Vastarael Vs Creepy Statue

Three days passed within the sapphire igloo. The shimmering mystic circle carved into the floor glowed faintly, its warmth sustaining them in the icy wasteland. The igloo's interior felt like a haven, fostering an unusual closeness between Vastarael and the sisters.

Each day began with Vastarael using his inventory to provide food. The sisters marveled at the concept of an inventory, treating it like a magical feast prepared at will. Despite the monotony of their surroundings, Vastarael kept them occupied. Rune training became the central focus of their days.

Taryenne and Rienne, quick learners by nature, soaked in his teachings. They practiced tirelessly, repeating the spoken words of power until their voices carried the resonance needed to activate the simplest of runes. The energy coursing through their attempts grew steadier, their control improving as they realized their lifelong studies had only scratched the surface.

In return, the sisters began to open up about their lives. Vastarael learned of their tribe, their culture and the hardships they faced in the Frozen Ruins. It was during one quiet evening that Vastarael decided to share something of his own.

Curious but trusting, the sisters complied. Using Memory Implantation, he shared fragments of his Anqerise, a continent of unparalleled beauty. They saw gleaming spires reaching into the heavens, waterfalls shimmering with hues of blue and vast forests that seemed to hum with life.

When the memory ended, both sisters sat in stunned silence.

"That... was beautiful," Rienne finally said, her voice trembling. "How does such a place exist?"

"It's where I come from. And one day, I'll have to return. My time here is temporary after all."

The sisters exchanged glances but said nothing.

The long hours were punctuated by other activities. Storytelling became a favorite pastime, with the sisters regaling Vastarael with tales of their youth and daring adventures in the ruins.

In return, Vastarael shared accounts of his young days, though he carefully avoided mentioning anything about his darker experiences, like the Epoch Cycle trial.

By the third evening, the routine had become almost comfortable. The igloo's warmth, courtesy of Vastarael's perfected Heat Mystic Circle, made the brutal cold outside seem like a distant memory.

As the sisters huddled together, fast asleep, Vastarael sat apart, a faint blue hologram hovering in front of him. He analyzed the improvements to his mystic circles, now confident in his ability to recreate Water and Heat Circles with ease.

But tonight, his focus shifted. It was time to act.

Phaenora's voice, teasing as always, echoed in his mind.

[You're delaying. You've got everything you need, Veneri. Time to find Arletta before the blizzard swallows more than just this ruin.]

He nodded, closing the hologram. The Sapphire Bond, a technique connecting him to the essence of his companions, would guide him.

Before leaving, he glanced at the sleeping sisters. Taryenne's arm was draped over Rienne protectively, their breaths even and peaceful. For a moment, he allowed himself a rare smile. They had adapted well to his guidance.

And now, it was time for him to leave.

"They're gonna hate me, aren't they?"

[Maybe. You did lie to them. After all, you're going back on the cathedral this time, aren't you?]

"Yes. And this time, I won't be defeated. I have to finish everything before tonight. Then, I'll visit the Winter Labor and find Arletta. I'll just leave a message. After all, I know their migration route. I'll keep up with them soon."

Vastarael released the sapphire covering the igloo entrance and drew a few Protection Runes that prevented the cold from entering. Unlike before, the blizzard wasn't interfering with the runes.

"See you soon, Rune Sisters. Hope your migration goes well."

He left.

°°°°°°

The cathedral loomed before Vastarael once again, its towering spires wreathed in eerie shadows cast by the ever-present blizzard. This time, the storm outside had faded into a distant hum as he stepped inside, greeted by the same haunting sight he had seen when he first arrived.

But Vastarael had no time for distractions.

"Enough of this charade," he said, his golden eyes narrowing as they fixed on the priestess statue that stood at the altar, its serene face tilted down as if in mockery.

"You've made your point. If you want to stop me, stop hiding behind theatrics and fight."

For a moment, nothing happened. The stillness of the cathedral was deafening. Then, the statue's head slowly lifted and a sharp crack resounded as the stone fissured. A chilling voice, layered and ethereal, emanated from it.

"You dare challenge the sanctity of the cathedral, immortal prince? So be it."

The priestess statue came to life, stepping down from its pedestal. Its body, once marble, shifted into an amalgamation of stone and spectral energy, wisps of black flowing like smoke from its form. A massive staff materialized in her hands, its crystalline head gleaming with deadly intent.

Vastarael didn't waste time. With a quick motion, he summoned his Divine Weapon. He gripped it tightly, infusing it with his essence.

He activated the first enchantment of the weapon, Sapphire Resonance.

[Sapphire Resonance: Calimostria channels your sapphire-based abilities directly through the weapon, acting as both a conduit and amplifier.]

[When imbued with essence, the glaive can extend its reach with arcs of sapphire energy, turning every strike into a deadly ranged attack.]

The battle began immediately.

The priestess statue swung her staff and the air rippled with sheer force as it came crashing down. Vastarael sidestepped with agility, the wind from the strike ruffling his hair. He retaliated, his glaive arcing upward in a deadly swing.

The blade connected with her arm and immediately, sapphire crystals began spreading from the point of impact, coating the stone in shimmering blue.

The statue roared, her voice echoing with unearthly fury. She unleashed a wave of spectral energy, attempting to engulf him, but Vastarael was ready.

He used the weapon's second enchantment, Phase Slash.

[Phase Slash: A special technique that allows the glaive to phase through solid objects for a short distance, making it nearly impossible to block. The phase slash leaves an ethereal afterimage that confuses opponents.]

He pressed his advantage, spinning his glaive. Every touch of the weapon left trails of sapphire on the statue, gradually slowing her movements as the crystalline coating spread. The priestess retaliated fiercely, her staff swinging in wide arcs, each impact creating tremors that shook the cathedral.

Vastarael dodged and weaved, using his agility to stay ahead. The spectral energy the statue exuded was relentless, trying to seep into his body and corrupt his soul. But the scythe's second enchantment prevented it from taking hold, severing the incorporeal threads before they could latch onto him.

He wasn't prepared but now, he had the upper hand.

"You're slower now."

He struck again, his scythe slashing through her torso. The sapphire spread further, encasing more of her body in its unyielding grip.

The priestess, however, was far from done. She let out a deafening shriek and the spectral energy around her condensed into countless tendrils, lashing out in all directions.

One grazed Vastarael's arm, searing through his sleeve and leaving a stinging burn. Gritting his teeth, he pivoted, spinning his scythe in a defensive arc, severing the tendrils before they could ensnare him.

The statue was nearly half-covered in sapphire now, her movements growing sluggish. But he could feel his energy waning. The intense abilities of the scythe demanded a great deal from him and he needed to end this soon.

He had to do it before the statue summoned the horde of souls.

With a burst of speed, he closed the distance, his glaive glowing brighter than ever. He unleashed a flurry of strikes. The sapphire coating spread like wildfire, consuming the statue's legs and arms. Her spectral energy flared violently, but Vastarael's blade cut through it with ease, each swing severing the incorporeal threads that held her together.

Finally, with a powerful overhead slash, Vastarael struck the statue's chest. The impact sent a shockwave through the cathedral and the sapphire surged, completely encasing her. The priestess let out one last cry before her form froze entirely, a flawless sapphire sculpture standing in her place.

Panting slightly, Vastarael stepped back, lowering his glaive. He could feel the drain on his essence but pushed it aside. The statue was now lifeless and encrusted.

However...

The black hands began to come out of the walls, hundreds of screams echoing across the entire cathedral.