The same didn't happen to me. Though pressure pressed down on my shoulders, I withstood its effect. Gritting my teeth, I stood tall and surveyed my surroundings to find the cause of Lilia's pain.
Lilia's pained screams didn't stop filling the looming silence. I desperately wanted to help her, but I couldn't because someone's eyes bored into my skull, their gaze oppressive and filled with unbridled scorn. A wrong move, or a slight drop of my guard, would definitely mean my end.
Suddenly, the pressure vanished from my shoulders, but Lilia's screams only grew louder. My freedom did not reach her crumpled form.
The spears swiftly closed in on my location, standing behind me, prepared for any threats and sensing the looming danger. I commanded one of the spears to cover Lilia's body, shielding her from the pressure, but it didn't seem to have much of an effect. Although she was now able to move slightly, she was tilting her head towards the gate.
An overwhelming vibration was suddenly cast over the surroundings, causing the very core of the land to rumble and twist in agony. The vibration is followed by the appearance of a lone woman, dressed in intricate plaster armour that covers her vitals but allows for fast movement.
The armour wasn't the same as Lilia's; it was black and scarlet, with streaks of lilac that looked like tears scattered across the plate armour. Her mouth was partially covered by the armour, her violet eyes locked onto mine, her blonde hair blowing serenely in the wind. From her soft and youthful features, she didn't seem to be anything resembling a blood-hardened warrior.
But her cold gaze told another story. The air grew more oppressive as she bent it to her will, as if it feared her.
"Run," muttered Lilia, her expression fully sinking into despair at the realization of who was standing before them. "She stands at the top of the Divine Strings, the Primordial String Artoria -"
Lilia could not finish her sentence, succumbing to the pressure and darkness. I didn't know how to react. Though new to this world, I still felt the malice from Artoria.
"Speak your name, unknown!" ordered Artoria. She stepped closer and drew her sword, its blade mimicking her armour. Everything about her was beautiful. Yet I couldn't admire her serene features; the cold eyes of a killer still bored into my soul.
"Evernight."
"Evernight? You have an odd name for an angel. Are you sure that is your true name? Do not play games with me, boy, I won't hesitate to slay you."
I believed her. My calm quickly shattered under the Primordial String's immense pressure.
"I have no other name. Evernight is my true name."
"So be it. Why do you come here in full display of your power? Such a thing is a direct threat to the custodian. Do you wish for death?"
"I can't control the spears; they won't disappear or shrink."
"Then how do you explain the spear of light in your grasp? You expect me to swallow such a blatant lie?"
"I'm not lying. I can't control them."
"If you are being truthful, then I can't allow you to live such a presence, which would only endanger the people of Grandheart. I'll let you fight for your life if you prove your worth; perhaps I'll deliver it to the custodian. But I make no promises."
"Wait! I can control them—just not shrink them! I used one to fly here; they aren't a threat. Please!"
"Before you die, I shall tell you my name so you can go to the afterlife in peace. I am Artoria Luminous, the Primordial String of the Servants of Order."
She completely ignored my pleas. She shifted her stance, stepping forward and pointing both blades at my neck, their edges glinting inches from my skin. Her flawed logic of resting in peace shook me to the core. I was deeply scared of the woman standing before me. Yet, within her eyes lay a profound sense of sadness and misery. The sacred band around her neck grew brighter as she tightened her grip, the blade trembling as if it forced her to commit another act of violence.
The woman's sorrow dulled my fear. Though death was near, I felt longing—not for life, but for her. Unknown feelings swirled as her blade drew closer.
Before the blade could reach my neck, the spears of light collided with the sword, protecting me from certain death. Artoria leaped back, analyzing the spears with her eyes as she took a defensive stance.
"I can't think now! I must fight to survive!" I thought, sending the spears at Artoria.
The spears shot at Artoria, shaking the earth and forming a crater. Their light shimmered, then cracked and shattered, leaving me undefended.
Artoria stepped from the dust unharmed, walking toward me before vanishing in a flash. No trace remained, as if she never existed.
"A valiant attempt."
Pain struck as her blade dragged across my chest. I couldn't follow her movements. Bleeding and gasping, I realized she'd cleaved my lungs; my journey seemed over.
"Goodbye, Evernight. May you rest in peace."
Artoria's soft words were the last thing I heard before oblivion claimed me.