Chapter 120: This is for you, my new friend!

He exhaled deeply; this was the first time he felt so exhausted. Though fighting for five days straight would do that, he supposed.

In the heart of an enormous clearing, framed by trees that stretched as far as the eye could see, Telluris glided gracefully, her flowing hair dancing like silk in the wind as she prepared for the impending clash. Across from her surged Mikoto, with a swift spell, he dismissed the chest piece and gauntlets of his armor, revealing a sleeveless black shirt with a high collar that hugged his form, accentuating the lithe figure beneath.

In an instant, Mikoto soared through the air with a burst of speed, a vibrant streak against the greens of the trees, while Telluris conjured three colossal stone pikes the size of small mountains that erupted from the earth like sentinels, hurtling toward him. With a simple thought, he summoned a massive black glyph behind him, unleashing a jet of dark energy that engulfed the first pike, decaying it effortlessly into the ether. He arched mid-flight, dodging debris, and, wielding Sabre, he cleaved through the second pike, sending fragments crashing violently down into the forest below, uprooting trees and causing a cascade of debris.

As the final pike loomed, Mikoto made a radiant white glyph, its purity contrasting starkly against his dark attire, and unleashed a pulse of energy that obliterated the pike, sending shockwaves rippling through the air and rattling the nearby woods. Telluris seemed almost captivated by the brilliance of the tumultuous magic, elevated herself, meeting Mikoto's gaze, her voice was a melodic whisper amidst everything, "Such power you wield, oh fierce one; do you not see the beauty in restraint?"

Their eyes locked, Telluris dove at him, her movements extremely fluid and quick, faster than even Selwyn, as Mikoto parried her incoming strike from her bare hands with a flourish, the clash vibrating through the air. He twirled in mid-air, evading a graceful swipe from her hand, her fingers aglow with soft azure magic, before retaliating with a fast thrust of Sabre, which she narrowly dodged, spinning away in a whirl. "I find beauty in kicking your ass!" he answered, his voice dripping with excitement as he landed in a crouch, his hair whipping about him as he pushed off, lunging forward once again.

Telluris wove around him, her robes trailing behind her, fracturing the air with a soft glow as she deftly responded to each of his moves. She twirled away from his relentless strikes, engaging him in a close-quarters battle through the air and earth, the ground beneath them trembling with environmental impact; craters formed where they fought, flora uprooted, the trees surrounding them creaking in protest. "Then let us dance, my dear Mikoto!" she exclaimed, her own excitement palpable, but Mikoto merely smirked, adrenaline coursing through him, it was not every day that the thrill of combat enveloped him. He did not know where this pleasure came from, but battling this woman was an experience.

She swung a spell-infused palm aimed at his face, and he barely dodged, the energy grazing his cheek and prompting him to somersault away, landing with effortless grace on a bough before launching back towards her, excitement sparking in his red eyes. Their duel pushed through the clearing and into the tree line, great branches snapping underfoot, uprooted trees tumbling as they collided, an array of destruction that mixed with untampered ferocity. Telluris smiled, making her unnatural beauty all the more apparent, "What drives you, my Mikoto? Is it glory or the chaos of combat itself?"

"Hell if I know! I just recently discovered what I wanna be," he replied, his heart racing with exhilaration as he unleashed another strike, generating a shockwave that flung debris around them like confetti. Despite the ruin their battle wrought, Telluris's enchantment only deepened; he could practically feel her admiration infusing her strikes with an elegance that complemented his relentless fervor, neither one gaining an upper hand in their clash, spiraling through the air.

Telluris's bare feet touched down onto the ground once more as she summoned a deep, resonant magic that coursed through the very ground beneath them. Her voice, firm and commanding, echoed with an ancient dominance, and the earth shook as enormous roots erupted violently from the soil, spiraling outward like the grasping claws of a titan awakened from slumber. The roots, thick and gnarled as old trees, raced toward Mikoto with an intent to ensnare, each one causing the terrain to convulse violently, the air thick with the scent of turned earth and broken bark. Massive splintering sounds filled the clearing as the roots split apart earth and stone, crackling with mana.

Reacting swiftly, Mikoto leapt forward, his fluidly fast as the light danced around him. The carnage of roots surged toward him, twisting like snakes, yet he met them with unrelenting force. He tightened his grip on Sabre, the blade gleaming ominously as he swung with a fierce yell, cleaving through the largest root with a single, powerful arc. The severed limb recoiled into the ground, splintering and tearing the earth apart, while Mikoto continued his march forward, his sabatons pounding down upon pulpy debris while he nimbly pirouetted to slice through another root, sending shards of wood and earth flying like a storm of splinters.

"Come on, give me something better!" he called out, no real mocking lacing his voice as he wove through the mayhem she conjured, roots cracking and snapping under the strain of his onslaught.

"Patience, my Mikoto!" she replied, her smile unwavering even amidst the chaotic destruction he was causing. The roots progressively recoiled, but just as Mikoto gained ground, she summoned more. More roots burst forth from the ground, as if the earth itself was enraged, aiming to ensnare him once again, yet he moved through them, his strikes slicing through their sinewy forms as if through air, sending splintering pieces flying into the distance.

With a sudden burst of energy, Mikoto took to the sky, propelled by an explosive pulse of magic that sent him soaring higher. He ascended into the clouds, encasing himself in a veil of raw, dark energy. Watching him with a keen gaze, Telluris followed suit. They flew through the air like shooting stars, each movement a blur as they pushed to hypersonic speeds; the very fabric of the air rippled in their wake, creating sonic booms that shattered the tranquility of the forest, causing trees to sway and bend as if bowing before their strength.

As they reached an altitude where the air thinned, Mikoto conjured a massive, glowing red spearhead of pure, pulsating magical energy. It crackled fiercely with red lightning, the power surging and swirling, reflecting the expansive atmosphere around him. "Destruction to man, from everything to nothing, spear of the beginning, death to life," he chanted silently, channeling his mana into the spearhead, which thrummed with energy, resonating with the battle.

Not to be outdone, Telluris, radiant and poised, summoned her own spearhead—a brilliant, shimmering white light, the essence of purity and calm—but within it, a controlled mana that promised destruction. It soared into her grasp, above her head, radiating a soft glow that shimmered as though it contained the light of countless stars. "Let us see if your chaos can withstand my grace." she countered, her voice a melodic challenge, eyes locked onto Mikoto's determined form.

With synchronized precision, they launched their spearheads simultaneously, two streaks of unnatural fury crossing through the air like comets on a collision course, tearing through the sky at speeds that blurred their forms into silhouettes. As the glowing red and white spearheads pierced the atmosphere, they collided with an explosive crescendo, an eruption of power that painted the heavens with blinding light and wave upon wave of shockwaves that radiated outward. The resulting explosion was cataclysmic, the force uprooting trees for miles around, spewing earth and debris into the air, drowning out the cries of nature with a thunderous roar as massive pillars of energy spiraled up towards the sky.

"You fight decently, but let's see if that will last," Mikoto's voice rang through the chaos, charged with adrenaline and excitement, as the aftershock of their collision rippled across the landscape, uprooting vegetation for hundreds of yards, casting shadows deeper than nightfall over the shattered earth.

"To dance amidst destruction is truly captivating, Mikoto. But know the gentleness of the realm's touch can't be easily vanquished," she responded, her voice unwavering, even as they spiraled downwards, enveloped in the aftermath of their powered exchange. They plummeted with renewed vigor toward each other, ready to engage once more, the ground beneath them quaking under the relentless confrontation.

"I got no clue what you're saying!" They clashed once more, Sabre met her bare right arm. Telluris did not use any weapon, not even in close combat. Yet it was as if he struck something more durable than even the toughest alloy, sparks even flew as they tried to push back one another. They relented, pushing off each other. For a moment, they stopped their battle, both suspended in mid-air but not far from each other. "Still, we've been fighting for days now," Mikoto spoke, resting Sabre on his shoulder. "Thought you'd have a better judge of me by now."

Telluris merely gave a smile, it was a simple one not even exaggerated, but it was ethereal all the same. "I already judged you not a threat the first day we fought."

"Ah?" His fine brows furrowed at the statement. She chuckled at his perplexed expression.

"Sabre chose you; that was all the proof I needed to see that you are not a threat to this realm's balance," she informed. Mikoto glanced at the blade.

He hummed, "Dunno, this thing looks pretty ominous; you sure it can judge correctly?"

"Well, it is a holy sword; it only lets those who are worthy wield it. And he seems particularly fond of you," she noted with a smile.

"This is a holy sword?" Mikoto questioned; he knew former heroes used it, but it did not exactly scream holy.

"It has been tainted by time and malice; it is a shell of its former self," she spoke silently. "But Sabre resonates with you; you may yet cleanse him. And even discover his true name."

("So Sabre isn't your real name, huh?") Mikoto mentally mused. "Don't think I could 'cleanse' it or whatever. I've recently discovered what I want to do with my life, but I'll be going crazy in about twenty days. So yeah, my hero work will have to be put on hold."

"Ah yes, you are then nearly sixteen winters old, then?" He nodded his head. "A shame, I remember the source of this problem. Octavia was filled with contempt and violence, but I did have a method of calming her," Telluris mused with a look of longing.

"Really? What was it?"

"We made love for several days," she stated without reservation. "I would offer you the same compassion; you are quite cute." Mikoto withheld a splutter.

"You can't just say that kind of thing!" He pointed accusingly; she merely tilted her head.

"Why not?" She questioned innocently; he looked at her as if she were an airhead. Well, she was. Mikoto shook his head; it was not like him to get flustered. But he felt strangely calm in this woman's presence; it was like he had known her for ages. Maybe it had to do with how...'close' she and Octavia were.

He cleared his throat, trying not to picture anything. "Just...never mind."

"Though I must say there has never been a male spawn of dear Octavia," Telluris mused; Octavia seemed to prefer all her spawns be women, and he now had an inkling as to why.

"I'm real special; apparently, she gave me a blessing because she wanted me to save the universe or something," Mikoto answered offhandedly. Telluris's eyes widened for a moment.

"I...I see," She heaved a small sigh as she shook her head. "To think Octavia would go through with it. Then you are not of this world, right?" A quick conclusion, Mikoto frowned. It was like she had expected it.

"I am," He admitted; it was not as if him being from another world was that valuable. He did not care how many were privy, but then again, he would not advertise that fact. At his confirmation, Telluris's body glided closer to him; he tensed slightly, wondering if she wanted to continue their bout.

And then she embraced him, soft arms wrapped around his form. Comfort, no, he felt strangely safe in her arms. Like his own mother was hugging him, she smelled nice too. It was an unexplainable smell, but all he could gauge was that it was nice. Everything about this was nice; for the first time since coming here, he felt relaxed. The tenseness, annoyance, and anger were all gone; for what felt like eternity, they stayed like that until eventually she let him go; he frowned in disappointment. Telluris chuckled; she found the expression cute.

"You poor thing," she looked at him with a sad look in her eyes. "You were torn away from your home, and you are still so young. A child should not go through this, being taken from your home." Mikoto pursed his lips; he did not like receiving pity, but for some reason, it was different here.

"Yeah, well, it pissed me off; I wanted to return home as soon as possible," Mikoto brought Sabre in front of his eyes. "Sabre showed me heroes; all of them had a different story, but they were defined as saviors in one way or another. It's naïve, but I can't help but admire them and want to be like them. It's odd; I never thought of it; all this power and all I wanted was to return home. But now..." Mikoto smiled; it was genuine. Telluris found it endearing; it was a beautiful smile. "I...I want to help the people here. Become a hero, be someone my mom and sister can be proud of, you know." He sheepishly scratched his ear; it was a bit embarrassing saying what he wanted to be a hero.

("So cute!") Telluris could not help but note before verbalizing her thoughts.

"In my eyes, your words already cement you as a hero; you're noble. Even if this world is not yours, you still wish to save it," her smile grew more radiant. "My, I might find myself falling for you."

"Don't go just saying that kind of thing!" She just chuckled once more at his words; he grumbled. "Whatever." He shook his head. "Why'd you even seek me out; you said you thought I was a threat to the balance or something. Who told you that?"

She cleared her throat as if embarrassed, "The Fate walkers; they spoke of you, and I wanted to see for myself."

"Fate walkers? The hell is that?"

"Ah? My apologies, they go by demons now; at any rate, I admit I merely wanted to see another spawn of Octavia in this era. And to battle them," she answered almost bashfully, "And what a battle it was."

"You're telling me; I'm about to pass out," Mikoto admitted with a yawn, missing how Telluris was gushing over the action. "Anyway, those demons have been watching, so I guess I should give a closing move, huh?"

"Indeed," she agreed with a smile. "Every show needs a closing act; hit me with all you have, Mikoto."

Mikoto's body was raised higher into the air, Sabre illuminated with a red glow. "Don't mind if I do. It's my first time using Sabre like this, so bear with me!"

Telluris spread her arms as if to embrace the incoming attack, "Then until we meet again, my dear Mikoto!"

"Then this is for you, my new friend!"

And then red engulfed all.

---------------------

"I see," Aegraxes hummed in interest; Ezerald stood by his side, mouth slightly agape. Nybbas was present as well; his usual grin was nowhere to be seen. He looked deathly serious, and for good reason.

"Is this the true power of a spawn of hers?" He heard Ezerald blurt out.

"This does not make any sense," Nybbas all but glared at what he saw as if openly denying what he was seeing, "Was this truly the work of a spawn?"

From a cliff they overlooked, it was a wound in the earth, a gaping maw that stretched as far as the eye could see. The hole was roughly circular, its diameter estimated at no less than fifty kilometers. The depth was impossible to gauge, but the sheer walls dropped away into darkness, their surface marred by strange, glowing formations that flickered and pulsed. The scar on the realm was not there moments ago.

Aegraxes grimaced, "With the Sabre bound to him....Mikoto Yukio has become too dangerous."

"He forced a rule on the universe?" Ezerald half-deducted. "This damage is irreversible; no Creation Magic or Restoration can be used here. He overruled the natural laws of the realm; what is this? Was it not for that damned Goddess Astraea, this child would have blown this realm away! The Sabre has never responded like this before!"

"Nay, there was Arthur; the blade held much the same type of power under him," Nybbas corrected, he glanced at Aegraxes. "What now? Sabre is fond of him; should we free the Ancestors?"

Aegraxes shook his head, "No, not yet; they're dangerous wildcards. One is already running around anyhow. Normally I could fight the boy to a standstill, but the Sabre complicates things. And if he was able to match Telluris regardless if she held back, then he gets all the more dangerous. We'll have to make use of the Von Auerswald family; their Paradigm Rebirth should prove fatal even to him. He still has yet to cleanse the blade or learn its true name."

"Then we will kill Mikoto Yukio during the festival?" Nybbas surmised.

"That we can but hope for," Aegraxes muttered.