Chapter 7: Wish

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[I just finished things on my end as well.] (Large Figure)

We were standing in the middle of a forest where I had just first reunited with Vella. A large figure the size of a building with a scythe propped onto its right shoulder was leaning a little closer to me, trying to get a better look,

[He doesn't seem too special...I don't see why he's caught your attention...] (Large Figure)

Vella shrugged her shoulders and gave a small smile,

"You'll see sooner or later. It's probably not as obvious now, but you'll definitely see." (Vella)

[Hmm............] (Large Figure)

The large figure rubbed its chin as it continued to stare at me.

"Who are you?..." (Black Death)

Suddenly realizing the situation, the large figure leaned away from me and apologetically tilted its head,

[Apologies, there are many names that I go by, but I'm more known by you humans as Death. Out of proper courtesy for your current situation, you may call me Hades for now.] (Hades)

That's what I had thought when I noticed his iconic weapon propped on to his right shoulder...Death, the Grim Reaper and Shepherd of Souls? Then that must mean...

[Your wish is to see your three friends again, correct?] (Hades)

I immediately jumped at the opportunity, excitement welling within me after my suspicions were confirmed,

"Have you seen them?!..." (Black Death)

[Yes, I have, but it is quite rare for souls to reunite in the afterlife. It will be hard for you to find them unless...] (Hades)

Hades suddenly broke off the conversation as he seemed to be deep in thought.

"Unless?..." (Black Death)

My heart was pounding in anticipation from the short pause that felt like ages.

[All wishes come with a price...Are you willing?] (Hades)

"Anything." (Black Death)

[Is that so?...] (Hades)

He looked over to Vella,

[Are you sure about this? I will not proceed unless I receive your consent, you should think this over.](Hades)

She nodded, giving him a resolved look,

"I've already prepared myself." (Vella)

Her gaze gently rested on me after she said that,

"Besides, if I took too much time to think over this, I don't think I would be able to continue..." (Vella)

Wait...Why did he need Vella's consent? Is there something that they're not telling me?...

Hades nodded in return and hovered his left hand over the scythe. A dark mist gathered into the hand until a sizeable orb made of darkness could be seen. Waving his hand, the orb floated towards me and stopped, hovering just away from my reach, interrupting my thoughts.

[Take this, you will need it in order to grant your wish.] (Hades)

"Understood." (Black Death)

A cold sensation flowed throughout my body as I grabbed hold of the orb with both of my hands.

Chains flew out of the orb, slowly wrapping around my arms as I noticed something moving from within the orb. I suddenly felt two mysterious objects resting in both of my hands once the chains stopped around my elbows. Taking that as a signal, I made sure that I had a firm grip on them and started to pull them out with all of my might. A large, dark object slowly revealed itself as I continued to pull until suddenly, the object shot out from the orb's grasp.

I felt a sudden increase in weight on my arms as a pitch black greatsword twice the size of my body greeted me. The air crackled around me and I could feel the greatsword emanating a dark aura. The blade itself was reflecting a dark, otherworldly glow. Continuing downwards, I was holding onto two sword handles that perfectly fit into my hands, and there seemed to be a ring on each of them, resting right below the crossguard. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the rings were fitted with triggers and the chains that were wrapped around my arms was connected to the pommels.

Ah...So the rings are acting as trigger guards.

[Oh?...] (Hades)

Hades leaned closer, observing me as I was holding the greatsword,

[Try pulling both of the triggers at the same time.] (Hades)

Complying with his request, I pulled both of the triggers in unison.

The greatsword suddenly split into two, each half turning into a longsword. The longswords each had a half crossguard, a ring that seemed to act as a trigger guard right below it and the actual trigger itself. There was a sliding mechanism that allowed me to reconnect the two swords together to reform the greatsword.

I swung the longswords around a couple times while practicing my movements to test them. Much to my surprise, the balance is perfect and the swords are at a manageable weight, I haven't lost my grip on them yet either...Interesting. Hmm...Will the triggers do anything else if I pulled them again?...

To be safe, I pointed the longsword in my right hand towards a tree that was at a considerable distance away from us and pulled the trigger again.

BOOM!

An explosion came from the end of the longsword as the trigger was pulled, rapidly launching a dark orb of light. A large hole was left behind as the orb pierced through the tree.

Huh...So the longswords also act as firearms? Little to no recoil and no misfire either...Projectiles fly perfectly straight, I don't know what the effective range of it is though. Color me surprised. I feel a little exhausted after firing the weapon, strange...The orb also appears to be more destructive than a regular bullet. I wonder if there's a way to transform the orb so that it can act just like the different types of ammunition that I had used when I was alive.

"This is..." (Vella)

Vella had a surprised expression on her face as she stared at me.

[Interesting...] (Hades)

Hades seemed to be in deep thought again as he rubbed his chin.

"What do you want me to do ne-" (Black Death)

The world started to tilt as I slowly collapsed onto the ground, struggling to keep myself up. My body felt like it was being filled with lead, my eyesight was starting to dim and my consciousness was fading in and out. What's happening?...

I glared at Hades, forcefully trying to voice out my words,

"...What...Did you...Do...To me?..." (Black Death)

[I have only given you a helping hand in order to fulfill your wish, that is all.] (Hades)

"...Wait..." (Black Death)

I reached out to Hades right before a deep darkness suddenly filled my vision as I lost my consciousness.

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Bonus:

[I can see why he has caught your attention.] (Hades)

Hades stared at the unconscious man on the ground with interest.

"Mhm! I told you so didn't I? He's special." (Vella)

Vella was proudly smiling as she stared at the man in turn.

[A Hybrid Weapon user?... He has quite a strong affinity with the weapon as well, I wonder why...] (Hades)

She turned her gaze towards Hades with a thoughtful expression,

"There's only a few of them in this world, right?" (Vella)

[That is correct, although I'm starting to question if they really are that rare to find.] (Hades)

Tilting her head in curiosity, she attempted to investigate the meaning behind those cryptic words,

"What do you mean?" (Vella)

Ignoring her question, he turned his head towards Vella,

[I trust that you understand what will happen next, yes?...] (Hades)

A serious expression grew on Vella's face,

"That's what I've prepared myself for." (Vella)

[Good, I won't be responsible for the aftermath, but I will promise to uphold my end of the bargain.] (Hades)

She nodded in confirmation,

"I understand." (Vella)

They both quietly observed the unconscious man on the ground as time slowly passed by, waiting for what was to come next.