SOUL SEARCH: Dualities

Chapter 7: How to Slay a Giant

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

"Sacred Art: Terrain Conversion."

As the Terrain Conversion spell took effect, the earth shuddered and convulsed, emitting a low, ominous rumble. The ground began to break apart, releasing a deluge of murky water that bubbled up to the surface like a malevolent entity. This viscous, mud-like substance seemed to possess a sentience of its own, sensing the giant's presence as it insidiously wrapped itself around its massive feet.

The giant's enraged snarl echoed through the air as it struggled against the relentless, gooey traction that held it fast. "What sorcery is this?" it bellowed, its voice trembling with frustration and fury.

The mud's grip was unyielding, refusing to relinquish its hold as the giant thrashed about, its massive frame straining against the fetid, earthen bonds. With each futile attempt to break free, the mud seemed to tighten its grasp, drawing the giant deeper into its murky depths.

Seraphix's calm, melodic voice rang out, her words dripping with an air of quiet confidence. "Sacred Art: Terrain Conversion. Your struggles only serve to deepen the quagmire, giant. Surrender now, and perhaps you shall yet survive this ordeal."

The giant's response was a deafening roar, its rage and desperation fuelling its futile attempts to escape the all-encompassing, muddy snare.

The giant's face twisted in rage, its eyes blazing with a fierce, crimson intensity. "Surrender?" it thundered, spittle flying from its lips. "You dare suggest I, a proud giant, yield to your insolent magic? My lineage is legendary, and I bend the knee to no one!"

As the giant struggled against the unyielding, murky waters, its massive frame straining against the earthen bonds, Asura let out a dramatic sigh, his expression a mask of boredom. "Don't waste your breath, Seraphix," he drawled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Pride won't let him yield. He's too busy revelling in his own ego."

Asura's gaze shifted to Lilith, who radiated an aura of revitalized power, her beauty now even more captivating. The blood's energizing effects seemed to dance in her eyes. "Lilith, darling," he said, his voice low and smooth, "would you kindly liberate our friends from their earthen prison?"

He gestured towards the dome, where Kaizen, Blitz, and Gunter remained trapped. Lilith nodded, her raven hair fluttering with the movement. She extended her slender hands, her fingers closing into fists. The air rippled with unseen force as the earthen dome shattered, releasing its captives.

Blitz, the red-haired human, collapsed onto the soggy ground, relief washing over his face. "Thought you'd forgotten us," he said, a wry smile twisting his lips.

Kaizen, the black-furred beastman and Gunter, the bruised orc, emerged beside him, all three sharing the same exhausted, bedraggled look. Their eyes reflected gratitude as they gazed at Asura, Lilith, and Seraphix.

Meanwhile, the giant's fury intensified, its massive frame straining against the mud's unyielding grip. Seraphix's calm demeanour remained unwavering, her eyes fixed intently on the giant. "Your unyielding pride will be your downfall," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the giant's enraged bellows.

Lilith's gaze lingered on the trio, her eyes gleaming with a mix of concern and curiosity. "Are you three...alright?" she asked, her voice tinged with a subtle, vampiric allure.

Asura's eyes danced with amusement, his grin hinting at the chaos to come. "Now that the gang's all here, shall we proceed?"

Morben stepped forward, his serene expression a beacon of calm amidst the turmoil. A hint of amusement danced in his eyes as he said, "I couldn't agree more." With a fluid motion, he raised his hands, and his voice rang out, "Domain Seclusion!"