Chapter 82: Obstinance
"So this is the Corridor I've heard so much about. It really is like another world," remarked Vali, staring up at the shifting, ever-present lights of the Frozen Abyss's sky.
"Before we begin, there's something I would like to ask you..." said Vahn, prompting Vali to turn and face him, a brief pause lingering between them before he asked, "What would you like to know?"
"If the only reason you're doing all of this is to become stronger and give meaning to your strength, there's no reason to oppose the peace between the Three Factions," argued Vahn, pointing out, "Because if the system we were discussing during the summit is implemented, you would have plenty of opportunities to wield and improve your strength..."
"In my defense, the attack on the summit was planned before I knew that was the direction the dialogue was headed," responded Vali, shrugging as he added, "More to the point, while competition is an excellent way for me and others to grow, regulations and restrictions inhibit growth. Real power is obtained from fighting for one's life and beliefs."
"You're wrong," contended Vahn, shaking his head and adopting a serious expression as he asserted, "Real power is obtained to protect the people and things we cherish. Power acquired for oneself might give a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when it's first obtained, but if you ever reach the point where nothing can oppose you, it will feel just as empty as the emotions that compelled you to seek it..."
"I'll worry about that once I'm without equal..." retorted Vali, raising his right hand to be level with Vahn's face, bluish-white energy gathering in his palm as he added, "Now, I believe you promised; what was it, to fight me until I was satisfied?"
"Alright, then..." responded Vahn, offering a curt nod and modeling a look of conviction as he appended, "Let's do this..."
Interpreting Vahn's words as the signal to kick things off, Vali unleashed the energy in his hand as a laser, obliterating the former's head and upper body before producing a colossal explosion several hundred meters in the distance.
"So was it a trap after all...?" asked Vali calmly, watching Vahn's headless body collapse to its knees and fall backward before dissolving into motes of gold, rainbow-hued light.
"I'm uncertain. He did not give the impression that he was deceiving us..." responded Albion, his voice emanating from the blue orbs adorning Vali's armor.
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