SOUL SEARCH: Dualities

Chapter 3: The wall to Overcome

Juseykyo (Paradise),
Serisis,
Eastern Altar,
1091 A.C.

"The Nature's Vanguard!" murmurs spread among the spectating warriors, withdrawing from the frontlines.
"No way! So that's Blitz, their guildmaster? Word has it he's the fastest player in B.I.D!"

Gunter's displeasure was palpable. "What the hell are you doing here?" he growled, his cold tone a stark contrast to Blitz's grin.

Blitz's eyes sparkled. "No way, you're Gunter, the Orc's rep! I've heard so much about you." He extended a hand. "I'm Blitz."

Gunter's response was swift and harsh. He slapped Blitz's hand away, his stone-cold glare freezing the younger man.

Blitz's smile faltered. "Well, nice to meet you too, I guess." He withdrew his hand, embarrassment coloring his cheeks.

Audree intervened, her elegant stride closing the distance. She stowed her bow and approached Gunter. "Sorry for any trouble he's caused."

Gunter's grunt was his only reply. He turned back to the giant, axe at the ready. "Don't get in my way."

As Gunter charged forward, Blitz watched, wry smile still in place. "Hey, Audree, was he always that grumpy?"

Audree sighed, shaking her head. "How should I know?"

Blitz chuckled. "Guess I won't be buddy-ing up with him anytime soon."

Audree's gaze lingered on Gunter's retreating back. "Let's focus on the battle."

Thundra observed, "Gunter's not one for alliances."

Snow noted, "Blitz's speed could be crucial."

Lilith whispered, "Nature's Vanguard's involvement changes the dynamics."

Kaizen ordered the warriors, "Keep a safe distance. We don't know their true intentions."

The giant stirred, sensing Gunter's approach. Battle was imminent.
___________________________________

An hour earlier...

(Astaroth's POV)

Time lost all meaning in the depths of my eternal prison. Centuries blurred together, an endless expanse of darkness and silence. My ragged breathing and slowed heartbeat were the only sounds piercing the void.

Thoughts of vengeance sustained me, fueled my sanity. Resentment and hatred simmered, a cauldron of fury threatening to consume me whole. Centuries of accumulated anguish boiled over, an unrelenting tidal wave of rage.

Revenge dominated my every waking moment. The gods would pay for the suffering I endured. My body trembled with anger, fists clenched until my knuckles turned white.

But alongside rage, despair crept in. My divine force, once boundless, had dwindled to negligible levels. The sealing runes on my chains devoured my power, leaving me a shell of my former self.

Desolation washed over me as realization struck. I was no longer a god, but a trapped soul in an endless void, awaiting the inevitable.

The weight of powerlessness crushed me. Without my divine force, I was nothing. The thought was unbearable.

"My vengeance...my freedom..." I whispered, voice lost in the void.

Memories of past glory haunted me. The fear and reverence I once inspired, now taunted me. My downfall was a constant reminder of the gods' cruelty.

A spark within me refused to die. Hatred and determination fueled my resolve.

"I will break free...I will reclaim my power...I will exact vengeance..."