Chapter 44, Before darkness

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On the third Island,

March 21st

6:07pm

There she stood.

A lady garbed in black and wearing a white plain mask.

Beside a person who was just recently knocked unconscious by her.

A man she recognizes as one of those administrators.

...

Her eyes wondered around before taking a halt upon spotting two shadows.

She had a smile behind her mask.

The two shadows emerged and gave their respects towards her.

Their faces could now be seen clearly. Even thugh their facial structures were exactly the same. Twins.

Each wearing chainmail over finely crafted leather. Straps of well tempered metal and drake hide mixed around them. Giving the protection needed and the superior mobility as compared to a full plated iron armor.

Their expression changed that to be of something lustful as they survey the curves of the woman.

The lady didn't bother at all, as she was busy laughing.

Her laugh resounded the area and made the men halt in their pervertish act.

Compared to before though, her laugh was even more eerie. Something haunting.

One of them spoke, "We never knew that the infamous woman would be this striking. Though may we ask as to why you're laughing?"

The lady, who recently called herself Red Sin, stopped her laughter before replying, "I remember you two~" With a playful tone.

"Have... we met?" Asked the other twin. Who had his eyebrows furrowed.

Instead of verbelly, she replied with action. Inserting mana into the particular eternal soul ring before letting out her precious technique.

A glow of crimson red appeared around her ring before a creature slowly coiled around her. The creature who resembled a very large eel who really loves her master. Retracting all of his spiky sickles before cuddling her master affectionately.

Though, by judging that her master was recently laughing... It was not a time for cuddling. A horrible time indeed.

He then floated away from her before popping out all the sickle like blades on its upper body. Each coming from his long vertebrae. His fins were blades and his horn was a spear. Body of blood that was nourished by her master.

Red Sin called his name, "Vlad, take care of the right one."

Like an arrow, the horned eel dived towards the individual that his master ordered. Aiming to skewer the unfortunate man.

The brother to the eel's left, removed some inscription papers. The next thing that occured was the erection of a great large fiery wall. Blocking the pathing of the eel.

Though this didn't stop the eel's arrow like movement. Just like many times before, he easily gone through the fire. All thanks to his anti-mana horn. If he could smirk, he would reveal it by now. Also making fun of human's fibble magic.

Alas what occured next was not to his expectation. As the moment he passed through the fire wall, what came next was a sealing black sheet. Covering him entirely. Fire chains were then wrapped around it tightly.

He tried getting out by using his horn, but nothing worked. Seems like it had some special properties.

Both the twin brother's showed a grin before one of them thought, 'We heard lots of this beast. It can easily bypass barriers. But unlucky for you, we're prepared.'

While their thoughts were preoccupied with the beast, they didn't notice the lady floating behind them.

Having blood like wings behind her. Flapping elegantly.

She then sent many of her deadly feathers towards the men but... something strange occured.

Instead of the feathers sticking on to them, they instead only land on the ground. The men dispersed with the wind, revealing that they were nothing but illusion.

This act slightly suprised Red Sin.

She became wary of her surroudings and immediately blocked the attack that came from above. It was one of the twins, having dark blades wielded by him. Left and right, dual wielding.

At first, she thought that the man is an elemental cultivator of darkness. But the puzzling thing is the fact that he's above ground. This done by the flames propelling him.

The reason why it is puzzling, is that he can manipulate two different affinity at the same time. It is considered impossible for that to occur as only one type of refined mana can circulate around your body at a time.

Red Sin concluded that he's getting help from someone, and since she can't sense no one else, it is definetely his twin brother. Joining hands proficiently.

She then prioritized her plan that she came up with. Reminding herself that brute force is never the solution.

Inserting mana to another eternal soul ring of hers, she made a barrier before the man could have a slice at her.

The blood barrier had a special property of bouncing any attack directed at it 'once'. But since the man has dark blades, it wasn't as effective due to the affinity's innate nature.

Nevertheless, his daggers bounced back which gave enough time for Red Sin to lash out her most used offensive technique.

A technique that allows her to release very fast and deadly bloody attacks at her opponent. Honed to perfection. She can easily bend it to her will.

Like the movement of a snake, it lashed out and verticaly sliced at the man's body. Luckily his chainmail was coated with a resin that decreases mana technique's power.

If it weren't for that, the slice might have produced enough force to cause damage to his body. Not cutting through his chain mail, but instead causing internal like pain.

But that didn't happen, at most his chain mail got dents on them.

He retreated, knowing the fact that he couldn't match the speed of her technique. Even if he had speed, the way she uses it... felt like someone with years of experience. But who would be mad enough to stick with one technique?

A thought came up, 'I recognize that technique... Isn't that a tier one water whip? Just dyed in red? What unbelievable feat...'

The dark blades on his hands disappeared. Time ran out.

His brother then sent out a giant crow which went after Red Sin. Having the size to cover three men. Rsembling the appearance of one that overseas battles of death.

The lady positioned herself in an advantageos way by skillfully using her wings. She then thought as she moves her hand, 'Soon, there will be many delightful pieces.' Before butchering the crow.

But to her suprise, every piece of the crow turned to its miniature version.

Each flying around her, being pesky buggers. Being very hard to land any of her strikes.

After a little amount of time, they then connected lines to each other before forming an insignia.

Red Sin felt it was getting dangerous and so she tried to flee. 'I'm too late...' She thought before bracing impact.

The crows created numerous binds on her. Strapping each part of her limbs to some kind of of mana string. Even if she resisted, it didn't work.

She can't even transfer mana to her ring due to the effect of the weird technique.

One of the brothers from far away was currently concentrating to the point where his veins could be seen on his forehead. He managed to yell out, "Hurry, I can't keep her there for long."

"Yeah, yeah. I know." His brother then hurled the lantern on his hand at Red Sin.

It was a technique that very few people who practices fire cultivation know. Only being capable of using when you're at the peak state of Apprentice (Stage 2 cultivation).

It's a move that depletes at least half or even more, of your maximum mana. Requiring the minimum of 'C' mana grade.

When the lantern reached near Red Sin, it opened up before creating a very large explosion.

Red Sin's wings disappeared as she fell to the ground. Wounded.

Some of her clothing were burned off, revealing her skin. Containing numerous types of old wounds on them. Mixed with some her new ones. Hardly telling if she has any part that isn't riddled with ugly scars.

Her hood came off, showing her raven black hair. Having some of it scorched. Red Sin's mask was still intact, due to its resilence.

The twins were interested on her body, but after seeing all the numerous burnt marks and scars. They changed their mind. As in their head, they told themselves that only in desperate time would they try.

But before one of them could speak something, he felt a horrible painful sensation. His mind went blank as he stared downwards. Seeing that a large pale white horn was coming out his chest. At that moment he realized what was responsible for that.

All he could do now was ask "how?" As he hears his brother call out his name.

But then he recalled as to when he threw his lanturn, the position of Red Sin... was directly beside sealed box. He felt stupid for not notcing that crucial aspect. 'Oh, well' He thought, before continuing, 'Brother... it was fun.'

The eel pushed onwards before brutally going through him entirely. Using his side fins that resemble blades to cut the body in half.

His brother could only witness his end.

The mind of his went blank from many emotions clashing. Though it all aligned when a murderous intent replacing them. The next thing that happened was him rushing towards her.

His arms were then covered in black mist. Along side that, the trail in front him gradually turned pitch black.

Two techniques used at the same time.

One being 'void sprinter', which allows his speed to increase drastically, the longer he followed the shadow trail.

The other being shadow gauntlets which are harbringers of curses. Particularly nasty ones. Also increasing his strength.

Red Sin barely got up as she again made a blood barrier in front of her. At the same time releasing something out of one of her rings. At this point, her remaining mana was close to zero.

Behind the man, the eel dived with haste towards him.

Unlike his brother though, he easily punched downwards the eel that was about to skewer him. Causing the earth to excavate below the eel's body. Dust covered the area, blinding Red Sin of his location.

Even with that, Red Sin didn't have a panicked look, but instead behind her mask revealed a contemptious smirk.

She then reactivated the mark and so her wings made from blood appeared. She flew up to the sky in order to have eagle's view on her opponent. Before raining down countless blood feathers. This was her last straw of moves.

The moment she was raising up to the sky, the man already prepared his last trump card.

He manipulated the refined mana into his mark on his chest. Dark energy started surrounding his legs and the moment, Red Sin let go her barrage of feathers, that was the time he was sent upwards. The tremendous force lifted him up as he uses his shadow gauntlets to block off as much feathers as possible.

The man raised his fist before slaming it upon Red Sin.

The moment his fist landed on her, she was inflicted a curse of time freeze. A curse where she would remain in place for the next one second. Giving enough time for a follow up.

Another punch not only made her feel the blunt of two combined but also the excruciating effect of the next curse.

A curse which forcefully made the area around her increase the gravity by multiple times.

Crashing her down onto the earth with so much speed, that with a blink you might miss it.

Her body got slammed into the earth, causing her pain while deforming the land. As she tried to move, she could feel countless fractured bones. She even whined, 'I've been falling down so much today... damn.'

Though her expression was still different than one predicts... being mischievous and all. Having a wide grin with closed eyes.

The man dived down to finish her off. But something stopped him.

Something hit him, changing his tragectory. The blow was strong enough for him to grunt in pain.

When he rolled onto the ground, he got up immediately. Afterwards he looked around, trying to spot what caused his downfall.

It was a giant mosquito. It didn't stop for him to breath as it shot out countless amounts of its blood at him.

The speed of each of them were so fast that he couldn't do anything but use his gauntlets to protect him.

He then felt something amiss as as a certain shadow looms over him. Looking up, he winced as he spotted the eel above. Not dead, and is here to pester him.

With annoyance, he wondered, 'Where the hell did that blood sucking beast come from?' His eyes then focused upon his decapitated brother.

His blood looked like it was suck out... He cursed, 'That bitch!'

He twirled and dodged the eel's attack but had to withstand some of the blood shots.

Red Sin barely stoop up before wiping away the blood around her mouth.

She then pointed her hand towards the man.

His reaction was that of a causcious wolf as he immediately felt she will bring out a deadly technique. He went and rushed towards her, forgetting the pain coming of from the mosquito's barrage.

But even the closer he went, he didn't notice any speck of mana coming of from her.

At that moment he realized that she was baiting him.

He cursed before feeling an excruitiating pain before losing the senses from both his legs. The eel forcibly took them.

He fell to the ground as his consciousness grew hazy. All he could hear were the mosquito's fast fallping wings and the gushing of blood.

Eventually Red Sin went up to him. Having a exhausted look. She already removed her mask as she asks, "So, I take you remember me."

The twin coughed out some blood before replying, "Yeah, so this was your revenge huh. The bane of Quail has to be some..."

"Was it not fun?" Asked Red Sin. She then continued, "Both you and your brother tasting my body. Humans who succumb to the desire of lust." Her eyes turned to look at his twin brother, then him.

Her words were sharp, "It's a shame I can't do this to your other one..." She then removed a small pellet before inserting it inside his mouth.

"Do you ever heard of the vertiof insect?"

Fear overcame his face as he begged to just kill him.

"Oho, you're begging now? Now you can understand a shred as to what I felt like." Said Red Sin before she walked away. Though she only covered some meters before falling to the ground. But behind her mask was a forced smile as she hears the horrible screaming from far away.

...

Her expression turned sorrowful as she asks herself, 'Is this... even right?'

She then was lulled away from her consciousness.

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Spectator's Place

March 21st

6:08pm

*Clash*

The sound of metal.

Sparks fly from trading strikes.

Farengoth, the knight leader, forced his blade and broke through his opponent's block. Slicing him before having his armor bathed in red.

He turned to see that Lou Jun just recently impaled two men with her lance.

A portable type that all she had to do is cover the the metal twisted rod with reinforced ice magic.

Since the area was awkward with all the declining stairs, it made it impossible to have a favourible battle enviroment for her.

Making an icy area, gives her the most edge.

Though that doesn't mean she would lose to ruffians who don't know simple swordplay. Relying to obvious dirty moves which didn't even faze her.

Farengoth gave a look at her before complaining, "I saw you letting that man go for my back..."

She feigned with ignorance. Giving a look around, seeing if there's any more enemy to let loose her frustration.

If it weren't for those knights, her father and guild would still be here. Her grudge rooted deeply.

Farengoth looked to the side, far away, before commenting, "It seems that one of the tougher looking individual is fighting off with two ladies far away."

Lou Jun, after twisting someone's neck, looked towards that particular direction. Seeing a red-haired girl fighting a giant man. She recalled as to how gullible that princess was when Tengfei introduced her. Being swayed easily by a simple compliment. This thought eased her. At the same time, she felt like it would be a waste for such a young girl to die.

Farengoth peered into her before asking, "Do you want to help them?"

Lou Jun broke out of her thought. She then glared at him before giving a scoff.

Farengoth stabbed the dark clothed woman on the ground before twisting his blade. He gave a deep exhale before looking around.

It was not only him fighting, as some representives of major clans were helping out.

Lou Jun was feeling not so moody anymore and so she asks, "Why are we here again?"

After the knight leader fractured the bones in someone's face, he replied back, "Two things. I want to have a talking captive and I want to see what they are planning."

"Now the opportunity exists for you to be blessed with the head patting of your dear King again. Oh you should see as to how your tail is wagging. Take my congratulations."

"Your remarks never cease to amaze me."

A whistle from the wind was heard.

Lou Jun, after sensing danger, she covered herself in an ice dome. Thicker than usual.

If it weren't for her quick act and keen senses, the 3 foot metal pike would have impaled her.

The source of this dangerous weapon is a small statured woman. Having an open leather bag behind her that was filled with countless pikes. She is even holding onto one. Left handed that is.

On her right was a sharp looking shield. Covered in thorny barbed metal.

Geared in iron. Appearance wise, more fitted to be a mercenary.

Farengoth kicked away the man he was dueling before going after the armored lady. Sensing that she's the most danngerous.

A glow surrounded her armor before she hurled another one, but this time at the knight.

he barely dodged it, and wouldn't even bat a sweat if it weren't for his armor weighing him down.

A slice came afterwards towards the lady, aiming to conduct a feint.

After huffing a breath, she went for bashing her small shield at Farengoth's helmet. Knowing very well as to how knight's like to ploy their first attack.

Farengoth had to ditch his previous idea before moving out of the assault. Stepping back before observing his opponent carefully.

Judging how there's little to no room for a normal physical strike to land on her, he decided that a better plan was needed. But the, he just realized how foolish he was to keep distance.

He forgotten that by giving her a room to breath in, he's making it worse for him. The amount of rapid succession of thrusts towards him were countless.

Each aiming at the weak spots of his armor. Not only he has to parry and dodge but also keep moving forward.

'Enhanced weaponry, coated in mana. Featherweight enhancement on armor. Pretty obvious what she is by now.'

He needed an oppening and so a simple powerful parry was done. Farengoth's blade glowed in white before he unleashed a devastating blast of mana.

Since they're so close, it would be hard for her to dodge it. And so she relied on her shield which has been covered in anti-mana enhancement.

Twas not enough, as the it breached her shielding pose before landing on her body. Denting the armor in, breaking some ribs which in turn harmed some of her internal organs. Blood could be seen pouring out her helmet as she was pushed back. Luckily her soles had deep stetatos on them which gave her some standing.

Other than that, she received a horrible blow.

The moment she dropped her pike, Farengoth went in to finish her.

...

But the unexpected again occured.

...

The lady unfastened the spiked mace from her side before landing it heavily on the knight's shoulder.

Before he could finish winding up his strike.

This caught him off guard as he felt the mace dent the shoulder plate. The sharp part punctured through, and shattered his elbow bone, rending his right arm almost useless.

Even with that done, the lady seems to misunderstand something.

And that is he won't stop by something like that.

By only relying on his left arm, he pierced through armpit before carving his blade deep.

Scream of agony came out the lady before she felt like her arm would fall of anytime now.

Farengoth gave a small chuckle. Filled with the sense of exhaustion behind it.

He couldn't help but think as to how many times did his arm become like this.

Without leaving his gaze upon the mercenary lady, he asked Lou Jun, "So, are you going to just watch me or help me out?"

"You call yourself a knight, so deal with it yourself. I would piss at your corpse and curse nonestop if you lose to someone like her." She froze the enemy in front her before using the person's body as a shield from arrows.

She then continued, "Bested my dad and me, so even with only one arm, it can do the trick."

Farengoth grimaced, "Well that's entirely different as my blade right now is nothing but a hunk of metal. Against an enhancer that is. But nevertheless, you are right. As this one is still a novice..."

His body crumbled into dust before appearing behind her.

After stabbing his sword into the gap behind the lady's knee, he then used most of his strength to push her forward.

Still being shock, she was forced to taste the ground.

Farengoth placed his weight on her before removing a metal flash. A tigtly sealed one.

"It's always handy to have one of this in Krehor."

As he removes the lid on it, he explains to the confused struggling lady bellow, "It's a bad idea to keep your eyes locking with mine. As illusions will make you their prey."

He then poured the slow goop into the behind of the lady's helmet. Going through the cracks and chain mail.

The moment she felt the hot liquid seeming through her... The struggle became like that of a wild animal. Then it turned to agonizing screams.

"Hot melted iron." Farengoth said, before standing up from the soon to be made corpse. He closed his flask tightly before placing it in his bag.

The poor mercenary is still squirming around before slowly stopping.

Farengoth saw all of this through before saying, "...We truly are not like what people think we are."

Lou Jun, still out of breath, walked nearby before commenting, "You sure are nasty, even to women."

"Untrue." Farengoth replied with a sly tone.

Lou Jun's eyyebrows furrowed, "How so?"

The knight leader patted her shoulder before replying, "You're alive... aren't you?" He then gave a tired forced laugh before walking away.

She bit her lower lip before cursing behind his back.

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