The Shadow Of Fate

The moment his hand touched the hilt, a surge of energy shot through him. It wasn't like anything he had felt before. The sword, which had always been cold and unyielding, now felt alive, almost eager. As he gripped it, a shadowy figure appeared in his mind. The man's form was obscured by darkness, but his piercing turquoise eyes shone brightly, cutting through the void.

"You are not worthy... for now," the man said, his voice cold and emotionless.

The words sent a chill down Iglis's spine, but he shook them off. He didn't have time for self-doubt. The Minotaur Mother was still a threat, and he wasn't going to back down now. He tightened his grip on Iradeus, feeling a newfound connection with the blade. It was as if the sword had finally decided to acknowledge him, even if only temporarily.

The air around him seemed to shift, crackling with energy. His stance changed, his movements becoming fluid and precise. He could feel the sword guiding him, each motion instinctive and natural. The Minotaur Mother roared and charged again, but this time, Iglis was ready. He sidestepped her attack with ease, his body moving as if it were weightless.

With one clean, decisive swing, he struck her side. The blade cut through her thick hide like it was paper, slicing deep into her flesh. Blood sprayed from the wound, splattering across the stone floor. The Minotaur Mother howled in pain, her massive form stumbling as she tried to recover. Iglis didn't let up. He moved with relentless precision, each strike hitting its mark. The sword felt like an extension of his body now, responding to his every thought.

The final blow came in a single, devastating arc. Iradeus cleaved through the Minotaur Mother's body, splitting her in half from shoulder to waist. The beast let out one last, guttural roar before collapsing to the ground, her blood pooling around her massive form. The chamber fell silent, save for the echo of her fall reverberating through the stone walls.

Iglis stood over her, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The glow from Iradeus faded, and the sword felt heavier in his hand once more. He released it, letting it fall to the ground with a dull thud. But then, the world around him started to spin. His vision blurred, and his knees buckled beneath him. The exhaustion from the battle, combined with the toll of using the mysterious new technique, was too much. He collapsed beside the Minotaur Mother's lifeless body, unconscious.

Moments later, he stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and the first thing he saw was Alucard's grinning face hovering above him. Relief washed over him, the weight of the battle lifting as he realized it was over.

"You did it, bro!" Alucard exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "You're frigging amazing! What the hell was that?!"

Iglis blinked, confusion clouding his expression. "What... What are you talking about? I... I lost consciousness when I got sent through the door."

Alucard laughed softly, shaking his head in disbelief. "Did you hit your head too hard? You got up, picked up your sword, and used some swordsmanship I've never seen before. You split that Minotaur Mother in half like she was nothing!"

Iglis stared at him, his mind racing as he tried to piece together what had happened. He glanced at Iradeus, now resting beside him. The blade hummed faintly, almost as if it were alive and pleased with the outcome.

"I don't... remember doing that

Narration: Alucard doesn't press the matter further, his grin never fading. He kneels down beside Iglis, beginning to tend to his wounds, noticing the blood smeared across his clothes.

Alucard: (grinning) "Let's talk later. You've earned a rest, but for now, I think we should get you patched up."

Description: As Alucard bandages him, Iglis still can't shake the image of the shadowy figure with turquoise eyes. Who was he? What did it all mean? For now?, those questions remain unanswered as Alucard helps him to his feet, ready to face whatever comes next.

Narration: With the Minotaur Mother defeated and the labyrinth's path clear, the group presses on. But for Iglis, the battle—and the mysterious swordsmanship he used—lingers in his mind, a puzzle he's determined to solve