Beyond the Veil

"What do y-" Michael began, his words cut off by a sudden onslaught of arrows hurtling toward him from all directions with such speed that he couldn't even comprehend the danger.

"Alert: Hostile Threat Detected." A human-like female voice chimed in his mind, its urgency matching the imminent peril.

"Danger Identified: Poison-Tipped Arrows."

 Velocity: Mach 14."

In the blink of an eye, his senses sharpened, and a surge of energy coursed through him as a newfound ability sprang into action.

"No means of escape.

Requirement Met.

Ability Unlocked: Luminous Shield.

Deployed Automatically."

Suddenly, a brilliant barrier of light enveloped Michael, blinding them through the darkness, and forming an impregnable shield just in time to deflect the lethal projectiles. Each arrow bounced off the shimmering barrier, harmlessly scattering into the shadows.

The barrier disappeared, but there was no time to rejoice as a person immediately followed up with a destructive kick. Michael swiftly blocked it with his arm, feeling the force of the impact reverberate through his bones as he slid backward. In an instant, he uncoiled his rope dart from his side, ready to retaliate against his assailant.

Through the darkness, Michael's enhanced vision allowed him to perceive the figure's form, and once again, text materialized beside the mysterious assailant.

"Analysis Complete," The female voice said.

"Name:???

Health and Vitals: 160%

Strength: 202%

Emotional Disposition: Malice.

Weakness: ???. 

Remark: Can be defeated. 

Proceed."

Michael examined him closely, he was wearing a dark green hooded cloak, his mouth covered with a strange mask and only his emerald-green eyes visible. He was wielding a long staff.

Without warning, he shot out at Michael at light speed. With lightning-fast reflexes, Michael deftly evaded the assailant's initial assault, narrowly dodging the staff's deadly arc. Sensing an opportunity, he countered with a swift strike of his rope dart, aiming for the assailant's legs to trip him up. However, the cloaked figure anticipated the move, effortlessly leaping over the projectile and closing the distance between them with alarming speed.

As the two clashed, their movements became a blur of precision and agility. Michael relied on his training, weaving in and out of the assailant's strikes with calculated grace. Each blow was met with a swift parry or a well-timed dodge, as he sought to gain the upper hand in the fast-paced duel. In between the battle, they both traded blows with their respective weapons head-on, but the opponent's weapon seemed to do the most damage, hitting him straight in the guts and making him cough blood.

"Alert: Critical Hit Recieved.

Health and Vitals: 48%"

Meanwhile, the mysterious opponent proved to be a formidable opponent, matching Michael's every move with uncanny skill. With each swing of his staff, he sought to exploit any opening in Michael's defenses, his attacks fueled by a relentless determination to overcome his adversary. 

In the midst of the chaotic battle, Michael's enhanced vision allowed him to perceive subtle patterns and weaknesses in his opponent's movements. With a quick glance, he assessed the assailant's stance and anticipated his next strike, ready to counter with precision and finesse. But just as Michael seemed to gain the advantage, the assailant unleashed a barrage of rapid strikes, each one aimed with deadly accuracy. 

With a focused thought, he invoked the Luminous Shield, a radiant barrier of energy that surrounded him in a protective cocoon, deflecting the assailant's blows with ease. 

" Alert: Important Information.

Your data;

Health and Vitals: 43%

Exhaustion: 89%

Unknown's data;

Health and Vitals: 154%

Exhaustion: 6%

Weakness: Bad at escaping corners"

Michael nodded at the information. This eye was extremely helpful. He surprisingly took a liking to its abilities.

The figure jumped backward as the shield disintegrated around Michael. This time, however, Michael jumped on the offensive with determination, immediately swinging his rope dart toward him.

"Adrenaline increased.

Requirement met.

Ability Unlocked: Echoing Mirage.

Deployed Automatically."

Suddenly, three identical figures of Michael materialized around the assailant, each wielding their own rope dart and mirroring Michael's movements. Trapped within the illusion, the assailant's eyes widened in realization.

"What-" he began, but before he could finish, Horizon intervened. With lightning reflexes, he caught all four of the rope darts, two with his hands and the other two with translucent orange arms emerging from his chest and back. In a fluid motion, he deflected the attacks, saving the figure from a certain defeat.

"AHA, Michael wins." Horizon praised, "Juwexinof, you underestimated him." He laughed. 

Reluctantly, Michael relented, retracting his rope dart and allowing the illusion to dissipate.

Juwexinof removed his hood and mask, revealing a young man and a weary expression as he settled onto the ground, his long hair cascading around him. He had lost due to the unexpected move from Michael, which was enough to embarrass him. 

 The dimly lit domain suddenly surged with illumination, casting long shadows across the scene.

 Xyel and Arial approached the group, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.

"That was certainly an impressive display!" Xyel announced, amused, "How are you holding up, Michael?"

However, Michael's condition was far from stable. He sat in a daze, his face pale and contorted in pain. Blood trickled from the corners of his mouth, and he struggled to remain conscious. The text began to flood his eyes as the world suddenly started darkening.

"Alert: Insufficient power to maintain consciousness.

Immediate recovery is unlikely.

You will now fall into a state of-"

Before the Solispectra could complete its warning, Juwexinof swiftly administered a liquid from his flask into Michael's mouth.

"Energy levels stabilized.

All stats will now return to Normal." The female spoke once again. 

Michael wiped his face. " What was that?"

"It's just as I suspected," Juwexinof replied, his tone thoughtful. "This is not a natural phenomenon. This is some sort of device. Something you'd call 'an advanced technology' and Michael's body is not equipped to handle it."

Xyel furrowed his brow in concern. "How can you be sure?"

"Firstly, this 'device' is not something that would naturally emerge from the Shards," Juwexinof explained. "And secondly, the activation phrase... it's a clear indication of external manipulation."

Michael weakly got on his feet, acknowledging Juwexinof's insight. "He is correct so far."

"You sound smart, Juwexinof," Horizon interjected with a mocking tone, " But that doesn't hide the fact that MICHAEL BEAT YOU AHA!" he taunted loudly.

Juwexinof shot Horizon a frustrated look. "It was unexpected. VERY UNEXPECTED," he muttered.

"How do I prevent this from happening again?" Michael asked.

"Well…I have 5 of these liquids. Here," Juwexinof tossed 5 tiny flasks towards him, " They return your body's energy levels back to maximum. I've never needed them as I made them by accident when creating the poison for my arrows."

"I just drink them?"

"Yes, but you'll have to be quick because you'll pass out unless you drink them before that," he warned. " However, you can also recover over time if you don't overdo yourself. Let's say just one ability at a time?"

"Alright then," Horizon clapped his hands, attempting to lighten the mood, "That wraps it, Juwexinof. Seems like he's pretty good with the eye, no?"

"That is correct. However, there might be more to it." Juwexinof looked at the eye more closely, "I suppose there's a voice in there as well?"

"Yes, although, I have not talked to it yet," answered Michael.

"It could prove to be of value to you." chimed in Xyel, seeking to offer reassurance. "Am I right, Arial?"

"YES!" She exclaimed eagerly. 

With the conversation winding down, Juwexinof addressed the group, "So we're done here?"

"Pretty much," said Xyel, turning to Michael for confirmation.

He nodded.

"Horizo…" he began, but his voice trailed off as he noticed Horizon's peculiar behavior. "Is something wrong?"

Horizon stood facing away from them, his head tilted upward as if sensing something, his expression becoming increasingly frantic.

Four black figures from the sky dropped dead at his feet.

"It can't be…"

"Corrupted Ones?! How are they here?"

Juwexinof's eyes widened and he immediately put his staff up in a defensive manner.

Xyel instinctively opened his wings to shelter Arial.

Suddenly, an urgent warning cut through the air in Michael's mind.

"ERROR: !!??!!

Power Levels exceed analysis

Remark: !!??RUN??!!" 

This time, the female voice spoke in an urgent and dire manner.

The atmosphere grew heavy, the air crackling with an ominous pressure.

"What is happening?" said Michael, his voice constrained.

Horizon took a deep breath.

"It's…him."