"Fred!" Oscar sprinted to Frederick's battered body. "Is that really you?"
"Hey, Os. I'm sorry." Frederick wheezed and gasped through his words; he could not move at all. Kan's overuse of his body had rendered him powerless to move. His green eyes trembled and released tears. "I am a horrible friend. I'm sorry."
"Don't say that." Oscar popped open the last vial of Heal Elixir and brought it to Frederick's mouth. He thanked his past self for not using this earlier.
Frederick'...
2022-11-16 19:00:01 +0000 UTC
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"I love you."
Emily's confession made Frederick tremble; her words echoed endlessly in his mind. The same heart he tried to kill long ago was now beating wildly and was out of control.
"Speechless?" Emily stroked Frederick's cheek as her eyes lowered. "What about you? Do you love me?"
"Why?" Frederick finally spoke.
"Hmm?" Emily tilted her head.
"How can you be in love with me? This isn't another illusion, is it?" Frederick couldn't believe it and shouted.
...
2022-11-15 19:39:13 +0000 UTC
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"SCREW OFF!" Kan roared, slashing his swords down at Oscar.
Oscar lifted to buckler to block. His knees began to buckle as the cracks like spiderwebs formed on the floor. He changed stances and diverted the two swords, running away from the head-on battle.
Oscar's hands were numb and trembling. He could not believe Frederick was capable of this incredible power. It happened so suddenly after Kan forcibly broke off his Abe-empowered 'Stone Gaze'.
"Frederick's body is tearing ...
2022-11-14 22:10:14 +0000 UTC
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Emily didn't know how much time had passed. The memories kept flowing into the next scene. Each time, it was something related to Teresa. Emily watched as Frederick grew brighter, happier, and more comfortable.
In all those times, Emily could not find a single hint of Frederick's true self. It was the same as he laughed and talked with Teresa. Although the young Frederick's face was lively and joyful, it was still an illusion.
"Where are you, Frederick…." Emily sighed as her han...
2022-11-14 02:17:54 +0000 UTC
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'Found him….' Emily did not believe her eyes were mistaken. The young boy lounging around on the bed and complaining had the same green hair and topaz yellow eyes as Frederick. She looked around, judging that she was in an illusion world.
"Girl. Do you hear me?"
Emily heard Albert's voice in his head and replied, "I do. I'm in an illusion, right Elder?"
"Hmm, it is just like Kan to do this. I was hoping you would find your friend chained up, but this will be trick...
2022-11-13 16:44:44 +0000 UTC
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Oscar's cold words did little to intimidate Kan, who reacted with Frederick's hearty smile, but it was without Frederick's bright enthusiasm. It was almost mechanical, as though the speech was not used to the voice.
"Abe. You fool. You should have just stayed in the illusion until your soul dissipated. At least, it would spare you the torment I'll put you through now." Kan spoke to Abe, who was clinging to Oscar's side like a shroud.
Abe looked at Kan with derision. "A mere Wraith...
2022-11-11 23:06:19 +0000 UTC
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Wraiths.
They were the remnant wills and desires of a person amalgamated into a singular presence that could influence the outside world. It was similar to the sword intent that Oscar faced, but the sword intents were from the lingering emanations from the sword that carved the True Sword Peak.
On the other hand, Wraiths were born of extreme emotions, unwillingness to die, and deep dark hatred. It was unknown what exactly facilitated the birth of a Wraith, but these factors had to...
2022-11-10 17:48:50 +0000 UTC
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Oscar drew in a deep breath and exhaled, letting himself calm down. "Even though I'm breathing to calm myself down, it's not like it's real. This body isn't real. None of this is."
His words echoed through the spacious hallway.
The Keeper flailed around, trying to harm Oscar but had to pause. Abe looked at this scene in shock, not knowing what had happened. Why was the Keeper not doing anything? How was mister standing alright?
"Abe." Oscar turned to him with a smile. "This ...
2022-11-10 16:25:48 +0000 UTC
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"Mister!" Abe shouted. "The Keeper knows you are playing the game. He'll be coming for you!"
This warning made Oscar's face twist in frustration. He almost yelled at Abe but held back, saying, "Why couldn't you tell me that before?"
"Hurry and jump to the next glowing thing!" Abe yelled.
Loud footsteps echoed through the halls.
The Keeper was on the move. Oscar did not know where the Keeper was coming from, but he had to move. Oscar leaped off the stool and landed on a...
2022-11-08 22:47:39 +0000 UTC
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The boy asked Oscar if he wanted to play a game together.
Oscar did not reply to the boy's request. He was missing a lot of information, and this boy seemed to have some answers, calling the creature a Keeper. He sat down and motioned for the boy to sit in front.
The boy compiled and stared at Oscar with longing. It had been so long since he met someone else, not since he was trapped in this place.
"I will play with you." Oscar quickly interrupted the boy, who was about to b...
2022-11-07 18:46:00 +0000 UTC
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Oscar carefully stepped into the manor, stopping to look around every second. As soon as he and Emily entered inside, the doors shut tight like the gates. There truly was no turning back now.
Emily had traces of nervousness across her face that she was unable to conceal fully. She was inclined to fights and spoke to the point, not this air of mystery and unpredictability this manor maintained. If there were something she could hammer to the floor, that would be great.
The manor lo...
2022-11-06 19:12:14 +0000 UTC
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A large manor in the middle of the Spiraling Willow Forest was the strangest thing Oscar had seen in his short time in the forest. Even the mutated Wendigo Alpha did not give him too big of a shock because this was its habitat, and mutations occur. But what the hell was this place?
In the few records Oscar had found on the Spiraling Willow Forest, there was never a mention of a large manor. In this deep dark forest, a large manor like this would have been the first thing people found if...
2022-11-05 18:28:21 +0000 UTC
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To the Paragons, I have leveled up and thus will gift you these offerrings. Enjoy!
2022-11-05 00:01:38 +0000 UTC
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'Heavy Impact'
'Mud Boulder'
'Rock Barrier'
Emily fought on, using every trick she could muster. She tripped the creature's feet at every possible moment with 'Rock Barrier', hurled numerous 'Mud Boulder' to slow it down, and used 'Heavy Impact' to not be pushed off by the creature's attack.
Her staff anima was cracking from the intense melee. She heard her bones creaking; if they could scream, they would from the aching pain that reverberated through her. The power of...
2022-11-04 20:53:46 +0000 UTC
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The large hulking Wendigo drooled profusely from its teeth-ridden mouth. It picked up the bodies of the Wendigos it murdered and chomped down on them. It chewed, crunching the bones, spilling out the dark blood, and gobbling the flesh.
Every chomp produced unpleasant sounds that made Oscar and Emily tremble. Oscar watched as the two Wendigos were easily reduced to scraps on the hulk's needle teeth. His expression darkened from the potential fate that awaited them.
"Emily, how is y...
2022-11-04 20:47:29 +0000 UTC
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The Wendigo. They were nightmarish creatures that lived comfortably in dark places with their specialized eyes on the darkness. Once a prey entered their sights, they would continue to hound them until they died.
Through some twisted entertainment of the heavens, the Wendigo had the characteristics to horrify and strike fear into their prey. They loved the taste of fear in their creature, which led to their most terrifying aspect, their intelligence.
They imitated the sounds of ot...
2022-11-04 20:40:57 +0000 UTC
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'I can't see anything.' Oscar stepped carefully, wafting through the dangling branches and sturdy trees. His feet barely made a sound on the cold ground. 'Is there not a single blade of grass on the ground? It's different. A wet, slippery ground.'
It didn't feel like the usual plant; it crumbled apart under Oscar's boot like a rotten tomato but was firmly rooted into the ground. Oscar's attempts to push it aside failed unless he exerted more strength. He wanted to brin...
2022-11-04 20:34:20 +0000 UTC
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The eastern regions were known for their overgrown forests, the main supply of lumber and precious plants and fruits in the Brilliant Drake Empire, making it a great place to conduct business. However, it was also a dangerous place to wander off in. One could easily get lost alone.
Lost like Frederick.
Oscar gazed down from the window, seeing Glenwoods, where he, Frederick, and Emily went on their first mission together. He could even make out the ravine where they fought against ...
2022-11-04 20:28:46 +0000 UTC
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A month ago, Ivanka noticed on the records that Frederick had yet to return from his current mission. She ignored it initially. After all, she saw the records of his battle with Oscar; Frederick was certain to take his time to brood over it.
However, she double-checked for Frederick's return every day, but there was no update. There must be a mistake. Frederick never took this long on a mission.
At her fastest speed, she arrived at the dorms to confirm if Frederick was there, only...
2022-11-04 20:07:36 +0000 UTC
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The proctor remained silent the whole time. This fight was naught but a waste of time for him. These two were clearly not focused on winning or losing; they had discarded their weapons and fought without Ein.
Any further, and he may disqualify the two of them. The battle before him was naught but an insult to the Grand Gathering.
On the platform, Oscar's hand was stretched out, waiting, hoping for Frederick to grasp it. His obsidian eyes looked on pleadingly at his friend.
'...
2022-11-03 20:16:26 +0000 UTC
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Elder Saul wore a straw hat that provided a great amount of shade from the heat of the two suns. He knelt to observe the deep dark soil of his gardens. A worm wriggled around, enjoying the cool feel of the dirt.
Elder Saul placed these worms in the past to improve the good soil further and make it plentiful. The worms noticed Elder Saul's gaze and quickly retreated into the dirt.
"Ungrateful little things. I gave you a home, yet you all don't open up." Elder Saul looked in the dir...
2022-11-02 18:19:00 +0000 UTC
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A familiar sight occurred in the great stadium in the Outer Hall. Everyone from the Outer Hall had gathered, crowding around the many platforms spread over the grounds. It was a far greater number than last year with the addition of those promoted from the Minor Hall.
Oscar walked in this sea of faces, looking for the one he desperately wished to see. But there were too many around him for Oscar to see all.
He wanted to go to the seating above; however, students had to be on the g...
2022-11-01 18:04:26 +0000 UTC
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'Steel Drill'
The spell index noted this spell made Ein harden into steel and protrude out of the arm to form a drill. The entire arm would be encased in this heavy steel drill that extended into a singular sharp tip.
Oscar judged this spell highly for its penetrating power. It worked similarly to Celestina's 'Radiant Lance' with a higher penetration power but a lack of speed and range.
But Oscar was already physically powerful, especially with his Reis training, so moving a...
2022-10-29 21:09:31 +0000 UTC
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Gilbert's declaration of victory set the crowd ablaze. The Legacy Hall was silent but was observing with great interest. Even they would have been hard-pressed to win in Gilbert's situation; in what manner would Gilbert win?
On the other side, these words enraged Leon, who would not tolerate such disrespect from a junior. Leon was a prized student of the Inner Hall who had many achievements.
He tightened his grip on the trident to the point of drawing blood, which dripped down to ...
2022-10-29 18:51:49 +0000 UTC
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The crowd grew silent but trembled in excitement, not wanting even to blink to miss a moment of the much-awaited battle.
Leon unleashed his Ein, deep blue color like the ocean, creating a shockwave that sent waves of winds that blew across the coliseum. Some onlookers, including Oscar and Emily, staggered from the power radiating from Leon.
Oscar quickly regained his composure. He had already experienced similar pressure from Doyle and the Thousand Serpent. Others were not so expe...
2022-10-29 12:00:06 +0000 UTC
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Adamasreis.
Oscar mulled over the name many times as his fingertips continued to bleed and splatter blood across the floor. This awe-inspiring power of Reis was not easy to obtain.
The tricky part was that this training had to be done as soon as possible. As Exalts progressed, their bodies would also strengthen but not in the traditional sense. Rather than body training, it was akin to becoming a completely different material.
If Apprentice Exalts were like gravel, then Elit...
2022-10-29 04:00:04 +0000 UTC
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Oscar, Emily, and George walked on the well-paved path to the Outer Hall. They had split off from Celestina and Phillip after arriving. On the way, Oscar spotted Elder Saul raking a field near his hut.
"You go on ahead of me." Oscar stepped off the path to the uneven stone steps to Elder Saul's hut.
Knowing they had no business here, Emily and George nodded and bid Oscar farewell. Their backs grew smaller into the distance.
"I have returned, Elder Saul." Oscar bowed and took...
2022-10-28 20:00:05 +0000 UTC
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"I'm going to release it now. When the formation is lifted, the sword intent will resume its attack." Robert waved his hand around him. The small daggers that encircled him and Oscar shot out of the ground and into his hands.
With their retraction, a small transparent film that covered the area dispersed. It wasn't noticeable earlier, but Oscar felt a slight pressure encompass him like a sword at his throat.
It was the natural air of True Sword Peak that Oscar had not felt in a mo...
2022-10-28 12:00:10 +0000 UTC
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The slopes of True Sword Peak were majestic and imposing. Looking up, one could think the mountain was piercing the sky itself.
The tranquility and presence of these slopes were interrupted by strained woes of pain from Oscar. His forehead was figuratively being stabbed with a stamp of magma-like Ein.
It had been almost a month since he arrived at the Raeven Duchy with a grim and sour expression. But now, this face was back to its lively stubbornness and filled with eagerness.
...
2022-10-28 04:01:27 +0000 UTC
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"You're alright?!"
Oscar, Emily, George, and Phillip were called back unexpectedly. In great haste, they rushed back to the main hall of the estate.
Once they saw the silver-haired girl relaxing comfortably on the chair, they could not contain their excitement. George and Phillip acted more reserved, but Oscar and Emily did not care.
At her request, they were the only ones in the main hall. So there was no need for pretenses.
"I'm only awake for now. But it'll take me ...
2022-10-27 20:00:06 +0000 UTC
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