Chapter 8: The curtain closed
In the game of Wisteria of The Fall, the players have a unique measurement to determine the strength of an individual. Whether it's magic, martial arts, alchemy, or any other discipline, if one could create their own technique, that person would be referred to as 'Master'.
And Drunag, a.k.a the Lord of Cinder, is a powerhouse who not only created his own fire magic, but it's also an 8th tier spell. Not only that. In a game where the veteran with ten years experience who already deemed the game as their second home, found it difficult to reach 8th tier in magic, the existence of those who could wield 9th tier magic was fewer than one hundred thousand. It may seem a lot, but WOTF is still an active game despite its old age, averaging millions of players daily.
And Drunag manage to both create 8th tier magic and mastering a 9th tier spell of fire magic branch. It was an amazing feat.
In the game, his alias as the Lord of Cinder was widely famous, and still is, even after his vacuum. But in this world, no one knew him. No one knew the achievement he reap in all those years. On top of being mistaken as an enemy, in this world, he is unknown.
And today, he committed to mark his presence on this earth's soil.
Thus, he declared. "Behold."
The majesty of my magic. The fire that reaches the divine. Collapsing the heaven and bring chaos to hell. The devils will run, the angels will hide, and the God will stare at me, for this creation of mine, my pride, will even make the brightest star—
Fall.
The first who realized the deadly situation was the Flame Emperor, Jeung Daewon, who shouted at the top of his lungs to retreat from that area.
"GET AWAY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE!!"
But even without his command, all of them instinctively knew.
The myriad circles and sigils began to spin like the hands of a clock. Unlike a conventional magic circle which has no movement, this magic circle—if it could even be called that—constantly shifted the sigils and symbols. Creating a bizarre phenomenon on top of having multiple circles towering the sky. The sight was reminiscent of gears.
Countless gears turning in perfect harmony to awaken something.
I don't know what will happen, but I know for sure the base of that spell is 'fire'. It's fire magic.
As he frantically makes a retreat, Jeung Daewon can't help but dread. As a fire mage himself, only he understood a miniscule of that spell. It's undoubtedly something that he never saw in any record about fire magic, or magic in general.
Even the grimoire didn't contain anything like that…!
But one thing that he knew for sure is the catastrophic events that would follow after the activation of that spell. If they can't at least redirect a part of its firepower, a 'massacre' will be an understatement. They will perish here. Turn to particles smaller than dust. As much as a delinquent he is, he can't afford the disaster to happen to his beloved land. So he did what he knew best. Assault.
He cast 7th tier fire magic, [Brigid's Descent] twice.
"Daewon! What are you doing?! You could die!!" startled by his comrade sudden suicide move, Lee Heiran shouted with burning anger in her gaze. Deep down, she understands his decision, but he already cast one 7th tier spell earlier. She knows his limit is only once per day, but now, he casts two in a row, on top of having cast one previously.
But Daewon didn't stop. Nor he answered. He cannot. His throat has been full with blood and his entire body is constantly burning from inside. He can't afford the luxury of talking when even staying on his feet is a struggle.
She grit her teeth, and shut her eyes tight. The grip on her sword tightened and she decided to follow his bravery.
[Lunar Swordsmanship, Crescent Moon]!
The brighest, biggest of [Crescent Moon] was created, using the last bastion of her strength. Its shining light was not as bright as the sun, nor as warm as his friend's fire. But the Sword Aura reminds them of the moon. Because even if it's not as noble as the sun, its light guides the lost in the middle of the night.
It was hope.
[Land of Mother Earth]
[Blessing of the Light]
[Wuji Fist Technique, Mountain Shatter]
[Simple Domain, Counter]
[Tera Current]
[Blessing of Poseidon]
[Sea Wall]
[Ice Palace]
One by one, regardless of their personal enmity, regardless of their status, if they could, they would unleash something. Standing side by side with even their former enemy. To cumulate both spear and shield, hoping to repell the incoming calamity. The ever increasing display of power fills the sky with numerous colors. Not one of them could predict what would happen, nor are they sure if their effort would amount to something againts that. Regardless, the shining embers of hope still burn brightly inside their heart.
But as their preparation has come to an end, so does his spell.
*TING*
The gears have come to a stop. The feeling of indescribable is no more. Instead, the air has changed its scent, as the impending doom has descended to this earth for the first time. They could see. The sky was crying, earth trembling, the sea was frozen and all animals, land or sea, quickly hid or got away. For the first time in their life, they see nature cowering in fear. And so, they can't help but despair at the incoming calamity.
"DON'T LOSE YOUR HEART!!"
"MONGJI! MORE BUFF!!!"
"I GOT IT!!"
They move frantically, the powerless move back, sprinting away from that place. The hunters stay, preparing to intercept.
Then, they see it.
Two spheres, as radiant as the stars, manifested from the completion of the working gears. Its light sucks the attention of every being who watches. Regardless of their intelligence, they felt something at an instinctual level. Something akin to a taboo. Not because of the societal consequences that may follow, but because of the indescribable horror which bred the decision to not utter a single word about it.
And slowly, the two spheres which did not touch each other, start gradually striding towards each other.
And the hunters, screamed.
Begging for the two to not met. As they are aware of the threatening fate that will take place. But the plea has no voice, hence, devoid of any persuasive strength, the two spheres did not stop.
It was then Lee Heiran recalled a poem she stumbled upon years ago.
For dear thy who witness, sang your praise, and scream your terrors. For I am aware of your hearts. Let the moments flow. For the dust, will be the only remains after.
But the phenomenon wasn't exclusive to her. Every one of them, without exception, saw their lives flash before their eyes.
For a second there, death was imminent.
And when the two spheres finally touch, the world turn white.