Chapter 287: Shift in presence (1/2)

Even after several minutes, even as the dust continued to settle and dissipate, hardly any movements could be heard or seen from either end.

Watching from the unknown space the shadowy figure waves his hand in front of the floating screen. At the next moment, the image changed, showing a pile of rubble. The motionless shape of Aiden's dark green limbs could be seen. Although it looked like it, the thin figure was certain that the battle was far from over, and that the boy is not out of it yet.

He flashed his dark shadowy tendril-covered fingers again as the screen changed once again, showing the body of his servant, Murus. He growled in frustration upon seeing the state he was in. His lips slowly parted, he spoke with an annoyed tone.

”Is this what you came to be?! Murus, you really disappoint me. You wanted to test the boy, yet you are defeated within 3 blows? If this is true, don't bother returning, I have no need of such a disgrace.”

He did not wait for a response, he closed the mental connection they shared and returned the screen to the battlefield again. He was certain that what was to follow would reaffirm his beliefs that the boy would be truly the key to achieving his goals…

”Don't disappoint me, boy. You should be the Inheritor.” He murmured as his eyes returned to the corner of the image, focused on a particular pile of slightly shaking rubble.

---

As the dust continued to settle, finally some change can be witnessed from both sides. Murus, after hearing his Master's degrading words, managed to free himself from his makeshift grave, and slowly stood up. The silvery scythe, the terrifying and equally as a majestic weapon in his hand were no longer glowing with a silvery shine, it was now dull, looking a simple adorned and lavishly decorated weapon only. There was no aura permeating it, there was no magical presence inside it, it all died down.

Murus looked at his trusted companion with a heavy heart and sighed.

'You served me well for all these years… I never have expected you would die in the hands of such a mysterious opponent… How powerful was he to be able to snuff the life out of you?' He lamented, looking at the blade.

'Anyway… I can't feel his presence at all. Did he truly perish? No… That's impossible, Master would have killed me then…' His head swayed, looking towards the opposite side of the room.

Suddenly, his body began to uncontrollably shake, his heart began to palpitate. Before he realized it, his entire self, began to shake in trepidation.

”What the… Why am I-” Before he could finish, suddenly he felt the presence of something truly monstrous emerge from under the pile of rubble where his opponent, Aiden laid motionlessly.

The debris began to shake and explode with power as a dark red, scarlet ray shot out from under.

Amidst the remains, a low-toned growl could be heard, as suddenly a shadow shot out.

In the next moment, the beaten, and battered body of Aiden could be seen. He was covered in blood and bruises, his face was akin to a mad, crazed predator. The previously golden hue that radiated from his eyes was now painted in a deep shade of red. His entire right arm was torn off, missing! His blood continued to slowly drip from his now-empty socket. Despite that, the power that radiated from his body was much more frightening.

His face looked akin to a vicious, feral, bloodthirsty animal, his eyes slowly locked on to Murus's figure.

Murus looked at the monstrous creature in front of him, his expression changed, returning to the cold, stern outlook. He grabbed the stave of his weapon with both hands, slowly raising it in front of his body, his eyes focused on Aiden's fully crimson-shaded eyes.

'Just what is happening? He shouldn't be this strong after suffering such a blow.' He couldn't understand what was happening. So far, from what he had seen from the boy, through his master's screen or personally the boy was strong and capable, but not to such an extent to be a true threat to his life. Not to mention, he had a calm deposition, he wasn't so feral.

'Regardless, I have to calm him down…'

Steeling his resolve, and with clear determination, he swiped with his scythe just at the same time as Aiden's figure vanished from his sight once again.

---

A short while before…

Sharp, searing pain, and the constantly blinking red text of a critical notification woke Aiden up. As soon as he did, he felt his nervous system flare-up and send jolts of electricity to his brain. The pain was almost unbearable, he had to focus really hard not to cry out. With great difficulty, he turned to look at the source only to be shocked that his entire right arm was torn off, only a pool of his own blood remained at its place.

The notification from his system continued to blink and rang, forcing Aiden to shift his attention and take a look at it.

[Warning: Critical Damage received, the condition has dropped to 50%!]