บท 15: Demon Warbird (Battle 3/3)
Michael willed both the stored DNA strands in his body to merge. Engulfing his the nucleus in his cells with the impeling force creates by the two, different helixes. Melding the genetic information together and successfully binding the opposing strands. Creating a singular shard which then assimilated with his genome.
It harmonized not only their structure and form, which birthed a superior beast built up from the bird and the demon, but also synchronizing the Balrog's innate chaotic alignment and the Peacock's craving for battle. Synthesizing a completely new instinct altogether.
Michael's desire for destruction flared up like a boundless sea of lava. Desiring to make all his opponents shriek in pain while slowly ripping away their life through an unstable flaming burst.
However, this hybrid was incomplete. Not holding a candle to the creature he could spawn by evolving. As that would directly produce an entirely new specie in it's self.
Anyhow, as the Lesser Balrog and the Teratorn Peacock balanced inside him, Michael used his remaining mass to channel it's form into reality. Completing the final stepts of his ascension.
First, his limbs and body enlargened. Followed by all the phalanges turning into dark thorns, and then having his skin mold itself into red metallic feathers. Glistening with a scorching heat emanating from every strand.
And eventually, his face flatened up. Plastering itself with a grin that imprisoned an endless row of red shrapnel. Tightly locked behind a set of beak-like lips which dawned right beneath two, hollow eyes containing their own orange stars; Who were then again overshadowed by the growing pair of curved horns that rested themselvs on the top.
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[Abilites Activated!]
[Killer instinct LvL 5: Erodes targets will to live and impairing weaker opponents rationality greatly. Works better the closer user is to a target.]
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"AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!"
Michael's new figure finished manifesting. And to celebrate it's birth, he sendt out a foul roar to thunder outwards. This time causing the encompassing, brick walls to partially crumble. Most likely due to the enhanced abyssal blast power that was disgorged from his screech.
However, even while feeling this unrestrained burden trash against his body, Jenkins did not budge. Instead, he immediately covered his body with a purple aura summoned from the hovering orb. This time blocking out it's mind ripping properties before they could send his thoughts into a frenzy.
And as such, he not only remained standing, but was also pepared to share this toast for genocide. Pushing the brittle human shell to it's limit while channeling his innate connection to the force of death.
Michael saw the elf's gaze not waver before his killer instinct and felt a bad promotion crawl on his neck. However, it was quickly expelled by his burstful desire for bloodshed. Granting him the courage to go for a more direct attack.
The toes on his feet, which now resembled the teeth on a carnivorous plant, rasped against the floor bearing his primal elegance. Acting like an exhibiting alter, yet, it was unable to bear the majestic artistry that was his physique. Breaking apart like a rotting plank as he grated against it.
And In the bat of an eye, he was ejected forwards. Shot away like a pressurized pillar of lava discharged from a raging volcano.
-----
[Abilites Activated!]
.
[Berserk LvL 5: Physical Power is quintupled. Energy drained per second is Quintupled.]
-----
As he was launched away like a guided missile, Michael willed his absurd multiplier to activate. Brightening the red feather armour with the wave of heat flowing from his core. Turning him into a burning meteor.
"THiS eNdS NoW!!!"
The organic metal making up his black claws tightened under his will. Balling the spikey fingers up into wrecking ball of ruin that was then pulled through the opposing air current like a plummeting fighter jet.
However, even while seeing this bulky fiend recklessly come at him, no hesitation was shown on Jenkins's face. Only an air confidently that shone back from his amber eyes as he mocked.
"I already know all your tricks, beast."
His voice was serene like a glass cup, yet deep as an ocean. Dancing over to the demon while he fiercely stanced himself. Proceeding to lift his left arm and aim it like a sawed of shotgun pulled from a holster.
And so, Jenkins sinisterly chanted. Leaking out a whisper capable of burn away even the most holy of apostles.
"Dark Magic: Infernal Shrapnel!"
Out from his small hand, a sulfuric ball of fire materialized. Formed from a whisp of darkness released by his delicate fingers, until eventually splitting up into several smaller fragments, before then exploding. Flashing with a dark light as the fire splintered apart like a fired shotgun shell.
And as Michael hauled over his blurry fist, letting the dark afterimages streak towards the small man, he was abrubtly stopped. Halted by the bombardment of flaming shrapnel that hammered into his red feathers. Shattering them apart like glass, and then knocking him back like a football kicked by a horse. Almost instantly making him smash against the opposing brick wall behind. Crushing it apart with his damaged frame and creating steaming crater.
His vision shook violently after he stopped. Making reality temporarily appear like one giant glitch. Dragging and pulling every corner of the world inside and out.
However, even after getting dazed like this, he did not lose himself. Holding onto his consciousness with the help of a stench similar in texture to overcooked seafood, and a searing pain which now replaced part of his demolished ribs.
As for Jenkins, he was currently sliding backwards while grinding his leather shoes into the floor. Steadily keeping his balance while angrily staring at Michael. However, there was something else to him too.
The arm he had used was now dangling from his side. Covered by several bloody ruptures and bone shards which exited through the wounds.
But it was as if he didn't feel any pain. Only giving it an indifferent glance while quickly going through his thoughts.
'This possessed body is not only incompatible with my soul, but also heavily opposing my [Dark Essence].'
His sharp black eyebrows narrowed down. shadowing over the eyes who then turned back towards the war fiend.
'I have three more moves before this shell crumbles apart.'
However, as he grumbled over his remaining chances to win, Michael pulled his way out of the crushed wall. Regaining his footing and locking onto the bleeding enemy.
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[Abilities Activated!]
[Muscle Empowerment LvL 2]
[Berserk LvL 5]
[Sprint LvL 8]
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*Boom!!!*
A wave of power shot through his body, warming up the feathers over his skin and causing every crack to glow bright red.
And with it, he jumped forwards. Shattering the soundbarrier with a single step.
Jenkins was almost unable to see him move through the air explosion. Only managing to perceive a red thunderbolt coming straight for him.
'His aura just spiked! The only attack I can use with this body that is capable of knocking him back isn't guaranteed to work now.'
'I can't risk it!!'
The elf then raised his still functional arm. Shouting out an incantation.
"Dark Magic: Thorn Dome!"
Space began to distort around his injured figure. Slowly taking on a darker color and then coiling around him. Forming into a black glass sphere covered by a spiky outer shell.
The small dome of thorns swiftly manifested itself. However, right as it finished, Michael appeared. Taking his last strides before swinging his streaking dark club into it.
And so, the two masses collided. Engulfing the surroundings in a magnificent low pitched blast and a storm of dust.
Michael slugged the spikey shield with all the stored power he had. Denting his dense fist with the sharp thorns protruding out from it, and cracking the entire structure into glassy bits. Surprisingly managing to even hit the elf despite his scattered power.
However, the impact also snapped his arm. Not only removing it's uses, but also causing him to stumble backwards in pain. Ignoring his foe.
As for Jenkins, the weakend smack sendt him flying back. Gliding through the air as he started to madly cough up blood. Spitting out large patches of red liquid while listening to the loud slushing noises generated from his tenderized insides.
The viscous fluid eventually flowed out from his ears and eyes, falling down from above alongside his body. Dripping against the brick floor while he slid into the alloyed room once more.
But even after suffering such an attack, he was not left in peace. For the frictional from the ground immediately ripped part of the clothing he wore. Causing Jenkins to loudly curse from within the chocking red vomit.
"AAAAHHH SH****TTT!!!!"
His anguish was at this point filling his lungs, making the wrathful scream sound like a drowning swimmer shouting for help.
He tried kicking himself up from the hard floor, wishing to balance himself on his elbow. However, the moment he regained vision over the hallway, his worries multiplied.
For right there, running at him at full speed was Michael. Aimlessly charging towards his fugure while dragging his unmoving arm behind like a kite.
'How...does he still have this much energy?!'
His pupils shrunk and his heart gave an extra beat. Forcing himself to hold up his mashed frame through the use of his barely functioning abdominal muscles.
And as a consequence, more blood flowed from his mouth the moment he started to stretch, as trying to physically move was like wringing an almost full flask of water three times around.
"D....Dark Magic: Marrow Golem!"
Jenkins horsley spat out an incantation from his popped lips, releasing a hot breath of air into the cold room, as to warm it up with his fading determination. Stacking his hopes on this attack.
With the resonating echo of his words, he pushed both his arms out to the side. As if imitating the actions used when trying to grab for something.
And with his move, the flesh of the encompassing beasts Michael had punched apart began to shiver. Then proceeding to rapidly crawl towards him like a swarm of bugs. All amassing together before his broken body and expand. Melding every lump of biomass together until finding a moldable structure. Then beginning to take shape.
Michael, who was charging at full speed, saw Jenkins dissapear behind the enlarging brute of red and black flesh. Staring in awe as he continued to run without stop.
Slowly, the ball of meat began to grow four giant clubs out from within. Two from the bottom which stuck to the ground, and two from the top that limply fell down. Supposedly taking on the shape of a humanoid being.
However, Michael did not give it much care. Only continuing to speed up until he rammed against it with his other hand.
He punched it with all his multipliers running, slamming against the flesh golem without any restraints, and sparking up a mist of charred flesh which temporarily engulfed them.
But the instant he hit was when he felt something wrong. A horrible type of pain never before experienced.
The dark mist eventually dissipated and he saw the cause. First, was the golem. Half of it's body was blown off, and it's fleshy structure was slowly crumbling into bits. Only standing there to block his way it seemed.
As for the second thing, that was his plated claw. It was not broken like his other arm, but his fingers were also melted clean off. Having five sizzling stumps ooze out a smelly dark smoke.
The pain overloaded his nervous system and almost made him pass out. Screaming in agony while glaring the golem down with a visible aura of rage. Turning his starry orange dots bright red.
However, what he was unable to notice was that Jenkins, who crawled over the floor towards the opposing wall, had a grin plastered on his face alongside a nefarious whisper which lingered about.
"Dark Magic: Membrane of Corrosion."
He kept pulling his weight while Michael screamed. Managing to reach the end of the bloody wall where his old body laid smashed against. Leaning over onto the black metal and looking at the roaring bird with a defeated smile.
"To even manage to keep your arm after directly hitting it. What a defence..."
But as he impressively smiled, the bird regained it's footing. Turning back towards the flesh golem with bulging eyes.
'Is he going to hit that lump again...?'
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[Ability Activated!]
[Air manipulation LvL 5]
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However, while Jenkins tried to figure out what Michael would do, his smile lost it's luster. For right then, he saw the tower of flesh get lacarates apart by five malformed wind blades.
And so, the fiendish titan came once more into sight. Intently staring at his resting figure while twisting it's plated lips into a smile.
Their line of sight was equal to an eagle looking down a rabbit. Lifting it's broken talons and preparing to end it.
But just before Michael managed to execute his attack, he heard the broken elf's regretful sigh echo towards him.
'So I was unable to win in the end... What potential indeed.'
Right when the bird was about to end it, a small purple orb appeared in Jenkins's healthy hand. Suddenly brightening like a small sun.
Michael didn't understand what the elf was going to do, but he did not stop. Continuing to lift his arm upwards and calling upon the air to sharpen his melted fingers.
But before he could swing down finish the battle, a loud voice shook his eardrums. Shaking throughout his massive body.
"Self-Destruct sequence engaged!"
Although his mind was affected by the demon and the bird, he clearly understood what was currently happening. Going over to look at blood covered Jenkins who sat there smiling like a mischievous child.
"Countdown beginning..."
"20..."
"19..."
Michael had his eyeballs glued to Jenkins's. Almost making it look like they tried to convey a message thriugh looks alone.
"13..."
"12..."
Once again, the loud voice thundered out from the surrounding walls. Encompassing Michael's demon form in a set of deafening vibrations.
"VeRy GoOd..."
And so, he lowered his raised claw. Letting it limply rest beside his body while letting his chaotic voice break apart the surrounding vibrations.
Jenkins's smile grew more brilliant when he saw Michael's actions. Returning his move with a snap of his fingers and a confident mumble.
"Self-Destruct Sequence halted!"
"Check mate."
Michael only grunted at his remark. Finding his anger flare up, yet he suppressed. Glaring back at the broken figure resting before him.
His transformation did not reverse itself, but from deep within, he willed his multipliers off, and his vocal cords to return. Giving him a more understandable tone.
"Big words for someone so small. I still have enough power left to blow you apart."
Jenkins gave a troubled smile to his answer. Not really wanting to fight any longer.
"I don't doubt it. However, even with those impressive feathers covering your body, I wonder if you could survive the self destruct explosion. After all, I designed it with an expert level dark spell model."
"Not even a beast king, no, even a beast emperor shouldn't come out unscathed. You would definitely get vaporized if my estimates are correct..."
He was going to continue speaking. However, Michael abruptly interrupted him.
"But I won't, will I?"
The elf's smile almost spilled over. On the verge of turning into a laugh, yet being emitted as a chuckle.
"Not as long as you hear me out."
His voice was serene and calm. However, it did not ease Michael in the least who craved he finished up.
"Then start speaking."
Jenkins heard his low bellow shake the powdered bricks covering the room. Not shaking off his gaze from it for even a second.
"You go straight to the point, eh? Well, then I will too."
The grin plastered on his face then retracted itself. Being replaced by a strong glimmer of resolution and determination.
"How about we team up?"
...
Michael's anger began to resurface. Boiling over like a covered pot, and spilling over. Burning away anything it touched.
"And why the hell would I do that?"
His already low pitched voice started to grow darker. Most likely due to the abyssal frequence resurfacing. Unable to understand where this idiotic request came from.
However, Jenkins did not budge even when facing this unstable attitude threatening to blow his body to smithereens. Instead sharpening his voice as to ad more emotion to it.
"Within this world, not too far from here, there is a special tressure i need to acquire."
"That doesn't have anything to do with me."
Jenkins felt his small amount of leverage fall and tried approaching it from a different angle. Looking for ways to have the bird consider his words more seriously.
"Do you know about the lesser balrog you absorbed?"
However, no matter what he did, it seemed to slowly charge up the rising desire for death inside Michael. Unable to make him listen.
"So yOU hAvE ChOsEn DeATh...!!!"
His voice grew more and more distorted. Causing even the parts of the marrow golem spread over the floor to further break apart.
Jenkins clearly felt it too, the fuming hatred which was about to spew out like lava from a volcano.
"Help me, and I will compensate you with something of equal value."
His words were compressed by a bubble of certainty. Sparking Michael's interest slightly as he repeated whay the elf said within his mind before answering.
"I have a hard time beliving that. And besides, why would I work with the man who just said he would skin me alive?"
Noticing that the boy calmed down made Jenkins stop pursuing the matter. Instead going over to a new tactic the bird would better understand.
"Indeed. I say and do many things. However, what are these turn of events? Here I lay, giving an offer only an idiot would pass."
"Even if you crush my bones once again, I will only return. So this proposal only stands for now.
And as you still seem unconvinced, I am not going to beg. Just stand there and watch for a second...."
Michael was about to say something back, however, the moment he opened his mouth, an aura he had never before felt drowned his body.
It was like a tide made of quicksand, sinking his every movement down while taking away any hopes of survival. Coiling around his limbs like freezing chains of ice and holding him in place. Like the physical incarnation of death, threatening to rip his soul out of his body.
And as he looked over at the elf once more, he saw the cause. Out from within it's eyes, a dark energy flowed out. Almost resembling tears created from hot tar. Dripping into hin like a type or acidic glue. It was not an aura someone of this world...no, even an immortal could possibly possess.
Jenkins saw his bewilderment from behind the misty black aura he excluded. And with his gained moment, he proceeded further. Letting his purple orb spin around in his hand and healing part of his body. Helping him stand up to meet the bird's frame properly.
Michael saw him move and was about to cover his claw in a tornado. But just when he was planning on acting, a white sheet of paper appeared before him. Greeting him alongside Jenkins's voice.
"This is a contract used by the guilds found within Farleng. It requires those who are allied to share information, resources and a full agreement before acting on something which may affect all parties.
"Recourses are not something I lack, while information is easily dispensable. You may ask for anything anytime you want.
Also, those who sign it cannot kill each other. So neither can you cut me into bits, and neither can I blow you up."
Jenkins then stopped releasing his aura of death now that he was sure Michael had heard him loud and clear.
As for where that aura came from, it was the physical manifestation of all his knowledge about dark magic. Manifesting in the form of a medium capable of discombobulating anyone who had a low enough magic understanding.
Although he could not wield it properly without a compatible body, it was without a doubt, one of his trump cards.
And as the aura faded, Jenkins took a step forwards. Stretching out his healed hand towards Michael.
"Become my ally and I will help you solve every mystery in this world, eat every beast, collect every piece of information, destroy every planet or plane..."
"And naturally bring your mother back."
He put an extra amount of weight on the last part. Trying to persuade the bird.
And it even seemed work as Michael partially shrunk down, absorbing some of the feathers into his body.
"First, I do not need the help of a fool. Second, I can retrive her on my own.. And third.."
Michael's aura spiked up with a malicious energy. One threatening to end this stupid discussion in mere moments.
"That incompetent wretch is NOT my mother.."
His voice seemed even calmer too, solidifying the satisfaction birthed within the elf.
"That is where you are wrong." Jenkins hurriedly answered him. Surprising Michael.
The demonic bird started further shrinking down as it laughed.
"Haha, and why is that?"
Jenkins shook his head with a regretful smile. A little happy he had made an error earlier.
"What I cast on 'that wretch' was a soul trapping spell. Her soul is out of the planes and realms of this world. Now making it's way over to....somewhere else.."
The air started growing more depressed and heavy.
"Somewhere you cannot reach."
Michael looked over at the elf once again. Finding himself getting both angry, and unable to doubt his words.
But to this, Jenkins extended out his hand. Pointing at the contract as new words started appearing on it.
"I won't hinder you, I won't fight you, and I won't keep you locked up. You are perfectly free to go rampaging through this world and kill everything in sight. I won't stop you. Hell, I'll even help out if worst case were to happen. After all, it's now written in the contract."
"So what do you say?"
Michael took another look at the elf before turning back towards the small sheet of paper. Thinking about it while going over each point written down.
"Never betray me, never lie to me, and if there are any hidden lines on this thing which haven't read, you are to perish on the spot." Michael's voice once more echoed out. Making sure the other guy could hear him.
And to it. Jenkins proudly smiled and clicked his fingers. Making a black text burn over the floating piece of paper.
Michael looked over it with one last glance. Only touching it after he was assured of its legitimacy. And to his abrubt moment of contact, it slowly light up. dematerialising, and then entering into both his and Jenkins's body.
And to his response, Jenkins smiled. Letting a friendly radiate outwards while Michael shrank his body down. Reversing his transformation.
"My full name is Jenkins Kra Bellioll. I heard that old man call you Marss?"
"You may call me Michael."
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lets_get_this_rice
lets_get_this_rice Thanks to all who read so far. If you find anything lacking (so to speak) then please tell me in the comments!
Again, I am new to writing, so I make lots of mistakrs (english isn't my native language either) So, I am sorry if the story so far is not to your liking. Will try to improve along the way!
Edit: For those who didn't notice whole;Vol1 is getting a makeover. There are some things I can't change (as they are essential for the rest of the story) But I promise it will be better!
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