Fate's Reversal: The Divines Return

….

'Ziiiiiiiiing!'

Rather than a ringing noise birthed from the collision of metal against itself, Kaiden's aura itself caused the atmosphere to release a drawn-out and clear resounding ring. Following his last words, Kaiden's change in appearance was completed. However, contrary to the expectations, Erebus didn't release any change in expression.

"Interesting. While your attainments in what you chased are commendable. Your Soul lacks a Divine Ember. In other words, I'm sure you didn't step into the Divine Way. Needless to say, your words don't scare me," chuckled Erebus. 

Trying to foster fear within him? A useless gesture. One birthed from the Dark Provenance Stone and the negative embodiment. Any below him would fail to cause him to feel a shred of despair. Nevertheless, even after listening to Erebus' words, Kroxus remained calm and answered.

"While that may be true. That'd be the case if your existence wasn't damaged. Based on the fluctuations you're emitting, I estimate you're no stronger than an Immortal at this moment. Although I'm not much better off. Unlike you… I'm not alone," chuckled Kroxus. At the same time, his white eyes turned a piercing silver before presence began shifting into that of a sword.

"Soul Punishment - Assimilation," uttered Kroxus who took over Kaiden completely. However, Kaiden's conscience didn't vanish. But rather, in this situation, he felt like he was a spectator. It went without saying, this was a battle entirely beyond his level. But, spectating a battle of such a level could only yield favorable insights.

'Excuse my intrusion, but I will utilize you for a moment; weapon known as Genesis. Forgive me for this blasphemy my unworthy soul is committing,' thought Kroxus as he held out his left hand before him. In an instant, Genesis began materializing. Surprisingly, Angurvadal was nowhere to be seen within his grasp. 

"It's unfortunate. But what I'm about to do, doesn't allow for me to wield two swords," muttered Kroxus as he held Genesis vertically before his forehead. The aura he previously emitted was withdrawn. Yet, Genesis vibrated.

 On the other hand, Erebus' hand twitched. It seemed the period of restriction was coming to an end, "It would seem the moment I have regained a pang of freedom, I am thrown into conflict. Though, if I'm being honest--I don't hate it," remarked Erebus as a dark tread before wrapping around his body. Sharp edges formed on it as he gazed intently at Kroxus.

'Is it possible for me to tap into your soul for a moment?' asked Kroxus as he closed his eyes slowly.

[I'll allow you to. After all, it seems you possess a relationship with my Master.]

"Very well," uttered Kroxus as he held out his right hand. His withdrawn aura then shifted and collected at the palm of his hand. A clear hum sounded from his presence before lightly speaking.

"Those of you behind me who travel the path of the sword, watch intently. As for those of you who don't this will still serve as a lesson. If you learn to understand your weapon of choice, the possibilities of your futures are endless. Never believe your limits are small. Let me show you exactly what is possible with perseverance.

"Pinnacle Sword Practice: Intent Replication," calmly articulated Kroxus. Yet the atmosphere was a direct opposite. A grandiose, turbulent scene took place. Kroxus utilized such a pure Sword Intent to duplicate Genesis' appearance. In short, he seemed to be holding two weapons. Although, the one he created was a transparent color rather than being obsidian.

"Oh? It seems my earlier words were incorrect. Your attainments in the sword are indeed commendable. That is one of the purest Sword Intent's I've come in contact with. It would seem you have established a Sword Heart as your Source. Then my next question is...were you able to open that domain?"

"Regrettably… no. However, I did achieve the state right before it," responded Kroxus as a pleased smiled appeared on his face. For a practitioner of the sword, praise to their sword travel is of the utmost pŀėȧsurė. On that note, Kroxus continued.

"Although the path to Divinity was severed, it didn't mean one couldn't continuously become strong. Let me reveal to you the extremities of my practices, Pure Sword Path: Sword Soul Integration!" he bellowed.

The removal of Erebus' restraint came next as the chains around his body fell. However, if one looked closely they'd notice an ethereal version of the chains still wrapped around him. It was clear he wasn't unsealed but he was allowed to defend against attacks.

"Hahaha! So it is the Sword Soul achievement! How excellent," excitedly chuckled Erebus as the earlier thread began wrapping around his arms. In an instant, ghastly obsidian clawed gauntlets remained on his hands while emitting a dreadful purple haze. 

Disappearing from his spot, Kroxus appeared before Erebus executing a seemingly plain thrust. However, unlike what Kaiden was capable of, this strike seemed to encompass all trajectories. In response, Erebus turned his hand into a dark sword stabbing forth. .

In the next instant, he moved his head to the side. A sword scar appeared in the space he next was prior. Narrowing his eyes, Erebus started taking matters more seriously, 'It seems his Sword Intent is stronger than what it seems. He still possesses residual control outside of that soul creation.'

"Even in your weakened state, it seems your senses have not weakened. However, are you capable of resisting the culmination of my sword?" questioned Kroxus as the intent created sword undulated. Achieving a small resonance, Genesis did as well. 

On the other hand, the eyes of Kaiden's Soul Form widened. The path of this strike was similar. He recognized the origin of this technique. "This...it's the sword scar from that tablet Kroxus bestowed upon me."

The sword scar seemed to be obscure. It didn't emanate any Energy nor did it possess the feeling a Law gave. It just felt like a sword; it felt sharp. Be that as it may if one looked at Kroxus' form, they would realize the two swords in his possession seem to be mirroring each other.

"First True Strike: Mirrored Intent," uttered Kroxus as his sword met Erebus' claw. At the same time, another strike appeared behind him. If one looked closely, they'd realize Kroxus' other wrist snaking. In other words, the first strike was indeed two. 

Widening his eyes, Erebus deployed a dark barrier. However, this action only earned Kroxus' smirk. "I am a sword practitioner. Are you not aware of our motto? We pierce all obstructions!"

"Second True Strike: Absolute Thrust," surprisingly for this strike, he remained motionless. Instead, the sword soul creation flew out of his hand and gained both velocity and presence. When it came in contact with the barrier it ripped through it.

Widening his eyes once again, Erebus finally frowned as he disparaged the situation, "Damnable formation, it is due to you I am in this position." 

Although he said such things, he caught the sword between his claws as its momentum dragged him backward. By the time he came to a halt, the claws around his hand were mutilated from the sharp intent.

"I have understood the sword. You must know, I am the sword and the sword is me. Only at this moment when my soul is empowered and I am at my best can I utilize this strike. Although I comprehended this during my last days, perhaps it can be perfected by my successor."

A fluctuation came from Kroxus' forehead. But that small change turned Erebus' face solemn.

"True Domain: Dark Void Engulfment!" bellowed Erebus. However, to his dismay, nothing happened. When he tried to make this move, the formation began to illuminate with an overbearing glow.

"Damn you! Are you stopping me from utilizing my Domain!? The pinnacle of Darkness and the Void is me! Only I have been able to mix and comprehend the two, interference shall not be tolerated!"

'Pucht!'

Erebus' claw punctured his ċhėst as he pulled out a dark orb. A cold smirk appeared on his face as he glanced at Kroxus, "Although this formation was made to trap me, that was only in the event that I was unwilling to sacrifice my power. However, now, I am willing to make that trade."

Between his claws, the dark orb began floating. However, with each passing instant, it grew smaller and smaller. Soon, it was the size of a golf ball. But what was important was the state of the formation. The chains were corroding. Furthermore, Erebus was losing the earlier monstrous feeling he gave.

"Sacrificing your power for your freedom? Also, you mentioned Void? This intrigues me. This last move also originates from ideas comprehended from a fleeting origin-level Energy. I am curious to find out which is stronger. Destruction or Void…" uttered Kroxus as his sword intent turned deadly. It gave off an oppressive and destructive feel. 

"Destructive Sword: Annihilating Severance," uttered Kroxus before his intent coagulated into a fine black sword. However, the feeling it possessed symbolized destruction at its finest. 

"You have won this battle, however, I will be back again," softly chuckled Erebus as the black sword pierced his stomach. Sadly, at the same time, a weird aura encapsulated his body disappearing from here. Although the strike landed, Kroxus frowned.

"I was unable to deal any true damage. It seems the legends were true. In a short period of time, the origin-level energies are unable to triumph against each other. It's regrettable, but nonetheless, he was forced to abandon his True Source," stated Kroxus as he picked up the dark stone on the floor. Picking it up he stowed it within Kaiden's spatial ring. 

"Kroxus, I need to destroy this place before we leave," stated Kaiden's soul form in his mind, gaining Kroxus' attention. In return, he replied in a voice seemingly talking to himself, "Very well. All of you behind me, evacuate at once. This place will cease to exist shortly."

Shocked by his words, everyone ran towards the portal. However, Snow Bunny halted turning back, "What about you?"

"I will be right behind you all. There is something I need to do," answered Kroxus before glancing at the other portal.

It didn't take long for everyone to enter. Hence, Kroxus delivered an overbearing strike to the Void Path Erebus created earlier. Large forces collided as the room turned chaotic. Furthermore, the formation began shuddering as its energy peaked.