The Blitzer Domain is a discipline of speed and heightened perception, a path forged by those who seek to surpass the limits of the human body. Practitioners of the Blitzer Domain move with unnatural swiftness, their reflexes honed to a razor's edge.
In the past, Blitzers were seldom regarded as warriors in the traditional sense. Their artes more suited to reconnaissance, evasion, and tactical strikes rather than prolonged engagements. However, as warfare evolved, so too did the application of their craft. Today, the Blitzer stands alongside soldiers and duelists alike, their mastery of motion turning them into elusive combatants, capable of striking swiftly to overwhelm their foes and escape potential counter-attack.
The manipulation of spira to enhance bodily function is the core of the Blitzer Domain. By accelerating the flow of energy through their nerves and muscles, practitioners achieve astonishing bursts of speed, near-instantaneous reaction times, and an awareness that verges on precognition. With their swift movements and keen senses, they are like ghosts on the battlefield—constantly shifting positions, too perceptive to ever be cornered. Yet, their power is not without cost. Maintaining such heightened states requires immense control, and even the most skilled Blitzers must contend with the strain their artes place upon the body.
Due to its emphasis on movement and reflexes, the Blitzer Domain is one of the most naturally adaptable disciplines, often developing unintentionally in those whose livelihoods depend on their feet. Couriers, thieves, hunters, sailors, and even street performers may find themselves awakening to Blitzer artes simply by pushing their bodies to greater dexterity. While some formally train in its techniques, many stumble into the domain through necessity or natural talent.
Though the domain has grown beyond its origins, its essence remains unchanged—a relentless pursuit of motion, a mastery of the body's limits, and an unyielding refusal to be shackled by nature.
Kai bounded up the stairs two at a time, his breath sharp and his pulse hammering in his ears. The opulent halls of Léveque Keep trembled with the echoes of panicked voices, the clatter of hurried footsteps, the distant crash of something outside. Chaos had taken root, but he couldn't afford to question it—not yet.
Aiko was ahead, just out of reach. He could hear the light, rapid footfalls of her ascent, the whisper of her clothes brushing stone. He pushed himself harder, drawing on his spira, every muscle in his body screaming at him to move faster.
She and her accomplice had stolen his sword, taken Fergus, and killed him—left his body discarded like waste. And now, by some cruel twist of fate, he had found them again, just as something terrible began to unfold. It couldn't be coincidence.
No, these people were wretched. There was no uncertainty in that.
A flash of her violet dress vanished past the next landing.
He was gaining on her, but he didn't want to burn through his spira too quickly. He was certain that once he caught up, there would be another battle between them.
"Stop trailing me. I'm not in the mood for another dance, at least, not yet." Aiko called back to him while she ran down a lengthy hallway. "Or are you that desperate for my attention?" she added with a mocking lilt, her voice echoing off the walls.
"What did you do with Fergus?" Kai shouted.
Aiko let out a cruel laugh, her pace never slowing. "Oh, so that's what you're worried about?" she called back, her tone dripping with feigned innocence. "Not yourself? What about how this little chase will end? Then again, you did come back to life once. Quite the neat trick, I must admit!"
The distance between him and Aiko was closing rapidly. She rounded the corner just ahead, her movements fluid and purposeful. In response, Kai tapped into his spira, activating his artes to boost his mobility in that critical moment. His muscles surged with speed, allowing him to slide around the corner, while maintaining his momentum. He was almost there, only a few steps behind.
Whipping around the bend, something bulbous and ominous flashed through the air—an orb of green liquid, hurtling straight at him.
Instinct took over, and he dove to the side, barely avoiding the projectile. The ball exploded on the statue behind him, a horrific sizzling sound rising from the impact. Kai glanced back, his stomach twisting, the statue—once a masterful piece of art, started to dissolve from the spot where the liquid had hit. The stone bubbled and warped, the corrosive substance eating away at the structure with terrifying speed.
His heart pounded heavily in his chest. If not for his artes, he wouldn't have reacted quickly enough to dodge. His body would have been torn apart by that vile magic she had unleashed.
Kai pushed himself back to his feet, not wasting a moment. His breaths came in controlled bursts, his focus steady. Whatever arte Aiko had just used, it was dangerous. He shuddered at the thought of it eating away at his flesh, unsure if he could come back from that.
He gritted his teeth and quickened his pace, determined not to let the fear take hold. She had bought herself a little time, but that wasn't enough to keep him from catching her.
Kai's feet pounded the ground as he barreled after Aiko, her silhouette just ahead, flickering in the light as she darted through the dimly lit corridor. Tension hung in the air, as their frantic footsteps echoing off the stone walls. She slipped into another stairwell, spiraling upward in a narrow, dizzying ascent. Kai followed closely behind, his spira surging through him, filling his muscles with energy.
Aiko's laughter echoed down the winding steps, a mocking sound that only fueled his drive. "Still chasing? How amusing. Maybe, I will grace you with another dance!"
Her voice danced on the edge of charm and contempt, laced with a swagger that hit every one of his nerves.
Aiko's figure drew closer with each step, almost within his grasp. The winding stairwell suddenly gave way to an expansive open space—they had reached the top of the tower. Kai pushed forward into the sprawling room, but hesitated as Aiko stopped abruptly. She stood only a few paces away, her body angled toward him, calm and defiant.
Her violet eyes gleamed through the slits of her mask, gleaming with wicked pleasure. The red curve of her lips twisted into a grin. "You're truly pathetic, aren't you?" she taunted, her voice dripping with disdain. "Chasing me all the way up here... How quaint. You've sealed your fate, Kai. This is where you meet your end, but don't worry—I'll be sure to bury you deep this time. Wouldn't want you crawling back to haunt me again, now, would I?"
Kai's eyes narrowed, his breath steady as he focused on her, tense and ready. But as she taunted, his senses spread outward, absorbing the room around them. The tower's vast emptiness felt hollow, a sense of isolation hanging in the air. Large windows looked out over the city below, their panes clouded with ash, the sky beyond streaked with dark plumes as smoke choked the skies. Flames crept across the city below.
The room was empty, save for a large metallic machine in the center, its design strikingly similar to the one Fergus had been working on in the Limdal caves. The sight sent a jolt of realization through Kai. Why here? What did it do? What was this woman planning? A sense of urgency gripped him as he moved closer, his mind racing to piece together the implications.
Aiko, noting his attention, let out a short, cruel laugh. "What's the matter? Run out of steam already? I thought you were so eager to know about that little researcher we picked up."
She strode up to it, her fingers trailing along the metal contraption. "Does it look familiar? We rebuilt it—couldn't have done it without him. That's why we needed him, you see. It's truly unfortunate you decided to play the hero, but... well, these things happen."
Kai's gaze never wavered from her, "Where is he?"
"Why should I bother answering you?" Aiko feigned a thoughtful pose in mock contemplation. "You're going to die here anyway. Doesn't it seem pointless?"
"Aiko," a voice cut through the tension. A man stepped out from behind the massive machine. His dark attire seemed to fade into the tower's shadows, his features obscured by a black mask.
"Stop playing around." His voice carried an edge, sharp enough to make Aiko pause, her smug expression faltering ever so slightly.
Kai's heart raced as he met the newcomer's eyes, recognition hitting him—this was the man from the caves, who had used barrier magic to block his path.
He had hoped it wouldn't come to this—having to face both of them at once—but it was looking like that was exactly what was about to happen. His gaze flicked back and forth between the two of them. Would he be able to fight them if they both attacked?
"Go away, Hawke," Aiko said with a scowl. "Why do you always have to ruin my fun?"
"I'm keeping you on task, fun has nothing to do with it," Hawke shot back. He pointed at Kai, "Deal with him swiftly, with the recent turn of events, the client wants us to head out."
With that the man known as Hawke walked to one of the nearby windows, with a flick of his wrist, the glass shattered and he nonchalantly leapt from the tower. Kai turned his attention back to Aiko as it came back down to just the two of them.
"Tch, always acting like he knows better," Aiko muttered, locking eyes with Kai. "Where were we?"
Kai shifted his stance and raised his fists, regretting not being able to get that replacement sword.
"Oh, I see. Don't want to talk anymore?" Aiko smirked as she disappeared behind the machine, reappearing on the other side brandishing a sword. Kai immediately recognized it—the one she'd stolen.
Aiko's grin widened as she caught his gaze, her violet eyes glimmering with twisted satisfaction. "My weapon caught your eye, did it?"
Kai didn't answer. His only response was the deepening scowl on his face,hatred swirling in his chest like a storm. That was Branlen's, and she had no right to wield it.
Aiko rushed at him, swinging crudely in an arc, the blade cutting through the air with a sharp hiss. He evaded with a quick sidestep, sparks erupting as the sword scraped the floor.
His body seemed to move of its own accord, sliding and weaving with impossible fluidity as Aiko's strikes came faster. The blade whistled through the air, inches from his skin, but Kai's heightened senses allowed him to stay a step ahead. He didn't plan on losing again.
Years of training showed in her technique, but Kai's reflexes met her step for step. He didn't miss the frustration that flashed across her face.
His enhanced perception allowed him to read her strikes before they fully formed, and while she was clearly a skilled fighter, it was obvious swordsmanship wasn't her strength. She had been far more dangerous last time with her dagger, her movements more unpredictable.
Aiko's blade came down with a vicious crack, targeting Kai's skull. But he was faster, his body a blur as he dodged. Her swing cut through empty air, leaving her wide open for a brief moment.
Kai seized the opportunity, his spira flaring, propelling him into action. He pivoted, his fist flying forward with all the force he could summon. His knuckles slammed into her ribs with a sickening thud.
Aiko stumbled back, her breath hissing through clenched teeth as she cradled her side. The strike momentarily stunned her, but her grin quickly returned. "Not bad," she said, regaining her composure. "But you'll need more than that to stop me."
Kai's chest heaved as he adjusted his stance, his body straining from overusing his artes. His punch had landed, but he knew better than to think it was enough to end this fight.
Aiko twirled the sword in her hand, stepping back just enough to gather herself. A faint vibration filled the air around her, charged with entropic energy as she began to weave her artes.
Kai didn't hesitate. He rushed forward, hoping to interrupt her before she could cast her magic. But as he surged forward, Aiko raised her hand, her fingers splayed wide. A glowing ball of green liquid formed in her palm. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed it, the ball spinning toward him through the air.
Kai's reflexes took over as he dodged left, narrowly avoiding the ball as it flew past him. The moment the sphere hit the stone floor, it exploded into a sizzling, hissing cloud, just like before. The corrosive substance splashed in every direction, eating through the stone and leaving a smoldering mark where it had landed.
"I see your dancing has improved," Aiko cooed.
Aiko summoned another corrosive sphere, this one slightly larger. Kai attempted to close the distance, but Aiko was relentless. Every time he advanced, she hurled another, forcing him to leap or sidestep just out of reach. The ground between them grew more treacherous with each step, leaving him increasingly vulnerable.
She wasn't attacking blindly; instead, each strike was part of a carefully crafted plan to corner him. Her swordplay became less frequent, but the real danger—the ever-present liquid—kept him on edge. Every time she finished a swing or spun away, another ball flew toward him, ensuring the pressure never let up.
Kai's breaths had become rapid and shallow. He could feel his muscles aching, the relentless pac taking its toll.
The battle had become a test of endurance. One that he was slowly losing.
"You're getting sluggish," Aiko crooned. "Won't you just die for me already?"
Kai searched for any hint of weakness in her movements. He couldn't afford a mistake now. One slip, one opening, and she'd end it.
A fleeting thought crossed Kai's mind as the air thickened with the acrid stench of her attacks: the machine.
His eyes darted toward the metal contraption behind Aiko, its angular shape looming ominously in the open space of the tower. They went through great lengths to capture someone to make it. It's possible she wouldn't risk damaging it.
He dodged another thrown attack, turning to the side, then rushing toward the machine with everything he had left.
Aiko's violet eyes flashed with annoyance at his sudden shift. "Running away?" she jeered. Yet, instead of launching a corrosive ball, she swung her weapon, hoping to strike as he passed.
Kai kept moving, the sound of her blade slicing through the air just behind him as he rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike. He sprang to his feet and continued his sprint toward the machine, the rapid echo of Aiko's footsteps following closely behind.
He reached the machine and slid into position beside it, forcing Aiko to either risk the hazard or shift her approach. She faltered for just a moment, registering the danger. Kai watched her closely—that brief pause was his opening.
"What's the matter, Aiko?" he taunted. "Not allowed to break it?"
She glared at him, clearly frustrated. "You think you're clever, don't you?" She twirled the blade, her face flickering with uncertainty—then stilled, as if forcing herself to make a decision.
Aiko's lips curled into a snarl, her eyes burning with anger. She attacked with a flurry of strikes, the blade slicing through the air as she closed the distance between them once again. But this time, Kai didn't back down. He remained by the machine, using it as a makeshift shield.
Aiko lunged, blade flashing, but Kai sidestepped at the last second, weaving around the machine. Her second swing was aimed at his chest, he shifted,the blade sailed past him just enough for its edge to strike the machine instead of him. The squeal of the metal sent a jolt of panic across her face.
"Is that really the best you've got?" Kai mocked. He ducked under another swing, the blade nearly grazing his cheek, then countered with a swift kick aimed at her midsection. Aiko staggered back, her breath catching in pain—it must've hurt—but she hid it well. Consumed by rage, she advanced forward, her fury driving a brutal offensive.
"I will tear you to pieces!" Aiko spat, her anger palpable. With a growl, she struck again, aiming to catch him off guard. Kai, however, continued to use the machine to his advantage, shifting his position to force her to restrain her strikes. She fought to control her swings, struggling to avoid damaging the delicate machinery with her violent blows.
Kai landed another punch to her side. It wasn't strong, but the damage was starting to accumulate, just enough to throw off her balance. Seizing the moment, he slid to the other side of the machine. He could see the wrath bubbling behind her mask, the tight set of her jaw as she fought to maintain control.
"You're getting sloppy," Kai laughed, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Not as good as you think, are you?"
Aiko didn't answer. Instead, she lunged again, exactly as Kai had hoped. He allowed her to come close, the blade grazing past his ear as he twisted around the machine, narrowly evading the attack.
The weapon locked in the machine's grip with a metallic screech. Before she could yank it free, he charged forward, driving a fist into her ribs. The hit wasn't decisive, but it landed with a satisfying thud—enough to knock her back.
Kai felt it—a small but significant victory. The more he got under her skin, the more predictable her attacks became. Every time she missed or had to recover, she lost ground. Her movements grew increasingly frantic, less precise, and with each misstep, her grip on the fight slipped further. The machine shielded him while shackling her, restricting her options.
Or so he thought, Aiko let out a shrill laugh. "What a ridiculous situation you've put me in," she remarked. "But I tire of this game, this ends now."
She flung another corrosive ball at him. Forced to dodge, he felt the air rush past as the ball sailed by, crashing into the machine behind him. The distinct hiss of corrosion eating through metal reached his ears, but there was no time to look—Aiko was already upon him.
Her blade came down in a blinding arc. The force of the swing was enough to split air, and Kai barely had time to move. With a twist of his body, he managed to avoid the deadly swing, and the blade met the machine with a deafening clang.
The sword sliced through the metal with a flash of sparks, followed by a deep, ominous hum that grew steadily. Electricity arced violently along the machine's surface, crackling and snapping as energy surged within. The air thrummed with power, the floor rattling beneath his feet as the machine stirred to life. Kai felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up as raw energy rippled through the air.
"Look what you made me do!" Aiko screamed, her voice cracking with rage as she yanked desperately at the blade, trying to free it from the now-energized machine.
A powerful burst of electricity shot from the machine, coiling around her weapon like a snake. The bolt struck Aiko's chest with a deafening crack, sending her flying backward with the force of the blow. She tumbled along the floor, her body skidding across the ground before coming to a stop in a heap, limp and unmoving.
Kai froze, unsure whether she was dead or merely unconscious. But the machine wasn't done. It let out a resounding squeal, its energy spiraling out of control. Sparks shot from its exposed wiring, and a shrill wail filled the air, reverberating through the stone walls of the tower. It was the sound of danger—pure, unnatural, and wrong. Kai couldn't name it, but a deep, instinctual dread told him that something terrible was about to happen.
His heart pounded as he rushed toward Branlen's sword, his fingers almost brushing the hilt, a deep, desperate need to reclaim it coursing through him. But just as his hand reached out, a massive bolt of electricity arced outward from the machine, sizzling across the floor, forcing him to retreat. The air hummed with the wild energy, making it impossible to get any closer.
He hesitated. His village's sword was so close, so tantalizingly near. But survival triumphed over impulse. The machine was dangerously unstable, and there was no time to waste. With a heavy heart, Kai turned away from the sword and sprinted toward the stairs.
As he reached the stairwell, his eyes flicked back toward Aiko, her chest moved, she was still breathing. A knot twisted in his gut, an unfamiliar, aching urge to leave her there, to turn his back on her. But as the seconds stretched on, his conscience gnawed at him. He had come here for answers, to stop the people who had taken Fergus, but he was no murderer.
Kai stood still, struggling with the decision. It would be so easy to leave her to the machine's wrath. But he couldn't do it. It wasn't in his nature. She might have been his enemy, but he couldn't leave her to the mercy of whatever was to come.
Kai shook away his hesitations and rushed over. Aiko's mask had cracked, revealing the face beneath. He carefully lifted her, wincing as her limp body settled in his arms. Miraculously, his spira flowed steadily, urging his muscles to bear the weight.
He headed toward the stairs, every step feeling like an eternity. The machine was starting to knock clamorously behind him and the entire tower had started to rumble.
He attempted to glance back, but the intense, blinding light from the machine made it almost impossible to see. He could feel the energy swirling, with Branlen's sword at the heart of it all.
And then, with a deep breath, he descended the tower.