Bonds of Darkness: Swordmen's Redemption

Genesis Arc - Ch. Seventeen: Wrath

A/N: All rights to the original content are reserved by the respective copyright owner.

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Y/N groaned, each breath a testament to his pain. "Ugh... this hurts more than I thought," he muttered, wincing as he surveyed the havoc around him. Splintered trees and the remnants of destruction lay scattered, painting a grim picture of the recent battle.

He attempted to stand, driving his greatsword into the dirt for support. His movements were sluggish, burdened by an overwhelming soreness. Each effort to move sent sharp protests through his muscles, begging for respite.

"I underestimated Lan's power," he grumbled, his voice strained. The realization dawned on him that the raw energy of an Aeon, even in its smallest measure, was not to be wielded lightly. He pondered the rarity of Emanators – those blessed with an Aeon's powers – and understood the gravity of such a gift.

Laboriously, Y/N pulled himself up, using his greatsword as a crutch. The aftermath of his clash with Shuhu echoed in every ache of his body. He clenched his teeth, suppressing a cry of agony, aware that any sound might attract the attention of the monsters spawned by Shuhu's dark magic.

Minutes passed like hours as he finally stood upright. His posture was unsteady, his body quivering under the weight of his injuries. Closing his eyes, he took a deep, steadying breath, channeling his pain into focus.

Upon reopening his eyes, a new light of determination glinted within. Despite the pain, despite the odds, Y/N steeled himself for the journey ahead. His resolve was unwavering and that is to face the threats that lurked in the shadows of the ravaged forest.

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The grotesque creatures, embodying a nightmarish aura, encircled the team, their malicious intent palpable in the air. The team, although battle-hardened, couldn't help but feel a sense of dread at the sight of these abominations.

Jingliu, her mind fraught with worry for Y/N, eyed the creatures warily. Their bizarre and sinister forms were unlike anything she had encountered. Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted as one of the creatures made a swift, unexpected leap towards Baiheng.

"Too fast!" Jingliu realized in a split second. Baiheng, caught off guard by its unnatural speed, braced for the worst. But in a flash, Jingliu intervened, her lightsword slicing through the air. The blade only grazed the creature, sending it tumbling away as if swatted by an invisible force.

The creature, unfazed, rejoined its group, its sharp, stubby legs digging into the earth. Jing Yuan, observing with a mix of fear and fascination, remarked, "They're surprisingly... sharp."

Jingliu nodded in agreement, her gaze shifting to Baiheng, who was visibly shaken. "Baiheng, get into the Starskiff, now!" she commanded. Despite Baiheng's prowess in archery, the creatures' glossy scales seemed impervious to such attacks.

Baiheng, still trembling, nodded and hurried towards the Starskiff.

"Jing Yuan," Jingliu called out to her student, "assist Baiheng."

"Yes, master!"

The creatures watched them with eerie attentiveness, as if understanding their predicament. "Do they possess such intelligence?" Jingliu wondered, her mind racing.

Hua, who had remained silent but ready, broke her silence. "What do we do now, Jingliu?"

Before Jingliu could respond, slender, hair-like tendrils erupted from the ground, ensnaring Hua's legs. In a matter of seconds, she was dragged down, her upper body struggling against the earthen grip.