End of St. Meishi Pt. III

We all ran up the seemingly endless set of stairs within the castle, aiming to reach the top. The silvery white walls of the castle seemed like a blur as we rushed forward, the amount of steps we've taken seemingly endless and insurmountable but we pushed forward.

Reaching another floor, we noticed we were at a dead end, but I noticed a crack in within the space in front of us. It looked like a blocked off wormhole, waiting to be opened. I stepped forward, using my Spatial Manipulation to try and open the wormhole, but it only opened slightly as I wasn't strong enough to open one of Nagini's Realms.

"It seems like you all finally made it, Zodiac Knights," A woman's voice called out to each of us, her words echoing around the room.

"It's Dr. Noxius," Heifer said, searching around for Nagini.

"You won't find me near you as I am at the top of the castle. Vinson has sealed off my Realms leading up to us. If you want to open them, you need to find my Cross, Basilisk's Infinity. It's been deployed outside the castle in the courtyard," Nagini informed, her tone a mix of her usual cool and analytical voice.

"It's what I used to deploy those Realms so you all can reach this castle. Since you're already at the castle, you can undeploy the Cross and close off the other rifts. August, I need you to take two others to collect my cross with you. Only you can wield my prized possession as I trust you the most," Nagini added.

I nodded then looked at my current team, choosing to take Maliz and Lily with me. "Maliz, Lily, let's go. Let's head out to the courtyard."

Lily nodded then hurried over toward me. Maliz smirked and nodded, walking over to me as well. The three of us hurried off down the flight of stairs to go outside to the courtyard together.

"The rest of you can sit tight and rest while he and his chosen team retrieves my Cross. August, be careful out there. Since this is Old Exzodia and we are at the Castle, there is an enemy roaming around named the Zodiac Killer," Nagini said, warning me specifically about the presence of the Zodiac Killer.

"Zodiac Killer? Nagini, if you can hear me, what is this Zodiac Killer?" I asked as I rushed down the stairs.

"I can hear you, my Lab Rat, I just can not see you. To answer your question, The Zodiac Killer is a Knight who managed to kill the Original Zodiac Champions due to the influence of Cetus and the Fallen Legends. His purpose is to kill every Zodiac and destroy their Temples. It is suspected that the Zodiac Killer is a Fallen Legend himself as well," Nagini answered.

"Sounds strong..~ A Fallen Legend you say?~ Mmmn, I can tell we're in for a massive treat," Maliz chuckled darkly, biting her lip from the excitement she felt to encounter the Zodiac Killer.

"If he's out there, he's for sure going to target me and August. Dr. Noxius, do you you know of his weaknesses? Anything we can exploit from him?" Lily asked, running out of the castle behind me and Maliz and making her way to the courtyard with us.

"I've never personally encountered the Zodiac Killer, so I don't know truly. I do know he can mimic the powers of any Zodiac he faces off against, so it's best you all be careful. I believe in you all, so I know you'll be able to deal with him if he shows." Nagini answered, her voice tinged with confidence in us.

"Thank you, Nagini. We made it to the courtyard. I'll let you know when we have successfully found and retrieved you Cross," I said, stopping in my tracks and looking around for Nagini's Cross.

"Alright, my Lab Rat. I'll give you a hint. Look for a green pillar of light. Let me know when you've gotten my Cross," Nagini said, her voice now fading into the air.

I looked around the area with Maliz and Lily, searching for the green pillar of light. Maliz spotted it and pointed in the direction with her staff, highlighting the direction we needed to go in. With our best foots first, we began making our way to retrieve Nagini's weapon.

As we hurried to the pillar of light, I sensed a presence near us, watching us, stalking us as we ran to our destination. I looked around, but found no one around yet my skin crawled as I felt the presence. Lily noticed my alertness, falling back into a light jog beside me.

"August..? Is everything alright?" Lily asked, her tone curious and concerned.

I closed my eyes and exhaled softly, glancing at Lily and smiling at her. "Yeah, just looking around to make sure we don't get ambushed. Better safe than sorry y'know."

Lily smiled at me, nodding her head. "I get you. I was just making sure you were okay. I've never seen you so alert before."

I nodded, a reassuring smile stretching across my lips. "Thank you, Lily, but I'm alright. I promise. Let's hurry and get that Cross. Everyone is waiting for us."

Maliz watched how I interacted with Lily and hummed thoughtfully, a soft dark giggle escaping her lips. She hurried behind us, facing forward and noticed the Cross appearing in the distance. "There it is. We are getting close..~"

The three of us hurried to the cross and finally made it to the destination. I walked toward the cross, admiring its design. It didn't look like your typical Cross Weapon like Lily's Zodiac Weapon.

The Basilisk's Infinity had a complex and aggressive design with sharp, angular lines. The body had a striking green glow, indicating some form of energy or power source within it. The sides and guard were curved upwards and intricately designed with metallic and gold accents, providing both protection and aesthetic appeal.

"Here it is...Now to undeploy it and take it to the castle," I said, grabbing the Cross and undeploying it.

As soon as I picked it up, the green pillar of light disappeared, every rift and wormhole outside closing and offering a no looking back feel. We were now stuck at the castle until we killed Vinson.

"Alright~ Now all we have to do is take it back to Nagini and stop your Headmaster~" Maliz said, a sickening sweet smile curling on her lips as she looked at me.

I nodded, sensing the presence now very close by. I noticed a figure appeared behind Maliz, slashing down at her then rushed straight into action, swiftly pulling her away from the attack by her waist and looked at the attacker.

Maliz was a bit surprised then looked up at me, placing her hand on my cheek, caressing my cheek and hummed with an alluring tone. "My hero..~"

I blushed a bit then took her hand from my face. "Save it for after we take down the enemy in front of us. We are likely in the presence of the Zodiac Killer.."

The figure in front of us presented a formidable and ominous figure, embodying elements of darkness and strength. They were clad in a full suit of intricately designed armor that appeared almost organic, as if it were forged from shadows and metal. The armor was adorned with jagged, angular patterns and spikes, giving it a menacing and aggressive look. The Knight's face was completely obscured by a helm that had a sharp, triangular visor, adding to the aura of mystery and fear.

The armor was not only protective but also decorative, with elaborate details that suggest a high rank and special significance. The color palette was predominantly dark, with shades of gray, black, and hints of gold and silver, enhancing the Knight's intimidating presence.

The Knight wielded a massive sword that crackles with energy, imbued with magical properties. The blade was large and appeared to be heavy, showing they had immense strength. Chains were wrapped around parts of the armor, adding to the rugged and battle-worn appearance.

"The Zodiac Killer..." Lily gasped, taking a step back and sensing immense dark energy coming from their armor.

The Zodiac Killer pointed their sword at us, a low hum escaping their helm. The began to speak in a deep, menacing tone. "Zodiac Knights...you all must be eliminated. I will cleanse this world from further war by eliminating all Zodiacs. The Zodiac War will come to an end...and Cetus will save Earth."

Maliz looked at the Knight, adjusting herself in my arms to stand up straight. "Cetus..? Save Earth? Ha! That man wouldn't know the meaning of save even if it hit him in the face. The fact you're so brainwashed that you can't see that destroying Zodiacs will not only destroy the barrier around Earth but also destroy Earth itself is insane."

"I thought you Fallen Legends wanted to destroy us..." I mumbled to Maliz only enough for her to hear, looking down at her.

"Tch...not all of us are that stupid. I know the difference between wanting to dominate and rule compared to just wanting to destroy and kill... I'm not out here destroying everything I see like the Zodiac Killer," Maliz mumbled back, looking up at me.

The Knight scoffed at Maliz, pointing his sword at her. "A Fallen Legend betraying her purpose? Cetus will be disappointed."

"A Fallen Legend? Those who fell from Grace because of them committing an unforgivable evil?" Lily asked, glancing quickly at Maliz.

"Hmph! Let's clear one thing up, me nor my sister are TRUE Fallen Legends. We are the daughters of Hades, we were never in Grace to begin with. We just call ourselves Fallen Legends because our mother, Persephone, was a Fallen Legend and for good reason that I will explain another time," Maliz scoffed, crossing her arns.

The Zodiac Killer got into his stance, the eyes of his visor shining red. "Enough stalling! It is time to eliminate you all..."

I let go of Maliz, walking forward and looked at the Cross weapon I now wielded. I looked at the Zodiac Killer then shifted the Cross into a nodachi and deactivated my Zodiac Powers. 'He can mimic Zodiac Powers, so it's best if he doesn't mimic my Leo or Ophiuchus abilities. I will just need to fully trust in the limited time I have left with The Tyrant and Nagini's Abilities that now have.'

I pointed my sword at the Zodiac Killer, my silver eyes glowing with determination. "Once we take you down...you won't be able to hurt another Zodiac again. Prepare yourself!"

The Zodiac Killer stared at me and his body flickered, appearing in front of me at high speeds then swung his sword with a powerful force. I managed to react fast enough to block the attack then grunted heavily as I was knocked back. The Zodiac Killer dashed toward me, slicing upward but Maliz blocked the slash with her staff, saving me.

I landed on my feet and readied my weapon, generating Celestial Arrows behind me and firing them at the Zodiac Killer at high speeds. He deflected each one swiftly then sensed an attack behind him, dodging Lily's slash from behind then landed a power kick to her face, sending her flying.

Maliz prepared herself for the Zodiac Killer's attack, but noticed he just rushed past her to get to me. 'He's not even focusing on me. Does he think I'm weak or something..?!'

I clashed with the Zodiac Killer rapidly, dodging and parrying each of his slashes as best as I could. I parried his next slash, rushing forward with a swift slice through him and a barrage of slashes struck him. I looked back, grunting heavily as he landed a powerful strike to my face, knocking me away.

Lily rushed forward, throwing her spear at the Zodiac Killer but he dodged it then the eyes of his visors flashed blue. Before Lily could warp to her spear, she groaned as the Zodiac Killer struck her stomach, causing her to cough blood and marking her with the Mark of Light. He launched her away with a powerful slash, sending her crashing into a nearby fountain.

I looked at the Zodiac Killer, noticing he had copied Lily's Abilities. 'Wait what..? That's Lily's innate ability...not her Zodiac Ability. How did he copy her ability to Mark people..?'

I watched as the Zodiac Killer approached Lily with slow, menacing steps. I grunted and rushed toward Lily's aid, slashing at him to stall him for time. "Lily! Are you okay?!"

Lily slowly got up, holding her stomach and noticed that she was marked. She grunted softly and looked at the Zodiac Killer, her mind beginning to question what the Zodiac Killer was truly capable of. "I-I...I think..."

The Zodiac Killer knocked me away with a powerful slash, warping behind Lily and prepared to slash, but noticed the area warping then became slightly disoriented from the reality warp. He looked around and noticed Maliz standing in front of him.

"Hey...I am in this fight too, bastard. You won't just ignore me like I'm some kind of inferior pest! I am the Heir to the Throne of the Underworld! You will show me some respect!" Maliz bellowed, pointing her staff at the Zodiac Killer, the staff transforming into a polearm.

The Zodiac Killer scoffed at Maliz, readying his sword then got into his stance. "If you wish to die that badly with them, I won't deny you the opportunity!"

The Zodiac Killer's body flickered, appearing in front of Maliz with a powerful slash. Maliz dodged the slash then imbued her weapon with demonic energy, slicing upward and knocking the Knight into the air. She began rushing him with a barrage of slashes as she twirled her polearm then gracefully twirled around, knocking him away with a powerful slash.

The Zodiac Killer grunted as he rolled backwards then recovered onto his feet. He glanced at Maliz, impressed by her strength then chuckled softly, dusting himself off. He dashed toward her at lightspeeds then slashed, but Maliz blocked the attack, grunting as she was being pushed back.

"You merely caught me off guard, but now I'm ready for you! You will die with the Zodiacs as well!" The Zodiac Killer roared, breaking through her guard.

Maliz gasped as her guard was broken, watching as the Zodiac Killer sliced down at her. Suddenly, white clouds formed around Maliz's body, warping her away from the attack. The Zodiac Killer looked up, noticing me with my Super Zodiac Drive, the Rainbow Peridot shining brightly.

I stared at the Zodiac Killer, changing the Cross into a staff that was shaped like a double helix with a serpent head upon the bottom of the staff. I twirled it around then got into my stance, taking a deep breath then exhaled.

"My time is up, August...I leave the rest to you and your Zodiacs," The Tyrant said, turning into spirit energy and entering my body.

I nodded, my gaze focused on the Zodiac Killer and my eyes shined brightly, my white clouds spiralling around me. "If you can just copy abilities other than Zodiacs...then it doesn't matter they form I'm in. With that said...prepare yourself for my strongest."

The Zodiac Killer tried to copy my abilities, but couldn't and grunted softly. 'He has Zodiac Power...so why can't I copy his power..?'

He tried to copy my power again, but once again was denied the chance to then it clicked in his head. 'Sui Generis...He is a One of a Kind. I can't copy his ability because it's too Unique and complex. Is this truly the guy Darkness warned me about..?'

The Zodiac Killer targeted Maliz, copying her Reality Warping ability then rushed toward me at high speeds. I braced myself for an attack then sensed another presence, noticing a figure appear in front of me and block the Zodiac Killer's attack effortlessly. My eyes widened as I noticed who it was.

"Liao Ru..? How did you enter this Domain?!" I asked, my tone a mix of awe and disbelief.

Liao Ru looked back at me then smiled, noticing I was wielding Nagini's weapon. "Even if this is a Gestalt Domain, half of the domain is the Infinity Realm. A Realm I also have access to as an Infinity Council Member."

"Is that Liao Ru's voice I hear?" Nagini asked, a soft laugh echoing throughout the courtyard.

Liao Ru smirked as she got into her Phoenix Stance, her Phlostigon's Gem appearing in front of her. She transformed into her Immortal Phoenix Form, a single Phoenix Wing manifesting on her back. "It is, Nagini. Now how did you find yourself in this predicament? I doubt Vinson is that hard to kill."

"Ha! I wouldn't be here if I had already killed him. Vinson has been corrupted by Cetus himself, and you know Cetus's Influence is stronger than Darkness's Influence. I'm just having a bit of trouble without my Cross as it has my Ruler's Gem inside it," Nagini bantered, her tone a mix of amusement and arrogance.

"So that's what this Crystal is..." I said as I looked at the floating gem within the double helix of the staff.

Liao Ru looked at the Zodiac Killer, her determination only growing. "August, you and your team head back to the castle. I will handle the Zodiac Killer for you all."

I nodded and began to hurry back to the castle with Maliz and Lily. "Thank you, Liao! Good luck!"

Liao Ru smiled as I called her by her nickname. Once she knew we were out of the courtyard, she grew serious as she looked at the Zodiac Killer. "We meet again, Zodiac Killer. Though you are as ancient as I am, I still don't know your name but that doesn't matter. I will eliminate you for good this time."

The Zodiac Killer chuckled at Liao Ru, his warping aura beginning to warp the area around them. "The Immortal Phoenix...Savior of Shangqui, the Chinese Dynasty Hero. Now that I have you here...I can finally destroy you and take your Ruler's Gem."

Liao Ru's gaze was focused and unflinching, her aura calmly flowing around her. She took a deep breath then exhaled, red lightning crackling around her body. "That's if you can land a single hit on me to get the chance..."

The Zodiac Killer wasted no time, warping behind Liao Ru and slashing at her but she swiftly dodged the attack, landing a back fist against his chest, causing him to stumble backwards. Liao Ru rushed toward the Zodiac Killer, dodging his next slash then began landing devastating strikes upon his body, each strike hitting a different pressure point.

The Zodiac Killer thrusted his sword forward, but Liao Ru gracefully evaded the strike, grabbing his wrist and clamping her hand down upon the pressure point within his wrist, disarming him. She twirled around, launching him away with a double palm strike and ran forward.

The Zodiac Killer grunted as he regaining his balance, watching as Liao Ru kicked his sword away. 'Crap...Even in her Weakened State... she's still too strong. I can't copy her Abilities either as she's a Ruler of Phlostigon. A Ruler's power can't be copied...'

Liao Ru got into her stance once again, her gaze fixated upon his. She took a deep breath then softly exhaled, using breathing techniques to equalize the power within her entire body from her core to her limbs. "Do you wish to continue...or did you have enough?"

The Zodiac Killer scoffed at her challenge, getting into his martial arts stance. He rushed toward her and began launching swift strikes toward her, but Liao Ru dodged each strike with calculated steps. She pushed his arm down upon his next attack then ducked under his spinning kick. She rose back up, striking his chest plate with her fingers, shattering it with a simple blow.

Caught off guard, the Zodiac Killer stumbled backwards then got on the defensive, blocking each of her strikes and launched a counter attack. She blocked his attack then pushed him back, placing the tip of her fingers against his chest. The Zodiac Killer grunted in shock, looking down and realizing he fell for her set up.

"Infinity Technique No. I: One Inch Finish.." Liao Ru said then delivered a fatal one inch punch straight to his chest.

The Zodiac Killer felt his heart stop for a few seconds then was blown away by the intense force of Liao Ru's one inch punch. He crashed through multiple structures before slamming into a wall and falling to the ground.

Liao Ru exhaled, lowering her arm then looked at the castle. She hurried to the castle to assist me and the others in reaching the top to face off against Vinson and help Nagini.