Bab 11: The Arcana Medaglia and The Hunt Begins
Vie de Marli was a land steeped in ancient mysteries and lurking shadows. As Hadrian, Sirius, Dante, and Lucia trekked deeper into the island, they felt the weight of history pressing down on them, as though the land itself held its breath, waiting.
The group had split up to cover more ground and retrieve the Arcanas faster. Dante took Lucia to Uroboros Headquarters to gather information on Arius, while Hadrian and Sirius made their way to the clock tower in Lower Town, where the Arcana Spada was rumored to be hidden.
The path was treacherous, winding through narrow alleyways and under crumbling stone archways. The air was thick with the scent of decay and damp earth, as though the ground itself had absorbed centuries of bloodshed and despair.
"Feels like we're walking into a trap," Hadrian muttered, gripping Kanshou and Bakuya tightly.
"Wouldn't be the first time," Sirius replied, a slight smirk on his lips. His wand was ready in his hand, his keen senses on high alert. "Stay sharp, and remember—bind first, then strike. These aren't your run-of-the-mill demons."
They rounded a corner, and there it was—the clock tower, looming tall and imposing, its dark silhouette cutting into the overcast sky. As they approached, the faint sound of metal scraping against stone reached their ears, sending a chill down Hadrian's spine.
"Ready?" Sirius asked, his voice low and steady.
"Always," Hadrian replied, his eyes glinting with determination.
Inside the Clock Tower
The air inside the clock tower was stale and oppressive, thick with an unnatural silence. They moved cautiously, every creak of the wooden floorboards echoing through the empty space. Dim light filtered through cracked stained-glass windows, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
Suddenly, the silence shattered. A low, guttural growl reverberated through the room, and out of the darkness emerged a monstrous figure—Tartarussian, a hulking, two-headed demon encased in iron, with massive flails in place of hands. Its eyes gleamed with malice as it regarded them, the chains on its flails clinking ominously.
"Intruders… You shall not pass," one head rumbled, while the other cackled, its voice a sickening mix of metal and flesh.
"Guess he's not much for conversation," Hadrian muttered, steeling himself.
Sirius's eyes narrowed. "Remember, we're here for the Arcana Spada. Don't get reckless."
The demon lunged at them, swinging its flails with terrifying speed and force. Hadrian dodged to the side, feeling the rush of air as the spiked ball narrowly missed him and smashed into the floor, splintering the wood.
Sirius raised his wand, muttering an incantation. Chains of pure magical energy erupted from the ground, wrapping around Tartarussian's legs and forcing it to a halt. "Now, Hadrian!"
Taking the cue, Hadrian rushed forward, his blades flashing as he struck at the demon's exposed legs. Kanshou and Bakuya bit into the flesh, black ichor splattering as he carved deep gashes into its lower body.
But Tartarussian wasn't finished. With a roar, it shattered the chains and lashed out with both flails, one aimed at Hadrian and the other at Sirius. Sirius transformed his left hand into silver claws, deflecting the flail with a screech of metal on metal. Meanwhile, Hadrian rolled under the second flail, coming up behind the demon.
"Let's see how you handle a little fire," Sirius growled, his wand flicking as flames burst forth, engulfing Tartarussian in a torrent of fire. The demon howled in agony, its skin blistering and cracking as the flames ate away at its flesh.
Hadrian seized the opportunity, leaping up and driving his blades into the demon's back. The twin swords glowed with a fierce light as they cut through bone and muscle, severing one of the demon's heads in a spray of black blood. The remaining head shrieked in rage, swinging its flail wildly in an attempt to shake him off.
Just then, Oryou emerged from Hadrian's left arm, her small but fierce form hissing as she shot a beam of energy directly into Tartarussian's remaining eye. The demon reeled back, blinded and vulnerable.
"Finish it!" Sirius shouted, his voice carrying over the din of battle.
With a final, determined cry, Hadrian pulled his blades free and swung them in a deadly arc, severing the demon's head clean from its body. Tartarussian collapsed to the floor, its body twitching before finally lying still.
Breathing heavily, Hadrian wiped his blades clean, glancing over at Sirius. "That was… intense."
Sirius gave a rare, approving nod. "You handled yourself well. But remember, this is only the beginning. There are more guardians, and they won't be any easier."
Hadrian walked over to the pedestal where the Arcana Spada rested, the ornate sword glinting in the dim light. He reached out, lifting it carefully, feeling the weight of the ancient relic in his hand. A strange energy coursed through him, a sense of power and history mingling in the blade.
"One down," he said, securing the Arcana Spada. "Three more to go."
Meanwhile, at Uroboros Headquarters
Dante and Lucia prowled through the stark, metallic halls of Arius's headquarters, taking out minor demons with a ruthless efficiency. The air was thick with tension, a sense that they were being watched, hunted even.
"So, this Arius guy… What's his deal?" Dante asked, cocking his gun, Ebony, and keeping his senses alert.
Lucia's expression was grim. "He's a madman. Obsessed with power, with becoming a god. He created me as part of his experiments but deemed me a failure."
Dante gave her a sidelong glance, and his usual smirk softened. "Sounds like a real charmer."
They reached a massive set of doors, intricately carved with demonic symbols. Lucia stopped, her gaze steely. "This is where he keeps his research on the Arcana and Argosax. If we're going to stop him, we need to know what he knows."
Dante grinned. "Let's crack it open, then."
With a powerful kick, Dante forced the doors open, revealing a room filled with artifacts and scrolls detailing demonic lore. They quickly scanned the shelves, gathering information on Arius's plans and the locations of the remaining Arcanas.
Back in the Village
As Hadrian and Sirius returned with the Arcana Spada, Matier greeted them with a nod, her eyes reflecting pride and a hint of sadness.
"You have done well, young Sparda," she said, addressing Hadrian with a respectful title. "The blood of Sparda runs strong in you."
Hadrian felt a surge of pride and responsibility. "Thank you, Matier. We'll stop Arius, and we'll make sure Argosax stays sealed."
Matier placed a hand on his shoulder. "Be cautious. The path you walk is dangerous, and the forces you face are beyond mortal understanding. But I believe in you."
As they prepared to venture out once more, Hadrian couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a mission—it was a legacy, a continuation of Sparda's fight against the darkness. And with his friends and family by his side, he was determined to see it through.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone