Shadow of the Abyss

Chapter 232: Domain Lord

Forged of his blood, sinking deep into the canvas, Cataclysm had been something of a perfect representation of Altair's psyche, or so Thanatos thought, studying the half-complete painting. The painting itself seemed to carry a noble despair, swallowing a ruined kingdom within its depths.

The portrait was, without a doubt, a chaotic sight embodying elements of the sword, symbolizing the madness of Yarwin's celestial bodies.

"Hey Thaan," he began after his maddening laugh, dropping that joyous smile of his, "Fish them out for me. Let's end this game."

Light fractured into shards, forming a sleek black scythe as Thanatos took off shrieking through the skies, piercing through the lone chaos into the gaping pool of magma below.

The magma, despite its density, began to ripple, then shake, swaying the molten rock like the waves of the ocean. Suddenly, the echo of steel clanking against steel thundered like the wail of a banshee's cry, parting the magma as though it were the Red Sea.

"God of Death!" Shouted Roxas, covered in scorch marks that bubbled and popped around bones as black as tar. He looked nearly half dead, though his body moved like a fearsome gale. "I don't need you interfering!"

In a fearsome storm of flurries forcing Thanatos on the defense, Roxas suddenly became illuminated by the element of light. Thaan lifted his scythe, narrowing his eyes, and shook with astonishment as Roxas pierced towards Altair, matching the speed of light, driving his arm through his chest.

Altair was all the more surprised. "That is indeed some insane speed,' he stared up at the man, grinning at his scorched face, clenching his wrist. "Though you'll have to do better than that to kill me."

"That… that's not possible! I used Intent! It shouldn't have stopped your Healing Factor!" Roxas shouted, trying to jerk his arm out, finding he could not escape the boy's hold.

"I didn't even see you move, much less perceive when you arrived," he went on, that joyous glow twisting into contempt. His fingers tighten, snapping bones as though they were twigs. "Hey… You better not disappoint me."

Jerking his arm from out his chest, blood smeared their faces as Altair hurled Roxas far into the chaotic skies of Yarwin. He turned to Beelzebub with that savage grin of his, "Hey… Don't kill him if he leaves past those Twelve Gates." And took off after him at a blinding speed.

Thanatos made something of a hesitant expression. "He ought to be able to handle him," He was assured before trailing his eyes towards the four Soul Kings, soaring up into the skies. He smiled, glancing towards his rear towards Davos, hovering like a lone king. Beside him, Strava and Keres. "Are you joining too?"

"The Laws of Death only become useful once you're able to infringe on the laws. You aren't worth fighting right now," said Davos, unwilling to waste his time fighting someone who'd regress so much.

"Are you suggesting I'm not capable of using Infringement Techniques?" Thaan asked, his smile turning into a frown.

Davos grew interested. "Oh, I just knew there was more to you. But I'd rather fight your Father. Let's see how much he's grown since our last duel." he turned, soaring towards Beelzebub, his expression turning hard.

Jin, who stood beside his uncle, was smiling, studying Davos. He could feel his battle intent, feel it radiating like a vengeful storm, parting the primal chaos around them.

"Davos, right,' said Jin. "I'm sure father would be interested in one such as you. "Care to come with me towards the Astral Sea?"

"Silver eyes?" Davos muttered, studying his hair and eyes. "Who are you?"

"Since we are in the Myriad Heavens, I'm Jin Snow. But in the Hell, I carry the surname Morningstar."

Beelzebub laughed. "Easy, boy. That's not a battle you can win."

Jin smiled a smile that made Beelzubub and Gabriel flinch. It was subtle, nearly invisible, but they could feel it… the ancient force of the Weave, tugging at reality.

"You shouldn't underestimate me, Uncle. Lord Hellmaster and Grandfather have been training me for a very long time." Jin warned, finding his eyes upon Davos. "Unfortunately, you are still in the mortal realms."

"What an Era this one is!" Davos raved, shaking with excitement. "Good on you, Young Man." He could feel it as well. That ancient force that made his heart quiver in fear. "Jin… Snow. I'll remember it."

"Do you seek to leave?" Beelzebub asked.

"I will continue to watch. That boy Altair… there is something off about him."

"Off?"

Davos nodded. "I'm not sure I can put it into words. But… he reminds me of the Weaver of Night."

"Aunty Tene?" said Jin.

"In the cultivation world, we are only limited by our imagination… so I ask this question: Can The Darkness possess a Shadow?"

***

Shrieking through a torment of lightning crackling from the skies, Shadowclaw lunged out, clashing against Roxas's Blood Spear. The cry of steel shattered lightning into an array of particles, pushing them back dozens of meters. They lunged at each other once more, weaving a string of strikes and flurries that shook the skies.

Each of their domains clashed against the other, allowing them to perceive the other's attack pattern with minute precision. After images came through their minds, eyes in streams, revealing their opponent's next move.

[Spirit Domain Proficience has increased by 3%]

[Spirit Domain Proficience has increased by 3%]

[Spirit Domain Proficience has increased by 3%]

[Spirit Domain Proficience has increased by 3%]

Slowly enriching the mental image in his mind, Altair began to feel that his control over space was beginning to intensify. Empowered by a sense of authority, the world began to carry on at a snail's pace, ebbing towards stagnation.

'The Spirit Domains allows me to perceive my opponent based on their spirit… there 'Intent,' so let's hide it.' Altair thought, reaching into the deepest pits of that Black Lake to mask his Intent. When Shadowclaw lashed out, cutting through the air, nicking Roxas over the cheek. The sword entered a spiraled, slashing towards his throat as he made an effort to parry.

[Spirit Domain Proficience has increased by 20%]

[Spirit Domain Proficience has increased by 20%]

Spirit Domain [F] ? [E]

The man's eyes narrowed in astonishment but remained calm. He had never been a master when it came to a Spirit Domain. It was a new prospect he'd learned after entering Beelzubub's services within the Hells. Still, who was he if not the first Acolyte of Cain, The Lord of Murder?

Enhancing his Domain with more of his Spirit, Roxas spoke into being the words that made Altair's skin crawl.

[Divide]

As if he was split in half, Altair's world became split. Be it his soul, his sword, his being, everything was in half, or at least that was how it appeared, as his subconscious mind stirred, transitioning the consciousness into a state he could comprehend.

"Nia!" Altair unconsciously muttered, summoning his Shadow to give himself time to recompose himself.

The instant Nia, the Aspect of her Dual Pupils, hummed to life, startling her seeing the state of her master. His body was fine... But his spirit was split. All that he was was divided, including his Arcane Might.

"Give me time too…"

"Divide"

Nia stilled, feeling her spirit also cut in half, entering a comatose state much like her master.

"I must say you… are indeed a monster. But you are far from being able to fuse your Aspect with your Domain," said Roxas, panting, struggling to maintain his domain ability. "Even if you were… I am Roxas of the Golden Order. And I shall not be defeated by a fledgling."

Ninety-seven more Shadows emerged, startling Roxas, but even so, he didn't seem to care, expanding his Domain nearly a hundred meters.

And echoed his command, "Divide."

In a single instance, the conscious mind of Altair's shadows was split in half, sending plummeting from the skies.

Roxas's complexion turned an even deeper shade of white, skin slightly turning frail, feeling his life force experiencing a deep drain.

"Hahaha!" Cracking a laugh, Altair, who'd somewhat stabilized his mental state, dismissed his shadows back into his Black Lake. "What a monstrous ability."

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"Give up… You can't keep this up," said Roxas.

"Neither can you. To split my mind and power is terrifying, but that's only if I'm in your Domain, right? You're too weak right now to truly abuse this ability."

'Smart kid…' Roxas thought, when from his throat a mouthful of blood came, overflowing down his lips. He groaned, feeling the strain upon his soul becoming heavier. He was already heavily injured by the explosion, and now, after incorporating his Aspect into his Domain, his injuries were worsening.

'A shame I can't kill him… that would make everything so much easier. What a shame. I must use the dagger.'

"Kid… I'll admit. I didn't like you from the start. But you are, without a doubt, one who could potentially bring change to an era. To adapt so quickly to your mind being divided is practically legendary. However… This is where everything ends."

Altair lifted Shadowclaw, narrowing his eyes, and raised his left arm, conjuring an ethereal shield, twisting with the infernal sigils of the Hells.

"Oh? Another Armament? A shield from the Hells. Impressive. But you are only delaying the inevitable." He closed his eyes, lowering his pride before what was to be asked of him. "Let's end this quick.

Teivel, make yourself known."