REBIRTH: CHILDHOOD FRIEND OF THE HEROINEC122- Crushed(3)
There is a function of the beacon; it beats more rapidly, the more critical the person's situation gets.
And currently, Celestria's beacon was beating twice per second, indicating that she was in grave trouble.
This might be the first time after his rebirth, that Alex was feeling this nervous as he blindly rushed toward the place from where her signals were arriving.
'Faster…faster…I need to be faster...!'
—----**------
Edric watched in horror as the beast advanced towards Celestria.
His mind was turning numb, his body not responding to his cries to get up and attack the demon. However, he knew that if he didn't move, Celestria would die.
'He is here for Alex…there is no doubt…' Edric pressed his hand on the concrete and bit his lip.
With every ounce of strength left in his body, he tried to push himself off the ground—however, then, he paused and stopped trying.
With a smile elevating the left side of his lips, he uttered, "We might survive now…"
Like a meteor, Alex descended toward the beast who was inches away from Celestria—his form was impossible to track and the strength behind his attack made the beast stumble back.
**BOOOOOM**
The heavy resonance of that single attack was evidence of his agitation and anxiety as Alex stood between Celestria and the beast
"Just who the fuck are you?"
The Beast could tell that the being in front of it was the Cursed One—the essence of the curse was quite profound and from what the Soulless could sense,
'He has successfully harnessed the strength of the curse…no wonder, My Lord was anxious.'
The feral beast raised its hand and pointed its finger at Alex, "Come with me and I will spare your friends."
Without a word, Alex summoned a long sword that gleamed with an ominous light. His grip tightened, and in a flash, he lunged forward, his speed leaving a faint afterimage in his wake.
The beast braced itself, its monstrous muscles tensing. It could sense the sheer power emanating from Alex but dismissed the human as reckless.
Alex swung his blade in a vicious overhead arc. The Soulless smirked, raising its clawed hand to swat the weapon aside, "Too slow—huh?!"
The beast's arrogance shattered the moment its palm struck the blade. The sword rebounded off the ground with double the speed, moving like a viper striking its prey. Before the beast could react, the blade slammed into its torso.
**THUNK!**
A deafening crack echoed as the air was driven out of the Soulless, its massive body hurled backward like a rag doll. The sheer force of the strike left a deep gouge on the arena floor as the beast tumbled across the ground, snarling in pain.
Alex's grip tightened on his sword as his body tensed, restless energy radiating from him. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, his speed inhuman, leaving faint cracks in the ground.
The Soulless narrowed its golden eyes, fortifying its body as it swung a massive claw toward Alex's head.
But Alex moved like a phantom, sidestepping with precision as if he already knew the attack was coming. He countered with an upward slash.
SWISH
The beast barely managed to lean back, but the razor-sharp blade sliced through its golden mane, scattering strands into the air.
"You runt!" the beast snarled, leaping back. It slammed its massive palms against each other.
BOOOOM
A shockwave erupted, forcing Alex to stagger and skid across the cracked arena floor. He steadied himself, but his focus faltered for only a second.
That was enough.
Something heavy struck his back like a hammer.
"Ghuk!" Alex grunted, his body lurching forward. But even as pain shot through him, his eyes locked onto the beast.
DUCK!
The Soulless aimed a follow-up kick, but Alex dropped low, dodging cleanly. In one swift motion, he switched to his dagger and slashed upward.
The blade connected.
But the beast didn't even flinch. A faint scratch appeared on its thick hide.
"I am too strong for such pitiful attacks!" it bellowed, its voice booming with arrogance.
The beast raised its massive foot and brought it down with a crushing force.
The impact split the concrete beneath him. Blood spurted from his mouth as the pressure forced his knees to buckle.
Pushing the leg away, Alex leaped back from the spot, and as he did, he threw a few daggers at the beast—targeting its vitals.
**CLANG**
However, nothing was damaged as the blades lost their strength once colliding against the mountain-strong body of the beast.
"Such petty tricks. I thought you finally began harnessing strength from the Curse...but now I think, it's just the damaged seal that's leaking such a strong scent."
Alex didn't know what the monster was saying since he was focused on thinking of a strategy to defeat it.
'Its body is unbelievably strong...none of my attacks are causing any significant damage.'
Left with no choice, Alex broke into a sprint, a small knife gripped tightly in his hand.
Fueling his arm with Soul Energy, he kept his eyes locked on the motionless beast, who stood idly, radiating a sinister confidence.
"What now, little human?" the beast mocked, resting its massive hand on its waist, seemingly amused by Alex's desperate act.
Ignoring the taunts, Alex pressed on, his breathing ragged. Reaching his mark, he leaped high into the air, his body twisting mid-flight to generate a burst of momentum.
With a sharp exhale, he hurled the knife, the weapon soaring through the air at a blinding speed.
The beast's smirk faded. Recognizing the force behind the throw, it fortified its body instantly. Raising its paw with precision, it intercepted the dart just inches from its face.
**CLANG!**
The blade collided with the beast's reinforced paw, sparks flying upon impact. Though it managed to block the knife, the sheer force behind the throw caused the beast to stagger slightly, its confidence shaken for the first time
However, not so long after, the monster parried the blade away and turned just in time to block Alex's sword
"Not sneaky enough, brat." The monster grinned before while holding the blade, it used the other hand to punch Alex in the gut.
"Guh!" Spit blended with blood, spurted out of his mouth, with his eyes stretching wide.
He dropped the weapon and staggered back. This monster was strong....unbelievably so.
Alex was, for the third time now, facing an enemy way above his league. He was once again reminded that the strength he had gained wasn't anywhere enough to survive in this world or face the foes in the ascension quest.
'I...need more power...but I can't let my consciousness slip away...can't let that happen again...'
Glancing at Celestria, Alex clenched his fist, and inwardly exclaimed,
'If I can't control the curse, I won't let it devour me, as well!'
His breath grew heavy, and his vision blurred as a searing heat coursed through his veins.
The beast's grin faltered.
A sudden, suffocating aura erupted from Alex, thick and vile, spreading across the battlefield like a storm. The air grew colder, yet an ominous heat radiated from him, making even the Soulless flinch.
Black tendrils of energy began to snake around Alex, twisting and writhing like living shadows. His once bright eyes turned into bottomless voids, emanating a suffocating malice. Your next journey awaits at empire
The ground beneath him cracked, small fissures spreading outward as if the earth itself recoiled from his presence.
The beast snarled, "You are letting the Curse take over, huh?! So this is the only thing you can think of?!" The Beast knew what was within Alex, however, he was not capable of fighting against it. As such, it dashed toward Alex, intending to finish the human before the Curse could surface.
Without wasting a moment, the Soulless lunged forward, its massive fist cocked back, aiming to obliterate Alex before the monstrous transformation could complete.
"DIE, YOU FOOL!" it roared.
TING
CRUNCH
The sound of the shattering bone echoed as the beast's fist connected with Alex's head—only to crumble upon impact. Alex didn't flinch, didn't budge an inch.
The beast reeled back, clutching its broken hand, its golden eyes wide with disbelief. But before it could retreat, Alex vanished.
"What—?!"
In an instant, Alex appeared behind the Soulless. With an eerie calm, he grabbed the beast by its tail. His voice was a guttural growl, cold and menacing. "Playtime isn't over, kitty."
The Soulless had no time to react. With a feral roar, Alex swung the beast like a ragdoll, hurling it into the sky.
The inhumane creature twisted mid-air, desperate to regain control. But its panic only deepened as Alex's presence eclipsed the sky. His figure hovered above, his blood-red eyes glowing with unrestrained malice.
Alex clasped his hands together, raising them high. "Let's see you survive this."
With an earth-shaking roar, he slammed his joined fists down onto the Soulless.
BOOOOM
The impact shattered the arena walls, sending chunks of stone flying as a crater several feet deep formed beneath the beast's mangled body. Dust and debris filled the air, choking the scene in chaos.
But Alex didn't stop.
A glowing red sigil burned above his head, pulsating with a sinister energy. The Soulless struggled to rise, trembling, but Alex's voice cut through the haze.
"Cursebind."
An invisible force crashed down on the Soulless like a tidal wave, pinning it to the ground. The beast let out a strangled gasp, its body crushed under the oppressive weight of Alex's skill.
Hovering in mid-air, Alex spread his hands, a crackling sphere of crimson energy forming between his palms.
The energy ball hissed and growled, alive with lethal intent, as Alex unleashed it with a snarl.
"Burn."
The sphere shot toward the Soulless like a comet, tearing through the air with unrelenting force. The ground beneath the beast fractured even before the attack landed.
The Beast closed its eyes and accepted its fate.
--------**-------
A/N:- If you are wondering what kind of marking Alex adapted, then see chapter chapter 66- Fangs and Steel(5), title comment.
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REBIRTH: CHILDHOOD FRIEND OF THE HEROINEC123- Healed
[Alex's POV:]
I….was able to control myself and didn't lose consciousness when the Curse came into effect.
How and why, I didn't know. When I concentrated my Soul Energy into the curse seal, knowing full well what consequences I would be facing, I continued to mutter a single thing under my breath,
'If I lose control, Cela dies.'
Amanda's fear allowed me to realize the horror I could create by my untamed self. I could lunge at anyone that possessed a grimoire, with the intention of devouring their life support.
As such, my mind continued to repeat a single thing that might have worked against the overwhelming greed of the Curse.
However, I knew it wouldn't last long, and that's why I went for the kill right away, rather than letting the beast half dead for further interrogation.
"Hmm~hmm~hmmm…"
And…there was that. The strange humming sound of a woman whispering close to my ear, like a melodious rhythm, trying to calm me down.
It was one of the two reasons why I didn't give in to the desire of the Curse.
The strange humming that filled my heart with warmth and calm. I couldn't fathom whose voice it was, however, I felt that I would never get tired of hearing it.
It was soothing…brought my chaotic mind to rest.
That had me thinking about whether those hums arrived from deep-seated memories of the previous owner of the body.
Might be possible.
And to discern the truth behind these whispers, I had to do one thing.
Liberate my mother.
….
[Third Person POV:]
After defeating the being, who was burned into cinders, Alex was met by Rebecca.
"Can you carry Amanda and Valerie? Please?" Looking at their current condition, made him nervous. Edric seemed to be in dire need of medical attention.
Rebecca instantly nodded as she first took out healing potions and fed them to the four of them, "Where are we headed to?"
Alex picked Edric on his back and wrapped him with rope. He carried Celestria in his arms, and said, "We cannot stay here since Eryndor might have been informed by now. Let's go to Count Lockwood's territory. It's the nearest from here."
Rebecca nodded as she also tied Valerie to her back and carried Amanda in her arms.
Without another word, they both dashed away from Swortine, heading toward a safe place.
Explore stories on empire
—----**-----
Sarah was surrounded by her family members. Her little sister was occupying her lap and she continued to gaze at her big sister.
Her mother was on the left, asking about her health and how she managed in the Church as the Priestess Supreme.
Her father was sitting there, listening to their conversation.
"It's painful sometimes…being looked at by so many hopeful gazes yet not being able to save all of them." Sarah often goes around places, to survey the situation of common people.
People begged her to bless them…to cure them; however, many times, she could not save them all. Naturally, she has received several curses and abuse because of her limitations as well.
"We cannot save everyone, Sarah. That's why don't let your guilt take over your mind, okay?" Her mother soothingly whispered as she brought the spoonful of rice near her lips.
Sarah was already tired of saying, 'I can eat myself,' so she just gave in and let her feed her.
"Big Sister…did you bring something for me?" The little one suddenly asked, her finger pressed against her chin.
Sarah apologetically looked, "Sorry baby…I completely forgot…"
Seeing the saddened look of Lily, Sarah grinned, "Kidding~here, I brought this for you." It was a hairpin with a blue crystal flower petal attached to it.
Lily's eyes sparkled as she watched the pretty hairpin.
Sarah carefully clipped it to the little one's hair and said, "There…Lily looks even more pretty now."
"Really, mama?" The little one turned to ask her mother.
Kaira smiled warmly, "Yes, dear. Now go and prepare for your classes."
Lily smilingly hopped off Sarah's lap and trod towards her room.
Once she left, Sarah couldn't help but ask, "Is…David at home?" She hasn't seen him since she came here.
Hades sighed, "He is busy training. Should I call him?"
Sarah instantly shook her head, "I will go and meet him later. I hurt him the most that day…so I should take responsibility for it."
The Lockwood couple shared a glance, before Kaira assured, "He is hurt, but he is still your brother. Sooner or later, he will forgive you."
Sarah nodded, "I kno-" but then, she suddenly paused.
"Sarah?" Hades asked and was surprised to see his daughter suddenly getting up.
"Someone has intruded on the premises." She sensed someone breaching her barrier and advancing towards the mansion.
Hades was about to go out and see who it was, when suddenly, the doors of the mansion burst open, revealing several figures.
Sarah's eyes widened as she exclaimed, "Alex?! What happened to you…and them?" She could see that Alex was injured, but more than him the other four seemed to be in dire need of her attention.
"Sarah, please heal them."
Alex slowly laid Celestria on the ground and slowly brought Edric down as well. Rebecca followed the suit and soon all the four patients were on the ground.
"I-I don't need it…just heal them…" Valerie, who had regained consciousness mid-way, groaned as she tried getting up.
"Don't move! Your head is bleeding." Alex warned her, with his eyes turning sharp.
Under his domineering presence, the redhead didn't utter a word and lay back down.
Sarah first went towards Edric, since his condition was the worst.
His limbs were broken, his breathing shallow, his face pale, and his back was unnaturally arched.
"Oh god…his Soul Energy has dropped beyond the Lower Limit," Sarah muttered as she assessed the guy.
Looking at her father, she said, "Call the healers from the nearby church. Please hurry up, Father."
Hades instantly nodded and hurried out of the house.
"Alex, I will chant a Healing Spell on the other three but that would stabilize their condition. I will focus on Edric since his soul is on the verge of fading away. So bring some bandages and stop their bleeding."
"Yes, on it."
Just as he got up, the lady of the house extended a big box, "Here, everything is in there."
Alex gave her a thankful nod before he approached Celestria.
Kaira called some maids, and with their help, the lady began patching up Amanda and Valerie.
Rebecca was standing on one side, unable to do anything since she wasn't very good with healing people.
'Who could have injured them to this extent…' The Vampire Princess frowned.
Soon the other healers arrived and were startled to find the divine essence arriving from the lady,
"Y-You…"
"Don't stand there and prepare for the Soul Infusion ritual!" Sarah exclaimed, urging the five church priests to stand in a pattern with Edric in the middle.
The air grew thick with divine energy as the priests' unified voices echoed through the hall. A faint golden glow spread beneath Edric, forming intricate lines that spiraled outward into a luminous spell circle. Symbols of faith and life shimmered within its design, radiating warmth.
Sarah had her hands clasped tightly in prayer, her expression resolute. As her voice rose above the others, a radiant, glowing mark in the shape of her deity's symbol appeared above her head, casting a holy light across the room.
The circle pulsed, its light intensifying as the chanting grew louder, the energy converging toward Edric's heart.
Alex held his breath, as he saw the divine essence being poured into Edric.
'He fought for others to the point of sacrificing himself...truly, a protagonist.' He soon finished wrapping the bandage around Celestria and picked her up.
Carrying her to the couch he noticed that the ritual came to a conclusion.
The spell circle slowly disappeared, the golden glow getting absorbed by Edric as suddenly, the raven-haired flinched.
His body shook, and after a moment pause,
"Akhh! *COUGH* *COUGH*" Coughing violently, the boy got up. His limbs and wounds were healed, as he somehow regained his composure and looked around.
"Wh-What...?" He asked, looking at the pretty face of the woman in front.
Sarah heaved a long sigh and got up, "Take him to the room; he needs a few days of rest."
A few butlers came and despite all the questions Edric had, they carried him to the room.
Sarah then glanced at her sister and found the girl in a severe case, but her situation was stable. Celestria was the same—pale and injured.
Turning her attention towards Alex, she asked, "What in the world attacked them?"
She was aware of her sister's and Eric's strength, as such, it was quite shocking to see them in such a deplorable state.
Alex heaved a sigh, as he said, "A wild kitty."
—----**------
A/N:- Thanks for reading. Alex is slowly gaining control over his Curse. We will soon get to know the actual story behind it. Drop a comment.
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