Davi gasped and spat out a mouthful of blood as the katana rammed through his chest. The one-armed Himvel cocked his head and stared at the raven-haired Knight.
"How odd," Himvel began. "That Licht-Fulk relic you had, it seems whoever gave it to you programmed it to teleport soul weapons away. That was actually smart. After all, elves are known for using soul weapons, as they, and they alone, are able to shape the world within them into a weapon that they could store within their soul. Sadly for you, I'm not using a soul weapon, so it seems only yours was targeted."
"D-Damn it." Davi growled and winced as the blade twisted in his chest. "You've got to be kidding me. They still count as soul weapons even after the elf was sealed inside."
"Oh? You know about that? Even more interesting." Himvel pulled the sword out of Davi's chest and kicked the knight as hard as he could, sending Davi tumbling back. "Who told you about that Rite? The Rite of Sealment is something the Licht-Fulk don't even know about."
"Sorry, but you're wrong." Davi wiped the blade away from his chin and stood back up on wobbling feet. "One does know about it. High."
"High?" Himvel clicked his tongue and sighed. "Right, I guess I should have known. I think there's a mistake. High is not a Licht-Fulk."
"He's not?"
"No. He's not. Also, I appear to have been mistaken. Earlier, I told you that your trick was clever, as it sought to target the soul weapon you assumed I had, yet now I must tell you the truth. The target of that chalk was never my false soul weapon; it was always the blade you had, for High would know without a shadow of a doubt that I lack a soul weapon. Do you understand what I am trying to tell you?"
"You're wrong," Davi snarled.
"I am not." Himvel shook his head. "The one known as High has betrayed you."
"I don't believe you."
"You don't have to." Himvel raised his sword. "Row Atomic Slash." The air shimmered, and Davi stumbled back as his armor, along with his chest, was split open. "Row Atomic Slash. Row Atomic Slash. Row Atomic Slash." Again and again, the slashes fired, ripping through the ebony armor and splitting the knight's flesh. Davi's blood spilled in a sea of red, and he gasped, dropping to a knee.
"No." Davi gritted his teeth and balled his hands into a fist. "I'm not done yet!" Suddenly, without warning, a second aura erupted out of his flesh! It twisted around him, forming a barrier of white lightning that zapped at the air, mixing with his blue fire.
"Oh!" Himvel sounded excited and perked up. "Now what in Haru's name is that? Two auras? That doesn't make any sense. Amazing."
It was possible for a mage's aura to change. Sometimes, if they only drew a bit of mana into themselves, they'd gain a faint white aura, but once they powered up, it would gain its usual shape and color. If a mage evolved their core or type of magic, it was also possible for the aura to change color again, or in cases of using a core mask, the aura would always turn into a black flame-like state; however, in every single one of those cases, the mage still only had one active aura at once.
The aura that surrounded a mage was determined by their core. Mages with multiple core types still only had one aura, as while their core might be a combination of other types, it was still one big core. Davi possessed Qi-Lines, a Mask Core, and a Circuit Core, and those three together formed his true core, which normally would produce a purple-like color; however, due to the interference that was within his inner world, or soul world, his color was currently blue.
The question must then be asked, how in Haru's name did he gain a second aura, and why was it pure white and shaped like lightning?
This was the second thing he had created alongside Shadow Scar.
When he had been trapped in the world of inner paths, Olivia had used her Polymorph state on him, and he had transformed into a version of himself that could have been. He was nowhere near that level of strength, and he likely never would be, for that version of him was truly perfect, but he did mimic one thing that version of him did. During the fight with the Knight chained to the throne, the other him had gathered a massive amount of Self Spheres together and shaped them into a mana copy. That version of him then absorbed that copy, merging with it and gaining a massive power-up.
He still lacked the control over the Self Spheres that other him did, but thinking on it, couldn't he still figure out how to absorb them? And so, this is what led to him sealing Old Bird's Flapping Wings and Way of Self Iron.
Before, in order to create a Self Sphere, he had to use Old Bird's Flapping Wings and draw in a massive amount of chaotic mana, then, at the same time, grab it with Way of Self Iron and shape it into the form of a sphere, which he could then produce from his body. This was always an issue, however, as Old Bird's Flapping Wings strained the body and weakened it with rapid use.
That was why he created the Vow and sealed the skills away. By no longer being able to use Old Bird's Flapping Wings to restore his Core and no longer being able to use Way of Self Iron to redirect kinetic energy, he gained a far stronger power. Way of Self Iron would now draw in pain and convert that into chaotic mana. This was all forms of pain, including emotional, mental, and physical. It would grab the swirling mass of mana that was unstable and chaotic, and then, with Old Bird's Flapping Wings, instead of forcing it into the core, it would shape and mold it, and slowly but surely, within the inner world and within his very soul, Davi did something that should have been impossible.
He created a completely different core within his body. Not a core type, not a piece to a core, but a second, fully functional core. It lacked a mana type, just like Qi lines, and it also lacked all forms of Yin-Yang energy. By all accounts, it should have been useless, yet because of the nature of chaotic mana, when he drew upon it and created his orbs, it would collapse space-time and cause an implosion.
This was something that had never been seen before, because despite how much Davi was using it, it truly wasn't that special. At least not to most. The ability to shape chaotic mana was something almost no one else could do, so creating a second core of chaotic mana was never attempted, and those who did would run into a new issue, which was that it ran out of energy way too fast.
Indeed, Davi had the same issue. When he tapped into the full power of his new core, it would form that white aura around him. When a mage activates their aura, they get a boost in all stats and powers, and the same was true for his second aura. He was basically doubling everything about him; however, doing this would cause the chaotic mana to run out, and it would be drained dry, so it couldn't be maintained for very long.
So, Davi put another Vow on it!
This Vow caused the chaotic mana to become even more unstable, which would in turn harm his body. The aura would heat and cook him alive, mildly bruising his skin and bones and tearing his muscles the longer he kept it active. This in turn meant he was in pain when the white aura was on, which in turn meant the previous Vow of turning pain into mana would kick in and fuel the new core, which would keep the white form active, which would cause him to be in pain, which would add to the total amount of mana the core had, which would keep the white form active.
That's right.
Davi created a perpetual motion machine out of his own body.
Because of course he did.
He's Davi Hawker.
Davi balled his hand into a fist, blue and white mana swirling around his hand. "I'll beat you." He declared.
"I doubt it."
"Why don't I prove it?"
"Fine, but before we duel, I must ask you something."
"Yeah? What is it?" Davi demanded.
Himvel looked back at the golems. The ones he had summoned. All of them had been hit by his Shadow Scar, and many were shattered, yet none were dead. They had all been broken in ways that allowed them to live, their cores remaining undamaged. They were missing arms or legs or chunks of their chest, but they were all alive and could be fixed.
"Why did you not kill them?" Himvel questioned. "Surely you have the power to do so."
Davi frowned as he heard the question. "Yeah, I guess I could have killed them."
"So, then why did you not?"
"Because of Olem."
"Olem?" Himvel froze.
"Yeah. He's part of my guild." Davi sighed. "I guess I never thought about golems and if they could think or feel before, but he can. Maybe it's weird since I've killed monsters that can talk, but for some reason, I froze up. I thought it would be best to leave them alive. It was just my choice. I'd like to not kill them if I can."
Himvel's shoulders sagged slightly, and he looked a little bummed at the answer. "I see. You truly are a weirdo."
"Well, fuck you too! We're fighting now, asshole." Davi declared.
"Then bring it." Himvel raised his sword, and the two were about to charge, but stopped when a golden orb rammed into the ground.
"Stop!" Susie appeared on the mountainside above them, making her way toward them. "The fight's over."
"What do you mean?" Davi turned to her.
"It's Max." Susie winced. "I-I think he might be dying."
***
"And you still haven't been able to find her?"
Sunny bowed his head, feeling nothing but shame. "I'm sorry, your highness. I've searched everywhere, but I still haven't been able to find Princess Ever. She isn't in any of her usual spots."
The queen frowned, and her knuckles turned white as she gripped the arms of her chair. "I see. So my daughter is still doing one of her stunts. I thought I taught her better."
"Should I keep looking?" Sunny bowed further to the ground. "I'm sure I can find her."
"No need." The queen sighed. "She'll turn up eventually. She's nothing more than an attention-seeking brat, wanting people to listen to her and her silly ideas." The queen clicked her tongue and shook her head.
"What shall we do then?"
"For now, we'll do nothing." The queen hummed. "My daughter is bound to turn up at some point. Let's just wait and see. After all, the second day of games is soon to end, and we're without any hiccups. Enjoy the festival."
Besides, she had a feeling her daughter was in the underworld, though that thought would stay close to her chest. Her eyes slowly landed on a figure in the crowd. One who had a scar and raven black hair.
"Sunny,"
"Yes?"
"Please go down and speak with Captain Laerton and Captain Myth. Tell them I wish to see them in my castle once these games end."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Down below, the second game for the day came to an end. Phoenix Flight and Pantheon both stood on their own sides before the arena. The first game had been tag-team wrestling. The players for Phoenix Flight were Mama Herta and Greenie. Sadly, Greenie was nothing more than a wild animal, and so he ended up basically throwing the match by jumping out of the arena. Mama Herta then had to go and wrestle both Martel and Sky, who made quick work of her.
Phoenix Flight lost, yet again.
The second game had been golf. It was rather simple, since all they had to do was play better than Pantheon, and it had no weird rules either. Sadly, Gormay was selected for this task, and his fat, stubby, little fingers were unable to hold the club properly. Ash had been selected as his opponent, and even without magic, the wind mage was able to score a hole in one with every swipe of his club.
Phoenix Flight lost that round as well.
"Things aren't looking too good," Olivia said sadly.
"Dang, we suck!" Ken's eyes were wide. "Seriously? We can't even win one match?"
"Let me in!" Falco pleaded. "I just know I'll win the one I play in!"
"The more you ask for it, the more the universe won't let you play," Sieg said flatly. "Though I do think I wouldn't mind trying them out. What do you think, Davi? Davi? Yo? You there."
Off to the side, Davi and Susie both stood separated from the others. The raven-haired man had his arms folded and was staring not at the arena but instead up toward the sun above. "How odd. It keeps calling me its mother. I wonder what could be in there."
"You okay? You already said it did that?" Ken gave the man an odd look. Ever since he and Susie had returned from their talk with Max and Sera, the two had been very odd.
"You know how Davi is." Susie giggled and wrapped her arms around the man's neck. "Always a little goofball."
"Don't hold him so much." Olivia glanced away and huffed. "Geez, those two should get a room."
"Yeah!" Ken agreed. "We should make out to make them jealous!"
"Yeah! What?"
"Nothing."
Olivia glanced back at Davi. What was going on with him? He seemed so different. She wasn't the only one who noticed either. The rest of the guild kept giving him odd looks, yet no one could tell what was off about him. If she didn't know any better, she'd assume someone replaced him, but that made no sense. After all, Laerton was able to see through most illusions; it was how she knew Adam was faking his appearance, so if this Davi was a fake, then Laerton should have been able to see through it, yet nothing.
As it turned out, their group wasn't the only one that had something weird going on. Pantheon kept glancing at Max and Sera, who were equally as separated and touchy as Davi and Susie were.
What did they talk about last night, and why did they all come back so differently? Olivia decided she didn't like it. She had a sneaking suspicion that it could have been caused by the royal family. They seemed shady, especially now, and she noticed the princess wasn't present anymore. She'd have to look into it more when she got a chance.
"Alright, alright, alright!" Up in the sky, Ho began to speak again. "It is really not looking good for the lovely folks of Phoenix Flight! I wonder if they'll be able to come back and secure a win. Only one way to find out! It's time for the third game to begin! Spin that wheel!"
Over on the black screen, it lit up and began to flash through various names.
"Come on, come on, come on!" Falco called out. "Pick me, pick me, pick me! I want to play!"
The screen landed on his name-
Just kidding, it switched to Mary at the last second.
"No!"
"Damn it." Olivia stomped her foot down. "This is the third game I have had to play, what the hell! Can Falco take over for me?"
"Please!" Falco begged.
"It doesn't work that way." Ragna shook his head. "Sorry, but you'll have to go again, young Olivia."
"Yeah, yeah." Olivia sighed and walked up the steps, heading to the top. "Who's going to kick my ass this time?"
This game, as it turned out, was one of the ones that had multiple people be selected as it kept listing out names. Olem was selected as the second player, and then finally, Ken.
"No!" Falco's eyes widened when he saw the last name. "You picked the wrong fire mage! Me! Me! Pick me!"
Ken elbowed the mutant and huffed. "Quiet, you. It knows what it is doing. Clearly, I am the superior flame mage."
"No!"
"Yes!" Ken went to smack him again but was stopped when Olem picked her up and began to carry her to the arena, up where Olivia was.
"Alright!" Olivia high-fived Ken when the red-haired girl reached the top of the arena. "Not only do I get to team up with Olem again, we get to do some of our combos."
"This is the one we win," Ken declared. "I refuse to lose!"
"I'm glad you two have hope," Olem snorted. "Let us hope for a good game."
The screen shifted to Pantheon, and the three members that were chosen were Whisper, Cinder, and Battery.
"Never mind, we lost," Olem hummed.
"What! Come on!" Ken shook her head and stomped her foot down. "Don't throw the towel in so soon! We can beat them, right, Liv!"
"Well…"
"Olivia!"
"Those three are really strong," Olivia whined. "They're all at Ragna's level at least, and sorry, but none of us are beating Ragna, much less three of him."
Ken sneered and folded her arms. "Nah, I'd win."
"That's the spirit." Battery gave her a thumbs up when he and his two teammates reached the top of the arena. "It's good to see you again, Yuan. Last time we spoke was when we were in the Arcane Knight's exam."
"Yeah, and I still haven't forgiven you for attacking Davi," Ken said coldly. "I'm glad we're on opposing teams, because I seriously want to beat your ass now."
Battery just smiled at her, more amused than anything else. "You can certainly try." He placed a hand on one of the two swords that hung from his belt. "Show me everything you got."
"N-Now, now!" Ho gave a nervous chuckle and floated down from the air. "Please do remember that not all the games are about fighting one another! In fact, let's see what game we'll be playing!"
The black screen buzzed once more and began to flip through a series of symbols. When it stopped, the image of a brain appeared, followed by letters that formed beneath it.
'Unlimited Blade Works.'
The pillars all lit up with a bright blue glow, and the arena started to shift and change. The illusion started up instantly, and Olivia felt the mana swirl around her. Her outfit changed, being replaced with long black pants, a white tunic shirt, and an apron. Gloves now covered her hands, and a hammer materialized before her, dropping down, which she hastily caught.
Ken and Olem were also dressed differently, wearing the same outfit as she was now in, and they had their own hammers.
The arena faded and was replaced with a desert-like field. It stretched on seemingly forever, and laid out before them all were hundreds of swords—no. Thousands. Some were katans, some were longswords, some were massive, and others were short. A couple of the blades looked hastily put together, and others were beautiful and flawless, looking as if a master had created them.
The other thing Olivia noticed was what appeared behind her. It was a forge. A plot of land, made of stone, where a heavy anvil resided. There was a well of intense molten metal; a table of ingots and leather; as well as leather-working stations, sharpening wheels, and other such things.
On the other side of the field, where Battery's team was, there was a second forge, and just as many swords scattered about.
"W-What is this place?" Ken looked around in confusion at the wasteland of blades.
As if on cue, the rules were jammed into their head, Ho's voice booming around their skull.
'Welcome to Unlimited Blade Works! Before you is a field of unlimited blades, and you need to work on them! Get it? That's where the name comes from! And nothing else! This totally isn't a poorly disguised reference!'
"Okay?"
'Allow me to explain the rules! In this game, combat is absolutely forbidden! Neither team can harm the other in any physical way, nor can they deliberately try to sabotage the other! The use of magic and mana is also completely forbidden. No spells or mana techniques are allowed to be used!'
"Oh come on!" Ken looked extremely annoyed now. "Where's the fun in that? Let me beat the shit out of Battery!"
'The goal of this game is simple! Each sword that you see has a flaw. Something is wrong with it. You gain a point by discovering the flaw and fixing it. The more obvious the flaw, the fewer points. The more hidden the flaw, the more points you earn. In order to win, you must gather more points than the enemy team. You have five minutes to think of a strategy. After that time, the game will begin, at which point you will have one hour to gain as many points as you can! Good luck!'
The voice died down, and the five-minute countdown started. "We have to smith these swords back to form?" Olivia questioned. "Like iron out their flaws and sharpen them? I don't know how to do that. Do you?"
"I'm a fucking princess back home." Ken flipped her hair. "I don't do peasant shit."
"So you don't know how…"
"I do not."
"Don't sound smug about that!" Olivia sighed and rubbed the side of her head. "I wish Davi or Sieg were here. They said something about their dad being a blacksmith. I bet they'd know something."
"Relax."
"Huh?" She glanced back up at Olem. "Olem, do you know how to fix a sword?"
"I do." Olem nodded. "We have this one in the bag." Olem pointed a thumb back at himself. "I don't mean to brag, but when it comes to smithing, the only rival I know is my brother Bolem. My honor as a golem will not allow me to lose this match. We absolutely must win."
Ken gave a smirk and nodded her head. She casually swung her hammer around and let out a laugh. "Of course we're going to win! Because I said we would! Let's kick their ass, metaphorically of course!"
"Yeah!" Olivia cheered. "Let's win!"