Chapter 6: The Great Shift Part 6

Most of them were left bewildered, struggling to comprehend what had just occurred. Auden alone fully grasped the truth, Níels had a hunch, while Yves, ever the analyzer, pieced together the puzzle.

"Summoning," Yves whispered, finally unraveling the mystery.

Godiva Grimjoy uttered the word again, her gaze fixed on Atlas, as a fresh comprehension and a hint of trepidation dawned upon her. Unbeknownst to her, she involuntarily relaxed her grip on young Eddward's eyes. Unshielding the young lad from the horrors of the world.

—••••••••••—

ATLAS III

—••••••••••—

Atlas gazed upon the Nameless Beast, his deep brown eyes filled with compassion and understanding. He resembled a benevolent saint observing a devout believer, overwhelmed by feelings of sympathy, empathy, and solace.

Sighing deeply as if it were his first breath, Atlas lifted his freshly conjured sword. "I can't help but feel sorry for you, creature," Atlas uttered, his face etched with sorrow.

"May the strength of my heart flow through you. If I were in your shoes, I'd pray to whatever hidden existence you believe in — but even then, they won't be able to rescue you." In an instant, Atlas transformed into a blur of lightning-fast movement, causing the cobblestone beneath him to shatter. The newly arrived Atlas swung his summoned sword, and flesh met bitter steel as the beast was mercilessly cleaved in two.

Within the flesh of the lower half, the silver pearl glimmered through the moonlight. Atlas swung once again. With an elusive grace, it narrowly evaded danger by a mere inch, instinctively seeking refuge.

The upper portion once more fused with the lower part, almost fully restoring the beast's form. Despite its incompleteness, the Nameless Beast swiftly retaliated and launched an attack on Atlas.

Instead of being thrown back as he had done previously, Atlas bravely stood his ground - his blood slowly trickling out from his chest. Yves, Audrey, Cecil, Jean, Godiva, Eddward, and even Níels were struck with awe as they realized that the knight who emerged from the alleyway had transformed into an even more formidable and unyielding force. He became something beyond their imagination.

In a typical battle, Atlas would hold the upper hand, especially now when the Nameless Beast was still recuperating - this would present the perfect opportunity to bring the battle to a decisive end. Yet, Atlas surprised everyone with his actions.

Instead of pressing on, he sheathed his sword and shut his eyes. Inhaling and exhaling slowly, it appeared as though Atlas - the very person on the verge of victory - came to a halt. It was as if he surrendered entirely, anticipating the chilling embrace of death to claim him.

At that very moment, a unanimous sentiment engulfed the room, 'Atlas had given up,' except for a sole exception. Auden Sato, the elderly man among them, perceived the situation through an entirely distinct lens, for he possessed something far beyond the grasp of the others.

He possessed spirituality enhanced eyes. The kind of eyes in which every motion could be fully understood.

Auden possessed a unique insight that allowed him to perceive something in Atlas that others failed to notice. He observed how Atlas' spirit and astral projection grew increasingly attuned to his surroundings with each inhale and exhale. Auden understood the intentions of this young man in his early thirties - Atlas was aligning himself with the harmonious rhythms of nature.

As if on cue, Atlas began to move once Auden completed his analysis on him. He moved with such speed that he became a blur, occasionally disappearing from the view of the mesmerized spectators.

In a flash, he materialized right in front of the monstrous creature, causing even the genetically modified beast from the Nameless Sect to momentarily freeze. However, this momentary pause didn't prevent it from launching an attack on Atlas. But before it could reach him, Atlas swiftly maneuvered behind the beast, evading its strike.

Atlas relentlessly swung his blade, striking with a flurry of blows that seemed never-ending. Each strike cleaved through the air, reducing the once formidable opponent to mere fragments of flesh and bone. As the glimmering silver pearl hovered in the air, it radiated a sense of pride and power.

However, Atlas decided to change his approach. Instead of relying on his blade, he swiftly extended his hand forward, moving at an incredible speed. The silver pearl, possessing its own consciousness, had no chance to react or reform.

Caught between Atlas' index finger and thumb, the silver pearl found itself devoid of any hope. With effortless force, Atlas brought his hand down, shattering the pearl into a fine, silvery dust that scattered across the cobblestone floor. In that moment, the once vibrant pearl was completely lifeless

—••••••••••—

BEYOND THE VEIL:

THE GREAT SHIFT

CHAPTER 6: THE

GREAT SHIFT PART 6

—••••••••••—

The entire Hanged Court stood witness to the mesmerizing display that was Atlas. Words failed to capture the awe and bewilderment that filled the minds of those present. The angelic figure, the unexpected invasion, and now, a mysterious supernatural being with unclear motives.

As the spectacle came to an end, it was Níels who took the initiative to act. Simultaneously, the rest of the onlookers swiftly made their way out of the Hanged Court. Seizing the moment, this wild madman seized the opportunity to pursue his original objective; Hunt until there's no one remaining.

The massive man unleashed a savage kick upon the final surviving Nameless Beast. Blood sprayed from its mouth as it tumbled to the ground, but this unfortunate creature had unknowingly encountered a man devoid of rationality and sanity.

With a heavy foot, Níels pressed down on the creature's head, the weight of his double-ended ax poised above it. In one swift motion, he swung the weapon down, severing the beast's head from its body. Though still alive, the creature's existence hung by a thread, as the silver pearl that sustained it remained intact. Fuelled by madness, the man delivered an even more brutal kick, sending the creature crashing into the right side of the court, deep within the confines of the building.

With the severed yet conscious head beneath his foot, Níels applied gentle pressure using his imposing black boots, smudging the mixture of blood, filth, and excrement beneath his sole. A troubled expression crossed his face as he gestured around his neck, as if recollecting something. "Where is my…" Níels paused for a few seconds before concluding his sentence, "scarf...no, veil."

Auden Sato, in a state of devout prayer, interlocked the fingers of his hands together;

"Lady-Mother…pray for this madman. Believing the powers of 'Envoys' come from these abominations is a mistake worthy of punishment."

After concluding his prayer to Lady-Mother, Auden caught sight of Atlas approaching him. A serene yet troubled grin adorned the man's face, prompting Auden to respond with a smirk.

"Well done…" Auden uttered, extending his hand towards Atlas. Initially hesitant, Atlas eventually reciprocated the handshake with the elderly man. "Thank you! ...I suppose. But I'm uncertain about the significance of this encounter. However, I have a feeling you know more than I do." Auden's smile softened, accompanied by a subtle nod of affirmation.

"I do. You possess a veil, something you can't even begin to comprehend within this night," Auden whispered to Atlas. His eyes never wavered from Níels, who effortlessly vanquished the feeble creature.

"That man… he surpasses Order Sequence 13 effortlessly, despite being a mere regular human. Could he be a 'Heavenly Savant'? Or perhaps some hidden existence who blessed him?" Auden pondered, analyzing Níels' extraordinary talent in the realm of physical prowess.

Yves Cassian entered the 'conversation' with a soft cough. He ran his hand through his snow-white hair, making eye contact with Atlas who did the same. Concerned, Yves asked, "Are you okay, man?" Atlas cracked a smile and replied, "I don't know. I've just been reborn within the hour I've arrived, so I guess I'm alright." Atlas chuckled and smiled, but then teasingly asked, "But are you alright, Mr. Unconscious?" Yves groaned quietly as Atlas mocked him with a smirk.

"I'm fine. It's not easy fighting against all three of them in one body. I'm sure you understand what I mean," Yves retorted, causing Atlas' smirk to quickly fade. Atlas grumbled about how one opponent was easy and how two others couldn't be that difficult, but Auden couldn't hear his complaints.

Yves shifted his gaze towards Auden, a slight frown forming on his face. "I apologize for my assumption. It seems we haven't been properly introduced. You seem to be acquainted with my friend here, who unfortunately has suffered a brain injury. I'm Yves Cassian." Atlas playfully nudged Yves in the ribs, causing the man to grunt softly. A mischievous smirk appeared on Atlas' face.

Atlas retorted, his voice laced with amusement, "How can you label me as brain-damaged when you haven't even bothered to ask for my name or offer a proper greeting?" Yves could only groan in response, "We were in a hurry."

Before the banter could continue, Auden interjected with a cough. "I'm Auden Sato." Yves nodded as they shook hands. "Speaking of being in a hurry, it would be wise for us to leave immediately. We don't want to be caught off guard by the madman and his desire for more conflict." Auden suggested, painting a likely scenario.

Yves unknowingly shattered in fear as the memories of Níels looking down at Yves remained deeply ingrained into his brain. Atlas and Yves nodded in agreement as they began to gather their respective groups.

Atlas gathered Cecil, Jean, and Audrey.

Yves gathered Godiva and Eddward, equipping himself with a sword and pistol from fallen enemies.

Auden gathered his daughter-in-law, Hana Sato, and his grandchild, Cedric Sato.

Coming together as one group, they disregarded formalities and made their way out of the city. Ten individuals; one elderly, seven young men and women, and two children.

The odds may be stacked against them in this nightmarish city, but they held onto one thing - the hope and trust they had in each other.