotted with numerous portals leading upward. "Formation is Leru, Sein, me, and Reem," Fil declares, setting the order as they dash into the first portal to gain higher ground. The urgency in Fil's voice underscores the critical nature of their journey.
In the following area, Reem prepares to assist the group, positioning his hands to boost everyone up. As they progress to yet another level, Fil spots a slime crawler on their path. Leru, quick on her feet, dispatches it from the platform with a swift blast. "Reem! Heads up!" Fil warns. Alerted, Reem sees the falling slime crawler and adeptly uses it to propel himself up, rejoining the others with impressive agility.
The sound of loud grumbling echoes around them, but the group doesn't allow themselves to be distracted. Acknowledging that any hesitation could mean being overtaken by the rising waters, they persist in their established sequence, repeating it several times with unwavering focus.
After several repetitions, Fil observes signs of fatigue in Reem from continuously boosting the others. "Leru, elevate us as quickly as you can. Sein, could you tend to Reem's injuries?" he suggests. Leru promptly conjures a wind platform beneath them, ascending as swiftly as possible, albeit not with great speed. Sein then lays her hands on Reem's shoulders, her palms radiating a healing green glow.
As they approach the final stretch, the water nearly engulfs them. Just as Reem prepares for another boost, Fil interjects, "Stop!" Urging everyone to gather around Leru, he announces, "I have an… not so ingenious plan…" He instructs Leru to craft the densest wind platform she can muster. Leru, understanding the gravity of the situation, kneels and focuses her energy, channeling every ounce of Light Energy into fortifying the wind platform.
With the water threatening to overtake them, Fil braces the group, "Brace for impact." The moment the water hits, it propels them upwards to the Ginso Tree's apex. Initially, they're thrust up by a geyser of cold water, creating a momentary sensation of weightlessness. But as the water's force begins to wane, the wind platform fades, leaving them to descend towards a not-so-gentle landing.
"We made it… yaaay…" Fil declares, sprawled on the ground. In a gesture of weary celebration, he feebly raises his arms into the air, only for them to fall back to the ground. His voice carries a mixture of fatigue and subdued triumph, marking their narrow escape.
"We better get moving before any reinforcements arrive," Reem advises, pushing himself to sit upright. His tone is earnest and slightly urgent, suggesting a shift from the immediate relief of their escape to the practical consideration of what might follow.
A wall nearby cracks open, as a temporary portal bursts into existence, forcefully ejecting both Ori and Mitzhari. They are hurled in opposite diagonal directions by the portal's abrupt closure. Ori, quickly grasping the situation, gasps, "... it worked," while he hurriedly pushes the barbed quill from his hand, his gaze swiftly shifting towards Mitzhari, the Ghoul previously ensnared with him.
Mitzhari takes a moment longer to regain his bearings, groaning "ugh…" as he struggles to his feet. "Why didn't you go with them…" he inquires, a hint of confusion in his voice as he fixes his gaze on Ori, who is now attentively looking back at him.
"I couldn't trust leaving you alone in the water," Ori replies, prompting an unexpected chuckle from the Ghoul. "Props to you, you've got some balls, kid," Mitzhari acknowledges with a hint of respect. "But let's not digress; indeed, I would have pursued you guys in the water... you are a kid, aren't you?" he adds, his comment blending a compliment with curiosity about Ori's age and naivety.
"Pretty much," Ori concedes, a hint of nonchalance in his tone. Mitzhari, scratching the back of his head, comments with a mix of amusement and critique, "No wonder… your fighting could use some help," his voice dripping with feigned disinterest. "I don't feel like fighting an incompetent combatant," Mitzhari proposes, suggesting a ceasefire. "So, how about you go your way while I go—"
Before Mitzhari can finish his proposition, Ori launches into the air, fist poised for a punch. Mitzhari, caught off guard, manages to dodge, and Ori's fist slams into the ground, leaving a noticeable dent in the wood. This unexpected show of force elicits a look of surprise from Mitzhari, challenging his previous assessment.
As Mitzhari continues to evade Ori's relentless punches, he ponders, "Is he fighting because he knows I'm low on energy... or because he believes he can actually take me on?" This internal debate is abruptly interrupted when he collides with a wall, cursing, "Shit-" as Ori's fist hurtles towards him.
Narrowly shifting his head, Mitzhari dodges Ori's punch, which leaves an even larger dent in the wall. Attempting to sidestep, Mitzhari finds himself nearly caught by Ori's left fist, dodging just in time as Ori's attack results in another dent. Mitzhari's evasive maneuvers and Ori's relentless aggression amplify the intensity of their showdown.
"Did he always pack such an explosive punch?!" Mitzhari wonders to himself, replaying their previous encounters in his mind. Upon reflection, he acknowledges that Ori's punches had indeed always possessed considerable force, noticeably more so than the Wisp's. He realizes that Ori, in their tag-combat scenarios, had been attempting to match Sein's strength. Now, isolated in this duel, Ori channels his full power into every strike.
Battling with dwindling energy reserves, the Ghoul attempts to summon abilities from other creatures, but his efforts are significantly hampered by his low energy. Resorting to the shell of a rammer beetle for defense, he braces for Ori's next punch. The impact sends a jarring shockwave through his body, yet Mitzhari manages to hold his ground.
Seizing the moment, Mitzhari launches a counterattack, his fists flying towards Ori. Their fists collide, resulting in a powerful shockwave that courses through both fighters. The impact forces each to recoil, taking several steps back as they absorb the force of the clash.
Ori leaps upwards, aiming to deliver a karate chop with precision. Mitzhari, in anticipation, crosses his arms, deftly redirecting the chop towards the ground as he springs back to maintain distance. Ori's relentless assault continues, his left arm soaring through the air in an attempt to strike Mitzhari's head. Mitzhari, reacting with just a fraction of a second to spare, evades the attack by stepping back.
Without hesitation, Ori launches into the air again, this time aiming for a spinning kick. Mitzhari, demonstrating remarkable flexibility, bends backward into a limbo position to avoid the kick. However, with Ori momentarily airborne and vulnerable, Mitzhari seizes the chance to counter. He propels himself upwards, poised for retaliation, only to be halted by an unforeseen force.
"Wha-" Mitzhari gasps, startled as an unseen force collides with his cheek. A memory flickers to life: "That's right… he had a time-lag attack," he remembers, the epiphany striking him moments too late as Light Energy surges towards Ori's fist.
As Ori's fist nears Mitzhari, the Light Energy culminates at his fist's tip, synchronizing with the moment of impact. A brilliant, piercing flash of white light erupts from Ori's fist as it connects with Mitzhari's stomach, embodying a perfect fusion of timing and power.
"GUH-" Mitzhari grunts, coughing up blood, his pupils dilating then fading into shock. In the next instant, Ori completes his powerful swing, light spiraling from his fist as he hurls Mitzhari into the wall, leaving a luminous trail in their wake.
Ori gazes at Mitzhari, then turns his attention to his own hand, feeling an unprecedented sense of control. He marvels at his connection with his Light Energy, musing, "What was that…" Ori's moment of perfect harmony—a rare alignment of body, mind, and Light—was a phenomenon of sheer luck, a one-in-a-million chance that granted him an outstanding strike.
As Mitzhari slumps against the wall, gradually losing consciousness, Ori becomes acutely aware of an ominous creaking sound. "Is this place about to collapse…" he muses aloud, scanning the room rapidly. He finds himself in an entirely enclosed space, seemingly a secret chamber, now under immense pressure from the water outside. Numerous fissures begin to form across the walls, but one particularly large crack draws Ori's immediate attention.
Collapsing to the ground on one knee, Mitzhari curses softly, "fuck…" as he finds it challenging to stand. Ori shifts his focus to Mitzhari, contemplating a final strike to end the conflict. However, Mitzhari's defeat is momentarily postponed by an unexpected intervention.
The significant crack that had captured Ori's attention suddenly widens, and with a violent burst, water floods the room through the expanding fissure. Both Ori and Mitzhari are swept up by the deluge, slammed against the very spot where Mitzhari was previously struck, their confrontation abruptly turning into a battle against the elements.
Desperate to avoid a watery grave, Ori musters his remaining strength to target the wall's most vulnerable point. With a forceful impact, he breaches the wall, revealing their precarious position on the outer wall of the Ginso Tree. Suddenly, Ori and Mitzhari find themselves in freefall, too exhausted to conjure any means of saving themselves, plummeting together toward the uncertain fate that awaits below.
"This isn't any better than dying by drowning," Ori mutters to himself, the ground rushing up to meet him as he falls back-first through the air. Exhaustion permeates his voice as he adds, "but I'm so tired…" His arms and legs flail helplessly in the wind, a testament to his depleted strength. Casting a fleeting glance at Mitzhari, who faces a similar fate, Ori makes a weary decision to close his eyes, resigning himself to the hands of fate, silently hoping for an intervention.
At the summit of the Ginso Tree, four spirits quietly conceal themselves behind a stump, wary of drawing attention. An owl perches nearby, its gaze sweeping the area—a silent sentinel in the twilight. "Kuro… I don't see anyone. Let's check below the tree already," an unseen voice suggests to the owl, identified as Kuro.
"Whatever…" Kuro scoffs dismissively, beginning her descent towards the ground. Leru starts to move, possibly thinking the coast is clear, but Reem quickly intervenes, placing himself in a precarious position to halt Leru's advance, silently shaking his head as a signal. "We're not clear yet," Reem whispers, urging caution.
After a tense wait, Reem finally lowers his arm, signaling it's safe to move. "Okay, we need to get out of here, and quickly," he advises, urgency lacing his words. "I anticipated reinforcements, but an owl... How did they manage to ally with that... that creature!" Reem vents, his frustration evident at the unexpected alliance between their adversaries and the formidable Kuro.
"Leru, there's one last task I need from you," Fil states, capturing Leru's attention. Leru nods in understanding. "As we freefall, I need you to focus on gradually reducing our descent speed to around three meters per second. Do you think you can manage that?" Fil inquires, outlining a plan that relies heavily on Leru's control. Leru responds with another nod.
Gathering at the Ginso Tree's edge, the one Kuro had previously descended from, the group steadies themselves. "Alright then… here we go," Fil declares, signaling the moment of action. Together, they leap, descending past the point of view, transitioning as they plunge into the depths below.
Rustling through the leaves, the four spirits had set up camp, marking the end of their arduous journey at the Ginso Tree. With the waters now cleansed, fish and pyrangas, boasting unique energy properties that allowed them to endure the previously acidic waters, begin to reappear in the environment.
In the tranquility of their makeshift camp, Fil wastes no time attempting to catch some of the newly returned fish, eager to provide dinner for the group. The presence of the fish and pyrangas not only signifies the environment's recovery but also offers a moment for the group to enjoy the fruits of their efforts, sharing a meal that symbolizes their survival and unity…
Despite their escape, the group's spirits are dampened by the absence of one of their own, leaving them to ponder the uncertain fate of their missing friend. As fish sizzle over the campfire, they quietly reflect on the Ginso Tree's climactic events, a somber mood enveloping them as they consider what transpired.
In retrospect, they acknowledge that a more pragmatic approach could have been adopted; yet, amid the tumult, clear thinking was elusive. Each member silently acknowledges their own insights into what might have been done differently to avert their current predicament, though no one finds the words to voice these thoughts aloud, until...
Breaking the silence, Fil addresses the group with a measured tone. "Listen up, guys… Losing Ori is tough, but we cannot assume the worst without confirmation," he asserts, striving to balance realism with hope. "His chances of survival aren't negligible. All we can do now is hope," Fil continues. "And as we hold onto that hope, we must press on with our mission to restore the forest. It's what he would want us to do," he concludes, instilling a renewed sense of purpose amidst the uncertainty.
"If you're with me… then take a fish; we feast tonight and resume our quest at dawn," Fil declares, reaching for one of the perfectly roasted fishes. Reem exhales a heavy sigh, accepting a fish, while Leru inhales deeply, steadying herself before taking one. Sein pauses to wipe her nose, then selects a fish for herself, the simple act serving as a silent agreement to Fil's proposal.
"With that decided," Fil says, exhaling deeply in a mix of relief and resolve. Reem offers him a thumbs-up in support. Fil returns the gesture with a smile, then they all begin to enjoy their meal. The fire eventually dwindles to nothing more than a pile of charcoal, marking the end of their day. The group falls into a deep slumber, all except for Sein, who takes up the night watch.
Sein sits, drawing her knees to her chest, her gaze fixed on the ground. Eventually, she rests her head on her knees, her eyes drifting towards the water, where the moon's reflection shimmers. A single tear falls to the ground. The weight of not being able to save another spirit burdens her heart, the pain of loss quietly echoed in the stillness of the night.
The steady sound of water dripping onto the floor fills the air, the only sound he discerns as his body, surprisingly, feels better than before he lost consciousness. "Oh, he'ssssss awake now," a voice slithers through the silence. "Gumon, getttt over here, your friend issss awake," it calls again, the extended hisses adding a serpentine quality to the speech.
As he slowly opens his eyes, his vision swims in a blur, making the effort to sit up, only to be gently restrained by what feels like a pointy, scaly tail. "No ssssspirit, you musssst resttt," the creature insists, guiding him back down with a firm yet cautious touch, emphasizing the necessity of rest.
"It'ssss fine, Sssypher," intones a more mature, authoritative voice, soothing yet commanding. "Ssspirit, please, do asss you wish," it encourages, granting him the freedom to move. As the spirit finally sits up, he's confronted with Gumo, and… Snakes?
To Be Continued
Can you figure out who that spirit is right at the end? Pretty obvious, isn't it? Especially if you remember who Gumo ends up saving in the main game. So, let's take a moment to give Gumo his due—just a bit of appreciation for our cool little hero.
Now, onto a more serious note, I owe you an apology for my lengthy hiatus. I won't drag you through the mundane details, so let's just say the blame falls squarely on my shoulders as your wonderfully unreliable author for the bulk of these delays, I guess?
But moving on, I'm planning to expand our lineup of Spirits and Ghouls, which, yes, means it's going to take some time. We're at the end of an arc, so I'm taking this chance to fine-tune the plot. As for what's next, the upcoming arc is likely kicking off around April? Perhaps April 2nd? Though that's up in the air—it could be sooner or a tad later, depending on how my creative juices are flowing. And just a heads-up, I split this behemoth of a chapter into two parts for a smoother reading experience. Hope you found it engaging!
also no Spirit Sparkles anymore.
"Wake up, you lazy ass," a voice rang out, jolting Mitzhari into consciousness. His eyes snapped open, immediately regretting the action as a wave of pain washed over him, remnants of the battle that had preceded his blackout. "Shelegzar… ugh… what took you so long?" Mitzhari groaned, each word laced with discomfort. "Eh, ran into some family issues before I could get here," Shelegzar replied nonchalantly.