Level Up Legacy

The forest seemed to hold its breath as the confrontation escalated, the tension thickening with each passing moment. Lian found himself locked in a fierce gaze with Whisky Boy, both warriors aware that a fight was inevitable. Despite the impending danger, Lian stood resolute, putting his faith in the jellyfish that had faithfully protected him thus far.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the colossal creature lumbered closer, its massive form casting an ominous shadow over the trio. The two lackeys were faced with a critical choice - either dispatch Lian before the giant's arrival or risk being crushed beneath its mighty feet. Undeterred, they surged forward, weapons drawn and killing intent unwavering.

"You may possess intelligence, but your arrogance blinds you," Lian remarked calmly, his jellyfish expanding to form a protective barrier around him. "With Lucent by my side, neither of you stands a chance. The man and demon were troublesome opponents, but you are hardly unique."

"We'll see about that," retorted Whisky Boy, his feline-like countenance contorting with determination.

In an instant, the tall Waiga closed the distance, his sword slashing towards Lian. The air crackled with the clash of metal as the jellyfish rippled but remained unscathed. Unfazed, the jellyfish leaped into the air, delivering a powerful kick from above.

Lian maintained his composure, watching as his jellyfish effortlessly repelled the attack. "Your efforts are in vain," he asserted, witnessing his guardian's formidable defense. "You came here to buy time, but it shall cost you dearly. Once my frost giant arrives, this battle will be decided."

"You talk too much," whispered a ghostly figure, materializing behind Lian. The tamer glanced back, only to see the silver-clad foe hurtling towards him. Before he could taunt them for employing a familiar tactic, the silver gauntlets struck the ground beneath him.

The earth tremored as the ground fractured beneath Lian's feet, forming deep fissures. With agility, he leaped into the air to regain his footing. Seizing the opportunity, the two lackeys sought to encircle him, granting his jellyfish the time needed to ensnare him.

"Off you go!" boomed the tall Waiga, springing into the air and wielding his sword with impressive reach. Lian, with no other recourse, blocked the attack with his arm, only to be sent hurtling towards the nearest tree. A sickening thud followed as he crashed and fell to the ground, blood spilling from a deep gash in his arm.

Enduring unimaginable pain, Lian stared defiantly at his adversaries. He was astounded by the seamless coordination between Whisky Boy and the cloaked figure, their plan executed without uttering a single word.

"We may be unremarkable," Whisky Boy declared, removing his hood to reveal his feline visage and speaking in a gruff tone, "but that won't stop us from bringing you down."

"Take me down?" Lian laughed through the pain, lifting his gaze towards the approaching frost giant, whose shadow loomed large. "This battle has always been in my favor, feline creature. I will never be defeated."

The two lackeys raised their heads, determination gleaming in their eyes, as the giant jellyfish blocked their path, shielding Lian from their advances. Lian chuckled, instructing his frost giant to rescue him, and it obliged, extending a hand towards him.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Their blades clashed against the mighty jellyfish, but it held strong against their onslaught. Lian grinned, stepping onto his giant's hand as it elevated him out of harm's way. With the frost giant by his side, he felt confident of making a safe escape.

Yet, just as he believed he could flee, a voice from above shattered his optimism, and dread washed over him. Lian craned his neck to see a figure concealed behind the giant's neck, adorned in black and golden robes, wearing a devilish grin.

Seika! Although it seemed impossible, Lian's instincts told him that the strange connection he felt with the giant was genuine, and he was no longer in control of it.

"How is this possible?" gasped Lian, his mind racing for an escape plan. But before he could act, the giant's icy fingers closed around him, crushing his bones and leaving him trapped and writhing in agony.

"Many anomalies exist in this world," Seika remarked with a sinister smile, addressing the giant. "And much vengeance awaits fulfillment, isn't that right, Skaldice?"

"Indeed," rumbled the giant, its voice shaking the leaves in the forest, further intensifying Lian's terror as he felt the icy grip tightening around him.

"Wait! Let us..." Lian began to plead, desperate for any chance of survival. However, Seika's words were final, and the giant held him firmly.

"Save your breath," Seika advised, his smile fading. "I have observed you in this tower for countless years, and I must admit, you have earned my respect. But do not degrade yourself by begging for mercy."

"I wasn't going to beg," Lian retorted, regaining his composure. "When I left the First Holy Crown Trial, rumors spoke of an outsider - that was you, right? The one hunted by the seven families?"

"I wonder who truly chases whom," Seika replied with a faint smile, his doubt evident.

"In that case... our goals align. The person I've spent years training to kill is a member of the seven families. We needn't hinder each other if we desire the same outcome!" Lian grimaced as the giant's grip tightened once more, but he had to seize this opportunity.

"Whom do you seek to kill?" Seika inquired, raising his hand to halt the giant. His curiosity sparked a glimmer of hope in Lian's heart.

"Heir of Thiria, Kaius Firebrand!" Lian declared, his eyes ablaze with a burning rage. "If I could kill Kaius a thousand times, I'd come back as a ghost to slay him a thousand times more."

"Come back as a ghost?" Seika muttered, his perplexity evident. Lian refrained from explaining, but his determination never wavered.

"Even now, you lack refinement, Lian," Seika stated, scrutinizing him closely. "You'd reveal your deepest ambitions just to escape death, even though the tower would revive you?"

"I cannot die!" Lian cried out, his despair evident. "If I perish, everything I've worked for will be lost! Every monster I've tamed, every treasure I've found—it will all vanish!"

Whisky Boy interjected, claiming that Lian's words were lies. Still, Lian persisted, explaining that the treasure he possessed enabled him to tame and retain monsters. However, it would shatter upon his death or separation from his body.

"You wanted to kill us all, yet you expect mercy for your selfish desires," Seika reproached, and Lian could feel the giant tightening its grip on him once more. Despite the imminent threat, he knew he had to make Seika believe him.

"I can find your wolf!" Lian desperately offered, hoping to strike a deal. "The treasure I spoke of allows me to track any monster I've encountered. I can help you find your creature in exchange for my life. But if I perish and lose the treasure, I won't be able to locate your wolf, even if I wanted to!"

Seika fell silent, his gaze shifting to the giant, as if seeking his opinion. The giant sighed, and to Lian's relief, it released its grasp on him. Seika turned to the giant, "Consider us even now."

"A life for a life, Seika," Skaldice replied solemnly, his gaze fixed on Lian. "But be cautious; this tamer has shown little regard for the well-being of his companions. He views us as tools rather than allies."

Seika's expression hardened with resolve. "I am aware of his true nature," he responded, meeting the giant's gaze. "For now, you shall take refuge near Sith Town. I promise you that no harm shall befall you there. Stay hidden in this forest until I deal with him."

The giant nodded, its immense form turning away from the scene. Seika was carefully orchestrating their next move, sparing Lian's life but keeping a close watch on him. Lian could sense the tension in the air, and he knew that any misstep could lead to his downfall.

With a gentle descent, Skaldice lowered Seika to the ground before leaving to find its new sanctuary. The injured tamer remained between Seika and Whisky Boy, trying to regain his breath and composure after the intense encounter

With his life momentarily spared, Lian had planted the seeds of a fragile alliance. The fate of their future cooperation remained uncertain, and the echoes of vengeance resonated in the air, shaping the destinies of those present in the forest that day. The battle had taken an unexpected turn, and the power dynamics had shifted.

Seika's expression softened slightly, contemplating Lian's words. Whisky Boy, too, observed the exchange with keen interest, his feline eyes betraying no emotion. Lian could sense that he had struck a chord, that Seika was grappling with the decision before him.

"You claim that you can find my wolf, Kira, with your treasure?" Seika finally spoke, his voice tinged with a lingering doubt.

Lian nodded, his eyes locking onto Seika's. "Yes, I swear it on my life. If you spare me, I will use my treasure to locate your companion. You have my word."