chp:9 last breath

Asriel felt something soft and warm pressing against him, a gentle rise and fall accompanying each breath. Slowly opening his eyes, he widened them in surprise as he found Artemis, soundly sleeping on top of him and under the blanket. Her delicate face was peaceful in slumber, framed by her blue hair that cascaded over her shoulders and brushed against his chest.

Her body was snug against his, her slender form fitting perfectly along his. He could feel the soft curve of her assets pressing against him, their warmth seeping through the thin fabric of their clothes. Her breath was warm on his neck, each exhale a gentle reminder of her presence.

Asriel yelped as Artemis shifted slightly, her body dragging against his in a way that made his heart race. Her face moved even closer to his, her soft lips just inches away from his own. Asriel was acutely aware of every movement she made.

Artemis murmured something incoherent in her sleep, her arm wrapping around him as if seeking more comfort. Asriel's mind raced, trying to process the situation without disturbing her peaceful rest. The tenderness of the moment was overwhelming, a stark contrast to the nightmares that had plagued him.

Asriel moved very slowly and carefully, trying not to wake Artemis. As he shifted his body, his elbow brushed against her nipple, eliciting a slight moan from her, but she remained asleep. He sighed in relief and then, with a swift yet gentle motion, managed to slide out from under her and carefully placed her back on the couch.

A small sigh escaped Asriel as he stood up, his eyes lingering on the peaceful face of his goddess. Seeing Artemis sleep so soundly brought a soft smile to his lips. He hadn't had a nightmare this time, and he suspected it was because of her presence next to him.

Quietly, he gathered his gear and bag, making sure not to make any noise. With one last glance at Artemis, who continued to sleep undisturbed, he made his way to the door of the abandoned church. Stepping out into the early morning light, Asriel headed to the guild.

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"Okay, Asriel," Rose said, standing next to a half-elf. "Meet the second advisor you'll be working with."

"Hello, I'm Eina Tulle. Nice to meet you," the half-elf introduced herself with a friendly smile.

"I'm Asriel Silver. Nice to meet you too," Asriel replied, returning her smile.

"Alright then, I need you to promise me something," Eina said, her tone becoming more serious,"Every time you go into the dungeon, you must return and report to me. If you think you won't return before the reception closes, please inform me ahead of time."

"Yes, Miss Eina, I promise," Asriel agreed earnestly.

"Good! Now, how far into the dungeon have you gone?"

" when I first went, I stayed around the 7th to 10th floors, sometimes I venture to the 11th to 14th, and once I went to the 15th floor after hearing someone yell for help," Asriel explained.

Eina's eyes widened in shock as she processed his words. "Are you insane!?" she exclaimed. "No one without a falna should be able to manage the first floors, but you went to the 15th floor!?" She rubbed her temple in exasperation. "I see why you need help with him, Rose."

"Yep, he will be a handful," Rose agreed with a knowing look.

Asriel could only laugh awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.

"Then we will give you clearance for the first seven floors of the dungeon until we feel you're ready to go deeper, understood?" Eina said firmly.

Asriel scratched his head again, his lion pride kicked in. "Can it go to ten?"

"Seven," Eina replied.

"Nine?" Asriel tried once more.

"Seven," Eina repeated, her glare becoming more potent. "And we'll have our first report session right after."

"Yes," Asriel said, deflating as he accepted her terms, his lion pride wounded slightly as he was seen weak.

Eina's gaze softened. "I know how much you would like to go into the dungeon and prove yourself strong, but one small mistake and the people waiting for you will never see you again. So please, for all of us that are left behind, don't go on an adventure when we aren't ready, okay?"

Asriel looked up at Eina and noticed the sadness hidden behind her eyes. Those words were spoken from experience.

"No matter what happens, I swear I will return to those waiting for me, and that includes you, Miss Eina," Asriel declared with determination, his lion pride was shown.

Eina smiled with a light blush, which she tried to hide by tilting her head slightly. "Good, then we will be waiting for you. Go."

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Asriel left the guild, preparing himself for his next venture into the dungeon. As he walked, he was unaware of a pair of hazel eyes following his every move.

Descending into the dungeon, Asriel activated his Aether Eye, causing his right eye to glow with a a cyan light. The activation felt natural, almost instinctual, like it was a part of his innate lion heritage. "I wonder who I inherited this from," he mused, moving his hand experimentally.

Before his hand completed the motion, he saw a blue image of it leaving afterimages, as if he was glimpsing into the future. "Huh, so that's what 'time shall be seen' means. I wonder…" Asriel focused more, trying to see further ahead. The more he concentrated, the more images appeared, each representing a different possible outcome. However, the further he looked, the blurrier the images became.

"Huh, so the further I look, the more outcomes I see, and the blurrier it becomes," he thought, marveling at the potential of his ability.

As he walked, he glanced at the wall and saw a blue image of three goblins jumping out of it. Instantly, he drew his daggers. When the real goblins emerged, he moved with precision. The first goblin was sliced in half mid-air. The other two tried to flank him, but Asriel easily dodged one and parried the other's attack. With his second dagger, he swiftly decapitated the second goblin. The last goblin leaped at him, only to be sliced in half with a quick, fluid motion.

"You have quite the skills," a female voice said from behind him as Asriel finished dispatching the goblins.

Asriel was a bit surprised to hear someone but put on a smile. "Thank you very much—" his smile faltered as he looked at the person behind him. It was the golden-haired elf again.

Asriel turned, ready to run, but before he could, the elf dashed forward with her higher-level speed and tackled him to the ground. Asriel's arms and body were pinned between the elf's thighs as she sat on top of him. He tried to wiggle his way out, but he couldn't.

"Wait, I just want to talk," the elf said. Asriel didn't listen and continued trying to break free. He managed to move slightly, but the elf squeezed harder, her thighs tightening around him. She placed her hand on Asriel's chest. "Please, I just want to talk," she repeated, her eyes pleading.

Asriel stopped struggling and looked up at her, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. He relaxed, his panic almost but not completely gone. He became acutely aware of the softness of her thighs and the fact that she was sitting on top of him.

Realizing their compromising position, the elf quickly got up. Asriel followed suit, standing up. Suddenly, the elf grabbed his hand. Asriel flinched.

"Please," she said softly. "Just hear me out."

Asriel nodded, somewhat nervously. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he met her earnest gaze.

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They walked through the dungeon in awkward silence for a few minutes, the elf still holding Asriel's hand, not wanting him to dash off. It was oddly comforting and relaxing for both of them. Asriel could feel the softness and delicacy of her hand, her fingers cool and smooth against his own. The touch was gentle yet firm, and he found it surprisingly reassuring.

The elf, on the other hand, felt the warmth of Asriel's hand seeping into hers, a soothing sensation that calmed her nerves. The steady rhythm of his pulse against her palm made her feel more grounded. Despite the awkwardness, there was a sense of connection that neither of them could deny.

As they walked, the dim light of the dungeon cast long shadows around them, the air cool and slightly damp. The distant sounds of creatures echoed faintly through the tunnels, but for the moment, it was just the two of them, walking side by side. The elf occasionally glanced at Asriel out of the corner of her eye.

They walked in silence until they reached the fifth floor. The air grew cooler, and the dim light made the shadows dance on the rough walls.

"Um, what's your name?" Asriel asked nervously.

"Alicia. Alicia Forestlight," she replied with a small smile.

"My name is Asriel Silver."

"I know," Alicia said.

"You do?" Asriel looked at her, puzzled.

"Yes, you were the one who saved me," Alicia explained.

Asriel stared at her, trying to recall where he had seen her before. Then it hit him. "Were you the elf that was drunk and wandered into the alley by mistake?"

Alicia flushed with embarrassment, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. "Yes," she admitted, her elven pride slightly wounded by the memory.

"I wanted to thank you for saving me, but you ran away," Alicia said.

"Oh, I thought you were mad at me for, um, you know," Asriel said, recalling the accidental touch to the high elf, riveria.

"Yes, I'm still quite mad at you for that," she said, glaring at him and tightening her grip on his hand. Asriel's heart raced, feeling her anger.

Noticing his discomfort, Alicia's expression softened, and she loosened her grip. "But it was an accident," she added gently.

Asriel felt his Aether Eye activate, his right eye glowing as a blue image of a Killer Ant appeared, falling directly toward Alicia. Without a second thought, he lunged forward, grabbing Alicia by the hips and pulling her away just as the real Killer Ant dropped from above.

he drew his dagger and, as the Killer Ant descended, he sliced its head off with a precise strike. The creature's body hit the ground with a thud, and Asriel sighed in relief.

Turning to Alicia, he noticed her face was flushed. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Asriel's heart raced as he realized his hand was still gripped to her slender hips, feeling the warmth and softness beneath his fingers, his hands lingering a bit too long.

Quickly, he released her and bowed deeply. "I'm sorry!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine remorse and embarrassment.

Alicia, still blushing, looked at him with wide eyes. She touched her hips where his hands had been, the warmth lingering. "No, no, you shouldn't apologize. You saved me from that Killer Ant," she said, waving her hands in front of him in a flustered manner.

As they were about to continue, a rumbling sound echoed from the sides of the cavern. Suddenly, groups of Killer Ants began to emerge, their chittering growing louder and more menacing. Alicia's eyes widened in realization. "You didn't destroy the Killer Ant's head," she said.

"They send out signals to other Killer Ants when they're decapitated but not destroyed. You have to crush the head completely to prevent this," Alicia explained as she swiftly drew her sword and pierced the killer ant head.

"I didn't know," Asriel replied, pulling out his spear.

"I'll take this group," Alicia said.

"Okay, I'll take this one," he responded.

Asriel dashed forward, spear in hand, and leaped onto one of the Killer Ants. He pierced its head with a spear infused with ki. Swiftly, he moved to the next one. Each strike was precise, targeting the Killer Ants' weakest points. His eye glowed a vivid sky blue, revealing the creatures' vulnerabilities.

"So that's what 'Existence shall not hide' means," Asriel thought as he pierced another ant's weak spot.

Alicia, a level 4 adventurer, had no trouble dispatching her group of Killer Ants. Her movements were fluid and efficient, each strike a testament to her skill and experience. She finished off the last ant with a sigh and turned, ready to assist Asriel, but was surprised to see he didn't need any help.

He was quite fast for a level one, weaving through the swarm of Killer Ants. His spear danced through the air, each thrust and slash perfectly aimed. Asriel moved faster with skills that seemed beyond first class adventurers skills, slicing through the ants neck and then piercing their heads with his spear in mid-air.

Asriel landed softly, breathing steadily, and met Alicia's gaze. "All done," he said with a small smile.

Alicia nodded, returning his smile. "You handled that well. Your skills are impressive."

"Thanks," Asriel replied, feeling a surge of lion pride.

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Asriel and Alicia stayed in the dungeon for another two hours before deciding to head out. They walked together towards the dungeon exit.

"Thank you for your help, Alicia," Asriel said sincerely.

"It was no problem," she replied with a warm smile.

As they reached the exit, Alicia hesitated, not wanting their time together to end. "Can we spend more time together? I want to repay you for saving me."

Asriel looked at her, then at the sun, gauging how much time he had before he needed to meet Eina and Rose. "Sure, I'd love to," he said with a smile that Alicia returned.

They strolled through Orario, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. Unconsciously, Alicia wrapped her arm around Asriel's, she had gotten used to asriel touch. Asriel blush, Alicia noticed and blushed as well, but neither pulled away.

Asriel's eyes lit up when he spotted a crepe stand. Crepes were his favorite, and Alicia noticed his excitement.

"Do you want one?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

Asriel nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I do."

"I'll buy for both of us," Alicia offered.

Asriel insisted he should pay, but she was adamant. "Consider it a small repayment for saving me," she said.

They sat down with their crepes, enjoying the treat together. Asriel's lion tail swayed happily as he savored each bite. Alicia watched him, amused by his obvious enjoyment.

"Do you want to taste mine?" Alicia asked, holding out her crepe. Asriel flushed a little, noticing the spot where she had taken a bite. He took a tentative bite.

"Here, try mine," he said, offering his crepe to her. Alicia gladly took a bite, their eyes meeting briefly before they both looked away.

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As Asriel and Alicia walked near the coliseum, Asriel couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen Alicia somewhere before, long before he arrived in Orario, and even before his second chance at life. It was like a distant memory, just out of reach. He found himself glancing at her more often, trying to piece together where he might have known her.

Alicia noticed his side glances and raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"

Asriel quickly looked away, feeling caught. "Oh, nothing, I was just thinking."

"About what?" Alicia pressed, her curiosity piqued.

"It's nothing," Asriel insisted. He didn't want to drag Alicia into his issues with memory loss, though his hesitation only made her more determined to get an answer.

"Tell me," she said, a bit more forcefully this time.

Asriel sighed, knowing she wouldn't let it go, so he tried to end the conversation with a distraction. "I just think you're beautiful."

Alicia's cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected compliment, but she wasn't entirely convinced. "Is that all? It seems like there's more on your mind."

"Yeah, that's all," Asriel said, though Alicia wasn't buying it.

She decided to push a little further, trying to catch him off guard. "So, do you like me?"

That question hit harder than she expected.

Asriel choked, his composure faltering. "W-Where did that come from?"

"You called me beautiful out of nowhere," Alicia pointed out with a teasing smile. "So, do you like me?"

Asriel's face grew even redder. "Yes, I do like you but…"

"But?" Alicia echoed, her curiosity growing. "Is it because we're from different races?"

Asriel blinked, surprised by the direction she took. Before he could respond, Alicia's expression turned somber.

"I know that the cat and elf races can't have children together," she said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. "I've come to terms with that, if you do like me, I would like to be with you… You've saved me twice now, and I have to admit, I've started developing feelings for you."

Asriel's face flushed even more at her confession, and he felt a pang of guilt. "It's not that… but it is something… selfish," he admitted, his voice lowering.

"A selfish desire?" Alicia asked.

"Yes," Asriel nodded, his lion ears drooping in embarrassment. He could hardly bring himself to say it.

"What is it?" Alicia asked, she sensed his reluctance.

Asriel hesitated, but there was no turning back now. "I… I desire a harem," he finally confessed, the last part coming out in a near whisper, but Alicia heard it loud and clear.

"A harem?" Alicia repeated, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and something else Asriel couldn't quite place.

"Yes," Asriel admitted, his gaze dropping in shame. The weight of his confession hung heavy between them.

"I see…" Alicia said softly, her eyes distant as if lost in thought.

Asriel, sensing her hesitation, felt a pang of guilt. "I know it's a selfish desire, but I—"

"I'm fine with that," Alicia interrupted, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Asriel wasn't convinced. Her expression didn't carry the acceptance her words claimed.

"Alicia, if you're not okay with it—" Asriel began, but Alicia cut him off again, her voice more insistent this time.

"Really, it's okay… I think it would be fair," she said, her tone steadying as she spoke. "You'd be able to have a child with another cat person." She paused, her eyes softening as she continued. "In my family, elven tradition holds that when we choose a partner, our love for them is forever. And I do want to be with you, Asriel. I trust that you would return that love, no matter what." Her smile this time was more genuine.

Asriel felt a deep conflict within him, a storm of emotions he couldn't easily reconcile. His grandpa had always filled his and Bell's heads with the dream of having the most glorious harem the world had ever seen—a legacy of love and power, unrivaled by any other. His selfish nature told him it wasn't wrong to aspire to live up to those expectations, to fulfill the dream his grandfather had instilled in him. But his kind soul, the one his lioness grandmother had nurtured, wouldn't allow him to take advantage of someone's feelings so callously.

His grandmother had raised him to be a gentleman, to always consider the feelings of others in a relationship. She had taught him that love wasn't just about him—it was about mutual respect, care, and sacrifice. And here was Alicia, offering him her heart, her life, and her future, even though she believed she couldn't give him children. What she didn't know was that Asriel, as a lion, Asriel could have kids with any race. He could give her children, but that wasn't the issue. The problem was that Asriel felt he was offering so little in return.

He knew that his desire for a harem wasn't just about fulfilling a family dream—it was a deeper, more complicated yearning born out of his time in the abyss. He had been trapped in that dark, endless void for over a million years, consumed by sorrow, grief, and memories that had haunted him for countless lifetimes. The idea of a harem wasn't just about physical desire; it was a desperate need for connection, for love, for something to fill the void that still lingered in his heart.

But was it fair to Alicia? To any of them? Could he truly love and cherish multiple women the way they deserved, or was he just being selfish, trying to soothe his own pain at their expense?

Asriel looked at Alicia, her beautiful hazel eyes were kind and trusting. He couldn't lie to her or to himself. He had to be honest, but he also had to be kind. How could he balance these conflicting emotions, these warring desires within him?

Before Asriel could voice any of these thoughts, the ground beneath them began to rumble ominously, the air filling with the deafening roar of nearby monsters. Asriel and Alicia snapped their heads toward the source of the disturbance—the coliseum—where chaos was unfolding. A kobold had broken loose and was charging toward a mother and her daughter, its predatory eyes locked onto its helpless prey.

Without a second thought, both Asriel and Alicia sprang into action. They dashed toward the endangered pair, Asriel pushing his body enhancement to its limits in an attempt to keep up with Alicia's speed. Despite their combined efforts, it quickly became clear that even Alicia's level 4 speed wouldn't close the distance in time. The kobold drew closer with every heartbeat, its snarls growing louder, its claws outstretched.

A surge of fear gripped Asriel's heart, his mind flashing back to memories of another time, another place—not of monsters, but of people in peril. It was as if he had seen this scene play out before, a dreadful déjà vu that only intensified his panic. We won't make it in time, he thought, dread sinking into his bones as he watched the kobold draw nearer to its targets.

In that moment of desperation, something deep within Asriel awoke—a memory, the last ability of his aether eyes he hadn't fully tapped into since the war from long ago. As the adrenaline coursed through his veins, the latent ability of his Aether Eyes surged to the forefront of his mind, a power he barely remembered but knew instinctively how to use.

Asriel's right eye glowed with a piercing blue light as he whispered, "Spatial Grasp." Instantly, the world around him shifted. Everything was bathed in a surreal blue hue, and though time didn't truly stop, it slowed to an agonizing crawl—at least from Asriel's perspective. His Aether Eye was perceiving space in a way few could fathom, seeing the threads of reality where they existed, stretching and twisting with every moment.

The world seemed to move as if submerged in thick molasses, each motion heavy and lethargic. Even Asriel himself felt the weight of it, the drag on his body as he moved through this altered space. But his mind stayed focused on the task at hand, the heightened awareness from his Aether Eye guiding his every move.

He raised his arm, crossing his middle and pointing fingers as he uttered the next command, "Spatial Manipulation." The space before him responded, twisting and warping as if the fabric of reality itself bent to his will. In a heartbeat, Asriel was no longer behind the kobold. He was beside it, his spear already in motion, slicing through the air that seemed to distort around him.

Asriel's blade sliced cleanly through the kobold's neck. The beast's momentum halted abruptly as its lifeless body crumpled to the ground, mere inches from the terrified mother and child. The world around him snapped back to normalcy as the effect of his Aether Eyes receded. The blue glow faded from his vision, and time resumed its natural pace. The child clung to their mother, wide-eyed with fear and awe, while the mother stared up at Asriel, her expression a mix of terror and gratitude.

Alicia arrived just a heartbeat later, her eyes wide with relief and awe as she took in the scene. Asriel stood over the kobold's lifeless body, his breathing a bit ragged from the exertion of using his ability. His gaze was locked on the fallen creature, but there was something different in his expression—a shadow of pain and regret that flickered across his face. Even in that brief moment, it reminded him of his past failures, seeing the innocent being in danger brought the memories, the ones that haunted him like ghosts from a time when he served as a knight.

Asriel quickly masked his emotions as Alicia reached his side, offering her and the frightened family a reassuring smile. His kind nature shone through, despite the turmoil he tried to conceal. "You both should get out of here. It's not safe," he said, his voice gentle but firm as more monstrous roars echoed in the distance.

The mother, still clutching her child, nodded fervently. "Y-yes, thank you," she stammered, her voice trembling with gratitude and fear. Without wasting another second, she hurried off with her daughter, fleeing in the opposite direction of the looming danger, she went were all other people went to.

Alicia turned to Asriel, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay?" she asked, noticing something off in his demeanor.

Asriel straightened, forcing a more composed expression. "Yes, I'm fine," he replied, though his voice lacked its usual warmth. "There are more monsters that need to be dealt with."

"Right," Alicia said, though she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. She could see the tension in Asriel's eyes, the way his usual confidence seemed slightly shaken, but she chose not to press the issue for now. There was a more pressing danger at hand.

the ground trembled as a new wave of monsters poured out from the gaping hole in the Colosseum's wall. Silverbacks, Almirajs, and Hellhounds emerged, snarling and ready to wreak havoc. Without hesitation, Asriel dashed toward the oncoming horde, his focus sharpening into a laser-like intensity. Alicia quickly followed, her sword ready in hand.

Asriel knew the Hellhounds had to be dealt with first; their fire breath could turn the battle against them if not swiftly neutralized. his spear aimed and pierced through the gaping maws of the Hellhounds, targeting the vulnerable spots inside their mouths. As each one readied its fiery breath, Asriel utilized his spatial manipulation, warping beside them in the blink of an eye and striking before they could unleash their flames. The beasts fell one by one, unable to mount any kind of defense against his relentless assault.

Alicia, meanwhile, focused her attention on the Almirajs, dispatching them with swift, clean strikes. each swing taking down an enemy before they could even register the attack. Within moments, she had cleared her section of the battlefield.

Asriel finished off the last Hellhound and turned his attention to the massive Silverbacks. He darted behind one of the towering beasts, his Aether Eye glowing brightly as it marked the creature's weakest point. The Silverback's back illuminated with a faint glow, visible only to him. Without hesitation, he drove his spear into the glowing spot, piercing through the thick hide and directly into the Silverback's magic stone. The beast turned into black ashes, its life force extinguished in an instant.

Alicia dispatched her own Silverback with equal efficiency, her sword striking true. But before they could catch their breath, another wave of monsters surged from the Colosseum, more Hellhounds and Almirajs, and then an even greater threat emerged—a infant dragon, its scales shimmering with an ominous light.

Asriel's eyes locked onto the dragon, his heart beating with a mix of anticipation and resolve. "You handle the monsters, I'll keep the dragon occupied until you're able to assist," he said, his voice steady but urgent.

"Are you sure?" Alicia asked, concern lacing her tone as she saw the determination in his eyes.

"Yes," Asriel replied, his gaze never leaving the dragon. "The smaller creatures will cause chaos if they spread. You're faster at handling them."

Alicia hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Okay. Be careful," she urged, her voice carrying a note of concern. With that, she turned back to face the relentless horde of monsters, her sword flashing in the sunlight as she prepared to cut them down before they could cause any more devastation.

Asriel tightened his grip on his spear, his eyes narrowing as he advanced toward the infant dragon. The creature was massive, its scales gleaming ominously in the dim light filtering through the Colosseum's shattered walls. Without wasting a moment, Asriel called forth his magic. "Volt," he commanded. Lightning crackled from his outstretched hand, shooting forth in a blinding arc that struck the dragon squarely, drawing its attention with a furious roar.

The dragon's eyes, now focused solely on Asriel, flared with a dangerous light. But Asriel was undeterred. Channeling his ki, he infused his spear, the weapon turned black he lunged forward. His target was the dragon's legs—immobilizing the beast was his top priority. With swift, precise strikes, he aimed for the back of its knees, each blow causing the dragon to roar in pain and frustration.

The dragon responded with a powerful stomp, the force of it sending tremors through the ground. Asriel nimbly dodged the attack, but the dragon wasn't done. It swung its massive tail in a wide arc, catching Asriel off guard. The force of the blow sent him sprawling, but he quickly regained his footing. As the tail came around again, Asriel made a split-second decision, catching the tail with both hands.

With a swift jump, Asriel leaped off the dragon's tail and landed a short distance away. His Aether Eyes flared to life, locking onto the dragon's form. "Spatial tuning," he whispered, focusing the power into his hand. "Volt," he commanded, and a concentrated bolt of lightning formed in his palm. But instead of releasing it immediately, Asriel held it in place with spatial tuning, allowing the energy to build. The lightning crackled and pulsed, forming a small but intensely bright sphere that hovered just above his hand.

"Volt," he repeated, adding another layer of energy to the sphere. He did this twice more, each time the sphere growing brighter and more volatile, until it crackled with raw, untamed power. His Aether Eyes showed him the dragon's weakest point—a small area at the base of its neck where the scales were thinner.

Asriel hurled the lightning sphere at the dragon's neck. The air sizzled as the sphere cut through it, leaving a trail of crackling energy in its wake. The sphere struck true, colliding with the dragon's weak spot with a thunderous impact. The dragon roared in agony, its massive form convulsing as the lightning tore through its body, illuminating every scale in a brilliant, searing flash.

With a furious growl, the dragon's chest expanded, and a faint light began to glow in its throat, growing brighter and more intense by the second. Asriel's eyes widened in realization just before the dragon unleashed a torrent of fire with a deafening roar.

"Spatial Distortion," Asriel commanded, his voice calm despite the chaos. The air in front of him shimmered and twisted, as though reality itself was being bent and fractured. The dragon's flames surged forward, but as they met the distorted space, the fire split and scattered in every direction, harmlessly passing by Asriel.

Seeing his chance, Asriel didn't hesitate. "Spatial Manipulation," he muttered, and in an instant, he was at the base of the dragon's neck, right at the damaged spot. With a swift swing of his spear, he struck at the already weakened scales. The blade cut deep, drawing another pained roar from the dragon, but it wasn't enough to bring the beast down.

The dragon, though gravely wounded, was far from defeated. It roared again, this time with difficulty, the sound garbled as blood trickled from its throat. Asriel prepared for a final, decisive blow, aiming his spear directly at the dragon's vulnerable neck. But as he channeled his ki into the weapon for the strike, the spear suddenly crumpled under the strain, unable to withstand anymore of the immense power he was pouring into it.

Before Asriel could react, the dragon lunged forward, its massive jaws closing around his arm with bone-crushing force. Pain shot through him, but he fought back with everything he had. With his free hand, he drew a dagger, quickly infusing it with ki. In a desperate move, he drove the blade into the dragon's eye with all his strength. The dragon howled in agony, its jaws releasing Asriel's arm as it recoiled from the blinding pain.

Asriel stumbled back, cradling his injured arm. Blood trickled from the wound, but despite the damage, his arm was still functional. He steeled himself for the dragon's next move, knowing that even in its weakened state, it was still incredibly dangerous.

The dragon, now half-blinded and enraged, reared back for another attack, but before it could strike, Alicia appeared beside Asriel. With flawless precision, she delivered a powerful, final slash across the dragon's severely wounded neck. Her blade cut through the last of the weakened scales and muscle, severing the beast's head from its body.

The dragon's massive form collapsed to the ground with a thunderous crash, the life finally draining from its monstrous body, then it turned into ash, only leaving its magic stone. Asriel watched it explode into black ash, breathing heavily, a mix of relief and exhaustion washing over him.

Alicia stood beside him, her sword still in hand, scanning the surroundings with sharp eyes. no more monsters emerged from the gaping hole in the coliseum. The eerie silence that followed felt both relieving and unsettling.

Asriel's gaze lingered on the scene, his mind drifting. There was something hauntingly familiar about this moment—this feeling of victory laced with regret. A shadowy memory flickered at the edges of his consciousness, of someone who had saved him countless times, someone he could never repay, someone he had failed to save.

"There's no more monsters," Alicia finally said, her voice cutting through his thoughts as she sheathed her sword. She turned to Asriel, her expression softening as she noticed his injured arm. Gently, she reached out, her fingers brushing against the torn fabric and blood-streaked skin. "Are you okay?" she asked, concern lacing her words.

Asriel winced slightly but nodded. "Yes, I can still move it a bit. It's not too bad," he reassured her, though his voice was weary, and his expression remained distant.

But Alicia could see through his facade. His face held a tension she had never seen before, as though he was wrestling with something deep inside. "Asriel, are you really fine?" she asked, her tone soft but insistent.

Asriel hesitated, looking away from her intense gaze. "I just need some time to rest," he replied, but the words felt hollow even to him. Alicia wasn't convinced. She gently cupped his cheek, turning his face towards her, forcing him to meet her hazel eyes.

"Asriel, tell me what's wrong," she urged, her voice filled with gentle persistence.

For a moment, Asriel's resolve crumbled. His shoulders slumped, and he sighed, allowing himself to be vulnerable. "This… this reminds me of a time when…" His voice trailed off as his eyes drifted towards the magic stone of the infant dragon. Something about it seemed off, a strange, ominous energy pulsing from within.

a crack appeared on the stone's surface, growing rapidly. Asriel's Aether Eyes flared to life, revealing blue images of tendrils snaking out from the stone—vines, twisted and dark, moving with unnatural speed.

"Watch out!" Asriel shouted, pushing Alicia aside just as the vines shot out from the cracked stone. They moved faster than he could fully comprehend, and before he could react, three of them pierced through his body with a sickening force. His vision blurred, and everything went dark.

.

.

.

"Asriel, please get up!" A distant voice pierced through the darkness. Asriel's eyes fluttered open, heavy and unfocused. His vision was blurred, his body sinking deeper into an abyss of numbness.

Gradually, the scene sharpened before him. Alicia was there, struggling fiercely against a grotesque vine-like creature. It was a monstrous, flytrap-like beast with a gaping maw lined with human-like teeth, dripping venomous saliva. Its vines writhed and twisted in all directions, thrashing wildly as Alicia fought to fend them off.

Beside her stood a figure that looked eerily familiar—someone who resembled Alicia, yet was distinctly different. Brown hair framed her face, and a pair of lion ears twitched atop her head, accompanied by a swaying tail. Mimosa? Asriel's mind raced as a long-forgotten memory surfaced. Now, he understood why Alicia had always seemed so familiar.

After all this time, you're still protecting me…

"Alicia," Asriel rasped, his voice barely above a whisper. But Alicia, too focused on the battle, didn't hear him. Her blade flashed through the air as she desperately sliced through the encroaching vines, her movements fueled by sheer determination. But the plant monster's assault was relentless, and Asriel could see exhaustion setting in.

His body felt cold and heavy, the three puncture wounds from the vines still oozing blood. His limbs refused to respond. Alicia was slowing, her strength fading with every swing of her blade. Her movements grew sluggish as the vines tightened their grip. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, one of the vines lashed across her side, and her defenses faltered. In an instant, the plant monster seized her, its tendrils coiling tightly around her body.

Not again… Asriel's heart thundered in his chest, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. He couldn't let this happen. Not again. The world around him blurred, fading into a haze of fear and desperation.

Not again! His thoughts screamed as something deep within him sparked to life. A surge of heat ignited in his chest, spreading through his veins like wildfire. His scar burned with a searing intensity, crackling with electric energy.

Asriel drew a deep, shuddering breath, filling his burning lungs as if for the last time. When he exhaled, a mist-like steam escaped his lips, curling into the cold air. His wounds throbbed, but to his astonishment, they began to heal. The bleeding slowed, and his entire body started to glow with a soft, white light—an ethereal aura enveloping him. His hair grew slightly longer, and his form seemed to shimmer.

His pulse pounded in his ears, synchronized with the electricity surging through his veins. His muscles tensed, filled with newfound strength that defied the weakness that had held him down. With slow, deliberate movements, Asriel pushed himself off the ground, his gaze locking onto Alicia, now mere moments from the plant's gaping maw.

Time slowed as Asriel's heart raced, each beat echoing with an unyielding resolve. The world faded away—there was only Alicia and the monstrous plant threatening to consume her.

In the blink of an eye, Asriel was beside her, his arms wrapping securely around her trembling form. The vines, dragging her toward the creature's maw, disintegrated into thin air, vanishing as though they'd never existed. The plant shrieked in agony, its scream echoing through the clearing.

Asriel held Alicia close, his breath still coming in heavy gasps. The adrenaline that had fueled him began to wane, leaving him on the brink of collapse. But none of that mattered—she was safe. That was all that counted.

Alicia slowly looked up at him, her wide eyes filled with a mix of relief and disbelief. "Asriel…" she whispered faintly, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness.

"I'm here," Asriel whispered back, his voice soft yet firm. "I won't let anything happen to you."

Gently, Asriel set her down at a safe distance from the plant monster. Alicia lost consciousness as he turned to face the beast once more, his right eye glowing as his aether sight activated. His hand reached for his four daggers—one clamped between his teeth, the others gripped tightly in each hand. The blades turned pitch black, infused with ki.

The plant lashed out, its vines whipping toward him. "Spatial Grasp," he murmured through the dagger. The world shifted, the air around him turning blue as time slowed. Yet the vines still moved with alarming speed. Asriel dodged and slashed, weaving between the strikes, each movement fluid and calculated.

He kicked one of his daggers high into the air, aiming for the plant's weak point—a convergence of vines revealed by his aether eyes. But the plant, sensing the attack, deflected the blade.

"Spatial Manipulation," he muttered, extending his hand. The space between him and the dagger bent, and in an instant, the weapon was back in his grasp. He repeated the process, slashing, throwing, and retrieving his daggers, drawing ever closer to the plant's core.

Then, he paused, preparing for the final strike. "Spatial Tuning," he whispered, charging the next spell. "Volt," he repeated, pouring energy into the attack. He hurled it toward the plant, only for the vines to block once again.

"Spatial Manipulation," he commanded. The lightning-infused sphere bypassed the vines and struck the plant's center, exposing the core—a cracked stone. But before Asriel could strike, the plant recoiled, covering the stone with more vines.

I need more time… Asriel thought, exhaling sharply. He extended his arm, space warping at his fingertips. "Spatial Tuning," he whispered, collapsing space into itself. Asriel began a mental incantation, speeding the process. A weak blue sphere formed, lacking ki, but it was enough.

"From the deepest depths of hell…" The sphere flickered. "Repel all that come near, in the darkest night." The blue sphere vanished as it collapsed into its self.

"By the flames of the underworld, rise, red." A red sphere appeared, pulsing with a repelling force. Asriel infused it with as much ki as he could manage, barely holding on.

"Electric Field," he whispered. Electricity crackled around his feet, his speed increasing. Vines lashed out, but the red sphere repelled them, shredding any that dared come close. One by one, his daggers began to break, unable to sustain the ki.

With his final dagger, Asriel dashed forward, slamming the red sphere into the plant. The sphere expanded, repelling the vines in all directions as the plant shrieked in agony.

Vines whipped toward him in desperation, but the red sphere held strong, forcing the plant back. Asriel caught sight of the cracked stone once more. He was weakening, his mastery over red still incomplete, but he pressed on. Using the last of his strength, he used spatial tuning and channeled "Volt" into his final dagger, he repeated the word over and over, the blade crackling with a different shade of electricity.

"Electric Enchantment," he whispered. He deactivated red and dashed towards the plant. Vines closed in, but they were too slow. He felt his strength come and go but he continued and With a final thrust, Asriel drove the dagger deep into the stone. The plant screamed as the core shattered, crumbling into dust. Its body disintegrated, turning to ash.

Asriel exhaled heavily, not realizing he'd been holding his breath. His strength drained, and the world around him blurred. Stumbling, he made his way to Alicia, collapsing beside her. As his eyes closed, darkness overtook him once more.

____________

Author note

Sorry it took so long but hope you enjoyed.