Monarch Of Darkness, Arsene

<Phantom Step>

He yelled as he magically appeared in front of me without any semblance of movements. Nonetheless, I was completely prepared as my steps became like the air around me, free and formless. Dodging at the last second, So'val and I immediately engaged in a vicious dance that seemed to consume the entire encampment.

Our movements quickly became like various beams of light as I blasted him high up in the air with a demonic arc of Dragonsbane using the predictive power of my demonic vision Arte. My power may be lower than his, but my skills were far higher than his. All his basic techniques and movements were being read like a book by me.

With the one hundred and fifty souls within me that I took today racing to supply my physical body with energy, I shot up into the air, reaching So'val slamming Dragonsbae down to split him in half. Yet with a slight movement, So'val parried my strike, and with a sudden shift of his center of gravity, So'val's right leg slapped towards my face like a raging truck. Stepping in the air, I was able to reduce the damage, but my body was blasted out of the air, giving him time to rest.

"Who sent you? What clan do you hail from, boy?" So'val bellowed as his saintly aura began to grow more prominent. "Are you from the Vanir Clan, maybe the Druids...The elven race would not accept that foul Aura."

He was stalling, but I didn't really have a choice but to abide as I arose, blood dripping from my lips and debris falling over my body. This dwarven armor was a lifesaver, were it not for it. I think I would have been half dead by now. Glancing at the complex sphere that appeared the moment So'val struck me, I smiled.

Taking a deep breath, I could feel my senses growing strong as I gazed at So'Val. His Qi had reached the apex as he pointed at me. Suddenly a massive complex formation formed around him, spiraling as Qi of heaven and Earth began to be sucked dry. Opening my eyes wide, I saw a massive transparent prism consume my 'body.'

I had not used this Movement Arte since we started because I needed to get a good drop on So'val. Combat-like tactics were all about deception. Aside from that, the only Artes I had left were Arcane Slash and Crimson Winds. Arcane Slash was a technique that was meant to encompass the concept of illusion, Lightning, Wind, and Darkness. It was simple, but it was extremely troublesome to perceive much less dodge. It was an almost perfect basic arte as it was meant to fuse with Arcane Gale later on.

<Tri Prism of Heavens Path>

So'val yelled as I watched as my body began to be atomized. A scream of anguish filled my 'body' as So'val bellowed in laughter, "Face the power of a tier two Circle! Just wait till I find out who you were. I'm going to skull fuck your entire family."

<Crimson Wind>

I whispered as my body faded into the void of darkness. A hollow gleam filled my gaze as my body materialize from the darkness right behind So'val. A look of horror could be seen as he twisted his head in astonishment.

With a vicious glow, Dragonsbande has trusted out hundreds of times, tearing through his shoulder, legs, and arms while also scaring his body with untamed slashes. Blood rained over the snowy pavement as black flames suddenly combusted from his wounds, consuming his entire body in a realm of eternal fire.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH" So'val screamed as a massive circle appeared in a flash, showering light over his body, to my surprise, destroying my flames.

"YOU BASTARD DIE," He roared, pulling out a scroll, "SUN FIRE."

Suddenly a massive ball of flames grew from the area encompassing the very skies. Before I could even think of escaping, my body was consumed in flames as a pillar stretching out a kilometer appeared. However, flames of these levels could not affect me. They were still within the realm of mortals. Shooting through the blazing inferno, I appeared in front of So'val as he grew pale as a sheet.

"Why won't you die?" He shouted, slashing down with exretem killing intent.

DING*DING*DING*DING*DING*DING*DING*DING*

Dodging and parrying like the wind, my blade grew wild as our endless battles raged on. There were times where So'val held the advantage, managing to pierce through my armor; however, with time, I began to learn more from such an experienced man. Blood began to run from our bodes as we refused to flee, call it pride but both of us knew we could kill the other. We just needed the right opportunity.

Hours began to pass as our battle raged on, decimating the area. It was not long before an entire day passed, followed by two, three, four, five, six, and finally seven.

This was the day So'val fell to his knees. A hollow gleam could be seen as his fingers slowly dropped his weapon. His body, along with mine, was scar with wounds. Bones could be seen as we had battle without rest for seven days and seven nights. We were dead tired, but he was losing far too much blood from when I pierced through his shoulder and arms.

I was able to recover my qi relatively quickly since I didn't really use it that much. My main source of battle prowess came from my endless endurance. Nonetheless, I did not feel satisfied with his battle as I gaze at the man before me. In my book, I failed...This was not a victory but rather a failure. So'val did not die by my hands but rather from blood loss.

"You are no bandit, are you?" I asked, feeling my mind weary. The only time I used Soulforce was to entice the state of enlightenment, but I was still drained.

Nodding with a saddening gleam, he spoke, "Correct, remember me, boy. My brothers will be coming for revenge. The Name is So'val Dromo, member of the Astral Kings," He lightly said with pride as Dragonsbane severed his head from his body. Blood slowly connecting to my feet as I gazed a the lifeless corpse before me.

"I will remember, but they will also be joining you one day."

Feeling another soul enter my body. I fell to my knees, blood still oozing from my damaged body like streams. I could feel the chilling winds against my soul as I slowly began to lose my vision.

"Come on, Arsene...Don't be a bitch. Stop fainting." I weakly said as I turned to the oddly quiet Roald. By his side were Lisa and Rave as they stared at me with a hint of reverence. Those two had not really seen me use Qi, so they didn't know my secret, but Roald saw everything, but I guess it was not a big deal. He is also like me.

With a weak smile, I slowly closed my eyes. None of my wounds were fatal, but I needed rest. Soulforce was a gift but forcing a state of enlightenment was not without risk on the body and mind.

I hope Lisa doesn't **** me while I'm asleep. Women these days are way too thirsty. Although, I can't really say I mind that much. With one final thought, my mind slowly cut to darkness. Bringing me into a realm I had frequented many times.

<Realm of Eternal Night>