For I Am A Side Character - 90: The Body of the Dark.
“Incredible, look at how well the void metals have attached itself to his body. You can’t even differentiate it from a simple flesh even if you look hard enough.” said my master as he was observing my body all over.
“Do you feel any changes at all Soril? Does your body hurt?” said my brother as he looked worried.
“No, I feel fine…” I said as I wanted to assure them of my health.
“Hmm, very well. At this rate its clear that you have completed the process of having to take in the Body of the Dark. Not only has it fully synced into your body, but your body is not denying the very fractures of the void metal.” said my master.
“Is that so?” I asked.
“Yes, indeed. From here on out, you will eternally have the Body of the Dark. Even when it looks like this, the simple fact is, is that no simple sword can easily pass through your skin or flesh. Unless a person who is extremely capable is in front of you, no one below your level can cut your body.”
“So that is what it means to have the body of the dark?” I asked.
“Do you want an example?” asked Cecil.
“I’d like to…to be honest.” I said as I was a bit curious.
“Good. Know that there are levels to how tough the body of the dark can be, from a simple iron to that of a rugged void metal, training your body to a point where you can endure the mallet to receive the void metal should have been the normal process…but we’ve already moved passed the basics. You now have the void metal coursing through your flesh and blood from the very start. And as an example, I will show you the strength that is capable of cutting through a body only at the level of iron.”
With that said, he pulled a sword in front and gripped it tight.
He was about to demonstrate the skill and capacity of a blade that should be capable of tearing pass a body of the dark that is as hard as that of Iron.
“Huhp!” and with a single force of enhancement, the pressure around him changed.
And I could feel the power of his blade turn ever so deadly.
“Now, be ready.” said Cecil as casually swung down his sword at me.
And for a second, I was a bit surprised. Simply put, if this sword were to cross my past body, where I had not yet obtained the body of the dark, I could have been cut in half, but as the sword made its way to me…I instinctively reacted in a way I usually would in a fight. I braced myself for the blade, but as I did, I watched as the moment my brother completely forced his sword down, I could not feel an ounce of pain from the blade nor did I feel its cut.
“The moment you braced yourself, you felt nothing didn’t you…” said Cecil as he looked my way.
And from what I saw…the blade he was holding was now broken in half.
One part was still attached to the handle and the other was found on the floor.
“The Strike was powerful…I could probably compare this strength to that of an B-ranked hunter forcing his sword on your body. But look…the blade is broken and your body barely felt the pain of it all.” said Cecil.
“This is how grand the void metal body is. Moving forward, to feel the strength capable of tearing away the body of a titanium body is comparable to that of an A ranked swinging his blade. And for a Diamond Body, one can only go against an S-ranked hunter’s skill….but for a Void Metal, it simply goes beyond that.” said my master as he starts comparing each body to that of a hunter’s rank.
Iron Body = B-rank
Titanium Body = A-rank
Diamond Body = S-rank
Void Metal Body = SS+ rank.
“Does this make me indestructible to the lower ranked hunters and monsters?” I asked.
“Mostly yes, but the body of the dark may seem all too powerful of a shield for your entire body, it has a weakness against light and holy magic as long as its strong enough.” said my master.
“But on the other hand, it is incredibly effective against a demon’s attack, either it is magic or a physical attack, demons are mostly unable to pierce through the body of the dark. Its simply the nature of this skill works.” said Cecil.
“I see. I would have thought that if the Body of the Dark does activate, I expected my body’s color or form to change…but it looks jut like any other skin.” I said.
“It was made that way to effectively take out enemies who let their guard down around misleading figures of people not wearing showy armors or changes to their appearances.”
“Makes sense”
“Still, its hard to imagine that you were able to regain your energy this much in such a short amount of time. Normally…you shouldn’t even be able to move your entire body for a week after the procedure. It takes time to have your entire soul familiarize itself with your body again. But in just this night, you’ve been able to regain control so easily…how is it possible?” asked Cecil as he reminisced on his own experience of this skill.
“Well…I did notice that when I gained my consciousness back, I saw a monster standing over my body. I tried to fight back, but his body was made of smoke or something.” I said as I remembered a beast made of mist smiling at me.
“…I see, so you witnessed him after all.” said Master Yagami as he had his expected this to happen.
“Its rare, but it entirely possible.” said Cecil as he too got a gist of who that beast was.
“What are you guys talking about?” I asked as I was a bit curious on their assumptions.
“That ‘Monster’ you met is known as the [Void King], the very being responsible for the creation of the House of Shadows. The Entity who we serve and worship in honor of relinquishing the existence known as the demons.”
“How come I never heard of you guys explain this to me before? He seems like a very important figure in the house of shadows.” I asked as I thought that it seemed like a very big deal.
“We knew that he would come to meet you one day, it happens to all disciples who serve the house of shadows. Whether we explain it upfront or not, it wont matter since his existence is all that matters to our lives. The moment we serve the house of shadows is the moment he has a claim for all our lives. He is our eternal king…whether we acknowledge it or not” said Cecil.
“So respect him the next time you’ll meet him again.” said Master Yagami.
“I- I understand.”
“The Void King must have done something different to Soril’s body for his to recover this fast after the process of the ritual.” said Cecil as he was in deep thought.
“Let me ask you again, do you feel any different Soril?” asked Master Yagami.
“N-no, I don’t. Why do you keep asking me that?” I said.
“Like we said, it takes time for a disciple to recover from the procedure, and for you to get back up just this night in perfect condition is simply odd. Maybe I need someone else’s opinion on this matter.” said Master Yagami as he found it extremely strange.
“Hmm, for now Soril, go and rest. Don’t you have that upcoming vent happening in a few days?” asked Cecil as he reminded me of the Interim Guild Faction Event.
“Right, sorry. I’ll go to rest now.” I said as I left them to their own.
I could still hear their conversation as I walked away, but hearing them speak on matters of the house of shadows, I could barely get the gist of it, so I jut went to sleep
A few days passed and the day of the event finally arrives.
And as what you would expect, a lot of the students and the people outside of the academy were excited for what was about to happen.
First off was the introduction to the Guild Leaders who will represent each classes in this years event.
They were introduced in the gymnasium where the candidates were also waiting in.
Cloni Suvack – Representative leader of the Black Rose guild and the guild leader for Class-A. Cloni is a tall, slender man with an imposing presence. His long, jet-black hair falls in loose waves around his pale, sharp-featured face, often obscuring his cold, grey eyes that seem to pierce through anyone who meets his gaze. He is always seen wearing a dark, intricately detailed leather armor that blends seamlessly into the shadows, adorned with the emblem of the Black Rose on his chest. His movements are fluid and almost ghost-like, contributing to his eerie, spectral aura.
Thoran Stonefist – Guild Leader of the Giant’s Guild and the Representing leader for Class-B. Thoran Stonefist is a hulking figure, standing well over six and a half feet tall with a broad, muscular build that speaks of immense strength and endurance. His fiery red hair is wild and unkempt, cascading down to his shoulders, matched by a thick beard that frames his rugged face. Thoran’s piercing blue eyes blaze with intensity, and his sun-weathered skin is marked with numerous scars, each a testament to battles fought and won. He wears heavy, reinforced armor that bears the insignia of the Giants Guild, with his signature weapon, a massive warhammer, always within reach.
Seraphina Drakonis – Guild Leader of the Dragon-Order Guild of the 15th branch and the representing leader for Class-C. Seraphina Drakonis is a striking young woman, radiating both elegance and quiet strength. She stands tall with a slender, athletic build that speaks of agility and grace. Her long, silver hair cascades down her back in a silky waterfall, often adorned with subtle, intricately braided sections that hint at her draconic heritage. Her piercing emerald eyes, flecked with gold, sparkle with a depth of wisdom that belies her youthful appearance. Seraphina’s attire blends practicality with regality: she wears intricately designed robes that shimmer with dragon-scale patterns, coupled with a lightweight armor for combat situations. She carries a staff topped with a dragon-shaped crystal, symbolizing her authority and connection to the Dragon Order.
Miles Miller – Guild Leader of the Armadillo Knights Guild and Representing leader for Class-D. Miles Miller is the embodiment of a warm, kind-hearted leader. Standing tall and broad-shouldered, his appearance is more approachable than imposing. His chiseled features are complemented by a well-kept beard and a mane of dark brown hair, often tied back in a neat, functional manner. Miles’ deep blue eyes reflect both kindness and determination, and his warm, confident smile can inspire hope even in the darkest of times. He wears a suit of finely crafted armor adorned with the emblem of the Armadillo Knights, with practical yet intricate designs symbolizing his rank and the respect he commands. His appearance is completed with a trusty, well-worn sword, symbolizing his readiness to protect his guild.
Sir Cedric Oakenshield – EX-Guild Leader of the Oak Guild and representing leader for Class-E. Sir Cedric Oakenshield is the very image of a wise and venerable knight. He is of average height but carries himself with a regal bearing that belies his age. His silver hair, once dark and thick, is now trimmed short and neatly kept, and a matching beard frames his weathered face. Deep lines and scars crisscross his skin, each telling a story of battles fought and wisdom earned. His eyes, a piercing grey-blue, hold a twinkle of kindness and a depth of understanding that comes from years of experience. Sir Cedric’s attire is practical and understated, often seen in simple but well-maintained armor, adorned with the crest of the guild he once proudly served. He carries an oak-engraved shield and a well-worn sword, symbols of his enduring strength and legacy.
Standing before the candidates where the five grand leaders to lead the class.
And as for my first impression about my own leader… Seraphina Drakonis, she’s very much what I would expect a guild leader to be. Seraphina is a master sorceress, specializing in elemental and draconic magic. Her spells are both powerful and precise, often incorporating the wisdom and strength of dragons. She is also an adept diplomat and strategist, able to negotiate and plan with exceptional skill. Her combat abilities, while often understated, are formidable; she wields her staff with graceful precision, channeling potent magic to protect and empower her allies.
I can tell right away that she was a strong hunter. If I’m right, she’s probably breaking through wall known as being an S-ranked hunter and moving forth to be a SS-ranked hunter.
But in this event, I’m not going to focus my time on the activities…some things are more important to me than just a rank and a score…
And God really knows how to put on the pressure.
After completing the last mission for joining the candidates;
[Mission #6: Complete.]
[Reward: Progression towards the next mission & 5+ System points.]
I was now given my 7th mission.
[Mission #7: Find the Acrylic Elf Core Artifact.]
[Reward: Progression towards the next mission & 5+ System points.]
[Failure: Failure to Completion will cause the Hindrance of moving forward with the story.]
[Time Limit: 48 Hours.]
And looking at this mission, I couldn’t help but sweat a little.