After my defiant statement, Death wasted no time in launching his attack. With a swift motion, he lunged towards me, swinging his formidable scythe. However, I managed to dodge the deadly strike with a quick movement.
Death: ?
Undeterred, Death followed up with a series of powerful punches aimed at me. Yet, through a combination of agility and anticipation, I evaded each blow with precision.
In this intense confrontation, the boundaries of speed and time seemed to blur, as our movements defied conventional understanding.
Seizing another opportunity, Death attempted a forceful kick directed at me. However, I swiftly evaded once again, narrowly escaping his grasp.
DEATH’S POV:
Despite my relentless attempts to strike Liran, nothing seemed to land. Whether it was swinging my scythe, throwing punches, or launching kicks, my attacks were consistently evaded. It was a perplexing experience, as I had never encountered someone with such incredible agility and reflexes.
Even though the boundaries of speed and time were irrelevant in this confrontation, Liran proved to be faster than me. It defied all logic and comprehension. As Death, I embodied the universal law present in every corner of existence, transcending the realms of chaos. Yet, this human, this mere mortal, managed to effortlessly dodge every assault I unleashed upon him.
I found myself torn between immense admiration for his prowess and an underlying sense of unease. However, none of that mattered. My master’s command was clear – bring Liran, dead or alive – and that was precisely what I intended to fulfill.
Despite my best efforts, nothing I threw at Liran seemed to have any effect. I swung my scythe, launched it towards him, delivered punches and kicks, yet he effortlessly dodged every single attack. It was as if he existed outside the confines of conventional rules and limitations.
In a final attempt, I unleashed a colossal beamwave of light towards him. This beam transcended the boundaries of power, speed, and even light itself, delving into abstract realms beyond comprehension. Yet, even this formidable display failed to make an impact.
In the blink of an eye, Liran had swiftly moved behind me, preparing to strike. However, I managed to dodge his attack, swiftly turning to face him once again.
The question gnawed at me: Was he even trying? How could a mere human withstand everything I threw at him? It defied all logical explanation. I found myself questioning his very nature—was he truly a human in the first place?
As Liran continued to throw punches at me, I found myself effortlessly evading his strikes. While he may possess impressive speed, the question remained—could his punches truly harm me?
Our battle raged on, each of us skillfully dodging the other’s attacks. It felt as though we were evenly matched in our abilities. However, for me, the outcome was inconsequential. Whether Liran was stronger or weaker, my resolve remained unwavering. I would persist in my pursuit, doing everything within my power to bring him to my master’s presence.
LIRAN’S POV:
The battle between Death and I intensified, transcending the confines of this reality. We fought on levels so deep and abstract that the very notion of ground and destruction became irrelevant. Our movements defied logic and reason, existing beyond the boundaries of what is comprehensible.
As our clash continued, it became evident that Death desired to bring me to his master’s palace.
While I had contemplated accepting the invitation, witnessing Death’s actions towards Derek had convinced me otherwise, at least for the time being.
In a calculated move, I allowed Death to land a strike on me. I was propelled through the air, soaring across the desert before finally landing on the sand. Sensing Death’s approach, I swiftly evaded his scythe as it sailed towards me, narrowly escaping its deadly trajectory.
Death: …
The ethereal scythe subsequently gravitated towards my presence, endeavoring to sever and assail me; however, I firmly seized it, shattering it asunder.
Death: ?!...
DEATH’S POV:
He shattered my scythe… My esteemed scythe of utmost power lay broken, its demise orchestrated by the hands of a mortal. It was a captivating spectacle to behold.
In that juncture, I found myself compelled to eliminate Liran, for failing to bring him before my
“master” alive necessitated delivering him lifeless, thus I guided him towards the embrace of death.
In my relentless pursuit, I lunged towards Liran, endeavoring to seize his insignificant and feeble cranium in its entirety. However, before I could execute my intent, an intriguing occurrence unfolded before my eyes.
I could have sworn I witnessed a fleeting glimpse of a smile upon his countenance. And then, with an unexpected display of strength, he seized hold of me, casting me down towards the unforgiving ground below.
In that moment, the realization dawned upon me that I was engaging an adversary who transcended the boundaries of mere humanity. He fought effortlessly, without even exerting himself.
Thus, I met my ultimate defeat at that very instant. I was defeated.
LIRAN’S POV:
I gazed downward, observing Death lying on the ground… Then, I descended and, after a brief pause, found myself standing before him, studying his countenance.
Death gradually rose, now seated on the sandy terrain, his gaze fixed upon me.
Death: You have emerged victorious.
Me: Why would I have killed you?... It is not my intention to end your existence; rather, I wish to pose a few inquiries.
Death: … Proceed.
Me: Who… dispatched you?
Death: Are you certain you desire an answer to that? The entity who sent me possesses immense power, far surpassing my own. “He” is the one who brought me into being.
Me: Tell me, what is the name of this enigmatic entity? I am deserving of an answer.
Death: The being who dispatched me… is known as “the Black King.”
What?
Death: Yes, the Black King. “He” stands as the most formidable entity I have ever encountered.
“He” is the one responsible for my creation, transcending the realms of chaos entirely.
In “his” perception, the realms of chaos are naught but a mere tale, subject to “his” whims.
“His” powers far surpass those of the denizens of the realms of chaos.
“He” exists within a realm beyond the constraints of conceptual understanding, beyond the realms of existence and non-existence. It is a realm that transcends these abstract notions and layers of reality, which “he” deems to be beneath “him.”
This mere glimpse into “his” power is but a fraction, and beyond that, we remain in the dark. I, too, am unaware of the true extent of what “he” is capable of. “His” power instills terror within me.
But thou… thou, hath succeeded in capturing “his” attention upon thee, It is as if thine very “existence”, doth challenge “him”… in a peculiar manner, Dost thou comprehend the purpose behind mine arrival hither?
Me: I perceive, so he hath found me captivating, which is most delightful… perchance.
Death: now that I hath failed to convey thee unto “him”, I am uncertain how “he” shall react, I know not… what actions he shall take henceforth…
Me: Death, hearken… ‘tis time for thee to depart, truthfully, I didst not truly desire to slay thee, though thou didst still vex me, ‘tis acceptable… thou mayest return to “his” abode forthwith.
Death: I see, the ebony sovereign is correct, thou art verily a fascinating entity, I shall encounter thee anew, Liran.
Death then vanished.
I found myself standing amidst the vast expanse of the desert, in solitude.
Apart from the challenges that had already beset me… I now found myself confronted by yet another entity, a formidable being known as “the black king.”
Such an intriguing appellation it possesses.
I shall return to Rythmeus and relay the unfolding events… indeed, a splendid notion.
With resolve in my stride, I embarked on my journey back to the grand palace of Rythmeus.
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DEATH’S POV:
I returned to the palace of the black king, consumed by disappointment in my own inadequacy to deliver Liran into the presence of the black king…
Now, standing face-to-face with the formidable black king, I resolved to utter the following words:
Me: My esteemed “master,” I lament my failure in bringing Liran unto thy dominion. He proved to be a force of such magnitude that our encounter scarcely qualified as a confrontation…
He possessed an overwhelming power that far surpassed mine own. He was truly invincible!
I beseech thee, grant me forgiveness!
Upon my plea, the black king assumed a humanoid semblance, allowing me to witness “his”
form, as within “his” palace, “he” permeated every corner.
In “his” humanoid manifestation, the black king stood before me and graciously uttered the following words:
The black king: Fret not, for I harbor no ire or discontent towards thee. Thou hast exerted thy utmost efforts, and I hold thee in high regard for thy endeavor.
Me: Pray tell, what course of action shall thou now undertake?...
The black king: Fear not, for I shall personally attend to him… unaided.
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Chapter 40: who is the black king?:
Liran’s pov:
Having emerged victorious in my encounter with death, the task proved less arduous than anticipated. However, a particular facet piqued my curiosity…
“The black king,” an entity transcending the realms of chaos, “he” was the progenitor of death itself. Such a revelation holds profound intrigue…
Moreover, it appears that even the black king harbored a desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of my abilities, as articulated by death:
“Your very ‘existence’ defies ‘him’… in a manner.”
Me (in thought): Fascinating… I shall now make my way back to Rythmeus’s palace and relay the entirety of the events that unfolded between death and me.
I proceeded to traverse the path leading back to Rythmeus’s palace, a few minutes swiftly elapsing. Standing before the grand doors, I opened them, entered the resplendent palace, and firmly closed them behind me. With determined steps, I made my way towards Derek’s chamber.
After a brief passage of time, I arrived at the door that granted access to Derek’s room. I opened it and entered, ensuring its closure thereafter. Inside, I beheld Rythmeus seated beside Derek’s bed. Both Rythmeus and Derek turned their attention toward me as I made my entrance.
Rythmeus: Where hast thou been?... What hath occurred?
Me: I engaged in a confrontation with the individual responsible for Derek’s affliction—I faced death itself.
Rythmeus: WHAT?!...
RYTHMEUS’S PERSPECTIVE:
Liran hath indeed engaged in direct combat with death “himself”?... And he hath returned unscathed?
I found myself overwhelmed with astonishment. How could Liran confront such an immensely powerful entity? To emerge from such an encounter alive?...
Death, a being of incomparable might, capable of laying waste to denizens within the realms of chaos. I was left flabbergasted and astounded.
Me: Didst thou… emerge victorious?
Liran: Aye, I hath triumphed over death.
Me: Goodness gracious, thou art truly extraordinary. I am at a loss for words, for thou hath confronted death “himself”…
And emerged victorious?!
Liran: Indeed, I overcame “him.” Furthermore, “he” hath divulged more information regarding the entity who dispatched “him.”
Liran: The entity who sent forth death… is none other than the black king.
Upon hearing these words, I found myself utterly speechless… “The black king,” the very being who constructed “his” own palace, the one who brought forth and dispatched death “himself”
to carry out “his” bidding.
Me: Wherefore did the black king send death in pursuit of thee?
Liran: Death conveyed unto me that my very existence challenges the black king in some manner… It appears that even “he” was impressed by my powers.
Doth thou possess further knowledge regarding the black king?
Me: The black king is an exceedingly potent entity, wielding a might so great that the entirety of the lands of chaos and its denizens are naught but diminutive ants in “his” presence.
To have a being of “his” caliber express such profound admiration for thy abilities is utterly astounding.
Liran: I perceive… What course of action ought we undertake now?
Considering that death may have returned to the black king’s palace… Shall the king himself endeavor to apprehend me?
Me: I cannot fathom… What shall thou now pursue?
Liran: Hm… What if we were to ascend to “his” palace? What if we were to confront the black king directly within “his” domain?
Me: I harbor reservations regarding that notion… Art thou absolutely certain? Ascending to the abode of the black king is an exceedingly perilous endeavor. Merely lingering within its confines for an extended period could prove fatal. I recall the time spent there with Brock, wherein I utilized my powers to safeguard his essence. Yet, even then, our stay was fraught with difficulty.
Art thou genuinely resolute in thy desire to proceed?
Liran: I am resolute without a doubt.
LIRAN’S POV:
Heading to the black king’s palace indeed presents an intriguing prospect—meeting the “boss”
himself and engaging in a direct confrontation within “his” domain. However, I felt that undertaking this journey alongside Derek would be a more fitting choice than accompanying Rythmeus. Yet, before embarking, I knew it was imperative to heal Derek.
Me: Rythmeus, couldst thou employ thy powers to restore Derek’s well-being?
Rythmeus: Very well…
Rythmeus then placed “his” hand gently upon Derek’s countenance. In an instant, a radiant burst of light emanated from Derek’s form, and after a few moments, Rythmeus withdrew “his”
hand as the luminosity subsided.
Shortly thereafter, Derek slowly rose from his bed, appearing restored to full health.
Derek: Thank the heavens… I feel revitalized now.
Me: Derek, thou shalt accompany me to the black king’s palace. Together, we shall confront this individual and resolve matters with “him.”
Rythmeus… thou shalt remain here. Understand?
Rythmeus: Very well… May both of thee remain safe.
Derek: Alright… Let us proceed.
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