Rooftop [Part 3]

Confusion.

That was the only word to describe the Vampire's current expression. One moment, the boy in front of him was trembling in fear; the next, his demeanor had completely shifted. He now looked ready to fight, his eyes holding a resolve that hadn't been there before.

The Vampire's gaze fixed on Arthur, who gripped a sword he had drawn from his Storage Ring. The blade was black, with hints of red streaking along its edges, the hilt a matching blend of colors.

"St... Strange..." The Vampire muttered, narrowing his eyes.

Arthur's lips curled into a grin. "That's right. It's strange, isn't it?"

The Vampire hesitated, eyes darting between Arthur's sword and his face. It could sense that something about this boy was... different. Mysterious, even. Its instincts were on high alert, urging caution despite the prey standing so plainly in front of it.

But nevertheless...

"That won't stop me," the Vampire whispered, its voice barely carrying over the stillness of the night. The moonlight glinted off its fangs as it took a step forward.

Arthur's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with a strange intensity. "Good. This is my chance... to prove myself... to them... Then maybe... just maybe..."

The Vampire didn't understand what Arthur was mumbling, nor did it care to. It had its own agenda, and the boy standing before it was just an obstacle in its path.

Arthur's expression shifted from a grin to a deadly focus. He crossed his arms in front of him, forming an X with his hands. A sudden realization dawned on the Vampire as its eyes widened.

"This... I know this..." it began, but the words caught in its throat.

Arthur's eyes began to glow a bright yellow. His voice dropped to a low, chilling tone as he uttered, "Great Phoenix Art: Flame's Warmth."

*WHOOSH!*

A heavy pressure exploded from Arthur's body, and the Vampire staggered back, eyes wide in shock. An aura, yellow and pulsating like the flicker of a flame, enveloped Arthur. It spread to form the silhouette of fiery wings on his back, extending to his arms and legs until he looked like a figure cloaked in transparent flames.

Arthur glanced down at his hands, feeling the warmth course through his veins. His gaze snapped back to the Vampire. "You wanted a fight? Come at me, then."

The Vampire's frown deepened. It weighed its options, gauging the situation. 'He's dangerous... but my instincts aren't telling me to run. That means...'

A grin spread across the Vampire's face. "This will make for a good report. I'll kill you and then rise up the ranks with this," it cackled, its voice echoing through the night.

*WHOOSH!*

With that, the battle began.

Meanwhile...

Alex stood in the garden, staring into Tessa's eyes, his heart pounding against his ribs. His mind was racing with a jumble of thoughts. 'This is it. This is really happening.'

Tessa's arms were wrapped around his neck, pulling him close. He could feel her breath against his skin, warm, and gentle. "You worry too much," she whispered, a soft smile on her lips. "I'm fine."

Alex exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Alright, if you say so. But if anyone tries anything, promise me you'll tell me, okay?"

"Okay, darling," Tessa replied, her voice sweet as honey. She drew him even closer, her head resting against his chest.

"So..." Alex began, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, "why did you want to meet me tonight? Did you have something you wanted to talk about?"

Tessa looked away briefly, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Something like that... but..."

Alex tilted his head, curiosity etched on his face. "But what?"

Tessa hesitated, biting her lower lip before finally looking back at him. "I... I'm shy."

"Shy?" Alex repeated, blinking in surprise.

"Yes," Tessa said, glancing down at the ground. "I was too shy in the daytime, so I thought it would be easier at night... when it's just the two of us."

Alex felt a surge of warmth in his chest. "You don't have to be shy around me, you know. We're getting closer everyday," he said softly, lifting a hand to caress her cheek.

Tessa leaned into his touch, though her thoughts were anything but serene. 'Such bullshit,' she thought, masking her contempt with a tender smile. 'He has no idea... he has no idea how much I want to rip his eyes out right now.'

'I'm sure my parents weren't the first ones he's killed,' she thought. 'And yet he can still act so innocent and pure in front of everyone.'

"Thank you, Alex," she replied sweetly. "It's just that..."

Alex leaned in slightly, his voice gentle. "Talk to me, Tessa."

'This is my chance,' Tessa thought, her heart beating like a drum in her chest.

"For what I'm about to do, she began, her voice trembling slightly, "I want it to be special... just between us."

Alex's eyes widened, and a hint of excitement flickered in them. 'Is this what I think it is?'

"What exactly do you mean?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Tessa hesitated again. "Wait," she said, "let me set up a Sound Barrier first."

Alex's suspicions seemed to be confirmed. 'If she wants to set up a Sound Barrier, then...'

He nodded eagerly. "As you wish."

Tessa managed to maintain her facade, nodding in agreement. 'Perfect,' she thought, raising her hands to conjure the Sound Barrier. The air around them shimmered for a moment before sealing them in a cocoon of silence.

As the barrier finished forming, Tessa's expression changed. A genuine, icy smile appeared on her face. 'Mission completed...'

***********

Arin stood atop the library building, his eyes trained on the Weapon building in the distance. He couldn't see much from here, but that didn't matter. He wasn't planning to go any closer, knowing the risk of the Vampire sensing him.

He needed confirmation that everything was proceeding as planned. His gaze sharpened when a notification appeared before him.

[An Unwritten Event is happening.]

A cold smile spread across his face, shadowed by the darkness around him. "That's all the confirmation I need..."

Meanwhile, on the rooftop of the Weapon building, the battle had just begun.

"Great Phoenix Art..."

"Huh?"

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[A/N]

Hey guys!! What are your thoughts on Arthur, and that Great Phoenix Art? I'll like to hear your thoughts as usual.

Thank you!!