After their talk, Bernard was sent back to his quarters, leaving the Major alone.
With a sigh, he walked the old corridor, his steps faltering as his old, veteran senses picked a presence around. One that chilled his blood.
As he got closer and closer, he could already envision it, each step feeling like getting closer to his grave, to hell. He pressed on, however. Even if it consumed him, even if the flames licked his wounds, he would protect those who were precious to his heart.
After tortuous seconds, he arrived at a crosswalk, one leading to the dormitories, the other, this one hidden behind an enchanted wall, lead to what may be his demise.
Passing through it, he walked until standing in a dark podium, the flickering light of the gas lamps were hardly enough to illuminate the darkness.
Instead, it was more like the darkness moved around, shifting and hiding from the light.
That was the first signal he got that things were terribly wrong there.
"You have some guts warning the boy about me, worm."
Gulping, he bowed, not daring to look forward, knowing fully well that, if he so much as rose his head, he would lose it.
In careful, measured steps, the Dark Monarch have showed himself as the darkness parted, allowing the light to show himself.
His steps halted, his gaze carrying a hint of contempt, of the judgment that would soon befall Major's.
"Do tell me, why? You do know what happens to those who dare defy me, don't you?"
"Yes, my lord…" His heart was frozen, his fear creeping as the monster in front of him gestured, the darkness shifting once more.
"You may rise." He gulped in fear. It seems he wouldn't walk away from here…
Doing as he was ordered, he watched in fascination as the very darkness shaped itself around a man, a human instead of a homunculus. He wasn't of noble lineage, this Major was sure, but he walked like someone who had all the power in the world at his fingertips.
"Meet Herr Doctor…" The monarch said, the shadows hiding him as the small man walked towards the Major, his smile was one crooked, showing not a hint of happiness, but cruelty plenty.
The Major eyes widened, his fear taking hold of his heart as searched for somewhere safe. "He… He's a wanted criminal, my lord! A co… corrupted mage, his bounty is bordering the billions! He…"
"He's to be your executor."
"You… you won't get away with this! I'm not someone so easily replaceable!"
"Oh, but that's where you're wrong, my dear patient…" The creature known as Herr Doctor took his arm, inspecting it, his very touch forcing him to recoil. "You may walk forward…"
The shadows shifted once more, revealing something that made the Major eyes widen in fear and resignation.
"I really appreciate the homunculi… While crafting them is difficult, replicating what already exists in easy… Major, meet your replacement!" He spoke in a chipper voice, and then began to hum a whimsical music as the very shadows coiled around his prey.
Before the coffin closed and darkness claimed the Major soul forever, the last thing he saw was his replica bowing to the Monarch, showing loyalty aplenty.
…
I kept shooting at the moving target, using my ESP to propel them forward at ridiculous speeds, I kept pouring more energy, trying to hit Arthur as he kept dodging with that annoying smirk on his lips.
Running forward, I shot once more, forcing him to block while trying to keep his distance.
Kept pressing on, trying to find an opening, but Arthur's guard was too solid, his stance was almost unbreakable… With a snarl, I shot at the ground, kicking up dust.
Using this, I ran, meeting him on the left side, forcing him to block my guns with that sword of his, almost forcing it out of his hands as well. Before I could reload the guns, he kicked me in the stomach, forcing me backwards and almost making me lose my lunch.
My body impacted against the wall on the other side of the room, my consciousness barely hanging.
"You're improving… I almost lost there." Even with all the pain I felt, still couldn't suppress the smile blossoming my face upon hearing this. "And it's not like you to ask for a spar… What's up?"
"Damn… You really see everything, don't you?" I laughed, trying to stand. Seeing this, Arthur quickly came to my assist, his hand grasping mine and holding me close.
"So, spill it?"
"Nothing fascinating. I just need more power, that's all." I spoke, getting in my two feet and looking at him, a clear challenge there. "So, let's continue?"
"C'mon, man! We've been here for two hours already. Let's do something else… Oh! I know! How about playing Cards? You strike me for someone who likes Poker."
That would be Albert, not that he needs to know that.
Memories flooded my mind, memories of simpler times, with me and Albert training, trying to one up each other and going in missions. He was always betting all the money he got in a game or two.
And the bastard killed me…
Once more, I felt a nauseating taste on my mouth thinking about the bastard. We had our moments, but that doesn't excuse him for splattering my brain.
Sighing, I chose to focus on the now. I can always get vengeance when I'm back at my old world, but I first need to amass more power.
But how to do so?
"Hey, Arthur…"
"What's up?"
"Do you guys have any books on physics?"
"Why'd you ask?"
"Just answer the damn question…" I asked, trying not to be exasperated.
"Oh well, we do have some good ones in the common library, mainly about history, strategy and biology, but maybe it does have something about it." He sounded unsure…
Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Walking towards the library, I noticed his gaze piercing my back and turned back.
"You know I'm not going there, right?" The way he said it was almost as if he was a petulant child, making me giggle a little.
"You don't need to, but I want to go check it out."
"Is it about your powers?"
"Yeah… I don't know how to advance more than I already did, so I need to gather some intel on what I can do from now on."
Glancing at me, he furrowed his brows and turned back. I did the same, but his voice stopped my cold feet. "If you're that intended on going in her domain, do make sure not to piss off Gwynnere."