Chapter 554: Second Act - My Power
A smirk played on my lips as I watched Aria's transformation.
SWOOOSH!
SWOOOSH!
SWOOOSH!
A rapid swarm of arrows hurtled my way, each faster than the one before, striking the ground.
Instead of retreating, I pressed forward, summoning a sword forged from swirling black and white flames.
I slashed through the arrows I couldn't dodge, each one vanishing on contact. Instead of exploding, they simply dissolved as I neutralized them with a hidden chemical reaction.
To anyone watching, it looked like my flames were devouring hers—a convincing virtual effect, and one of my specialties.
I took real pride in turning simple skills into something epic. Honestly, if I ever lost my powers, I'd probably apply for a job as a CGI director.
Watching me dodge and parry flawlessly, she quickened her pace.
Arrows rained down, igniting the sand and filling the cavern with a blazing blue light.
I barely managed to dodge the barrage, feeling the heat singe the edges of my clothes as I leaped through the air.
Aria's eyes narrowed, clearly growing frustrated by my ability to slip through her attacks.
"Stand still and fight me!" she shouted, her voice echoing off the cavern walls.
"Sorry, but I'm the only one doing any skewering today," I winked at her as I landed back on solid ground. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire
"Enough playing!" she snapped, pulling back her bowstring, the energy around her bow compressing into a blinding dark blue glow.
I knew this would be different. She wasn't just firing random arrows now; this was going to be a direct, focused hit.
"Fine, then. Let's stop holding back," I muttered, channeling energy into my own weapon.
My black and white flames pulsed along the sword curve, swirling and twisting as I prepared my next move.
Aria released her arrow, a single beam of blue energy tearing through the air toward me.
I let mine fly at the same time, our attacks colliding in a massive explosion that rocked the entire cavern. The blast whipped up a firestorm, scattering sand and bits of rock in all directions.
When the dust settled, we stood facing each other.
Her gaze held a newfound respect, mixed with that same stubborn expression .
I rolled my shoulders, feeling the energy still pulsing through me. "You know, this would go a lot faster if you'd just admit I'm stronger."
"Stronger? "she scoffed. "You haven't even seen my full power yet."
"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure you're hiding plenty of tricks," I taunted, glancing at her weapon. "Though I thought gods were supposed to be better at this."
Her fists clenched, and I could see her irritation reach its peak. Perfect. Right where I wanted her. Her body tensed as if she were about to charge, then she stopped, a sly smile replacing the anger on her face.
"You think you're clever, don't you?" she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I see what you're up to. You're trying to taunt me to throw me off "
"I'm not even trying to hide it." I shrugged.
My sarcastic remarks only fueled her anger further.
This time, the halo behind her transformed into 360 pieces, each spinning dangerously fast.
The air filled with a deep humming sound, like 360 jet engines revving up, ready for takeoff.
But I wasn't afraid; I had already gauged her strength in this fight, and I knew I was far stronger.
"I haven't used this in a long time." My voice trailed off as I pointed my flame sword at her.
The flames coalesced, materializing into a solid blade adorned with a swirling black and white pattern.
The energy within me surged rapidly. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.
"BAN—"
BOOOOM!
A black and dark aura enveloped me, so powerful that the cavern shook violently for a moment.
When the chaos settled, I had transformed. I was now dressed in a black robe with white accents, lined with a hint of red over one shoulder.
My hand gripped two swords, each glinting with a dark, powerful aura.
The air around me seemed to pulse with energy, and I could feel a new strength flowing through me.
And now my hair had turned orange.
"What is that form?" Aria narrowed her eyes.
I stood there, my face resembling that of a main character whose sole purpose was to access every possible bloodline.
My plot armor was so predictable that any time I faced another being, they somehow ended up being related to someone in my family tree.
"Aria, I won't let you kill the Soul King. If you do, all three worlds will be destroyed. I know what happened before was inhumane, but your clan is also at fault for being too extreme," I said, shaking my head.
"What the hell are you talking about?" she asked, raising her brows in confusion.
"It's been a thousand years. I mean, learn and let it go."
"Huh?" she looked completely puzzled.
I could not blame her; I wasn't even thinking about that particular anime.
But when she started shooting those blue arrows at me, I realized I'd be a failure as an otaku if I didn't take advantage of this rare moment.
"I also have your bloodline. Why do you ask? Don't worry about the small stuff. Maybe your mother is my mother's second cousin, who slept with my uncle? I don't know... It is confusing"
As I spoke, blue traces of light began to flicker across my body, matching her own.
"Forget it," she shook her head, turning down her power.
"It is more exhausting to talk to you," she added.
I felt a bit disappointed that I couldn't continue my roleplay, but I guess this works too.
"So, do you agree to work under me now?"
She narrowed her eyes, considering it for a moment. "I'm not sure about this..."
"Come on, I can protect you," I replied, trying to sound convincing.
"Plus, I promise to sleep with you whenever you need some comfort," I added with a playful wink.
After a brief pause, she sighed. "Fine, I'll do it. But only because I'm curious to see how this will play out."