Shadow of the Abyss

Chapter 97: The Ninth Form

Overlooking endless seas crashing against the shores, rough waters sprinkled throughout the Fortress of Rim, glistering like mini stars, birthing arcs of multi-colored light. Ren and Altair watched it all in the lotus position. Each in their respective mask.

"The Ninth and Eighth form go hand in hand," Iliana remarked from on high a towering bolder. "The Ninth Form, Aeron, Known as the Blade of Eternal Madness, and the Eight Form, Arctas, the Blade of Good and Evil." she pointed at the ocean, crashing into the shores, grazing her mask with seawater. " Both are known as forbidden by the Old and New Gods due to their self-destructive nature.

Your Father Altair uses the second Form, Ren-Shii, known as the Blade of Carnage and Vengence. When one uses the second Form, there is no such thing as a retreat, even if it means suicide. It's an aggressive form for madmen.

"But The Ninth Form takes elements not just from the Second but every Form aside from the Eight. It's a form meant to drive you writhing mad. To break you into something even devils and demons fear.

"The Eighth Form... is no better. It's a form that leads to utter Madness. Causing the user to become bipolar. But it's the perfect match for Nephilim or Fallen, who stands in the middle of the Divine and the Chaotic. Most of you tend to be bipolar anyway. The Eighth Form just enhances that tendency and makes you more prone to betrayal.

"The point of these mental forms is meant to affect not just your sword but your daily lives. In turn, you will find your actions to be more sporadic. Ideas you never thought possible will pop into your head, one after the other, tendencies you either revolt against or don't will claw at your Soul until it is black."

Altair listened to Iliana's droning and, for the first time, allowed the knowledge of the Ninth Form to pool into his mind like thick hot tar. His body began to warm, but through his eyes, a dystopian hellscape of Scarlet and Black welcomed him.

The oceans that once stood before him glistered with crystal clear waters cut across his flesh like knives, splashing his eyes and face with blood. And yet the pain did not come, as he felt the blood on his cheeks begin to bubble and pop, slowly beginning to lose its structural integrity. Altair felt himself melt.

It was only then that the pain came like an endless avalanche at his Soul, peeling bits and pieces of his mind, stripping him of the memories that made him Altair. Cracks fractured his dystopian Hell as he returned with an unbearable cry that tore at his windpipe until his blood vessels ruptured.

Altair instantly turned bloodshot as large globs of blood streamed from his eyes, mouth, nose, and ears.

'Ahh~' Iliana moaned, leaning onto her cheek. 'I remember my first time too. Shit always hurt." she smiled. "But once it ends... Utter euphoria. Waves and Waves of pure bliss that'll come at you until it's all you can think about." She turned to Ren, watching as one eye bled black tears while the other was so pure they shattered into shards of light the moment they touched the sand or cloths.

Iliana stood up, stretching her weary body. "I could use a drink. I wonder if the bar is open this time of day?" she winced and glanced back down at the kids. "I really shouldn't leave... but... hmmm. Oh, whatever. One or ten drinks won't kill them, right?

And Altair has his shadows." Convincing herself, Iliana left with an irresponsible giggle. Unbothered by the turmoil facing her disciple and student.

When the moon had reached its zenith over the endless skies and the writhing torment had ended, Altair stared up at the pale moon alongside Ren. His throat was raw, with the taste of fresh blood. But he didn't mind. He felt no pain, much less any discomfort. Rather, he was in awe at the glimmering moon and stars encompassing the endless skies.

[Ninth Form, Aeron proficiency has increased by 40%]

Proficiency: 0 → 80%

[Soul of the Indomitable proficiency has evolved.]

Grade: F → E

Proficiency: 0 → 34%

"I am a powerful mage!" Aurora said.

"You don't seem like it." Ren pointed out, narrowing her gaze. "Wet with piss, and now shamelessly begging for help. All I see is someone useless."

"Hehe, that bitch ain't casting shit. Not with this!" Logan said, approaching with a small black cube in his hand.

"An anti-magic field," Altair muttered, finding a smile. He stared Aurora down. "The price of my aid comes with a price. A dare one."

"I don't care! Kill me if you want. Just don't give me to that pig!" Aurora screamed, clenching her fist, as loathing filled her eyes towards Logan.

"I like 'em—"

"Talia..."

From his shadow, she emerged, skin a pale grey, wielding yellowish-red eyes flickering with scarlet arcs.

"Kill him."

At his command, a blinding arc of infernal lightning tore through the air, slashing through Logan in a hot flash. Suddenly, as he continued his approaching steps, the large, brawny man saw the world turn upside down as the top half of his body came crashing down alongside guts and entrails.

Logan died a gruesome death without even an inkling of his death.

Altair pulled his mask from his face, revealing his devilish expression, tainted with a half smile. He drew close towards the trembling woman...

"A deal is a deal," he informed, inches from her face, cupping her tender chin. "From today onwards, you belong to me." He said, slowly making his way towards her neck.

Aurora shuddered when shards of ice suddenly sank deep into her flesh. Her breath catches as a sweet, delectable numbness, followed by a sensual moan, fluttering through the winds.

'What~ Are~ you~hmm~" She quivered as the numbness turned to coldness, and yet she could not resist, could not help but feel the tantalizing pleasure dripping from between her legs.

And slowly, darkness followed.

"She's dead..." Ren softly conveyed, watching as her prince brutally gorged himself full until every last drop was gone. Only then did her prince stand back up, gasping for air. His two scarlet eyes were like two blood-stained moons glistering within the darkness.

"Lovely." he mused, licking his lips. "Completely different from Goblin blood." He turned to Ren, salivating, hungry for more. And Ren stood there, filled with anticipation. She didn't want him to ask... she wanted him to take her. To force his fangs down into her neck like he did last time. Damned if she wanted it or not.

Calmly, Altair turned to Aurora and opened his palm, allowing his mana to reach into the void, to where her Soul fled.

"You will forever be mine. Welcome to the Family."