Void Spawn - A litrpg adventure fantasy

After their clash, Samael went ahead to prepare for their voyage. Still, it's quite jarring for him how it almost felt like he never fought the guild master earlier.

Samael found himself at Eddie's Smithy, a rather nostalgic place. Things here were a tad bit different from his memories.

The shop was larger now, and the walls were made with stone as well. However, it felt the same as the first time he entered the establishment.

Samael pressed the silver bell twice; it's metallic chime reverberating through the walls of the smithy.

It didn't take long before Samael felt the tremor under his soles and the loud footsteps nearing his way.

With a click, the brown wooden door sprung open, revealing a man resembling a giant.

"Who goes there?" Eddie asked, his voice leaving trails of echoes in the air.

"Eddie, it's me." Samael waved, luring the attention of the burly man.

Eddie's brows rose to an arch, a smudge of confusion lingering in his pupils as he sized Samael.

"You..." Eddie muttered.

A small smile tugged at the corner of Samael's lips as he gave a nod.

"Yes, it's me, Sama—oof!" Samael's words were cut short as a pair of hulking arms dragged him into their warm embrace.

"SAMAEL! IT'S YOU, MY BOY!" Eddie roared as he nearly squeezed the life out of the boy.

Samael winced as he covered his ears, opting for the man to drop him down.

"Oh! My apologies for screaming. I mean, who wouldn't? I haven't seen you in years! The only news I got were the rumors spreading around!" Eddie exclaimed.

"It's fine," Samael smiled.

"How have you been, Samael? Last time I saw you, you were just a little lamb! Now look at you! You're a fine man now!" Eddie broke into laughter, his voice strong enough to shake the foundation of the shop.

"Well, you're the same as ever, Eddie, except older and fatter," Samael replied, making the man laugh even harder.

"So how can I help you?" Eddie asked as he wiped the tears off his eyes, a sight you wouldn't expect from someone his size.

Samael swiftly withdrew the black card given by Icarius from his dragon hoard remnant.

"Remember how I said I'd pay you back before? Well, I'm here to fulfill that promise and, well, buy a new set of armor." Samael smiled wryly.

"Oh, that! I told you it's fine! But if you insist, I suppose business is business!" Eddie said.

The man circled Samael a few times before returning.

"What could've caused so much damage to your armor?" Eddie asked as he wrote down Samael's measurements.

"The guild master of the watchers invited me to spar, and this happened," Samael recalled.

"Oh, Icarius? Yeah, that man is fairly notorious for going a little overboard sometimes," Eddie massaged his beard.

Sometimes? Samael could only shake his head.

"Any personal preference regarding your armor? Light or heavy or just right? Any color you like? Markings?" Eddie asked.

Samael fell silent for a moment, his eyes lost deep in contemplation.

"I need something that won't restrict my movement too much; I'd also like it if it's darker in color," Samael replied.

"You got it," Eddie said before vanishing.

After a few minutes, the man came out with two boxes, inside of which Samael had requested armor.

"If you're looking for something that won't suffocate your arse, then these bad boys are for you," Eddie said as he took out the armor.

Samael carefully inspected the gear, his fingers caressing the cold surface of the armor.

"Go ahead, wear it, and judge for yourself," Eddie instructed.

Needless to say, the armor was perfect. Samael has never felt more free in his life.

Did Icarius predict this? Samael couldn't help but ask himself.

After doing a few more stretching and drills, Samael wore a satisfied smile on his face.

"I take it you like the armor?" Eddie asked with a wide grin.

Samael tapped the cold steel surface. "Is it that obvious?"

The man laughed in reply.

Samael spent an extra hour or so in the shop, buying a few more things. He and Eddie also caught up on his adventures in the last eight years.

Apparently, Eddie has expanded the items he sells. Thus, Samael brought a knife, some utility items, potions, and some Dunamis stones. Yes, Dunamis stones.

Crimson Raven has earned a plethora of skills in the last eight years of his voyage. One of which allows the weapon to heal by consuming the essence of other creatures. This is the reason Samael stayed far longer out in the wild without the need for regular maintenance.

As the golden sun dipped on the horizon, Samael found himself in a wide field outside Erudicio, where a lone tree stood under the gentle nudges of the wind.

Usually, no citizens would be permitted to exit the sanctuary, but with his reputation, something like this is a walk in the park.

Unlike the towering walls and glaring lights accompanying Erudicio's streets, Samael felt safer in the presence of darkness and the ethereal guidance of the moon.

He has a lot on his mind these days.

The escalation of the war.

Lilith's whereabouts and wellbeing.

Their upcoming mission.

The involvement of the church in all this mess.

After his sparring with Icarius, another batch of questions wreaked havoc in his mind, opting for him to question what he knew.

Just what does Icarius mean by "everyone fights in their own way?"

Wasn't fighting to attack your opponents and having them attack you?

Wasn't it a way of showing your physical prowess?

Perhaps he is indeed missing something. After all, the only thing he has ever used was what Ajax taught him. Yet, even with those, he struggles. It's almost as if his body never really accepts the way his mentor fights.

He isn't incapable of displaying power, speed, or dexterity.

So where does the problem lie?

"Everyone fights in their own way," Samael muttered under his breath, his voice drifting with the wind.

Unable to comprehend what Icarius wanted to send across, the same words he said echoed repeatedly in Samael's head.

"Everyone fights in their own way."

"Everyone fights in their own way."

"Everyone fights in their own way."

What does Icarius even mean their "own" way?

Wait— In their 'own' way... Samael wondered.

Perhaps that's where the problem stems!

Samael's eyes narrowed down as he sat up.

Looking back, why did Icarius address the matter regarding his armor? In plain sight, it might be completely unrelated, but delving deeper, Icarius made sure he bought armor that wouldn't restrict his movements. That couldn't have been some random coincidence.

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Not to mention, he also pointed out how my movements feel rather off... Samael thought.

Looking back, the only things he used out there were the things Ajax had given him. But that's what's wrong! What works for Ajax may not work for him!

What Icarius wanted to send across was for him to find the way he fights. Not copy how others do.

But what is his fighting style?

Icarius specifically told him that lighter armor would work for him. What does that entail?

Light armor allows for easier movement in exchange for protection. It's also good for mobility and speed, seeing as there's more surface area to navigate on.

Samael closed his eyes as he recalled the time he spent with Ajax.

It almost felt as if it were only yesterday when they fought Antrax, a saint-class abomination.

How did Ajax and Antrax fight?

Samael's brows furrowed as he delved deeper into his memories.

Looking back, Ajax fought in a calm, precise, and swift manner. He greatly utilized counters and often struck where the enemy was weakest.

On the other hand, Antrax was the exact opposite. He was aggressive, fearless, and destructive. He would attack non-stop and corner you.

Examining it, the two fought in a way that greatly suited their personalities. Ajax was always a calm and direct person, while Antrax was rageful and cunning.

"May there's more? How about their elements..." Samael whispered.

Their elements also worked well with the way they fought. Ajax, who utilized shadow, aided his swift and precise attacks, while Antrax, who wielded some form of rot element, made each and every strike deadly.

Then that only means their personalities and their elements greatly influence their way of combat.

But what does the Void excel at?

As far as he knows, Void is technically nothingness. It's the absence of anything. It's basically nonexistent. So how does he figure out its impact?

In the question of personalities, Samael doesn't exactly know if he has any redeeming quality that stands out. He always viewed himself as an average person.

So what will it be?

"What do you think..?" Samael asked.

Silence prevailed for a moment, but Samael's visage soon bathed in the blue glow of the Codex.

The Void can be anywhere, yet nowhere...? He asked himself, a small flicker igniting the cogwheels in his head.

"I see..." Samael muttered as he rose to his feet.

If he was the heir, wasn't it only right to call himself as such?

He was Void. Or atleast destined to be one.

"Now I understand," Samael's gaze narrowed.

"The Void can do anything it wants, wherever and whenever it wants," Samael uttered. That was his redeeming quality.

His fighting style, ever since the beginning, has been untamed and raw. He moved in a way that most humans would deem irregular and odd. He often relied on his instincts and did what he felt was right. He utilized each and every part of his body to generate the most force and finish every fight.

That is his fighting style.

Now, a single question remains in his head.

How will he utilize it in combat?

***

As the golden glow of the sun peeked over the horizon, Samael swiftly made his way towards the southwest gate of Erudicio, where Ajax stood in waiting.

Sensing Samael's presence, Ajax cast a sidelong glance as he spoke.

"Are your preparations complete?" he asked.

Samael gave a soft nod, his gaze wandering about.

"Are we traveling by foot?" he asked.

"Yes, riding a horse is too dangerous, seeing how most of the roads leading to Tera are swarmed with abominations," Ajax replied.

Ajax fell silent for a moment as he spoke once more.

"Is something bothering you?" He inquired after noticing Samael's gaze.

Samael's brows rose to an arch as he responded. "I... Icarius and I had a sparring, and it revealed a few things to me." Samael fixed his gaze on the man. "Ajax, how did you discover the way you fight?"

The man's visor tilted an inch.

"The way I fight? It's something I discovered within myself. Your body will know if something does not work for it. Your element, personality, and ideals also play a role in determining your way in combat," Ajax replied as he began to triple check his gear.

Samael kept his mouth tight for a brief moment. "Have you noticed anything as to how I fought before?"

"You fought in a wild manner, untamed and free," Ajax replied without a shadow of doubt.

Samael recoiled in surprise.

You already knew all along...

"You knew? Why didn't you tell me?" Samael's brows furrowed.

"There are things you'll have to learn on your own," Ajax neatly arranged some of the potions in his belt. "You're not a kid anymore."

"I'll ask you this. How do you fight?" Ajax asked as he shot a glance at the boy.

Samael's forehead creased. "I—"

"Don't think, act. Attack me right here, right now," Ajax pushed forward, causing the boy to flinch.

"Attack you? What are you—?" Samael's words were cut short as Ajax took another step closer.

"Then I'll come to you."

Ajax's figure turned to a blur as a gauntlet hovered mere inches from Samael's face.

The boy planted his foot back as he tried to shift his weight, only for Ajax's fist to pummel his jaw, sending him sprawling down the pavement.

Fragments of solidified Void matter slithered down his cheeks as his Void skin cracked under the impact of the attack.

"I said, don't think, act. You tried to copy the way I moved. The way you saw me move." Ajax cracked his neck as he grew closer.

"Not everything works for everyone," he resumed as he lunged forward.

Samael hastily rolled to the side, barely avoiding Ajax's devastating kick that cracked the earth beneath him.

"Let your body decide, Samael. Be lost in the rhythm, and you may just see a glimpse," Ajax charged again as a burst of killing intent struck Samael square in the face, nearly sweeping him off his feet.

His blood went cold as beads of sweat meandered down his forehead. His Void compass rang alarms of caution as Ajax inched closer by the second.

Ajax unsheathed his blade, its steel edge glimmering under the glow of the morning sun.

Out of options, Samael called forth Crimson Raven.

"Now, we fight," Ajax's figure appeared inches from Samael, his blade humming in the air as it descended with unparalleled force.

Samael's grunts echoed as Crimson Raven shot forward, intercepting the attack in a thunderous explosion.

Without an ounce of mercy, Ajax pressed down on the blade, burying Samael under the pavement as he released a part of his astral pressure.

Samael groaned as he steadfastly tanked the wave of pressure, nearly forcing him to faint. His hands trembling under the sheer force of Ajax's blade.

Doubling the force, Ajax drilled his weapon further, its sharp edge mere centimeters from Samael's face. Nearly burying the boy alive.

Samael could feel the sharpness of the weapon caress his skin, along with Ajax's words repeating within his head.

"Let your body decide, Samael. Be lost in the rhythm, and you may just see a glimpse."

"Let your body decide, Samael. Be lost in the rhythm, and you may just see a glimpse."

"Let your body decide, Samael. Be lost in the rhythm, and you may just see a glimpse."

But how?

"Don't think, act."

Samael cut off all his thoughts as he focused on his body.

Perhaps he does think too much...

Yes, yes, you do.

Samael's brows furrowed.

Who...?

Are you really asking yourself that question?

I don't understand...

You don't have to.

You... You're the voice before...

Good job; at least you still remember that.

Why appear now...?

Didn't you call out for me? Didn't you ask yourself? "How do I fight?"

You...

Yes.

—You're me.

—I am you.

I am the emotion you have bottled up. The culmination of all the pain, happiness, anger, and desperation locked deep within your heart... I have wakened, through the help of the Void I now waken.

...Now watch and learn.

Samael's eyes jolted open, the atmosphere surrounding him shifting to something completely different.

"You..." Ajax's words were cut off as Samael let loose of his grasp, meeting the blade head-on without an ounce of fear.

However, Samael twisted his body to the side as Ajax's blade left a shallow crack on his Void skin.

Unfazed, Samael threw Crimson Raven straight towards Ajax, forcing the man to hastily weave to the side when a fist struck Ajax's visor, knocking the man away.

Ajax flew a few meters back before his body struck the wall.

Samael stood up, his tone cold and emotionless. "Observe and learn. A Sov—%=€^$÷ —should fight like one."

Unlike before, Samael could see everything happen before his eyes. He didn't lose consciousness, but he doesn't have control of his body either.

However, he didn't retaliate because the one controlling him is also another part of him. One that has been sleeping for far too long.

"You're not too far off..." Samael's alter ego said.

What...? Samael's brow furrowed.

"Last night, you concluded that the Void fights in its way however it wants, whenever it wants. You're not wrong, but we are the Void," Alter Samael muttered.

"So what are you so confused about?" Samael's figure shot forward.

Ajax rose to his feet as he swiftly weaved to the side, narrowly dodging Samael's fist as Samael's voice rang in his ears, cold yet carrying a weight he had never felt before.

"Come to me, Crimson Raven."

In the corner of Ajax's eyes, he saw a dark silhouette jetting his way.

He planted his foot on the ground as he shifted his weight, nimbly avoiding the weapon. However, it wasn't over yet.

As Samael caught the weapon, his hand dialed back as he delivered a ferocious slash, aiming to cleave through Ajax's neck.

The saint's astral compass rang in a frenzy, warning him of the impending danger. Assessing the situation calmly, Ajax stomped the ground hard, dashing back as Samael's axe struck nothing but air.

Not wasting time, Samael landed low on the ground as he catapulted himself forward with earth-shattering force.

Ajax whipped his arm forth as the two weapons collided in a brutal bang, along with the ripples of shockwaves coursing through the ground.

Samael twisted Crimson Raven, locking the axe's buttspike into Ajax's sword as he dragged himself closer, delivering a sharp knee. Unfortunately, Ajax jerked his arm up, blocking the attack.

Using the rebound of the strike, Alter Samael threw himself up as he rotated mid-air, further enhancing his power as he plummet down with another slash, tearing Ajax's blade in half.

Ajax watched the other half of the blade dance in the air, a lone bead of sweat trailing down his forehead.

Seizing the chance, Samael landed in his low stance once more as he launched himself forward to deliver a back kick, sending the shadow Saint dozens of meters back in a thunderous explosion.

Samael's visage remained cold as ice. "That was fun,"

"Did you catch all that other me? Hopefully I didn't bust my ass there for nothing." Samael muttered as his eyes regained it's old glimmer.

Samael blinked a couple times, a smudge of confusion lingering in his eyes as he watched the dust cloud left behind by the voice and Ajax.

The way the other guy fought... It was wild, unpredictable, and free. It moved in a way that made use of every part of his body. It had this tantalizing flow and rhythm.

But first...

Samael speared a glance ahead as Ajax's figure emerged from the thinning smoke, his armor dented along with a snapped sword nesting in his hand.

Samael opened his mouth when Ajax spoke.

"—You're back."

Samael gave a stiff nod.

"Good, did you at least learn anything?" he asked.

Samael gave another nod.

"It looks like our voyage will be a little delayed," Ajax said as he inspected his armor.

Samael could only watch as Ajax left as though they didn't try killing each other earlier.

Samael could only sigh.