I could see how their |Skills| activated, and how they function. The problem was how I can use it on myself. You see, each |Skill| may have the same function, but they are always tweaked to match the person using it. Without the tweaks it would be likely that the caster will be injured or the |Skill| itself would fail. Even so, I stole it.
"You have acquired the |Skill| |Raging Tide|." [Spirit Guide]
It'll take a lot longer to take other skills, but this one was simple enough with a glance.
"|Power Boost| |Lightness| |Cloud Cover|." [Orthos]
Buffing himself, Orthos filled the arena with mist.
("I can't see!") [Solace]
It felt like I was back in the Misty Forest. However, my experience there made my eyes adjust faster than I expected.
("There he is!") [Solace]
I saw Orthos circling Fina, trying to gauge how far she can see. From what I could tell, Fina was practically blind in here.
("I have to step in!") [Solace]
Thinking the mist would also stop Orthos' spirit from noticing me, I tried to intercept. Unfortunately, my path was immediately blocked again.
("I don't have time for this! |Doppelganger|!") [Solace]
Summoning Doppel, I had him tackle the |Greater Spirit| as I sped past them.
("|Blazing Fist|!") [Solace]
Setting my hand on fire, I ambushed Othros. I expected to land a clean hit, yet Orthos was able to block it at the last moment.
"The spirit?! How did you get past Tribula?!" [Orthos]
The force behind my strike felt incomparably weaker to when I was human form. I quickly realized two things. One, Orthos was able to detect me because of the light emitting from my flames. So, that was on me. Two, the mass and structure of my human from when performing a |Skill| enhances its power. Three, with the mist covering the arena, there was no reason to maintain spirit form.
("|Mimic|.) [Solace]
As I returned to human form, Orthos' eyes widened.
"You're-!" [Orthos]
"|Thunderbolt Lance|." [Solace]
I kept my voice low in order to not get caught. I conjured my spear and thrust lightning quick, forcing Orthos to evade and deflect without a moment's rest.
"How are you here?! You were the spirit the whole-" [Orthos]
I couldn't let him speak any further. Orthos had a loud voice, and I couldn't afford to let my secret out at the moment.
"|Liquid Cannon|." [Solace]
Firing off a ball of water, I rushed in behind it.
"You fool! Water is my domain!" [Orthos]
Spinning his axe, Orthos cut the water ball.
"|Raging Tide|!" [Orthos]
The ball of water clung to his axe head, forcibly absorbed into a tidal wave accompanying the weapon. Orthos rotated his body towards me, placing all the momentum and force into a single strike.
"|Revolving Shell Arts|." [Solace]
Using the spear as a catalyst, I redirected Orthos' slash to my side.
"|Tide Reaver Arts: Stolen Cascade||." [Solace]
Rotating as Orthos had, I stole the water off his axe and applied it to mine before attacking.
"Wait that's my-!" [Orthos]
"|Raging Tide|." [Solace]
Casting Orthos' |Skill|, I forced Orthos to take the strike with his arm.
"|Endure|!" [Orthos]
I cut deep, all the way until I struck bone. It would have gone further if not for the fact my spear snapped under the pressure halfway.
"Tsk." [Solace]
I understood how the skill worked. The water added momentum and multiplied power accumulated in the weapon. A nice |Skill| to have if I do say so myself. If only my spear was more durable.
"I'll pay you back for that! |Cutting Edge|!" [Orthos]
With one hand holding the axe, Orthos somehow managed to swing it with great ferocity and dexterity.
It was fine with the spear since it wasn't a part of my body, but if I were to use |Revolving Shell Arts| on this, my hands would suffer. So, I nimbly evaded while firing off shots of |Liquid Bullets| when there was an opening.
"|Intimidate|!" [Orthos]
I could see some force try to press itself on me, yet I felt nothing. I could only assume Orthos was just throwing the |Skill| out there to somehow slow me down.
"Alert: The |Barbarian| Orthos has attempted to use the |Skill| |Intimidate| on you. |Intimidate| has been nullified by |Mental Fortitude|." [Spirit Guide]
Well that was an unlucky match up. Seeing as how I didn't falter for even a second, Orthos tried something else.
|Telekinesis|!" [Orthos]
I felt something tug at my foot, causing me to slip for a split second. My eyes watched the axe as I staggered, but something else hit my face.
"Got you!" [Orthos]
I was suddenly full of confusion because Orthos had decided on grabbing my face with his injured arm.
("What is he doing?!") [Solace]
At this angle, it's not like he can cut me with his axe without having to release me. Plus, I'd just dodge when he does.
"|Trap Bubble|." [Orthos]
My vision blurred as I felt a cold liquid envelop my head. Within an instant, Orthos had created a sphere of water stuck to me in an attempt to drown me.
"Victory is mine! You will die a horrible death!" [Orthos]
Distracted by his belief in victory, I grabbed the remaining spearhead in Orthos' arm. With a violent twist and pull, I ripped off Orthos' arm.
"AGH!!!" [Orthos]
He howled in pain, anger more than visible to the naked eye. I still had the spearhead in hand, so I rushed in to use it like a dagger.
"IS THIS YOUR LAST STRUGGLE?!" [Orthos]
With |Cutting Edge| still active, Orthos tried to cut me down before I got too close. Even so, I could see the slight openings made from the new injury. The pain clouded his mind, and the loss of weight on one side caused an imbalance, making it easier for me to get closer. I stepped into incredibly close range to Orthos, slashing away at his torso, legs, and his arm as he swung. I could see him trying to create distance, so I stuck to him like glue.
("I can't let him escape.") [Solace]
I kept an appropriate distance. Once he steps back, I step forward. When he steps forward, I step back. I cut into him, tough as his skin may be, repeated cuts in the same spot opens the wound.
"HOW?! HOW HAVE YOU NOT DROWNED YET?!" [Orthos]
Orthos swung desperately, blood splattering as he tried to catch me. I distanced myself, judging that it would be difficult to cause any more harm in his state. Orthos breathed heavily, staring at me with great intensity as he paused his attack.
"I've had… ENOUGH!!!" [Orthos]
As I watched Orthos raise his axe, I was left puzzled.
("I'm too far for him to hit me from there. What is he doing?") [Solace]
It was so sudden, like I got a premonition. I immediately sense a great pressure form at Orthos' axehead.
("|Dispel Mimic|!") [Solace]
"|Crushing Blow|!" [Orthos]
Returning to spirit form a split second before Orthos struck the ground, I found that the force behind the axe blew away all the mist.
"Would you look at that! Our champion has come out- huh? He's injured!" [Payne]
Blood dripping from all parts of his body, Orthos looked up towards the noble's seating.
"Lord of Metus! What is the meaning of this?!" [Orthos]
The Lord raised his brow.
"Why are you addressing me?" [Lord of Metus]
The Lord's voice boomed without the raising of his voice. Calm, collected, and domineering.
"I was promised a duel with Finea Kane! Why am I fighting Alt the Cruel Sinner as well?!" [Orthos]
A collective gasp resounded across the colosseum.
"Do you take me for a fool, Orthos? Look around you. Alt the Cruel Sinner is nowhere to be seen." [Lord of Metus]
Orthos immediately pointed at me.
"The spirit! It turned into Alt the Cruel Sinner!" [Orthos]
There was a moment of silence.
"It is odd that there are two spirits." [Lord of Metus]
I saw his gaze pass over me and Doppel.
("I forgot to send Doppel back!") [Solace]
I thought it was over.
"However, it's likely that the spirit just has a |Unique Skill| to duplicate itself. There is no evidence of Alt the Cruel Sinner being here." [Lord of Metus]
"Lord! Do you believe that Finea Kane is capable of inflicting such injuries on me?! Take a good look and tell me if that's possible!" [Orthos]
The lord silently scanned the arena and scratched his chin.
"Perhaps she used the spear?" [Lord of Metus]
He pointed at my broken spear on the ground.
"With her thin arms?! Impossible! She only managed to harm me with high level magic earlier!" [Orthos]
Murmurs circulated throughout the colosseum.
"...If that is what you say, then I will give you the benefit of the doubt." [Lord of Metus]
The lord rose from his seat and raised his voice.
"If you are there, Alt the Cruel Sinner, make yourself known and the trial will no longer be a burden for Finea Kane! All her crimes will be voided! This, I swear by the gods!" [Lord of Metus]
("He can't be serious…") [Solace]
It was then that a golden ray of light beamed down on the lord for a moment, signifying that it was an oath he cannot break.
("...Shit.") [Solace]
Seeing that, there was no reason to refuse.
("|Mimic|.") [Solace]