World Declaration (pt.5)

"Dragon Sword: Tyrant Blade!"

Orashiki's sword begins to overflow with the golden aura. His black hair dyed in a tinge of yellow at the tip and his eyes sparkled with golden electricity.

"Soul Chain."

And immediately, Sora casts his counter Spell. Soul Chain greatly reduces all Stats except for Accuracy. It's an effective high-level Debuff that most Mages possess in their arsenal when they complete their third hundred Level.

"Dragon's Technique: Overpowering Will!"

But, the Debuff was offset somewhat by Orashiki's own Buff. It decreases the Spell's effect and gives him an additional resistance to Mind-related Spells and Skills. He begins his assault, rushing in with a determined look on his face.

"Unholy Summoning, Ice Guardians."

A freezing air suddenly appeared and dropped the temperature way below zero. It unleashed a wave of cold air and fogged the surrounding, and after it faded did he see his opponents blocking his blade with shakiness.

"Great Enchantment: Fortification, Aura Resistant Protection, Enhance Protection Effects, Imbue Death.''

Several Buffs were casted on the pair of dark blue knights that leaked cold vapor from their empty eye sockets and mouth protection. A black mist wraps around them, and an even more imposing pair of figures are now shown.

"Now, let's dance."

"You mean hide behind a curtain?"

"That could work, I am a Magic Caster for a reason."

The two figures began to move, hands raised slowly into the air. As their fingers opened, frost began to gather and shape. It takes the form of a generic sword with a few unique features and carvings.

"Tch, come then, I shall show you the majesty of the First of the 12 Generals."

"Very well then."

The battle kicks into full gear.

...….

'I'm more expectant than I should be.'

Probably because this'll be the first time I'm facing someone other than my Monarchs, my nonexistent heart won't stop beating quickly. I watch my opponent closely, forming many countermeasures to ensure the best chances at absolute victory.

'He's a swordsman, with probably a lot of experience in his craft. He's also an Aura user, with a dedicated style of Swordsmanship. I'll need to probe it thoroughly for more effective countermeasures.'

For now, this is my current set of cards. I play things like how I'd play chess or cards, careful with a calculative and wary mind.

"Dragon Sword: Heavenly Posture."

"Oblivion Cage."

A wall of black comes up from the ground and swallows the targeted area, with my opponent inside of it too. That'll keep him long enough for me to activate my second phase.

"Spirit Call."

A green aura covers me from head to toe, and my eyes should change to a purple color. Spirit Call, my set-up card. I didn't plan to use the Ice Guardians as my long term pawns as they're only Level 300 and will probably be beaten in a flash if he uses a strong Skill that has AoE in his arsenal.

"I call upon the strongest warrior of the past generations, come and answer my call.''

[Spirit Call has attracted 4 respondents]

[Uruk Olen Al]

[Level: 378]

[Profession: Wild Magic Swordsman]

[Elfan Satila]

[Level: 377]

[Profession: Golden Swordsman]

[Kharan Shul]

[Level: 380]

[Profession: Unseen Desert Blade]

[Alan Uther Rulex]

[Level: 400(MAX)]

[Profession: Sword Saint Candidate]

'Oh?'

Amongst the four that I've attracted, the last one catches my eyes. A Sword Saint Candidate, with a MAX tag next to his Level.

'Sword Saint is a Title one can acquire after they've successfully broken through 500 Levels with at least 3 Swordsmanships completed or created and mastered.'

Though, my train of thoughts are cut off as the barrier comes breaking down. An overbearing aura exerts its dominance over me, but it's Status is still too weak to fully have any effects.

"Alan Uther Rulex…"

"??!!!"

I said that name out loud to see if there's any reactions, and there was one clear expression. It was from my opponent, and the expression on his face was that of clear shock and confusion.

Anyway, the principle of Spirit Call was that I can't make the targeted Spirit my slave or anything, unless I use some more forceful methods of course. All I can do is to negotiate, and hope for the best in most cases.

[Spirit Call has connected you with the selected Spirit currently residing within the After Life]

"...I summon thee back to the realm of the living, come to my side and battle once more.''

[How… Can I reach, the level of Sword Saint?]

"..."

A very unusual question to ask in a first conversation, no, it's an even weirder question to ask when it's the very first thing one says.

'Well, all dead people seem to have a few loose brain screws, it seems.'

"I may not be an expert, but I can give you a guide to become one. Join me, and this knowledge shall be yours.''

[The Spirit has accepted your Call]

'...Eh?'

It was surprisingly easy to persuade what's supposed to be a human hero, I think. A Sword Saint is usually set as a neutral to good Character, though if one influences some important events in their World then the Sword Saint may become Evil aligned.

'Maybe…'

A dark green Magic Eye appeared on the ground before me, and my opponent rushed forward to intercept. But, my Ice Guardians provided good CC to hold him in place just long enough in my calculations.

'Freezing Chains is a good enough CC to hold even Level 700 for a couple of seconds without them using any CC breaking abilities or Items.'

The maximum time for CC was 20 seconds, a very long and hellish time to be stuck doing nothing in a battle for life and death.

There are ways to mitigate the time a CC can affect you, and that's through either percentage reduction or flat reduction. Now, the percentage reduction is very interesting on how it functions. CC in WSO range from 10 seconds as the shortest high-level CC to a full 5 minutes or so with a specialized Build. Percentage reduction, instead of taking the full time as 100%, they take 10 seconds as 100%.

'It's a unique take on overcapping at least.'

Games have a Cap, either it being Protection to Damage. But WSO has none of that, and it made its identity as a World where Skill and a little bit of Luck can get you to the top with the speed of a shooting star.

Though, all of the Players now know it wasn't just those two aspects that're important. Strategy was also another necessary part in calculating who's better. And so the undisputable person was always me, and I get the cold treatment whenever there's an event.

'I'm treated more like an NPC or Raid Boss than a Player…'

Well, anyway, the Summoning is almost done. Orashiki was doing his best to break through my Ice Guardians, and is close to succeeding it seems.

''What are you doing?!"

"Showing you a Magic Trick, I guess. It's on its way, don't be hasty."

"Alan…"

'The Demonic Slaughter Sword Saint?!'

I read the torrent of emotions flashing through Orashiki's face, and most of it was of fear. It seems like this person, Alan Uther Rulex, is some kind of bad guy in the settings of this World or something.

[Spirit Call has been completed]

A spectral green orb floats in the air above the Magic Eye. I called out for its name

"Alan Uther Rulex."

"..."

It doesn't respond, and far away I could hear the whispers and quiet chatter of my captives.

''Oi oi… is that, who I think it is?"

"No way…"

"He's…"

Shocked and awe, that's the general vibes I'm getting from them. But, aside from that, I could also detect the same emotion Orashiki's feeling.

'Fear…'

Finally, after what seems to be an eternity of waiting, the green Soul turns reddish and materializes in humanoid form. Long hair, with a slender frame. It looked like a woman's figure if they hadn't heard his voice.

"..."

"..."

Quiet. It was nicely quiet and peaceful for my taste, with a draft of wind blowing through the battlefield.

The Soul turned his face to me, and the materialization stopped as a completed, beautiful and handsome face was now looking at me.

''Give me… the secret.''

"A deal is in order first, we're not barbarians. I summon you for a purpose, kill him and give me his head."

I pointed my boney finger at Orashiki. The Soul turns to his given objective, and a nod follows after.

"Sword…"

"Of course, I wouldn't want to hinder you."

Spirit Call only summons a Spirit from the Afterlife, but they come empty-handed. So, to fully utilize the Spell, one would need a range of suitable weapons in their Inventory to put the Spirit to use. Or, if you're short staffed, you can summon a Spirit specialized in whatever field you need to your aid.

"Here, a personal favorite that'll suit your taste.''

I grabbed from my Inventory a sheathed and cloth-covered greatsword. The cloth had numerous inscriptions and ancient-looking writing all over.

[You have Equipped the Cursed Oni Greatsword]

[The Malice of Great Lord Oni, Katakirai Omoshira, is invading the air]

'Yooouuuuu!'

A booming, furious voice was projected into my mind. But, I just tossed the greatsword forward to the Soul.

"Tame him, and he'll be yours to use in battle.''

The Soul catches the sword, and his body shifts massively in appearance. It was more red, almost to a blackened color, until I casted a Spell to suppress emotions on the cursed greatsword.

"Easy there, Omoshira. I know you've been wronged, but today is the promised day. Rejoice, for you shall bathe in the spirit of Battle once more."

'"..."'

A merged being, Soul with Soul, and it looks like they're stabilizing as their color slowly settles to a darkened crimson one. I look past the being, to the losing battle between the Ice Guardians, and a very wary-looking Orashiki.

""Finally, you decided to give me my freedom.""

"Give the controls to my Spirit, it is him who I want to see fight, not you, tool."

"''...Fine."''

Omoshira knows well not to disobey my orders, though he can let his emotions take hold of him sometimes, he doesn't outright defy me or tries to take over my body without my command.

""Our deal will be honored.""

"Good, I hope so.''

In truth, if I could somehow make this Spirit a Contracted one, then I can get him to give me more information about this World back in its past. Some might say that this is unnecessary and would probably call it a waste of time, but it would give me more of an estimate to how far this World has progressed in terms of World Level.

'A review on the past coupled with the present's strongest pinnacle, it'll show if this World has progressed meaningfully or has regressed significantly or not.'

I watch as the Ice Guardians crumble to white mist and snow flakes. But, now I have a better card to use against the Human's supposed strongest. I make my eyes gleam brighter, as my excitement is reaching its peak.

""Come, I will cleave you in half, and gain the knowledge to finally break through to the Other Side. To finally become, a Sword Saint.""

A blackish fog spewed from between the cloth. A cackle came from somewhere, and a pair of horns came sprouting out from his forehead. His Soul is not human anymore.

""Dauntless Swordsmanship: Speed.""

...…

A flurry of sword aura slashes came at Orashiki without pause. The blackened and reddish, very fatal aura slashes graze Orashiki's armor just a little, and the place corroded quickly like it was put on timelapse.

""Dauntless Swordsmanship: Strength."''

Dauntless Swordsmanship, a type of Stance Swordsmanship that amplifies or gives certain bonuses like Stats or Damage Bonuses. There are five known Stances that the people have seen and recorded down on paper or spread from mouth to mouth.

Speed, the Stance that most combatants will see him using.

He holds the sword in a reverse posture, and he frequently dashes around the surroundings, becoming more like a blur as the seconds go by. He reaches a top speed of being able to be at two places at once. His strikes are fast, with most of them being ordinary swings and slashes and is very telegraphed by him approaching you. But, with his speed that continues to climb during battle, you'll have a hard time blocking much less dealing damage back.

Strength, the Stance that only a few selected individuals get to see him use during battle. It is usually at the end, where Death is ensured.

He holds the sword with both hands, his center lowered, and he begins charging up his infamous Aura that's able to cut through an entire mountain or so. The Aura also renders any movement Skill to be ineffective while it's charging, and makes anything within 2km feel at least 10 times heavier and 25-27 times heavier at most. It is a deadly Stance that makes the chances of Death skyrocket.

Dexterity, the Stance that he uses to spar against worthy friends in arms.

He holds the sword in the same position as Strength, but he doesn't lower his center. In it, he's relaxed and composed, but to the opponent it was like they're being dissected down to their last atoms. A chill goes down their spine at every moment, and their muscles are always tense. Their throat felt numb, as did their joints. It's a counter focus Stance, made to respond to aggression.

Fortress, a pure defensive Stance that, while in it, Alan doesn't move an inch away from his spot.

He holds the sword sideways, with his hand on both ends of his sword. It focuses on blocking, and the Aura exerted while in the Stance also changes to a sort of Hardening rather than enhancing Sharpness.

And finally, Brilliance, the name of the final Stance Alan took before his life ended in the mortal realm. None have a descriptive analysis on Brilliance, but the one who fought and claimed his life only said one thing. 'It was the most beautiful form of inflicting pain one could achieve'.

Now, there are specialized Skills in Dauntless Swordsmanship, but it wouldn't be fun if 'I' just spilled everything in an analysis. So, I'll let time tell the story.

"Kuh?!!"

Orashiki tries to block it, or more like diverging it from hitting his body to find a gap. But, it was too hard due to the cloth that seems to have high friction. It scrapes and dull the blade considerably, and by now it was no more than a beating stick that's able to make a small cut at best. And the power behind the strike, it felt like an entire mountain had fallen on him.

He falls to one knee, gritting his teeth in pain as his entire body shudders to support the weight. Still, in such a situation, his eyes were defiant and determined. A fiery will, one that made even Alan admire a little bit.

""Ohohoh, you certainly reminds me of… her.""

Dreaded memories, even unto Death he finds no closure. But, now it's different. It'll be different. It must be different.

'I must attain… the Secret.'

An insurmountable wall, one that he had tried for centuries to pass through. But, like a cruel joke by the Gods themselves, his effort was stopped at the last second. Brilliance, his ultimate Stance, was the first step to attain his Sword Saint title.

""Dauntless Swordsmanship: Splitting Sky!""

Alan releases a shockwave of Aura to push his opponent away, and with more space to work with he spun and leapt up in the air. The greatsword was overcharged with Aura as it vibrated the air around it, heating the entire atmosphere around him. Yet again, Orashiki could feel his death approaching. Sweat was constantly flowing down like a river, and some even got into his eyes but he didn't dare to close them.

Bloodshot eyes, veins popping and throbbing all over his body, yet still he looked elegant and majestic as he battled. Most of it was due to his charming face, and long hair that he moves to not be an inconvenience in battle. It made for a spectacular performance, worthy to be on stage even.

'I can't do it again.'

His hands, no, his entire body was now almost numb. It was pushed over and almost to the very heavens itself he felt. No muscles, no nerves, not even small amounts of pain could be felt. He was sure there's a few broken bones or something sprained, but his muscles now were so tight that it probably will be fine as long as he keeps up this dangerously life-threatening momentum.

'Now!'

He dodges at the last second, the strike grazing his left cheek and thrashing his clothes bit by bit apart. The strike hits the ground, exploding and reducing it to a dust cloud. The force pushed Orashiki off balance a little, but it wasn't a fatal mistake as his opponent was currently struggling for a second to take out his sword.

'Evade!'

Even if it was an opportune moment to strike, he didn't take the risk of ending his life. His opponent was the infamous Demonic Slaughtering Sword Saint, a man who was said to have ended many legendary figures in his lifetime.

For reference, a Legend at Alan's time was comparable to a Player in their late 200s to early and mid 300s at best. To get into specifics, they have access to the Specialized realm of their Build. Able to level small mountains, evaporate or completely destroy large bodies of water. It is the mark where they're able to roam to Free Worlds without much worries unless it's one guarded by certain NPCs.

""Oh? A nice judgement.""

Alan was surprised that his opponent didn't get greedy to get a hit in. His situation was desperate, as most of the hits were always coming from Alan. At this rate, Orashiki was in a losing battle.

'Is it… a last stand?'

Alan ponders the possibilities, but looking at the still determined gaze, he didn't consider it as the most likeliest. Possibly, and this is just his theory, Alan shifts his gaze over at the earthbound group.

'They don't seem to be plotting something.'

In the brief inspection, Alan couldn't find anything suspicious or out of place. No Spells, no Skills, nothing is being done.

'What is this…?'

He was puzzled, strangely anxious.

""Dauntless Swordsmanship: Dexterity.""

He switches to a defensive stance. It was to prepare for whatever's coming next.

"..."

Meanwhile, Sora was watching with a dull, bored look.

...….

'I know sword fights are flashy and all, but this is just ridiculous.'

There was no development. I can see that Orashiki is losing, but the speed at which he's losing is too slow, a snail's pace.

'I think it wasn't such a good idea to do this move so early…'

I was forced to sit on the sidelines, unable to do anything for the time being. It gets boring, and after a while I found myself just slightly dozing off even though I'm Undead. My mind was getting weaker, duller as the minutes and hours went by. I can feel it.

'It won't be long before I make a fatal mistake.'

And perhaps that's what I need. Perhaps that is what will set me back to my course.

'Whatever the future holds, whatever misfortune is to befall me in order to fix me, I'll make sure it'll be controlled.'

That reminds me, the fall of the Elven Kingdom. The High Elf prophesied it to happen in the future, but doesn't specifically tell the time at which it'll happen. Maybe now, or even a million years forward to the future.

'Well, if it'll be just that, then it'll be no problem.'

I didn't care much for anything other than what I've built or conquered. Even if she is my friend, I won't hesitate to throw her into any dark pits of unknown for my direct benefit.

'...Cold hearted bastard.'

I guess habits die hard, it seems.

...

"Orraaaa!"

Orashiki moves forward with bravado. He swings his sword diagonally down, but is blocked by Alan and thrown away uselessly. It was a pathetic attempt in the trained eyes of swordsmen, but one that has a purpose to it.

'I need more time.'

He surmised that this summoning won't last long. He was familiar with Summoning Magic, a tier 7 and above that's only able to be casted by the Arch Mages. He reads that Summoning Magic is able to connect through Worlds, creating a branch for someone or something to pass through. But, it has a time limit.

'Anything that's summoned cannot be sustained in this World for long.'

That's also how Summoning Magic in WSO functions. Unless it's the 10th tier Spell, Grand World Summoning, the summoned entity won't stay for long. So, the Builds that utilize this archetype are very few and extremely limited in their capabilities. Most just grow an NPC with this type of Build, or create or find an Item that has this Spell in it.

'I just need time.'

In truth, Spirit Call can only sustain the Summoned Spirit for 5 minutes. But, with Sora's Necromancer Build, he's able to extend that duration for an extra 15 minutes, making it 20 whole minutes.

'They also need more time…'

Orashiki briefly takes a glance at his comrades. He knows that they want to die in battle, valiantly protecting and maybe even defeating the Lich in front of them for the sake of Humanity. But, it is not time.

'I can't let them die here.'

He was the commander, the top of them all. He's kind, compassionate, and at this time selfless. He doesn't want fame, nor recognition. He's here on a mission to fulfill.

'A calamity of Dark, Death, and Despair. One that can only be stopped by the Love of someone dear. To erase and make peace, the calamity must be seduced and be kept caged.'

That was a shortened version of the Prophecy of Ancient Dark. One that originated from the Eastern Lands that speaks of the entrance to an approaching Dark Age.

"Arrrgghhh!!"

He continues his struggle, positioning himself where he's in front of his group most of the time. He blocks and exchanges blows with Alan, which comes at the cost of his body further deteriorating. He could feel blood rising, and at the 78th exchange, he coughed out a mouthful of blood onto the floor.

"Kaug, augh… hah…"

He spits the rest of the blood out from his mouth, and wipes it away with his hand. He smiles, almost like he's enjoying it.

"Tell me, Orashiki."

And suddenly, a change in atmosphere was felt as Sora spoke once more. His voice, spreading an odd Aura.

"Do you… have any lingering attachment to this World? Any unfulfilled desires, dreams unaccomplished, aspirations not yet finished?"

"...No, my heart is set to this moment. No matter what, I shall stand strong and sturdy."

"Is that so, huh?"

The weird Aura once again dug at Orashiki's skin. He feels more itchy for some reason, but his focus was only on Sora who's speaking. Alan didn't seem to have any intention to move, and his form looks a little out of color now.

"Then, I will say one thing. Stand tall, strong, because this is the last push."

A dark vortex consumes the spectral body of Alan, who was taken off guard by this.

""Wha?!!""

"Necromancy Secret Technique: Assimilation of Souls."

An exclusive Skill belonging to the secret Class, Soul Contractor. It is only unlockable after one had raised and brought under at least 100 Epic to Legendary Souls, be it animal or sentient.

""You!!!""

"Our deal will be honored, do not worry."

Alan let out a scream as the dark vortex consumed him completely, moving to Sora and giving him the knowledge and Skills that Alan had accumulated through his lifetime. His form had also changed, from his clothes to his current Equipment. He stores his Guardian Spirit Trinity Staff and arms himself with the Cursed Oni Greatsword, unwrapping the bandage that he previously restrained it with.

[The Cursed Oni Greatsword has been released from the effects of Holy Seal Paper]

[All suppressed Stats have been released to their full potential]

[The Cursed Spirit Katakirai Omoshira has been released to his full potential, full benefits has been unlocked]

"Kuhahahahaha!!"

A sadistic, thrilled, and maniacal laughter resounded through the air. It caused chills to come down Orashiki's back and cold sweat to overflow from his forehead.

[You have absorbed the Legendary Soul, Alan Uther Rulex]

[All Skills has been successfully learned]

[A Special Skill has been detected]

[A Special Attribute has been detected]

[Attempting to Absorb]

[...Absorption successful]

[Dauntless Swordsmanship has been learned]

[Your Soul's Fortitude has been enhanced by the Attribute Heart Sword]

'Oh, not bad. Heart Sword.'

A Soul has four properties. Strength, Vitality, Fortitude and Magi. Strength decides whether or not you will make it through a Reincarnation Cycle, as well as Vitality since it'll act as fuel for the travel.

Fortitude and Magi, on the other hand, are two unique properties that stay the same since birth. The only way to increase it, is through the assimilation or absorption of Souls. Fortitude dictates whether or not you're vulnerable to Soul Skills, and Magi dictates how fast Mana is converted to its Pure state.

"Ahhh, it's such a nice feeling using this Skill."

The dark vortex disperse and scatters violently. The barrier that blocks the sky and cages them inside also disappears.

"In darkest Night, and brightest Dawn. I shall seek and snuff all that breathes and lives. My Will burns eternal, until all I seek is dead. That is my Undeath Pledge."

I casted my Buff, Undeath Pledge, which requires an audible chant to it in order to activate. A dark cape flows down from my shoulders, and my Death Aura's potency multiplies by three times. All Stats are triple increased and all Necromancy Skills have their effects Buffed by 70%.

'Oops.'

A slight miscalculation, Undeath Pledge was at its maximum since all of his power sealing Items are useless against Undeath Pledge's effect.

'Well, it'll make the final battle more spectacular if he survives.'

Sora is now clothed in heavy full-body armor resembling medieval knights. The giant black greatsword in his hand glowed bright red with cracks on its surface, radiating intense heat and pressure to the surroundings.

''Come, Orashiki Jingen. I, Sora Kuroka, will battle you with all my might as a Swordsman."

And just then, a voice unheard of since the beginning of the World, resounded once more to declare the battle leading to the beginning of a new Dark Age.

[Death has emerged from his wake]

.....

"Hmm…"

In a battlefield of dark, a lone figure protecting his master stands valiantly before the God of Death's previous form. His ragged breath was evidence to his fatigue, and his shabby form is proof for his dedication as a Shield.

"It seems, that I underestimated you two fairly too much.''

Saurosh Koravek Solomon raises his left hand into the air and aims at the tower shield, specifically aiming for the person behind it.

"Death's Grasp."

But, instead of the expected outcome, the projection was broken and shattered to a million pieces.

"An… unexpected outcome. Purchasing an Instant Death negation Item, how very… interesting.''

A bot of the real God of Death, programmed to be more docile and passive than outright manipulative and aggressive in battle. He takes time winding up actions, and always takes a second or two to register information. He makes actions based on present and past events of the battle, not preparing for the future. A flawed, yet still powerful opponent due to the Instant Death Build and Health-based Necromancy Spell selection.

"But, no matter. Your Death will be here, along with so many others that have tried and died."

"No… this will be my victory."

Suddenly, out of pure stupidity or bravery, the figure jumps up from behind the tower shield. The slender, beautiful woman notches an arrow and pulls it back, releasing it after she closes her eyes.

'Visualize…'

The arrow, almost affected by Magic, flew through the air and avoided the black projectiles going in to intercept. The eyes of the bot began to widen, as the arrow aimed at his heart.

"Black War-"

"Unholy Roar!"

A booming voice and a strong red Aura launched out and caught the attention of the bot for a split second. And so, that was the final component to finally clear this Challenge.

[Impressive, truly impressive]

A voice recording plays. It was Sora's voice, congratulating the victors of the Training. The two's faces were weary, but they still looked up with a satisfied expression. Their hard work paid off.

"We did it, Emily."

"Yeah…"

[You have beaten the hardest challenge the Training has to offer. This proves that you're above the mediocre, and as such is exempted from doing the Grave of Forgotten Heroes and acquiring the One-time Travel Rune as an additional Reward. Use it wisely, and I hope your experience here becomes memorable for eternity.]

A golden orb appears and descends down, stopping in front of the elf. She reaches out and takes the orb into her hand. Then, it dematerializes and a piece of rock with an intricate carving appears in her palm.

"That's the Item. Now we can go to whichever floor you want."

"8 floors…"

She looks at the Item with a smile, and thinks to herself that it's finally time. A promise needs to be upheld, and she's been taking a little too long now.

'Wait for me just a bit more, please.'

She grasped the Item tightly.

...…

"You're back, long time no see. It's been, what, at least 5 days?"

"Time's meaningless here, Ghe. I've finished collecting the Bone Frags for you, so this'll be the last time we'll see each other."

"Oh, really now?"

A scarred face, slightly bearded elf makes his entrance on Ghe, the Bone Smith. He tosses forward a leather bag that spills out sparkling pieces of bones. Ghe looks at it, and then turns to the elf with an inquisitive expression on her rotting face.

"Well, I guess this is where we say goodbye. It's a pleasure to have your helping hand, I hope you have a fair journey."

"No no, I should be thanking you. I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for you helping me at my darkest moments."

"Khahahah, sure, I guess so. Now, leave quickly. You must be sick of staying in this dark and narrow living space now."

"Of course, then I hope… someday I'll get to see you again."

"Don't bet on it, elf."

Ghe looks away and moves to retrieve the bag of bones on the floor. The elf turns his back to her, and leaves without another word. It's time he tackled the massive warning space that'd caught his eyes ever since he opened the map. But, he didn't need it anymore. It's useless now.

He drops the piece of parchment on the floor on his way out, and Ghe looks at it with melancholic eyes. She stops to look at the back of her benefactor, and smiles gently that looked somewhat beautiful.

'Good luck, Challenger.'

He disappears, leaving a silence that has been there since forever.

...

'This voice… Mother?'

A slumbering beauty finally gains consciousness from her sleep. The First Lightbringer, and closest to ARCEUS in the creation process of this World, opened her eyes from the familiar voice.

'This can't be…'

A six-winged figure clothed in white trembled within her room that looked like an office space more than anything.

'Ohohoho?'

A dark, charcoal-skinned young man with long matte black hair sat smiling as he looked at the distorted crystal in front of him. It showed the scenery of the Beginning of the Dark Age, the battle between a Lich and a Human.

...…..

"Brothers, did you hear that?"

"Mother… She's still with us. But, what was that she spoke of…?"

"I don't like this… feeling."

Three large figures inside a starry world seem shaken and uncertain. They gather here in short notice, and the short breaths show that.

...….

'The fuck was that?'

Inside a cloudy realm, standing amongst the numerous white clouds was a man with a very strong, tall, muscular build. Red hair and entirely white eyes, he looked confused as he stared up to the Sky that's devoid of anything other than the Universe.

'I wonder… this feeling, is this fear?'

And while that's happening, down at the Mortal Realm of the Eastern Lands, a man living inside a small house in the middle of nowhere suddenly opens his eyes.

'This feeling…'

He grabs a sheathed sword beside him. It has a set of words on the scabbard that reads 'Pinnacle of Skill'. He stands up, as a sense of fear dwells within him.

And yet again, down below in a separate realm entirely, a majestic jade Dragon opened its golden amber reptile eyes. It moved its head upward, to the Sky that's devoid of anything other than a clear view of the Universe.

'This… Death.'

All have received her Message that echoed through the World. And all could feel the faint, dreadful feeling of Death.