Chapter 28: Chapter 27: Shifting Fate (2)

A rich earthy scent filled the air. Cracks and pops of firewood sounded off from the hearth.

“Was he the… you…”

The boy picked up remnants of an aged voice. He pretended to sleep in his bed and listened closely.

“What does it matter?”

A girl replied, her voice like sweet honey. The boy’s chest grew tight as her words echoed in his mind.

“The boy is young and impressionable. He also shows signs of incredible talent. Both your parents and I think he would be a perfect servant for the family—mostly for you.”

The boy frowned upon hearing this. After receiving no response from the girl, the aged voice continued.

“Elsie, think carefully. This boy’s future is monstrous. Don’t waste this opportunity.”

“This is serious. If you play your cards right, there’s a chance he could even devote his life to you.”

A third voice pitched in.

So that’s their endgame.

The boy gave an internal sigh. Why was freedom so difficult to obtain after losing it?

Despite the room’s cozy comfort, he could never lower his defense again. He didn’t know who these strangers were, nor how he got here. He didn’t want to know.

If anything, he wanted to escape as early as possible. However, there was one glaring issue.

Why did that crazy woman transfer the contract? Just who are these people? What could they have offered her?

He could feel the strong connection between himself and the girl named Elsie. It was unsettling to be handed off like groceries, but there was nothing he could do.

With slow and controlled breaths, he calmed his shaky heart.

He recalled the moments before he lost consciousness. Every agonizing memory, forever etched into his being.

It was tiring, and his soul was like a weary traveler scaling the sandy dunes of a long-forgotten desert.

The building exhaustion finally overtook him and just as his consciousness was fading away, Elsie’s voice chimed out with a sigh.

“You guys are only making things more difficult for me…”

----------------------------------------

The boy’s eyes flashed open. The fireplace lost its warmth long ago, and the room was now graced with the moon’s pale light.

How long did I sleep?

Parchment rustled from his bedside. Someone turned the page of a book.

“Did you rest well?”

Elsie’s voice created ripples in his heart like a stone thrown into a still pond. The boy peeked over.

A dress, elegant and loose, draped over her legs. Her skin and hair captured the moonlight like a celestial art-form.

A quaint book rested within her silken hands, which she read with rapt attention. On the table beside her was a stack of even more books. Some looked new, others appeared mottled and weathered.

“I slept well…”

“Good.”

Another rustle, another page turned.

“What are you reading?”

“Hmm…”

She clicked her tongue before reluctantly tearing her gaze away. She peered at the boy and spoke with a lilting tone.

“This is a collection of stories about Marumen, the strongest person to have ever existed.”

“I’ve never heard of Marumen.”

“Oh? Legends say that a single swipe of his sword could cleave an ocean in half.”

The boy gave her a strange look.

“Legends are merely legends.”

“You think so? I think the legends are true.”

The boy didn’t respond.

“Look.”

Elsie turned the book towards him. Instead of words, there was a picture of a fierce man bringing his sword down over an ocean.

The boy could almost envision the sword radiating power and intensity. The ocean split into two halves while an immense force prevented it from joining back together.

He blinked, and the picture restored itself.

“What was that?”

“There’s a formation embedded in the book. It allows the reader to experience things they otherwise couldn’t.”

“A what? Formation?”

She pointed to the stack of books.

“Each of these books are told with words, pictures, and formations. Some of them are advanced enough to even relive the moment depicted.”

The boy glanced at the stack with dull eyes.

“Why bother reading such stories.”

“Heh, I don’t think they’re just stories. I think they are all wonderful adventures. Maybe one day, you will too.”

She closed the book of Marumen and placed it on top of the stack.

“These are just a few of my books, although some are only historical records and not stories.”

Elsie pointed to the different titles and spoke their names.

“Marumen, Vardesh of Tientra, Doctor Lazure, Inies the Wise, and so many more. Each a legend of their time. Some are unknown and lost to the sands of time, while others have songs written about them.”

The boy quietly listened. As much as he hated to admit, her voice was too captivating to ignore.

“Are you hungry?”

She looked into his eyes with a wholesome smile. If he hadn’t heard the old man’s voice earlier, maybe her kindness could have illuminated his dark and grey world.

Smiles and promises of a better life, things he would never fall for again. His expression grew solemn, and he replied.

“Let’s cut the nonsense. I want you to release the soul contract.”

Elsie sat back in her chair and folded her arms. Her lips curled while her eyes sparkled mysteriously.

“What makes you think you’re under a soul contract?”

“Don’t play with me. You didn’t even bother hiding the connection between us. At least my previous master had the decency not to remind me of enslavement every waking second.”

“So just because you’re drawn to me, you assume it’s the contract?”

The boy gave her a deadpan look. What else could it be?

“Lady, I know those two old men are waiting in the other room, and I know they’re strong. Probably stronger than me.”

“So?”

“Do you think you can control me with just the contract? Do you really think I can’t kill you?”

The boy sat up, eyes darkening.

“You think you’re safe—but you’re not.”

Elsie pursed her lips before clicking her tongue. The playful smile never left her face even for a second.

“You want to hurt me?”

“No, I just want to leave.”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“Let’s say I release you from the contract. Would you be willing to follow me?”

“Absolutely not.”

“But that’s all I want. I don’t care about the contract, I only care about you.”

“I don’t want anything to do with you. I just want to live my own life.”

Elsie let out a sigh and shook her head.

“Well, this won’t do. Let’s meet in the middle somewhere.”

The boy shook his head and replied.

“How exactly are we supposed to do that? I want to leave, and you want me to stay. There is no middle ground.”

“Oh, it’s easy. You’re confident in your strength, but I am too. I’ll have you know, I once earned first place in a local tournament. I beat all my opponents.”

She gave herself a nod of affirmation while the boy merely stared at her strangely.

“Then what do you propose.”

“We’ll change the conditions of the contract. Since it requires both of us to agree to the changes, it can only be something fair.”

The boy’s eyes lit up.

Why didn’t I think of that?

“So… what kind of changes are you suggesting?”

“Since we’re both confident in our strength, we’ll change it like this.”

Elsie reached behind the stack of books, retrieving the soul contract. In a most uncaring fashion, she kept it there the whole time just within the boy’s reach.

Her eyes looked over the contract.

“All conditions will remain the same, except for two. First, I will give you the opportunity to challenge me to a duel once per floor. Should you win, the contract is nullified. Should you lose, then nothing changes.”

Elsie paused and glanced at the boy, whose eyes only grew wider. He tried to remain calm externally, but inside he cackled like a maniac!

How ridiculous! Finally! I can deal away with this stupid contract!

“It’s um… It seems fair so far. What’s the second change?”

Elsie beamed happily and continued speaking.

“The second change is the more important one. We’ll remove the age limit. Instead of you gaining your freedom when you turn 21, the contract will instead be indefinite. This also means you will only have ten chances to earn your freedom, as there are only ten floors…”

Her voice lingered, allowing him to digest her words. The boy only continued to stare at her strangely. Fearing that he might decline, she continued speaking.

“A rare opportunity. As you said yourself, you might not be able to beat those old men. This is high risk, high rewa—”

“It’s good. I accept. As long as it’s a one-on-one duel. You’re not allowed to receive any help, and you’re not allowed to use the soul contract power during the duel. It has to be a fair duel.”

Elsie froze, caught off guard, before blooming into a gorgeous smile. Her peerless features were somehow made more prominent in the dazzling moonlight.

“Perfect! Let’s make the change!”

Energy flowed into her hand, and with quick strokes she modified the contract. Then, she handed the contract over to the boy.

“Read it over and channel your energy into the contract to reactivate the blood seal.”

Finally holding the cursed contract in his hands, the first thing he did was… rip it in half!

At least, that’s what he tried to do.

“Pfft! You’re silly. Don’t you know? Only the primary contract holder can destroy or modify the contract.”

Elsie’s laughter was like the soft twinkling of bells, which only added to the boy’s embarrassment. A flash of light swiftly flew into the contract before he handed it back.

“Here. Are the new conditions in effect?”

“Mhm, they’re already in effect.”

“Let’s duel.”

“What? Now? You’re not even fully healed.”

Elsie examined the boy’s body while he stretched his arms overhead.

“Doesn’t matter. This will be over quickly.”

“Are you sure? You only have one chance on the first floor. I really recommend you recover properly before you try.”

“No. Let’s duel right now.”

I know how powerful the current me is. Strong enough to defeat Madam Lexene, who was from the sixth floor. It’s impossible for this naïve little girl to be as strong as Madam Lexene.

A giddy feeling of excitement swelled within his chest. All he needed to do was defeat her in a duel, and then finally—freedom.

Elsie let out a drawn-out sigh.

“If you insist. However, we can’t duel here.”

“Why not?”

The boy’s eyes twitched in annoyance. Was this some plan to drag out the duel date?

“This is the middle of a town after all. People could get hurt. We should duel in a wide-open space under the beautiful sky! Mm!”

Elsie closed her eyes and hummed to herself.

“After all, it’ll be our first duel. It must be romantic.“

“Romantic?”

How can a duel be romantic? Especially one that was to end so quickly.

“Of course, the romance of battle. A dance of life and death. Why? What were you thinking?”

Elsie’s eyes shimmered once again, almost radiating a beguiling effect.

“I wasn’t thinking anything… have it your way.”

The boy stood up from the bed, making for the door with haste.

“Let’s go.”

----------------------------------------

A beautiful open field sprawled outward. Enclosing the field was a sublime mountain range that would strike awe in any passerby.

Lush grass swayed back and forth with the wind, while the stars above illuminated the night sky.

“Is this good enough?”

The boy grunted at Elsie, whom of which inhaled a deep breath.

Her whole being gave off an aura of peace and tranquility.

“It’s quite nice, don’t you think?”

She gazed at him with bright eyes. Her teeth flashed like iridescent pearls reflecting moonlight.

“I guess so…”

He mumbled and scratched the side of his head.

Why is she so outrageously pretty?!

“But why did they have to follow us?”

He jerked his thumb toward a collection of trees. A light cough responded from the same direction as two older men revealed themselves.

“Don’t mind us child, we’re just here to watch the show. You two used the carriage after all, we couldn’t be left stranded.”

Grandpa Lian stroked his beard, wisdom filled the air from this simple act.

The boy didn’t respond and only turned to Elsie.

“They won’t interfere, even if I am to lose. It’ll count as your win if they do.”

The boy nodded before walking towards one side of the field.

“Oh Sans, I can’t wait to begin our next adventure.”

Elsie’s voice floated in the air, causing the boy to freeze in place.

He turned to her.

“What did you just say?”

“Hmm? I can’t wait for our adventure?”

“No, my name. You said my name.”

Elsie covered her mouth with her fingers and giggled.

“You think you’re mysterious enough that I couldn’t find out your name?”

“Tell me how you know!”

“How about… you make me.”

Her voice ended in a serious tone, directly contrasting her fairy-like appearance.

“Hmpf.”

Sans snorted and clenched his fists.

You don’t have to tell me twice.

His expression grew dark, and with it, the raging energy that flowed within his body had found it’s outlet. Caught within the pressure, the surrounding air seemed trapped in time.

His eyes took on a red hue, and his thoughts grew rampant.

Madness, destruction, chaos. I want to annihilate the world around me. I want to become death itself.

Soon, black fire curled around Sans’ body like a pool of darkness. Buried deep within the flames, his eyes shone with hostility and killing intent.

Atop of a massive hill, overlooking the field, Grandpa Lian and Elder Bai frowned at the unsettling scene.

“That black fire seems deadly. Were we perhaps, in over our heads?”

Elder Bai spoke his thoughts out loud.

“No. I think we were just in time to nip this bud early. Can you sense it? Those flames seem muted. They’re lightly pulsing as if they’re struggling to unleash their full potential.”

Grandpa Lian stroked his beard and continued.

“Either he doesn’t know his own strength, or something is inhibiting him from within.”

The two older men conversed as they spectated from afar.

Elsie cocked her head to one side and examined her opponent. Tendrils of gold-white flames formed around her body, lighting up the field with a blessed light.

“Ah, the shadow flames of Murothan. Is this the source of your confidence?”

A soul wrenching aura of oppression encompassed the atmosphere, causing Sans to stop and stare.

The gentle gold-white flames were slowly corrupted with the same dark energy that radiated from Sans.

Black flames soon revolved around Elsie’s body before shooting into the sky like a horde of demons clawing their way to heaven. The magnitude of the firestorm was countless times greater than anything he could muster.

“I have the same ones, what will you do now?”

Elsie chuckled as the firestorm climbed higher and expanded into the horizons. The previous pressure increased as well, making it hard to even breath.

How is this… possible?

Sans tried taking a step back, but something within his body forced him to stand his ground. An indomitable will buried deep within his core warned him—he could only fight forward.

He took an impressive step toward his opponent, giving him the confidence to match her sadistic gaze.

“Not giving up? How about this.”

Elsie reached her hand to the sky. Clenching her fist, dark clouds rumbled and gathered as far as the eye could see.

The moon was swiftly blotted out from the sky, plunging the field and surrounding mountains into an era of darkness.

Rain poured down heavily as if someone were pressing a lake through a sieve. The air around Sans turned to mist as the rain evaporated around him.

Elsie then pulled her fist down, as if to collapse the sky itself.

The clouds churned and twisted while the world quaked. The fabric of space warped and tore across the field, giving the boy an unknown sense of fear.

Just then, a wave of energy rippled through the air, followed by a terrifying aura that eclipsed the former pressure entirely.

Elsie calmy raised her other hand towards the sky, as if she were welcoming the gods to descend.

A flash of light pierced the air and an enormous magic circle formed underneath the clouds.

Sans’ adrenaline spiked as he felt the earth rumble beneath his feet. He could feel it, something was coming—something beyond his comprehension.

A horrendous and deafening roar shook the heavens.

Everyone but Elsie flinched in terror, looking to the magic circle.

“That… that’s a summoning formation?”

Grandpa Lian uttered under his breath. At this moment, no matter how accomplished his life was—he felt incredibly small.

A clawed hand, the size of a mountain, pushed down on the magic formation above. There was a brief resistance as if it were breaking through a multitude of invisible chains one after another.

“Sir Lian, the summon appears to be fighting against the floor restrictions. Just what is this?!”

Elder Bai gaped at the massive figure above.

“Come forth, watchdog of hell…”

Elsie whispered and a small smile graced her lips. Her eyes gleamed as she blissfully gazed upwards into the sky.

With a loud snap, the world sundering claws created a gaping hole within the formation!

Following the mountainous claw, a ferocious maw, lined with massive, jagged teeth, poked its way through.

The lower jaw of the creature shuddered insidiously as it scanned the world below, before finally locking its eyes onto Elsie and then onto Sans.

“A being powerful enough to break through the floor restrictions… how is this possible?!”

Grandpa Lian watched the beast continue clawing its way past the magic formation. Elder Bai had long dropped to his knees with a look of desolation.

Meanwhile, Sans’ heart thumped louder than ever.

I’m going to die here.

He grit his teeth and tore his gaze away from the monolithic being in the sky. He stared at Elsie with hatred born from helplessness.

He looked around the field. Blows had yet to be exchanged, but the surrounding area already experienced a calamity.

Black tears in space periodically formed, and the air was stagnant with pressure and heat. Trees and other signs of life were either reduced to ash or drowned within the endless storm.

The howling winds screamed, followed by an earth-shattering roar from the beast above. Anyone could sense the sheer madness that endlessly flowed from the summoned beast.

Against such oppression, Sans’ aura flickered like a candle in the wind.

This was supposed to be my ticket to freedom. This was supposed to be the beginning of my new life.

He smiled wryly, thinking back on his past experiences.

How am I so powerless? I can’t even protect myself, let alone those around me.

He bit his lip and took a shaky step forward.

Jun and Manager Xin, Meya, and Mistress Cai. My parents…

A distant memory resurfaced, the last time he ever saw his parents. Their bodies peacefully lying next to each other within a shoddy and dark room.

He took another step forward, his knees almost buckling under the pressure.

My life to live. My own.

Clenching his fists, Sans glared at Elsie in the distance, who seemed like an ethereal fairy enclosed within a shelter of death.

“I’d rather die than lose this duel.”

Sans muttered as a protective film of fire surrounded him.

Lightning flashed and cracked in the air around him, and he could faintly hear a bell-like laughter floating in the winds.

Without any hesitation and no regard for his life or death, Sans charged towards his fate.