Chapter 16: Soul Sword
'Aren't I supposed to get some sort of magical powers? That would be pretty helpful right about now.'
The Academy instructors had droned endlessly about Core manifestations—how each person's innate abilities would emerge once they entered the Realms. Some developed elemental affinities. Others gained insane physical enhancements. A few lucky ones received rare spatial or temporal manipulations along with a flurry of other unique abilities.
But Arthur? Apparently, he got nothing but bruises and bleeding wounds.
The monster had already recovered from their tumble down the stairs. It crouched low, its misshapen body tensing like a spring as it prepared to pounce again. Its maw hung partially open, drool splattering on the stone floor as it emitted a low, rattling growl.
Despite its terrifying appearance, Arthur noticed a pattern emerging. The creature was powerful and fast, but it lacked sophistication—relying on straightforward aggression rather than strategy. It telegraphed its attacks with a predictable wind-up.
As the monster launched itself through the air, Arthur waited until the last possible second before twisting sideways. His hand shot out, fingers digging into the loose, clammy skin along the creature's flank. Using the monster's own momentum, he pivoted and hurled it into the wall behind them.
The impact produced a sickening crack as the beast collided with the ancient stone. It crumpled to the ground in a heap of twisted limbs, and for a moment, Arthur dared to hope he'd incapacitated it.
That hope died quickly as the creature dragged itself upright once more. Its body contorted unnaturally as it reoriented itself, joints bending in ways no terrestrial anatomy should allow. It lowered its eyeless head and released a feral growl that reverberated through the chamber—more enraged than before.
'Come on magic, magic, magic,' Arthur pleaded silently, desperately searching within himself for something—anything—that might save him. He reached mentally toward his Core, trying to ignite whatever power might lie dormant there. 'Give me some fucking magic... please!'