the use of duplicates (chapter 17)

Chapter 17

Amidst the tumultuous scene, where lifeless grotesque forms littered the ground like grotesque sculptures, arcs of lightning crackled and leapt from one creature to another. Ethereal blades, slicing through the air, carried the promise of swift destruction. In this maelstrom of battle, the scene held an almost surreal quality, the flickering light casting eerie shadows that danced across the scene.

Two iterations of Cain moved in orchestrated chaos, their purpose clear. One of them unleashed a relentless barrage of Arc spells, the crackling energy tearing through the encroaching creatures. "Good thing I upgraded you from 30 seconds to a whole minute," remarked Cain to his duplicate, a faint smile tugging at his lips amid the chaos. A wry response came from the duplicate, continuing the exchange amidst the onslaught. "You're welcome," it retorted, matching the energy of its creator.

Cain's ethereal blades weaved a deadly dance, their glow a stark contrast to the grim surroundings. However, a powerful blow disrupted the rhythm. The creatures' monstrous leader slammed against the protective barrier, the force causing fractures to spider-web across its surface before shattering. Reacting with split-second decision-making, the duplicate shifted its focus, unleashing a torrent of Arcane Blades that shredded through the approaching horde.

"Funny, I'd do something like this when I had a mana surplus," Cain mused aloud, his voice carrying a mix of marvel and bewilderment, even amid the chaos. His actions and words echoed with an undercurrent of amazement as he vaulted over a creature, evading an attack with a graceful twist of his body. Yet, danger persisted. A meaty and spiky appendage crashed down beside him, unleashing a shockwave that sent him careening sideways. The sheer impact was enough to disrupt his momentum, forcing an unplanned deviation.

As his ethereal blade cleaved through the offending appendage, the duplicate's voice sounded with urgency. "Hey, I'm dissipating!" it warned, revealing the inherent limitations of its existence. Yet, Cain's rejoinder was quick, laced with assurance and a touch of humor. "Don't worry, I've got nine more mana," he replied, his laughter blending seamlessly into the tumultuous backdrop.

Before the duplicate's utterance could fully form, another of its kind shimmered into existence, the incantation's execution swift and fluid. The replicated sphere collapsed as the new duplicate joined the fray. "Keep the big ugly one occupied," Cain instructed, the words a roadmap to their strategy. This strategic engagement allowed him to focus on the smaller assailants first, optimizing his efforts for leveling up and then diverting his attention to the formidable adversary.

In the midst of the frantic clash, the room reverberated with the cacophony of battle. Each swipe of Cain's ethereal blades was met with the wet thud of creature flesh and the clatter of debris. The air was thick with tension, laced with the metallic tang of blood and the earthy scent of churned soil.

Cain's breaths came in ragged bursts, punctuating the symphony of combat. Sweat trickled down his forehead, mixing with the dirt to create gritty streaks on his skin. Adrenaline surged through his veins, heightening his senses to the world around him.

The smaller monstrous creatures were a relentless swarm, their jagged cries slicing through the air like serrated blades. Their movements were frenetic and unpredictable, their bodies a grotesque tangle of limbs and gnashing teeth. Cain's ethereal blades arced through the chaos, cutting down these assailants with a brutal efficiency.

Amidst the chaos, the duplicate was a whirlwind of motion as it engaged the colossal creature. The ground shuddered with each of its monstrous blows, sending tremors that rippled outward. The duplicate's evasive maneuvers were a dance of survival, every twist and turn a desperate bid to outmaneuver the creature's onslaught.

Around them, the enviroment bore the scars of their battle. Crumbling stone, destroyed trees and shattered debris littered the ground, providing both cover and obstacles in their fierce dance. Each strike of the ethereal blades created a shower of sparks, illuminating the shadowed corners and casting a flickering glow on the chaos.

Minutes dragged on, marked by the ebb and flow of the conflict. Cain's breaths became a rhythmic backdrop to the clash, his muscles protesting with the strain of prolonged exertion. But determination burned bright in his eyes, propelling him to push forward even as fatigue gnawed at his edges.

And then, a final, calculated move from the duplicate shifted the tide. It weaved through the creature's strikes, a blur of motion and purpose. Arcane blades materialized in rapid succession, carving luminous paths through the air. The creature bellowed in anguish, its form faltering under the unrelenting assault.

As the duplicate's time waned, Cain's own movements shifted seamlessly. He lunged forward, ethereal blades blazing, seizing the opportunity to strike. His heart pounded in his chest, matching the rhythm of his blades as they met creature flesh. But with every swing, his own fatigue weighed heavier, the burn in his muscles a testament to the brutality of their engagement.