Chapter 197: The New Author

I took a step forward, my power causing the realm to shake. The Author stepped back.

{Impossible, you can't have this power. It's mine and mine alone!}

{I think I already have it. So, no, it's not yours and yours alone.}

We now spoke on an even level. But, despite his former fear, he now smiled, this was a maniacal smile.

{Well, I have an idea. What if we fight? Me Versus You. 1v1. I will create an infinite arena and the others can watch through a window that will track us. This way, they don't miss any of this inevitably incredible finale, and we both get satisfied by the fight.}

{I do like the sounds of that, but why do you suddenly want a fair fight?}

{Well, to put it simply, gaining a supreme skill is possible for anyone as long as they complete the requirements, but only one person is supposed to have it at a time, and not only that, but yours still gives you a unique title. Plus, you becoming a supreme being is another event that has never occurred before this. So, I want to face you and prove to myself that I am simply better. If I shy away from someone simply because they have the same skill, then I can't be the supreme one, now can I.}

{That makes sense, very well, form this arena.}

Then around us two, an abyss formed. There was still a floor, but I could tell that all of my friends were very far.

{Only me or you can get out of this.}

{I assumed that much.}

{Well, are you ready?}

{Sure, why not?}

Then we leapt forward and began the final duel.

_

I could barely believe what I just witnessed. Rose… is now an Author? She is now an equal match as she has the same skill, more than a match considering Phobophobia.

Then the Author spoke.

You know, I have a proposal.

Well, let's hear it.

Not for you, for Phobophobia. Reader, listen to her.

_

I was minorly confused.

Why did he want to talk to specifically Phobos?

{Are you going to bring her out or-}

Then I was no longer in control.

{Unlike what you are used to, I don't require the kitten's permission to move or speak, so what deal do you have for me.}

{Are you particularly fond of Rose?}

{Nope, she's annoying and too kind for my taste.}

The Author smiled.

{Then what of this, me and you align, and through power, we get together.}

Everyone understood the proposal immediately.

_

I'M GOING TO KILL THAT SMUG WRITER!!!

_

Did… did Dallel just break through the broadcast in his anger?

_

I swear, no matter who comes out, I'm chopping the Author into little bits for even suggesting that.

_

Now Jalad? Wait… Dallel has potential of True Supremacy, so it makes sense why he could speak through the broadcast.

{But why Jalad?}

The Author had the same question I did. Then he shook his head.

{No matter, what about it, Phobos?}

{Well, doncha need to at least bring me to dinner first.}

He raised a brow.

Then Phobophobia spoke with a smirk.

{But nah, technically I'm the same soul as Rose, so it wouldn't be right.}

{I'm sure she'd comply eventually.}

{Probably, but I'm not the kinda gal that forces married women to cheat.}

He blinked. Everyone on the outside blinked.

{What?}

_

All faces snapped to Dallel as we gaped. He looked up to the sky, slightly blushed and gave a nervous smirk.

"… Dallel… WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?!"

"The… last moonlight festival…"

"… THAT WAS ALMOST A WHOLE MONTH AGO!!!"

He wriggled under our glares.

"We were going to tell you all, I swear. After the war."

"And what if one of you died."

"That's why we didn't tell you in the first place, in case for that exact situation."

I sighed.

"Ok, the next time you do something like that, tell someone."

I looked back through the window to see something shocking.

The Author was shaking, but not with anger. More like annoyance.

You're telling me that if I waited to prompt the final battle for like a few more months I could have gone to a wedding?! NOO. Maaan.

Rose, no Phobos, was about as confused as we were.

You would postpone the war… for a wedding?

Of course, have you ever been to one? They're beautiful, they have singing, dancing, reading. And so much more! I've even presided over weddings I love them so much.

Rose spoke again.

So, my thing is reading and training… and yours… is weddings.

I knew you'd understand.

You are an odd one.

Ever meet a writer that wasn't?

… fair.

They stood for a moment and then the battle finally begun.

_

He slashed his blade, and I blocked, but he also charged and launched me back, before slicing down again, I blocked and slashed back, forcing him to dodge. Then he smiled and began to glow.

Then, the true power of the Author was seen for the first time ever. It was like facing domination itself. This is what it meant to be a supreme being.

His glow was like mine. It was gold, but his had a dark tinge. Now I understood fully why he was scared of my golden glow… because we were the same in that regard.

He lashed out, then shouted.

{Supreme Skill: Author: Rewrite fate!}

Suddenly, a world formed around us, and earth bent and began to strike at me, but I either dodged, or broke the stone spikes.

Then he took advantage of my distraction and kicked my stomach, knocking the air out of my lungs.

{You want to be a supreme being, child?}

He slammed me into the ground.

{Then don't look away from your opponent.}

I smiled.

{Even now, I still have much to learn.}

Then he smiled.

{Then let me teach you shortly before annihilating you. It's been a great many millennia since I've had an even battle.}