Taman Thirtos, 8 PM. As dusk gradually gives way to darkness, the sky is filled with the fiery hues of the enchanting Garnet Moon. Its gentle light dances on the leaves, creating lively shadows on the ground, adding to the magical ambiance of the park that seems to whisper of timeless beauty.
"We are the strongest nation. Why am I completely powerless in front of him?" Hernandez said, his voice trembling with confusion. His body felt heavy, unable to move even slightly, not due to the serious wounds that plagued him, but because of the energy he had just released. The nerve sensors in his body were now in disarray, making signals from his brain unable to reach his muscles. In his despair, his gaze fell upon a girl who appeared more precious than a pile of diamonds, dangerously positioned in the chilling night, enhancing the effectiveness of the atmosphere. He desperately wanted to run to her aid, but faintly in the depths of his soul, a voice urged him to retreat, "If she understands the situation now, it's better for her to escape immediately."
Ten minutes ago
The explosion attack from Hernandez was once again thwarted by an invisible force. In an instant, a loud bang echoed, filling the night air. Suddenly, from the thick clouds of smoke, a fist shot out swiftly, brutally striking Hernandez's chin. Thrown into the air, his body spun before being slammed back to the ground by a man in a black cloak, who gripped his head tightly and then slammed it down, creating a crack that shattered the night's silence.
Arkgh ....! Fresh blood splattered from Hernandez's mouth, creating red droplets that contrasted starkly with the darkness of the night.
"Ho... w... ca... n... th... is... be," Hernández uttered in a halting voice, each word spoken with difficulty, as if he were struggling to muster strength from the depths of his defeated self.
"It's quite simple," came the reply, calm yet filled with conviction. "You just need to think several moves ahead of your opponent. Isn't that the essence of every fight?"
"I can't believe this," said Hernandez, his voice filled with despair as he scratched at the dry, cracked earth, as if trying to draw strength from the seemingly innocent ground.
After being struck by a thunderous attack from Firaga, Hernandez's body transformed into phase 3 Delta-Eisen. This change did not occur by his own volition; rather, the searing heat from Firaga triggered a profound alteration in the quantum spectrum flowing within him. The first phase, Hölle, was used when he launched an attack against the man in the black cloak, with his strikes seemingly held off by magnetische streu, a concept referring to the interaction between magnetic fields and ferromagnetic materials. However, the second phase, paramagnetischen, was able to penetrate his defenses, making the situation increasingly dire. In phase Delta-Eisen, the iron in his blood coalesced into a single point, taking on characteristics similar to Hölle, thus reacting strongly with magnetische streu. This is why, in this state, the magnetic iron could be easily inhibited by magnetische streu, heightening the tension in the air and creating an atmosphere of an unavoidable clash.
"You're not the only one capable of accessing the Quantum Spectrum," said the cloaked man, his voice hoarse yet firm, creating an aura of mystery around him.
"As I suspected, you're not as strong as you think," he taunted mockingly, "have you forgotten your own techniques?" His words echoed with a challenge that stirred the already tense atmosphere.
"Well... I know that too," Hernandez replied, his tone filled with acceptance, as though acknowledging an unavoidable harsh reality. "How could you endure all of this?" he added, his voice cutting through the silence, hanging in the air heavy with uncertainty.
The resilient person referred to is not someone who appears physically strong; rather, they are an individual who may seem fragile but possesses a firm resolve, like a rock steadfast amidst crashing waves. Each time the waves strike, crashing hard and shaking everything around, they remain resolute, unmovable, as if defying the forces of nature attempting to erase them. Even as rocks and debris fall around them, they strive to endure until their presence becomes almost imperceptible. In this context, their mental fortitude is far more significant than their physical strength, emphasizing that a strong spirit can withstand all obstacles, reminiscent of classic tales of those who have navigated through tough times and emerged stronger than before.
"Have you ever heard of the Vickers family from Gamma and the Brinell family from Gaia?" asked the man in the black cloak, his voice deep and mysterious. Hernandez was taken aback, his heart racing at the mention of those names. These two families, known as the finest craftsmen in the world, had created unparalleled metalwork, each strike of their hammer resonating with unmatched splendor and skill. History records how their achievements reshaped the world of metalworking and introduced techniques still studied today.
"That family has been gone for ten years," Hernandez said, attempting to clarify the meaning behind the figure in the black cloak standing before him. His voice was soft yet laden with emphasis, as if each word he spoke carried a profound weight and a dark history.
"Now, the question is, what exactly does 'gone' mean?" the cloaked man asked, his tone curious as he raised a pointed finger, underscoring the significance of his inquiry. His piercing gaze awaited a response, creating a tense atmosphere between them.
"Gone means disappearing without a trace," Hernandez replied calmly, although a hint of tension lingered in his voice.
"It seems you've read too many history books," he remarked skeptically. "History books written too honestly are often less engaging. That's why most history tends to portray exaggerated imagery, creating heroes that resemble characters from fairy tales. No matter how remarkable past events are, in the end, they are all just tales of war filled with sorrow and loss," he continued, his expression serious as if he wanted to emphasize the depth of the reality hidden behind fragments of the story.
"What are you talking about? This is about what's happening in the world right now," Hernandez said, attempting to deflect. "Do you want to be a hero or just seek revenge? Who are you really? Are you merely a ghost of the past trying to drag humanity back to an era filled with suffering? Where do these thoughts come from?" he continued, staring intently as if he wanted to pierce the heart of every word spoken.
"Whoa... I can't answer all of that. Besides, should I respond to questions from someone who has already lost?" the man said, raising an eyebrow as if uncertain whether defending his argument was more pathetic than the situation itself. "The Rockwell family is called heroes for destroying the families of traitors. But honestly, that paragraph should be censored to prevent sending our descendants to drama school with this boring topic in the future," he added, with a sly smile as if he had just revealed a great secret of the world.
"What do you mean?" Hernandez asked, his gaze sharp and filled with burning curiosity.
"What if I told you that the Rockwell family eliminated both of those families in their quest for wealth, fame, and power?" the cloaked man asked, his voice laden with mystery and provocation. "Moreover, history notes that the Rockwell family was once just a poor family struggling to survive."
"WHAT!?!" Hernandez shouted in furious disbelief, his face turning crimson as the words escaped his lips. With all his might, he tried to move, dragging his body that felt ensnared in frustration and rage. Yet, his efforts were brutally halted as the cloaked man pressed his head to the ground with authoritative steps, crushing any hope of moving freely.
"That is the reality. You can be as angry as you like, but remember, no matter the status, humanity is inherently greedy. People are choosers, trapped in the dilemma of falling into a dark pit of despair or gradually stepping closer to a shining angel, bringing hope," the cloaked man said, his voice heavy, emphasizing the inherent duality in humans when confronting morality. Each word he spoke pierced through the walls of uncertainty like bullets, provoking deep reflection within his listener's soul.
Hernandez fell silent.
"The skills of magnetische streu and entmagnetisierung you displayed in our confrontation are proof that in the human lexicon, there is no term for annihilation. Therefore, as fellow humans, we should not belittle others or forget their origins," stated the man in the black cloak, his deep and emphatic voice resonating as he began to step away from Hernandez. This emphasized the importance of mutual respect, especially in battles that often reveal the darker sides of humanity.
"Who is he, truly?" he mumbled inwardly, questioning the existence of that mysterious figure. With knowledge of the skill entmagnetisierung—which emanated an aura of expertise—he spoke of truth as if he were the sole arbiter of what is right and what is wrong in the world. A sense of frustration and dissatisfaction stirred a wave of emotions within him, as if the world revolved solely around his own perspective.
Magnetische streu may not be able to withstand the elemental magic powers of fire, air, earth, or lightning. However, when applied correctly, its defensive strength can surpass that of an aegis, a term often used to describe a shield or protector in mythological contexts. Excessive use of this quantum spectrum can have significant effects on the user's body, disrupting blood circulation and potentially damaging vital organs. Nonetheless, if one masters entmagnetisierung, these risks can be minimized, much like in the practice of magic, which requires careful training and self-control. In this analogy, magnetische streu acts like poison, while entmagnetisierung serves as its antidote.
"Your joke is not funny," Rinoa replied, her voice short yet rich in meaning, as if each letter echoed in the tense air surrounding them. Her expression revealed dissatisfaction, as if she outright rejected the endless wordplay.
With a burning determination in her eyes, Rinoa attempted to punch the cloaked man. She coated her hand with shimmering light, as if the bright glow itself were a protective shield guarding her from the encroaching darkness around them.
Unlike when facing Hernandez, the cloaked man chose not to retaliate; instead, he stepped back cautiously, as if something had sapped his spirit, feeling the darkness closing in on him.
"What do you desire most in this world?" he asked again, his voice trembling with deep curiosity, as if the question was a delicate thread connecting their previous conversation about solitude and sin, traversing the dark space filled with secrets. His eyes, brimming with inquisitiveness, reflected the dim light of their surroundings, creating a heart-pounding atmosphere.
"Certainly, I want to change the past," Rinoa replied firmly, her voice vibrating with conviction, as if there were no doubts left in her heart. Her bright eyes mirrored the hope for new possibilities, and in a soft whisper, her words pierced through the darkness like starlight in the night sky.
"It seems you still don't understand," he said with a firm tone, hinting at a sense of superiority behind his words. "Even though you are the hardest material in the world, you will still gradually crumble. And it won't be due to external threats, but because of the instability that exists within you," the man in the black cloak continued, his face hidden in the shadows of his dark robe, as if carrying unseen doom.
"Why should I listen to you?" Rinoa spat out the words with a tone full of hatred, each syllable stinging like poison. "You are nobody, just a coward. You represent a dark past, as if you bear no sins clinging to the walls of your life. Do you truly consider yourself the purest human in the world?" Her voice rang out loudly, yet it carried a profound sadness, reflecting the internal struggle that remained unspoken in her heart.
"You are not strong," he said, his voice echoing, "If this continues, you will merely live your life like a zombie." His words struck deep, causing Rinoa's body to tremble as if exposed to a cold that seeped into her very soul.
"Naughty girl," said the cloaked man, his voice eerily familiar and distinctly recognizable to Rinoa.
"Who are you really?" Rinoa asked, her voice trembling, laced with a deep sense of sadness and loneliness. In her gaze lay a faint hope, as if she were questioning her own existence amidst the darkness that surrounded her.
Then,
"THAT'S NOT TRUE!" Hernandez shouted, his charismatic voice rising again as awareness washed over his mind. "RINOA IS THE STRONGEST WOMAN I HAVE EVER KNOWN, AND THE WOMAN I LOVE MOST IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!" He shouted with all his heart, unleashing the emotions he had kept buried for so long. "RINOA, I LOVE YOU! WILL YOU LIVE WITH ME?" The cold night wind seemed to carry his strong feelings, making each word he spoke feel like an unstoppable wave of emotion. The deeper he buried these feelings, the stronger the love radiated from the depths of his soul.
The cloaked man stood tense, his facial expression revealing deep anger, as if a storm was brewing behind his eyes filled with rage.
Rinoa suddenly came to her senses, as if the moonlight was breaking through the darkness of her heart, reminding her of the reality she had to face.
"I'm sorry, Hernandez, my love is not for you," Rinoa replied, presenting the most beautiful smile she had ever shown during their time together, even though her voice was soft like a whispering breeze. Yet, for Hernandez, that rejection resonated like the thunder that jolted him awake, shattering the silence between them and making his heart tremble. With heavy steps filled with uncertainty, Hernandez approached the two of them, his face reflecting the turmoil he had hidden.
Rinoa felt a deep wave of gratitude flowing within her towards Hernandez.
"Rejection only makes a man stronger. This is what we call resilience; those who speak of rejection are not arrogant, but rather individuals with steadfast hearts. Since the first time I met him, I sensed deeply what lies within his heart," Hernandez said, preparing to showcase the true meaning of sincerity.
"Hernandez, you are a true man," Rinoa said with enthusiasm, trying to lift his spirits. Her gentle voice flowed like a refreshing stream, as if she were providing a breath of fresh air amidst the tension surrounding them.
"Tch," grunted the man in a black cloak, his voice filled with malice like a cold wind rustling through leaves on a dark night.
"Phase Delta-Eisen has three categories," Hernandez said, extending his arms confidently, "first, the Normalisieren quantum."
Currents of air began to gather before Hernandez, slowly forming a denser mass, like clouds gathering before a storm.
"Second quantum, Abschrecken," he continued, his voice echoing within the tension surrounding them.
With tremendous pressure, the phase of the air cluster transformed, becoming a collection of water that took the shape of waves reaching toward the sky.
"Third quantum, Glühen!" he shouted as the water began to pulse with heat, causing it to bubble ominously.
"Combo element, heißwasserstrahl-kanone!" Hernandez yelled, his eyes shining with determination. "Rinoa, dodge!" he commanded. In an instant, Rinoa reacted, leaping nimbly away from danger, while the man in the black cloak remained still, trapped in uncertainty.
The boiling water moved at incredible speed, surging wildly like a runaway train, cracking the ground around it. As the attack approached...
"First quantum, gefroren," the man in the black cloak uttered in a low voice, his gaze sharp as he focused on the incoming assault. In a flash, the boiling water began to solidify, freezing as if caught in the grip of ice.
"Second quantum, Kochen," he continued, a faint smile on his lips as the frozen water returned to its liquid form, flowing freely as if liberated from its bondage.
"Third quantum, komprimierbaren," he went on, transforming the water into gas that flowed like mysterious smoke.
"Fourth quantum, erhitzen!" he shouted, turning the ordinary air into a fiery red gas, its temperature soaring as if it could incinerate everything around it.
"What?! Four elements?" Hernandez exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. This was the second time he had seen someone capable of mastering the four element combo, aside from his legendary father.
"Element combo, kochend heißes Jet-Stream..."
Before unleashing that attack, Rinoa gathered her magic energy, which radiated softly, preparing for a strike filled with power. With a gentle voice, she uttered, "O thou who breathes the world, grant me blessings for those who have lost."
"For those who have lost," she continued with a tone full of hope, raising her hands to the sky as if seeking strength from nature. "Call for wind, breath of elyun." Her voice soared, summoning a gentle breeze that began to swirl around her, marking the onset of the magical act about to unfold.
"The air magic glided gracefully, neutralizing the attack from the man in the black robe who hovered in the air. The power generated felt immense, as if it could lift the opponent with an infinite universe of wind. The wind served like a sharp blade, tearing through him with precision, showcasing the strength of the magic wielded in this battle."
"Ageis," the man in the black robe uttered, and in that instant, the raging wind dissipated in the blink of an eye. He hovered in the air, his robe tattered and swept by the winds, creating a haunting, mystical shadow.
"Hehehehe... You're strong," he said with a challenging tone. "One day we will meet again. You must learn to distinguish between reality and belief, especially in a world filled with illusions. No one knows how far the truth goes. The human heart is a labyrinth with ten doors, each representing a different character, and only those brave enough to explore can find their way out of this maze." With a graceful gesture, he raised his hand, and suddenly an impressive dimensional space appeared, shimmering with mysterious light, a reminder that there are more unseen facets of reality.
"Until we meet again," he said before vanishing, swallowed by the dimensional space that consumed everything into darkness.
Rinoa watched his departure with a face full of anger. Inside her, a storm of emotions raged; what was truly disturbing her heart? She was lost in her thoughts, unsure of which path to take after this encounter. The memory reopened slowly, like unlocking an old album in a dusty chest, revealing suffocating memories.