A Show of Will.
I'm back, after a long time away. The weight of time reflects in every step I take as I approach Emilia, whose silver eyes shine with a mix of excitement and curiosity upon seeing me return.
I stand before Emilia, her silver glow lighting up my vision, her soothing scent flooding my senses. In my arms rests the person who knows my past, something I thought impossible. Her presence is like a beacon in the dark, guiding me back to reality.
Not only does she know it, but she seems to have understood even more than I have. She has seen my parents, glimpsed every shadow of my history. Certainly, this wasn't on my mind, that she would accept me, that she would have so much will.
I can no longer say that Emilia is just a young girl, though I appreciate that she is regaining the essence of when I first met her. I was tormented by the guilt of having subjected her to so much stress, of having forced her to change when just being herself was enough. Now, seeing her shine so brightly, I feel a profound relief.
'She has changed, so I'm just beginning to know her.'
She has accepted all facets of herself and integrated them into one. I must do the same, accept my past as part of who I am now. Every gesture of hers, every word, reminds me that I am not alone on this journey.
For the first time, I feel freed from the chains that have bound my life. And I must also free myself from the ones I have created. Emilia was the promoter of all this, so I must thank her.
'As well as my friends.'
I feel mana flowing through my body, imbued with Emilia's essence. My daughter sacrificed her odo to save me and Crusch. Her weakness is evident; the crystal will soon absorb her completely. It hurts to think about what awaits her, but I know I must remain strong for her.
'If I want to be stronger to protect, then I must accept it.'
The same crystal that turned me into a monster, but also saved Beatrice. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing by accepting her sacrifice if there was something more I could have done to save her.
Roswaal created this crystal, although his true intention in my world remains a mystery. Only time will reveal more about it.
'Now Emilia must finish the trials.'
I trust her, her strength, and her determination to overcome any obstacle that stands in her way. I don't know what challenges await her, but the glow in Emilia's eyes fills me with confidence. Together we will face whatever destiny has in store for us because I know that as long as we are together, there is nothing we cannot overcome.
Today is the fourth day since our arrival; I cannot intervene yet. But I know my moment is approaching. The tension in the air is palpable, but there is also a sense of anticipation; danger, my body says.
I don't know if it's coincidence or if everything is following a predetermined plan. Echidna's goal was obtaining my body, something completely different to the original story. I suppose it has to do with the soul inside me, with the pyroxene crystal my father used to save me.
"It doesn't make sense to keep lamenting," I say, wiping her tears with my hands, my fingers caressing her cheek tenderly before pressing them. Her smile fills me with determination and peace, I know what path to follow. "Do you know what time it is?"
She shakes her head, so I lean out the window to observe the position of the moon, while I feel her comforting presence beside me.
"It's the fifth day." There is no specific moment for the trials, but now I can do something about it.
The contract with Roswaal has ended in half, now I can intervene.
'I have a bad feeling.'
She uses her healing magic on me once more, but this time I feel something different. This ability, instead of healing my physical wounds, seems to be enhancing my fused mana.
'I'll call it spiritual mana.'
I look at the spirits behind her and feel I can understand their intentions. It's time to act.
"Emilia, there is a reason why I couldn't support you." I look at her firmly, but she doesn't seem really surprised. Then, I take off my jacket and shirt, showing my chest, which glows with the form of the contract. "Roswaal made a mana contract with me; his intention was for you to fail this trial, but now that his plan has failed, we must face him."
I don't know if there is a way to bring him to our side.
All Roswaal wants is to see Echidna again. I can give him that, but it feels like he doesn't want me to.
In the end, it seems like someone is pulling the strings in the shadows.
"Roswaal?" Emilia looks at her hands for a second, then looks at me with determination. "Roswaal is someone who has helped me a lot, I don't think... No. It has to do with the tomb, doesn't it?"
I nod; at this moment, I won't gain anything by hiding things from her.
"Roswaal has a natural talent for magic; you could say he is strong since he had a great teacher." I point towards the tomb, making her understand. "When Echidna lived in this world, she saved Roswaal's life. Four hundred years ago, they both lived together with Beatrice and Ryuzu, the original."
I recount the story of what happened, how everyone's personality back then was jovial, and how they all undoubtedly followed Echidna.
"Roswaal fell madly in love with her, so when she died, he dedicated his time to completing a magic that Echidna was preparing." I clench my hands, recognizing that there is always someone more twisted in this world. "The best way to obtain 'eternal life' was by using souls compatible with his, ones that could contain a similar odo. He used his descendants to transfer his soul, consuming the others in the process."
If my theory doesn't fail, more than having compatibility through genes, compatibility comes from the soul itself. Emilia's eyes lose color; she puts her hands to her mouth, and her eyes tremble at the thought.
"It's something cruel and really horrible, a reality that shouldn't exist."
Maybe that's why I have two types of magic in my body without coming directly from this world. My parents weren't mages, so I could never have two elements in my body.
"He became strong to avenge his beloved, as well as to revive her." I look at Emilia firmly, and she remains attentive. "Echidna wanted my body for my compatibility with the sin genes."
She opens her eyes slightly but doesn't seem too surprised. Probably Echidna told her something about it.
I don't know if it's true since I don't know her well. However, she preferred to make a contract with the protagonist rather than flee in a separate body. If she wants my body now, it must be for another reason.
"At this moment, I have the sloth gene in me, but I'm not corrupted by its power because I have a strong resistance to miasma," thanks to the crystals that have been integrated into me, even before coming to this world. "You probably know what she really seeks."
Emilia thinks for a moment, then looks me in the eyes.
"Echidna is the witch of greed, isn't she?" She looks at her palms. "I was with her for quite a while, but everything I saw was just a façade, even so..."
I understand where she wants to go.
"She seeks the body of the sage candidate to achieve her ambition of knowing everything."
I gently stroke her head with a smile, seeing that she's not as clueless as before. With return by death, you can know absolutely everything: abilities, knowledge. With return by death, nothing can escape, nor a power that cannot be overcome.
Besides, there's something important: the authorities of sin and control over spiritual mana.
"Why does it have to be you?" Her question comes full of sorrow, with a sad and worried look.
I shrug, as I can't give her the answer.
"We'll have to find out in the future." I smile, and she smiles back.
"Yes!" Her determination is clear; she seems ready to act. This will be her last chance. I don't know specifically what she wants, but if we can unite him to our side, then we will undoubtedly obtain the throne.
I keep looking at her intently, specifically at her beautiful lips. My thoughts drift to the memory of Emilia's clumsy but sincere kiss. I let her continue on her own, not wanting to interrupt her emotion. It was a curious moment, revealing her innocence in that aspect, but also her deep affection for me.
A smile forms on my lips as I recall that moment, filled with tenderness and gratitude for Emilia's sincerity.
"Emilia..." I say, and without hesitation, I gently bring my hand to Emilia's chin, lifting her face towards mine.
Our eyes meet in a silence filled with emotions, communicating more than words ever could. I feel my heart pounding in my chest as I slowly approach, determined to seal my gratitude with a kiss.
"Thank you..."
Our lips meet in a tender and passionate embrace, unleashing an electric current that runs through my entire being. In that moment, the world seems to fade away around us, leaving us alone in our bubble of affection.
Emilia is initially surprised, her eyes wide with astonishment at my boldness. I can feel her breath coming in short gasps, her trembling hands resting on my chest. But soon she surrenders to the sweetness of the moment, returning my feelings with equal intensity.
Our hearts beat in unison, as if dancing to a celestial melody.
When we finally part, I hold her face in my hands, looking at her with adoration and sincerity.
"Marco!" Emilia exclaims, surprise and emotion in her voice. "I didn't expect... I didn't know that..."
"Thank you, Emilia. Thank you for being who you are and for everything you've done for me," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "I thought I was lost, that everything was over. Not just because of the bet, but because I didn't see a future for Marco Luz. Thank you for saving me."
I kiss her forehead tenderly, feeling my heart swell with gratitude for her from the depths of my being.
"Let's go, our friends are waiting," I add, encouraging her with a smile.
We leave the cabin together, feeling the fresh, rejuvenating air caress my skin. The moon shines with its silvery light on the path ahead, while the soft whisper of the wind accompanies us on our way. I observe the mana sources scattered throughout the forest, sensing the presence of the spirits that inhabit it.
Suddenly, a powerful surge of mana rises to my right, coming from the nearby forest. I recognize that fiery, reddish mana mixed with Luan's mana.
"Finished making out yet!?" Garfield's voice echoes through the trees as he emerges from the forest, followed by our friends. "My amazing self can't wait any longer."
A smile spreads across my lips as I see Emilia's flushed face, nervously hiding behind me, seeking refuge in my protection. I glance at Otto and Crusch with some embarrassment, but Luan's smile reassures me, as if he knows what's coming.
I prepare to face Garfield with determination, aware that this encounter will shape our destiny.
I'll face him with pride, defiant.
"Jealous that I can?" I ask with a challenging smile, provoking an immediate reaction from Garfield, who readies himself for the fight. "Why don't we ask Ram?"
"I'm gonna crush your whole body!" Garfield shouts, cracking his knuckles forcefully.
At that moment, I take Emilia by the shoulders and look at her seriously, conveying my confidence and determination.
"Go take the two trials, there's no time to waste. Once Roswaal finds out you passed the trial, there will be no choice but to fight him," I tell her firmly, though I can't help but look at her with concern. "I'll fight Garfield, the rest will go to stop Roswaal."
Emilia looks at me with surprise and concern, but before she can say anything more, I reveal my plan with a determined smile.
"I'm going to tell you a secret," I begin, clenching my fists with determination. "Sometimes, to form a friendship..."
With a swift gesture, I launch myself towards Garfield, surrounding my body with a current of wind that drags everything in its path.
"You have to fight with all your strength!" I shout, making Garfield focus on me.
My fist meets his in a clash of powers and wills, unleashing an explosion of energy that makes the ground tremble beneath our feet.
"Marco!" I hear my friends shout my name as I prepare for the challenge ahead.
The time has come to show who I am and to face our destiny. Together, we will overcome any obstacle that stands in our way to the light.
"Indeed, that's me." I close my eyes, concentrating the mana within me. "I'd introduce myself, but that will have to wait. Now we must do what we have to do."
I point at Ram, who looks at me with annoyance but also with a spark of understanding in her eyes.
"You're the only one who can make Roswaal see reason. Otto will tell you everything on the way." I raise my thumb, winking. "Make your love known, show him it's stronger than the one possessing his heart."
Ram's eyes widen, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as she channels a blade of wind to kill me. Garfield and I open our eyes, dodging it and watching the ground split in two.
"Hmph! You're just an idiot saying stupid things!" Ram smiles slightly before starting to head towards the village. "Give that stupid cat a beating, or I'll give you one ten times worse."
A smile spreads across my face at her peculiar show of encouragement.
Luan, Crusch, and Otto follow her without hesitation; there's no time to lose now.
"Well, now that we're almost alone, I think it's time to tell you something." I point at him, but he ignores my words and charges at me with overwhelming ferocity.
The ground shakes under his footsteps, and his determined gaze locks onto mine with intensity.
If I want Garfield on my side, I must show him what I'm made of. Garfield will become much stronger than he already is, but I am also strong. At this moment, I can fight him.
I feel the strength coursing through my entire body, knowing I can achieve anything.
"You're just a cowardly human!" Garfield shouts as he throws a mana-charged punch directly at my face. "We'll see who's stronger!"
I smile calmly, dodging his blow with agility. I feel the wind roaring around me, seeing his fist advance where my head should be. I'm thrilled, my adrenaline spikes.
'I haven't fought with such excitement in a while.'
At that moment, I glimpse an opportunity. Garfield will likely defend himself, but I won't aim for his body. Garfield realizes his punch missed, seeing my eyes, he starts to defend himself, but I already knew.
Just as he assumes a defensive position, crossing his arms, I execute a spin in the air, launching a kick directly at his wrist. His grip loosens for a moment, and his surprise at my maneuver mixes with even more anger.
Garfield learned hand-to-hand combat, but I doubt he's more advanced than the combat arts of my world.
"AGHHH!" Garfield exclaims, releasing an explosion of mana. I repel his wave with my own mana, but I barely have time to react before he's in front of me.
'Damn!' A direct blow heads for my stomach. I gather the mana in my leg, flexing it against my stomach, and make a small jump. When the blow lands on my shin, I propel myself with the air in the same direction.
A sharp pain shoots through my leg as I am sent flying several meters back. Although my leg hurts terribly, I know it's not broken.
"I told you, you couldn't beat my amazing muscles, no matter how skilled you are!" Garfield smiles, clearly enjoying the fight. "You might not be evil, but I still don't like you, coward!"
It's true, at first Garfield must have expected a lot from me due to the news.
But the miasma in my body is not something I can easily hide for now. Unlike the protagonist, mine doesn't seem to disappear so quickly. Even so, they saved me.
If Ryuzu decided to do so despite seeing the miasma in me, it's because they never saw me as a real enemy.
"Can I know why you didn't kill me when you saw me?" I ask, but he seems annoyed by it.
Garfield charges at me again, moving from side to side to prevent me from seeing the direction of his strike.
'Looks like boxing.'
"Why don't you get it out of my mouth!?" I retreat, but Garfield creates an earth wall behind me. A jab approaches at full speed, but I have nothing to fear. With his size and build, his body weight won't be an issue.
Garfield charges straight at me, and just as his fist is about to reach me:
Bam!
The dry sound of my forehead being struck by his fist makes me smile. If you want to stop an attack, you can use the strongest bone in your body. That way, the punch won't have its full power.
"Goa." I grab his arm, looking at him with an arrogant smile as blood flows from my nose.
I create a dome of fire, heating our space, as well as the particles around us, causing them to escape into the atmosphere, reducing the air pressure in our area.
"Wh-What the hell!?" Garfield looks at me in surprise, not exactly sure what's happening.
In that moment of surprise, I propel myself towards Garfield with wind. If I had Yin magic, this battle would have been really easy. With the pressure diminished, I just need to stick close to Garfield to have a better center of gravity.
Now I create wind balls under my feet and...
We burst through the dome of fire, getting closer to the moon. I push him, and for an instant, I see the forest and its vastness. We're several meters high.
I appreciate the view for a few moments, then turn my gaze towards Garfield.
"See that!" I exclaim, grabbing his leg firmly.
Garfield must be underestimating me; he must want to see my attacks. My mind races as I evaluate my options. I recognize that I don't have the raw strength to throw him through the air, but an idea starts to form in my mind.
'What if I can use his own momentum against him?'
A smile spreads across my face. I create an upward gust of wind for an instant, making him stop falling. Garfield tries to grab me, but at that moment, I throw a fireball at his face. Before he can say anything, I grab his leg tightly.
Without hesitation, I use all my strength and throw him determinedly toward the ground. Garfield is sent flying at an impressive speed, a deafening crash accompanying his impact with the ground.
Boom!
A thunderous noise echoes in my ears as I watch a crater form where Garfield landed. Dust rises into the air, creating a cloud of earth that momentarily darkens my vision.
I continue falling, using wind magic to reduce the impact on my joints.
When the dust finally settles, I can make out Garfield in the center of the crater, buried under mounds of earth and rocks. A fleeting sense of triumph washes over me at seeing him in that position, but I know this fight is far from over.
I approach, recognizing it's impossible that this stopped him.
'If he were human, he'd be dead, but Garfield is not simple.'
"Coward!" roars a voice, and all I can see is a silhouette emerging from the crater.
Garfield emerges from the crater with renewed ferocity, showing his serrated teeth, his gaze fixed on me with determination. I recognize his combat skill; he's agile, cunning, and seems to anticipate my moves.
He stands in front of me, looking at me with rage.
"What do you think of this style I'm inventing?" I ask with a smile as I position my arms. "I subtly mix magic to enhance my physical attacks. I don't need to increase my strength, just alter the environment in my favor."
Garfield doesn't seem impressed by my words. His angry gaze tells me he's ready to give everything in this fight. Despite my efforts, I know I'm not physically stronger than him.
However, I trust my experience and skill to overcome him.
"You're just a damn coward who abandons his friends!" Garfield spits, his words filled with venom and resentment.
I feel a pang of guilt hearing his words. I know my decision to surrender in the past affected him deeply. But I can't let that weakness stop me now.
"I don't think you're cowardly enough to use healing magic, right?" my tone is challenging as I provoke him with my words. "Prove to me you're a real man and not a scared kid running from his past, prove to me you're not that kid afraid of the truth. If you do, I'll give you a good position in the army."
Garfield's fury erupts with a deafening roar.
"DON'T COMPARE ME WITH YOU!" Garfield yells, his voice filled with fury, unleashing a pillar of stone from the ground, and the last thing I see is being dragged across the ground.
The world seems to wobble around me as I struggle to catch my breath, the stabbing pain in my stomach like a burning dagger driven into my flesh.
"Ugh!" I groan through gritted teeth, forcing myself to stand despite the pain. Garfield watches me with disdain, his expression filled with disappointment and contempt. In his eyes, I can see the hatred he feels towards me, fueled by my past decision to surrender.
'Haha, seems like I'll have to try harder.'
With a growl of pain, I force myself up, leaning on my trembling hands. Blood gushes from my throat and my vision blurs momentarily from the intensity of the blow.
"You're supposed to be a hero, but you're just a coward!" Garfield's words echo in my ears with a mix of contempt and disappointment, like a constant echo of my own fears and doubts.
'My friends are fighting; I can't fail again.'
Despite the pain and weakness that engulfs me, a flash of determination shines in my eyes. I can't let Garfield's words defeat me. With every fiber of my being, I refuse to surrender to adversity.
This time will be different.
I stand with determination, facing him with bravery.
"The miasma I possess doesn't make me truly evil. I'm not a monster like the cultists," I state with conviction, clenching my fists tightly as I prepare to counterattack. "In this battle, I'll prove that your fears can't defeat me."
Though I lack Yin magic, I know I have other resources at my disposal. I trust in my skills and determination to overcome Garfield, no matter what this fight may hold.
Right now, magic doesn't seem to be the solution. Garfield challenges me with unrestrained fury, his fangs bared and a determined look in his eyes. I don't know how long he'll maintain his normal form, but I must be cautious.
"You're trash! My amazing self will destroy you completely!" he yells with a ferocity that echoes in the forest clearing.
Meanwhile, I quickly evaluate my options. It's clear that hiding his transformation is the best tactic for him right now, while I must hide my winning card until the right moment.
'It's just a power test.'
I focus all my attention on the air around me and create several air spheres, filled with oxygen inside. Casting spells is easier now that I have the mana of a spirit, even though my heart aches, even though my door isn't accustomed to such power.
I'll prove it.
"FURA!" in the blink of an eye, I launch them furiously at Garfield. He quickly reacts, erecting an earth barrier to protect himself, but my satisfied smile shows that my plan has worked.
Magic flows through me like a wild current, an extension of my being that I use without reservation.
With a flash of determination in my eyes, I ignite the spheres, causing an explosion that releases all the oxygen's power trapped inside. The fire bursts violently, breaking through the earth barrier and hitting Garfield with overwhelming force.
The smoke generated by the explosion clouds my vision, but my survival instinct sharpens. Amidst the smoke and confusion, I see a punch heading towards my face. I extend my arm, blocking his blow and using my other arm to counterattack.
'His punches feel like a metal bat.'
"I'll kill you!" Garfield yells with a fierce look as I try to counterattack with all my strength. I spin, delivering a direct kick to his jaw. But after hitting him in the jaw, I'm violently thrown to the ground.
I crawl on the ground, resisting Garfield's brutal assault with unwavering determination.
I look at him with a smile, standing up and extending my arms.
"You've taken so many hits and I'm still the one getting hurt! I'm just a human, without divine blessings!" I yell at him, to make him angry. "Yet you haven't managed to defeat me!"
Garfield continues his attack, driven by consuming fury. He throws an uppercut, so I tilt my leg to narrowly avoid it, when his fist is advancing in front of me, I extend my arm, aiming it at him.
"Fura!" I shout, sending a gust of wind that pushes him even further away. However, he quickly recovers and prepares to counterattack.
I decide to face him head-on, launching myself at him with a daring jump, trying to hit his weak spot with an axe kick.
"You're just a coward!" he accuses, resisting my blow with surprising ease.
It's clear that my physical attacks aren't enough against someone as formidable as him. If I want any chance of defeating him, I must first drain his mana. Fortunately, I have a plan in mind, but I'll need Otto's help to carry it out.
Garfield advances towards me with such imposing force that the ground trembles beneath his feet. Each step he takes leaves deep cracks in the ground, and in the blink of an eye, he's over me, crushing me against the ground with overwhelming pressure.
"AGH!" My eyes widen in surprise as I struggle to react, but before I can move, Garfield grabs my leg with an iron grip.
'Damn it, who tell me to be human?'
The imbalance drags me, and I feel a sharp pain coursing through my body as if my limb is about to be torn off. Before I can react, Garfield hurls me into the air with a force that makes me feel like a leaf caught in the wind, lifting me even higher than I had thrown him.
"I can do it too!" Garfield exclaims with determination as he sends me flying.
The person in front of me can throw trees like it's nothing. There's no point in fighting with technique if he can withstand my blows like this.
In free fall, my mind races for a solution. Garfield jumps to strike me, but at that precise moment, I decide. I extend my arms, looking at him with determination.
"EL GOA!" The fire blazes in my hand as I prepare for a counterattack.
I wait a moment, quickly calculating my movements. Then, with a roar, I unleash an explosion of wind that extinguishes the fire and sends Garfield crashing to the ground with crushing force, causing an explosion that shakes the earth and uproots nearby trees.
"BASTARD!" Garfield shouts furiously as he gets up from the ground.
As I fall, I use wind magic to cushion my descent, preparing for the imminent impact. But just as I'm about to touch down, I see him. Garfield gets up with renewed fury and charges towards me with determination.
"You're just an obstacle in my way!" Garfield shouts, his eyes filled with hatred and resentment.
His muscles and skin, hardened like steel, easily withstand my blows. His mana is powerful, and although my body has gained resistance, I still haven't fully recovered from my fight with Flynn.
'I've integrated so many forms into my being, but I've neglected my basic fundamentals.'
That's why I know I can't face his power head-on.
"FELL GOA!"
Gathering all my concentration, I summon a whirlwind of wind and fire that prevents him from approaching, with me at the center, I can slow my descent and have a protective barrier.
'I'll thank Julius when I see him.'
"You're a damn bastard!" Garfield yells, channeling his mana to create pillars of earth around me. The pillars clash with the whirlwind, fusing and making it harder for me to sustain the spell with more mana.
'How did he learn that?' I wanted to exploit Garfield's lack of experience, and that's what I've been doing. But certainly, talent is talent.
At that moment, he launches himself at me, hurling his fist straight to end this.
I focus inward, seeking the strength to continue the battle. Cracks in the ground expand like the cracks of a broken heart, the wind whistles around me like an echo of my own determination, and the trees shake as silent witnesses to our struggle.
'I won't last much longer if I don't use it now.'
The miasma and mana in my body wage an eternal battle, a chaotic dance that resonates in every fiber of my being. The energies clash and intertwine, a symphony of power that refuses to give in. This miasma, this dark force, doesn't belong to the witch; it belongs to me, and in this moment, I dominate it with the authority of sloth.
More stone pillars emerge, and then, I start to see everything in slow motion.
The stone pillars imprison me, surrounding me with their imposing presence. Their cold surface and rough textures remind me of my old self. But Garfield, arrogant as ever, shows no signs of giving up. He's only two meters from me, and if he pushes off, I'll have only a second to react.
"The miasma destroyed me in the past."
However, now, in this moment, I have control.
The miasma strengthens my body, infusing every fiber of my being with renewed strength. I can feel it flowing through my veins, fueling my determination. The mana, reserved for spells, pulses inside me, waiting to be unleashed in a burst of power.
There's no room for fear or doubt. I know Garfield; I know he won't resort to underhanded tactics out of sheer arrogance. So, I prepare for his next move, every muscle tense and alert.
"You're all talk!" Garfield's voice breaks the tense silence in the forest. I grit my teeth and brace myself to counterattack.
In that crucial instant, I can feel the ground tremble under Garfield's feet as he prepares to strike. My senses are heightened, every fiber of my being focused on anticipating his next move.
Just then, Garfield shifts from throwing a punch to spinning his body, trying to kick me in the face.
"You have no idea how many times I've seen that!" I exclaim firmly as I duck, dodging his strike and giving me an opening. In the same moment, I execute a Mawashi Geri, a karate roundhouse kick, aimed at his jaw.
My foot arcs in a circular motion, using the momentum from his spin, and connects solidly with his face. Garfield staggers back, surprised by the unexpected response. It's my moment to exploit his vulnerability and demonstrate my newfound skill.
All thanks to my former self, who was even more remarkable.
I close my eyes and immerse myself in my mana, letting its power flow through me. I can feel it like an invigorating current, filling me with energy and determination. When I finally feel ready, I unleash the spell with a shout that comes from the depths of my being.
'Thank you, old me.'
"FURA!" My voice resonates in the air as the wind responds to my call, transforming into a sharp blade that cuts through the air with ferocity, ready to slice through any obstacle in my path.
Garfield reacts instinctively, creating a pillar of earth to protect himself. Despite appearing as a blade, it's actually the most cliché ability of all.
The earth pillar is sliced by the blade, but that's not all.
A burst of blood erupts from his wounds, but somehow he manages to move, avoiding being completely cut and dodging it at the last moment.
I didn't plan to sever his joints, though Emilia could heal them.
The earth slices cleanly, following its trajectory until it cuts down a tree in its path. I observe the result in amazement, marveling at the power of my own magic.
'It's amazing, even if I don't fully understand it,' I think to myself as I catch my breath. The execution of that spell has consumed a large amount of my mana, leaving me panting and exhausted.
It's better to use spells I know, but this isn't bad.
"You're a deceitful bastard!" Garfield's voice echoes through the trees, his bleeding arm a testament to the effectiveness of my attack.
I smile with satisfaction, seeing that I've achieved my goal. Despite the pain and fatigue, I can't help but throw out a taunt.
"A second blade, did you like it?" I wink at him, defiant, hoping to provoke a reaction in my opponent.
Garfield examines his wounds, his expression a mix of fury and surprise. Then, with an intense gaze, he directs his attention to the ground. In an instant, his hands press against the earth with supernatural force, staining the surroundings with a deep crimson that seems to emanate from his very being.
The trembling in my heart intensifies at his murderous aura, which pierces my bones to the core. The ground begins to shake and crack under the pressure of his hands, heralding an imposing transformation.
At that moment, Garfield hurls a rock at full speed towards me. Instinctively, I try to create a wind barrier to dodge, but the rock hits me hard in the left arm.
I feel a sharp pain and a crack, and I know my arm is broken.
'Damn, I shouldn't have joked.'
The ground starts to shatter. His limbs change, his body enlarges, hair begins to sprout from his extremities. As he grows larger, his body becomes covered in fur, transforming into that monster.
Three, four meters... until he reaches a monstrous height of seven meters. "He's as tall as a two-story house."
"ROOOAAAAR!" His roar makes me step back, feeling every fiber of my being vibrate with the power of his voice.
"Seeing it in person, it's truly terrifying."
Despite the intimidation, I remain steadfast in my goal and my motivation, refusing to give in to fear.
At this moment, Garfield has lost consciousness in his own fury. I know he could control himself better, but anger consumes him, clouding his judgment and weakening his ability to manage his abilities with precision.
'I might die, but there's no gain without risk.'
I look at my broken arm, but strangely, I don't feel pain. The adrenaline keeps flowing through my veins, keeping me alert, and focused on the battle ahead.
"Now it's time to use it." A skill I rejected for a long time, lying dormant within me, waiting to be unleashed. It's something that belongs to me, something I must master. Its previous name doesn't inspire confidence, so I decide to rename it, make it my own.
Garfield extends his fist towards me, his murderous gaze and red aura trying to intimidate me. But I am determined to face him, even if I feel like an ant before a lion. I know ants can do amazing things, and I won't be the exception.
His simple hand is about to cover half of my body. A single punch from him is enough to kill me. I see it, approaching, growing larger, deeper.
But I no longer fear.
"Hidden Reach!" My voice resonates with determination as a giant hand, invisible to everyone but me, grabs his fist. The impact makes me stagger, the earth shifting as my legs struggle to keep me standing.
It's as if every fiber of my being is vibrating with energy, fueled by the release of this hidden power I've suppressed for so long.
I'm being dragged along, and just when I'm about to crash into a tree, I create more hands around me, shattering the trees as we go. Garfield keeps pushing me, but I know this won't get us anywhere. I make the hand grabbing his fist disappear, surprising him and making him follow through with his punch. I advance through his enormous arm, aware of how small I am in comparison.
But I am Marco Luz.
And I must make the impossible possible.
I clench my fist, reinforcing it with all the invisible hands I can create. One hand after another, forming a giant invisible arm that only I can see. Like an armor, ready to fulfill its purpose.
"You're just a cat!" I shout as I leap and slam my fist right into his face. The hands begin to break against the hardness of his skin, but I don't stop. I push harder and harder, concentrating all my strength into a single blow. "AHHHH!"
Garfield goes flying, dragged along the ground. His massive and heavy body destroys all the trees the moment he touches them. Dust and dirt split apart as Garfield stops upon crashing into a large rock.
As I touch the ground with a satisfied smile, I feel blood trickling from my nose and mouth.
'Of course, I'm barely using it.' I ignore the pain; I won't stop now. My body isn't as resilient as it should be yet, but I know I must keep going if I want to survive in this world.
I've trained tirelessly, studied every technique. It hasn't been mere luck; everything I've achieved is the result of my effort and the support of those who love me.
Garfield rises, furious, and starts looking for his next victim. But I am ready, waiting for my trump card.
My last hand, Otto must bring it here.
"ROAAAAR!" Garfield's roar shakes the ground, but I am already prepared for my next move.
I had planned this from the first day I talked to Otto, though I never thought I'd have to use it, I had already considered this situation. A fight with Garfield is a climax of the story in the novel.
A boar comes running, crossing through all the destruction ahead. Its ability is truly incredible, dodging and ignoring Garfield.
Garfield eyes the boar with fury, and in an instant, lunges at it. The poor animal freezes in fear, dropping what it was holding in its mouth. Garfield leaps, bringing his hands together to crush it.
"I'll have to use it again."
I concentrate all my energy and create another invisible hand, preparing for the next move. I can't use yin magic at this moment, with obstacles of logs and stones everywhere, it will be difficult to move.
But I have one option to stop Garfield.
The only way I have.
Skillfully, I push my brain to its limits. Mana reinforcement magic allows enhancing the body and senses, but if you know that adrenaline maintains that effect, then you can intensify it to the maximum.
I remember Ram and Crusch's teachings: using mana to boost my senses and strength. This time, I apply it fully to my brain, increasing neural connections and the adrenaline flowing through me.
'Heart, I hope you can handle it.'
The world starts to move slowly around me, adrenaline surges, and my body fills with a burning strength. The pain disappears, replaced by a consuming sense of power.
The fire inside me longs to be unleashed.
My field of vision narrows, focusing solely on my target. Just ten meters from the boar, I realize this task would have been easy before. But now, limited by my own miasma, I can't deploy more arms.
I feel myself becoming liquid, my joints disappearing, the sensation of my body, my strength. Then...
"YOU WON'T ESCAPE!" I shout, launching forward at full speed. The wind brushes against my face, and I can anticipate every movement with clarity. I can see everything moving slowly, without color.
I leap over a stone, dodging the debris in my path, and land precisely on a nearby log. It's the fruit of my hard training; my mind moves so quickly that the world seems to halt around me.
On my way, I dodge logs and debris with agile and fluid movements. Every obstacle I encounter, I overcome with skill and speed, never losing sight of my target.
Just when I'm about to reach my goal, I take a great leap forward. The boar remains motionless, as if it knows its fate is sealed. Garfield approaches, about to crush it completely.
"FURA!" I shout, propelling myself with the wind as I launch forward.
I feel the impact of the boar against my chest, but I don't falter. I take the crystal from the ground and, with a firm hand, direct it towards Garfield's chest.
'This crystal that once belonged to Beatrice seems to absorb mana like a sponge.' I smile, seeing his eyes lower to look at me before his body moves. "It's time you face the consequences of your arrogance."
The resulting impact sends us both flying through the air. In an instant, I realize I must protect the boar to prevent it from getting hurt.
My clothes tear from the force of the drag, but I have no time to lament. I use wind magic to try to mitigate the impact, but even so, the blow is devastating.
Finally, we stop our fall. Looking beside me, I see the boar still breathing. I sigh in relief, setting it aside as I stand up.
"From now on, you'll be the town's mascot. Go!" I shout, and the boar runs off at full speed.
'I'm not sure if it understood me, but at least I know if I can joke like this, it's because I'm fine.'
With difficulty, I get up, feeling my body tremble and blood flowing from various parts. My ears and mouth are wrecked, my eyes burn from the speed at which I launched myself without protection against the wind.
Each heartbeat seems to thunder in my head, amplifying the pain and confusion I feel in this moment.
Despite the chaos around me, I manage to focus my mind on a single thought: the imperative need to defeat Garfield.
I spit out pieces of my teeth, blood and white fragments hitting the ground. It seems they couldn't withstand the pressure of my body.
My shirt and jacket are in shreds, silent witnesses to the fierce battle we've just fought. Though my clothes are in tatters, that no longer matters at this moment. The only thing that matters is the fight ahead and the determination burning inside me.
"I will win, I won't lose."
We are weak, aware that continuing like this will only weaken us further to face Roswaal if need it. But we have no other choice. The need to end Garfield and make him see reality is absolute, and I am willing to give everything for it.
'If I make Garfield the strongest being in the world, then it will be worth it. For that, I must defeat him here and now.'
"Garfield!" my voice tears in a desperate scream as I watch him retreat, desperately trying to tear out the crystal that's absorbing his mana.
But the crystal, silent witness of his power, starts to shine with an intensity that makes me shudder for a moment.
A deafening howl threatens to break my eardrums. Instinctively, I cover my ears with my hands, feeling the stabbing pain spreading through my head. I use the last reserve of my power, invoking a hand from my Hidden Reach to shield myself from the deafening roar.
'Damn it, I thought my miasma was limitless. ' 'Could it be that the mana itself is interfering with my ability to control my power?'
I have no time to ponder it as I watch Garfield clutching his head and stomping around. His size diminishes rapidly until the crystal, unsupported, falls to the ground.
He starts to pant, staring at his bloodied hands.
We are both weakened, but that doesn't mean we will surrender. Garfield looks at me, bracing his hands on his legs before getting into position and walking towards me. I smile, walking straight, without any tricks.
"You think you can beat me, but you're just a kid." My voice sounds hoarse and broken, blood coagulating as it drips from my mouth while I spit with disdain.
Garfield cracks his neck with a defiant gesture, his eyes shining with determination despite the fatigue they reflect. His penetrating gaze makes me realize that this is far from over.
"Ha! My awesome self will never fall to a coward." Garfield starts to trot towards me with renewed determination, and I do the same, ready to face whatever fate has in store for us.
Now, this will define the final round. We run, staggering under the weight of exhaustion and accumulated tension, until we finally meet face to face and land the first punch.
My nose burns, my face feels like it's about to shatter under the impact of the blows. 'They're like steel bars.' I instinctively lean my body back, seeking stability, and then plant my foot firmly on the ground to stay upright.
In that same instant, I swing my fist, aiming straight for his face. Blood spurts from his nose as he reels back, but his smile never fades.
Neither of us is going to give in.
Punch after punch, this is no longer a battle of techniques. We are unloading all our anger in our blows.
"I won't surrender to a kid." My words are a challenge, a promise that I won't yield to adversity, even when pain and fatigue threaten to consume me completely.
Garfield throws a punch, but in that same moment, I dodge and land a hook on his jaw. Garfield staggers, blood pouring from his mouth non-stop, while I can barely stay on my feet.
Blood flows from various wounds, my ears ringing, and my mouth numb from the impact of the blows. My gaze meets Garfield's, his defiant smile reflecting the determination burning within me.
'Haha, I feel like I might die any moment.'
Amidst the chaos of battle, I can still see the disappointment in Garfield's eyes. It's clear he's fighting me not just for the physical challenge, but also out of bitterness over my previous surrender.
And his disappointment with my attitude.
'Those are feelings I will destroy with my fist.'
As Garfield clenches his fist, mana flows from him with a menacing intensity. Despite the situation, I recognize he still has a reserve of energy that could put me at a disadvantage.
'I can't let that happen.'
Determined to stay on the offensive, I launch myself at him with resolve, skillfully dodging his strike and slamming into him with force. We crash to the ground in a whirlwind of dust and effort, but I quickly rise, knowing every moment counts in this confrontation.
"I'm going to make you recognize your worth." I leap, planting my foot directly into his face. As I land, his body lifts from the impact, his head the only part pinned to the ground.
His nose is flattened, his face a bloody mess.
"U...sa..." Garfield tries to speak, but all that comes out are incoherent groans.
"You're still running like a coward, unable to protect even this sanctuary." I raise my fist, bringing it down on his face with determination, watching as blood continues to flow from his wounds, sticking to my hand.
Even though every blow carries all my strength, his defiant smile persists, challenging each strike with unyielding resolve.
We both smile, despite our swollen, bloodied faces.
Our smiles endure.
In the midst of chaos and struggle, I realize I'm enjoying this battle more than I should. But right now, those thoughts can wait. The only thing that matters is the fight in front of me.
Garfield hits me hard in the side, dragging me across the ground. He stands up and spits out a clot of blood, then tries to fix his nose.
"Says the one who surrenders to the one who loves him." The world starts spinning around me, but I know I can't give up now. "Someone who can't stand up on their own. That makes you weak, a coward."
Garfield represents a force I need to understand, a friend I must protect and guide. He's a boy with potential that could surpass everyone.
That's why I'll give my all to stand by his side and become the strongest.
"You're wrong!" I reply with a strained voice, fighting through the pain as I force myself to stand. My legs tremble, my fractured arm doesn't even move. I feel like I bit my tongue with my teeth. "I may have fallen once, but I got back up, and now I'm stronger than ever. Don't underestimate the strength of affection, Garfield Tinsel."
Our eyes lock in silent challenge, as I struggle to maintain the defiant smile that hides my exhaustion. Every movement is a Herculean effort, each breath a painful reminder of the battle we're fighting.
"Your mother is alive, Garfield," I say with determination, watching his eyes widen in surprise. His lips press tightly together, trying to process the unexpected information.
"How do you know?" His voice is a murmur filled with incredulity and distrust.
I smile firmly, holding his gaze with determination.
"Your sister told me. Who do you think provides the resources we get here? Who do you think gave your sister the means to improve their lives in this place?" My words seem to ignite a spark in his eyes, unleashing a storm of emotions within him. "Your sister had the courage to find ways to move you all forward, to fight for you when no one else did."
Rage erupts on Garfield's face.
"My sister abandoned us!" His shout is an echo of pain and frustration as he charges at me with fierce momentum. Our fists collide in a frantic exchange, each blow laden with the intensity of our emotions and the weight of our memories. "She left us helpless and alone in this prison!"
Every hit is a cry of desperation, an expression of the anger and frustration we've harbored for so long. Blood spills from our wounds, splattering the ground with a sinister reflection of our internal struggle.
Our eyes remain fixed on our goal, each determined to prevail over the other in this battle of wills and convictions.
"What the hell are you saying?!" My voice is a roar of rage and determination as I throw an uppercut towards his jaw with all the strength I have left. This confrontation will not only decide our fate but also that of those who depend on us to find redemption and the hope we so desperately seek.
With determination, I plant my foot on the ground, refusing to give in to Garfield. There's no more room for fear in my heart.
Garfield tries to block my move, but in that instant, I use Unseen Hand in my broken arm, making it move and strike directly at Garfield.
"She has sacrificed so much for you!" I exclaim with fervor, landing a direct blow to his solar plexus, hoping to resonate with his conscience.
After Garfield falls from the blow to the solar plexus, he remains gasping, but quickly grits his teeth. His gaze contorts with the effort to stand up.
Blood flows through his teeth, revealing the figure of a lion giving his all. A lion that won't be defeated because he's the only predator.
"She doesn't want us in her life!" he shouts, swinging his arm at me.
In that moment, filled with fury and determination, I lift my right leg, pivot my hip, and extend my instep forward with resolve. The strike is swift and precise, hitting his face with impactful force.
I feel the power of my kick, the speed of the movement, the determination driving me.
A perfect Muay Thai kick, like a lightning bolt cutting through the air. The force comes from the rotation of my hip and the speed generated by the movement of my leg.
Garfield takes the hit forcefully, his face recoiling from the impact and staggering. I can see the effect of my kick, the expression of surprise and pain on his face.
"You haven't seen the anguish on her face when she talks about you!" I continue, spitting blood all over the ground. I watch as Garfield falls, struggling to catch his breath between gasps.
He tries to get up, but his arms betray him every time. Each attempt to rise is a reminder of the struggle he's facing in his mind.
"Do you think she doesn't suffer?" I question, with disdain as I kick him in the face, wondering if he'll ever understand the truth.
Garfield's eyes show confusion, still unable to fully comprehend.
"You damned idiot! Even as a child, she knew you'd become a strong man," I declare, preparing for another assault. "Garfield, she sacrificed everything to transform our small town into what it is today. She did it with the hope that you'd free the sanctuary and come to Irlam!"
She even bought several houses with her salary for the sanctuary's residents; she has a house exclusively for both of them.
Garfield stands up, looking at me with teary eyes. His gaze is nothing more than that of a lost child, a child realizing the truth in his heart.
"I... I just wanted to be with both of them," Garfield murmurs, catching my fist to land a direct punch to my ribs. "I just wanted to be happy, didn't want to see that."
I'm dragged back by the impact, but I still hold my smile, knowing this battle will determine not only our fate but also that of those who rely on us for redemption and hope.
I look up, seeing flashes and formless figures.
"I don't know if I can overcome this." His words are filled with frustration, pain, and helplessness.
I close my eyes for a few seconds, quickly finding myself falling. 'I lost consciousness for a second!'
"I can't fall, I won't allow it." I close my eyes for a moment, reviewing every action, every choice that has brought me here. Then I snap them open, barely seeing Garfield, while the rest is in darkness.
I launch forward with determination, as Garfield tries to defend himself. In a quick move, I use Unseen Hand to land a hook on his side.
Garfield steps back, leaving a trail of blood on the ground. I lock eyes with him, trying to convey a message through my gaze.
"You can..." I start to say to Garfield, interrupting him with a shout full of conviction. "If you really set your mind to it, you can! You are the hero of this sanctuary!"
'Damn, what am I doing, facing a fourteen-year-old kid like this?'
A feeling of guilt washes over me.
Garfield struggles to get up, his arms trembling with fatigue, but his determination doesn't waver.
"You... you made me believe you was a hero," Garfield murmurs through gritted teeth, his voice filled with resentment. In the blink of an eye, his fist slams into my cheek, knocking me to the ground.
I prop myself up on my right arm, trying to get back up.
"You've done so many things..." he continues, his voice full of bitterness. "Every time you achieved something; I thought you were the hero we were waiting for. But when you came, instead of being the hero, you gave up and hurt everyone with your weakness."
Garfield clenches his fist in fury, blood dripping to the ground forming small red stains.
It's true, Garfield is just a kid desperately yearning to be a hero like the ones he admires.
'Looks like I have a big admirer.'
I look at Garfield, taking a deep breath to gather more strength.
"Do you know what the main characteristic of a hero is?" I ask him with a smile, though deep inside I never wanted to be one. I don't want to be destined to stand behind others just because of a title.
I will save who I can, but at the end of the day, I am just a human being. I'm not arrogant enough to put everyone above myself. I know there will be consequences for my actions, and I know I won't be able to save them all.
I will save who I can, and I will acknowledge my mistakes. "A hero is not perfect; a hero is afraid. A hero can fail. But there is one thing about all heroes:"
"After being defeated, they rise up with twice the strength!"
I look at him with determination, making him step back in surprise. This is loaded with everything I have, everything I've achieved and will achieve.
"A hero must protect everyone by his side!" I shout at him, looking him straight in the eyes. "Even if it means sacrificing his own life in the process."
I charge at him, feeling how I start to gather mana without even realizing where it's coming from.
'I have no mana reserves,' I think to myself, 'but I will make the most of this power.'
"I will pull you out of your cowardice, Garfield Tinsel!" I advance with determination, feeling the world around me dissolve into a whirlwind of emotions.
"I will crush you, fake hero!" Garfield responds with ferocity.
We both run toward each other, our fists extended in a final act of desperation. In that moment, I feel all my frustration, anger, and fear converge in that punch.
My heart pounds, my muscles tense, and my mind focuses on a single goal: to hit Garfield with all my might.
Garfield's face stands out in the mist of the battle, his eyes reflecting a mix of rage and determination. I know he's giving everything in this final blow too.
The air seems to stand still around us as our fists collide in a clean impact.
The sound of the collision echoes in my ears, and I feel the blow reverberate through every fiber of my being. For an instant, everything becomes clear, as if the whole world were contained in that fleeting moment of contact.
Pain shoots through my face as I stagger back, feeling the impact reverberate through my entire body. My mind clouds, and everything becomes blurry as I fall to the ground, my consciousness slowly fading into darkness.
I know Garfield is also falling, his presence disappearing as the world fades around me. In this last moment, we are just two exhausted fighters, facing the consequences of our actions in the battle.
'Damn, what a good fight.'
And so, in an overwhelming silence, darkness envelops me and plunges me into a deep, restful sleep.
Pain spreads through every fiber of my body, a constant reminder of the fierce battle we just fought. I try to move, but I find myself being carried by tiny hands that hold me gently and carefully.
With difficulty, I lift my gaze and look around, though the pain prevents me from moving my head easily.
"Are these Ryuzu's copies?" I ask in a voice choked with pain, hoping for confirmation, but an unexpected voice responds to my question.
"Ha! You took longer to wake up than my amazing self," I hear a mocking voice, and I can't help but let out a choked laugh, a mix of pain and relief.
"A human leaving you in that state says a lot," I respond with a smile, though I know the effort to contain the pain is reflected in my voice. I close my eyes tightly, gritting my teeth as I concentrate all my energy on alleviating my own suffering.
'I hope healing magic can fix my teeth.'
Finally, I manage to control the pain enough to extend my hand toward Garfield, forming a determined fist.
Garfield turns his head towards me, his eyes reflecting the same determination as mine despite the wounds and inability to move easily. We know time is of the essence, and soon we will have to face the most powerful mage in all of Lugunica.
At that moment, a familiar and comforting voice appears beside us.
"How can you hurt yourselves so much and smile about it? Garbo, Marbo," Ryuzu Shima speaks with concern, her voice resonating in the emotion-laden silence.
We look at each other, and our laughter intertwines, sharing a moment of complicity even in the midst of pain and fatigue.
There could be many answers to Ryuzu's question, but we both know exactly what to say in that moment.
In unison, we exclaim with determination:
"Because we are friends!"