SOULTALE | By ShadowNTS

(Chapter 147) Replica.

In a vast and expansive pocket dimension where time halts, Noire finds herself inside the witches' manor. Malachi walks in front of her.

MLC: Ready to get a taste of my power?

Noire doesn't give a response. Malachis' expression shifts into a disappointed look. He facepalms and sighs loudly.

MLC: Sometimes I wish I wasn't so dumb.

Noire clenches her axe and dashes towards Malachi at an incredible speed. He barely manages to dodge in time and blow Noire through the walls of the manor with a giant cannon. Malachi steps through the giant holes in the wall. Noire pushes herself back on her feet.

JCK: Don't get too cocky, Malachi.
MLC: I ain't worrying too much. After all, you have my back.
JCK: I can only do so much while I keep my pocket dimension active!

Noire slams her axe into the ground and flings herself forward, aiming for a kick on Malachi. He doesn't move a muscle. Right before the kick connects, a magical repulse stops Noire and pushes her away. Malachi smirks.

JCK: Malachi, I swear if you don't stop playing around!
MLC: Fine, fine.

Malachi cracks his knuckles and dashes forwards, replicating a swarm of swords behind him. He directs them towards Noire. She raises a wall and kicks it in his direction, stopping the swords and forcing Malachi to move back.

MLC: (I'm lucky she lacks technique, otherwise I doubt even if all the resistance forces came together, we still wouldn't stand a chance.)

Malachi replicates numerous laser cannons and fires them at Noire, then replicates a blade and dashes inside the smoke with an intent to catch her off-guard. To his surprise, Noire didn't even suffer a scratch. She grabs him by the neck and goes to slam him into the ground, but Malachi suddenly disappears and reappears safely in the distance.

MLC: (Shit! I can't keep relying on Jackie to save me everytime I'm almost dead. She's almost at her limit too. I have to do something!)

Malachi gathers all his power and replicates a storm of blasters, gaster blasters.

MLC: Sans told me to never replicate them since It would drain my power immensely but it's a worthy sacrifice.

He waves his hand forward and the blasters fire. A giant smoke cloud covers the inside of the manor. Malachi drops to his knees. The smoke dissipates, revealing a rift. His eyes widen and his expression is covered in fear. A dark haze rushes out of the smoke and towards Malachi. Jackie is unable to save Malachi in time she manages to lessen the damage done. She transports them both on top of the manor and descends in front of Malachi.

JCK: Stay put, I'll handle this.
MLC: But you'll die!

Malachi is worried. Jackie simply faces him and smiles lightly, before turning around and dashing towards Noire.

MLC: (Her smile was... genuine... for the first time ever. Heh, even if we don't come out of this alive, I'm happy going out with the last thing I saw being her warm smile.)

Malachi smirks and closes his eyes, resting his body on the Manors' roof.

End of Chapter 147
"Replica"

[ Jackie has taken matters into her own hands after Malachi couldn't defeat the enemy by himself. Can she put an end to Noires' rampage?! ]