The entire group was turfed out to run a race most people would avoid. Halfway up the hill of soggy mud and stabby grass, they all focused and bolted forward. What used to be a forest was mostly burned to the ground. Kana recalled crossing a small wooden bridge nearby. But, that too was gone.
Compared to everyone else there, Paige didn’t rely on her legs to carry her all the way. No. Her lungs would heave like the air was acidic if she tried it. She didn’t have the energy nor stamina to handle that. In times like these, she would let souls propel her forward. These souls. They all carried a warm aura. As if they were grateful to this young girl and would try their best to repay her with kindness.
Before reaching the place, Aiko noticed a couple of familiar faces. She immediately stopped. Sweat laid on her gentle skin like a newly melted crystal. Kana too recognized these people. But, her glare wasn’t as welcoming as Aiko’s soft stare.
-&n
An endless stream of projectiles warped the ground, rearranging the scenery. Unsteady waves of magnetic energy launched everyone into the air, making it impossible for them to land on safe ground. The earth would churn everywhere they land, crippling them in a way they never thought was possible. Then, she unleashed a seismic wave, making them bleed from every section of their body. They screamed in pain. William, Baro, and James were heavily wounded. Ending up with broken feet and a few twisted fingers. Nora was equally affected. Stone shards had found their way deep inside her palms, forcing her to drop her daggers. A dust storm came forth, paired with stone shards and a cone of gravel. The attacks came without end. It was impossible for them to defend, let alone return a single blow. -“What is up with this woman?!” The figure was infuriated. Her anger was like a ghostly cord that dangled over
In the light of the vast space, the mirror made art from all those uncanny powers that hurled back and forth. Showing in its reflective motion the bloody battle that ensued. This plane, it was unusual, to say the least. As transient as a dream and as cold as ice.As time went on, everyone there heard the sound of breaking glass, yet it was only the world around them that developed deep scars. Wounds not of blood, but of magic. Valerie watched as the plane around them shrunk into shards and withered into gem-like pebbles.They were running out of time.Both guilds were bent on defeating their foe. But, the phoenix put up quite the fight. Valerie knew that if she were to make them hurry, the adventurers would scatter faster than shards and die trying. Caught between the sands of time and the mortal plane, Valerie had no other choice but to join the fight.Her magic was profound. A mix between old dwarven mysticism and the ways of the old world. She wi
The two chosen ones became calm as a spring breeze. Their sense of peace anchored in their well-earned self-confidence. Their voices remained warm, their heartbeat, steady. Aiko could see the phoenix’s fiery temper subside. She could sense an earthly aroma seeping out of its unusual body. A fragrance of tranquility. The moment the adventurers left this plane, a wet rain washed the cracks away, providing the chosen ones with a clear path ahead. It curled upward as aurora lights and green rivers. While the open sky resonated with their souls. Like a canyon of hope. Not a single word was exchanged. Aiko and the phoenix were but strangers in a foreign land. That’s when an electric-neon light came between them, and the radiating magic forced them to take a couple of steps back. The two staggered. Suddenly, the figure came out of Aiko’s body and moved her hands across the lingering essence of the strange light. -&nb
The ground has been simmering for half a day now. The entire area would change. One moment, the sides were much like any other mountain, covered with old-growth forests, and lush scenery. The next, they would sink beneath the waves, as if oceans could appear out of nowhere. Then, the earth would blow up again, like a ticking time bomb. This day. It lasted longer than most. White watery wisps that Kana channeled, tried to support Aiko’s every step, as fumes from the phoenix’s magic guided her along the way. The figure was equally involved, draining the essence of her soul. But, it wasn’t enough. As if Tyra’s very being was everlasting. -“This is not the type of power you get from Elidy’s blessing. This is different. She is something else.” The figure bit her lips in frustration. Light engulfed Aiko and carried her to safety every time. Tyra couldn’t land a single blow. Nor could Aiko land a hit.
From the eyes of these two children came the light of the world. For even if they were not born out of love, their souls still lit the day as any bird who plays for the love of fun. They came to see the dancers, these stunning women, as they twirled to the music without effort. Their provocative outfits kept the audience entranced. Even this early in the morning. But to these children, this was everyday life. They would run down the stairs. Do their chores as they always would. Clean the brothel. Change the sheets. Wash the clothes. Hang them to dry. Then, they would head out to the market to look for more work. -“Leah! Over here, love. My husband is sick again.” An old woman waved as the two children passed by the street. The girl faced her brother. He nodded, with a reassuring smile. Those stunning pink eyes, as gorgeous as always. -“Right away!”
There was a casual grace to this meadow. The stalks moved like the bonny sea, as the wildflowers enjoyed nature’s music. The sun shined bright and together with the soft breeze, it was easy for one to get carried away in the calmness of this place. But, no one dared to disturb them. Not now. Except for this young woman in a bright pink ball gown. She walked across with ease as if the ominous dark energy that loomed here was calling out to her. And she listened. -“Why is it, child, that you are so strong of faith?” -“That you sing of love.” -“That you hold on to hope.” -“Why is it, child, that you chase your dreams?” -“But, you never seem to get any close.” -&nb
Wildfires raged, sending clouds of black smoke into the sky. All those flames made it impossible to picture the five moons that usually enlightened these lands. And by dawn, all that’s left would be charred stumps. A magnetized field formed over the scorched land. There, in mid-air, magical particles curled and merged, forming an unseen barrier in the velvet black. As if someone could tap into the cosmic flow and boot it up to their will. The moment their feet met the ground, disembodied spirits quickly came to greet them. But, they were not a welcome sight. These monsters… The hearts in their chest cavities must have rotted a long time ago. After all, there was nothing there, but some tissue debris and leftover broken bones. Yet, the noises of the creatures that dwelt here quickly dimmed when their blades cut them in half. Heavy slime as thick as tar came pouring out of their severed lungs. -“Where are we?” – N
Merging with the shadows came naturally to Nora. Long time ago, she learned to live rootless, able to transform into the strangest of situations and still appear like everyone else. She has been in the game longer than she can remember, and the ties to her dark self only grew deeper. Her magic allowed her to take any shape she pleased. To command any voice, she deemed necessary. She would walk alone, then select a few others and walk by their side, as if she’d known them for ages. She pinned the tip of her blade in specific points, masking their magical essence with a shadowy cloak. These markings, they saw and heard everything about everyone, like a goldmine of information. The only difference was that her power would only register the voices, images, and thoughts of targets weaker than her. Not a single demon grew wary. But, the fact that most of them were a bunch of mindless brutes, thirsty for blood, made her work a little more taxing than she predicted. She need