The Forsaken Arts

Chapter 2: Evaluation

A move was made and now was the time to follow. JinX took a defensive stance as Krinx slowly folded both arms in front of his chest while closing his eyes.

It was in that moment he began to radiate a magnificent yet dark power. His aura alone brought nightfall along with despair.

An unfamiliar, deep, powerful yet raspy voice declared, "Chance... you never had a chance."

When his eyes re-opened, the ground began to rot beneath them as his aura reached out engulfing a set radius.

Trees began splitting in half and folding over as if bowing in servitude to his dark will. In fear and awe, Dai abruptly halted his pursuit, acknowledging the environmental change that was happening around them.

During the decay of the land, JinX realized that despite having the advantage in numbers, they stood little chance of winning, let alone surviving.

He knew their only chance was a power that ironically had only been spoken of between Krinx and himself many years ago.

As if reading the mind of his former pupil, Krinx sarcastically boasted, "What are you waiting for? I know what you're thinking and I understand your fear. You and I both know that it's only in theory, but if you're willing to rely on a power rooted in desperation then go ahead. Show me your worth, show us all what the great and powerful Omni-jin can do!"

Dashing to avoid the corroding land beneath him, Dai looked to JinX with confusion, "Omni-jin...?"

Being more concerned for his men's safety than nurturing his own ego, JinX silently declined the challenge. Instead he quickly began scanning for an escape route - This won't end well for us.. we need to retreat.. somehow come up with a new...

Before he could finish his thought, Osyrus foolishly charged forward, "I'm ending this!"

Caught off guard, JinX and Dai redirected their efforts to support his rash decision. With his arms still folded in front of him, Krinx encouraged the oncoming assault, "Come to me."

Osyrus lunged but proved ineffective as he passed directly through him. Dai immediately followed up with a roundhouse that passed through him as well. Unable to make sense of what was happening, they both slowly stepped back and watched as Krinx's body shattered into pieces, dissipating before their very eyes.

Puzzled, Osyrus looked to Dai, "Huh...?"

JinX, who witnessed his comrade's attacks failing to make contact with their foe was stunned. He stared in disbelief, trying to make sense of it all. His eyes began to widen and his average frame lightly trembled at the idea... He concluded the one possible answer, with uncertainty in his voice he whispered to himself, "Krinx actually mastered..."

As soon as these words escaped his lips, "Phantasmal Disbursement" was whispered into his ear. Alarmed, he whipped around just in time to see two clones peel away from Krinx's body and immediately begin their attack on him.

With a swift and graceful defense supported by a passive and evasive offense, he demonstrated that among the Legion, he was without a doubt the superior fighter.

"Good, good. Use what I've taught you, prove to me that my time wasn't wasted." Krinx mocked while watching in amusement.

Dai rushed to engage and offer his support, "Go, Osyrus and I can handle these two, take him down and end this war!"

JinX nodded in agreement and wasted no time unleashing his full fury against his former mentor and friend.

The two clashed in a blaze that could only be caused due to a master and pupil in conflict. Blow for blow they assaulted one another with thunderous and unforgiving force. With the advantage going to Krinx's speed, JinX had to rely on his superior defense.

Many years ago this was the factor that determined the outcome of their sparring sessions. Hoping that not much had changed, this was the best strategy and only hope for not just his survival, but the kingdom's as well.