Un-Phased

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Arch Castania

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I'm nervous.

Is it really a good idea to trust Origin Guild? These slimy bastards terrorized my friend and incited this whole war, and on what grounds? There is no reason to have done this, nothing to gain but self satisfaction.

A peace treaty with the same people that can manipulate thoughts and personalities? Moreover, there is no telling what kind of trap they van set up... I just hope that sugar doesn't get hurt while I'm gone...

I fiddle with my wedding ring, if negotiations go bad then they will have my back. All of my friends, and even Cobalt now... they all believe in me, and that's what will drive me forward.

Only a little bit further, while I'm not exactly alone it would sure be nice to have someone to joke around with... Edo's allies don't have the same sense of humor I do unfortunately.

The air smells heavily of sulfur and ash, no different than the air I've been breathing in since this war started but I got immediately used to the clean air brought from Cobalt's device. Continuing on, there isn't any grass here for miles... black ash and soot, it nearly stains my metal boots.

" Arch "

From an unknown source came a booming voice, it was far away and yet held a significant power.

I stated plainly " Yes. I am Arch. " and without much other movement I ready myself for whatever may come.

The voice grew louder " The Dual MagiSword Master himself here to sign a treaty, what a gift. " this is a trap... nobody just says that.

" Don't expect a gift, " I said with a rough tone, " you will hear our demands and nothing more. "

" Don't be so Arrogant...Swordsman. "

- " Shut it. Where are your representatives. "

" A trap doesn't need representatives. "

I knew it... damnable bast-

* CLANG *

In an instant, a large metallic disc collided against my hand, if not for my reactions I would of been wounded at least... I cast my gaze in the direction it came from, yet I saw nothing but the empty plains and the other representatives.

Something is... off. I mean, despite the whole metal disc thing... they other representatives don't seem to be moving naturally... rather ... like puppets.

The Disc finally rang unto the floor, buried slightly after my stalwart parry sent it straight into the ground. More and more I'm confused... where is my enemy? There is nothing here for miles...

I quickly turn as I hear the unsheathing of a blade, almost mechanically one of the two representatives with me seems to brandish his weapon towards me...

I spit into the ground and conjure up my swords, despite being able to use my hands in combat I don't want to give them an advantage. I can only assume these people are being controlled by Origin. No mercy, they will understand right?

I hope so.

| Event Created: Survive |

| Origin forces will be attempting to capture you for the next 12 minutes, estimated opponents 56039, survive until Cobalt arrives. |

Heh. You kiddin'? I won't even break a sweat. Come at me... Origin.

...

Enemies came lunging, without remark the swordsman drove his blades through the two by his side. The translucent blades made a bad joke out of the weapons brandished, and like a bad joke the weapons fell flat. Carving through the air was Arch, without second thought he rendered the flesh around him.

Foes appeared out of nowhere, through warping or through stealth it didn't matter... in moments the opponents we slashed as an amber smoke hovered around the swordsman. Every strike made was precise, not brutal, quick, not heavy.

It was only when the bulk of enemies surrounded him did Arch ever sustain any form of damage, a large gash on his back. However the swordsman kept carving through the enemy hordes of Players and NPCs with many lacerations comparable only to whirlwind of steel.

Of course, it wasn't steel that cut through the ever growing army... it was an energy sharpened to the point it could cut through any solid material, Arch didn't know what energy he sliced with but he did know it sliced well. Mana, Ether, Spirit, Soul... it was nothing to him, just numbers that fueled his desire. His desire to push through against all odds, would this unsurmountable mountain of enemies quench his thirst for battle?

No. Even if he tried his hardest there was no way he could kill that many people in that short amount of time... Arch pondered how they got this many numbers but was immediately cut of with another wound... this time a scraping puncture, he was hit with a whip of some sort... he would need to focus harder. They held no candle to Arch, his stats and skill were dimply too high, but numbers was another case... at this point Arch was a Raid Boss.

If... he... didn't already have the title of Final Boss, surely Arch would fulfil such qualifications. It was 1 vs All, and Arch was loving every bit of it... one could say his true nature was a battle junkie but that would be an understatement.

Valor.

Strength.

Speed.

...

Arch was in fact, a Hero.