TW: Violence,  themes,  gore

The metalic taste of blood registered on Anthony's mouth - It was also salty just like what he's feeling right now - forced to take the mocking laughter of Trace,  the enemy general while desperately trying to escape his adversary's sharp blades.  Anthony's cold sweat was all over him; it already began to stung his eyes - blurring the advancing image of Trace as twin swords heavily danced with Anthony's shears.  He gripped his shears tighter; the metal cools against his clammy palms.

”Pathetic! “ Trace smirked,  one of his swords pushed Anthony's blade.  They were seeing each other eye to eye.  ”You looked like a cornered rat! Stop resisting! “  The twin sword glimmered in the moonlight as relentless strikes were thrown against Anthony's already fragile defense.

Anthony's breath hitched.  His wounded side ache; blood wetting the fabric of his clothes.  His brows furrowed,  a soft groan escaped his lips.  Yet he managed to release a determined cry,  ”Shut up! ”

Despite the exhaustion of his muscles and the call of his pain - Anthony bathed with stubborn defiance - it was evident on his golden orbs, refusing to throw away his will because of adversity.  He couldn't afford to give up.  His companions trusted him and he wouldn't let Trace have the satisfaction he was craving from him.

Gritting his teeth,  Anthony lunged forward;  discharging a set of adrenaline filled blows - snapping against Trace's whirling blades.  The clang of metal resonated in the tense air.  But no matter how fast Anthony's strikes were - it was proved as worthless against Trace's might - parrying each of Anthony's clumsy swipes with ease. 

“Give it up,  kid! ” Trace bellowed.  His blade successfully wounded Anthony's arm.  Anthony recoiled in pain leaving a satisfied sneer etched on Trace's lips.

”Even your healer friend couldn't fix that! Either way,  you'll die in my hands,  halfling! ” Trace boasted;  waiting to see Anthony's expression of despair he's expecting to witness yet he never received any of it - Anthony's eyes were painted with a heavy glint of determination.

Anthony's breathing was ragged,  trying his best not to succumb with the pain that's invading his system.  But his gaze remained unwavering; fixed directly on his enemy.  His hands were shaking but his shears were raised in a defensive stance. 

As if he's ready to throw his life on the line.

The resolve that Anthony holds unsettled Trace.  His jaw clenched watching the young man pitifully struggle.  He shook his head in disbelief,  he couldn't understand.  ”You're weak.  You should be begging for your life right now.  ” His tone felt like he's trying to make sense.  He wanted to see what his victims usually do but this man... is different.

The next thing Anthony does infuriates him more.  There's a hint of acceptance somewhere written on his face.  ”I know I am weak.  But I am fighting with a resolve I clearly remember with the right methods and if that will kill me... atleast I'd die at peace.  “ A faint serene smile carved on his lips but for Trace - it seems teasing.  ”Are you? ” Anthony raised a question,  his eyes glanced at Trace's and for some reason unknown to him;  he instinctively tried to avoid it.

Trace knows what he's fighting for - to obliterate the nymphs for revenge. But when the moment his master took him under his wings - those memories started to leave him but not his unsated fury bottled in his heart. That no matter how much more of their blood paints on his hands... it's not nearly enough - so,  he craved for more. But everytime he did it - the blurry face of a woman crying felt like a recurring hallucination and every time she's there - his heart heavily ache - it felt like he's being ripped apart and if his eyes wished for him to shed tears; it became incapable as if it already exhausted everything it could ever weep  He tried to wipe her memories down but she's like a ghost that haunts him and when he raised it on his master he told him that maybe that woman was the reason he's here and she's urging him to fight for her sake...he believed him.

His heart soured with envy - a feeling foreign to him and he didn't dare to confront. He hated it... seeing his enemy with no way of advantage still had a way to dominate him.  It was unwelcoming and confusing.  Maybe because he's used to nymphs being weak against him but deep in his heart - he knew there's something more.  But it's easier to be angry than to oppose your own shadows.

A bubble of anger simmered inside of him and it's all targeting to Anthony.  ”Prepare yourself! ” Malevolent aura cackled around him;  a black shadow materialized around his foot until two detestable beings sprang forth - it was two heads with a thick scale - their eyes were read and their mouth with full set of razor sharp teeth;  oozing saliva dripped to the floor with an acidic hiss.

All Anthony could do was to silently pray for the best - a miraculous streak of his own powers... perhaps.

He stopped believing in fantasy and miracles before - but this time he'll clung to it - desperately.

-

On the other side of the battlefield - Aegir was feeling frustrated.  His knuckles were getting painful inside his gauntlets. Each passing seconds he's trying to land a finishing blow to the skull-like creature Trace summoned.

”Damn it! ” he cursed under his breath as he bombarded another combo of punches and hits with his claws.

And just like before;  he will successfully drill a hole over the creature but immediately;  with a faint purple glow - it will knit itself together again - mouth releasing a ferocious growl.

He already tried to overwrite the magic present on the creature but to no avail.  ”This has to stop! I don't have the time to play with you further! " The furrows between his brows deepened,  his usual positive orbs now resembled a feral cat - iris in a slit glint.

He was getting restless;  apart from the exhaustion of his muscles and energy - he was anxious about his master Anthony.  He couldn't take a glance on what's happening to him because the creature was keeping him busy. 

”What to do? ” he whispered to himself.  In light with his anguish;  Aegir's eyes darted over the intricate carvings on his gauntlets - the claws that were resting on it were gleaming with majestic sharpness.  A silent plea formed on his lips;  he really needed to turn the tables now and assist his master right away.

An idea popped into his mind - detachable claws that resembled the power of a boomerang just like Anthony's favorite character from an anime he's watching.  Aegir's usual skills were controlling the being themselves and overwriting their binds with their original contractor but this time he wants to govern not the entity themselves but the energy - the essence Trace put in this creature for him to stop these from reviving.

”Can I really do it? " Aegir asked himself,  there's a hint of doubt... and fear laced on his voice. His mana is near on its brink;  creating another technique is a risky gamble that requires an ample amount of mana.

He's been conserving all of his nine lives through his lifetime but this time - it doesn't feel wrong to take a chance. It's for Anthony and nothing is a waste for him. 

He's terrified but he needs to do this!

”Alright. " He braced himself; putting his fist forward, ready to go another round with his enemy who were also gearing up to attack him.

Aegir's orbs filled with concentration.  A surge of light pink mana - shimmering and highly potent encased both of his hands.  It was swaying slowly like a calm wind.  In his mind's eye,  he imagines it flowing freely throughout his gauntlets;  creeping seamlessly around the sharp claws to its tips.  Enabling them to detach and reattach themselves with the gauntlets. With a mental push,  he shaped them to be an extension of his mana-infused form.

His eyes were filled with wonder as he saw it all unfold - the claws filled with pink mana were levitating in the air and the mana that keeps them together is tied to his weapon.  As his new technique unmasked itself;  Aegir also couldn't help but to feel the sudden heaviness hit his body.  His eyelids were drooping.  ”No! ” He yelled, using his sheer will to remain standing.

He couldn't afford to stop. Not now.

With narrow eyes and bleeding nose,  his gaze was fixed to his enemy.  He envisioned its flow of energy inside its body.  ”I-I need to keep it together so it won't regenerate.  ” His vision was getting hazy yet he still tried to picture his own mana to change its properties to something with thick viscosity and akin to that of acid.

He wants to keep them together and destroy them in one go.

Aegir started to cough blood yet he dared to raise his fist to prepare delivering his attack to the enemy who was now making its way towards him.  ”Claws of Annihilation! ” Aegir cried;  commanding his detached claws imbued with his mana to strike his opponent.

The claws moved with a blindingly fast strike.  Its razor sharp blade sliced through the skull-creature with terrifying ease;  severing its body into tiny bits.  The creature was caught entirely off guard to defend the attack - its reaction time proved inferior to  Aegir's deadly onslaught.

Aegir's mana,  infused with a unique consistency, held the creature's form together - staying still in the air - preventing its usual regenerative abilities. A burning hiss could be heard, eating away the creature's parts.  The once formidable opponent disintegrated into a cloud of pink dust, scattering like glitters in the air until they hit the solid ground.

With a heavy breathing,  Aegir slumped on the ground.  “It's over. ” He coughed blood;  spraying it all over his clothes.  His eyes were filled with relief - a stark contrast with the burden his body is experiencing.

Words started to form in his mind - the usual scene when a new successful technique was introduced for his usage.

[Magic] Claws of Annihilation
”A blinding claws of destruction - bandit of essence and bringer of corrosion. "
[Affinity] Light, Earth,  Water
[Intrinsic skill] Mana Eater,  Anti-Regenerative
[Spells] The Price of Desperation
The henchman of greed preys down to the wicked. 
Replenishes caster's mana from what it ate away from the opponent. "

A small smile etched on Aegir's lips.  ”Not dying,  uh? ” But he knew whatever mana was left from his opponent that has been passed to him was not enough to trigger the same magic.

”Will I make it? ” Doubt was on his mind,  his teeth clenching together.

His body wished to just lie there but he knew he couldn't afford it.  ”Aegir,  you can do this! “ He mustered his will;  pushing himself off the ground - his muscles were screaming with utmost protest.  A shed of tears was already making its way out of his eyes.

His whole body was aching - it felt like it was pressed by something heavy and it's one step closer to be pulverized. Blood sprayed to his chin as he welcomed another wet cough. 

“No... ” Fresh blood smeared his path; his mouth was in dire need to draw some air.

He paused. “I am not yet dead,  I can do it! ” he urged his legs to move again - limping on every step of the way. He bit his lip as he struggled;  his vision was already seeing red.

'Master,  hang in there! ’

Aegir was pleading;  his legs were almost giving up - his blood left a long trail as he walked.  It felt like eternity - a repetitive cycle of him struggling to walk as his body pleaded him to stop. 

He was steps closer to where Anthony was.  The smile on his face was swift to appear but like burning fire in a candle - it also died down the fastest... 

Anthony's screams pierced through the chaos.  And it was at that moment that Aegir managed to surge forward.

”Anthony! ” His own screams were also heard;  adrenaline laced through his legs - making an impossible run.

-

Trace was toying with him.  Anthony could tell.  It felt like he was sort of a guinea pig to his experiments - what techniques could he withstand.  He was able to cut down the monster creature Trace summoned earlier - only dark magic such as his could cut it and stop it from regenerating.

But to the truth unknown to Anthony - Trace was being indecisive what to do with him much to his chagrin.

”Damn! “ He cursed for the nth time. He was getting tired of Trace's games.

Anthony's lungs needlessly screamed for air and his legs felt like it was burning from too much exertion.  He could hear the cackle of Trace's magic - a dark crimson powerball - lancing through the air and pursuing him.  The metallic tang of blood filled his mouth - a result of the fall he suffered earlier from escaping.  His legs were dead tired but it was mere instinct and experience that taught him that if he'll get hit by those powerballs - he'll suffer an agonizing fate.  He was grazed by one of those before and it already felt like his skin was being shredded apart.

The powerballs he successfully eluded from hit the bush not too far from him. There wasn't an explosion like those powerballs he saw and read on television and books;  instead it engulfed it whole - slowly stealing its original color and reducing it to pure black.  It didn't show any signs of wilting but there's no life present to it.

He heard Trace's fit of laughter as he saw his struggle.  ”Run,  pathetic mouse! “ Trace's voice boomed,  face filled with a frenzied expression and hands mercilessly firing another set of his fire balls against his victim.  “Run until your legs give up and your lungs collapse! Struggle! ”

Another orb hit the wall behind Anthony - it left a huge hole and the sound of hissing.  He flinched as waves of terror override his body more than the strain of his exhaustion.

Anthony already knew that he might actually die today but he also wants to... survive.

He already tried to hit it with his own burst of energy but the first time he tried to do it - the power of the explosion sent him flying;  hitting his back on the pile of bushes. 

He's aware that he couldn't avoid it forever.  He needs to do something or it'll be the end of him... but his brain was not helping him right now - it got nothing but a white blank.

His eyes darted around the two shears he's holding.  There's one thing he never tried to do because it sounded crazy.  Hitting those with his weapons just like a game of baseball.  He doesn't know if it's possible but when one is faced with danger - the desperation leads to different out of this world measures.

’Should I try it? ‘

He asked himself.  It seems funny but Anthony was conscious that his will might be undying but his body has its limits.  Soon,  it'll betray him and succumb due to its burden. 

Anthony halted and took a deep breath, three powerballs were making their way to him but he stood there - ready to face them.  He heard Trace's claps and laughter - mocking him and scraping him off his patience. 

Trace cupped a crackling powerball in his hand, the air around it flickering with heat. "Well, well, well," he drawled, his voice dripping with false sympathy. "Look who finally decided to stop playing tag."

Anthony's hands were trembling and his heart was drumming loudly inside his rib cage but he still managed to reply to his enemy with an unyielding voice.  ”You wish! ” he spat.  He wouldn't give Trace the satisfaction.  The hell with this jerk.

As the fireballs streak before him - Anthony took a deep breath and swung his shears with all his might.  Time seemed to have frozen down for a second.  There was a blaring clang as metal met with magic.  It deflected past him - hitting another wall.  The second and third found its way towards the bushes and the mansion's roof.

A look of irritation passed through Trace's face.  He was starting to get bored.  Although it's commendable for this halfling to have an ample amount of stamina - he couldn't prolong this fight anymore - a protector might come here to save them and he couldn't let keep this halfling's corpse and soul to his collection.

He needed to get him.  And it must be done - nothing more,  nothing less and no other distracting thoughts.

Yes,  it must be done. Now.

The halfling's powers resembled his for some reason that's why some of his technique can be negated by him.  Though his powers specialized in curse magic and the halfling can drain life force and severe ‘contracts'.

Trace gripped his knuckles;  the fire died down as he did it.  A Cheshire-cat like grin spread on his face.  Clapping,  he applauded his enemy,  ”A mouse will certainly find their pathetic ways just to survive.  ” He was met by Anthony's sharp glares.  ”But sadly for you,  I don't want to play with you anymore.  “ His face etched with a fake frown like he's seeing it as a waste.

The playful glint on Trace's eyes vanished, replaced by a chilling look of seriousness - it was the eyes of someone who already killed a lot of people.  Anthony was clasping his shears on his hand in a defensive stance.  ”If you were not a nymph,  I might've kept you alive, too bad. “ The last sentence left a bitter taste on his tongue but he did consider it.  Trace raised his hands, encased with a crimson glow.

Trace didn't do anything but watch Anthony beginning to writhe in pain. Anthony's eyes were filled with shock and terror - it felt like the injuries he sustained from their fight was stabbed countless of times again. 

Trace was watching the halfling with no emotions. He already saw him struggling.  He won.  ”For letting yourself fall to my attacks,  you're an idiot,  " Anthony rasped from the pain,  his strangled cry echoed to the place,  “Didn't I tell you? It won't heal....It's cursed. “

The cobblestone hit Anthony's back. His vision swarmed - he could see nothing but blurring images as waves of pain erupted to his body.  Anthony screamed when it hit him;  panic clawed at his throat as it released a choked sob.  He was sprawled at the floor - agonizingly trying to forget the torment and his bleeding state by continuously punching the ground and kicking the air. 

He tried to move and to crawl away - painting the ground with red - the color of his own blood. He wanted to close his eyes but the fear of not being able to open it again wracked Anthony's being.

Anthony doesn't want to let go.  Aegir's face came into view. He couldn't die yet. No,  not this time! It was almost a delirious cry,  Anthony quietly whispering Aegir's name over and over again.  It served as a sanctuary to him - making him forget some of the pain he's feeling.

Trace walked towards his prey,  his sword was now back on his hand.  Anthony saw it;  hopelessly dragging his body away,  groaning in pain. 

Anthony whispered Aegir's name once again,  this time - he wished for his safety.  It was him that pushed Anthony to continue struggling.

Trace could see the despair now that he'd been longing to see but for some reason; his heart felt like it's being squeezed.  He couldn't understand why but it seems... familiar.  The sword perceived heavy on his grasp.  There it was again - the phantom image of the woman whose face was blurred but he could tell she's crying - sitting by the grass - the next thing that had happened was the woman staring at him.  She was saying something he couldn't hear.

In the flash,  he found himself reflecting on Anthony's state - he couldn't move his body - it felt like he was being held by two people.  A tall figure tower above him.  Soon,  he was met with heavy knuckles hitting his abdomen.  He gasped and groaned - his body remembered the same pain.  It felt horrible.  He wanted to do something to escape from that situation.  He felt betrayed because he knew he was being watched but no one offered him their aid.  At that moment,  he could only think of two people that were waiting for him so... he endured again and again even if it felt like he died countless times.

When the memory disappeared,  he found himself towering over Anthony who was trying his best to stand up.  Trace gritted his teeth. For the first time,  he felt uneasy watching the pool of blood.  His hands were shuddering.  Feeling a sense of repulsion to raise his sword.

Clutching his weapon as tight as he could,  his eyes wandered around Anthony's face.  There's a hint of fear on his expression but deep on his golden orbs there's still a strong refusal to die.   “What did you do to me? ” Trace's words were unsure mixed with a sense of irritation. 

He gripped Anthony's hair and pulled it upward - forcing Anthony to be face to face with him. In a moment of pure instinct - Anthony spat blood on Trace's face.  Trace fisted Anthony's hair tighter;  wanting to pull it to its roots.

”You did something,  didn't you? ” He paused.  No words came from Anthony,  only screams of pain.  ”You're desperate! “ Trace's voice was shaking,  trying to resolve the situation by blaming it all to Anthony. “You and your worthless power must come to an end! “ The word that came out from his mouth felt like he heard it before - but not from his own mouth.

Trace forced his hand to lift his sword but before it could descend to deliver a striking blow to Anthony; he heard a pained scream from a woman - different from the woman he usually sees.  It sounded like it was coming from someone younger. And he'd heard and seen her before - looking at him sadly... on the battlefield.

Trace didn't notice the pink-ribbon-like thing lashed out to his direction.  It wrapped around his body like a snake and threw him away from Anthony.  Trace was flung to the bushes with a stunned look written all over his face. The way he was thrown - it was deadly aggressive - his head hit on the nearby rock by the side.  Trace's body was covered in small bruises and his head bled due to the impact. It resulted in some of Anthony's injuries healing in the process.

The culprit was Aegir,  whose face etched with worry - legs limping to reach Anthony's side.  ”Master! ” he cried, relief flooded his voice.  He just arrived just in the nick of time. 

Aegir knelt beside Anthony,  he pushed down the urge to sob while seeing his master's current state.  Aegir cradled Anthony to his arms - cupping his cheeks.  ”Thank God! You're still not... “ Aegir fought another whimper. 

Anthony groaned,  holding Aegir's hand that's on his cheek.  He shook his head.  ”N-No... You shouldn't be here.  Run... ” Anthony weakly pushed Aegir who harshly disagreed.

A tear escaped from Aegir's eyes,  his voice was trembling.  ”I won't leave you... You're the only one I got.  I'd fight with you... “ Aegir took Anthony's shear from the floor.  He doesn't care if it won't be a fitting weapon for him. 

In fact,  he's praying...wishing if it's possible to even sacrifice one of his lives to recover Anthony's strength. He'd do anything... just to make sure his master was okay.

Aegir was hoping for his master's safety while Anthony was thinking how to push Aegir away from him - to protect him.  Both hopeless for each other's preservation.

But their enemy is just corners away from them.  Now,  recovering from shell shock.  Trace reached for the ribbon-like thing wrapped around his body;  he squeezed it until he was able to rip it apart.  He drew a shaky laugh - blood dripped from his head down to his cheeks and to his jaw.

”Lucky bastard! You only add a companion to your grave.  ” Trace's voice alerted both Anthony and Aegir.  Anthony held Aegir's hand holding one of his shears. 

”Run... ” Anthony weakly pleaded to Aegir again who shook his head again;  not wanting to heed his master's orders.

It annoys Trace seeing those two people watching each other's backs even if the outcome of their useless struggle is death. He doesn't want to see it for some reason - he wanted for that bond to break.  Perhaps it was envy - but he's in the place of no return now - so are they who'll die in his hands.

Trace brandished his sword once again.  It was also that moment when Aegir decided to take another gamble.  Using the last of his magic;  he clad Anthony's body with his own pink mana.  He reached for his master's cheek and softly kissed it.  “Win, " he whispered to the astonished Anthony.  Aegir dropped unconscious on the ground afterwards with a faint smile on his face.

Fury coiled on Anthony's gut.  He's not angry at Aegir but he's angry at his sacrifice once again.  His body felt energized once again due to Aegir's magic - it was warm and comforting.  But it wasn't enough to quell his wrath.  The same fury he felt when Aegir used his powers for his sake and nearly lost his life.

”Foolish cat, “ he whispered.

The pain his body was feeling felt like nothing.  A violet aura flared around him - it was like a brewing storm - ready to strike anyone.  It pulsed around the remnants of Aegir's pink aura - a jarring combination that crackled with vibrant energy.

Anthony's shadow soon turned into that resembling an unkindness of ravens.  And for Trace, who stood there; gaping - realized that it was this halfling that his energy picked up from one of the corpse's on his collection. It was the same energy that made him feel unable to breathe even if he's far from them.

”You...” Trace blurted.  The air around him became heavy.  Anthony's eyes were blank - staring at him like he's assessing Trace's being. 

A croaking call could be heard from the ravens flying around Anthony - their eyes crimson red pierced with intimidation.  White orbs were dancing with them like some guide found in the afterlife. 

The shadow around Anthony expanded as the croaking call grew louder - the white orbs compressed themselves until it created a huge scythe made of bones.  White-colored fire coated the sharp blade.

Trace couldn't breathe.  His sword fell on the floor with a loud clang.  His head hurt and his eyes were starting to see doubles.  The ravens around Anthony flew to Trace's direction.  It felt like they were mocking him - pecking their beaks on his clothes and his skin.  He tried to swing his sword against them but no damage was done.

Their ruby-like eyes watched him - until he couldn't take away his gaze to their crimson pupils.  His breathing hitched as he felt like his mind was being pulled to somewhere else.

Soon,  he found himself on an empty plane.  His body couldn't move and he could only watch as scenes unfold before him.  It was like he's seeing a motion picture - but he couldn't shut his eyes because he's compelled to watch.

The first scene was Hale,  now Gregory - his master.  It was in the cruel hands of the nymph's elders,  punishing the poor man for his contact with the human even though he helped uncover the truth. Hale was sprawled on the floor - bleeding;  while they continuously kicked his body.  He was already unconscious and unrecognizable when they stopped their assault - throwing his limp body out of the village. Then it stopped - showing another scene of Hale cradling the burnt body of his dead wife.  In fits of anger - he vowed for revenge.

A deep chilling voice can be heard in the background.  “ He is a victim but his story kept on repeating through him and others. ”

Another scene played - countless nymphs and other creatures were reported missing.  And they were all killed by Hale - now,  Gregory who was in the first step of his plans.  The nymphs who lost their families asked for the elder's help but they turned them away.  One of those people was a teenage woman with curly red hair and electric blue eyes.

“Do you know her? “ Trace heard the unknown voice again.

Trace could recognize the woman.  It was the same woman that he keeps on seeing.  He felt his heart drummed in anticipation as he kept on watching. 

He saw the woman crying embracing his brother that also shared her feature - her twin. And it became so clear for Trace that it was him. He remembered that the woman was Tracy - his twin sister. 

“Tracy... “ he called her name with longing - his heart aches with her memory.

The scenes then turned to flash forward when some nymphs together with Tracy were kicked out of the village for asking for human's information regarding the lost people's cases.  The next scene he saw was his sister painfully leaving a teenage boy with raven colored hair and gold orbs while he's sleeping.  She went together with her oldest daughter - Aimee to seek help at the nymph village.

Trace's mouth gaped when it dawned to him how the boy exactly looked like the enemy he was fighting. He felt his stomach drop as his whole body started to tremble in realization.  The woman who was stopping him from killing the halfling was his sister and the boy's mother.

“What have I done? ” His voice was shaking.  He felt his head was breaking.

He heard the raven's croaking call in the background as another scene unfold.  This time,  it was him - being punched by Cyon - one of the nymph's elders for asking humans about his sister... His sister who was already dead.  Gone.  He heard Aimee's voice calling for him and begging the people not to hurt him.  Aimee - the same woman he saw on the battlefield trying to reach him with sad eyes.

And just like before,  the cycle continued - he was kicked out and Gregory took him in;  influencing him to kill the nymphs.  The nymphs who lost their families would turn to humans then they got kicked out - some were even killed in action creating a chain of revenge. They will soon slay other innocent souls turning them as a sinner from being a victim.

The last scene was Trace tormenting Anthony - his nephew.  It focused on how he brought Anthony pain that made Trace breathing harder.

The events from the first motion picture played again then the other until it created a loop.  Trace was screaming as it transpired - his body felt like burning and countless souls started to emerge from his shadow - their pale and ghostly hands dragging his feet down.  Their empty eyes were crying with tears made of blood.

”Break the cycle.  " He heard it again.  It turned into a chorus of different voices.

The ravens flew around him again;  their voices felt like they're judging him. He saw a white flash and now he was back in the present - the scythe was already one step closer to hitting his body.  For the first time after many years again - Trace felt fear.  Fear of death but some part of him was welcoming of the idea of it but the regrets he carry was stopping him not to accept his end.

His tears came back again - flowing like a heavy rain.  His eyes darted to Anthony who was now unresponsive but still standing. He wanted to apologize but he knew that even if he apologized countless of times - he couldn't make it up to his nephew.

He wants to... It's too late but even in the hands of death he wants to be something useful for him,  Aimee and his sister,  Tracy.

It was just brief when the blade already hit him - blood dripped from his mouth.  He shut his eyes as tears continued to flow.  The crystal ball where he stored the souls cracked until it burst - freeing the souls he captured. The undead on his command also dropped motionless when it happened, allowing Vin to dash where Anthony and Aegir were.

It was also that moment where Trace felt his body being burned with Anthony's purple energy.  He heard the voices once again.

”A wish has its own consequences - to never be at peace until the master fulfills his time.  Later,  tomorrow,  years,  or even for eternity.  Standing still in the shadows... “

But Trace could never be at peace for what he did.  And if being stuck is his atonement so be it.

Trace set one last look to Anthony and to Vin who was now aiming his weapon at him.  He managed to laugh lightly.  ”Please take care of him.  “ Trace motioned to the unconscious Anthony.  ”Tell him,  I am sorry.  I'll tell you everything about your enemy when my new master will be ready.  “ Vin was dumbfounded by what he heard but he just nodded - not sure why the enemy was apologizing to Anthony.

He motioned his eyes to the ravens,  with a soft smile on his face,  he uttered,  “I am ready.  One last request - please send my remaining living essence to the cat-person beside him.  “ Trace knew that the cat-person was important to his nephew.

Trace disintegrated as the sea of violet energy devoured him.  What's left of him was a floating raven's feather - glowing crimson like his aura.

The raven feather together with the unkindness of ravens made their way back inside Anthony's body.  Anthony wasn't aware of the new inscribed words about his new powers - and it'll be another story when he'll find out.

[Ultimate Magic] Clotho: The Spinner of Karma
”The thread of fate - judges one's action,  delivering the scythe of judgment and deliverance. “
[Affinity] Darkness, Earth,  Fire
[Intrinsic skill] Instant Death,  Psychological and Spiritual Attack
[Spells] Mnemosyne: The River of Memories
”An endless loop of memories filled with unresolved sins and cycles. “
[Drawbacks]
”Can only be used to a person who is chased by countless troubled souls. “

Unique Magic: [Grave of Unkindness]
Acquired Feather: The Curse Lord

It was already daybreak when the battle had finally reached its conclusion.

EI! This chapter was EFFIN HARD to write.  I TELL Y'ALL. I wanted to cry and throw my phone somewhere because of it.

So what happened at the end?  Did Trace just... 👀 lemme send Anthony's magic details again.  Find about it 👀

Unique Magic: [Grave of Unkindness]
Affinities: Darkness, Fire, Earth
Description:
The cursed raven of eternal slumber, calls upon the troubled souls.
To accompany the ailing silenced and plead mercy for those who asked to repose.
For those who wish to stay shall ask his hand for servitude, loyal to their master's goals.