* * *
Though, just like every other special individual out in the open, there was a reason why the Priest or Priestess of Origin''s significant tactical advantage and deterrence against the threats that were against the empire were above Rune Master. Because they had exceptional abilities beyond the range of the invented, discovered, and explored Rune Magics that were classified to be too dangerous. Without constant supervision, practice, and training to control it, there would be a chance for them to lose control, or worse, become the enemy of the empire.
The priest then lifted his head, meeting Sir Raynald face to face. There was a black cloth covering the former’s eyes.
“Hmmm, no wonder I don’t sense a sight coming from you…” Sir Raynald commented.
The priest''s lips moved as he conveyed the question that had been bothering him in this mission, from the very first time he met this notorious Renegade, one of the many traitors who were against the emperor’s rule, till now when he was finally powerless in his grasp.
“Why???”
“Hmmmm…” Sir Raynald raised one of his eyebrows.
“You assaulted two whole squads of the Night Shadow who are led by two High Rankers, and even incapacitated a Rune Master who came to help. You surely managed to run away by now if you chose the option to kill, instead of letting them go in mercy, only for them to send the news to the others. So why? Why does an evil traitor like you do that?” there was a genuine puzzlement in his intonation, and that made Sir Raynald''s lips curve in amusement. He was sure this priest was new and clueless about the whole complicated situation in the empire.
“Oh, curious much are you?” Sir Raynald teased him with a smile. However, he also wanted to grumble because of how this young priest made it seem like he was the one who initiated the attack. It was all bad luck on his part, accidentally meeting those patrol teams while looking for a meal to bring back so he could share with that kid named El. He had so much resentment in his heart, thinking that it all stemmed from his hasty action who wanted to help a bunch of kids from a spirit, only for those busybody justice fools to attack him together, accusing him of being evil and having some hidden agenda whatnot.
‘Bloody hell. I had never been the one to attack first. What is this about assaulting the two squads? I’m freaking helping them. Those damned must be the ones behind it,” he angrily whined in his mind.
“Can you answer me, sir? Why??? You surely know if you are caught, even if the order for you is not to kill on sight, there is a probability you will be imprisoned in the Dragontooth. Or worse, became an experimental subject to be tortured for life. Why do you risk it all???” the priest pressed, eager for an answer.
“Hmmmm… it’s actually simple. The short answer is that you guys have never been the real enemy. You never were.”
The priest narrowed his eyes. “Miss Luccie told me a few things. If you knew what I mean, would you have an answer to that?”
“That little girl? Best you ask her directly lest… be careful…”
Suddenly, their conversation was cut short as one of the Praetorian Guard abruptly manifested behind the priest while holding a long sword that glinted in the night, with frosty fog swirling along the edge of the blade.
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Without either of them managing to anticipate this surprise attack, Sir Raynald could only widen his eyes as the sword penetrated the back of the priest, instantly penetrating through the shield that shrouded the latter body along with the specialized vestment that was not only durable but also enchanted with magic, yet somehow still managed to be pierced. The sword tip and the blade came out from the priest''s chest, just shy away from the skeleton hand that held Sir Raynald in midair.
“Uhh…” the priest weakly looked down as blood soaked his garment – his face turning pale, with the thick red liquid from his chest slowly turning into pieces of red ice crystal.
A frigid haze started to pool in his mouth, choking him slightly as the blade not only punctured his heart – but froze it too. The cold, mystical haze from the sword also spread fast, freezing his surrounding organs and blood. Just a second later, he started to lose consciousness and knew by heart how bad it would be if he were in a near-death situation like this. No, if he were dead, none of the people here could stop his {<b><i>Anima</i></b>} which had quietly slumbered all this time inside his soul.
“Please no!!!” the priest muttered weakly to something that gradually stirred awake from the result of the condition he was in.
*Accckkk*
*Clang*
*Scwing*
*Rasp*
The other Praetorians also attacked their own member, killing a few and injuring the rest who were not in cahoots with the one who attacked the priest. On the other hand, the one who attacked the priest himself swiftly pulled the sword, then grasped the latter hood, along with the black cloth that covered his eyes – revealing the empty eye sockets where there were no eyeballs in sight, only the ever-reaching darkness.
“You crazy bastard,” said Sir Raynald in panic. He knew what was to come. It was something terrible. He anxiously tried to wiggle free but was unsuccessful. His heart beat hard, and cold sweat started to soak his back as he watched the young priest''s body stand frozen in an unsettling silence.
With little to no delay, the priest assaulter immediately vanished from sight - running away hastily from the scene. Seeing their mission was successful, the other traitors also fled from the site. Anywhere close to the dying Priest of Origin was a dangerous zone to anyone who knew and had already read the history book.
“Free him. He is our only chance to survive this!!!” one of the female Praetorians who instantly realized the terrible peril they were in – especially after seeing the priest''s body emanating a huge amount of Soul Essence all around their surroundings, quickly used <b><i>{Accelerate} </i></b>Rune Magic to reach Sir Raynald.
With a high-speed analytical decision to rapidly understand and determine the choice in this circumstance, the other Praetorian Guards who were among the few still alive and managed to fend off the enemies with little to no injuries at all, promptly followed along with the female Praetorian and ran desperately toward Sir Raynard.
<b><i>{Surge} + {Water} + {Dispel}</i></b>
<b><i>…</i></b>
<b><i>{Charge} + {Brittle} + {Amplify}</i></b>
<b><i>…</i></b>
<b><i>{Lucent} + {Solidify} + {Harden}</i></b>
<b><i>{Torrent} + {Flame) + {Sharpen}</i></b>
<b><i>…</i></b>
At the side of each Praetorian Guard, an ethereal shape that could only be seen by those who ignite their Soul Flame manifested, with the spinning three golden Rune Orbs as the vertices, connected with golden string to form a triangle. All of them used their own expertise to strike the skeleton hand that trapped Sir Raynald in its hold – whether attached the Rune Magics to their weapons or cast it directly. But even then, everything proved to be pointless efforts.
*Boom*
*Clang*
*Bang*
“What the hell, are you all trying to kill me? Just share your Soul Essence with me…” Sir Raynald complained loudly, as their attacks might not harm him squarely, but the vibration sure did. Their anxiety also grew as the priest''s body burned in golden flame, while from the darkness of his eye socket, an enigmatic set of eyes little by little unfolded itself.
One of them who luckily had proficiency in that regard immediately used <b><i>{Revitalize}</i></b>, imbuing Soul Essence directly to Sir Raynald''s Soul Flame. As the latter Soul Flame which was severely depleted filled with a new fuel, it began to burn vigorously again. Sir Raynald immediately crushed the skeleton''s hand, freeing himself.
Yet, it still was a tad too late, as the thing they were wary and afraid of already opened its eyes wide.
“Damn it…” Sir Raynald gritted his teeth. All of their nerves stiffened from the invisible pressure that encased them like the weight of a mountain.
* * *