Rise of the Crusader

Raphael's expression turned grim as his eyes locked onto the figure that had materialized before Sybilla.

The creature was an unsettling blend of human and beast, its body split down the middle, with one side resembling a man, and the other that of a monstrous creature. Its arms were as thick as an elephant's legs, and its own legs were rooted to the ground like sturdy tree trunks.

Sybilla stood taller than the figure, but her face was etched with a mix of respect and fear. In silent acquiescence, she separated herself from Rio, the seven-foot-tall beast she had merged with.

The figure's gaze never wavered from Raphael as it addressed Sybilla. "You had just one job, Sybilla, and you still couldn't get it done." Though the figure's voice was soft, the undercurrent of menace in his tone sent shivers down the spines of Sybilla and Rio.

In the next instant, two bolts of lightning hurtled towards the figure. Sybilla, alarmed, began to intervene, but a dismissive glare from the figure stopped her in her tracks. Bowing her head even lower, she resigned herself to watching the scene unfold.

The figure, unperturbed, stretched out both hands and caught the lightning bolts as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

This feat would have left most observers dumbstruck, but Sybilla and Rio were so accustomed to the figure's abilities that they were scarcely surprised.

"You know I don't like getting on the field, and yet you brought me here," the figure chided Sybilla. "If you can't handle these minor issues, what use are you to me?"

Sybilla's mouth opened, but no words came out. She quickly realized that the figure had silenced her, and turned to Rio with tear-filled eyes. 𝙗𝙚𝒅𝒏𝒐𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝙘𝒐𝒎

With a casual flick of his wrists, the figure crushed the lightning bolts, dissipating them into nothingness. And with another causal wave of hand, the darkened sky and clouds vanished and it returned to it usual state.

The figure drew in a deep breath, and a smile spread across his face once the surrounding was cleared and said.

"I'll deal with you later. First, let me handle the man of the hour." In a single, fluid step, he closed the distance between himself and Raphael.

Raphael and the figure locked eyes, neither one looking away. A silent battle of wills ensued, the air between them crackling with tension. Eventually, the figure's lips curled into a grin as he redirected his gaze to Sybilla.

"I like him," he declared. And with that, he plunged his hand deep into Raphael's chest, leaving those present to witness the horrifying scene in shock.

However right after he plunged his hand deep into Raphael's chest, the smile which was on his soon changed as Raphael struck a full force punch at him.

Staggering back from the force of the punch, the man's eyes widened as they fell upon the gaping hole in his chest.

His mouth hung open for a moment, shock written all over his face. But within a heartbeat, that shock was replaced with a twisted smile.

He straightened himself, and the hole in his chest began to close. The blood that had touched the ground seemed to defy gravity, crawling back up and reattaching itself to his body.

Raphael watched, his expression neutral. Although he wouldn't admit it, he was impressed. He had unleashed around forty percent of his Absolute Decay power, and he knew full well what it was capable of.

"So, you've been hiding this much power," the man sneered. "You're a funny one, Raphael."

He continued with a mocking tone, "If you had used that power on her, she'd already be dead, and I might not have even appeared before you. But you didn't?"

The man paused, fixing Raphael with a scrutinizing gaze. "It's something I've noticed about you. You want everything meticulously planned and arranged. You're too careful, too calculated. And that's what's holding you back."

Raphael listened without responding, giving the man his full attention.

"It's not a bad trait. It puts you one step, or even a few steps, ahead of most people. But in the real world, it won't be enough. Some decisions need to be made on the spot. If you need to plan everything, you won't survive."

The man's tone hardened, his words a challenge. "My words might not mean much to you, so I'll prove it. Against an SS-Rank meta who can predict your every move, how will you choose to face him, Raphael?"

He spread his arms wide, inviting Raphael to give it his best shot. "I'm one of your fans, kid. Prove to me that I made the right decision by backing you."

"Or I'll end you right here, and neither the queen nor the others—or even that owl—will do anything about it." His voice was cold, unyielding.

Raphael had many questions, but now was not the time for answers. As much as he wanted to know why this man was helping him, he couldn't forget that he was still determined to end Sybilla's life.

Taking a deep breath, Raphael cracked his knuckles and shifted his gaze between the man, Sybilla, and Rio—the seven-foot-tall beast. With a sudden, powerful movement, he punched the ground.

The earth trembled beneath his fist, but this time, the man's expression changed. He watched as his legs deteriorated at an impossible speed, a sinister grin forming on his face.

The rest of his body followed suit, breaking down before rapidly reconstructing itself.

"This is even more impressive than before," the man said, his voice filled with admiration. "I knew Absolute Decay was powerful, but I had no idea it was to this extent. Once you become an S-Rank, you should have a seat at the table."

A chuckle escaped Raphael's mouth and he spoke. "Fool!" With that said, he pointed his hand out.

Then moving his gaze to where Raphael was pointing his hand out, the figure's lips curled inwardly a second after.

Laying before him was Rio's head on the ground and Sybilla's head. Their other body part was no where to be found but after recalling what occurred earlier, the figure turned his gaze back to Raphael.

"But you know as long as her hair still exist she will reappear," the figure said and responding to him Raphael shook his head.

"She won't." Raphael said.