"Man thing… you have 0.1 seconds to remove your hands off me."
Michelle said in cold but casual tone.
"Wait, wh….
Zane rumbled, his voice heavy with misplaced confusion. The air crackled with unspoken tension. Alucard, ever observant, bristled, obsidian fangs glinting like deadly shards in the orange light.
Then, the world went in hues of red.
Faster than anyone can register.
A blur of vivid crimson – not the innocent, blue-haired child that Zane had initially assumed, but Michelle – suddenly appeared before him with inhuman speed. His movements were like lightning, swift and sharp. A searing pain shot through Zane’s jaw as he felt the impact of his powerful kick against his face. The metallic tang of blood mixed with the rich aroma of expensive black shoe polish filled his nostrils, overwhelming his senses.
The impact registered a fraction of a second later. It felt like a bomb had detonated in his face, molten fire consuming his skull. A sickening crack echoed through the serene meadow, a harsh counterpoint to the chirping of oblivious birds.
Zane’s body flew through the air, his limbs flailing like a puppet with its strings cut. The force of the kick knocked him off balance, sending him hurtling towards the cerulean sky.
Blood filled his mouth and he tasted the metallic tang as it spilled down his chin. The world around him became a blur of colors, swirling and morphing into an otherworldly vortex.
The ground was no longer beneath him, but a shrinking blue dot in the distance. He felt weightless, like an astronaut floating in space.
Fear gripped him as he realized the true force behind this kick - it defied all logic and reason.
Panic rose within him, clawing at his throat and threatening to burst forth in a primal scream. He had faced many opponents in battle, but none had ever inflicted such excruciating pain upon him and with a mere kick alone.
As he soared through the air, he caught glimpses of the stars above. They seemed cold and indifferent, mocking his suffering.
Abadis, reacting swiftly, did her thing as she was sure that the force of that kick could have sent him flying out of the solar system in a matter of seconds.
So to retrieve him from the void, pulling his unconscious form back to solid ground Zane was forcefully Actualized back to the ground, and the force of the kick was transported somewhere else.
The others looked on, trembling, as they absorbed the raw power that had just been displayed. Michelle knew how to make even the simplest of things hurt like hell.
Meanwhile, Substance, her mind twisted with fervent loyalty, tore open an Aether portal, desperate for escape.
’I have to take this opportunity and escape from here. I need to return to my master’s side as soon as possible, but first, I must find a place where this monster can’t harm me. It’s also a chance for me to rest and heal before continuing on my mission to receive the black ones blood.’
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With that said, the sentient Aether ring, began to open up under Substance’s orders, as it produce a strong suction, and sucked her inside it instantly and close right after, leaving Michelle, and the other behind. As Substance began to seek refuge in Hector’s imaginary realm.
"I really did it, I got away from that blue-haired monster now I just need to…
"Even the depths of another composite bubble cannot shield you!"
A voice echoed in the dark abyss, as Substance floated no surface to catch her glimpse, but before her, a blue-haired shota was looking down at her, that figure being none other than Michelle himself.
Substance began to leave her as she met with the disquieting sight of Michelle already there, an unwelcome specter in her intended sanctuary.
"I can see that you’re a bit of a troublemaker, but I’m a forgiving person. If you can’t stay in one place, I’ll keep you entertained until Merciless arrives."
…
…
…
…
…
"Could someone please clarify what we are currently watching?"
Abadis said out aloud her yellow cloak fluttering in the wind, as she and the other were watching an amusing spectacle happening before them. Naturally, no one answered or questioned the scene as they had no way of explaining.
Michelle had his legs on Substance’s head, pressing down on her skull so hard that it cracked open her skull and ground beneath his heels. Substance’s limbs were being toyed with in front of everyone present.
Michelle was juggling them disrespectfully as if they were mere playthings.
"Honestly when Merciless made you he should have added some manner in that head of yours, so defiant but I guess that is a good trait to have."
On the other hand as the group watch this weird display of morbid entertainment another person finally began to regain consciousness.
Anastasia’s heart hammered against her ribcage, the steady thrumming in her ears mingling with the chilling silence that engulfed the group. Her gaze was locked onto Michelle the first thing she saw when her eyes open up, the specter of past beatings by Kali clawing at the edges of her consciousness. Memories, vivid and visceral, danced before her eyes—a macabre ballet of pain and submission. She stood, rooted to the spot, a statue carved from fear as the terror congealed within her mind.
"Why… why is he here."
Her breaths came shallow and fast, each inhalation a gasp for composure that seemed just beyond reach. Anastasia’s neon blue eyes, stark beacons in her pallid face, flickered erratically, betraying her inner turmoil.
"Focus… maybe i’m dreaming right?"
She convince herself.
"Remember who you are, Anastasia.. you are the strongest don’t break… don’t break…
Yet, even as she willed strength into her limbs, they refused to obey, paralyzed by the raw display of power she saw for herself from the monster in children skin before her.
Amidst the tension, Jordan Astaroth’s voice sliced through the quietude, addressing Zane, who had regained his senses after the cosmic round-trip courtesy of Michelle’s boot, he woke up the same time as Anastasia, at this point everyone returned back to their normal human size with the exception of Zalana and Albedo.
Jordan’s plan was to diffuse the tense atmosphere as quickly as possible and firmly address Zane on the matter at hand. But he also hoped to gain more insight from him.
"Man that was a brutal kick, but that aside Zane, your thoughts on Merciless? As a combatant, I want to know, can he box enough not to be a burden."
Zane straightened his jaw back into place masking the discomfort from his recent celestial ejection with practiced nonchalance. His eyes, however, glinted with respect as he spoke.
"Merciless is not one to be underestimated. The man’s adaptability in battle is second to none in my opinion. He can turn the tide, even when it seems all but lost."
"Ohhh such high praise?"
Jordan prodded, leaning forward, intrigued by the analysis.
"Indeed!"
Zane replied, flexing a muscular arm unconsciously as if recalling the strain of their encounter.
"But given time, he morphs. His powers evolve to counter any adversary, making him nearly invincible. It’s only a matter of moments before weakness becomes a distant memory for him, although I make it a habit to not reveal all my cards like some newbie on the feel unless the situation is an unfair one, as I like maintain honor in a honorable fight."
Jordan nodded slowly, absorbing the gravity of Zane’s words as they all did. In this realm where power ebbed and flowed like the tides, such an ability was indeed a rare and formidable asset.
"Then we must watch, wait, and perhaps learn he is very versatile, he could make a good vanguard in the exam for sure."
He mused aloud, the machinations of strategy already taking root in his mind.
But Michelle suddenly cut everyone off, when he began to looked at Anastasia and said.
"Ohhh he came back earlier than I expected."
Anastasia’s scream cleaved through the eerie silence of the sanctuary planet like a blade, raw and harrowing in its intensity. She convulsed, her form arching unnaturally as if marionetted by unseen strings of agony. From the ridges of her spine, flesh began to ripple and tear, as though an entity clawed its way from within the prison of her body.
The onlookers recoiled, their faces etched with horror as they witnessed the abomination of resurrection unfolding before them. A figure emerged from the carnage of Anastasia’s back—Merciless Minerva Elderblood, his form regenerating from the very essence of her being. Sinew and skin wove themselves around the specter of his frame, restoring him anew.
"What a freaky way to come back to life."
Zane muttered, his cool façade cracking for a moment under the weight of astonishment. He watched the golden hair sprout from Merciless’s scalp, tipped with black as though dipped in the ink of darkness itself. The neon blue and menacing purple eyes opened, surveying their surroundings with a predator’s acuity.
"Is it me or does he seem different?"
Ophelia commented.
"He seems more taller, although not by much, or am I just seeing things."
Lucy commented.
On the other hand Abadis gave Merciless side glances, the other didn’t notice it yet, but Merciless had a large pair of black horns on his head.
Although it was the first time he saw his tattoos.
As the moon rise higher rover the sanctuary planet, the imposing figure of Merciless rose into view. The obsidian color horn atop his head stood out boldly against the fading light.
His form was a masterpiece, on the other hand Lucy began to see the biggest differences, Merciless’s natural inherent corruption, doubled for some reason.
While Ophelia eyes was focus on his dangling brother of ten inches rippling muscles barely contained beneath taut skin that seemed to absorb all surrounding darkness. Cascading locks of golden hair fell down his back, each strand tipped with an inky blackness that spoke of unspeakable malice.
His four eyes glinted with a mesmerizing combination of neon blue and sinister purple, radiating a malevolence that promised destruction to any who dared stand in his way.
He shifted his attention to Michelle and as he pulled his foot off of Anastasia’s spine, she let out another scream from the pain. Despite her body healing itself in response, the experience was still a traumatic one for her.
His large black tail, with a blade like tip swayed from side to side.
His figure seemed to contort and shift, transforming into a new form. His clothes followed suit, morphing into a gothic black suit adorned with golden chains that glinted in the dim light. The fabric hugged his body perfectly, accentuating every curve and muscle. It was a stark contrast to the casual outfit he had been wearing just moments before. The sleekness of the suit gave him an air of mystery and danger.
At this moment, he walked up to Michelle, as he said.
"Hmm, already miss me I see?!"
Merciless grinned as he spoke, provoking a small laugh from Michelle. He couldn’t resist chiming in with his own comment.
"Haa… cant I come to see my own kilde now?!"
"I’m not bothered by your presence, Father, so there’s no need to worry. But what brings you here?"
Merciless asked Michelle, who began to looked at Merciless as he replied as such.
"I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself to your team members, but I found it frustrating that you were hiding your identity. It would have made things challenging for you during this evaluation. However, I have not yet publicly introduced you, but I plan on doing so after you have received proper training, of course."
Michelle’s tone made it clear that he was reminding Merciless of his place. In response, Merciless replied casually but with respect.
"Yes… yes father, I assure you I want disappoint."
"Well don’t push yourself, too hard ."
Michelle replied with a smirk, but Merciless’s attention was quickly drawn downwards when he heard an unfamiliar voice. When he saw where the voice was coming from, he raised an eyebrow with slight fascination, although his expression remained neutral.
It was Substance, and for some reason she was now talking as if aware. But not with her mouth but with a Aether ring that took her form, the group was surprised by this, but chose not to question it of course.
"M…m…master!…
’Hmm… Substance; agh so you can talk now ha? Well good for you I guess… by the way father can I have my pet maid back please.’
Merciless gestured towards Substance, pointedly avoiding the topic of his previous violations involving his pet rouge slime. Michelle was well aware of Merciless’ tactics but decided to steer the conversation away from that subject.
As such Michelle removed his foot from Substance, head, and the weird Substance shape Aether ring pick her up and presented her to Merciless almost as if a tribute of sorts.
Merciless looked at Substance
’This individual! Their threads of destiny have been entangled and knotted. If left unattended, I fear that state will be their inevitable conclusion. They shall endure perpetual suffering, regardless of the demise of the one responsible. The outcome shall endure, immutable for all eternity.’
’Hmm… Silk is that you?’
’Hmm, indeed. The seventh progenitor does exude quite the presence when encountered directly.’
’You know my sire, oh let me guess omniscience.’
The woman had claimed to possess all knowledge and understanding, so it was only fair that she face unrelenting questioning. It was only natural for her to respond confidently, given her claims.
’Although there isn’t much to do besides watch when you are seal you know, my familiars are scattered throughout existence, and their knowledge is vast. So i’m as aware as all my familiars combine.’
’Familiars!?’
Merciless mentioned, to which Silk replied.
’I have a multitude of familiars, though they may not be as powerful as I desire since my ability is currently sealed. However, I am able to create and send them outside where their growth will be beyond my control due to my limited power. But once they are out, they can establish a link back to me, their creator.’
’And over the years, I have dispatched them across creation. What they perceive, feel, hear, and enact, I perceive. Their senses are mine to govern, to feel what they feel, to hear what they hear, and to witness what they do. Across the years, I have assimilated a plethora of information. And this slime of yours, well, Substance, has been influenced by the formidable might of the "Gáethfogar," possessed by that Celtic monstrosity.’
’Gáethfogar… Celtic monstrosity… are you talking about Scáthach, wait is she here?!’
Merciless Questioned, his furrowed brow betraying his intense concentration as he closed his eyes and delved into his mind’s eye. But to his frustration, he found nothing - no answers, no clues, nothing at all. The only thing that appeared in his vision was the image of Lucy’s strange cyborg companion, seemingly hiding in some kind of advanced stealth mode.
’Hmmm, that weird ability of yours, the hell did you get the Divine Einya from?’
’Einya?!’
Merciless pressed Silk, not accepting no as a response. Of course, Silk had no room to bargain and answered accordingly.
’… what the hell is that supposed to be?’
’… never mind, that weird ability of yours just reminds of very unique individual I had my eyes on for a while, it just similar to it I guess?’
Silk commented, right though; Merciless began to talk to Silk as he ordered.
’I’m still waiting, what the hell is Gáethfogar?’
Merciless pressed Silk, not accepting no as a response. Of course, Silk had no room to bargain and answered accordingly.
’Gáethfogar... it is revered as one of the primal sources of reality manipulation, a foundational ichor of immense power. With it, one can bend reality to their will merely by speaking, defying logic and possibility. And now, the possessor of this power is none other than your clan and this community strongest female vampire. But alas, your ’kilde,’ or whatever facsimile it may be, succumbed to the overwhelming might of Gáethfogar.’
Silk addressed Merciless, who cast a concerned glance at Substance. The slime held immense significance for him, serving as his archive and literal wellspring of power. Michelle discerned the apprehension beneath Merciless’ typically cold demeanor, prompting him to reassure him about Substance’s condition and explain the process to restore her to normalcy.
The explanation went on for approximately one minute, and then Merciless began to reattach Substance’s arms and legs. The distinct clicking sound of her doll-like limbs being put back into place echoed in the area. Soon after, the artificial movements became natural as Gáethfogar’s effects wore off and her limbs flesh and blood once more. For Substance to regain the ability to move and speak, permission from Merciless was required.
"There you go, now how do you feel? Are you aright?"
Merciless inquired of Substance, who shyly nodded her head slowly. The other watched this scene with a mixture of disgust and confusion. Was this really the same ruthless creature who had previously gone on a murderous mission to undermine their genetic makeup?
"Yes master…. um master…
"Hmmm what is it Substance?"
"Umm… agh… here…
Substance hesitantly admitted that she struggled to comprehend these emotions. She was aware of what they meant in theory, but understanding and acting on them was proving difficult for her. However, she was driven by a strong sense of purpose, and to her, nothing was more important than this one action.
Merciless grasped her hand tightly, feeling a rush of memories flood his mind. An epic battle played out before his eyes- a fierce struggle between Substance and not-Substance, something otherworldly that he couldn’t quite comprehend. It was there, in the depths of his memory, imprinted on his mind like a haunting vision. The aura of his father, strong and protective, surrounded this being that had taken hold of her. Succubi, creatures of temptation and seduction, their presence brought an unfair and dangerous environment. He felt the damage to the archives, the weight of immense pain and emotion as he fought to fulfill his purpose. The demonic evil that threatened to consume them all loomed in the background, a blade etched with fear and pure destruction. The aftermath was a scene of sheer carnage, bodies and blood scattered across the battlefield.
His eyes flickered into a deeper shade of blue, sparking with an electric intensity that was impossible to miss. And if one were to look upwards, the horns on his head emitted a chilling aura that seemed to freeze everything in its path. He directed a pleading gaze towards Substance, who in turn stared back at him.
Substance sending a voice message to her master.
’I couldn’t capture all of them; there was some sort of protection guarding the other two she-devils. The only one I managed to steal from was Lorraine, as she was the only one not being guarded.’
’Oh, is that how it is? No need to worry, you did a commendable job. I’ll make sure to properly reward you later; for now, just stay silent and stick by my side, alright?’
’Reward…. master will rewards Substance.’
’Yes… and since you did such a good jo….
Suddenly, a voice echoed in everyone’s mind, including Michelle who was currently inhabiting Hector’s body, courtesy of wanting to set things straight with Merciless group.
Everyone here knew this voice to some extent, Merciless and Michelle especially, as Merciless said to himself.
’Beatrice…
[Attention all examinees, the final moments of preparation are slipping away. Only 10 minutes remain before a group representor will come and retrieve you for the ruthless test ahead. Show no mercy if you want to achieve a high score - this is not a time for weakness or hesitation. Are you ready to face the challenges that await? The clock is ticking, make every second count. Good luck, and may the strongest survive.]
