2/7 great runes

(this is a bunch of chapters put into one, trying to get back to Dragon ball before chapter 80, so the next few are all gonna be much longer.)

Mori and the Tarnished, fresh from their victory over Margit, made their way toward the grand entrance of Stormveil Castle. The gates were a towering wall of iron, closed tight, casting an imposing shadow across the cracked stone path leading up to them. 

Mori squinted at the gate, an amused grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Big gate. What's the plan here? Should I just blow it up?" he asked, casting a glance at the Tarnished.

The Tarnished began to raise a hand, about to signal for Mori to go ahead, but a wheezy, rasping voice interrupted them.

"Wait! Wait! Don't be so hasty, good sirs!" 

The duo turned in unison to see a hunched, pale figure emerge from the shadows of the castle wall. His skin was grayish and drawn tight over his thin frame, and his small, beady eyes gleamed with a mix of caution and desperation. He stumbled toward them, his body bent as if he'd been carrying a burden for years. 

"I wouldn't recommend the front gate," he continued, his voice ragged but eager. "It's heavily guarded... far too many for the likes of you two, I fear. But there's another way, a safer path... if you'll follow me."

Mori raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "What's with this guy? Looks like a piece of seaweed that's seen better days." He cast a sideways glance at the Tarnished, who remained stoic, his attention still on the stranger.

"I am Gatekeeper Gostoc," the man wheezed, bowing slightly. "I watch the gate. Let me help you. Go around, through the side path, and you'll avoid most of the guards."

Mori folded his arms, unconvinced. "Yeah, thanks, but I think we'll stick with our plan. You ready, partner?" he asked, turning to the Tarnished.

The Tarnished nodded silently, agreeing to ignore the gatekeeper's advice. They turned their backs on him, and Gostoc, clearly frustrated, muttered something under his breath as he slinked back into the shadows.

Approaching the massive gate, Mori stepped forward and placed his hands against the cold metal. He gave it a small push at first, testing its weight, then grinned. "Guess I'll lift it," he said with a smirk, his muscles tightening as he began to raise the massive gate with little effort. The iron groaned in protest, but it yielded, rising slowly as Mori hoisted it up with both hands.

The duo walked through, their steps echoing in the now-opened corridor. Above them, archers peered down from the battlements, bows drawn and arrows aimed. Mori sighed as he saw them preparing to fire. "So predictable," he muttered. With a flick of his wrist, he fired a small Ki blast upward, obliterating the archers in an instant, their bodies vanishing in a burst of smoke and debris.

They continued their ascent into the castle courtyard, dispatching any soldiers that dared to stand in their way. The clang of swords against armor and the dull thuds of bodies hitting the stone were the only sounds that followed them as they pushed deeper into Stormveil. Soon, they found a small, nondescript room tucked away in the side of the castle. Inside, a faint golden glow illuminated the space—a site of grace, waiting to be touched.

The two sat down at the site of grace, its warmth seeping into their bones. Though neither was particularly exhausted, they used the moment to gather themselves. Mori, as always, sat in quiet meditation, focusing on drawing Ki back into his body. He could feel that something about this place interfered with his natural energy flow. He needed to be at full strength for whatever was coming.

The Tarnished, however, stood up after a few moments of rest and left the room without a word. Mori's eyes remained closed as he continued his meditation, but he could sense the Tarnished's absence. He knew his companion was up to something, but Mori was content to wait and gather his strength.

After about ten minutes, the Tarnished returned, covered in blood and holding a strange object in his hand. Mori opened his eyes, blinking in surprise. "What's with the object... and the blood?" he asked, watching the Tarnished approach.

The Tarnished held up the object—a strange, glowing seal—and used it to conjure a swirling mass of black flame. Ghostly, flaming heads emerged from the fire, flying toward a nearby wall and reducing it to rubble in an instant.

Mori's eyes lit up, a childlike grin spreading across his face. "Now that's what I'm talking about! That's so cool!" He jumped to his feet, practically vibrating with excitement. The Tarnished stood tall, clearly proud of the new power he had demonstrated.

The two continued their journey through the winding corridors of Stormveil, cutting down any resistance they encountered with brutal efficiency. After another series of battles, they stumbled upon a small room tucked away from the main path. A lone woman sat by a fire inside, her expression calm and her presence almost ethereal.

"You've come to challenge the ruler of this castle, haven't you?" she asked softly. Her eyes gleamed with a knowing look. "Godrick the Grafted... a demigod with unspeakable power. Be careful. His strength is beyond anything you've faced so far."

Mori and the Tarnished exchanged glances, neither one seeming fazed by the warning. They moved on without a word, their focus entirely on reaching the heart of the castle.

They ascended further, eventually coming to another site of grace near a massive, fog-covered set of doors. Mori, eyeing the ominous fog, turned to the Tarnished. "Wanna bet that's where this demigod is hiding?"

The Tarnished rolled his eyes and walked toward the site of grace, resting briefly before standing up and approaching the fog-covered doors. Mori followed, stretching his arms as he prepared for what lay beyond.

They stepped through the fog, emerging into a wide-open courtyard. The air was thick with tension, and the wind howled through the broken towers and crumbling walls. Above them, the sky darkened, swirling with ominous clouds.

Suddenly, a booming voice echoed through the air. "Mighty dragon... thou'rt a trueborn heir. Lend me thy strength, O kindred. Deliver me unto greater heights!"

A monstrous figure descended from the high battlements above, landing before them with a thunderous crash. Dust and debris exploded into the air as the figure rose to his full height.

Godrick the Grafted stood before them, his body a grotesque fusion of limbs, both human and inhuman. His many arms writhed and flexed as he gripped a massive, golden axe. His face was twisted with malice, and his voice was filled with arrogance as he looked down at the Tarnished and Mori.

"Well... a lowly Tarnished, playing as a lord," Godrick sneered. "I command thee... kneel! I am the lord of all that is golden!"

Mori waved away the smoke with a casual flick of his hand, sizing up the demigod. "Wow... you're even uglier up close. Seriously, who thought adding more arms would be a good look?"

Godrick snarled, raising his colossal axe high above his head. "Witness! My grafting is complete! My power is absolute!"

With a roar, Godrick brought his massive axe down in a brutal swing. The ground cracked and shook beneath the force of the blow. The Tarnished dodged to the side with practiced ease, while Mori remained in place, smirking as he caught the axe mid-swing with a single hand.

The impact sent shockwaves through the ground, but Mori didn't even flinch. "Is that all you've got?" he asked, his voice mocking as he pushed the axe away with ease.

Godrick roared in fury, his many arms trembling with rage. The battle had begun.

Godrick falls

The thunderous sound of Godrick the Grafted's voice echoed through the castle grounds, the demigod standing like a twisted colossus of grafted flesh and metal. His eyes, all too many, gleamed with malicious intent as his monstrous axe descended toward Mori. But Mori, unfazed, raised his hand, catching the heavy weapon effortlessly in his palm.

Godrick snarled, jerking his weapon back and away from Mori with surprising speed. The force of the movement caused the air to ripple, yet Mori simply stepped back, his gaze steady and calm.

The Tarnished, watching silently, took this as his cue to move. With a sharp, fluid motion, he dashed forward, his sword gleaming in the dim light of the courtyard. Godrick's many eyes shifted toward the Tarnished as the warrior's blade struck out, aiming directly for the demigod's chest.

With a grunt of effort, Godrick swung a massive arm, one of many he had grafted to his grotesque body, blocking the strike. Sparks flew from the collision, but the Tarnished did not relent. His sword slashed through the air, fast and precise, each strike calculated to find a weakness in the demigod's form.

But Godrick was no fool. His body, monstrous and disjointed as it was, moved with surprising speed and coordination. He parried the Tarnished's attacks with an array of limbs, each moving in perfect sync. One arm wielded the axe, another carried a sword grafted to his body, while two more swung shields and hammers made from the bones of those he had conquered. Every inch of him was a weapon.

With a roar, Godrick spun his enormous body, swinging his axe in a wide arc toward both Mori and the Tarnished. Mori leaped high into the air, effortlessly dodging the sweeping attack, while the Tarnished ducked low, rolling beneath the swing. The ground shattered beneath the weight of Godrick's blow, sending chunks of stone flying in all directions.

Mori landed lightly on his feet, smirking as he saw the Tarnished already on his feet, rushing at Godrick's side. The Tarnished's sword flashed as he struck again, this time aiming for one of Godrick's many grafted limbs. The blade bit deep, severing one of the arms, which fell to the ground with a sickening thud.

Godrick howled in pain, his many eyes blazing with fury. "Thou dareth to strike at me?!" he bellowed. "I am the lord of Stormveil! None shall defy me!"

Without missing a beat, the Tarnished followed up with a thrust aimed at Godrick's abdomen, but the demigod countered, his massive axe coming down like a guillotine. The Tarnished sidestepped the blow just in time, but the force of the impact sent shockwaves through the ground, nearly knocking him off his feet.

As the Tarnished regrouped, Mori surged forward. His speed was blinding—one second he was a few paces back, the next he was at Godrick's side, his fist driving into the demigod's ribs with a bone-crunching impact. Godrick staggered, gasping as the wind was knocked from his lungs. His body trembled under the force of Mori's strike, the sheer power behind it threatening to tear him apart.

But Godrick, twisted and malformed as he was, had grafted more than just flesh to his form—he had grafted the resilience of countless warriors. "Thou shalt regret challenging me, lowly worms!" Godrick screamed, rage fueling his every move. His many arms reached out, grasping at Mori with terrifying speed.

Mori dodged the hands coming for him, slipping through the air like a shadow. But Godrick's assault didn't stop—his remaining limbs swung weapons, fists, and claws in a wild, furious storm of strikes, forcing Mori to keep moving.

Meanwhile, the Tarnished saw his opening. With Godrick distracted by Mori, he called forth a glowing incantation, the air around him darkening as black flames began to coalesce around his hands. With a shout, he launched the spell toward Godrick, the black fire exploding upon impact.

Godrick shrieked in agony as the flames engulfed his side, the cursed fire eating away at his grafted flesh. The demigod lashed out, wildly swinging his axe toward the Tarnished in an attempt to stop the assault, but the warrior deftly avoided the blows, continuing to channel his magic.

Mori, seeing the opportunity, rejoined the attack. With blinding speed, he darted forward, his fist glowing with Ki energy. He slammed his fist into Godrick's chest, sending the demigod skidding backward across the stone floor. Cracks spread beneath Godrick's feet as he barely managed to keep his footing.

"I'm getting bored here, big guy," Mori taunted, cracking his knuckles as he walked toward the demigod. "Is this really all you've got?"

Godrick snarled, his many eyes filled with murderous rage. "I am a demigod!" he roared. "Thou shall know my wrath!"

With a roar that shook the very foundations of Stormveil, Godrick raised his axe high into the air, golden lightning crackling through the darkened sky. He slammed the axe into the ground, unleashing a violent shockwave that tore through the battlefield. Stones and debris flew everywhere, and the ground itself split open beneath the force of the attack.

Mori leaped into the air to avoid the blast, but the Tarnished was not so lucky. The shockwave struck him full force, sending him flying backward. He crashed into a stone wall, but despite the brutal impact, he rose to his feet, determination burning in his eyes. He was not done yet.

Godrick, sensing weakness, turned his attention fully to the Tarnished. "I shall tear thee limb from limb, as I have all others!" he bellowed, his many arms reaching out to crush the Tarnished beneath their weight.

But the Tarnished, ever resourceful, reached into his pouch and pulled out a flask of crimson tears, drinking it quickly. Instantly, the healing liquid flowed through his body, mending his wounds and restoring his strength.

As Godrick's arms came crashing down, the Tarnished moved like a blur, dodging the massive limbs with inhuman agility. He rolled forward, dodging the next swing of the axe, and in one fluid motion, he stabbed his sword deep into Godrick's side, twisting the blade for maximum damage.

Godrick howled in agony, black blood pouring from the wound. But even then, he did not fall.

"I shall graft thee into my very being!" Godrick hissed, his voice cracking with pain and madness. "Thy strength will become mine!"

But Mori wasn't about to let that happen. With a burst of speed, he appeared behind Godrick, slamming both of his hands into the demigod's back. The impact sent Godrick stumbling forward, his many arms flailing as he tried to regain balance. But Mori was relentless—he struck again and again, each blow landing with devastating force, shattering armor and grafted limbs alike.

The Tarnished, sensing the end was near, unleashed another incantation. This time, flames of holy gold erupted from his hands, bathing Godrick in their purifying light. The demigod screamed as the flames consumed him, his body writhing in agony as the holy fire burned away his unnatural grafts.

In a final, desperate move, Godrick raised his axe high, golden lightning crackling through the air. "Thou... shalt... kneel!" he roared, bringing the axe down in a last attempt to crush his enemies.

But Mori was ready. He caught the axe mid-swing with both hands, the force of the impact sending a shockwave through the ground. For a moment, the two stood locked in place, the demigod's strength pitted against Mori's unyielding power.

Then, with a roar of his own, Mori twisted the axe out of Godrick's grasp, snapping the weapon in two with a single motion. Godrick staggered, his many eyes wide with disbelief as he realized he had been bested.

The Tarnished didn't waste a second. With a final battle cry, he charged forward, plunging his sword into Godrick's chest. The demigod gasped, his many arms going limp as the life drained from his body.

Godrick the Grafted, lord of Stormveil Castle, fell to his knees, his grotesque form crumbling into the dirt. His final words, barely a whisper, escaped his lips. "A lowly... Tarnished... cannot... defeat... me..."

And then, he was no more.

Mori dusted off his hands, looking down at the fallen demigod with a mixture of satisfaction and boredom. "Well, that was something."

The Tarnished, ever silent, stood over the body of the fallen lord, his gaze focused on the distant horizon. Together, they had felled a demigod—but the journey was far from over.

As the flames of battle died down, the chapter ended with Mori and the Tarnished standing victorious, their eyes set on the path ahead. Stormveil was theirs.

Raya lucaria

The morning sun was beginning to peak over the horizon as Mori and the Tarnished made their way out of the backside of Stormveil Castle, the ruins of Godrick's reign behind them. The air was still and quiet, save for the distant rustle of trees. As they stepped onto the path leading away from the castle, a massive lake spread out before them, with a towering structure in the middle—its spires reaching high into the misty sky.

Mori whistled as he took in the sight. "That's a big one. Guess that's where we're headed next, huh?"

The Tarnished, always focused, had already started walking down the path that led toward the lake without saying a word. Mori, hovering a few inches off the ground, followed him, trying once again to make conversation.

"Hey, can you fly?" Mori asked, half-joking, half-curious.

The Tarnished stopped mid-step, looking over at Mori, his head shaking in silent response. Mori chuckled, amused at the serious look on the warrior's face. "Well, that sucks. It's pretty fun," Mori teased, hovering a little higher, just to show off.

The Tarnished stared at him, clearly bewildered, but Mori's laughter only grew. The two continued down the path, Mori floating beside his companion while the Tarnished stayed grounded, moving with purpose toward the structure in the lake.

At the bottom of the path, they stumbled upon a merchant sitting by a Site of Grace. Mori took his usual spot by the Grace, sitting cross-legged to meditate, while the Tarnished walked over to barter with the merchant. The serene glow of the Grace wrapped around them as they took a much-needed break. 

Thirty minutes passed with Mori deep in meditation, allowing his Ki to replenish after their long and dangerous journey. When he finally opened his eyes, he stood up and stretched, feeling his power restored enough for some of his larger attacks. The Tarnished, who had been quietly resting nearby, also rose, signaling that it was time to continue.

Mori dusted himself off and looked toward the massive structure in the lake again. "So... what do you think that is?" he asked, gesturing toward the distant, towering building.

The Tarnished, still as cryptic as ever, pointed to his temple, then made a motion as if writing or reading a book. Mori frowned, staring at the Tarnished, completely baffled. "What... what are you doing?"

Sighing, the Tarnished finally spoke up, his deep voice breaking the silence. "Melina said it's the Academy of Raya Lucaria, a magic school. There's a Great Rune Bearer there."

Mori blinked, surprised to hear the Tarnished speak for once. "Ohhh," he said slowly, finally catching on. "Wait, what's a Great Rune?"

The Tarnished didn't bother answering this time, choosing instead to continue walking toward the academy. Mori, shrugging it off, followed close behind.

As they made their way across the lake, it quickly became apparent that the waters were hostile. Strange creatures emerged from the depths—fish-like monsters with sharp claws and eyes glowing with arcane energy. Swarms of these enemies attacked the duo, but they were no match for Mori's overwhelming strength and the Tarnished's swift swordsmanship. Mori blasted through groups of enemies with ease, his Ki blasts reducing the attackers to dust. The Tarnished, on the other hand, cut through the creatures like a whirlwind, dispatching them with ruthless efficiency.

This went on for what felt like hours, as more and more enemies came at them from all sides. Finally, they reached the shore, standing before a massive gate glowing with magical seals.

Mori crossed his arms, staring at the gate with a bored expression. "Wanna bet I can blow this junk up?"

The Tarnished, his face impassive, simply nodded. "Go ahead."

With a grin, Mori raised his hand, gathering a swirling mass of Ki energy in his palm. The power hummed in the air, crackling with intensity. In one smooth motion, Mori released the blast, sending a massive explosion of Ki toward the gate. The magical seal shattered instantly, the gate crumbling under the force of the attack.

"Guess we're in," Mori said, walking through the now-open entrance, the path to the academy stretching out before them.

As they ventured further into the academy grounds, the number of enemies only grew. Sorcerers, animated statues, and spectral knights assaulted them from every direction, but the duo fought their way through with ease. The Tarnished was a blur of deadly precision, slicing down enemies with a flurry of blade and spell, while Mori obliterated everything in his path with his overwhelming power. It wasn't long before they came across their next major foe—a massive, red-eyed wolf with flames flickering across its body.

The beast, known as the Red Wolf of Radagon, bared its teeth, letting out a deep, echoing growl before lunging at the duo. The Tarnished immediately dodged to the side, rolling out of the wolf's path, while Mori stood his ground.

"Big doggie, huh?" Mori muttered, smirking as he raised a hand.

Before the wolf could attack again, Mori unleashed a massive Ki blast, sending the creature tumbling across the battlefield. The Tarnished followed up with a series of rapid strikes, his sword slicing through the wolf's fur and flesh with brutal precision. The wolf howled in pain but fought back with ferocity, its jaws snapping at the Tarnished while its claws slashed through the air.

The battle was fierce, but with Mori's overwhelming power and the Tarnished's skill, the wolf eventually fell, collapsing to the ground with a final, pitiful whine. 

"Good dog," Mori quipped as they moved past the beast's body.

Finally, after battling their way through more of the academy's defenses, they stood before a massive wooden door. The Tarnished paused, glancing at Mori before finally speaking.

"Inside... is Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. A Great Rune Bearer."

Mori raised an eyebrow, impressed by the sudden talkativeness of his companion. "Wow, you're speaking a lot now, huh?" He smirked before cracking his knuckles. "Alright then, let's do this."

The two pushed open the heavy door, stepping into a grand hall filled with eerie golden light.

As the heavy wooden doors groaned shut behind them, Mori and the Tarnished stood in the dim, eerie glow of the grand hall. The cold air bit at their skin, and the soft whispers of countless voices seemed to echo from the stone walls around them. The chamber was cavernous, filled with the faint, golden light of arcane power. Stained-glass windows lined the walls, casting distorted images of long-forgotten sorcerers and scholars across the floor.

At first glance, it seemed almost serene, but as Mori's sharp eyes darted around the room, he spotted movement. Dozens of pale, hunched-over figures crept across the floor, their gnarled hands clawing at the stone, muttering incoherent gibberish as they scrambled about. Some wore what looked like tattered student robes, while others were nothing more than twisted, hollowed-out husks. It was as if the very essence of life had been drained from them, leaving only brittle shells of what they once were.

One of the creatures scuttled close to the Tarnished, its skeletal fingers reaching out for his leg. With a swift motion, the Tarnished kicked it away, his expression remaining unreadable beneath his helm. Mori, floating just a few inches off the ground, couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Guess even the undead can't resist your charm," Mori joked, glancing over at his companion. The Tarnished, as usual, said nothing, his focus fixed ahead.

But Mori's amusement faded quickly as his gaze shifted upward.

Suspended in the air at the far end of the hall was a massive, ethereal figure. A woman, regal and imposing, floated in a golden, translucent sphere, surrounded by a faint shimmering light. Her pale skin glowed with an otherworldly luminescence, and her robes billowed around her like the folds of the night sky. This was **Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon**—a Great Rune Bearer and one of the most powerful sorcerers in the Lands Between.

Mori squinted, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Well, this just got a lot more interesting..."

The Tarnished took a step forward, his hand already resting on the hilt of his blade. He seemed unphased by Rennala's presence, his mind focused solely on the task at hand: the acquisition of the Great Rune she held.

Mori, on the other hand, couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to this battle. He could sense the immense power radiating from Rennala, but something about her felt... off. As if this wasn't the true form of the Great Rune Bearer they had come to defeat.

Without warning, the pale figures on the ground began to shift and move as if responding to an unseen signal. Their gibberish grew louder, turning into a cacophony of unintelligible words as they slowly began to crawl toward the center of the room, directly beneath Rennala's floating form.

Mori floated back down to the ground, landing lightly on his feet as he readied himself for what was to come. He glanced at the Tarnished, who had already drawn his sword, preparing for battle.

"So... we just gonna stand here, or do you wanna get this started?" Mori asked, cracking his knuckles with a grin.

The Tarnished didn't respond, but his movements spoke for him. With a sudden burst of speed, he dashed forward, his sword gleaming in the dim light as he cut through the first of the pale figures. The creature let out a guttural wail as it crumbled to the ground, lifeless.

Mori smirked and followed suit, launching himself into the air with a powerful leap. He raised one hand, gathering a swirling mass of Ki in his palm before sending a blast of energy down at the figures below. The explosion shook the chamber, sending several of the creatures flying across the room, their twisted bodies crashing against the walls.

However, as they fought through the pale figures, it became clear that they weren't the true threat. Every time one of the creatures fell, another would crawl into its place. It was an endless cycle, and they couldn't keep up with the sheer number of enemies.

The Tarnished noticed it first. His gaze shifted upward, toward Rennala, who remained floating serenely in her golden sphere, seemingly untouched by the chaos below. There was a faint glow coming from several of the pale figures—specifically, the ones that seemed to be chanting louder than the others. Their muttering was somehow feeding energy into Rennala's shield, keeping her protected.

Mori caught on soon after. "Ah, so that's the trick," he muttered, smirking as he blasted another group of the creatures away. "We gotta break her little choir."

The Tarnished nodded, already moving toward one of the glowing figures. With a swift, powerful strike, he severed its head from its body, silencing its chanting instantly. The change was immediate—Rennala's shield flickered, the golden glow dimming slightly.

Mori, catching on, launched himself across the room, targeting another glowing figure. He unleashed a barrage of Ki blasts, each one aimed with deadly precision. The creature barely had time to react before it was obliterated, and once again, Rennala's shield flickered.

As they took out more of the chanting figures, Rennala's protective bubble began to weaken. Cracks formed in the golden light surrounding her, and with each crack, the ethereal figure floating above them seemed to waver, as if her very existence was tied to the shield's power.

With the final glowing figure cut down, the golden bubble shattered entirely, and Rennala slowly descended from the air, her once majestic form crumpling to the ground in a heap. For a moment, it seemed as though the battle was over.

But Mori's instincts told him otherwise. He could still feel the immense power radiating from Rennala. This wasn't her true form. Not yet.

And he was right.

As the duo approached the fallen figure, Rennala suddenly stirred. Her eyes snapped open, glowing with an eerie blue light, and a low, melodic hum filled the room. The remnants of her shattered shield began to swirl around her, reforming into a new, more dangerous shape. The golden light from before was gone, replaced by a cold, silvery glow.

Rennala stood, her once regal form now twisted and otherworldly. Her hands glowed with arcane power, and the full moon seemed to hang above her, casting a ghostly light across the battlefield. This was her true power—a reflection of the sorceries that had made her a legend in the Lands Between.

The room darkened, and the sound of the ocean's tides seemed to echo in the distance as Rennala raised her arms. "Foolish Tarnished… to think ye could challenge the queen of the Full Moon."

Mori grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Finally, someone worth fighting," he muttered under his breath, his body already crackling with energy.

The battle against Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, was about to begin.

The fight begins with Mori and the Tarnished rushing at Rennala from opposite sides, their plan to catch her off guard evident in their synchronized movements. Mori aims a fierce punch from her left side, while the Tarnished charges in with his sword raised high from her right. But their efforts are thwarted immediately—Rennala gracefully leaps backward, her robes billowing around her as she waves her staff in a fluid motion. A cluster of magical crystals erupts from the air around her, homing in on the two warriors. Though the magical shards don't wound them, they hit hard enough to knock both Mori and the Tarnished backward, forcing them to skid across the stone floor.

Mori, brushing off the dust, gives an amused grin. "Alright, magic lady's got some tricks. Hey," he says, looking at the Tarnished, "how about trying one of your spells? Maybe you can catch her off guard."

The Tarnished nods silently, already weaving the incantation of a fire spell with his finger seal. As he finishes, a ball of black flame materializes in his hand, crackling with deadly energy. With a flick of his wrist, he hurls the flame at Rennala. It streaks through the air toward her, but as soon as it makes contact, it fizzles out—dissipating into a harmless wisp of smoke.

Mori and the Tarnished exchange shocked glances. "What the...?" Mori mutters, eyes wide with disbelief. The Tarnished tightens his grip on his sword, the frustration visible even through his armored posture.

Before they have time to process what just happened, Rennala strikes again. She raises her staff, and a colossal blue beam erupts from the tip, filled with twinkling stars that swirl inside its blinding light. It rockets toward them, humming with overwhelming arcane power.

The Tarnished reacts swiftly, rolling out of the beam's path. But Mori, who is momentarily mesmerized by the technique, stands still, his eyes widening as he recognizes something familiar. "Hey, that's like Roshi's Kamehameha…!" he blurts out, almost in awe. But his moment of fascination comes at a cost—the beam crashes into him head-on, engulfing him in a brilliant flash of blue energy. 

A massive plume of smoke billows up where Mori had been standing, obscuring him from view. The Tarnished looks in Mori's direction, worried for just a split second, until the smoke clears and Mori is revealed, completely unharmed, with a comically stunned expression on his face. "That seriously looked like Roshi's move..." Mori mutters, still more impressed than anything.

"Focus!" the Tarnished shouts, his voice cutting through Mori's thoughts. Mori snaps out of his stupor, giving a quick nod. He dashes forward with renewed determination, throwing a powerful punch toward Rennala. At the same time, the Tarnished closes in from behind, swinging his sword for a clean strike.

But Rennala is ready. With a graceful wave of her staff, she conjures a magical barrier, its shimmering surface deflecting both attacks effortlessly. The force of the barrier sends Mori and the Tarnished stumbling backward once more.

Rennala doesn't give them a moment to recover. Slamming her staff into the ground, she summons a towering spectral figure—a giant, its form glowing with a pale, ghostly light. It immediately lumbers toward the Tarnished, swinging a massive ethereal club. Rennala then turns her attention to Mori, her eyes narrowing as she hurls a barrage of smaller, faster spells at him—motes of arcane energy that spiral and shoot toward him like bullets.

Mori, still deep in thought about the tactical situation, barely pays attention to the incoming spells. He swats them away casually, knocking the bolts aside with swift movements, all while stroking his chin. "Let's see… how to get through that barrier…"

He glances over to see the Tarnished locked in combat with the giant, dodging its attacks while slashing at its legs with precision. Within moments, the Tarnished brings the spectral beast to its knees, then finishes it off with a heavy swing of his sword. Mori, noticing this, chuckles. "Nice work. So, you wanna let me end this now?" he calls out, barely keeping his amusement in check.

The Tarnished wipes some blood from his armor and replies simply, "Sure."

With a smirk, Mori vanishes from his spot, reappearing right in front of Rennala. He throws a feint punch toward her, causing her to flinch. But in a flash, Mori teleports behind her and lands a solid kick to the back of her head, sending her reeling forward. Before she can recover, Mori teleports back to the Tarnished, grabbing him by the arm and warping the two of them back in front of Rennala. 

The Tarnished swings his sword in a quick, fluid motion, landing a clean cut across Rennala's arm, making her cry out in pain. Mori immediately follows up by sweeping her legs out from under her, sending her tumbling to the ground. Without missing a beat, Mori darts toward the ground, unleashing a powerful kick to her stomach that sends her flying into the air. In one swift motion, he launches himself after her, delivering a brutal double-fisted slam to her back, driving her hard into the floor below.

The impact sends a shockwave through the chamber, and Rennala's body crashes into the ground with a thunderous thud. Mori floats back down beside the Tarnished, standing over the fallen sorceress as she struggles to rise. Her body is battered, and the once glowing aura of her magic has dimmed considerably.

Rennala groans, trying to push herself up with trembling arms, but it's clear she has no strength left. The fight is over.

Mori glances over at the Tarnished, who gives a single nod before stepping forward, his sword raised, ready to deliver the final blow. Just as the Tarnished is about to finish her off, a voice echoes through the chamber.

"Stop!" The voice is commanding, yet somehow distant, as if coming from nowhere and everywhere at once. "She is defenseless now… merely a lost soul."

Mori's face twists into a look of dumbfounded confusion. "Uh, we don't care? We're here for the, um… what was it called again?" he mutters, turning to the Tarnished.

"Great Rune," the Tarnished replies flatly.

"Yeah, that thing." Mori nods.

The voice, calm but firm, responds, "You shall have the Great Rune. But spare Rennala's life. She is no threat to you any longer."

Mori shrugs, clearly not invested in the moral dilemma. "Alright, sure, whatever. We'll take the Rune and be on our way then."

The Tarnished, though silent, lowers his sword slowly, turning his attention to the source of the mysterious voice as it promises them the reward they came for.

The next chapter begins as the illusion of the battlefield fades away, the ground beneath Mori and the Tarnished crumbling into shimmering fragments of light. What had been a grand, mystical arena evaporates like mist, leaving them back in the library where they initially found Rennala. Shelves of ancient tomes and glowing scrolls surround them once more, and in the center of the room, they see Rennala—clutching a massive amber egg in her arms, rocking back and forth, whispering inaudibly.

The duo stands in silence, staring at the once powerful sorceress, now reduced to this strange, cryptic state. After a few moments, the Tarnished takes a step forward, intent on retrieving the Great Rune from her, but before he can approach, a voice suddenly fills the room. 

Out of the shadows, a new figure materializes—Ranni the Witch, her ethereal form slipping out of the darkness with grace. She stands between the Tarnished and Rennala, her deep blue eyes locked onto the two. With a flick of her hand, she presents the Great Rune to the Tarnished, her expression cold and unyielding. "Here, take what thou camest for," she says, her voice carrying a regal, dangerous edge. "But heed my words—if thou harm my mother again, there will be severe consequences."

Mori, who has been growing visibly bored, arches an eyebrow at the mention of consequences. He steps forward, crossing his arms. "And what, exactly, are these consequences if we decide to harm her?" His tone is mocking, amused.

Ranni's eyes narrow. "Thou shall face Destined Death by the hands of the." Her voice grows dark, each word filled with a palpable threat.

Mori lets out a short, unimpressed laugh. "Destined Death? And you think you can kill me?" He steps closer, his aura beginning to pulse slightly. "You think you can kill me? Starscourge Mori, conqueror of the galaxy? A mere soul trapped in a fake body?" 

Both Ranni and the Tarnished freeze at the name Mori just invoked. The Tarnished, though silent, processes the information with surprise and confusion. Ranni, however, voices her disbelief. "Starscourge? Thou art not Radahn. Do not presume to steal his title. Thou dost not even bear the strength to face the true Starscourge, let alone claim his name," she says, her tone dismissive. "Thou hast what thou came for. Leave now, before I force the both of thee from this place."

Mori, hearing her words, begins to laugh quietly, a dangerous sound that quickly fills the room. The Tarnished, sensing the shift in the air, takes a few cautious steps back, his eyes darting between Mori and Ranni. Ranni, still standing tall, raises an eyebrow in confusion. "Why dost thou laugh, mortal?" she begins, but her voice cuts off abruptly.

Suddenly, Ranni feels an overwhelming pressure, as if the very air around her has grown heavy. Her mouth is forced shut by an unseen power, and her body tenses, struggling against the oppressive force. Her eyes widen as she stares at Mori, who now exudes a raw, terrifying aura. Behind him, the very stars seem to form, twinkling and swirling in a vast display of power—manifested from his ki.

Mori's voice rings out, low and seething with anger. "You dare?" he growls, his eyes glowing with a menacing light. "You dare say I am not the Starscourge? The title of one I fought tooth and nail, a warrior I saved from a fate worse than death? You dare say that I am weak?" His voice rises, each word shaking the very walls of the library. "You speak of me as if you know who I am… but you know nothing of me!" His aura flares, shaking the entire room, making the books and shelves tremble.

Ranni, still struggling against the pressure, feels her knees begin to buckle. Rennala, still sitting in the center of the room, is now lying flat on her stomach, clutching her amber egg protectively as the ground quakes beneath her. The overwhelming force of Mori's aura radiates outward, spreading through the library, shaking the entire academy of Raya Lucaria. Dust falls from the ceiling as the tremors stretch across all of Liurnia, felt even by distant enemies and allies alike.

Mori's anger grows, his voice booming like thunder. "You dare question my strength? You, a puppet in a fake body? You know nothing of the battles I've fought, the worlds I've conquered! You… dare… challenge me?" His power surges even further, a blinding light now emanating from him, as if the very stars themselves are about to explode.

Ranni, forced onto the ground under the pressure of Mori's rage, is barely able to move. She gasps for breath, unable to summon the strength to speak, the weight of Mori's ki pressing down on her entire being. Even the Tarnished, still standing, is visibly struggling to remain on his feet, bracing himself against the wall as Mori's energy fills the room.

Just when it seems like Mori might unleash his full fury on the Witch, the Tarnished, through gritted teeth, manages to speak. "Enough, Mori," he says, his voice strained but firm. "You've proved your point."

Mori's eyes flicker toward the Tarnished, and for a moment, his expression softens. The tension in the room hangs in the air for a few more seconds before Mori lets out a long breath, his aura dimming as he begins to pull his power back. The swirling stars behind him fade away, and the shaking of the academy slowly subsides. Mori's glowing eyes return to their normal state, and the overwhelming pressure he was exerting on Ranni and Rennala eases.

Ranni, now free from the crushing force, gasps for breath, her body trembling as she looks up at Mori, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and disbelief. Rennala remains motionless, still clutching her egg, too overwhelmed to react.

Mori, standing tall, dusts off his hands and turns back to the Tarnished with a grin. "Alright, I'm good now. Let's get that Great Rune and get out of here." He starts to walk toward the exit, leaving a shaken Ranni behind, still trying to process the sheer magnitude of the power she had just witnessed.

The Tarnished, ever silent, retrieves the Great Rune from Ranni's trembling hand, giving her a final glance before following Mori out of the library. As they leave, the aura of tension remains heavy in the room, the echoes of Mori's rage lingering long after their departure.

 Mori and the Tarnished stepping out of the library, the lingering tension from the encounter with Ranni slowly fading behind them. The air outside is crisp, and the sun casts long shadows on the damp stone steps as they descend from the academy. They walk in silence, making their way toward the nearest Site of Grace to rest. The weight of the Great Rune in the Tarnished's possession is palpable, but neither of them speaks as they push forward, their two minds still on what just occurred.

After a short journey, they reach the Grace, its gentle golden light pulsing invitingly. They sit by it, resting their bodies and minds. Mori leans back, stretching his arms behind his head, while the Tarnished meditates in silence. The tranquil aura of the Grace begins to work its restorative magic on them, the weight of their battles slowly melting away.

As they sit in silence, the air around them shimmers, and Melina appears before them, her ethereal form glowing softly in the dim light of the Grace. She regards the duo with her calm, knowing gaze before speaking.

"You have both done well to retrieve the Great Rune," she says, her voice soft but resolute. "However, your journey is far from over. The next path lies beyond the Altus Plateau, but to reach it, you must first gather the halves of the Dectus Medallion."

Mori raises an eyebrow, listening closely, while the Tarnished simply nods, accepting the information without question.

Melina continues, "Once you have the medallion, you will be able to reach the Grand Lift of Dectus, which will take you to the Altus Plateau. From there, your path will lead you to Leyndell, the royal capital, where your true purpose awaits." She pauses, her gaze shifting between the two. "Prepare yourselves, for the road ahead will be more dangerous than any you have walked thus far."

The Tarnished nods once again, but before Melina turns to leave, Mori suddenly speaks up, his curiosity piqued by something she'd said earlier.

"Hey, before you leave," Mori calls out, making Melina stop in her tracks and turn back to face him, "tell me... who is this Radahn?"

For a moment, there is silence as Melina contemplates how to respond. Her eyes grow distant, as if recalling ancient memories. Then, she speaks, her voice heavy with the weight of history.

"Radahn... is another Great Rune holder," she begins, her tone laced with sadness. "He is known as Starscourge Radahn, for he is said to have once conquered the stars themselves. In his prime, Radahn was a great warrior and general, unmatched in strength and skill. His dominion over gravity magic made him both feared and revered, for it is said that he held the very stars in place with his power."

Mori listens intently, his arms crossed, interested by the mention of Radahn's title, Starscourge, which mirrors his own.

"But," Melina continues, her expression darkening, "Radahn is no longer the warrior he once was. After engaging in a legendary battle with another Great Rune bearer, Malenia, Blade of Miquella, Radahn's fate was sealed. The two fought to a standstill, and though Radahn seemed to have Malenia on the verge of defeat, she unleashed the full force of her power—Scarlet Rot. A devastating and incurable disease that spread from her body, cursing the land of Caelid and infecting Radahn himself. The rot ate away at his mind, turning him into a mindless beast, wandering the wastelands of Caelid, forever cursed."

As she speaks, Mori's expression hardens. He pictures the battle, imagining the chaos, the power, the pain Radahn must have endured.

"Now," Melina adds quietly, "Radahn waits in Caelid, clinging to life, but no longer truly living. He has become a hollow shell of the warrior he once was, a mindless creature with no purpose other than to fight until he is finally slain. That is why the Radahn Festival is held—to give him a worthy death in combat, something he craves in his madness."

Mori's brow furrows as he processes the story. He glances at the Tarnished, who remains stoic, then looks back at Melina.

"And this Malenia?" Mori asks, his curiosity not yet satisfied.

"She too is cursed," Melina responds. "After their battle, she retreated to the Haligtree, where she remains hidden, guarded by those loyal to her. She is one of the most feared warriors in the Lands Between, though her whereabouts are known to few."

Mori lets out a low whistle, impressed by the story. "So, this Radahn guy… he's just waiting to die, huh?" Mori muses, thinking about the tragic fate of a warrior once so powerful. "A warrior who held back the stars, brought low by a disease. And people think they can beat me," he mutters to himself.

Melina, sensing the gravity of Mori's thoughts, turns to leave once more. "Your path will cross with many such figures before your journey ends," she says. "Prepare yourselves for what lies ahead."

Mori gives her a nod of understanding, while the Tarnished remains as impassive as ever. With that, Melina disappears into the shimmering light of the Grace, leaving the two alone once more.

Mori leans back, looking up at the sky, deep in thought. The mention of Radahn, a warrior who once held the stars in place, clearly struck a chord with him. His lips curl into a small smile. "Looks like this journey's going to get interesting."

The Tarnished stands, ready to move forward. With a final glance at Mori, they both turn and continue their journey, knowing that the road ahead is only going to get more treacherous.