Arc Stratford's Despair

Arc Stratford was meeting with his master before the designated time tonight.

"I will end this, so please..." Arc Stratford with an evil smile looked at his master with respect.

"I know. You can rest assured no one will disturb you." The old man nodded with confidence.

"I appreciate it, master..." Arc Stratford spoke before leaving toward his next appointment with Ren.

...

Ren arrived and saw Arc Stratford already waiting at the center of the forest. He 'trembled' looking scared.

'A kids is just a kid, huh? If it's not me but an ordinary kid, no way will he find you at the center of this dark forest. Stupid.' Ren thought and unlike his outer appearance where he was trembling, inside his mind was different. The complete opposite.

"Do you know why I called you here?" Arc Stratford took a step forward, the step was filled with momentum and negative energy was shown. This was meant to scare his opponent.

"No, no...." Ren took a step back while shaking his head frantically. He was 'scared'.

"Hahaha..." Arc Stratford laughed looking at his elder brother's scared state. His pride was fueled, this was how it should be. In front of him, his elder brother could only act like this.

If not. It's unforgivable.

"W-What do you want?..." Ren took another step back, but was suddenly 'frightened' because there was a group of trees behind him. There was no escape.

He didn't expect that while being 'afraid' he was lead to the group of trees that will eventually be an obstacle to him when he escape.

"I like this. Hahaha..." Arc Stratford laughed frantically as if the sight he was shown was truly enjoyable.

He moved with sword in hand as he added: "I'm sure you know what I'm here for, right? You even brought a sword with you. So there is no need to answer."

"You...!" Ren's eyes went wide as if he confirmed the cruel reality that is going to happen to him.

"Take this...!" Arc Stratford shouted moving with a very fast speed. He directed his sword at Ren.

*Clang* Clang*

Sound of metal sword colliding sounded.

"Come on! come on, come on...!" With his evil grin that was kept plastered on his face. Arc Stratford 'overwhelmed' Ren while crossing swords.

Ren was put on a passive and defensive state, trying hard to deflect his opponent's attacks.

"Arc! Why are you doing this? I'm your brother!" Ren shouted as if trying to find ways to salvage his current predicament.

"Brother? In my eyes you were never my brother. You're only an individual that can be used as my stepping stone. So keep dreaming if you think you can get out of here intact." Arc Stratford spoke while increasing his speed in swinging his word, making Ren crouched down holding his sword above his head to protect himself.

It was a one-sided beat down without Ren retaliating. His sword was also almost at its limit.

"Arc... You're..." Ren's eyes went wide at the attack that was going to get pass his defense.

"Hahaha..." Arc Stratford laughed even more taking advantage of the opportunity he got.

"...a disappointment." Ren finished his word and with a very fast and smooth speed he regained his position. The sword that was about to hit him was deflected.

"Wha...!?" The collision was so heavy for Arc Stratford. He couldn't help but let go of his sword as it was sent flying.

His hand was trembling.

Arc looked at down on his hand, before slowly turning his sight on Ren.

He felt cold. There was an evil grin plastered on his elder brother's face.

"H-How...!?" Arc Stratford couldn't even recognize the sudden change in his situation he was already sent flying. Getting struck by the blunt part of Ren's sword.

"You...! Argh...!" The last attack was immediately followed with a kick on his face, sending him flying away again.

"What now? What can you do?" Ren appeared on his side and stepped on his hand causing for him to grimace in pain.

"How... why?..." Arc Stratford was still confused. How can his elder brother be this strong. He was the genius and while his brother is worth nothing. Then, why did it become like this? Why was he the one being stepped on?

"Face reality. I'm a genius, and you? You're worthless." Ren shook his head and his face was filled with pity.

"No... no! It's not over." Arc Stratford moved about frantically not wanting to accept his current situation.

"It's over, what can you do? Arrogance. It can only be applied if you have the strength to back it up. Sadly, yours is not enough. You're weak and you deserve to be stepped on like this." Ren spoke while using force on his foot.

"Argh... Haha, don't think it's over, yet." Arc Stratford suddenly laughed while in pain.

"Hm? I kinda want to commend you that even with this situation; you can still be this optimistic. I wonder what made you so confident, hm?" Ren smiled nodding his head. The praise was genuine.

"Hehe. Of course, you can't understand. There is a difference between us, you are alone while I have a master! Master save me!" Arc Stratford laughed before shouting, called out his master.

"Oh, borrowing someone's strength? It's not bad. But that second hand arrogance is not fit for you, what a shame! I thought I could still somehow let you go. Now. Enough is enough. You don't deserve sympathy." Ren shook his head. It was a pity he will have to resort to this.

"Boy, I kept you waiting. I was held back because there was some trouble putting the barrier." The old man appeared, floating in the sky. Coming toward Ren, as if wanting to end his life immediately with his sword compressed with magic.

"This old man... you are late. Hmm. Because of it, your life was extended by a couple of minutes. You're lucky, but in the end, it's unfortunate. You will die all the same." Ren looked toward the old man without any signs of panic.

Before the old man could even absorb Ren's words.

A golden haired beauty appeared in front of him. Her white hand slapped him.

*Burst*

It's as if the hand didn't even hit anything solid. Like a blood bag being squeezed, the old man was slapped to death.

The blood splattered, rained toward Ren and Arc Stratford.

Arc Stratford was terrified.

"Freya, what the hell? Ahh, I need a bath." Ren complained.

"Oops, my bad. I can't hold my strength when I'm a bit irritated." Freya covered her mouth with her hand, and chuckled.

...

AN: Sorry it's late. I slept last night and forgot to post the chapter.