The Awakening of a New Memory

Unconsciously, I take a step back. The energy radiating from that man-beast makes me shiver. All I have is my sword-armor, energy and full health. Even though Loaw passed away, I feel his remaining energy in me, his soul wishes of defending his prince, remains in me. I’m not alone.

Total Freezing Lightning.

A bolt of lightning strikes from the sky, freezing the enemy entirely. I take a moment to survey my surroundings. Yuki has just cast her spell, Daichi is still battling another foe and Raion struggles to his feet. His eyes are filled with sorrow, mourning the loss of his guardian and friend.

Speed & Skill Reinforce, MAX.

I hear Raion shout a new ability to me and Yuki and I feel lighter and stronger. A memory of Loaw teaching him this power floods my mind, filling me with their shared joy.

I remember I'm not alone; Daichi, Yuki, Raion, Loaw and Kian. We're a team, I'm determined to protect my friends and the Prince.

My energy surges again. The green aura intensifies and the armor on my right arm feels heavier and more resilient. It seems to have grown, though I'm not certain.

I exchange a nod with Yuki. We're in this together, just like all our previous training sessions. The ice barrier shatters and the man lunges at Yuki with unnatural speed. I intercept his blade, giving Yuki the chance to land a shallow cut.

Our swords clash with the enemy's. We manage to disarm him, but his beastly arms are as tough as any blade. He releases a burst of energy, pushing us back. Lightning bolts shoot from his body while he screams. We keep our distance as he stands still, hoping one of the lightening doesn’t strike us.

I glance over at Daichi, who seems to be struggling. Suddenly, he encases himself in a half-sphere of earth. I sense his spell and by its name, it sounds dangerous.

Nature Freedom Unleashed!

Using my Zkan, I see his health regenerating. The half-sphere explodes and what emerges doesn't look like Daichi. A dark blue, almost black aura surrounds him and his attack form appears more… wild and beastly.

Yuki helps me up. “Let's not worry about Dai now; he'll win.” I trust her judgment, allowing me to focus on the battle ahead.

“If we win and survive, I want to see those beautiful sapphire eyes up close, Yu,” I say, smiling at her. “Deal?”

"Why bring that up now?! But yes, I'd like to, though I can't promise anything.” Raion casts more spells on us breaking the atmosphere. The enemy charges again, it's time to focus, Kai, don’t mess around.

The enemy strikes again, during one of our sword exchanges, he lands a deep cut on me. But at that moment, I grab him, allowing Yuki to pierce him with her freezing blade. Still, it's not enough.

Beast Obscure Thunder.

The spell hits me right in the chest, sending me flying back. I gasp for air, feeling my entire body burn.

I still have life, still have strength. This isn't over!

I struggle to my feet and see him toying with Yuki, slashing her while laughing and hurling insults. I take deep breaths, trying to regain my composure. Raion lies exhausted on the ground and Yuki is on her last legs. Daichi is unrecognizable and we're out of potions.

This is our last stand.

I focus my energy on my right hand, feeling the weight of a ring on my index finger. Its warmth and power surge through me. My left hand begins to glow with turquoise and gold filigree, reminiscent of Loaw's energy. I think I see another small ring on my left hand, or at least its feeling.

I close my left fist and aim it at the monster. Yuki is in the line of fire, but I know my power won't harm her. A new spell comes to mind, without knowing its requirements, I summon it.

My fist radiates even more energy, creating a circle similar to the one the monster formed when he transformed.

Heaven’s Hell Blinding Fire.

Without waiting for my spell to hit, I activate newfound abilities.

Flash Dash & Reinforce MAX.

I feel like I can run at near-sonic speeds. I approach the enemy just before he can strike Yuki.

Everything happens in seconds. My radiant power shields Yuki and blinds the monster for a second, giving me the chance to drive my sword into his heart. I unleash my ability, using all my remaining energy.

Emperor Command: Firesoul Crusher.

My sword ignites, flames reaching up to my shoulder. The powerful turquoise flames pierce the enemy's heart. He screams in pain, retreating and writhing uncontrollably.

The Emperor's flames are inextinguishable.

Within moments, the enemy is defeated, reduced to ash. I gain an incredible amount of experience, feeling stronger and more resilient, though I'm drained of energy and life. I don't know where I get this power from, it's as if it were a distant memory of a forgotten past; a memory of a distant Emperor.

I'm about to collapse, but Yuki catches me. From the corner of my eye, I see Raion approaching. In the distance, Daichi still battles his foe and Kian lies motionless on the ground. Just when I think he's gone, I see a sliver of life left in him.

He rises and grabs the enemy, allowing Daichi to strike through them both.

Did Daichi kill… Kian too?

I approach him, even though Yuki pulls me back, warning me to wait until his berserk state subsides. But I don't understand what that means. I miss the always-smiling, kind, drunk, joyful, horse-laughing Daichi. Who is this shadow-beast-thing of Daichi?

As I get closer, he sees me and walks towards me. He's exhausted, his arm injured, the other drenched in blood. Did he pierce them with his arm? I recall his power was something about unleashing nature, similar to the beast mode of that level 62 jerk.

I greet Daichi, but he doesn't respond, only growling and making unintelligible sounds. Walking is hard, breathing is harder, but I do it for Daichi. I need to get to him.

When I'm in front of him, his eyes are lost, filled with dark blue energy. “Hey, Daichi! You're looking pretty rough.”

He just growls. Blood drips from his mouth, his clothes are torn and he raises his bloodied arm to strike me.

“Let's go home, Daichi,” I say warmly, smiling as he always does. I close my eyes, hoping my words reach him.

Suddenly, I feel a soft thud on my chest. Opening my eyes, I see Daichi's head resting against me. His arms wrap around my back, sliding down until he's on his knees.

He looks up at me, that familiar glint still in his eyes, though he's smiling. “I really like this sweet bread.” His hands playfully grab my ass for a few seconds before we both collapse, exhausted. Yup, his nature… This's the real Daichi.

When I wake up, I feel a hand on my head. Opening my eyes, I find myself lying on Yuki's lap, looking up at her. I can't help but blush.

She leans forward, smiling. “I'm glad you're awake, Kai. Good job.”

“You have beautiful eyes, Yuki.” She laughs nervously and covers mine. I manage to sit up and notice my hand, clean without any armor or ring. I wonder what all that was about.

Daichi is already awake, bandaged and eating non-stop. The Prince, with his hair tied back, is cooking. It's surprising to see him like this, but the aroma is enticing.

“Can someone summarize what just happened?” I ask curiously as Raion hands me a plate of food.

Daichi starts talking with his mouth full. “Raion already explained to us all. The Caelux Empire has allied with some strange mages who are exterminating tribes on the other side of the world.” I'm annoyed by his manner of speaking, but I get the gist of his words, though I don't fully understand.

“So? What does that mean? You didn't explain anything, Daichi!”

“The Prince knows the truth. Caelux is evil, murderers, all that stuff. We need to warn the King, protect the Prince.” I'm still confused, but then Daichi mentions on purpose something that catches my attention. “Did you check our levels? Or ours?”

I activate my Zkan. Raion is level 48, Yuki is level 42, Daichi is… 52?! And I'm… 43!!!

“It doesn't… make sense— How?” I realize Daichi defeated two high-level people, or did he sacrifice so Daichi could earn the experience?. “So, what do we do now? I still want to know what happened!”

“We train like never before,” Yuki says. Daichi nods, looking at his battered hands. We're all injured and exhausted.

Raion hands me another plate of food. “And then, we save the world from the Caelux Empire.”