LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 22: The Press of Death (2/4)
They both took a moment to gather themselves before rising to their feet. Mordret raised his hand, and Rick responded with an enthusiastic high five. With a shared grin, they rejoined their companions and settled back down. Rick was the first to break the silence.
"That final trick with Cassie's reflection? Brilliant! You nearly had me fooled."
Mordret chuckled, playfully nudging Rick's arm.
"True, but it wasn't enough to kill you! What was that? I thought she had you right in the heart!"
Rick scoffed, a light laugh escaping him.
"I shifted it, you know. I figured you'd go for the kill shot if you had the chance."
The group stared at Rick, their expressions a mix of disbelief and admiration. After a moment, Mordret asked, "You can do that? How does that even work?"
Rick shrugged nonchalantly. "It took some practice, but I can manipulate most of my body, even a few organs. Just moved my heart a tad to the right—enough to dodge your aim, but not enough for you to notice."
Mordret fell back into his chair, exhaling dramatically. "Well, that's it. From now on, you're officially a Madman."
Rick chuckled, "I don't care what you call me, Rapunzel."
Mordret shot him a mock glare but decided against giving Rick the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, he closed his eyes, seeking a moment of tranquility after the intense battle.
Turning to the others, Rick beamed, "So, what did you all think of the fight?"
Nephis smiled back, "It was a blast! Watching your style was captivating. Your approach is so primal, yet it's clear there's a sharp mind behind all that chaos."
Rain chimed in with a chuckle, "You were incredible!"
Rick's grin widened, his tails starting to wag in delight. The others burst into laughter at the sight. Realizing what they were laughing at, Rick quickly grabbed all six of his tails, holding them tightly. Eventually, their laughter subsided. Wiping tears of joy from his eyes, Mordret teased, "Who's a good boy? Yes, you are! Such a good boy!"
With a playful huff, Rick formed a fist and playfully slammed Mordret into the ground. In an instant, Mordret vanished, only to reappear back in the arena, coughing awkwardly. "Ahem, I meant to say, you've really honed your skills. I'm impressed with how well you control that beastly form."
Rick chuckled, "Now that sounds much better. Thank you!"
Sunny interjected with a calm tone, "Are you ready for our duel?"
Rick nodded, "Absolutely, but I'd prefer to keep the Beast in my soul sealed until I really need it."
Mordret turned to Sunny, his expression serious. "Are you sure you want to do this? I've faced the Beast inside him multiple times, and it's terrifying. I doubt you can handle it when he unleashes it."
Cassie, intrigued, asked, "You've fought the Original Beast inside Rick?"
Mordret scoffed, "Fought? More like I was ruthlessly mauled every time he transformed. We only figured out how to seal it away after I nearly didn't make it back. I owe my life to my Aspect."
Sunny placed a reassuring hand on Mordret's shoulder. "I'm not expecting to win; I just want to experience it. Maybe I'll learn something."
Mordret sighed, shrugging. "I don't think it's wise, but if Rick is okay with it, then I suppose it's fine."
Rick nodded at Sunny and jumped into the arena. Nephis stood, giving Sunny a kiss and a warm embrace before stepping back with a smile. Sunny summoned a marble shell and donned a mask that resembled Weaver's, its enchantment turning his hair a striking white.
Mordret chuckled, "Maybe the Madman is in for a surprise after all."
With a laugh, Sunny melted into the shadows, reappearing instantly in the arena where Mordret stood, ready for battle. Sunny manifested a sleek black odachi, resting it on his shoulder. He glanced at Rick, "Aren't you going to summon your weapon?"
Rick chuckled and raised his right hand. The air shimmered, rippling as a crack opened, revealing an endless void glowing with dark turquoise light and swirling white mist. From this abyss emerged a chain so dark it seemed to absorb the light around it. As he pulled on it, the chain slithered down his right shoulder, looping around his waist and back up again before revealing a beautifully crafted scythe.
The handle, elegantly curved, was adorned with intricate markings that culminated in a dragon skull's base. The blade, a gleaming white, extended two meters, its edges honed to perfection, radiating a crimson aura. Rick gripped the handle with both hands, a satisfied smile gracing his lips as he swung it and rested it against his neck, the blade pointing skyward.
"Ready when you are," he said with a grin.
The onlookers gaped in awe at Rick's weapon, except for Mordret, who knew it better than anyone else. Jet leaned closer to Mordret, her voice filled with wonder. "What kind of war crime is that? It's massive, and the aura it gives off is terrifying! My Aspect's legacy relic can turn into a scythe, but it doesn't even compare."
Mordret chuckled, leaning back in his chair with a long sigh. "It's a very special Memory of the Divine Rank. It can't be stored in a Soul See; it exists in its own pocket dimension. He acquired it during our second nightmare, but that's all I know. It can drink the blood of its victims, turning crimson over time, and convert that blood into essence for the wielder. There are other features, but the essence recovery is the most notable."
Jet and the others were left speechless. Memories of the Divine Rank were incredibly rare; they only knew of two others—Weaver's Mask and the Shadow Lantern, both owned by Sunny. Jet slumped back in her seat, pouting. "Why are the Divine Aspect holders the only ones with Divine Memories? It's so unfair."
Mordret chuckled, "Well, I don't have one either, but it doesn't matter. I'm content with the memories I possess."
Jet shrugged, "You're right, but I wouldn't mind having one. Guess luck just isn't on my side."
Nephis chimed in, "If it helps, I don't have a Divine Memory either. But having one doesn't mean much if you can't wield it properly. Sunny can't fully utilize Weaver's Mask, for example; he just wears it for the passive enchantments."
Jet smiled at Nephis, grateful for the camaraderie.
"You're onto something there; let's see just how skilled he really is. Earlier, he showed he has a grasp on the art of wielding a Scythe."
Mordret erupted into a hearty laugh, his voice booming.
"Believe me, he handles that weapon like it's an extension of himself."
Laughter rippled through the crowd as their attention shifted back to the Arena. Sunny, with the keen eyes of a Weaver, scrutinized Rick's weapon, deciphering its intricate Weave. Though he was too far to fully grasp its potential, one truth struck him instantly.
"It's of Divine Rank."
Normally, Sunny's words would have been lost in the clamor, but Rick's heightened senses, especially in this form, caught them. He grinned at Sunny and called out, "You're spot on! It's a Divine Memory. But enough talk; let me show you what it can do!"
Sunny chuckled, conjuring a golden Coin in his right hand. This Noctis Coin had become a rarity over the years, coveted for its Essence exchange value. But Sunny had transformed it into a Memory. It bore no special enchantments, yet when it struck something, it sang a melodious chime—perfect for today's spectacle.
With a flick of his wrist, Sunny sent the Coin soaring into the air, preparing for battle. He gripped the Black Odachi with both hands, shifting into a battle stance. Meanwhile, Rick dropped low, catching himself with his left arm, the Scythe resting on his shoulder, blade poised for action as the fight was about to commence.
The Arena fell into a hushed silence, all eyes on the Coin as it succumbed to gravity. Tension coiled in the air as weapons were gripped tighter, muscles taut with anticipation. The moment the Coin struck the ground, a melodious ring reverberated through the Arena, shattering the stillness and unleashing chaos as both combatants vanished from sight.
They collided in the center of the Arena, their weapons clashing with a force that sent a gust of wind sweeping through. Sunny opened his mouth to speak, but Rick was not one for idle chatter in battle. In an instant, he unleashed two of his six tails toward Sunny, who deftly dodged. A smile crept behind Sunny's mask as he mused,
'A conversation of blades? Now that's intriguing.'
In the blink of an eye, their duel erupted into a flurry of strikes. To the untrained eye, it appeared as a chaotic swirl of black and white, chains whipping through the air, blood painting the ground. Yet, two observers—Nephis and Kai—watched intently, their eyes sharp and focused.
After a few heartbeats, Effie exclaimed, wide-eyed and breathless, "I can't see a thing! They're too fast! Can anyone tell what's happening?"
Kai chuckled, his voice steady. "Right now, Sunny has the upper hand. He's a saint, after all, which I expected. But Rick is holding his own quite well, sustaining only minor injuries so far. Unfortunately for him, Sunny's speed is cutting through his Chains before he even has a chance to catch him."
Cassie, deep in thought, leaned toward Mordret and asked softly, "When do you think Rick will unleash the Beast?"
Mordret paused, a smile playing on his lips. "I can't say for sure. He'll soon realize his strength alone won't suffice against Sunny, but you'll feel it."
Cassie tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "I'll feel it? Not see it?"
Mordret's laughter faded, replaced by a serious tone. "You will feel the Press of Death. It's the moment a predator recognizes its prey, letting it taste its bloodlust. Sunny, in this case, will feel a chill, and his heart will race. The aura of Rick's Beast is so potent that even bystanders will sense it."
Cassie swallowed hard, leaning back in her seat.
Suddenly, the storm of blades in the Arena came to a halt. Rick pushed back, taking a moment to breathe, surprised to find Sunny not pursuing him. Covered in cuts, his Scythe stained crimson with his own blood, he leaned heavily against the weapon, gazing at Sunny with a dazed expression. In stark contrast, Sunny stood composed, his blade sharp, armor barely scratched, already beginning to mend.
"Are you ready to unleash the Beast?" Sunny asked, a smile hidden behind his mask.
Rick hesitated, glancing at Rain, who offered him an encouraging smile and whispered, "I love you, and that will never change."
Rain's words seemed to resonate with him, and Rick returned her smile, albeit crooked. With newfound resolve, he looked back at Sunny. "I hope you're ready."
Sunny laughed, but his amusement faded as he noticed the transformation in Rick's appearance and demeanor. Rick's skin darkened, claws elongated, and teeth sharpened. Dropping his Scythe, he sank to all fours. A wave of cold washed over Sunny, an instinctual urge to flee gripping him.
'Is this the Beast? I've never felt such dread. It's like a chill running through my bones, a primal urge to run for my life. It's worse than Condemnation's Will.'
As Sunny's fear morphed into horror, he met the Beast's gaze—its eyes a deep, unsettling red, piercing through to his very soul. Inside, panic surged.
'This isn't a mindless creature. It's assessing me… as prey. I'm in serious trouble, but if I could just make one shadow step…'
But as he contemplated escape, his body moved slightly, triggering the Beast's instincts. In a heartbeat, it vanished from view, and Sunny's world plunged into darkness.
'Where am I? What just happened?'
Sunny found himself in a pitch-black void. A voice echoed, disembodied and cold. "You have died, Mongrel. Please choose an arena to your liking."
Confusion washed over Sunny—an understatement, to say the least. He selected Private Arena 8 again, entering the password. Moments later, he reappeared beside the others, dismissing the Marble Shell and the Mask. He sat down, awe lacing his voice. "Can someone tell me what just happened?"
Mordret shrugged, pointing nonchalantly to the center of the Arena. "Death."
Sunny turned to where Mordret indicated. Rick had reverted to his human form, donning the first layer of his armor, breathing heavily as Rain comforted him.
"I know that, but how? Do we have a recording?"
Mordret chuckled, and a transparent screen materialized above the Arena, displaying a slow-motion video. Yet, even the recording struggled to capture the Beast's speed, only showing the moment of Sunny's demise in high resolution.
The Beast had moved behind Sunny, its jaws wide, sharp teeth sinking into flesh, severing him in an instant. All that remained were his legs from the knee down as the Beast savored its kill before vanishing. Afterward, the Beast fell, chains wrapping around it, thrashing and roaring until it calmed, transforming back into Rick in mere seconds.
Awe filled Sunny as he watched the recording. He had never witnessed such speed and brutality. Technically, he hadn't seen it at all, but the realization that the Beast had ended him before he even comprehended what was happening was chilling. With total amazement, he murmured, "That's… that's… I can't even find the words. It was nothing like I imagined. I thought I could at least defend myself for a few strikes, but I couldn't have been more wrong."
Mordret chuckled again. "I'm a bit surprised too. The Beast has never displayed such speed, but I suppose being imprisoned for months and starving made it eager for fresh blood. Unfortunately for it, real sustenance is off the table."
Meanwhile, Rick had calmed from his transformation, aided by Rain as they ascended the stairs. She struggled under his weight, but her smile never faltered. Once they reached the group, Rick raised his right hand. The Scythe that had been abandoned in the Arena soared into the air, landing perfectly in his grasp. It shrank in size as he moved his left hand over the handle, the crimson stains glowing faintly before fading away. Moments later, the Scythe gleamed white once more, and Rick let out a relieved sigh. With a crack in the air, he tossed the Scythe into the void.
His physique may have been mended, yet the tempest within his mind raged on. Allowing the Beast to emerge was a mere flick of the wrist; all he needed to do was loosen the shackles binding it within his very essence. But to cage it once more? That was a Herculean challenge. It demanded a reservoir of willpower to manipulate the chains deftly enough to secure the Beast effectively. Yet, Rick had danced this dance countless times before, honing the ritual to a fine art.
After a spell, Sunny rose and approached Rick, extending a hand with a grin that could light up the darkest corners of the Dreamscape.
"Bravo! You're the second soul to best Mongrel in a Dreamscape duel."
Rick glanced at Sunny's outstretched hand, and a laugh burst forth, bubbling up from deep within. He clasped Sunny's hand, shaking it vigorously.
"Thanks! But let's be real, the true glory belongs to the Beast, not me."
Sunny's smile faltered slightly at the mention of "glory," especially in this context, but he brushed it aside, replying,
"True enough, but you held your own down there. Without my Transcendent battle art, I would have had a far tougher time."
Kai chimed in with a chuckle.
"Absolutely! Mordy said you wield that Scythe like an extension of yourself, but witnessing it firsthand was something else entirely."
Rick's laughter rang out, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Thank you! If I had a tail, it would be wagging like crazy right now."
Effie smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"I bet if Rain keeps holding your arm like that, something else might start to twitch soon."
Rick's brow furrowed in confusion as he glanced down at his right arm, still firmly held against Rain's chest. A rush of blood surged through him, and he quickly conjured his armor pants. Blushing, he cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Ahem, crisis averted!"
Laughter erupted around them, and once the chuckles subsided, Nephis asked, her smile warm,
"Shall we head back to the hotel before it gets too late?"
Rick hesitated, then nodded.
"Yeah, that sounds perfect, but I'll be crashing in my warehouse tonight."
Sunny placed a hand on his shoulder, beaming.
"I'd love to join you! We can chat more about the fight or reminisce about the past. How does that sound?"
Kai suddenly raised his hand, a gleam in his eye.
"How about the guys bunk in the warehouse for the night while the ladies enjoy a girls' night out? We can have a boys' night in!"
Rick and Mordret exchanged glances, shrugged, and then grinned, chiming in unison,
"Sounds good to me!"
"Awesome!"
Jet turned to Rain, chuckling.
"Think you can survive a few hours without your boyfriend?"
Rain laughed lightly.
"Oh, I think I'll manage just fine. We have a date tomorrow anyway, so it's all good."
Rick pulled her into a hug, his excitement palpable.
"I can't wait for tomorrow! Fingers crossed for nice weather."
Effie sighed, her expression dreamy.
"Young love, it's simply enchanting."
They chatted for a while before exiting the Dreamscape. Sunny drove the women to the hotel, then picked up the guys from the arcade, and they made their way back to the warehouse. Their conversation was nothing earth-shattering, merely a recap of the day's battles and a stroll down memory lane. At one point, Mordy asked Sunny to share the details of his past with his Flaw. Rick, seeking to lighten the mood, inquired about Sunny's adventures, but asking for a funny story from Sunny was akin to fishing in a dry pond. So, the evening devolved into Sunny recounting tales from his past while Rick and Mordy gradually lost their sanity.
As the night wore on, Rick transformed back into his Demonic Form, the hour growing late. Their evening unfolded with laughter and incredulous expressions as they shared the wildest of stories. Meanwhile, a few kilometers away, Rain found herself in quite the predicament with four Saints.
Rain lounged on a plush couch, fiddling with her communicator as Effie glanced over, a teasing smile on her lips.
"What's got you glued to your phone, girl? You're not texting Rick, are you?"
Her face flushed crimson, caught off guard by Effie's interruption of her very important business.
"Wha… what? No! How could he even do that with his body right now? It's nighttime! I'm not even sure if he has one!"
Effie chuckled, a smirk dancing on her lips.
"Okay, I'll give you that, but what are you up to then?"
Rain's cheeks flared again as she hastily tucked her communicator away, stammering,
"Nothing!"
Nephis scrutinized her, a knowing smile creeping onto her face.
"It can't be nothing if your Flames of Longing are in such a frenzy right now. It's even more intense than earlier when you were perched on Ricky's lap."
Jet burst into laughter.
"Yeah, she was definitely having a rough time earlier."
Rain pouted, turning away in embarrassment.
Effie chuckled, pressing on.
"Come on, what's the scoop? You were definitely up to something."
With a resigned sigh, Rain admitted,
"Well, I was doing some research."
Confusion swept across their faces, Nephis tilting her head.
"For what?"
Overwhelmed by embarrassment yet in dire need of assistance, Rain buried her face in her hands and mumbled,
"Fo… y… irst… time… with… Rick."
They looked at her, bewildered, and Nephis gently pulled her hands away from her face, speaking with sincerity.
"There's no shame in that, we're all girls here. Just spill it."
Taking a deep breath, Rain spoke, still somewhat reserved.
"When Rick and I were waiting for him to transform back in the conference room a few days ago, I… I asked him if he'd be interested in something more intimate when we're in NQSC, and he said yes. We're planning to have our first time tomorrow, but now I'm freaking out because I have no clue how this works, and I don't want to let him down."
Silence enveloped the room, then a chuckle broke the tension, escalating into uncontrollable laughter. The four Saints soon found themselves in tears, laughing heartily. Rain, initially surprised, quickly felt the heat of anger rising, her urge to flee intensifying.
"THIS IS SERIOUS FOR ME, AND YOU ALL JUST LAUGH… I'M GOING TO BED… BYE!"
Before she could escape, Nephis grasped her arm, her expression earnest.
"We're sorry, Rain! Please stay; it's just… amusing how seriously you're taking this. Sit down, we can talk it through, and I promise we won't laugh anymore."
With a long sigh, Rain relented and sat back down.
They wiped their tears, and after a moment, Jet asked,
"Okay, now tell us, why is this such a big deal for you?"
Rain pondered for a moment before responding.
"Well, it's our first time, so I want it to be perfect."
Effie chuckled, her eyes sparkling.
"Think about it, Rain; how was it when you first picked up a sword? Did it go exactly as you imagined?"
Rain shook her head, and Effie nodded knowingly.
"Exactly! You had to train for hours to get good at it. So don't stress! It won't unfold as you think, and having expectations for a first experience will only lead to disappointment."
Nephis placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"The most crucial elements for tomorrow are you and him. Since you're both in the same city, there's nothing that can go awry."
Rain sighed, her anxiety bubbling up again.
"Do you have any tips? How did your first time go? Anything I should steer clear of?"
Effie raised a hand, chuckling.
"My first time was with my husband, and it was a disaster. We did it in the back of a PTV in a literal war zone. So, location matters!"
Jet coughed, adding,
"For me, it was with a guy who turned out to be a total jerk, which ruined the experience. But Rick is a gem, so you've got nothing to worry about."
Cassie sighed, raising her hand.
"I was still in school when it happened, way too young—about 14. He was a few years older and never spoke to me again after. But trust me, Rick won't ghost you after tomorrow. He adores you too much for that."
Rain nodded along as they offered their advice. Everyone turned to Nephis, who merely shrugged.
"I'm sorry to leave you hanging, but my first time was with Sunny, and it was fantastic. I think it's because we knew each other for years beforehand, so our bodies just clicked perfectly. Turns out, fighting side by side translates well to the bedroom."