NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31. The Sin of Pride Part 3
Days passed, and I had slain 776 different versions of myself from alternate timelines. Each variation presented a unique challenge, differing in appearance, skill, personality, and even species. Some were human, others were more monstrous or fantastical. I envied the batkin version of myself the most; it could fly and release powerful sonic sounds through screaming. It seemed so free, so unburdened by the physical limitations I faced as a leech-born monster.
But the reality of my existence had hardened me. Envy and longing for what could never be were luxuries I could not afford. So, I continued my grim work, each kill sharpening my resolve. I stopped caring about the potential and advantages each alternate version of myself possessed. My task was clear: to emerge as the strongest, most resilient version of myself. Envy tried to take hold of me but as each fight went on my pride grew in power washing away the envy I felt since I was the one who wouldn't die, I was the version who would be the strongest and survive.
The battlefield was littered with the remnants of my alternates. Each encounter left me more exhausted, yet more determined. The angel remained a silent observer, his presence a reminder of the stakes and the finality of this trial. With every opponent I felled, I felt a strange amalgamation of their pacts merge with my own.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the 777th version of myself stepped forward. This one was unlike any other I had faced. Extraordinary abilities or monstrous traits did not mark him. Instead the young teen version of us as a human, he bore a calm, serene demeanor, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding and acceptance of himself.
"You have fought long and hard," he said, his voice steady and composed. "But do you understand why we are doing this?"
I tightened my grip on my blood sword, ready for another battle. "To become the strongest version of myself. To face Wrath, Pride, and whatever else comes my way."
He shook his head, a slight smile on his lips. "Strength is not just about power or skill. It's about knowing who you are and embracing all parts of yourself—the good, the bad, and the monstrous. Only then can we truly be whole."
"You're right," I admitted, lowering my sword slightly. "But I can't afford to let my guard down. Not now. I must become more of a monster, and I accept that. I may even become a demon in the future, but I accept it. I will be proud of myself and welcome it with open arms. For I am Leon and I will become the Lord of Blood."
The serene version of myself nodded, his expression still calm but now tinged with a hint of sadness. "Acceptance is the first step. But remember, true strength is not just in becoming a monster; it is in mastering it. Being prideful can give you power, but unchecked pride can also lead to your downfall. You accept becoming a monster and I don't. Let us see whose path is correct." A serene smile spread across his face. "I walk the path of Life while you tread the path of Death. No matter what happens today, our goals will be realized, one way or another."
We both covered ourselves in blood armor, the crimson liquid solidifying into protective gear that matched our respective fighting styles. The serene version of myself selected a longsword that gleamed with a sinister, blood-red sheen. I armed myself with a spear and buckler, opting for a combination that would allow me to strike from a distance while having the means to block or parry his attacks.
The atmosphere around us crackled with tension. This was the final confrontation, the ultimate test of my resolve and ability to master the aspects of myself that I had been grappling with. The angel watched silently from his position by the golden door, his presence a reminder of the stakes.
He raised his longsword in a salute before adopting a combat stance. "This is it," he said, his voice calm but filled with an underlying intensity. "Show me that you can wield your pride without letting it consume you."
I nodded, gripping my spear tightly and raising my buckler. "I will," I replied. "And I will prove that I will be my own master never letting anything control me or my fate again."
Without further words, he lunged forward, his longsword arcing through the air in a powerful strike aimed at my head. I reacted swiftly, bringing my buckler up to deflect the blow while thrusting my spear towards his chest. He twisted gracefully, avoiding the spear and countering with a slash aimed at my side. I spun away, using the length of my spear to keep him at bay while searching for an opening. Each clash of our weapons echoed through the room, a testament to the intensity of our duel. He fought with a fluid grace, each movement precise and calculated. In contrast, I utilized a blend of agility and strength, leveraging the versatility of my spear and buckler to adapt to his attacks.
The battle raged on, neither of us giving an inch. His strikes were relentless, his confidence unwavering. Yet, I could feel a change within myself. With every parry and counter, I was not just fighting to defeat him but to integrate his strength and confidence into my being. I was learning to embrace my pride, to channel it as a source of power rather than letting it dominate me.
Seeing how we were evenly matched, I knew something needed to change; otherwise, I would lose. He was both bigger and stronger. That is when I remembered something I learned from watching sports on TV with Dad. He had explained it to me after one of the contestants was found cheating. Blood has oxygen in it, and if injected before an event, it can increase endurance and physical capabilities, allowing them to win most of the time. Seeing all the blood around us, I thought about using it to my advantage. I began the process of blood doping to even out the duel, giving me a chance at victory. I pulled all the blood around us, causing the other me to back off, thinking this was an attack. But it gave me enough time to devour all the blood. My veins bulged, and my muscles felt more powerful than ever before.
The other me looked at me, confused, not knowing what I was doing. "Don't mind that," I said, a smirk tugging at my lips. "It was just a little drink since I was both thirsty and hungry." I wasn't lying; I was indeed both hungry and thirsty. Additionally, this prevented both of us from using Hemoportation, forcing us to fight head-on. With no more MP, I couldn't use any more mana-related skills. But I knew he had a better mana regeneration than I did since he kept using skills to heal himself. It wasn't the regeneration we both had since I felt the mana flow around him as he healed.
Now ready to fight again, I faced him with renewed vigor. Our weapons clashed with a ferocity that echoed through the chamber. Each strike and parry was a testament to our determination and skill, but now I had the advantage of enhanced endurance and strength. My movements were faster, my blows more powerful, and my mind clearer than ever.
His eyes narrowed as he realized the change in my abilities. He adjusted his stance, ready to counter my enhanced strength. " Cheater thought you said you were thirsty and hungry. But that was my fault for falling for it."
I pressed the attack, driving him back with a relentless series of thrusts and strikes. He parried and countered as best as he could, but the difference in our power was now evident. I could see the strain in his movements, the desperation in his eyes.
"Is this how you intend to win?" he growled, blocking a particularly powerful blow with his longsword. "By becoming a monster?"
I met his gaze with unwavering determination. "I will do whatever it takes to win," I replied. "I have accepted every part of myself, and I will use it to achieve my goals. Even if it means becoming a monster."
With a final, decisive strike, I disarmed him, sending his longsword clattering to the ground. Seizing the moment, I lunged forward and drove my spear through his heart, killing him in one hit. His eyes widened in shock, and for a brief moment, I saw a flash of acceptance and understanding before his body began to dissolve into a pool of blood. His pack joined with mine and all that was left was the ghostly form of my alternate.
The chamber around me seemed to pulse with new energy as I stood there, breathing heavily but feeling a profound sense of completion. After my win, I fell onto my back, exhausted from the nonstop fights that had been going on. Everything hurt, even with drinking the blood that had come from defeating the other versions of myself.
The angel, who had remained silent and distant throughout the trials, finally walked over to us. He and I just stared at each other, and I had the biggest smile plastered across my face. I had won and came out as the victor. I knew this because of the notification that had appeared, saying I had cleared the Trial of Pride. But I could read that later. Right now, I needed to find out what the angel wanted.
The angel finally spoke after crossing the distance to us. "That was a great fight, children. But seeing as only one of you could survive, it was natural for the monster to win as fate had chosen you to be the victor from the beginning. Now, come untainted one. It is time for you to become an angel and serve our god."
The other version of myself ethereal form shimmered with a mix of emotions—relief, resignation, and a touch of sadness. He glanced at me, and for a moment, we shared a silent understanding. Despite everything, he was still me, a reflection of my journey and growth. Even if we differed we both were the closest versions we had come across during the trial.
The angel extended a hand towards him, who slowly stood up. "It is time for you to ascend," the angel said gently. "You have been freed from the burdens of this trial and can now find peace in the service of the divine."
He nodded, accepting the angel's hand. Then turned to me one last time. "You have proven your strength and resolve," he said. " But don't go too far and make mother sad."
They both stepped through the golden door and closed it behind them. As the door closed it faded away disappearing into motes of light.
As I lay there, recovering from the intense battles, I allowed myself a moment of rest. The notification confirming my success in the Trial of Pride lingered in my mind, a reminder of what I had accomplished. I knew that the journey was far from over. There were still many challenges to face, and the icy blue door loomed in my thoughts, a reminder of the next trial awaiting me. But for now, I allowed myself to savor the victory and the knowledge that I had mastered one of the most challenging aspects of myself. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and let the exhaustion wash over me. I had earned this moment of peace, and I would use it to gather my strength for the trials ahead.