Source of the Poison
If you would be one of those who have kept track of my poems/monologues in the MLBB channels of YouTube…
Welcome. XDXDXD
It seems that you've willingly gone this far either because I made this, or the story was actually good for you. Either way, you helped me obtain 10,000 views on this story, so… THANK YOU SO MUCH, AND SAME GOES TO THE OLD READERS OF THIS STORY! :')
Now, I will clarify this: This chapter won't be of great length. This is because this serves as an add-on or a filler for the upcoming chapters, more like… supportive narration.
But pay attention, because it will hint a couple of things, including the Story Glitch, the prophecy, and the meaning of the chapter name.
Hmm… "Source of the Poison"… have you any speculations, my friends? I'll leave it all to you!
Anyway, I am having a bit of an… undesired burnout. Wanna know why?
Gaming, Schools, Monologues, Poems… So, if I did update the story in such a late manner, I'm sorry for those who are really impatient.
(I also noticed only one person *ehem* thelittletaco *ehem* is making the reviews in a certain span of time as of writing… Nothing wrong about it, though.)
Again, before we start, I will have to address the 'newcomers' here.
Now that you've witnessed my very first FanFiction (with an absurd amount of 135K words as of writing), you may be left with a couple of questions.
"Arc, why is Alucard the main character? Isn't Argus your favorite?"
Alucard is and always will be my favorite. It's just that the meta is so unforgiving to those who are weak to crowd control, and Argus is part of the short end of the stick.
"Arc, how in God's name did you get so much time to do what you do?"
I make most of my time! Hence, my undesired burnout.
"ARC! WHY AREN'T YOU RECOGNIZED BY MOONTON?! YOU DESERVE ALL THE PRAISE!"
Maybe because Moonton is so focused on profit and personal welfare and preference to the point where their service to the community is as bad as most cash-grabs in the gaming industry?
"HEY! YOU COPIED FROM HECTORIUS ALKA-"
Sigh. Here we go again…
BOI. My work is 100% original. I BARELY even keep track of Hectorius Alkaline's stories. Not only do I want to get rid of the temptation of plagiarism, but I also want to boost my self-confidence in writing. Sure, leaving a comment in Hectorius' works will most definitely catch the attention of the community…
But here's the thing. I just can't watch his videos, but I can give him the support I can give. Written works in the MLBB franchise are being overshadowed by cringy memes and lackluster, effortless fan service. (Not that Hectorius' works are such. I mean, look at those views.)
Last, but not least, the shipping and the categorization of both the protagonists and antagonists mostly contradicts my own. Also, Hectorius has been adding up all of the new heroes, which I think is a flaw. Look at my story. I set a specific range for everyone. It's just coincidence that the newly released heroes have insane potential for this story of mine.
But I ask you, should I catch Hectorius' attention? I would appreciate it if you answered, whether you agree or disagree.
"COPY PASTE SML NUB IT AIN'T GONNA GET PINNED BY HORORO YOU SCRUB"
For all of the haters, who are mindlessly spreading innate toxicity and expressing their jealousy, which forces me to wear a hazmat suit whenever I operate in the comment sections…
Stop it. Get some help.
Let's get back to the story, ladies and gentlemen!
"The Reservoir?"
"A hidden source of the evil, the Reservoir is the spawn point of all of the demons. It's where they're bred or pulled out from different worlds. We can get to it through a makeshift portal, but the corruption would get to you in minutes without protection."
"Um, Estes?" Lancelot asked. "Why call me and Odette for… this?"
"The two of you, along with a couple of my best spies and scouts, will attempt to sabotage and render it inactive. If you successfully do it, then it will change the tide of battle here, ensuring our victory as long as everything plays out," the Elven King explains to the couple. "Don't worry, Argus will be there to escort you. The three of you will be the distraction whilst the men do all the heavy lifting for it."
"We will be safe, right?" Odette worriedly asks. "I mean…"
"Everything will be alright, Odette," Estes calmly assures. "With Argus' aura along with my spells, you will be rendered immune to the corruption, even if you stray far away from each other. Again, I cannot ensure that you'll make it out alive, but if you do, best that you rest as you arrive. Your mission will begin on the 6th day. Outside information has confirmed that a massive assault will occur at that point in time, so all the attention will be diverted here instead of the Reservoir."
"Estes, have you discussed about the assault on the 6th to the others?" Hylos questioned. "We need them prepared."
"I haven't yet, my friend. The Royal Guard is going to-"
The underground chamber opened and the heroes rushed in, clamoring, with a couple of questions.
Okay, guys. I'll try to… um… write down what they asked.
Because they have A LOT of questions.
"ESTES WHY DID KAJA AND URANUS VISIT HERE?!"
"WHAT WILL WE DO NOW THAT THE OCEANS ARE GONE?!"
"WHO-"
"Settle down, everyone! Raise hands to ask!"
Yi Sun Shin raised his arm. "Sir, the oceans have turned pitch black. Our ships are still operational, though no naval warfare will be imposed, this is a bad sign for our supplies."
"Yi, we have enough water sources to last the kingdom for two months when it stops flowing. I assure you, utilizing your ships in the ground will be handy. If desired, you may take to the skies with Bane." Most sighed with relief.
Rafaela was next. "Estes, why did Kaja and Uranus come here unexpectedly?"
"They discussed mostly confidential matters to me, and disclosing them to you may lead to their exile from the heavens." This sparked an outrage, not because Estes wanted to share the info, but because of the Lords' threats.
"Wait, that's so NOT cool!" Bruno criticized. "Why do they always have to mess things up?!"
"Though, I can disclose about the Reservoir, the 6th day and the Enlightened One. Which one first?"
Everyone settled for the first former. All eyes and ears were peeled…
"As I have said to Lancelot and Odette, the Reservoir is the focal point of the enemy. I've planned the whole night about the upcoming sabotage operation. It seems that the successful execution will guarantee our victory, but going there, even with a makeshift portal that I'd conjure, would prove to be suicide itself. I have prepared my spells for them to keep safe, along with the scouts. Argus will escort them-"
"ESTES, DON'T!" Cyclops squeaked in a panic. "DON'T!"
Miya's eyebrows scrunched. "Why-"
"The prophecy! My hourglass warned me! My-"
"Calm down! Cyclops, what did the hourglass show you?"
Cyclops struggled to let loose his words. "Um… L-Lance a-and Odette… th-they're g-going to die! D-Don't l-let them go, even w-with Argus!"
The couple had no hint of any negative reaction plastered on their faces, however. (As hinted many times, they're ready to die. But that can change…)
"Cyclops," Miya asked. "If this is true, is there a possibility where they get out alive?"
The mage slowly raised his finger.
Gossen reacted. "One? Are you sure?"
"I know. It may all seem fuzzy in my head, but I know of one. I just… can't remember!"
"Don't pressure yourself, kid," Minotaur warns. "It is hard for you to contain such a burden. Ease yourself. Estes, what's the other topic?"
"On the 6th day, it's confirmed that a wide-scale assault will initiate. Though, the Dark Lord himself will be absent at that point, his greatest asset won't be." Estes swiped his hand on the Ocular Sun hologram and inputting a name on it.
"Leviathan, the corruption's cavalry." Estes showed the image to the others, and a collective gasp ensued. "An airborne monstrosity with thick skin and thicker armor. It was present back in the Old War. As I can remember, the Seraphim were easily able to take it down by going within the organ systems to destroy its heart, but the difficulty won't be the same this time."
Bruno examined the creature in awe. He saw the charts and thought of it to be at least 4 times bigger than Grock, sporting an very long wingspan for its bat-like gliders. An irregularly shaped carapace coats its hide. Its six eyes glowed with seething ferocity and its wide mouth is ready to snap with its serrated jaws. Two pairs of ivory tusks sprang from its cheeks, which can move as well. It may have no legs, but that isn't the issue.
"Um… this thing can't pass the barrier, right?"
"It can break the barrier," Rafaela added. "If we keep it out, it will just harm the Genesys Gem. We will have to fire everything we've got at this abomination if we want to live for the 7th. Argus won't be present, but Estes can conjure a portal within the Leviathan itself, if possible. If not, we have to find a way to escort him there ourselves. He's the only one left who can kill it."
"Okay, okay, hold up!" Chou interrupted. "So, we all know that this huge mass of dung is about to hit us. Aurora, can you slow it down?"
"I will overexert myself just to make it stop for one second," the Queen explained. "I can make the air more difficult for it to maneuver around, but it will tire me. I would have to stay with the Gem if I were to do something worthwhile."
"We're gonna need my men in there," Victor volunteered. "We know about that thing. It has a fragile heart. If make it rupture, it dies. The question is how to get there."
"It will be safe to breathe within the Leviathan," Hylos adds. "It doesn't inhale oxygen, it exhales it. Its whole body can let a small group of people inhabit it, as long as nothing goes wrong. The corruption is rendered inert even if you rupture the heart, so there are no worries in terms of surviving there."
"But what if we don't push it back, or slay it?" Sun asked. "I don't think our boy Grock would be able to handle it. Sure, the Leviathan is one heck of a slowpoke, but even so, the titan cannot just split its armor and find a chink. And besides, look at that mouth! It can rip off Grock's arm clean off the shoulder."
"It depends on the situation on the ground as well," Estes exhales. "Any one of us is viable enough to enter the Leviathan, but I am the requirement. I have to go there. Uranus and Kaja cannot help us as of now, but they will try to find a way. Argus, Lancelot and Odette wouldn't be here when the time comes."
"So that's why you planned to send them off to the Reservoir on the 6th!" Ruby exclaimed. "The chances of them being spotted would be miniscule."
"Good thinking," Hayabusa compliments. "So, I think we will have to focus on what's at the bottom before we put our attention to the Leviathan. When the coast is clear, one of us, any of us, needs to go and assist Estes and the Demon Hunters into slaying the beast."
Alucard volunteers. "I'll go-"
"Alucard, you can't," Argus shuts. "It's the Leviathan. Sure, the corruption isn't going to affect you or boost the demonization process, but it will immediately strengthen your urge to kill it! Not even your powers can put it down, unless you're that willing to give it your all. The temptation will work its way inside your head, and not even your friends would stop your undesired rampage. Same goes with Roger and I. You need to stay on the ground."
"Rest assured, we'd need to keep you off the battlefield until the break of dawn on the 6th," Saber reminded. "You'll have to stay on the ground like the others, but if you're being focused on, retreat. The army will be able to fend themselves. Don't engage without our signal."
"Bane's men can give you support, Estes," says Franco. "They may not be the cream of the crop, but a few shells on its eyes can stop it."
"I'll consider all of the possibilities, do not fear. I have a part of the plan already made," the Elven King answers.
"So, it's all settled?" Kagura asked.
Before they could breathe easily, Karrie asked, "Wait, Estes! Who is this… 'Enlightened One?'"
Everyone was looking at each other, but even Argus and Rafaela would have difficulty comprehending. They all stood in silence, waiting for Estes' answer.
"Whatever I say, let it be the new truth. Has any single one of you heard the name 'Lunox?'"
"Estes, are you sure?" Argus asked with worry. "Is she-"
"Wait, who is this 'Lunox' character?" Miya asked. "Estes, who is she?"
"In the time of the Old War, conflicts were unending. The people were so desperate for a semblance of hope and peace from the light," Hylos narrated. "And one day, Light and Darkness ignored even the simplest of logic and reality as it began to merge within a host… A surrogate freely chosen by the spirits as the herald and caretaker of such power. Lunox was an ordinary elf… In fact, she should've been like that when she was born, but she was the chosen host. Not even the Lords of Order, nor the Dark Lord, know why she was picked out of everyone else. All that matters is that she is."
"So… what happened next?" Alpha interrogates.
"Her parents wanted to give her a normal life, despite her conditions. She may have the undeniable duality of her personality, but she was in total control of everything happening to her. She didn't age, nor wither. She is basically an immortal deity born from the flesh," Argus continued. "She wanted the quiescence she solely deserved… Until one night, a war raged within their homeland, and, as undesirable as it seems, Lunox' parents were caught in the crossfire and got hit point blank. And from that moment on…"
"Her powers grew tremendously as she wallowed in her pain, and as the dust settled, not a survivor was in sight. No one was safe," said Rafaela. "Either side saw what she did and didn't want her as an ally. One day, the ancient spirits have already coroneted her to be the Goddess of Twilight. Her status as a primordial deity and as a symbol of balance and justice for all of the fallen has spread. When the scales of justice were handed to her, the fate of the world is within her grasp, and thank the heavens, she didn't abuse what was given to her."
It took a minute for everyone to process what was narrated.
Natalia was the first to respond. "Uh… what?"
"It is hard to believe, but she is the one who decided that the Light will win against the corruption. So, if we put it this way, she made us win the whole fight."
"All because of a choice?" Saber questioned. "This… Lunox… if she is that powerful, who knows what else she can do! What if-"
"I know your speculations, Saber, but no, she isn't here with us anymore," Hylos intervenes. "Not in the flesh, that is. She joined the cause of the Light and aided the whole army, whether it be directly or indirectly. The Dark Lord possesses the same level of knowledge about her as ours, but isn't willing to disclose such information. To keep it short, Lunox was the goddess that wove our fate. Without her, we wouldn't be here."
"Wait, if this is so, then why won't she do the same like last time?" Layla asks. "Don't get me wrong, but… Hylos, you said she wasn't in the flesh. What do you mean?"
"After the war, Lunox vowed not to interfere directly. She also knew that if she stayed in the Land of Dawn walking on the ground like everyone else, her duality will split. If so, the effect would be cataclysmic. She has to maintain her duality, or else, the world falls into ethereal ruin. The Light will be extinguished, and the Darkness expelled," Estes answers. "Because of this, she sealed herself within a sacred singularity designed to seal her powers and herself, which we call the Twilight Orb. No one knew what it really was until it reached Minotaur's region. When its function was renowned, it was too late. Lunox' physical form dissipated within it, but not her power. For safekeeping, it was put in the heart of the infamous Labyrinth whose underground caverns can snake throughout Gaius itself."
"It's where they found me," Minotaur added. "However, the Twilight Orb is no longer within the heart of the Labyrinth. Estes and the Royal Guard secured its essence within the Moonlight Codex. It was a tedious process-"
"Wait, how was Kaja able to talk to Lunox if she's not here?" Karina questioned. "Her spirit still resides, right?"
"That is true, Karina. She's all around us, watching us quietly, acting as the balance. Kaja may have communicated to her through certain apparatuses that can be foreign even to me. We were able to draw the Twilight Orb's energy out of the original container and into a pocket dimension conjured using the Moonlight Codex. Little did we know, it was also the cohesive agent needed for the Genesys Gem."
"Guys?" Zhao said. "Let me just summarize this. Lunox' spirit is around, and her energy is in the Twilight Orb. So, Estes took it out and put it within the Moonlight Codex for safekeeping. And now that we put the said Codex with the other Dawn Shards… Boom! Mind. Blown."
A few chuckles resounded. "If that's the case, then Lunox is somewhat inside the Gem?" Balmond assumes.
"Yes, partially, and Alucard will have to coalesce with the Gem on the 7th," Eudora points out.
"Her duality is torn," Gord reminds. "So, she's unstable. If the Dark Lord takes over, it's a loss-loss sitch for everyone on either side. Okay, even I can barely understand the math behind this. She just defies logic!"
"She doesn't defy logic, Gord," Argus corrects. "She is defiance itself. Everyone who knows her is afraid of her. She wasn't even mentioned in the prophecy! Who knows what happens when Alucard merges with the Gem. He'll be the next manifestation of her, so to speak. We don't know her motive as of now, but she is as she is. She is breaking inside and out, as if she is suffering from schizophrenic attacks. All goes down along with her."
"So… we would have to defend the Gem by any means necessary," Alucard interjects. "She needs me there, because I am just like her, a living paradox. That's why I'm the chosen one of the prophecy, not everyone else… And yet, like you said to us, Estes, we're not the endgame. We aren't the cure. We're just the resistance."
ALERT! INCOMING TRANSMISSION!
(The following audio log was illegally recorded by an eavesdropping employee from [DATA EXPUNGED].)
"Please understand, sir! I know that this may not seem right, but this has to be-"
"Christ on the goddamn cross, Zachary! You know how valuable those files are! You will have to-"
"Sir! We will have to show the world the truth about it! If we just conceal their real stories with bland, false, half-baked stories and lore, it won't do them justice! The hard drive wouldn't be in where I found it without some-"
"Have you even listened to the [DATA REDACTED] news?! Look!"
(The television set was turned on, showing a discussion between a CNN reporter and an interviewee, who was an analyst.)
"-is just insane, Neil. This story is making such a huge controversy out of all of the gamers and players in the world! It has changed the mindsets of both the young and old! It has twisted governments! How do we even cope up to things like these?"
"You see, Mr. Kowalski, the problem is not the story, nor the motive of this… 'Arcturus420'. The issue is how people perceive the story, this 'masterpiece', as they call it. Personally, I have read it, which doesn't seem like much of a 'Neil deGrasse' thing to do, but it has been shedding light not only to the exemplar narrative capability that someone could offer for a game, but also to the social problems we are facing. These morals, these lessons, it has caught the public eye, and people are more than willing to fix the problems within their own countries and states."
"True! I mean, global crime has been reduced by 29% these last few months, and the Reddit forums are going wild over this simple FanFiction! Worst of all, search parties, both legal and illegal, are conducted to find 'Arcturus420'! Yet, not even hackers nor the greatest of detectives and analysts can find him, whoever he is."
(The television set is forcibly turned off.)
"NOW YOU KNOW, ZACK! This kid is about to start the Third World War because of his sharing of such information!"
"Ugh, Salazar, you just don't get it! It has been drawing attention to our game! We're earning a lot more, and our employees are also fixing their mindsets! The meta changes were abrupt, but they fixed the game! What more can we ask for?"
"WE CAN ASK FOR A LOT MORE CONFLICT! Fires are raging around because of some narrow-minded child!"
"Don't you call him that. Take back what you said!"
"What did you say to me?!"
"You heard me right, old man! TAKE BACK WHAT YOU [DATA REDACTED] SAID! Arcturus420 is a kid! He's just a kid! He didn't want this in the first place, you know that! Heck, all of this unintended fame is crushing him! Everybody is searching for him, and he is suffering from this. He's growing out of touch with society while the others are rejoicing from what he's been doing for them and for us! SHOULDN'T WE BE HELPING HIM INSTEAD OF JUST SITTING ON OUR OFFICE CHAIRS LIKE CROOKS, JUDGING HIS ACTIONS?!"
"IT WILL COST THE WHOLE FRANCHISE, OUR HARD WORK! Are you out of your mind, Zack?!"
"Maybe I am! I don't know, but this has to be done! He's drawn in the whole world, Salazar! If he stops whatever he does, we might be done for! He has to finish what he started!"
"I swear, I am going to-"
"WHAT?! Fire me? FINE! DO IT IF YOU WANT TO! Just remember, we wouldn't be here if I didn't find that hard drive from that garbage bin!"
(The employee drops the recording device, which catches the attention of the two officers.)
"Who goes there? Jesus [DATA REDACTED, someone's listeni-"
END OF TRANSMISSION.
"It's just so hard to take in," Alpha began. "Wait, that came out wrong."
As a miniature outpour of demons were initiated on the frontlines, the cyborg and a few others decided to converse.
"Estes wouldn't be saying this if it wasn't true, though," Bruno replies. "First, the Reservoir, a portal or something, where the demons come from. They also breed there, helping their population increase. Who knows how wide that underground cavern will be. It could be bigger than Keva Infernus."
"The second is the Leviathan. How in the world can we even slow it down?" Johnson asked. "Don't get me wrong, all of your suggestions back there are as solid as steel, but would it work? By the way, that mass of trash is nearly 1,000 tons heavy. If we do put it down, the catastrophe on the ground will be devastating. We won't be able to regain footing after that! Saber and I speculated that at that point is when Alice and the others will come and take the advantage. We're going to need the Nazar and Uranus if we are to keep steady."
"C'mon, we shouldn't worry much. Estes' plan would be around 90% finished after his listening in on our advice, we'll be fine," Alucard comforts. "But Lunox is really egging me on."
"Her fear factor on us is about to overpower that of the Dark Lord's," Harley points out. "Light and Darkness at the same time? I don't need to be a magician to know how volatile the reaction would be. It would be exponentially stronger than that of Hayabusa and Kagura's curse… But for it to maintain polarity, fluidity, control… It makes no sense. It must be the cause of her old body fading into nothingness. The host couldn't take that insane power. It's so strong that it can actually intimidate the edgelord. I don't think the Dark Lord would not think twice about taking it all for himself."
"And remember, anything that intimidates the edgelord is a big deal," Miya adds. "I have heard of multiple deities, but not Lunox. I may have gained my power from the Moon God years before, but hers may most definitely be outmatched. But… if she's that known…"
"Why is she not remembered by anyone?" Zhao said, finishing the archer's question. "We faced the same thing to Argus… I guess we were so afraid of power to the point where we discard our memories of it. Look at Argus. We forgot about him until a few weeks ago. Just imagine Lunox! She volunteered to cast herself out just for our sake. And remember, her essence is in that Gem. Kaja may have talked to her through prayer, ritual or meditation. Either way… Alucard, if her power goes to you, I…"
"Don't finish that," the Demon Hunter halts. "I… could barely think about it. Look, I've seen demons shamelessly butcher people to bone. I've seen Ruby go insane. I've seen the most human and the most inhuman things ever to go in the Land of Dawn for one whole month, and yet… A simple thought is enough to put us on the edge. We should-"
"Alucard!" Tigreal called out. "Where's Zhao?"
The warrior stood up, alert. "Tig, what's wrong? Casualties?"
"Helcurt and Moskov are in the vicinity. Don't bring your friends here. You'll need a handful few in this fight. If you can convince-"
"I know what to do, Tigreal. Thanks for the heads-up. Guys, keep calm and stay here."
Miya stood. "Let me go with-"
"Don't, Miya. Helcurt is the real threat on the ground. I can't bring Hayabusa along as well. I'll need to keep close with some of the others. The Shadowbringer may be exploiting our fears and emotional weaknesses. We can't just give in."
"I'll go," Karina says. "I can beckon Estes to come. Gatotkaca, Nana, and a few, but don't get too cocky, Yun. I'm going to have a hard time keeping you alive for Miya."
"Ouch, Karina. Still salty? Anyway, let's just go."
Zhao and the knight ran to the main walls, climbing up to get a better view. Lesley was on watch with the other Sharpshooters, Harley alongside her.
"Gossen's doing good out there," Harley noted out, watching his rebellious friend cast his daggers around, slicing the demons' bodies cleanly. Lesley shot down the ones he was unaware of, keeping him safe. Roger was also in the field, but even in close quarters, he maintained his human form, waiting patiently for a moment to strike without warning.
"Helcurt and Moskov are right there," Freya said, pointing at the two miniscule dots. The Shadowbringer was pacing on all fours, Moskov behind him. "Are you sure Moskov is planning to betray the Dark Lord?"
"Hope for the best, prepare for the worst," Zhao muttered.
"Don't think this would be easy for you, Yun. That's your friend on the fray. Think ahead of yourself so we won't take an unwanted loss. The others are off the field so that you can intervene," the Valkyrie warns. "He'd be willing to talk to you."
"He's never said a thing ever since we got up close with him," Tigreal points out. "He isn't called the 'Spear of Quiescence' for nothing."
"I have to try," Zhao interrupts. "What could go wrong?"
"What could go wrong?"
"I don't know, Zhao. I'm having a bit of doubt about what I can do. I mean, throwing spears with good aim? I've beaten even the older soldiers."
"You'll be fine, Skov. Trust me. After all, I'm taking all the shots for you, you hear me? If you need anything, just ask."
Zhao mentally shook his head. "Focus, dude, focus. No point reminiscing."
Meanwhile…
Alucard decided to walk around the streets. They were empty, unless you count the guards. Strips of newspaper and plastic are scattered around the place. Estes isn't keen on cleaning them, as they aren't even considered a minor cleanliness issue.
"Lunox getting to me? Heck, she really sounds scary…"
Alucard shook his head and continued with his pace. He lifted up his head after looking down the ground, deep in thought. Out of the corner of his eye did he see a girl walk to a corner.
"What… Who's out there?" the Demon Hunter called out, but there was no response. Curious, he jogged towards the corner and looked. No one was there. What's even worse was that the alley led to a dead end. Alucard shrugged, but as soon as he turned around, he saw the girl again, a few meters away from him. Alucard jumped in shock and immediately grabbed his greatsword, but as soon as he did, the girl immediately dissipated to black dust.
"What in the name… am I hallucinating?"
Almost instantaneously, a soft voice whispered in his head, as if the speaker was talking directly at his ear. "No… this is… I am."
Alucard, nervous, turned to look behind him and saw nothing. "W-What do y-you want? Tell me."
"Don't you see it? All I want… is a fitting epilogue for this war I've caused… I set the hearth aflame, but you set it ablaze!"
Hyperventilating, Alucard planned to sprint, but was halted by Hylos.
"AH! Oh, good Lords above, don't scare me like that, Hylos!"
"Alucard, what is it that you saw?" the centaur asked, stern. "You look like someone who has seen a ghost."
"Maybe because I've seen one… This… I've seen this girl," Alucard elaborated, breathing heavily. "She's blond, with short, slightly wavy hair, but one lock of it was black… and… her clothes… I wasn't able to examine quickly, but I know one side of it is black whilst the other white…"
Hylos' eyes widened. "Did you know that Lunox shows up in a form of specter or apparition?"
"Really?"
"However, only a few hold the eye to see her. The Fall was among them. Like Estes said, Lunox is everywhere. If you saw her, then it means that the Fall's blessing was imparted upon you. We've only gained knowledge of her, and now she displays herself to you. That's a significant event, so far. A shame that she had to leave for the time being…"
"Would I keep seeing her, Hylos? I mean… I could barely take in all of this…"
"It's your brain chemistry. Your two sides are being tested, like hers, which is why you're undergoing moderate mental stress. We can't let you out on the battlefield today, Alucard. It's best to stay with your friends. After all, we're counting on you. I don't want to lose the war because of your recklessness."
Meanwhile…
"Okay, where are you, little buddy?"
Zhao, as usual, was sprinting around the battlefield, trying to find Moskov. The warzone isn't having much of a frenzy. He paid barely any attention to the demons trying to catch up to him, because they couldn't. It was just a brisk walk for the fighter.
But trying to find his former best friend is like searching for a needle in a haystack for him…
"Did you see him?" Gatot asked. "He is teleporting around in short distances. You'd need to latch onto him with force. I'll keep an eye." The guardian immediately soared into the air and pointed at his right, his finger trailing to Moskov's location, then, jumped toward a mass of demons, sending them soaring.
Zhao instinctively followed Gatot's direction, doubt slowly taking over him…
"Don't worry too much," someone said.
"Didn't know you'd be here, Hilda."
"Well, everything needs a replacement. Good thing my tribe is here to keep the pace. Gossen is back within the city's walls. We'll have to-"
She was interrupted by a black spear, missing her shoulder by mere inches.
"He's here!" Zhao sensed the next spear coming towards him and blocked it with the handle of his own spear, launching it towards a different direction. In the corner of his eye, he sees Moskov dashing, attempting to dodge the deflected spear that he threw. Yun flipped and spun his spear around and came into contact with Moskov's, and the force blew them back, their feet digging into the ground.
"Hilda, go! Keep watch for Helcurt!" Zhao ordered. Hilda nods as she charges towards Moskov. The marksman teleported behind her to throw his spear, but Zhao reacted quick enough, attempting to yank it from Moskov, but it was as if he held it like a vice. Moskov looked behind him and simply threw the spear in the air, bringing Zhao with it. The fighter let go and landed on both feet, aiming the spear.
"Hey there, bro. It's nice seeing you again," he greeted. "I didn't want things to come to this, Moskov. I know what you did for Natalia and the others, but the Dark Lord doesn't. You still have a chance to-"
Before he could finish, his vision immediately blackened. "Oh, for the love of-"
He sensed the incoming spears, and with luck, blocked them one by one. Zhao desperately spins his spear to cover different parts of his body like a shield. After a while, he caught Helcurt's voice.
"You b-b-brought words to a w-war… Foolish!" Before the Shadowbringer could strike, Zhao's vision returned and whacked Helcurt with the butt of his spear, launching him into the air. Landing dazed, Helcurt snarls as he changes his focus. Moskov was nowhere in sight.
"Zhao, are you hurt?" Estes asked, multiple runes floating around him as he levitated in the air.
"I'm fine. I need Helcurt off my back so I can negotiate with Moskov without hassle!"
"We'll do that. Right now, he's somewhere else. I'll help you get to him." Estes conjures a portal in front of Zhao, and Zhao jumps forth, going into another area of the battlefield. He sees Moskov impaling half a dozen Striders and one of Karina's Night Elves without error.
"Moskov, listen to me. You don't have to do this!" Zhao exclaimed. Moskov stopped in his tracks and grimaced. He immediately threw the spear in his hands and Zhao simply slid below it like a game of limbo. As he stood up, he struck with quick blows, intent on wearing down Moskov or disarming him. As Moskov blocked every one of his attacks, Zhao had to think of another strategy. He forgot one thing…
The two of them sparred every day in the past, and it all ended with them on a stalemate.
As he was too busy on his offense, he didn't see Moskov's free fist come at his face, and he received the blow, and it was more painful than he thought it would be. Moskov dashed back as he watched Zhao recuperate.
Zhao grinned as he wiped the trickle of blood on the corner of his mouth. "Still the same friend I once knew… I'm the talkative one here, as always." He squinted his eyes to get a better view, and sees the corners of Moskov's mouth curl slowly, but uncurl quickly. It didn't seem like much, but he knew.
"Now we're talking, old friend." Zhao ran at breakneck speed, a simple move that he knew Moskov would simply counter. But instead of charging towards him, Zhao changed course and ran fast, baiting Moskov. Confused, the marksman dashed with the same speed, but wasn't intent on catching up with Yun. He threw his spears around, seeking to try and hinder his movement. At the same time, he impaled every enemy he could see as Zhao did the same, nicking and pricking demons before they could land killing blows.
"If I let him run, he'll just kill more…"
Zhao had an idea.
"What's the matter, slowpoke? THINK FIVE STEPS AHEAD OF ME IF YOU WANT TO CATCH ME!" Yun shouted at Moskov. Noticing the taunt, Moskov became more aggressive with his shots, but his alertness wasn't dwindled. It's what Zhao hoped for, for him to be the focus. If anything, he has to lessen the casualties.
He eyes Gatot ramming his gauntlets on a Wretch. "Hey, Gatot! Need some fists!"
Gatot slightly nodded and acted like he didn't pay attention. As Moskov came into view, he immediately jumped at the marksman, seeking to land his punch. Unfortunately, Moskov teleported just in time and shot back at Gatot, but the attack was easily deflected. Yet, Moskov was successful in diverting Gatot's attention. The guardian finds himself facing a Wretch, which he easily pummels to the ground.
"C'mon, 'Skov, c'mon… I know you…"
He looks behind him and sees Moskov stop in his tracks. He eyes his opponent's arm charging some sort of swirling energy.
"Oh, no…"
Moskov releases his Spear of Destruction, carving the ground it touches. Zhao raised his arms up, startled, but Estes jumps in conjures a portal just in time. The huge spear appears from another portal the Elven King made, shredding through the Ravagers and Wretches around. After a while, the spear dissipated to thin air, leaving numerous casualties to the Dark Lord's horde.
Estes snaps his fingers and locks Moskov in a stasis ward, preventing him from dashing. The marksman threw his spears in frustration, which the ward didn't seem to block. Irithel and Leo sped around and shot explosive arrows in the concentrated field, intent on stunning Moskov to the ground. Estes releases Moskov from the ward as Leo pounced, but he dashed immediately. Seeking freedom, he teleported forward, but got hit by Roger's blunt blunderbuss shell straight to the face.
"WAIT, DON'T HURT HIM!" Zhao shouts. As he raced, he finds Moskov regaining his footing immediately, the lethal wound on his face immediately healing back to normalcy.
"Oh, come on! Why must every single one of them be immune to blunt force trauma?!"
Zhao dived through with his spear to hit Moskov, and Estes made the spearman appear on top of his opponent, sticking his spear into Moskov's shoulder. Yet, he didn't yelp in pain, much less groan. Zhao recalled the spear back to him, and the flesh wound healed slower than usual.
"Sorry, man. Had to do it to you. A shame I'll have to do it again."
Roger, in Wolf Form, slashed the dazed Moskov on the torso. Estes could tell that Moskov feels the pain he was receiving even though he was recovering quickly. It was as if he has low pain tolerance…
"Roger! Ease yourself. He cannot withstand much pain." Roger nods in response as he reverted back to his human form, shooting blunderbuss shells at Moskov. Estes eyes a few members of the Demon Hunter clan, readying their improvised net launchers. Moskov unknowingly dashed in the right spot, allowing Victor and Yinsen to hit Moskov with ease, and now, the antagonist was tangled up in the net. Having doubts, Estes increased the gravity around Moskov, forcing him downwards.
"Okay, Estes, that's enough. I'll take it from here. Watch my back." Yun walks up to Moskov cautiously, who was struggling to even raise his head.
"Hey, 'Skov, I know it's you. You don't need to fight us. I don't want you to get hurt. You don't have to live under the Dark Lord's shadow. I know what he did to convince you. It wasn't righteous. I know the world isn't fair, but it's not a proper reason to be where you're-"
Zhao heard a yelp, and sees Helcurt sting Estes on the shoulder, immediately unlocking the ward and stabilizing the gravity. In a flash, Moskov dashed and proceeded to shoot down Roger, who retreated for the meantime. Losing interest in the hunter, Moskov decided to impale Estes to a nearby rock, but having already healed, Estes casts a shield around himself and the black spear shattered on impact, letting off a force gale that nearly made the marksman trip. Zhao then ran towards Moskov, but Helcurt went up behind him and blinded him. The Shadowbringer latched on Zhao's back and pulled his arms back to prevent him from moving. Yun was now on his knees, Estes unable to see, and the two Demon Hunters unconscious for the time being.
"NO! No… not yet…"
"No more playing, M-M-Moskov… kill him! He's a hindrance to your real fate!"
"No! Moskov, listen to me! I know you're still my friend on the inside, just lis- AAAAAAGGHHHH!"
Zhao screamed in pain as Helcurt's stingers hit his spine one by one.
"With every word coming out from your lips is another taste of one of my concoctions! D-D-Don't make this harder on y-y-yourself…"
Zhao, despite being numb, could determine that Moskov was readying his spear…
"Hey, Zhao?"
"Yeah?"
"Y'know, I don't want to spar against you. You're my bro!"
"I know, 'Skov, but we have to do this. If we don't, we won't know how to defend ourselves…"
"But-"
"Hmm… how about this? Whatever you do, don't hit me on the legs."
"What? Why?"
"First, I won't truly move without them. No one can. Second, it's an indication you're not my friend anymore."
"Really?"
"Nah, I'm just kidding. But when the time comes… Just… try and remember it, okay?"
Moskov readied his throwing arm and launched his spear. Zhao closed his eyes as he accepted his fate…
PSYCHE!
What, you thought our beloved never-fading hero would die that easily?
Zhao was astounded that the spear grazed off of his shoulder and hit Helcurt on the chest. The Shadowbringer howled in pain and confusion. Helcurt easily clawed it out of him.
"WHY THERE?! I-I-I-INSOLENT… FOOLISH BASTARD!" Helcurt looked around to see Moskov, but he was already gone from the scene. He looked at Zhao with disgust.
"You're lucky… But the Dark Lord wishes to send his regards on the following hours!" Helcurt flees, his dark aura dissipating. Zhao was now able to see. He checked his wound, which wasn't really serious…
"Yun! Thank heavens, you're safe and sound," Estes breathed in relief. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm… fine…" Zhao witnesses the demons retreating, snarling back at the army. There were a lot more casualties on either side now…
Tigreal and Hayabusa come up at them. The warrior asked, "Zhao, did you talk to Moskov?"
"He's not willing to utter a letter, much less a word, but that's who he is, anyway…"
Hayabusa eyes the deep graze on Zhao's shoulder. "You need to get-"
"I know, Haya. Moskov nicked me."
Victor helped Yinsen up as they recovered from the tranquilizer. "You're lucky he missed, kid."
"Moskov never misses," Zhao contradicts.
Estes' eyebrows scrunched. "What do you mean?"
"If he did want to kill me, he'd aim for my legs."
ALERT! INCOMING TRAAA#o3u*KQQ 3kfhkn)977895728-=1—10
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"Testament… her name, the last of her kind, borne from thought, realized by divine steel, and she… I give unto you.
I bring not peace, but a sword, and you, my harbinger, impose such intervention from the cosmos to the forsaken ground…
I trust that you will fulfill my wish… my Testament.
Show them the truth."
END OF TRANSMISSION.