Bab 26: Ethan's unexpected encounter IV
The mysterious figure flung Ethan forcefully, his body hurtling through the air, tumbling uncontrollably until he crashed into a solid tree trunk, the impact jolting him. A grunt escaped his lips as he struggled to regain his bearings, his gaze fixating on the enraged visage of Quin, who stood before him, seething with anger.
"Did you dare orchestrate this madness? Is this your twisted form of vengeance, you despicable bastard?" Quin's voice reverberated with fury, his pacing back and forth punctuated by restless glances, his impatience palpable.
Ethan, his composure unbroken, rose steadily from the ground, dusting off his attire. "I have no idea what you're accusing me of," he calmly retorted, his voice carrying a hint of detachment.
"Quit playing dumb with me!" Quin bellowed, his scythe swinging through the air, generating an arcane surge of energy that slashed across the space, crashing into Ethan's body with brutal force, sending him hurtling backward. Ethan landed with a thud, his back striking the unforgiving earth.
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Ethan struggled to rise once again, his determination unwavering. Though battered, he refused to let the pain deter him from his purpose. His eyes locked onto Quin's enraged countenance, an unspoken resolve shining through.
Quin stood motionless, a swirling vortex of dark energy enveloping his form, as he confronted Ethan with an accusatory glare. "Tell me, what have you done to Gabi?" His voice carried a menacing edge, laced with a mixture of anger and concern.
Ethan, undeterred by the ominous aura surrounding Quin, regained his composure and met his gaze head-on. "Ah, Gabi... It was a simple damage transfer, most likely triggered by the explosion she caused," he explained nonchalantly, his tone betraying a hint of detachment.
Quin's incredulity was palpable, his voice thick with disbelief. "When in the world did you find the time to perform a damage transfer ritual?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Ethan averted his gaze for a moment, his eyes momentarily fixated on the faint glow of the burning fire nearby. Letting out a weary sigh, he reached into his inner pocket, retrieving a small bottle filled with a mysterious liquid.
"Well, it seems quite evident that you're here with the intent to eliminate me... Normally, I wouldn't object," Ethan admitted, his voice tinged with resignation. "However, there is something of very importance that I need to do. I humbly request your patience for just a little longer." His gaze locked with Quin's, the intensity of their eye contact reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"You little…" A wicked laugh erupted from Quin's lips, reverberating through the tense atmosphere. "You truly believe I would grant you such a privilege? My, oh my, you've certainly lost touch with reality," he taunted, his voice dripping with scorn.
"From the very moment our paths crossed, I could sense you would be nothing but a bothersome thorn in my side. Of all the heroes summoned, you alone lacked the ability to wield magic. What are the odds? It became clear to me then... you must be some sort of special character, straight out of the mangas I've read," Quin jeered, his tone laced with a mix of amusement and disdain.
Ethan tilted his head, perplexed by Quin's ramblings. "What are you going on about?" he replied, his voice tinged with detachment.
Quin's expression twisted into a wicked smirk, his eyes gleaming with a sinister resolve. "My point, dear Ethan, is that I have more than enough reasons to end your existence. If I am to become the greatest hero of all time and claim Gabi for myself, you are an obstacle that must be eliminated," he declared, tightening his grip on his formidable scythe. The aura of his magic intensified, swirling menacingly around his body.
A moment of silence hung in the air, pregnant with the weight of their conflicting desires and the impending clash that loomed over them. Quin's intentions became clear, his malevolence veiled behind a facade of ambition.
"Do you not entertain the possibility of a peaceful resolution?" Ethan inquired, his voice tinged with a glimmer of hope.
Quin's response was swift and filled with venom. "Silence! Just meet your demise already!"
But before Quin could propel himself into action, Ethan interjected, his words arresting the impending clash. "See this? This bottle contains the antidote to halt the damage transfer affecting Gabi," he revealed, holding the small vessel aloft.
Quin's sudden halt caught him off guard. "What did you say?" Quin's voice wavered, uncertainty creeping into his tone.
"I had a little help from Anna, I obtained not only the necessary damage transfer herbs but also the antidote," Ethan explained, his voice carrying a mixture of urgency and determination. "This bottle in my hands holds the key to securing Gabi's survival."
A mix of rage and desperation flared within Quin. "You despicable bastard! What are you doing with my priestess?! Do not underestimate my ability to seize that bottle by force!" He bellowed, his magic crackling with heightened intensity.
Ethan's grip on the bottle tightened, his resolve unyielding. "Try me. The bottle is small enough for me to shatter without hesitation," he retorted, his voice unwavering.
Sensing the shifting dynamics of their confrontation, Quin reluctantly relinquished his attacking stance and stood upright. "What do you want in return?" he reluctantly inquired.
"It's simple," Ethan responded with a calm yet resolute tone. "Cease pursuing me temporarily, and once you return to camp, release Aiko from the mind control I have placed upon her."
Quin's voice quivered with astonishment, his thoughts racing. "You... You placed Aiko under your control?" he muttered, realization dawning upon him. "How is it even possible for someone without magic to achieve such a feat? So, that's why she has been defending you all this time".
Ethan remained composed, his voice steady as he proposed a solution. "To cancel the mind control, all you need to do is shatter the mirror in my room. Do we have a deal?" His words carried an air of confidence, as if he had carefully calculated every move.
Quin hesitated for a moment, his expression contorted with a mix of reluctance and determination. After a brief pause, he extended his hand, accepting the terms. "Fine, we have a deal," he grumbled, his voice laden with begrudging acceptance. "Now hand over the antidote."
"Very well," Ethan replied nonchalantly. Without a moment's hesitation, he swiftly turned his gaze to the left and, with a sudden motion, flung the precious vial deep into the woods.
Quin's eyes widened in shock as he let out an exasperated cry, his resolve driving him to give chase. "You conniving bastard!" he exclaimed, his determination pushing him to sprint after the bottle with all his might. "Son of a bitch!".
Hadiah
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