บท 23: I Know My Role As A Villain...
'If only I could use runes, I wouldn't have to work so hard to kill Nicolo, Asuka grumbled internally, his memories as Edward grew more and more hazy with each passing day.
As they moved towards the grand opening, slashing through lava slugs, he couldn't shake the frustration boiling inside him.
The entrance to the linked dungeon was just ahead as they moved forward killing slugs, identical to the one they entered. Nicolo gave a final glance at Asuka before stepping in, making sure he was ready.
Inside, the atmosphere changed completely. The hot air of lava, which was melting their lungs was now replaced by stale and musty one, giving more of an ancient vibe to this place.
Asuka and Nicolo's eyes adjusted to the dimness, revealing a vast circular chamber with a high ceiling. It was like an ancient temple, many intricate carvings were decorated on the walls, depicting scenes from ancient battles.
In the center stood a massive pillar, supporting the room's weight.
Their footsteps echoed off the stone floor as they moved forward, Asuka's gaze roamed over the smaller pillars flanking the central one, each carved with more ancient symbols.
Suddenly, noticing that, a plan formed in Asuka's mind, as he thought a sly grin spread across his face.
"Asuka be alert. I don't sense any monster here, so I think it's okay to move further inside," Nicolo said, his voice low and cautious as he moved towards an ancient-looking gate at the far end.
"Yes, brother," Asuka replied, as his body took into the wind stance. circulating mana towards his leg to get more stability.
Drawing his katana in a swift motion, "Second form, Wind Gale," A diagonal slash of wind stroked the grand pillar in the centre.
*Crack*
Nicolo's eyes widened in shock as he looked up. Cracks spread across the ceiling, and massive chunks of stone began to fall on the ground, crashing down and blocking his way out. He was trapped as the ceiling caved in around him.
Before he could think of anything, his eyes fell on Asuka. In a flash of desperation, Nicolo's eyes glowed black, smoke curling from them. He activated his blessing, teleporting just behind Asuka, who stood shielded by one of the smaller pillars, a look of calm determination on his face.
"What is the meaning of this, Asuka?" Nicolo's voice trembled with fury, his sharp, vengeful eyes locking onto Asuka. The intensity of his gaze even froze Asuka in place.
*Gulp.*
[3]
[Loop is activating. Everything will revert back to 3 seconds back...]
In an instant, the scene rewound. The pillar crashed down again, the ceiling crumbling. At the last moment, Nicolo teleported beside Asuka once more.
"What is the meaning of this, Asuka?" Nicolo asked again, his voice filled with anger. But this time, he was met with silence. No one stood in front of him, only a stone pillar. making him more confused as his eyes roamed around the room for Asuka.
Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his back. "Ahhhh!" Nicolo's scream echoed through the fallen temple. The intense pain even made him, drop to his knees, his vision getting blurred.
Then Asuka stood in front of him, tears streaming down his face.
"No! Get out of my body, you damn ghost," Asuka cried out, collapsing to his knees.
Watching Asuka in a sorry state, Nicolo, using the last of his strength, pulled himself up. He looked at Asuka, his eyes narrowing as he processed the situation. "A ghost? Is that why I felt so cold? Don't worry, Asuka. I won't blame you. This much poison can't kill me anyway," he said, forcing a pained smile.
He reached out, gripping Asuka's shoulder. "For now, let's go back."
Asuka's tears seemed to flow harder as he clung hard to Nicolo. But behind those tears, his mind was working on a sly plan. 'Did my acting really work? I knew this much poison wouldn't be enough Hehe,' Asuka thought, his grip tightening.
Nicolo's expression grew grim as he turned towards the entrance. Seizing the moment, Asuka clenched his jaw and bit down on Nicolo's hand with a poison tablet between his teeth, injecting more poison straight into his bloodstream.
Nicolo gasped, his whole vibrated as the poison paralysed him. He collapsed to the ground, now unable to move.
"You were a good man," Asuka whispered into Nicolo's ear, "So, I won't trouble you anymore."
With a swift, Asuka choked Nicolo's neck ending his life.
Now sitting beside Nicolo's lifeless body, Asuka took a deep breath. He then placed his thumbs on Nicolo's closed eyes and began to channel his mana into them.
[Missing piece detected]
[Blessing Master's Insight is evolving...]
[10%....11%..]
Asuka stood up, a grin spreading across his face. He then turned towards the linked entrance, ready to leave. Suddenly, he paused. "Oh, wait. I need to make it look like the building collapsed on us and Nicolo somehow saved me," he muttered to himself.
With a quick motion, he tore his clothes, giving himself a more beat-up appearance. But before he could continue, he sensed a sudden danger.
His instincts kicked in just in time as he fell back, narrowly dodging a lethal strike aimed at his chest. Despite his quick reaction, a deep cut opened across his torso, causing him to fall to his knees. Blood poured from the wound and even from his mouth.
Asuka looked up, his vision blurring. Standing before him was Sasha, tears streaming down her face. "Noooooo!" she screamed, her voice filled with anguish.
Her eyes then locked onto Asuka, Frustration, regret, sorrow, many emotions were boiling inside her at the same time. "This is what you get for being too kind, Nicolo," she muttered, her voice trembling with rage. "If only you had let me kill him before..."
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{A/N}
Did you know?: Nicolo and Aang have known each other since childhood. They grew up together in the same orphanage, which is why Aang calls him "brother." They share a deep bond, almost like real brothers.
...
Thanks for reading, everyone! Please leave a comment.
Thanks again for the power stones!
And I'm still waiting for my first Golden Ticket, so please bless me with one!
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