[25]
The corrupted danger beast closed in, its monstrous form casting an eerie shadow over the village. Dante, dual blades in hand, stood his ground, ready to face the looming threat. As the creature lunged at him, he moved swiftly, dodging its attacks and counterattacking with precise strikes.
The clash between Dante and the danger beast echoed through the village, a chaotic exchange of blows and roars. The creature's movements were unpredictable, and Dante struggled to find openings in its corrupted defenses. Each strike he landed seemed to be met with resistance, as if the darkness itself fought back.
Dante's agile maneuvers and swift strikes began to wear down the danger beast, but its corrupted resilience proved challenging. The influence of the hooded figure was evident, enhancing the creature's strength and making the fight all the more intense.
The battle unfolded on the cobblestone pathway, a gritty showdown between the determined swordsman and the monstrous adversary. Dante's focus remained unwavering, drawing upon his training and instincts to navigate the tumultuous combat.
In the midst of the fight, Dante couldn't shake the worry for Toshizou and Celica. He wondered if they were facing similar threats and hoped they were safe. The urgency to put an end to the hooded figure's dark influence fueled his determination.
With a resolute cry, Dante intensified his assault. The dual blades slashed through the air with the intent to kill. The creature fought back desperately, its movements growing more erratic in the face of Dante's relentless attacks.
The corrupted danger beast's onslaught intensified, its monstrous form wreaking havoc on the village surroundings. Buildings shook as the creature thrashed about, and Dante found himself dancing on the edge of danger. The cobblestone pathway beneath him cracked, debris scattered, and the air filled with the acrid scent of destruction.
Dante's agile movements allowed him to evade some of the creature's powerful strikes, but not without consequences. A glancing blow sent him crashing into a nearby market stall, the impact jolting through his body. Gritting his teeth, he quickly recovered, determined to press on despite the pain.
The fight raged on, with Dante retaliating fiercely. His dual blades cut through the air, aiming for the danger beast's weak points. Yet, with each strike, the creature retaliated, its claws tearing through structures and sending debris flying. The village square became a chaotic battleground, a testament to the clash between the forces of darkness and one young swordsman's resilience.
As the battle reached a critical point, the danger beast unleashed a devastating attack, sending shockwaves through the area. Dante, caught off guard, was thrown back, crashing into a partially crumbled wall. Bruised but undeterred, he pushed himself upright, the taste of blood on his lips.
The surroundings bore the scars of the confrontation – shattered market stalls, cracked buildings, and an air thick with tension.
The creature, though battered and fatigued, still posed a threat with its corrupted might. Blood dripped from Dante's forehead, a testament to the toll the battle had taken on him. Ignoring the pain, he locked eyes with the creature, his dual blades gleaming in the dim light.
With a sudden burst of speed, Dante closed the distance between them. The danger beast, sensing its imminent demise, mustered the remnants of its strength for a final stand. Claws clashed against blades as the two forces collided in a flurry of motion.
Dante's movements were a dance of calculated strikes, his dual blades finding their mark on the beast's weakened areas. The corrupted air resonated with the clash, a symphony of destruction that echoed through the battered village square. The battle reached its zenith, both combatants pushing beyond their limits.
In a decisive moment, Dante seized an opening. With a swift and precise motion, he drove both blades deep into the creature's heart.
A final roar echoed through the air as the danger beast convulsed. The monstrous form collapsed, the once-threatening presence reduced to a lifeless heap. Breathing heavily, Dante withdrew his blades and quickly stowed the danger beast's body in his inventory before he immediately began running in the direction of the library, not even allowing the weight of the battle to settle upon him.
Dante rushed towards the scene, drawn by the sounds of battle. As he approached, he found Toshizou engaged in a fierce struggle with a corrupted danger beast. The creature's distorted form clashed against the seasoned warrior's defenses, each strike met with calculated precision.
Seeing the danger beast momentarily distracted, Dante leaped into action, blades flashing as he joined Toshizou in the fight. The rhythmic clash of blades against corrupted flesh echoed through the air as the duo fought side by side.
Meanwhile, Celica, a few paces away, channeled a magical aura that surrounded her. A subtle levitation hinted at the magical energies she was harnessing. With focused determination, she unleashed a burst of energy towards the danger beast, a beam of magical power cutting through the air.
The attack hit its mark, causing the corrupted creature to stagger back, momentarily disoriented. However, as the smoke cleared, Celica's attention was diverted by a more ominous sight – three additional danger beasts emerging in the distance, drawn by the commotion.
Dante, in the midst of his own battle, noticed Celica's distraction. Urgency crept into his voice as he shouted to Toshizou over the tumult of the fight, "Old man, go help Celica! I'll handle this one!"
Toshizou, mid-swing, cast a glance at Celica and nodded. With a swift motion, he disengaged from the danger beast, leaving Dante to confront it alone. Toshizou sprinted towards Celica, who had already started to retreat from the oncoming danger beasts.
As Toshizou joined Celica's side, Dante focused on the remaining threat before him. The corrupted danger beast, now fully fixated on the lone swordsman, lunged forward with renewed aggression. Dante braced himself for the clash, determination burning in his eyes as he faced the relentless adversary alone.
As Dante continued to engage the initial danger beast, a chilling realization struck him. The corrupted creature, unlike any regular danger beast he had faced before, displayed a level of strength and resilience that bordered on supernatural. Each strike from its distorted claws carried an unnatural force, and its movements were accompanied by an eerie agility.
The battle intensified as the first danger beast pressed its advantage, its attacks becoming more ferocious. Dante, despite his skill and determination, found himself hard-pressed to counter the relentless assault. The corrupted danger beast seemed impervious to many of the techniques that had proven effective against its mundane counterparts.
In the midst of the struggle, a second danger beast emerged from the shadows, drawn to the commotion. Its corrupted form added an additional layer of complexity to Dante's predicament. The odds stacked against him, Dante now faced the daunting challenge of confronting not one but two formidable adversaries.
The corrupted danger beasts coordinated their attacks with an uncanny synergy, making it difficult for Dante to find an opening. His dual blades moved in a blur as he parried and dodged, but the relentless onslaught pushed him to his limits. The corrupted creatures exhibited a level of intelligence and coordination that set them apart from the ordinary danger beasts Dante had encountered in the past.
The realization dawned on Dante – these creatures were a manifestation of the hooded figure's dark influence, imbued with a malevolence that surpassed anything he had faced before. The corrupted danger beasts were not bound by the natural order; they were a twisted aberration, and their power posed a formidable challenge.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Dante fought on, determination fueling every strike. Each clash of blades and beast reverberated through the air, a testament to the young swordsman's resilience in the face of an unprecedented threat. The battle unfolded in a desperate dance, a struggle against foes that seemed to defy the very laws of nature.
As Dante grappled with the corrupted danger beasts, the realization sank in – defeating these creatures would require more than just skill and strength. It demanded adaptability, strategy, and a deep understanding of the dark forces that fueled their existence. The young swordsman braced himself for the relentless onslaught, knowing that the true test had only just begun.
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In the midst of the chaos, Celica and Toshizou navigated through the village, their senses attuned to the rising tide of corruption that threatened Kyoroch. The air hung heavy with the malevolent energy, and the duo moved with a shared purpose – to protect the villagers from the encroaching danger.
As they approached the location where the initial danger beast had been spotted, Celica's magical senses tingled, detecting an imminent threat. Toshizou, ever vigilant, gripped the hilt of his sword, ready for whatever awaited them.
The first corrupted danger beast emerged from the shadows, its presence a dark omen in the heart of Kyoroch. Celica, with a focused expression, summoned her magical powers, a radiant aura enveloping her as she prepared to unleash a powerful energy-based attack. Toshizou, a seasoned warrior, readied his blade, positioning himself between the danger beast and the vulnerable villagers.
Celica unleashed a torrent of magical energy, a brilliant burst that streaked towards the corrupted creature. The impact created a dazzling display of light, momentarily obscuring the danger beast from view. However, as the radiance subsided, Celica's attention was drawn to a distant commotion.
In the periphery of her magical senses, Celica detected the presence of three more danger beasts, each corrupted and spreading chaos in a different area of the village. Toshizou, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in Celica's focus.
"Celica, go! I'll handle this one and catch up," Toshizou urged, his seasoned eyes reflecting determination.
Celica nodded, trusting Toshizou's capabilities. As she flew towards the new threat, the aged swordsman casually faced the initial danger beast and engaged it with a precise and calculated approach. The corrupted creature lunged at him with frenzied aggression, its movements fueled by the dark energy that had twisted its nature.
Toshizou's sword danced through the air, meeting the danger beast's attacks with a perfect blend of precision and fluidity. Every swing of his blade was a testament to years of honed skill.
The battle unfolded with a strategic dance – Toshizou anticipating the danger beast's movements and countering with calculated strikes. Despite the seasoned warrior's mastery, the corrupted foe still displayed an unnatural resilience, however, its movements unpredictable and erratic.
However, Toshizou eventually came to realize as the clash continued, that the creature's unpredictability still resembled that of a human's. It was a strange thing to say, but he knew it to be true. It was too obvious, and he pondered it as the old man's efforts became a delicate balance between ease and difficulty. He navigated the fight with a grace that spoke of experience, yet the corrupted danger beast pushed back with an unnatural strength that defied the conventions of a typical danger beast.
In a pivotal moment, Toshizou exploited a brief opening in the creature's defenses. His blade found its mark with a swift and decisive strike, piercing through the corrupted flesh. The danger beast convulsed, its roars of aggression replaced by pained howls as the darkness that fueled it began to dissipate.
With a final, calculated move, Toshizou delivered the decisive blow, vanquishing the corrupted danger beast. Despite the apparent ease with which he handled the situation, a subtle tinge of difficulty lingered – a testament to the unpredictable nature of the corruption that had tainted the once-noble creature.
As the danger beast fell lifeless, Toshizou caught his breath, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of further threats. The village, however, still echoed with the sounds of conflict, and Toshizou knew that the battle against the encroaching darkness was far from over.
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Celica's magical prowess filled the air as she deftly maneuvered through the chaotic battleground. The brilliance of her spells clashed with the corrupted danger beasts, creating a dazzling display of light and shadow. Her movements were fluid, each spell cast with precision, yet the relentless nature of the corrupted creatures tested her abilities to the limit.
The villagers, caught in the crossfire, desperately sought refuge from the onslaught. Celica, with a heightened sense of urgency, adjusted her strategy. Flying low to the ground, she engaged the danger beasts at close quarters, drawing their attention away from the vulnerable bystanders. Her magical aura flickered like a beacon, diverting the aggression of the corrupted creatures.
The battle reached a crescendo as Celica, with unwavering determination, unleashed a barrage of spells upon the danger beasts. The air crackled with energy as she dodged their attacks and retaliated with calculated precision. The struggle was intense, the ground beneath them bearing the scars of magical clashes and frenzied movements.
After what felt like an eternity, Celica's relentless efforts paid off. The corrupted danger beasts, once formidable adversaries, succumbed to the overwhelming force of her magical onslaught. The air, once filled with tension, gradually settled as the echoes of battle faded away.
With a sigh of relief, Celica surveyed the battlefield. The villagers, though shaken, were now out of immediate danger. She turned her attention to a trapped villager, ready to offer assistance. However, her moment of respite was abruptly shattered as a distant roar echoed through the air.
A third danger beast, previously concealed by the chaos, emerged with unexpected ferocity. Celica, caught off guard, found herself in a perilous situation. Before she could react, a sharp gunshot echoed through the air. The danger beast staggered, momentarily disoriented.
Toshizou, his presence a welcome relief, stood with his rifle in hand. With a swift and calculated leap, he landed atop the danger beast's head, driving his sword through its skull. The corrupted creature convulsed and collapsed, lifeless.
As the dust settled, Celica exchanged a grateful glance with Toshizou.
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The ground beneath Dante's feet quivered, sending tremors through the cobbled streets. As he caught his breath after killing another danger beast that he had found munching on a human, cracks spiderwebbed across the surface, forming an ominous pattern that seemed to converge directly towards him. Before he could react, the earth erupted in a violent explosion, and a colossal Earth Dragon emerged, towering over the surroundings.
The giant creature, resembling a monstrous cockroach, with long antennae and giant claw-like hands, stood with an imposing presence. Its red eyes glowed malevolently as it surveyed the chaotic scene. Dante, staring up at the corrupted danger beast in astonishment, barely had time to process the sudden appearance of this enormous foe.
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Dante braced himself for the impending confrontation. The Earth Dragon, a manifestation of corruption and malice, loomed over him with an air of unstoppable power.
The Earth Dragon's roar echoed through the air, a deafening proclamation of its corrupted might. Dante, steeling himself for the battle ahead, gripped his dual blades tighter. The cobbled streets trembled beneath the colossal creature's weight as it cast its ominous shadow over Kyoroch.
The corrupted Earth Dragon advanced with unsettling agility. Its giant claw-like hands scraped against the cobblestone, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The red eyes gleamed with a twisted intelligence, indicating a sentience corrupted by the dark influence.
He darted to the side, narrowly avoiding a sweeping claw, and retaliated with a series of quick strikes. His blades cut through the air, finding purchase on the Earth Dragon's tough hide. However, the corrupted beast retaliated with a thunderous roar, its massive form rearing back.
Dante battled fiercely, his blades clashing against the Earth Dragon's monstrous form. The corrupted beast roared with malevolent fury, its giant claws swiping through the air with deadly intent. The cobbled streets bore the scars of their intense struggle, each impact sending tremors through the once-peaceful village.
As Dante expertly evaded the Earth Dragon's colossal strikes, his focus shifted momentarily from the immediate threat to the well-being of Kyoroch. The destruction left in the wake of the ongoing battle was evident, the cobbled streets scarred by the rampaging danger beast. In the midst of this chaos, a strategic thought flashed through Dante's mind.
Luring the colossal Earth Dragon away from the heart of Kyoroch became an imperative mission. The continued devastation posed a dire risk to the village's structures and the lives of its inhabitants.
As the Earth Dragon pursued him with unbridled aggression, Dante seized a fleeting opening in its relentless assault. Swift as the wind, he darted towards the outskirts of the village, the colossal creature hot on his trail. Each step he took away from the heart of Kyoroch was a deliberate move to draw the corrupted danger beast away, minimizing the impact on the village he sought to protect.
The resounding clashes and roars of the battle gradually faded into the distance, leaving behind the wreckage of the village as Dante and the Earth Dragon ventured into the outskirts. Yet, in the midst of the chaotic retreat, Dante couldn't shake a sense of unease.
As Dante continued to lead the Earth Dragon away from Kyoroch, unaware of the sinister puppeteer behind the corruption, the chaos intensified. The outskirts of the village bore witness to the destructive dance between the warrior and the corrupted danger beast.
In the midst of their clash, the true orchestrator of the chaos emerged from the shadows – a hooded figure, concealed in darkness. This mysterious individual wielded control over both the corruption and the danger beasts, pulling the strings from the shadows.
Dante, still focused on the immediate threat of the Earth Dragon, remained oblivious to the presence of the hooded figure. The corrupted danger beast, under the influence of this unseen manipulator, continued its relentless pursuit, fueled by a malevolence beyond its own instincts.
The hooded figure, shrouded in secrecy, observed the unfolding battle with an air of satisfaction. It reveled in the destruction wrought upon Kyoroch, a grim testament to its twisted influence. The very essence of corruption emanated from the hooded figure, a puppet master reveling in the chaos it had unleashed.
As Dante and the Earth Dragon clashed, the hooded figure's influence manifested in subtle ways. The corrupted danger beast's movements became more coordinated, its attacks more strategic. It was clear that this mysterious figure was not merely an observer but an active participant in the unfolding mayhem.
In the outskirts of Kyoroch, the battle between Dante and the colossal Earth Dragon unfolded as a relentless spectacle. Each move was a calculated maneuver in the deadly contest between the warrior and the corrupted danger beast.
Dante's quick reflexes came to the forefront as he narrowly evaded a sweeping claw from the Earth Dragon. The creature's massive form crashed through the wild landscape, leaving devastation in its wake. In response, Dante seized the opportunity and retaliated with a rapid series of strikes, targeting the vulnerable spots on the creature's tough hide.
With a thunderous roar, the Earth Dragon asserted its corrupted might, causing the very ground beneath them to tremble. Undeterred, Dante skillfully maneuvered to avoid the colossal beast's attempts to crush him with its giant claws. His dual blades cut through the air with precision, each strike aimed at weakening the corrupted danger beast.
The hooded figure's influence became more apparent as the Earth Dragon's movements grew increasingly coordinated. The creature lunged at Dante with unsettling agility, its red eyes gleaming with a twisted intelligence. Dark energy crackled in the atmosphere as the colossal beast unleashed a torrent of corrupted power.
In response, Dante relied on his agility to dart and weave around the attacks, utilizing the uneven terrain to his advantage. The wild surroundings bore witness to the intense struggle, trees swaying as the colossal creature's attacks missed their mark.
As Dante closed in on the Earth Dragon, his blades struck with deadly precision. With a series of swift and powerful strikes, he targeted the corrupted beast's vulnerable spots. The creature roared in agony as each blow inflicted more damage, the echoes of its pain reverberating through the outskirts of Kyoroch.
Sensing the imminent defeat, the Earth Dragon thrashed wildly, its corrupted power waning. Dante, fueled by determination and the need to protect Kyoroch, pressed on. With one final, decisive strike, he pierced through the creature's corrupted heart.
The Earth Dragon's roar turned into a deathly howl as it collapsed to the ground. Dark energy emanated from its massive form, swirling and coalescing into an ominous cloud. The corruption that had gripped the danger beast condensed into an ethereal manifestation, lingering in the air like a malevolent presence.
Despite his victorious battle, Dante showed visible signs of exhaustion and injury. His breaths were labored, and his body bore the marks of the intense struggle. As he tried to catch his breath and assess his surroundings, the hooded figure suddenly materialized from the shadows.
Before Dante could react, a sudden blow struck him with unexpected force. The warrior, caught off guard and already weakened from the battle, crumpled to the ground. Darkness overcame him as unconsciousness took hold, the last thing he saw being the hidden void concealed under the hooded figure's cloak.
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The village of Kyoroch bore the scars of recent chaos as Celica and Toshizou swiftly moved through the cobbled streets. The devastation led them to the outskirts, where the battle had raged. The remnants of the Earth Dragon lay lifeless, a colossal corpse sprawled across the landscape, a testament to the recent conflict.
The duo's eyes scanned the area, the lingering energy of the battle palpable in the air. However, Dante was nowhere to be found. The trail of destruction led them to the outskirts, but it seemed to vanish into the wilderness beyond.
Celica's sharp senses and Toshizou's keen observation skills worked in tandem as they combed the surroundings. Villagers, grateful for their help, offered snippets of information about Dante's valiant stand against the Earth Dragon. Yet, the warrior himself remained elusive.
As they reached the outskirts, the hooded figure, like a phantom, had vanished, leaving behind a lingering sense of unease. The absence of Dante amidst the aftermath left them grappling with uncertainty. The village, while spared further immediate danger, now faced the mystery of their missing comrade.
Undeterred, Celica and Toshizou resolved to continue their search. The journey took an unexpected turn, and the urgency to find Dante grew with each passing moment.
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Dante's head pounded as he regained consciousness. Blinking away the haze, he found himself in a cell of sorts. The air felt stagnant, and the dim light revealed the confining space around him.
Attempting to stand, Dante realized the severity of his situation. The walls offered no answers, only a sense of captivity. The distant sounds of the forest hinted at his mysterious location, but the specifics remained elusive.
As Dante took in his surroundings, a mix of apprehension and determination replaced the initial disorientation. He needed to find a way out. Simple as that. However, first and foremost, he needed to catch his breath. His body still felt incredibly sore and continued to heal, even after however much time had passed while he slept, which Dante was really hoping hadn't been a lot.
Dante, despite the throbbing pain in his head, accessed his system interface. As a familiar set of translucent screens flickered to life, he navigated through the menus, reflecting on the progress he had made in his training.
The memory of the Kaiser Frog's poison coursing through his veins flashed in his mind. It had been a turning point, a dire situation that forced Dante to dig deep and revisit a certain side within himself. The result was a noticeable increase in his balance, the most he had ever amassed at one time—just a little bit over sixty thousand.
As he contemplated the possibilities of using his balance to acquire a better weapon or piece of equipment that could aid in his escape, Dante's gaze shifted to the free spins he had earned during his dungeon grinds. Three chances to gain something valuable, something that might turn the tables in his favor.
Despite the dire circumstances, Dante decided to take a gamble. The allure of the spinning wheel, a digital representation of chance, beckoned him. With a deep breath, he selected one of the free spins, the anticipation building as the wheel began to turn.
The virtual display flickered with anticipation, and Dante's thoughts momentarily shifted from his captivity to the potential rewards that awaited him. The outcome of the spin, a beacon of hope in his current predicament, held the promise of a small reprieve or perhaps a tool that could aid him in the challenges that lay ahead.
As Dante focused his attention on the spinning wheel within the virtual display, anticipation and hope welled up within him. The wheel gradually slowed down, clicking through the possibilities until it came to a stop. A bright flash accompanied a triumphant chime, signaling Dante's prize.
To his surprise, the reward materialized in a form that left him bewildered. A virtual image shimmered before him, revealing an intricate and mystical sword. Dante squinted at the unfamiliar design, uncertain of its significance.
The blade, labeled as "Amol Saiqa," hovered in the air, its details unknown to Dante. He couldn't discern its properties or the Djinn essence it supposedly held. The unexpected acquisition left him with more questions than answers.
As Dante tentatively reached out to interact with the virtual representation of Amon's Sword, a subtle vibration echoed through his hand. The mystical blade responded, its virtual presence transitioning seamlessly into tangible reality. The once ethereal image solidified into a real and substantial weapon.
With a mix of curiosity and determination, Dante decided to equip Amol Saiqa. As he did, a surge of magical energy coursed through him, intertwining with his own essence. The sword materialized in his hands, its design reflecting the ancient Djinn's power.
As Dante examined Amol Saiqa, he couldn't help but marvel at its craftsmanship. The blade was now real and solid, no longer confined to wherever it had been contained within the system.
Empowered by the weapon, Dante felt a surge of newfound strength coursing through his veins. The real and tangible weapon gleamed in his hands, a manifestation of ancient power. With determination burning in his eyes, Dante turned his attention to the cell's walls.
He swung Amol Saiqa in one swift motion, the blade slicing through the air with a resonant hum. The magical edge effortlessly cut through his path, leaving a gaping hole in its wake. Dante's escape was no longer hindered by the constraints of whatever place he had been dropped in.
Dante cautiously moved through the dimly lit corridors of the hidden sanctum, his grip firm on Amol Saiqa. Every step echoed with a mix of apprehension and determination. His senses were on high alert, paranoid of an impending attack that never seemed to materialize.
The occasional encounter with corrupted danger beasts added to the eerie atmosphere. They roamed freely, having noticed Dante's presence but not reacting in any hostile manner. It dawned on him that these creatures were likely under some form of control. The realization only heightened the sense of mystery surrounding the hidden sanctum.
As he traversed another corridor, Dante's wary steps led him to a relatively open clearing. His eyes widened as they landed on a sight both mesmerizing and disturbing—a colossal tree, corrupted to an immense degree. Its twisted branches reached out like monstrous claws, casting ominous shadows on the ground.
The corrupted tree seemed to pulse with dark energy, a malevolent force that tainted the once-natural beauty of the sanctum. Dante surveyed the clearing, the realization sinking in that this corrupted landscape was a manifestation of something far more sinister.
The air in the clearing felt heavy, charged with an unsettling presence. Dante couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. As he cautiously approached the corrupted tree, his instincts screamed a warning.
Dante approached the corrupted tree cautiously, Amol Saiqa ready in his hands. The air in the clearing felt heavy with an unsettling presence, and the colossal tree pulsed with dark energy. As Dante surveyed the eerie scene, a sudden movement caught his attention.
To his astonishment, the tree seemed to open up, revealing a hidden passage. Out of the shadows emerged the hooded figure, walking calmly as if stepping out from another realm. Dante's eyes narrowed with a mixture of anger and determination.
"Why are you doing this?" Dante demanded, his voice cutting through the ominous silence. "Who are you?"
The hooded figure remained silent.
Memories of the last thing he saw before being knocked unconscious flashed in his mind. The air crackled with tension as he waited for a response that never came.
In that ominous silence, Dante's internal turmoil reached its peak. He couldn't shake the feeling that the hooded figure might not be human. The lack of response fueled his anger further.
Dante's anger reached its peak as he lunged forward, Amol Saiqa held with precision, aiming for the hooded figure's heart. The blade cut through the air with a fierce determination. However, to Dante's surprise, the hooded figure seemed unaffected as the blade passed through, tearing through the cloak with an alarming ease.
Not deterred, Dante quickly grabbed the front of the hooded figure's cloak, pulling him forward. Their faces were now uncomfortably close, and Dante demanded answers once again. However, the hooded figure remained silent, offering no response.
Growing frustrated and sensing that something was amiss, Dante swiped the hood off, expecting to reveal a face underneath. To his shock, what met his eyes was not a face but a mass of darkness, constituting the entire actual body of the hooded figure. The revelation left Dante reeling, his mind struggling to comprehend the bizarre sight before him.
Dante, his suspicion confirmed that the hooded figure was not human, found himself at a loss for words. However, his shock escalated when the mass of darkness making up the hooded figure's body and cloak coalesced into a condensed form. Abruptly, it connected with Dante, flowing underneath and through the bandage covering his left arm.
Panicked and still unable to find words, Dante could only watch helplessly as a foreign blackish-purple mark briefly appeared over the bandaged area of his limb. It lingered for a moment before vanishing, leaving Dante in a state of confusion and apprehension. The encounter had clearly taken an unexpected turn, and Dante's mind raced to comprehend the implications of what just happened.
Before he could give it more thought, however, a wave of unconsciousness washed over him for the second time, engulfing him in a world of darkness and uncertainty.
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The next chapter will essentially be the end of Dante's time spent within Kyoroch until further notice.