LIGHTNOVELONLINE CH32-Alter Ego.
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 Samael.
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 said.
"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 said.
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.
"Is it that obvious?" Samael asked.
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."
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.
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.
"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?
"Codex, can you help me...?" 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 at the same time, nowhere. It's the unknown and the end. It gave the host one gift surpassing all...
Free will.
Samael's eyes quivered for a moment, his breath hitching as he read the contents of the panels hovering in front of him.
The Void can be anywhere, yet nowhere...? He asked himself, a small flicker igniting the cogwheels in his head.
Remember, Samael, you are the heir of the Void, and that only means one thing.
"I see..." Samael muttered as he rose to his feet.
"I am the Void," he said.
"Now I understand," Samael exclaimed.
"The Void can do anything it wants, wherever and whenever it wants," Samael uttered.
His fighting style, ever since the beginning, has been untamed and raw. He moved in a way that no human had ever seen. 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. Ajax, how did you discover the way you fight?"
"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 said.
Samael kept his mouth tight for a brief moment.
"Have you noticed anything as to how I fought before?" Samael asked.
"You fought in a wild manner, untamed and free," Ajax said without a shadow of doubt.
Samael recoiled in surprise.
Ajax already knew all along... Samael thought.
"You knew? Why didn't you tell me?" Samael asked.
"There are things you'll have to learn on your own," Ajax responded, just like Icarius did.
"I'll ask you this. How do you fight?" Ajax asked.
Samael opened his mouth when the man spoke once more, cutting him short.
"Don't think, act. Attack me right here, right now," Ajax stated, his carefree attitude now gone.
"Attack you? What are you—?" Samael's words were cut short as Ajax spoke.
"Then I'll come to you."
Ajax's figure turned to a blur as a gauntlet hovered mere inches from his face.
Samael 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 I taught you to move," Ajax said.
"Not everything works for everyone," he resumed as he lunged forward.
Samael hastily rolled to the side, barely avoiding Ajax's devastating kick.
"Let your body decide, Samael. Be lost in the rhythm, and you may just see a glimpse," Ajax instructed.
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 said as his 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 Samael 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...
Bingo.
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... That's me.
...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— 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 as he spoke, his tone cold and emotionless. "Watch and learn other me."
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.
"Hey, other me, I know you're listening. You're not too far off," Samael's alter ego said.
What...? Samael thought in confusion.
"Last night, you concluded that the Void fights in its way however it wants, whenever it wants. You're not wrong, and we are the Void," Alter Samael said.
"So what are you so confused about?" Alter Samael said as his figure zoomed forward.
Ajax rose to his feet as he swiftly weaved to the side, narrowly dodging Samael's fist— Samael's voice rang in his ears.
"Come to me, Crimson Raven."
In the corner of his eyes, Ajax 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.
Alter Samael caught the weapon, his hand dialing 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 Alter Samael's axe struck nothing but air.
Not wasting time, Samael landed on his low stance 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.
Alter 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.
Seizing the chance, Alter 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.
Alter Samael's visage remained cold as ice, as he said. "That was fun,"
"Did you catch all that other me? Hopefully I didn't bust my ass there for nothing." Alter Samael resumed as Samael's eyes regained their glimmer.
Samael blinked a couple times, a smudge of confusion lingering in his eyes as he watched the dust cloud left behind by his alter ego 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.