10 - Bigger and Better

The events that occurred just recently or so, having somewhat encountered with his mother had caused some sort of thrill to his heart. But such enjoyment was only short when the implications showered upon him as to the results of this actually happening. He did not deny of the many phantom illusions of his mother's death haunting him as it was only just yesterday and yet the time in here felt as if it was more than that.

Even so, they were not real. No matter how much Joshua wanted to pretend she was still there, it was just his imaginations playing tricks. His fragile mentality trying to hold himself to stay sane enough while his ever founding wisdom contradicts his childish methods of reasonings.

This situation though was different. He had died, the feeling of something empty ripped apart from his body couldn't be explained even if he tried. The strong sets of magic casted to protect him did nothing to impede the puncture of the steel claws to his body and leave him to have no control of his body as he fell down. It was frightening, he couldn't simply heal or regenerate like demons could, nor could he grow another limb like a lizard. What did it matter in trying to stay alive, he couldn't survive regardless.

Even so, Joshua felt his heart being crushed from the weight that was being pushed onto him by an invisible force. He didn't know if his mother was really there anymore, but he felt it to be true this time around. As his physical pain began to leave, he felt his body become light and begin to run towards the women who too walk slowly walking towards him. Before he could give wrap his arm around his own mother, a hand came and was placed upon his chest and pushed him back.

A gentle push no doubt, yet the force placed him to go further back by a simple nudge that he felt surprised and hurt at the action. His eyes brimming with tears after noticing his translucent body beginning to glow bright gold and fade. The sudden feeling of pain returning to his sense only gave him an insight as to what was happening.

Joshua was not truly dead yet. It was not time.

His mother having simply smiled with tears in her eyes as she mouthed something he could not hear but was able to interpret.

"I.....you..."

The darkness around him faded as the golden light blinded him until he was in front of the Divinity Statue which radiated a glow that was different to what covered his body. He had once again returned to the void. The orbs he had collected without his silent consent was taken and absorbed from the statue as new choices and abilities was displayed before him.

One ability looked to have been added which was related to the [Barrier] in manifesting a thin platform to stand on while in the air. It looked simple enough since it was based around creating a [Barrier] in the first place however, no such abilities were truly what they were thought to be from what he could speculate. Ignoring the ability as it would not assist him in his current endeavour, Joshua looked upon outside his [Barrier] magic abilities and to the ability that he had previously sold, [Mirage Will].

An upgrade to the ability was added and visible to select. [Flow State], an ability that utilises the ability in understanding the enemy's movement but rather than simply forcing a short state of uncertainty of strength between him and the opponent, the next stage creates an invisible dome with the usage of magic to intercept the open movement which was provided. The perception upon using it is vastly increased inside and is able to know if anyone or anything enters inside. It was recorded as one of the techniques used by humans who utilised it with their unique abilities due to its special trait of performing the most suitable movement to the matter that was occurring.

It was suggested as an ability that was not only meant for surviving against a fast enemy but also something that could use to finish them off quickly as well, a simple yet powerful skill. Although, such power of course had a risk being the amount of power it required to activate. It was a given since this was the next stage with [Mirage Will] and therefore required an extra amount of focus for it to be performed.

By simply purchasing the ability had automatically also retrieved the lost ability of [Mirage Will] to return to his psyche and remember the feeling and activation with his magic properly this time around.

In terms of worth, Joshua did not even glance a second to the other abilities that was unlocked or available for him to purchase as there was little time to what was happening, even if time looked to be different in the void compared to the outside.

Nevertheless, he knew it to be the best time even so to understand the properties of the evolved ability. He took it as a blessing that there was someone else occupying the demon's attention. So he immediately began to practice and practice until he could naturally sense and feel the difference of atmosphere around him that none of the demons that was illusions to have noticed.

It was only after he had completed his long training in learning how to use the ability, did the Divinity Statue provided his notice of the golden orb having taken full effect and has brought him back to life with new energy.

The information only suggested to Joshua that even if he tried to leave earlier than before, it would have been a useless struggle to even get up in the first place.

What came next was the feeling of the void having pushed him away and for him to stand there and slowly witness the demon and the stranger who had saved him previously continue to fight even if his sights was slightly blurry due to the tears and blood.

Activating [Flow State], he allowed his body to move in instinct to any threats and perform the necessary action which now led to where he was now…

XXX

Having collected the remaining red orbs and placed them inside his pocket. Joshua looked at his gun, ignoring the sound of gunshots that echoed behind the door, and created a small green bullet before placing it inside. Having made it a little sharper as was recommended, he was still unable to get the feel of weight of it as the creation of his [Barrier] itself would simply feel light to his touch in the first place.

Aiming at an empty wall, he began to close his eyes and bring out the untamed electricity that desired to damage his body and unwilling obtained from the demon and felt the pulse of his magic core act upon his consent. Joshua gritted his teeth as he endured and felt the crackle around his chest flow towards his arm and watched as it started to envelop the gun. Even if the power was untamed, the property of it still being used by him was a matter of simply having his nerve continuously being shocked which was dangerous even if such thinking about it. It was the reason he only allowed a small amount of leakage for the power to actually come out and not damage his body.

Joshua felt as though the usage of these electricity could work in tandem with his [Barrier Bullets], his experiment paid off the first time around against the demon but such amazement was short lived as he noticed the barrel of the gun started to heat up and glow. "Oh no...!"

*BANG!!!*

He fired his gun as the recoil took hold and pushed his arm back while the large dent it had made to the wall was slightly burned from the impact. While he knew the amount of damage it could cause, the risk of losing his firearm was not in the table and so stopped his little experiment and placed his gun back to the holster.

He breathed in and exhaled before and left the area, he was done with what he wanted to do in this area. He proceeded upstairs and entered the door and noticed the sound of gunshots no longer being heard. "The fighting must be over then." Opening the door, he witnessed the room having the less amount of darkness looming around the open room. The only path was the bridge but, there was something missing that would allow someone else to go to the other side. 'The gun-girl and Dante wouldn't do this.' It only meant there was someone else like that blue demon who was stopping them from continuing forward and figuring out another method.

It could have also been a puzzle as well from what kind of themes Joshua had noticed over the past few rooms which was already complete before he entered. He guessed that was Dante's doing even if it was just for himself to get a way to go forward, he had to thank him if he could catch up.

Walking across the bridge and going inside the small tunnel that only had one door, he entered.

The first thing he noticed was the amount of cobwebs that was across the whole room. It was something that usually happened if something was left unclean and forgotten which Joshua could only that the tower did fit that certain criteria of it being old and possibly forgotten over time. The tower being forgotten must have been a true fact since even the city he was  based in had nothing about this tower to begin with. It was ancient for all he knew that could have been the years of dinosaurs maybe.

He looked up after hearing small clicking sound that came from the top of the ceiling to notice spiders bigger than his childish hand and jumped back as he brought out his gun, a green aura began to encase his hand as green bullets was created and inserted before he began shooting. Compared to normal spiders, these type were of course demons and gave out mossy green blood that sprayed the floor as he killed every single one. A piece of red orbs for every single one that died. Feeling a little danger after the east handling of the spiders, he moved away to evade a arced swing from a spider twice his size having cut his arm.

Joshua's hand trembled at the pain and he grunted as he aimed at eight eyes that stared towards him menacingly,. It was big but, 'That demon was bigger!' The small fear was brandished after remembering the fight of his fight against that dark faceless demon. He began shooting and saw it began moving backwards after feeling each impact. Having more confidence of the damage the gun was doing, he charge ahead and got close to where the brain would be located and pulled the trigger consistently before the hard shell claws protecting its face was broken and leaving itself open.

"Die..."

*Bang*

He gave a sigh in relief as he overcame that instant fear that was placed onto him with the spider's arrival. "You can't escape your fear. Only overcome them..." taking a small sip of the viral stars, he collected the red orbs that came from the large demon and continued on.

Walking towards the next door that was available which had some sort of circular design with three colours. Entering inside, Joshua noticed the common glow that was radiated and he rushed towards the Divinity Statue. Pulling out the spectral blade, he waited for the shift of time to take its hold of him, but it never did.

The statue continued to give its usual glow upon its presence, having already recognised his arrival but did not pull him in to the void and gave a short answer as to the reason.

"...Thou lacks sufficient currency..."

'I don't have enough Red Orbs?!' Looking through his pockets, be noticed the small amount of crystal he currently had and frowned. The latest skill that was bought must have used up more than he thought it would, it was true that he retrieved an ability back in full with its upgrade costing more than the first. He could probably only buy a small sized vital star. It was a shame that the spider demons didn't really give out that much orbs in comparison to its large size. "I'll take a small vital star."

The statue stayed silent for a second before a small orb of light blinded his sights. The small ball of glow lay life dissipated with a vital star placed on the floor. Picking it up, he nodded his head and continued with his path.

Looking at the flowing water, he watched it for a few seconds and was engrossed for no reason at all even as he got closer and kneeled down for his face to be near it.

His own reflection, bright blue eyes now dull, dead, and tired. Bring a hand to the water, he scooped it before sipping a little to taste. His eyes widened at the refreshing taste and took more and began drinking something that wasn't liquid for demons. Taking out an empty bottle of vital star, he began filling it up before closing the lid.

He washed his face and removed the grime and blood that had dried up on his face and hair. Still, it didn't really matter anyway if he washed up, he could still smell the blood that was on him as well the stomach smell of the whale demon he was eaten by.

Shaking his head, he went towards the next available door before stopping. "Come to think of it, I should know where I am when entering somewhere different." He turned around and returned back to the statue and placed the spectral sword again. The shift didn't happen however, that did not disappoint him and provided a request. "Can you create a map of this place?"

A few seconds of silence as trying to understand to the question before having created another glowing ball that he could not see. "Thou shall require to use magic more frequent to have the map remember the rooms thou have travelled."

Bringing out his red orbs, he waited to see if it was enough and exhaled with relief as the orbs started to disappear. The glowing orb shot towards his head and back out within a few seconds before a map with details of the rooms he had visited was registered along with the names.

"The Subterranean Garden?" He looked around the place he was currently located which had a small green circle that indicated where he was as along with the trail of steps he had made. A useful idea to have a map so that he wouldn't be lost as all, even so. 'This place doesn't look like a garden. Must be a demon style or something.' Thanking the statue as it began to lose its glow, he turned away and started to walk to the next door. The map he held seemingly shrinking and flying towards an empty pocket. "So the map adds the room when I give magic. I'll have to remember that."

Opening the door, the small pulse of the map was felt flying towards his sight as the name was transferred to his mind.

The area looked to be vastly spacious even though some of the floor made out of tiles had been broken off. It had a large circular bright orb embedded on one of the walls that looked be replicating a moon. Looking around, he noticed the room was big enough for him to manoeuvre even if there was several demons that surrounded him.

The familiar sound of whirling was heard as he moved to the side. 'Just like now...'

Bringing out his gun, he pulled the trigger and watched as the demons glowing blue spears stop spinning as the green bullet hit its mark towards it's eye. Noticing more of the same sound, Joshua began to run faster towards the door that he noticed was on the other side of the path. It was more like a massive U-turn he had to do with some of the floor falling off with the blue arrows striking it. 'Guess being surrounded is too much.' He thought as he shot another after it had tried to create more weapons.

He gave a grimace as he noticed more of the same demons start to appear out of no where. "There's too many of them." Placing his gun back to his holster, he began to create his barrier around the same width of his arm and longer than his height before directing it to strike the demons that was blocking the path.

The thin shaped green pole flew deadly and pushed them without piercing. It was expected since there was no sharp edgers but it allowed the boy to run through and simply stagger them enough to enter the next door.

The next room was narrow and filled with sharp disc blades the spun besides the wall forcing him to wall carefully. There was no issue going forward to the next door afterwards.

The map doing its job in giving the next room's area as well as the name was provide as he heard the sound of the large amount of water falling and meeting with the lake. The glow of the Divinity Statue near the beginning of the bridge towards the large waterfall's entrance.

The small glow of crimson peaked his interest which was located at the same height of the waterfall. Ignoring the golden statue holding and hourglass, he marched forwards towards the large red orb and stop where he could partially still notice its glow. There was no other reason to go to the statue in the first place if he still did not have enough red orbs. Luckily the usual red glow would indicate that there was some there for the taking.

Bringing out the hook shot, he pulled the trigger and watched as the hook struck the edge of the roof before pressing the button which pulled him up. He landed safe enough to not collide with the edge of the roof and grabbed the large red orb that was brighter than the others. Grabbing hold of it, the orb began to shrink to the size of his palm as he place it Inside his pocket. "If it's this big, then I should be able to use the statue properly now."

Nodding his head, he brought out the hook shot again before halting after noticing that unusual. 'A gun?' Walking towards the pedestal that had a large gun about the same height as him. He gave it a once over before widening his eyes. "A rifle! And it's not broken?!"

Pulling the rifle closer, he began taking out the ammunition and looked at the bullets that was inside. "Its definitely a rifle. But why would a human weapon like a gun be here in a tower surrounded by demons?" He couldn't figure it out, the way the rifle was even placed suggested that the weapon was probably left there, but by who was the question. He didn't remember the girl having something like this if she had a rocket launcher to begin with as well a Dante carrying something like this.

"...Finders keepers as the guys used to say." Picking the rifle up and holstering its up on his shoulder, he noticed the weight not being an issue for his body to carry. 'Something related to me getting stronger no doubt.'

Placing it down on the floor before tucking it between his legs. He leaped down after having made sure the hook shot had a tight grip as he descended slowly down. Remembering what Dante said about some larger demons being able to handle a simple gun. He gave a slight grin at the rifle he carried as he began waking towards the Divine Statue. "If normal guns don't work, then this big thing will definitely give them a punch to the face."

XXX

'Why is this creep so hard to put down?!' Dante gave a slight pant to every breath as he gazed at the large demon in front of him.

It was demon comprised of mismatched parts from different animals. It's head, torso, and four-digit claws were similar to that of a Lion's with one eye missing, along with a single curved horn atop. It possessed talons instead of feet, and four wings which could unfold from its back. The only weird thing out of all of this was the scorpion tail it had which wasn't used once in attacking him.

No matter how many attacks he dealt to it, the demon would continue to persevere and strike without care of the damage it took. It was something that Dante couldn't say he had managed to fight before over the years. The worse thing was that due to it being a demon, the wounds would regenerate but, 'at least flinch!' He groaned as he waited for an attack from the demon.

After a while, the demon too also began to tire from the charade of blows it was dealt and began to recklessly force a punch which Dante saw as an opportunity. In order to at least give an easier time for him he, he thought with his head, and threw his sword at the demon's remaining eye as it sliced it threw. The pain should have at least caused the demon to recoil with the crucial pain, yet it only growled as the strike struck true against the Devil Hunter. Pushing in deep to the ground.

"The odious one whose heart pumps the blood of Sparda! Though my sight is gone, I remember your scent!" Dante groaned as he pushed his arm that was trapped in the ground and pushed himself up into a sitting position. "I shall hunt you down for eternity if I must, until I rid this Earth of your foul smell!" The demon unfurled it's wings before flying off to the ceiling and disappeared from Dante's view.

"Why do I have to take the heat for my father? Come on man, cut me some slack." Brushing off the rubbles that was stuck to his jacket, he returned his view back to the item at hand that was the most eye catching out of everything from this room. With a hum, he began walking towards the pedestal and grabbed hold of the sphere object that sparked and glowed purple.