🌊Chapter 11: The Silent Sea and Falling Star
Dawn has descended upon Drexer Town. Adjacent to it lies a colossal mountain, utterly serene and tranquil. Faint light cascades upon it. In a concealed and secure cavern on that mountain, Kai, Aya, Rai, and Shinsei had sought refuge secretly last night. Knowing Drexer wouldn't discover this cave in a single night, they had taken shelter there. Before dawn broke, they arose to journey toward the next adversary's realm. Everyone boarded Rai's vehicle. Shinsei is piloting the conveyance, while Kai, Aya, and Rai occupy the rear.
Rai is attempting to glean information about the forthcoming boss from the pilfered book from Drexer's town and is navigating the path.
Rai: This map here is truly invaluable. If only we'd acquired it earlier, it would have been splendid. We've squandered hours traversing the previous bosses' domains merely due to arduous routes. (Approaching Shinsei to glance at the map) After one kilometer from here, you'll encounter two forks. You must veer left at that juncture.
With that, he retreated inside once more.
Kai: Does this tome contain any details about the next boss?
Rai: Hold on, let me check.
He flipped through the pages for a moment and paused at one.
Rai: The next boss is named Loryx. And his domain is Loryx's Sea.
Aya: It sounds like he dwells in the ocean.
Rai: Indeed. You grasp the implication. This time, the confrontation won't occur on terra firma.
Aya: So, the battle will be aquatic?
Rai: I doubt it. I suspect it'll transpire aboard a vessel.
Aya: Oh, fool! Don't you recall? Last time, against a weaker boss, the mountain was obliterated. A mere ship couldn't withstand such immense warfare.
Rai: You're the simpleton. If combat ensues in water, neither side gains advantage. It's explicitly stated here. Loryx's primary prowess is his velocity and venomous armaments. Undoubtedly, he possesses an enormous ship.
Aya: Mark my words. The skirmish will be in the waves.
Rai: No, on the ship!
Aya: In the water.
Kai: I reckon the duel might unfold on the seashore.
Rai and Aya halted their dispute, casting irritated glances at Kai, then resumed their argument, disregarding him.
Kai (angered): Was my suggestion so utterly illogical!
Abruptly, the vehicle halted!
Shinsei: We've arrived.
All eyes turned toward the gate. Directly ahead loomed the grand entrance to Loryx's Sea. Shinsei inserted the key. As always, the ambiance transformed, with Shadow energy darting about. Gradually, the gate parted from the center. Oceanic chill breezes rushed in. The roar of waves echoed to the portal. The sky was overcast—neither densely clouded nor sparsely. Shinsei returned to the vehicle and commenced driving. They entered. As far as the eye could see stretched silent sands, shells, and corals. Traversing this sandy horizon consumed some time. Suddenly, a vast sea became visible in the distance. Closer still, Shinsei spotted a large ship. Due to the remoteness, he couldn't discern if anyone occupied it. Yet, unease gnawed at him. He accelerated toward the vessel. The entire area brimmed with massive corals. Abruptly, numerous ninjas emerged from hiding behind two corals. Shinsei braked. Immediately, they encircled the vehicle. Kai, Aya, Rai, and Shinsei disembarked. They manifested weapons via Shadow energy and prepared. More ninjas materialized from nearby corals. They refrained from assaulting Kai's group, merely surrounding them as if to detain. Kai, Aya, Rai, and Shinsei eschewed passivity and lunged at the ninjas. Kai wielded his twin swords, striking and repelling ninja after ninja. Yet, the ninjas desperately sought to impede him. Meanwhile, Aya and Rai dispatched ninja upon ninja. Shinsei cleaved through their clusters. Despite fervent efforts, the ninjas couldn't restrain them long. Suddenly, Kai noticed three figures standing beside the ship. They appeared extraordinary. Kai evaded the ninjas and advanced toward them. At that instant, a ninja ensnared Kai's leg with his kusarigama and yanked. Kai tumbled. Instantly, all ninjas swarmed him. A massive throng of ninjas formed around. In that moment, Shinsei plunged into the fray. All ninjas pounced upon them.
Kai: (Summoning violet aura in hands) Shadow Clap.
Shinsei: (Igniting crimson aura in hands) Clap of Harm.
They clapped simultaneously. Their abilities merged, unleashing a colossal explosion. The entire vicinity darkened. All ninjas dissipated into Shadow energy, vanishing into the ether. Even distant Aya and Rai recoiled several steps from the blast.
🌊 The Enigmatic Shoreline.
On the other side, the trio beside the ship were Loryx's subordinate Shadow entities—Korvath, Havrik, and Sylrek.
They observed everything from afar. As if pre-aware of Kai's group's arrival. Until now, they watched placidly. But upon witnessing such a massive detonation, they were slightly astonished.
Havrik: They appear quite formidable.
Sylrek: They ought to be potent. Otherwise, Drexer wouldn't have fallen to them.
Havrik: These dolts remain oblivious to the impending cataclysm they face.
Meanwhile, Kai's group charged toward them.
Sylrek: (Addressing Korvath and Havrik) Ensure everything unfolds per the scheme.
Korvath and Havrik nodded affirmatively. They dispersed. Their weapons materialized in hand.
The sky's clouds grew more somber. Beneath those murky veils, the sea's thunder reverberated like war drums.
Abruptly, witnessing the Shadow entities scatter and not advance to attack, Shinsei harbored suspicion. He halted the others.
Shinsei: Their maneuvers seem dubious.
Kai: Shall we vanquish them one by one?
Shinsei: No. (Pointing at Havrik) Kai, target that one. Aya and Rai, (indicating Sylrek) assail this one.
Kai, Aya, and Rai complied. Shinsei advanced toward Korvath. Crimson aura blazed in his hand. His footsteps scattered sand. Conversely, Korvath stood stoically with his two-handed giant sword—larger than himself. As Shinsei neared, he swung his giant sword from behind. The air quivered. Shinsei dodged back, leaped onto the sword, and crossed to the opposite side. Pivoting, Korvath attempted to impale Shinsei, but Shinsei blocked with his hand. Shinsei's feet sank several paces. Blood dripped from his palm. Undeterred, Shinsei delivered a kick to Korvath's abdomen. Korvath hurtled away. He reformed his weapon with Shadow energy. Shinsei approached. He unleashed punch after punch at Korvath. Yet, each time, Korvath retreated, parrying with his armament. Clashing echoes resounded across the expanse. Repeated impacts on the keen blade caused Shinsei's hands to bleed profusely, yet he persisted. Gradually, Korvath fatigued. Abruptly, before Shinsei's strike, Korvath thrust his giant sword forward. Shinsei sidestepped opportunely and landed a punch to Korvath's face. Korvath released his weapon and staggered back. The next instant, Shinsei targeted his gut again. Korvath tumbled. Blood streamed from his mouth. As Shinsei advanced to seize him, Korvath swiftly rose and extended a kick toward Shinsei. Shinsei countered with a punch to the leg. A shockwave erupted. Though Shinsei remained unscathed, Korvath was flung back. This time, Shinsei refrained from pursuing. He gazed at the prone Korvath. Korvath's leg fractured from Shinsei's blow. Nonetheless, he rose, leaning on his weapon.
Korvath: You are truly mighty, as we've learned. But now, I must conclude this bout.
With that, he plunged his weapon into the ground.
Korvath: Shadow Aqua Domain.
Instantly, liquid-like Shadow energy emanated from his armament, spreading hundreds of meters. Korvath charged, whirling his weapon. His agility multiplied manifold within this domain. Shinsei readied his katana. Despite Korvath's blistering assaults, Shinsei parried. Korvath attacked relentlessly; Shinsei defended. Korvath realized that while Shinsei's katana glowed with crimson aura, it remained unbreakable. Now, Korvath channeled force into a spinning strike. Shinsei blocked. A tremendous shockwave surged. Shinsei soared backward. Immediately, Korvath submerged his weapon in the underlying Shadow energy. The energy split asunder. Shinsei stood. By then, Shadow energy had receded from his feet. As Korvath raised his armament, Shadow energy surged anew, ensnaring Shinsei's legs. Korvath leaped high, spinning his weapon like a vortex for a descending blow.
Green aura enveloped his hand.
Shinsei: Force Reverse Sphere.
Instantly, a violet orb encased him. Korvath's strike rebounded upon the sphere, redirecting toward him. Korvath's giant sword shattered into fragments, piercing his body. An explosion hurled Korvath away. Concurrently, Shinsei ignited Fist of Extreme Pressure's azure glow in his hand and dashed to Korvath, delivering a facial strike. The ground trembled. Korvath's domain disintegrated. Korvath couldn't rise. He was defeated.
Meanwhile, Kai battled Havrik. Sparks flew from clashes between Kai's katana and Havrik's cleavers. They closed in, attempting to wield weapons upon each other. Havrik grinned, but each strike brimmed with ferocity. Yet, Kai's razor-sharp katana and expertise confounded him. Moreover, Kai amassed Shadow energy progressively, amplifying his might. Havrik discerned that subduing Kai wouldn't be facile. He retreated slightly and hurled his left cleaver from behind with supersonic speed, cleaving the air. But Kai interposed his katana. Kai's arms trembled. At that juncture, Havrik's other cleaver pierced Kai's chest, emerging from his back. Kai was stunned. The next moment, Havrik kicked his abdomen. Kai careened away. Havrik's cleaver dripped Kai's blood. Despite excruciating agony, Kai sat up. His chest mended gradually, demanding all his vitality. Kai lifted his gaze. Havrik still smirked. Abruptly, he gripped his cleavers firmly.
Kai: I didn't deem you as potent as anticipated. Loryx sir will be elated that his Shadow warrior felled a combatant who bested a boss like Drexer.
Kai: I must resort to this now. Sanguine Frenzy!
Yet, naught transpired.
Meanwhile, Shadow energy burgeoned beside Havrik. He clenched his cleavers.
Havrik: Shadow Air Rend!
Instantly, Havrik slashed maniacally at the air, etching hundreds of razor edges that bisected one another, spawning additional waves.
Now, Kai released his wound. Blood gushed ceaselessly from his chest. He stood.
Kai: A mere warrior like you can never vanquish me. I shall triumph, I shall triumph.
Sanguine Frenzy!
Instantly, his blood transmuted into crimson-black Shadow energy, integrating into his form.
Kai regained vigor.
Kai: Shadow Step!
With lightning celerity, he sliced through Havrik's waves, arriving beside him.
Kai: Shadow Flash!
He struck Havrik at breakneck speed.
Havrik raised his cleaver. But it cleaved like air. Kai's katana penetrated halfway into Havrik's body before fracturing. Havrik collapsed. Undaunted, Kai reformed his katana and assailed Havrik relentlessly. Ultimately, Havrik succumbed. Kai slumped and commenced self-mending.
At the same instant, Rai and Aya confronted Sylrek. Sylrek stood primed with his krises.
Aya: We must dispatch him swiftly. You surely comprehend the requisite.
Rai: Absolutely.
Aya positioned before Sylrek, Rai behind.
Sylrek remained statue-like.
Aya struck the ground with her Collapse dagger. The earth fissured, propelling Shadow energy toward Sylrek.
Conversely, Rai activated Diamond Rain ability.
Sylrek: Nice attempt. Shadow Tornado.
He rotated his krises at phenomenal speed. A cyclone formed, nullifying Aya and Rai's abilities. In a blink, the tornado expanded hundreds of meters. Aya and Rai were ensnared within. Visibility plummeted amid haze. Aya hunted Sylrek. Abruptly, from behind, Sylrek whirled his krises for a strike. Aya was flung. Rising, Aya hurled her Collapse. But Sylrek vanished preemptively. Meanwhile, Rai scoured for Sylrek. Suddenly, Sylrek materialized ahead, thrusting dual krises at Rai's chest. Though Rai parried with axes, he staggered, losing equilibrium. He glanced forward. Sylrek absent. At that moment, Sylrek emerged behind and kicked. Rai toppled. Thus, Sylrek alternated assaults: striking Aya then Rai, Rai then Aya. Sylrek's velocity was so immense that Rai and Aya couldn't land a single hit. Moreover, the tornado seemed to bestow Sylrek augmented power. Rai realized persistence would ensure their downfall. Suddenly, an idea dawned. He slashed forward frenziedly and sprinted. Sylrek approached frontally. But Rai's preemptive forward strikes landed first on Sylrek. Sylrek was astounded. He attempted a rear assault. But Rai's rapid sprint evaded before impact. Sylrek persisted futilely. Sprinting, Rai eventually located Aya. She noted Rai's tactic. Mimicking, she slashed forward ceaselessly while sprinting, reaching Rai. Amid their dash, they schemed.
Rai: Thank heavens I found you.
Aya: What now?
Rai: Abilities or strikes here will be thwarted by Sylrek preemptively. I must exit and unleash from outside. You merely propel me beyond and leap high as my ability nears.
Aya: Yes.
Rai: Splendid.
Rai advanced slightly and jumped. Aya grasped his legs, whirling to hurl. At that instant, Sylrek kicked Aya's abdomen. By then, Aya had released Rai. Rai soared, landing beyond the storm.
Rai: Silver Case.
Keen silver shards materialized airborne, encircling the storm. At Rai's gesture, they infiltrated inward. Within, Aya contended with Sylrek. But Sylrek desperately assailed, nearly overwhelming Aya. Then, Aya heard swishing winds. She observed air morphing anomalously. Sylrek remained oblivious. Opportunely, Aya ascended swiftly via her Collapse. Sylrek lunged but missed Aya. In that juncture, myriad keen silvers ensnared Sylrek rigidly. Meanwhile, aloft Aya enlarged her Collapse, infused Shadow energy, and hurled it at Sylrek with blistering speed. An explosion ensued. Sylrek was grievously wounded and defeated.
🌊 Preparations for the Maritime Voyage
After vanquishing Korvath, Havrik, and Sylrek, per Shinsei's directive, Kai's group bound them for interrogation.
Korvath and Sylrek hadn't mended sufficiently to converse.
But Havrik could. Shinsei approached him.
Shinsei: Truthfully, what's your objective?
Havrik said naught, merely smirked.
Shinsei ignited Fist of Harm's crimson aura in his hand and touched Havrik's lesion. Havrik shrieked. Shinsei withdrew.
Havrik: (Pausing, panting) You truly wish to know! (Chuckling) Then heed: You'll perish swiftly at Loryx's hands. You can't possibly prevail against him. Drexer's bodyguard Shadow Bird informed us of you beforehand. Thus, Loryx departed early with his two mightiest Shadow warriors toward Eryth. Our aim was solely to delay you—which we've accomplished. Now, you can't thwart Loryx anymore. He likely crossed Eryth's Ice Land gate by now. Your defeat is assured.
Hearing Havrik, Kai grew anxious.
Rai: What! This is unjust! We struggle against one boss. How shall we best two bosses and their Shadow warriors concurrently?
Kai: No! Utterly impossible. (Gazing at Shinsei) Shall we concede defeat ultimately?
Shinsei: Kai, compose yourself! Surrendering or fleeing in terror ill-befits you. We battle here for you. If defeated, so be it. We fear not. But conceding is the utmost cowardice.
Aya: You're demoralized merely by a petty Shadow warrior's words—who we trounced moments ago. Truly comical. Behold, we'll attain our goal. Regardless of adversaries' might, we'll conquer all.
Rai: (To Aya) Have you forgotten that blow in Drexer's battle that nearly slew you?
Aya: (To Rai) Can't you hush? (Approaching Kai) If defeated, together; if victorious, together. Whether you achieve your aim or not, we're eternally by your side.
Kai regained resolve.
Kai: Then let's proceed! Squandering time slaying these imbeciles.
Rai rose too.
Rai: Nothing more to say. Victory is imperative. But how to travel? My carriage won't traverse water.
Kai: (Glancing at nearby ship) I believe we've found it.
They approached the vessel. But hopes shattered. The ship was pre-demolished. Korvath, Havrik, and Sylrek had sabotaged it. Operating it now was infeasible.
Aya: Ah! This is unfair.
Shinsei: They've meticulously plotted to obstruct us.
Kai: Hah! Then we must construct a ship. But timber is scarce here, and this wrecked ship's remnants are unusable.
Rai: (Drawing attention) I think I can.
He gathered large corals. From his satchel, he extracted a stone box and retrieved a rock. Touching the rock to corals transmuted them to metal. Rai employed his ability to melt and gradually forge a ship. Witnessing Rai's proficiency, Kai and Aya were astounded. Within half an hour, the ship materialized—a medium-sized craft, exquisitely ornate. At its stern whirled Shadow energy-controlled wheels. Kai, Aya, Rai, and Shinsei boarded. The vessel glided over the sea's gentle swells. Meanwhile, Sylrek, Havrik, and Korvath had healed. Sylrek snapped the chains and promptly composed a missive. In it, he inscribed:
"We engaged the intruders. They're formidable but not as much as anticipated. You'll dispatch them effortlessly. Yet, their progression is rapid. Thus, I advise eliminating them expeditiously. They've just departed. They might arrive by tomorrow morn. Advance congratulations on your triumph."
He affixed the note to his Shadow bird and dispatched it.
Meanwhile, Kai's group's ship sailed over Loryx's Sea's ebony waters. Kai stood on deck. Thoughts swirled in his mind. His body felt inexplicably weary. He deemed slumber advisable. Locating a vacant cabin in the ship, he reclined and dozed off. Instantly, he entered a bizarre realm. Endless obscurity enveloped, amid which stood innumerable warriors. All Shadow combatants—silent, valiant, unwaveringly loyal. Each prepared to stand and fight beside him.
Kai advanced slowly. Behind, the countless shadow warriors marched in formation. They assaulted enemy bastions like tempests. Battle after battle, they sundered dark forces' bonds, as if darkness itself waged war against darkness. In a moment, all conflicts concluded. Kai entered the realm he'd awaited so long. There, he discovered true bliss.
But precisely then—
Abruptly, an eerie luminescence pierced the gloom toward him, his warriors, his domain.
The light was so radiant, so terrifying, it commenced devouring all shadows instantaneously. Warriors incinerated one by one, as if they'd never existed.
Finally, the blinding white radiance hurtled directly at Kai.
Kai awoke gasping, eyes wide.
His chest heaved rapidly, cold sweat beaded his brow.
He sat silently awhile. He couldn't fathom why he'd dreamt this. Exiting his chamber, he noted nightfall. Kai realized he'd slumbered extensively. He approached the ship's edge. Cool, sweet zephyrs blew. A full moon graced the sky. Moonlight rendered the sea's waters silvery. An ethereal vista. Suddenly, he sensed someone approaching. He turned. It was Aya.
Kai: Oh, you.
Aya: You've awakened.
Aya neared. She rested her hands on the railing.
Aya: What's amiss? Troubled by something?
Kai: I don't know why it feels so dismal. I just had a nightmare. Moreover, I can't fathom tomorrow's victory. Nothing seems right.
Aya: Don't you think you're overthinking? Recall, who are you? You're Shadow's descendant. Chant with me: Who is Shadow's heir?
Kai: I am.
Aya: Who aspires to lead Shadow entities?
Kai: I do!
Aya: Who will prevail?
Kai: I will!!!
At that moment, Rai emerged from an adjacent cabin, hearing the clamor.
Rai: Can you converse more softly? I'm attempting slumber.
Kai: Apologies.
Abruptly, Kai's worries dissipated. A smile graced his lips.
Kai: The ambiance is so exquisite, isn't it!
Aya: Yes.
Kai: The planet has but one satellite, yet it illuminates the entire world. I've never beheld such a vast and luminous moon before.
Suddenly, a streak of light darted across the sky. Kai marveled at it.
Kai: What was that!
Aya scrutinized it. Abruptly, she recollected.
Aya: I recognize it! What was its name? (Pondering) Ah, a shooting star. My grandmother said gazing at it and wishing fulfills the desire.
Kai: Truly? It seems mere folklore to me.
Aya: Why not wish and see!
At Aya's insistence, Kai consented to wish.
Both wished.
Aya: (Inwardly) May Kai attain his goal!
Kai: (Inwardly) May Aya remain by my side eternally.
Post-wish, they stood silently awhile.
Eventually, Kai said,
Kai: It's late. Retire to slumber. I'm heading to my cabin too.
Wordlessly, they departed. The ship surged toward Eryth's Iceland. Toward a novel confrontation.