*FWOOSH*
Jin continued to conjure mirages of opponents within the grand arena, his every movement fluid and precise. With each strike, he displayed unparalleled skill and mastery, dispatching his imaginary foes with ruthless efficiency. The crowd, a sea of faceless spectators, erupted in thunderous applause, oblivious to the toll it took on Jin's very being.
*FWOOSH*
Within the grand arena, Jin had conjured a sea of faceless spectators, figments of his imagination, their cheers and adulation as insubstantial as the mirages he battled, yet he persisted, relentless in his pursuit.
"Jin... you cannot persist on this treacherous path."
The spectral warrior pleaded, her voice infused with unexpected desperation, a vulnerability she had never revealed before.
*THUD*
Another adversary fell, succumbing to the ground with a resounding thud that reverberated through the expanse of the grand arena, only to dissolve into an ephemeral mist of nothingness.
And for the first time in years, Jin abruptly halted his relentless assault, his body freezing in place. Slowly, deliberately, he turned his head towards the spectral warrior, his eyes devoid of warmth or empathy, radiating a bone-chilling emptiness that sent shivers down her ethereal form.
"Jin..." she began, her voice trembling with concern, her words laden with an unspoken plea.
But before she could utter another word, Jin's voice sliced through the air like a frigid gust of wind, interrupting her in mid-sentence.
"Who... are you?" he questioned, his tone carrying a disorienting confusion as if he could no longer discern friend from foe.
Jin's indifferent expression, icy tone, and lifeless eyes...
"I should have halted your descent... your descent into this path you've chosen..." The spectral warrior's voice resonated with the wisdom of ages, tinged with a hint of regret.
Her shoulders slumped, burdened by the weight of her failings and the overwhelming concern for Jin's well-being. "I have faltered as a guide... I have failed to shield you from the depths of this darkness."
"..."
Jin stood motionless, his eyes vacant, as he listened to her words without a flicker of emotion.
Undeterred, the spectral warrior continued, her voice infused with unwavering determination.
"For millennia, I have watched you spiral down this self-destructive path, witnessing the erosion of your essence as a warrior."
The spectral warrior confessed, her voice carrying the weight of time and sorrow.
"And yet, despite it all, I cannot relinquish my faith in you, Jin. Somewhere within the depths of this darkness, there exists a flicker of light, obscured by this shroud of emptiness. Even if you push me away, even if you deny it yourself, I will persist."
"..."
With unwavering determination, the spectral warrior extended her hand toward Jin, a final gesture of hope and unity. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, brimming with a mix of urgency and longing.
"I will guide you back onto the right track, Jin," she declared, her words carrying a weight of significance. "So that we can walk this path together..."
"Side... by side..."
"...united...?!-"
*CRACK*
Sounds of shattering glass reverberated throughout Jin's soul realm, disrupting the serene atmosphere.
"...!"
A certain impending doom loomed, causing the sky to crack above them, like shards of broken glass.
"Quick, grab my hand!" the spectral warrior urged, her voice laced with urgency and a hint of temptation, hoping to awaken the dormant desire within Jin, a desire long forgotten by his ever-fading mind.
Jin, with his empty and soulless eyes, shook as he slowly extended his hand. The spectral warrior's words carried a mixture of hope and uncertainty, the last attempt to save him from the path he had chosen.
*CRACK*
The realm continued to tremble as the cracks expanded, threatening to swallow everything whole. The spectral warrior's gaze towards Jin held an unusual intensity, her heart torn between determination and a lingering sense of concern... as well as something else that Jin couldn't quite grasp because of his worn down state...
"Yes... grab it before it's too late."
Their hands were mere inches away from each other when suddenly...
*BOOM*
A thunderous boom echoed through the arena, overshadowing the cracks in the soul realm. Something landed in the midst of their encounter, forcibly pushing Jin away from the spectral warrior's grasp.
A shroud of dust settled, obscuring the enigmatic figure that now stood in the center. The spectral warrior's earlier desperation faded, replaced by a flicker of recognition and even a hint of madness as she uttered a name.
"Kieran...!"
Silent and menacing, Kieran, the Silent Blade, emerged from the dissipating dust. His dark attire blended seamlessly with the surroundings, his hands firmly grasping his dagger.
"Go," he said, his words carrying a sense of urgency and a hint of underlying danger.
With those words, Kieran lunged toward the spectral warrior with unparalleled speed, surpassing human limitations.
*BOOM*
The shockwaves created by Kieran's speed shattered the sound barrier, causing a vacuum that shook the entire terrain. Jin, caught amid the chaos, was blown away like a puppet, hurtling hundreds of meters from the grand arena.
As Jin whistled through the air, about to collide with the unforgiving ground, a firm grip seized him.
"Ah, the Vengeful Storm-... hahaha, sorry, couldn't help myself," the brilliant tactician, Lothric, spoke with an amused gaze.
His words were swift yet carried a sense of wisdom, his tone acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
"But lad, it seems as if the tangled web of fate ensnares you, a dire predicament has befallen you, and it falls upon us to unravel this cosmic riddle that is... the crazed woman's obsession."
He continued to weave jests even in the face of danger. His jests carry a blend of light-heartedness and the gravity of their mission.
"A merry chase we have embarked upon! But pray, let us hasten, for time's cruel grip tightens," Lothric quipped, his words tinged with both jest and urgency.
With resolute determination, Lothric quickened his stride, propelling himself and Jin forward at a blistering pace. The world around them transformed into a hazy blur as if the very fabric of reality struggled to keep up with their urgent flight.
*BOOM*
A thunderous BOOM shattered the tranquility, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The ground quaked beneath his feet, and the air itself seemed to compress and implode, a testament to the raw power that surged through Lothric.
*BOOM*
"KIERAN...! You dare!"
The shrill, mad screech of a woman pierced the air, echoing with an unhinged fervor that sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it. Lothric, burdened with Jin on his shoulder, turned his head momentarily, his eyes widening in a mixture of shock and nervous amusement.
A colossal pillar of ethereal light erupted from the grand arena, its radiance stretching far and wide, illuminating the horizon for kilometers around. It was a sight to behold, both magnificent and foreboding, a stark reminder of the consequences that awaited them should they falter.
"Ah, it seems that our dear Kiery The Mute has managed to provoke her to such a degree... godspeed to him."
Lothric mused with a touch of amusement, his words laced with subtle jabs at the spectral warrior. Behind his light-hearted banter, however, lay a hidden undercurrent of nervousness.
Yet, as a seasoned leader and brilliant tactician, Lothric maintained an unwavering grip on his emotions, undeterred by the magnitude of the destructive capabilities possessed by that crazed woman.
Besides, who in their right mind would dare to face her alone, knowing full well the amount of lethality their foe had?
After all... he was Lothric! The legendary leader whose cunning intellect and strategic prowess had single-handedly turned the tides of countless battles throughout his illustrious career.
He'd never bet on a losing battle!
As such...
As if on cue, a multitude of silhouettes emerged from the hazy distance, gradually taking shape and drawing nearer with each passing moment.
"Lothric, surely you jest! You embarked on this plan without awaiting our presence?!"
As the silhouettes drew closer, their identities became clear to Lothric. There was Seraphina, the Shieldmaiden, who had just rebuked him moments ago, her fiery red hair cascading down her armored form.
Her voice rang out again, with a blend of exasperation and concern.
"Urghh... regardless... Pray tell, what is our next course of action? Speak in simple terms, spare us the cryptic riddles!"
Lothric, ever fond of his playful jests, responded with a 'cryptic' smile.
"Patience, dear Shieldmaiden. Our path shall be unveiled in due time, like the unfurling petals of a flower."
"Humor laden-remarks like this...!"
Before the Shieldmaiden could voice her complaints, Lothric gestured toward the figure resting on his shoulder.
"Behold, the lad remains with us, unaware of his surroundings. It would be unwise to squander our precious moments in futile bickering among ourselves."
"..."
Jin lost in the depths of his own being, lay upon Lothric's shoulder, his state of obliviousness starkly apparent.
Lucia, with her stoic countenance, stood resolute, her towering naginata secured firmly upon her back.
"..."
Gideon, fully adorned in heavy armor, resembles a formidable human tank. His wise, weathered face reflected deep contemplation as he stroked his bearded chin.
"Indeed, Lothric speaks true. Our focus must be steadfast, for time eludes us and Jin's fractured soul cries out for redemption."
Lothric's face bore a subtle smirk as he heard that 'Jin's soul cries out for redemption'. The sight of it couldn't escape Lucia's keen observation, and her icy tone pierced through the air like shards of frozen steel.
"What is it that amuses you, Lothric?" Lucia's words cut through the tension, her voice laced with a touch of slight curiousness and skepticism.
Lothric's smirk deepened, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.
"Ah, it is not amusement, my dear Lucia, but rather a sense of surprise. It seems my dear comrades have yet to unravel the intricate nature of the soul realm... or for that matter, Jin's soul realm."
The group's attention immediately focused on Lothric, their expressions a mix of curiosity and urgency. Even Jin, in his unaware state...seemed to somehow sense the significance of the moment.
With all eyes now fixed upon him, Lothric endeavored to convey his message in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that his words would not perplex or bewilder his comrades.
"In this realm... the soul is a vessel, a reflection of the one it belongs to. Just as we have traversed here upon our mortal deaths, so too has the spectral warrior made her presence known. She has been gathering souls within Jin's soul realm... using them as some sort of catalysts for her grand design."
He paused momentarily, allowing his words to settle among the group before continuing with a touch of solemnity.
"We were naught but pawns, mere bait in her convoluted game. Kept alive to serve as instruments of manipulation within this soul realm, where Jin stands as the focal point. The scheme was set in motion long before our arrival, and the reasons for our selection remain veiled in mystery. One can only conjecture the fate that befell the souls who dared to rebel against her before us..."
Lothric's gaze carried a glimmer of insight, his voice laced with a refined elegance as he delved further into his revelations.
"Within each-"
*BOOM*
A resounding boom suddenly shattered the stillness. The ground trembled beneath them as Kieran's figure abruptly flew from the sky.
The force of his body hitting the ground, uprooted trees, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
His ethereal form flickered, essence leaking out as his body continued to slide toward the group in utter devastation.
"Kieran..."
Gideon's stern facade momentarily dissipated, replaced by the warm embrace of his gentle and grandfatherly demeanor. He rushed over, his presence a pillar of support, and carefully lifted Kieran onto his feet.
He sensed an unnatural heaviness in Kieran's breath as if his chest had been mercilessly crushed by an unseen force, leaving him gasping for air.
"Breath...boy, find your breath, gather your strength..."
"...You shouldn't *COUGH*, worry about me..."
Kieran, with great effort, strained his neck to catch sight of the individual responsible for his current condition.
"This woman... she's gone mad with unveiled craze..."
Meanwhile, above them, the spectral warrior floated, emanating a menacing aura that created cracks in the very fabric of the terrain. Her anger and rage were palpable, but what sent shivers down their spines was the stoic yet chilling expression on her face.
With an air of eeriness, the spectral warrior spoke, her voice filled with a mix of temptation and false sympathy as she sought to ensnare Jin who still lay motionless on Lothric's shoulder.
"Oh, dear Jin, you are but a vessel of untapped potential..."
She purred, her words laced with deceit.
"Together, we can unlock the true power within you. Imagine the possibilities, the grandeur that awaits you...the path we could walk together..."
And for some odd reason, Jin's head jerked up a bit, his black empty eyes staring back at the woman afloat.
However, Lothric, ever quick-witted, crafted his response with a veil of subtle mockery, concealing his true intentions.
"Ah, my dear spectral companion, your words weave a tapestry of temptation, yet I fear the threads are worn and frayed," he remarked with a sly grin. "But pray, enlighten us with your grand design, for I am quite fond of riddles."
Lothric ridiculed her, deliberately stoking the spectral warrior's ego. His words pierced through her elegant facade, unraveling the threads of her deception.
"Your words, dear spectral trickster, are but whispers lost in the wind."
Lothric taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"You think to ensnare the lad with empty promises and twisted desires? Alas, your deceit falls upon deaf ears."
Despite Lothric's intentional attempt to stoke her anger, the spectral warrior, who had a deep understanding of him, dismissed his words with indifference. She swiftly retorted, digging into his past and using it to mock him relentlessly.
"Oh, Lothric... the ever-witful tactician..."
The spectral warrior retorted, her voice laced with a sinister edge.
"Your mortal existence was nothing but a tragic comedy... a spectacle befitting the likes of a jester."
With a mocking grin, the spectral warrior struck a grandiose pose, mimicking Lothric's own gestures. Her voice dripped with derision as she continued to taunt him.
"Hah... how truly ironic it is, Lothric..." she jeered, her tone laced with contempt.
"You, who once gleefully manipulated your adversaries in the theater of war, have now become naught but a mere puppet, dancing helplessly to the strings of your own impending downfall..."
Lothric's grin widened in the face of her contemptuous remarks, and he unleashed a retort filled with ruthlessness.
"Ah, but therein lies the distinction, my dear spectral serpent," he countered, his voice laced with a biting edge.
"While I take pride in my own abilities, turning the tides of battles with strategic brilliance, you, on the other hand, crumble under the weight of a mere handful of us. What does that make of you? A pretender to greatness, a treacherous snake slithering within the sacred confines of an innocent lad's soul realm, vainly claiming superiority?"
Lothric's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and piercing resolve as he unleashed his next barrage of words.
"If my life was but a jest, then I met my end in a manner befitting a tragicomedy, and I shall wear that honor like a badge."
Then he chuckled, his contempt not even hidden, laying bare for the spectral warrior to see.
"But you, oh pitiful one, deny the very essence of death, clinging desperately to life as pitiable as the wretch you have become. Your grand design, an attempt to shatter the confines of the natural order, all in pursuit of what? Reinca-"
"Die, you lowly mongrel."
As Lothric's piercing words struck a chord within the spectral warrior, she retaliated with a focused and intense ethereal beam, aimed directly at him.
However... he remained undeterred.
His jolly demeanor remained steadfast, smiling in the face of absolute disintegration.
"Gideon!"
While Lothric was distracting her with destructive but constructive-laden remarks, Gideon had been tensing his leg muscles exactly for this moment.
As such he responded.
"On it!"
His leg muscles tensed, poised for this precise moment. With a release of built-up tension, he vanished from sight and reappeared in front of Lothric, raising his shield to bear the brunt of the ethereal beam.
*BOOM*
The thunderous explosion reverberated through the surroundings, scorching the terrain and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
"ArGHHHHH!"
Gideon, the Ironclad, let out a roar filled with battle spirit, his massive shield slowly faltering under the intense force of the beam.
And when he sensed an opportunity, Gideon redirected the force of the beam with his shield, sending it careening in the opposite direction.
Meanwhile...
Lothric had somehow mysteriously vanished... with the others.
"Die."
A cold and chilling voice cut through the lingering smoke as the spectral warrior materialized before him, her hands poised like the deadly claws of a bear, ready to tear his heart out. Yet, even in the face of imminent danger...
Gideon... remained confident.
After all, who said all of them left with Lothric?
*CLANG*
A sudden interruption shattered the tension as Lucia, who had remained quiet until now, swiftly appeared before the spectral warrior, intercepting the blow that was aimed at the Ironclad.
Recognition flickered across the spectral warrior's face, tainted by a crazed expression once again.
"You!" she seethed, her voice filled with venom.
Undeterred by the warrior's animosity, Lucia struggled, a look of disgust etched upon her face, as she dispersed the force of the blow by skillfully overturning her naginata. The spectral warrior staggered back, momentarily thrown off balance.
Seizing the opportunity presented to her, Lucia followed up with a swift and powerful kick to the spectral warrior's solar plexus, sending her hurtling through the forest with destructive force, leaving a trail of devastation in her wake.
And as she was about to chase her-
Gideon grasped her arm firmly, halting her in her tracks. With unwavering trust in his comrades, he looked toward the disappearing silhouettes of Seraphina, Lothric, Kieran and Jin...
"They're... heading towards the cracks!?"
Gideon exclaimed in shock but soon shook his head...
Seeing his expression, Lucia's voice, though icy, carried a hint of acknowledgment.
"Lothric may have his unconventional ways, and his words can be grating at times...however his intentions are noble and his actions guided by genuine concern for those he deems worthy to protect-"
They then looked at each other and gave a nod.
"As such we shall follow his steps..."
*BOOM*
"You... accursed vermin... infesting this realm with your wretched presence!"
The spectral warrior's enraged voice reverberated through Jin's soul realm, her fury manifesting in a blinding ethereal light that engulfed everything in its vicinity for hundreds of kilometers.
With the urgency mounting, Gideon, his grip firm on Lucia's arm, wasted no time and launched himself into action. The sheer force of his jump caused the ground to crack and splinter like a spiderweb, propelling him swiftly toward their destination.
In a matter of seconds, Gideon closed the distance and arrived beside everyone.
Seraphine, with Kieran and Jin perched on her shoulder, cast a gleeful gaze at Gideon, reminiscent of a granddaughter reunited with her beloved grandfather.
"Ah, you have arrived, stalwart companion."
She said with a smile, her voice filled with a sense of triumph.
"Ah... the old bear! It warms my heart to witness your formidable presence once again!"
Lothric's voice carried a blend of mirth and admiration as he greeted Gideon, while running alongside Seraphina.
He then cast a glance at Lucia, his hand waving in her direction as she was atop Gideon's shoulder.
"Lucia, the block of ice! You grace us with your icy presence. How delightful to see you!"
"..."
Her icy glare seemed to pierce through him, leaving an inexplicable impression.
"Mayhap, I should-"
Suddenly, without hesitation, Gideon wrapped his massive arm and enveloped everyone in his protective embrace, shocking everyone in the process.
"All mighty... a real bear hug!"
Lothric exclaimed in genuine surprise.
Without hesitation, Gideon then propelled them forward once again, leaping towards the ever-widening cracks that promised an uncertain and dangerous future.
But as they soared through the air, a final echo reached their ears, carried by the spectral warrior's enraged cry.
"I won't let you leave without... my PERMISSION!"
Within this whirlwind of motion, Gideon's voice boomed with determination.
"Hold on tight, my friends! We press onward!"
Amidst the chaos, Lothric, true to his nature, couldn't resist adding a touch of jest.
"My, my, Gideon, what a bold leap of faith we're taking! This excitement is positively exhilarating!"
"Dear Lord, this abyss appears as if it would engulf us whole..."
Seraphine uttered, her words laced with genuine shock. The vast expanse of the abyss stretched before them, its darkness seemingly poised to consume their very beings.
"NO!"
As the group approached the cracks, the spectral warrior who was hundreds of kilometers away from them, unleashed a beam of blinding light, racing toward them at inconceivable speeds.
However.. time was not on her side, for they were mere inches away from their escape.
Realizing her failure to halt their progress, a mischievous grin spread across Lothric's face. In a final act of defiance, he raised his hand, extending his middle finger in a gesture aimed directly at the distant spectral warrior.
Though separated by vast distances, he knew she would witness his audacious display.
With a sly chuckle, he delivered his parting words, his insults crafted with intricate elegance.
"Vermin, you dare to cast such a label upon us? How truly amusing! Your every deed exudes the putrid stench of verminous intentions, skulking in the darkest recesses, orchestrating the torment of souls, and relishing in the agony of others. Yet, like a wretched marionette, you dance upon the strings of your own pitiable desperation. Farewell, wretched specter, for that is all you shall ever be! You pi-"
And thus... everything turned black.
...
..
.