SOULTALE | By ShadowNTS

(Chapter X) Confrontation.

The gusts of wind fly by as you trek the land. It's been some time since you've fought the Knight. Only a bit of the way left and the second falls. The sound of mud splashing is heard, rain starts to pour, a figure looms in the distance.

RHT: Who's out at this time?
???: Your journey ends here, maniac.
RHT: And who might you be?
???: Trusted Combatant of Perseverance.
RHT: Ehh, useless titles all around.
???: I, Hugo, will strike you down!

Suddenly fog starts to form around you obscuring your views of the surrounding area. A ray of light forms inside the fog. Your foe is attacking with tactics. Spears start flying in from different directions. You try and dodge but some of them scrape you.

RHT: Smart guy, but everyone has their weaknesses.

You charge up your knife with energy and create a blast pushing the fog away for the meantime.

RHT: ₣ØɄ₦Đ Ɏ₳!
HGO: She's fast!

You dash towards your opponent and start attacking. This guy is strong, but they'll eventually give up. Hugo launches a barrage of spears. You dodge when suddenly spears emerge from the ground, immobilizing you.

HGO: You're trapped! There's nothing you can do!
RHT: Oh really? ɎØɄ'ⱤɆ ₴ØⱤɆⱠɎ ₥ł₴₮₳₭Ɇ₦!
HGO: What are you-

The rain around you starts to evaporate, the ground starts to shake. You drop your knife. It sinks into the ground illuminating it black.

RHT: ₩ɆⱠ₵Ø₥Ɇ ₮Ø ₱ɄⱤ₲₳₮ØⱤɎ!

A huge blast is created and the earth around gets obliterated. You free from the spears and head towards your foe who was knocked back. Hit after hit, you two exchange blows until eventually Hugo tires out.

HGO: I ca- *pant* still figh-!
RHT: No, you can't Hugo, this is over.
*SLASH*
HGO: *pant* You've won, I give up...

Hugo bows his dead down, awaiting his fate. You slowly walk towards him, pointing his head up using your knife.

RHT: There is no shame in death, only salvation.
HGO: I guess you're right... the world is doomed anyways, so it'd be better dying now.
RHT: Glad you agree... farewell.

Hugo is ready to meet death, when suddenly, a voice is heard. Hugo turns around to see Shane, his sister.

PSV: Trusted combatant of Perseverance and you give up this easily? What a shame, thought you'd never give up.
HGO: It's all for nothing anyway, you're not really here either, just hallucinations before death.
PSV: You're mistaken Hugo, this isn't a hallucination, but... the perseverant soul inside of you.
HGO: What?
PSV: Although It may not be as grand as mine, your perseverance is still a force of nature. You're my brother after all, aren't you?
HGO: Cut the talk!
PSV: Remember the promise you made me when I was declared Soul Knight? You told me you'll one day surpass me and become a knight yourself.
HGO: You remembered...
PSV: Of course I did. Now get up...
HGO: AND KEEP GOING!

A pillar of light surrounds Hugo. You realize this is the same as when the Knight went into her soul form. You have to act fast before he transforms. You dash forwards but it's too late. Hugo emerges.

HGO: So this is what true power feels like? My soul, the power of Fortitude. Fascinating. You're shivering where you stand.
RHT: *sweat* Heh, don't get cocky!

Hugo leaps towards you and swings his spear. You manage to dodge but you didn't expect the wall of spears behind you. Blow after blow, Hugo seems to be overpowering you.

HGO: You managed to kill the Kind Knight but you struggle against me? Weak imbecile. I'LL BE THE NEW KNIGHT OF THE BURG!
RHT: Imbecile? You might wanna take that back...
HGO: Never! Now it's time to end this.
RHT: I agree... :)
*SLASH*

Blood starts dripping from Hugos wound. He falls to the ground panting hard. You look down on him.

RHT: Wasn't expecting this?
HGO: How'd you-
RHT: I was simply acting.
HGO: You... you!
RHT: But this is really the end.

*SLASH*
*SLASH*
*SLASH*

The floor is covered in blood and whatever remains of the once who was. No turning back now. You step over and continue your journey.

END OF CHAPTER X
"Confrontation"