[Chapter 38 part 1] Soul – The Outbreak

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It’s over. Carrion was finally dead. The Necromancer had tenacious clung to life, rising again and again. Why such loyalty to Sola?

Another wave of undead gathered among the barren trees and lifeless grass. Only weapon wielders… They’re growing stronger. Soul swung Diamonds Edge to dispatch them. I must retreat. It wouldn’t be easy.

Around him, the Vilestorm howled angrily. Blocking out the sun, the malevolent duststorm was an anomalous undead which blocked out the sun. Its gales confused and cursed those trapped within, guiding them into harm’s way. With my sense of direction warped, I can only rely on gravity. He had to break out from above.

Soul jumped, deploying icy wings. Immediately a downdraft assaulted him, and spectral horrors closed in. Fending off the wraiths, he suddenly plummeted, his weight increased a dozen fold. Damn… Landing roughly, he dispelled the malediction and scanned for the one who’d cast it.

Outlined on a distant hilltop, an armored knight rode a withered steed. It brandished a lance with a fluttering black cloth. A standard bearer. These were Sola’s generals, guiding and driving the unliving. Already more were flocking, swelling under its influence. I must eradicate it before it calls forth something worse.

Dismissing weariness, he cried ‘Heaven Splitter’, twirled, and swung his sword in an uppercut. A freezing shockwave divided the battlefield, annihilating everything in its path and blowing away the rest. Of course, it won’t fall that easily. The mounted figure stood alone and unharmed. That dark emblem is high sorcery in its own right. Soul rushed forwards.

Some grueling minutes later, the duel ended. It’s a agonizing how the others won’t rest until the standard bearer falls. Soul leaned on his weapon, and his heart sank when he felt trembling. I took too long.

The ground quaked at the rhythmic pace of approaching footsteps. A mile away, out of the swirling haze, a foot emerged, crushing a grove of wilted trees. Upon the next stride, a gargantuan silhouette emerged. The grayish, skeletal giant moved unnaturally, as though the laws of physics didn’t entirely apply. It peered down, the white glowing eye sockets fixated on him.

These were unique to the Dark Age. Legions of undeads merged to form titans the size of mountains. The monstrosities were difficult to repel under the best circumstances. Soul sighed, readying Diamonds Edge.

As the colossus strode forwards, three balls of fire cut through the vilestorm, crashing to earth. Soul smiled. Seems I’m not finished yet. That was the opening salvo to one of Lily Morgana’s bombardment, a warning of what was to come. Now I can fight without holding back. He never got the chance.

As molten rocks rained down, an armored figure appeared in the sky. Astrolis. The humanoid mechanize weapon flew past the colossus, leaving a trail of explosions in its wake. The titanic undead released a deafening screech, swatting at the mobile suit of armor. The force from each swing rearranged the landscape. While Soul braced himself, the red and orange metallic knight dove into its opponent’s gaping mouth. Only Astrolis could withstand the corruption in there. Glowing yellow sores spread down the giant’s throat and chest as it was wracked from within. When Astrolis burst forth from its stomach, it roared in renewed fury. She’s got its full attention.

Two mammoth hands slammed together, producing a concussive blast extinguishing all fires and knocking Astrolis back. An underhand swing then scraped the earth and unleashed a landslide. Astrolis nimbly dodged the debris.

The land was torn apart as the two clashed, neither gaining an advantage. Then daylight broke through. Lily’s artillery had burned through the vilestorm, driving it back. The colossus bellowed its frustration.

As meteors showered the departing titan, Astrolis landed besides him. The Armor opened and a gorgeous woman stepped out, “You gave me a heart attack when I found out you’d gone after Carrion alone.” Jenna jumped down. “Why must you take such risks?”

“Nero asked me. Also, I figured you might show up.” Soul smiled.

“What if I’m not there next time?” Jenna wrapped her arms around his neck. “Winning the war is meaningless if you don’t survive.”

She then kissed him——

Soul awoke with a jolt. I definitively can’t tell Hope or Light. Although it was well before sunrise, he rose to ponder what he’d witnessed. I’d never heard Ethan and Jenna were lovers. This was the second dream. The first had been vague to the point of doubtful authenticity, so he’d decided to try laying Diamonds Edge besides him last night. Which was effective.

Soul activated his wrystal, and a rock formation in the sky appeared. The Octahedron. The canyon where Ethan and Byron fought had been folded in the shape of an eight sided die. Where he perished. Zooming closer revealed a dense network of gleaming auburn symbols. Containment Runes.

I should speak to Astra. His mother would be up. She only slept a couple of hours. Part of ‘Winter embrace’, the ‘Glacial Vigilance’ technique reduced the need for rest.

His mother was in the first floor office of her residence, sorting reports. “What is it?” She asked.

“I had a dream about Ethan Skyfell, a memory from the Dark Age. I believe the cause is Diamonds Edge.” Soul drew the sword on his back.

“I see.” Astra set her work aside. “Reliving moments of previous owners is a common phenomenon for legendary weapons. It’s how they ‘teach’ their wielder——”

An obnoxious knocking interrupted them. Astra’s brows furrowed, and she tapped her desk. She’s cross. “At least the building isn’t shaking this time… Let’s go see who it is.”

Outside, Emerit Blaze stood holding a box. He doesn’t look happy either.

“Why are you banging without sending a message first?” Astra asked coldly.

“Because I’m upset, irritated, and angry.” The man snapped back. “May I come in?”

“…Yes.” Astra spoke reluctantly. She lead them inside and Emerit slammed his package on her desk.

“What’s that?” Astra asked.

“It’s the head of a giant centipede.” He declared. “I demand Dawn be disciplined.”

“There were leaps in logic I didn’t follow.” Astra seated herself. “Please expand.”

“When I woke, giant centipedes were lounging on my floor. As this was unexpected, I overreacted. My room is now carpeted with blasted-up insect parts.” Emerit explained. “She must be chastised.”

“How would my daughter even sneak in the bugs?” Astra inquired.

“I have absolutely no idea.” Emerit seethed. “What matters is she did it.”

“Let’s back up a minute. How do you know my daughter is responsible?”

“Because she swore to use my worse fears to get back at me.” Emerit explained. “This could only be her work.”

“I thought there was nothing you feared.” Soul interjected.

“I’m not afraid of centipedes. I HATE centipedes. They’re disgusting and foul. Nothing should have that many legs.” Emerit pronounced.

“I see.” Astra said. “And what was my daughter getting back at you for?”

Here, Emerit stumbled and went quiet. He might’ve been too livid to think clearly. They’d kept quiet about their jaunt through the wine trench. If Emerit was determined to seek justice, he’d first need to reveal what he’d done with Exodia, which might result in sanctions on him rather than Dawn.

After a long minute, Emerit spoke through gritted teeth, “After deep consideration, I’ve decided to drop the matter.”

“Good.” Astra nodded happily. “Please take your box on the way out.”

Emerit left, slamming the door. I must warn Dawn to avoid him.

“Right, so tell me your dreams.” Astra pressed.

Soul summarized his experience, omitting only the very end, “…the second time was extremely clear.”

“Will you be able to recreate Ethan’s martial arts?” Astra asked.

Of course he’d considered this. His concern was voyeurism. Apparently it’s acceptable.

“Yes, but it might take a while.” Soul ventured. “How long will they continue?”

“Until you’ve fully mastered Diamonds Edge, I imagine.” Astra answered. “Given that’d require the strength of an immortal, you’ll have plenty of time.”

“Anything else?” Astra began riffling papers again.

“You never told us Ethan and Jenna were a couple.” Soul said quietly.

His mother paused, “Most didn’t know.” She closed her eyes, gently shacking her head. “They kept it private. The wedding would’ve been after the Dark Age…”

Astra looked him in the eye, “Use the past to grow stronger, but please don’t share it with anyone… myself included.”

Soul nodded and left. Ethan remains a sensitive topic. Now that he’d received her blessing, he’d proceed without misgivings. I’ll trust Ethan’s Sword not to show anything inappropriate.

(continued in part 2)