<[CHAPTER 7]>
[The Awakening of the Corrupted!] [Part 4]
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The world stood still, without metaphor.
For an instant, it froze, even causing the system to hesitate for those boys. Without time for any reaction, the creature disappeared before them, a blur to their low perception and in a fraction of a second…
CRACK!!!
Someone was thrown against the ground, traveling uncontrollably until the sound of their bones breaking echoed as their body crashed against a tree.
–"Too fast… I'm at my limit!"
Akaza, wounded, spat blood with wide eyes of surprise after uttering those words, panting. He stood up, trying to stay on his feet. He knew that this was no ordinary monster and that standing still would mean certain death.
The creature…
It didn't take long after the throw; it disappeared, reappearing before Near with its jaws wide open and teeth ready to tear.
—"..."
The image before him… a jaw opening to its maximum, distorting the creature's grotesque structure and emphasizing the rows and rows of serrated teeth; hungrily, it wanted to devour that boy.
At that moment…
Near couldn't breathe properly; the air was heavy, and it wasn't just the smell of sewage emanating from that entity trying to devour him.
The negative effect previously caused by fear ceased to simply belong to the system and became pure instinct, announcing the imminent death that awaited them.
Then…
To end the lives of those poor souls.
The creature advanced.
CLANG!!!
The dry, metallic sound erupted through the air.
Finally, the creature's jaw locked, not because it wanted to… but because something interrupted it. It was a blade, a single blade holding what they perceived as impossible; a shockwave was generated upon impact, raising dust.
The two boys stood stunned and silent as their world thawed and the system stopped hesitating… they heard calm, heavy footsteps approaching them.
"Are you alright… still breathing?"
The voice was very calm and confident, yet carried an even greater weight and authority; its presence became even more noticeable as the figure emerged from the dust, walking backward.
A red cloak billowing in the wind, worn armor and a firm sword gripped, without looking back he spoke after a loud bang echoed.
BOOM!!!
It was the creature's head that had been abruptly knocked against the ground beside them, opening a crater.
Its remaining rat minions retreated in fear; a predator always recognizes another, and at that moment the weaker ones preferred not to intervene, mainly out of fear.
The man stopped between the boys and the creatures, slowly spun his sword, and pointed it straight at the larger creature.
"You chose your prey wrongly, creature!"
Near's eyes widened.
"Who is this guy anyway?"
Akaza smiled, bleeding.
"...reinforcements?"
Both had their own thoughts about that individual; he remained silent.
Regardless of any questions they might ask, he wasn't there for them; he was there because he chose to be.
Back to the combat...
After removing the head embedded in the ground, the opponent let out a roar different from the previous one; this one had no effect on the young men. His body began to elongate, muscles swelled, and his bones cracked; the shapeless mass took form, and what had previously seemed incomprehensible now seemed comprehensible.
Near and Akaza's fear worsened even more. Amidst the dissipating dust, a monstrous humanoid body emerged: dark skin, intensely gleaming red eyes, a grotesque face merged with the skull of a rat, sharp claws, and twice its height, a muscular and imposing physical structure. The shapeless smoke ceased, and the giant creature took shape.
"We're screwed!"
The young men thought in unison, without much time to think. In the distance of the forest, responding to the call of the previous roar, dozens of Dire Rats appeared, their empty, hungry eyes devastating everything in their path.
The young players were worried.
"...this isn't normal... what kind of absurd spawn is this?"
While they were preoccupied with the rats, their savior was facing the creature of humanity; sword and claws clashed.
They seemed to be on equal footing; without hesitation, without fear, he attacked the monster even knowing that the monster was more lethal.
[Fencing Skill (B)]
To conserve energy, he advanced, expending ten stamina points. His physical fitness was one hundred points, so…
The conversion was simple:
(10 Sp + 100 Fis) × 5 = 550
He moved at a speed of 550 m/s and applied a similar force; the expected damage was 1100.
But the monster reacted, reading the movement and partially dodging the enemy attack.
[Silent Steps Skill (E)]
The conversion:
(20 Sp + 90 Fis) × 2 = 220
It moved at a speed of 220 m/s, which wasn't enough to completely dodge.
Then…
The blade cut its shoulder, removing its arm. Its life decreased slightly, even though the damage was considerably high, the area it hit wasn't that lethal.
The monster's HP dropped from 510 to 346; its eighty points of resistance had helped a lot.
The creature growled in pain, even though it wasn't enough to finish it off.
It didn't hesitate and counterattacked immediately. The ground beneath its feet cracked, and then it lunged…
[Bite Skill (D)]
30 Sp + 90 Fis × 3 = 360
720 Damage
Our hero tried to retreat, but he wasn't fast enough. The creature's teeth tore his abdomen open on the side; the cut was superficially reduced as much as possible…
His leather armor (D) had a durability of twenty points, torn; his body a resistance of fifty, pierced; his passive resilience skill (E) increased his body's durability by +20%, yet the damage progressed; healing magic (E) recovered him from the wounds, but not enough; Magic Shield (D) was activated internally to minimize damage to internal organs, yet it ended up breaking, and his passive survival skill (E) reduced the remaining damage by -20%, also not enough to make the damage nonexistent, however…
The damage caused was reduced in such a way that his HP decreased from 300 to 72.
The blood was plentiful, as was the unbearable pain that the wound caused him.
The young men observed, but they couldn't help much; they were busy trying to solve the problem with the rats coming from the forest in the distance.
Near tried to scream, but he was out of breath, and Akaza tried to stand, but it was useless; they weren't fully recovered yet.
The serrated teeth were embedded in his abdomen, and yet he didn't hesitate. Even though his body was failing, his rank condemned him.
If he were a player, the system would tell him that defeat was inevitable, but he… didn't fight with numbers. The situation was opportune; that was his reading, the pattern, the breathing, that bite was the mistake he was waiting for…
–"Perfect…"
He thought, then acted…
Faster, more aggressive, and confident, without retreating.
He executed the counterattack, spun his body, his jaw sliding across the inner magic shield, passing by millimeters and tearing his skin.
Released, he took a rotational step, bringing him face to face with the creature's side… a descending cut, without wasting movement, without brute force, only technique at maximum power.
[Fencing (B)]
(60 SP + 100 Fis) × 5 = 800
1600 Damage
The difference wasn't the number, the final damage caused. It was the region, the chosen point, and the creature's vulnerability at that moment.
Then he cut its neck off, silence remained for a few moments. The severed creature's body froze, its head rolled on the ground with its eyes still alive, for a few seconds until its body fell lifeless.
He plunged his sword into the ground trying to stay firm, falling to his knees, breathing heavily.
–"...but one blow and I would have died..."
Akaza smiled as he approached.
–"It took you long enough... but why didn't you run away?"
He chuckled softly, wearily replying vaguely.
–"Someone needed to stay, simple as that..."
Near, observing, approached them.
"With all due respect, sir? Anyway… sorry to interrupt your dry conversation, but we still have to deal with that horde of monsters coming this way!"
Then he simply pointed to the approaching monsters and just sat on the ground.
"Hm… right! Drink this…"
He took out vials of different colors and handed three to each of the boys.
"It's not much, but they'll help with your recovery…"
Then without hesitation they drank the potions; the vials were blue, red, and yellow. All were status potions, and the horde was only minutes away from reaching their location.
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「 NOTIFICATION 」
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• STATUS POTIONS ACQUIRED
- Red Potion (B)
- Blue Potion (B)
- Yellow Potion (B)
• STATUS RECOVERY
- Life recovered by 50%
- Mana recovered by 50%
- Stamina recovered by 50%
• HORDE OF ATROCIOUS RATS
- 00:00:10 remaining.
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The notification appeared for the boys after they drank the potions.
"These potions must have cost an arm and a leg, and you're just giving them to us like this... funny!"
Near said, noticing that it was a very good item.
"What's the point of keeping them if not to use them in moments like these? We're going to die anyway, so it's better to fight, giving it our all!"
Akaza murmured.
"I agree… but enough of this nonsense!"
He turned towards the horde.
"Listen… the suicidal mage handles the magical support…"
He paused, looking at the horizon.
"And the stubborn swordsman protects the mage from those who pass by me…"
Silence remained for a few moments; they listened attentively.
"…you shouldn't even be alive, so don't waste this chance… next time I won't help you!"
He dashed off, advancing towards the extermination.
And without any hurry, without exaggerated movements or unnecessary effort, just pure precision and technique, he ran swiftly like a blur, passing between the enemy ranks.
Single and continuous movements, imperceptible to the rats; the cuts were single, and twelve were killed instantly without wasting energy; he was in the center of the enemy horde.
"Always clear the field first…"
The rats jumped at him, and he dodged. Easily, they were too slow. He spun, a precise cut appeared, and with surgical precision, eight more fell. Silence, the rats stirred.
Unlike the two young men, he didn't fight simply to survive; he fought with control, reading, and purpose, so each movement was clean, without waste or hesitation.
One, two, three precise, deadly cuts, and the pile of corpses only grew. But then he stopped for a moment, his eyes changed, became opaque; he was no longer focused on creatures, he was focused on the past… the wound was worsening, causing flashes of memory.
[FLASHBACK]
In an empty field, mostly vacant, a training session, blood, heavy breathing.
The young knight… younger, more lost, and before him… his master, wounded, trying to stay on his feet.
–"We men are miserable, Ricky."
The little knight, Ricky, clenched his teeth, trying to hold back tears.
–"…I taught you to fight… but not why." "...to fight..."
The voice was deep and hoarse, his gaze heavy, the silence remained, the wind blowing, and then...
"I... I fight for you, master!"
The master heard and smiled, letting out a laugh, finally coughing up blood.
"Even if you say that now... what will you do when I die?"
The boy trembled and remained silent; he had no answer.
"Soldiers fight, obey, and die without even knowing who they are truly doing it for..."
A pause.
"Don't be like us... losing our lives following the orders of some madman."
The young man remained silent, confused and even more lost.
"I don't understand, master!"
The master smiled genuinely.
"When you allow yourself to feel... you will understand!"
Silence, the last breath.
"Feelings can serve as direction... find your own path..."
He fell, his life ebbing away. "Don't judge... every person carries a story, even the weakest has a reason for existing... including you!"
[END OF FLASHBACK]
His eyes opened again, back on the battlefield.
"You did well..."
He said to Akaza and Near, who had held the ranks while he was in a trance.
"Now you can leave the rest to me!"
He took a step forward, the aura around him changed. The air became denser, the rats began to hesitate.
"I don't fight by orders... not for fame... I fight..."
He took another step and raised his sword.
"I fight because I chose to fight!"
A single downward movement surged, a violent slash struck the ground, the surface ahead was destroyed, consequently spreading the damage to the rats within the impact area.
Their bodies were split in two and buried by the debris of the generated fissure.
[Sword Fighting (B)][(Surface Breaking Sword)]
Near and Akaza fell to their knees before the dead body of a rat, panting. Both were once again a rag, but they were alive, barely, very barely, but alive.
Ricky wiped his blade with his cloak, without haste or any apparent emotion, turned his face to them without looking directly, he looked at the sky.
"Get up… if you stay on the ground you die, it's not over yet."
He started walking away, but stopped for a few seconds.
"Never let anyone tell you what is worth living for or not."
Silence. Only his footsteps receding from the plains could be heard, as if he had never been there, he wanted to disappear.
The sound of his footsteps faded slowly, until something stopped it.
"...wait!"
The voice was weak, but audible, broken, yet firm enough to stop the man. He didn't turn around immediately, the wind blowing carried away the smell of blood that permeated that field.
"Why… why did you save us?"
That was Near. The boy tried to stand, but failed on the first attempt. Then, with him on his knees…
Ricky finally stopped, his back still turned, looking at the horizon.
"…simple, you haven't given up on life."
Akaz laughed, still weak.
"That doesn't answer anything…"
Ricky turned slightly.
"It answers everything!"
They remained in heavy silence; it wasn't fear as Ricky approached, it was forced reflection.
He walked towards him, each step firm, carrying intention.
"They want answers… okay! Look, you fight badly, without coordination, reading, or any purpose."
He was direct, without softening his stance.
Near clenched his fist.
"But… we were going to die…"
Ricky stopped before him, knelt, held his shoulder, and looked him in the eyes.
"Yes… and you will die if you continue fighting like this!"
No consolation, no cheap heroism, just the truth. The silence that followed was more violent than the fight.
Still kneeling on the ground, placing himself at the same level as little Near, he pointed to his chest.
"Power without direction... is a delay that will lead you to death... and you fight to survive."
Then he stood up and pointed at Akaza.
"You fight on impulse..."
Then he pointed to himself.
"...I fight because I chose a reason."
Akaza frowned, confused.
"...and what is your reason?"
Silence remained for a few moments; for a few seconds he looked at the horizon.
"...I'm still figuring it out." But it's mine, and that's what matters!"
The system interrupted.
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「 NOTIFICATION 」
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• SURVIVAL CONFIRMED
- Distributing rewards according to merit.
- ??? liked you! Affinity with ??? increased.
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Near blinked in disbelief.
–"...affinity?"
Akaza, listening, smiled.
–"...it seems we're alike... well, this guy isn't normal, hahaha."
Ricky ignored their strange conversation and without warning, he launched his sword at Akaza.
It traveled through the air, in a straight line, fast.
He barely reacted.
CLANG!
Akaza blocked reflexively.
–"Seriously... you must have a screw loose!"
He advanced smiling, Near didn't stay behind and went along, now both more alert.
Ricky faced the two unarmed and yet was completely dominating the combat.
Near punched instinctively, but his posture was wrong.
Ricky blocked with one hand, deflecting the boy's fist as it slid down his arm, then clenched his other fist and instantly delivered a direct punch to the abdomen, hitting his solar plexus.
The impact in that area caused the boy to fall and cough up blood.
"In a real fight you'd be dead..."
He barely finished speaking before the boy could react.
SWOOSH!!!
Akaza appeared on the right flank, quick and aggressive, ready to unleash his attack.
Noticing him, Ricky calmly took a side step and straightened up at exactly forty-five degrees.
"Wrong angle."
He blocked, kicking the fist holding the sword, making it drop. The continuous rotational movement, his heel stopping centimeters from the young man's neck.
They remained silent for a few moments.
"Another walking corpse... again."
They tried, same blows, mistakes and corrections.
Ricky sighed deeply, disappointed.
"You think too much (Near) and you don't think (Akaza),"
He said, pointing at the two.
"...you are strong, but you don't see it...balance!"
They fell several times and were already getting tired of it. But, even so, they got up every time, and Ricky was observing their progress without them realizing it; they were evolving.
Ricky stepped back and picked up his sword; now it wasn't just attack, it was truly teaching.
"Look..."
He raised his sword and slowly demonstrated a perfect stance.
"Swordsmanship is like life... always hold it with two hands... preferably with greater control than predictable brutality."
He positioned his right hand on top and his left hand firmly at the base.
"The weapon is like the motive... if you lose it, you die."
He adjusted his body angle, left foot forward and sword centered.
–"Always maintain your posture… especially in a fight, never expose yourself."
They stared intently, especially Near, who was learning.
–"The environment is always our ally, you just have to know how to use it… for example…"
He spoke, pointing his sword around. The terrain was uneven, the wind blowing sideways, the sunlight shining in their direction.
–"If I force you against the sun…"
They looked at the sun and instinctively closed their eyes for a second. He moved quickly in that moment and…
–"You die!"
The silence remained heavy, the sword superficially cutting their chests.
Ricky began to attack at that very instant; they didn't even have time to feel pain. But, unlike before, he was more controlled…
–"There are eight basic ways to kill someone with a sword…"
Then he executed, one by one, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, ascending, descending, and cross cuts, all superficially directed at their bodies. Each blow was precise, economical, and inevitable.
–"You don't need power…"
He paused, looking at them with their torn clothes and superficial cuts festering.
–"…what you need is to know how to use the power you possess!"
Near breathed heavily.
–"…was this supposed to be training?"
Akaza let out a laugh.
–"Training!? This is pure humiliation, he's making us into fluffy cakes…"
Near laughed too.
–"Eh… if I'm malaike!"
Ricky sighed.
"Think what you will... this is simply the bare minimum to avoid dying next time."
His teachings weren't limited to fencing, but the young men would discover that later.
He disappeared over the horizon.
Days later...
In some tavern. Rumors traveled among the adventurers' conversations…
–"I heard that a lone swordsman killed a rat-man and his horde of atrocious rats…"
–"Impossible… I heard he didn't even use magic."
–"Lies!"
–"Seriously, and what's more… they call that warrior The Wandering Knight."
–"I confirmed that, they also say he's someone who doesn't take orders, doesn't stay in one place, appears and disappears whenever he wants, some even say… that he's already dead and just forgot about it."
In another part of the world, something observes, it wasn't human, nor a system, something above that.
–"…something out of the ordinary… an error… or a variable?"
A different interface appeared, colorless, without a defined shape.
[MARKING TARGET… NEW TARGET DEFINED… RICKY]
–"A new potential fragment has emerged… let's test it!"
The entity disappeared and we returned to the top of a Hill.
Ricky sat there, gazing at the horizon while tending to his sword.
Alone, as always, but different. His eyes had changed; he sensed something wrong watching him.
"Strange feeling, but comforting… probably something worthwhile."
He let out a slight smile, a crack opened in his almost imperceptible eye, he sheathed his sword and lay down, reflecting.
"How boring!"