Chapter 208: Ripples (2/2)
Like a drum in my ear, Helios's heart raced in his chest. Helios played it cool, but he thumped his foot with nervous energy,
”Who and where might they be?”
Krog tilted his head to me, ”It is his friend, Kessiah Crow. Speak with him of it.”
Helios turned to me while tilting his head, ”She is a low-level remnant. How does she have such potent healing?”
I shrugged, ”Ask her yourself. Maybe the two of you can work out a deal.”
Helios raised his head and gave me a slow nod, ”A deal? I'm not above freelancer work by any means. I'll consider it.”
We stood there for a few seconds before Caprika spoke up, ”May I speak with my combatant alone?”
Helios turned to me, ”Do you not remember the last time I left you alone on this Schema forsaken planet?”
”Did I lose all of your respect as well as my dignity?”
Helios bit his tongue, the scent of his blood lingering in the air. He took a deep breath, ”No. Excuse my intrusion.”
He paced off until he was well out of earshot as did Chrona and Krog. Once left alone, I stared off at the volcanic arena with Caprika by my side. From her wheelchair, she took a deep breath,
”Ever since coming to Giess, I've learned something that has become painfully obvious over time: I'm not special as I was raised to believe.”
I didn't disagree with her, instead choosing to let her say her piece.
”I couldn't win the tournament here by any means. I failed time and time again, but despite this wealth of shame I've acquired, I'm no fool. I've learned from my mistakes and gained humility.”
She leaned against her wheelchair, ”You know there exists technology that could fix my legs, don't you?”
I nodded. Of course there was, whether it be prosthetics or cloned limbs in tubes, there had to be something. She was a part of an empire with worlds worth of resources, so this wasn't something she should struggle to fix.
”I chose not to heal them because I wanted to experience this kind of life. I understand that is a privilege unto itself, to have that choice, but I've lived it out for over a month now. I couldn't believe how much my brother was willing to help me. Snide, cunning, and disdainful as he may be, he truly cared for me this entire time.”
She swallowed, ”It feels wonderful to have someone care so deeply for me and my comfort, even if it is a bit selfish of me to ask it of him.”
She waited a moment, collecting herself. She looked up to me, ”I met you as well, a random outsider from some backwater world. Your achievements dwarf my own despite your upbringing.”
She peered back to the stadium, ”Indeed, I may not be special, but I'll do what I can. Even if I must rely on others, I'll accomplish something with this opportunity you've given me. I plan on changing the ranking structures in the city I'll be given.”
I raised an eyebrow, ”How so?”
”Normally, rising in ranks is arbitrarily difficult for non-albony. I intend to create a more meritocratic environment, so that gems from the rough may rise up the ranks faster. Perhaps I will find another Harbinger who's talent was never given the opportunity to shine...Maybe not.”
As she spoke, it left me more than a little startled. I never imagined my impact on her would be so long-lasting. If anything, I expected both of us to use each other then be done with it. Having her change even a little seemed kind of crazy to me, but near-death experiences tend to have that effect on people.
Even if I was surprised, it did fill my chest with a bit of pride too. I stood up straighter,
”Well...thanks. I didn't think I'd made that kind of impact.”
Caprika rolled her eyes, ”Well that much is evident. You aren't exactly the most tactful socialite.”
I took a step back, ”What? I have a skill for that and everything.”
Under her mask, I could feel the smirk on her lips, ”Skills can only get you so far. You must learn to use them. Perhaps our uncle will teach you when you meet him.”
I swallowed a not so witty retort before crossing my arms.
”Well, thanks for the backhanded compliments.”
With her voice lighter, she scoffed,
”Anytime. Now go and win this tournament. I've no doubt you will.”
I gave her a nod, glancing forward. I smacked my fists together before taking a deep breath. Before leaped away, I turned to her,
”Just sayin, but Kessiah could use the practice with her healing.”
Caprika tapped on one of her armrests taking a moment to think,
”I'll consider it.”
I took a step onto the edge of the colosseum. Above the magma field and steel arena, Kiki Mosk floated on a platform, flamboyant costume and all. With his news reporter voice, he gestured to all present,
”Is anyone else shaking in anticipation?”
Even the noble gialgathens joined the crowded zeppelin in cheering. This was the last chance for a gialgathen to defeat the Gray Giant, so they threw away their disdain for cheering. With the gialgathen growls echoing in the distance, Kiki Mosk put his hands on his hips,
”I see we have some investment from even people that usually yawn. That's fitting considering the circumstances. We have espen versus gialgathen. Lehesion's mentor and benefactor against the mysterious Gray Giant. Both are contenders for the strongest on Giess, but only one can hold that title.”
From the magma pit, Sheom splashed out with a vibrant bloom of color. As orange and red fell from her skin, she grinned, showing white teeth. Standing on the magma, she shook herself, the lava falling off her skin. Her appearance only changed by a bit. She looked like living magma.
Sheom owned an orange coat of smooth skin, yellow streaks embroidering her joints. She wore no armor, most metals melting in magma. She wasn't as lean as Chrona either, her limbs more muscled than even Krog. She shifted with a sense of power, something driving her beyond the desire to fight.
She was here to prove a point.
”Here is the returning champion, Sheom Makarath!”
I analyzed her as the gialgathens roared in applause.
Sheom Makarath, the Living Landshark(lvl: 12,419 | Species: Gialgathen) - Sheom has a long and vivid history as an activist. She believed the most of anyone that the espens needed the guidance of gialgathens during their development. She was pivotal in forming policies to share more advanced magics and educational texts with espens before they were fully freed.
Sheom assisted with the war effort as well, showing her skills as a warrior of great renown. Using a flowing, winding style of fighting, she used her own mana reserves to melt stone for magma to flow through. She would dive and dash through the ground, erupting earth magics of all kinds to pepper her opponents.
This was distinct from her impressive offensive prowess. She tutored Krog Borom as well, his flowing style reminiscent of hers.
Be careful of her attacks, and you should be able to defeat her given time.
She stepped over the liquid magma, walking over the liquid with ease Along her back, her horns grew to massive size, mimicing a sharks fins. As she stepped onto the steel, she lifted her head and roared out. A pulse of fervor rippled across the gialgathens, my own adrenaline spiking. There was a bit of magic in her noble voice. I was sure of it.
”Now that's how you make an entrance!” Kiki shouted. ”As for her opponent, we have someone who needs no introductions - The Gray Giant.”
I jumped forward, stone cracking under my heels. As I shot through the air, the crowd roared in applause. Landing onto the arena with a dull thud, I stood up tall, my arm raised in triumph. I took a deep breath, rolling my shoulders while staring at Sheom. She met my gaze, cold fury in her eyes,
”It's good we meet, murderer.”
I grimaced, remembering Delilath. I wasn't going to argue with her before the fight, so I stayed silent. She continued,
”I imagine you believe this battle will be a simple war of attrition as your others were? I fear not. I learned from them. I'm not underestimating you just because you walk on two legs. I will face you with all my might at once, filthy dirtwalker.”
I glanced back and forth at the lava, ”Don't you swim through dirt?”
She lost all the bite in her voice, my retort quieting her. She glared at me, ”You'll pay for that.”
I took a deep breath, rolling my fingers in my hands, ”I won't. This won't take long.”
I meant it too. I took a bit of time to think about a way of shortening the duration of this fight, and I figured it out in spades. Sheom glared at me, unconvinced of my tactics.
”We shall see about that. Gods give me strength to trample this defier.”
Kiki rubbed his hands together, a grin on his face from ear to ear. He took a deep breath and announced, ”Now this is how battlers should speak with one another before a big fight. There's nothing wrong with a healthy rivalry after all. Now, are both combatants ready to battle?”
I gave him a nod, welling mana into my palms. Sheom did the same, preparing to dive into the magma.
Kiki raised a hand, ”Begin!”