Chương 109: Chapter 104-A Chosen Fate

Hmm. People… let's go with creatures. Creatures don't usually survive being flung halfway across a forest at speeds that are dizzying. Penelope probably just tanked it. Hopper more than likely used his [Freeze] to slow himself down safely. Professor Stargazer can just teleport. All these people are probably fine. The person I should really be worried about is myself. Right now. Literally, right now. My limbs flap in the wind as I try not to fight the momentum. How in the hells am I supposed to survive this?

I'm lucky that the force of Tyranus's wings also flattened the trees in the area, or else I would've become a CJ-sized stain on a tree by now. As great as that is, I have a more pressing problem. I think I've said this already, but let me reiterate. How in the hells am I supposed to survive this?! Fighting against the force of the wind, I grip my Uneven Blade and stab it into the ground. If I use my bad shoulder, the one with a hole in it, I probably won't do more damage than it's already taken.

At least I'm hopeful that's the case. My blade slips easily into the ground and for the first time ever… I watch as the Uneven Blade snaps in half. At the same time, a nasty pop emanates from my shoulder, quickly followed by pain. The sudden stop sends me hurling into some of the flattened treetops.

"OW!" I say as I sit up. Body check. Legs are good. Right arm is fine. Left arm is fucked beyond usability. Chest feels like a horse stomped on it. Head… handsome as always. Survival has been achieved. Holding the snapped Uneven Blade, I shake my head.

"Thanks, bud. You really saved my life there. I'll get you fixed up later," I say as I struggle to stand up. Looking around, I realize the extent of the damage. Tyranus Ridge is gone, the surrounding forest has been flattened, and the snow has evaporated. Guess lift-off created some heat. Professor Stargazer appears in front of me, carrying an injured Hopper and a bloody Penelope.

"Chosen One, thank the Gods. You're okay. Are you hurt?"

"Just peachy. What about them?" I ask as I help set Hopper down.

"Hopper is in critical condition. He needs healing immediately. Princess Penelope has exhausted her MP to the point of burnout. She won't be able to move for a while," she explains as she sets Penelope down.

"Tyranus went towards the capital. Where can you take them?" I ask as I watch Hopper struggle to breathe.

"The old Elven capital. They have healers there who can help. It's also far from the capital. I can take them there," Professor Stargazer says as she quickly begins to draw a magic circle on the floor.

"Good. How long do you think it'll take Tyranus to get to the capital?" I ask as my gaze settles on the distant horizon.

"She's weakened from being sealed for so long, but even then I would expect her to be there before long. You're not thinking-""Charlatan, don't you dare… You said you would run," Penelope says as she holds her head up with what I can only assume is sheer stubbornness. With a smile, I look down at the bloodied and exhausted Penelope.

"Sorry, Penelope, but that hypothetical situation hasn't happened yet," I [Lie] as I grab my emergency teleport scroll.

"Char… CJ, you'll die. Don't go," Penelope says as she holds my gaze with an intensity I've never seen before.

"Die? Penelope, I'm The Chosen One. I won't die," I [Lie] as I rip the scroll. White fills my vision and then dissipates as I appear in the Teleportation Nexus. Fuck, I'm going to die. Stumbling against the wall, I try to catch my breath.

"Are you okay, Chosen One?" an instructor asks. Pulling back the pain, I straighten up.

"Listen to me very carefully. Under the authority of the church and of Headmaster Vil, I order you to initiate whatever protocols you have in place to safeguard the students. A Calamity is approaching. Do you understand?" I [Lie]. The instructor gives me a confused look before finally nodding.

"I understand. May the Gods be with you, Chosen One," the instructor says as they rush over to a communicator gem. Pulling myself up the steps, I begin my trek to the courtyard. A sudden alarm sounds as the barrier turns a bright red.

"CALAMITY ALERT! I REPEAT CALAMITY ALERT! PROCEED TO THE NEAREST SHELTER! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!" a voice calls out and rings throughout the University. The students out and about look around in confusion before rushing out of sight. If I had any sense, I'd join them, but… I can't. Fuck. I broke Rule 4, no personal attachments while on a job. It's there for a reason. Pushing into the clock tower, I begin my ascent. I let my defenses down, or rather, this place made me far too relaxed.

William with his oh-so-expressive demeanor. Viola, who could talk your ear off about art. Ruby's worry for her sister. Muriel's politeness. Cliff's love for cooking. Helia and her lazy, but caring attitude. Garus, who learned from his past. Hopper, who stood up in the face of overwhelming might. Even goddamn Julian and his attitude. Mateo, who feels alone like I did. Professor Stargazer, who is broken like me. Penelope, who I… They all wormed their way into my heart. Those assholes.

They've made it impossible for me to run away now. Reaching the top of the stairs, I look around at the general vandalism that Hopper and I did not too long ago. I'm going to die. Damn. I knew I wasn't going to live long. After all, I'm a Vashrin. We don't live long, but I was hoping… That I'd get a little more time.

"Do you know you're going to die?" Yellow asks as I accidentally touch The Chosen Blade.

"Me? Please, Yellow. I'm The Chosen One. I won't die so easily," I [Lie] as I unsheath The Chosen Blade.

"You could still run away. With your luck, you might just make it out if you do," Yellow says.

"I'm The Chosen One. I don't run," I [Lie].

"You will die, CJ," Black says bluntly.

"CJ, what you're doing is noble, but it's nothing short of suicide. Run away. You can not take on Tyranus," Pink says as politely as possible. Standing up, I grip The Chosen Blade in my hand as I walk towards the clock face.

"Are you scared?" Blue asks. My hand shakes as I hold the blade tighter.

"Yes." A boom rocks the clock tower. She'll be here soon. No plan, one working arm, and a Calamity at my doorstep. I've had worse odds. Looking down at the bite scar on my wrist, I smile. Isn't that right, Sister?

"I will help you," Blue says.

"What?"

"Blue, you can't. Only The Chosen One can use that," Yellow warns with a sad tone.

"Not if I bear the burden," Blue states.

"You are the kindest of us all, but don't be a fool. You could shred your soul," Black says with a hint of worry. The gems alight as they begin to bicker, but then suddenly the blade shines an icy blue. The moment it does, the other voices are silenced, leaving only one.

"I was afraid. Every time I went into battle, I was afraid. Afraid I would die. Afraid I would lose those I considered most important in my life. Afraid I would never return to my family. I was afraid. I am afraid, but it never stopped me from doing what was right. I, The Chosen of the North, will help you. If you want it," Blue says. With a devilish smile, I grip the blade.

"If you'll join me," I say as I step out on the clock tower edge. In the distance, I can see the silhouette of Tryanus as she rapidly closes in. Fighting a Dragon. Not exactly what I had planned for the rest of my life, but somebody's got to do it and if you want it done right…

"CJ, whatever you do, don't let go of The Chosen Blade. It's how I'll be sharing my [Skill] with you. Break that connection, and you'll lose the [Skill] immediately. Do you understand?" Blue asks.

"Got it. So, how do I use this [Skill]?" I ask, as I struggle to stay upright.

"You must say the oath that I've shared with you. I would start now," he says. A stream of information enters my head.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me. I have to say that?"

"Yes! Do it now, CJ!" Blue yells. Cursing under my breath, I bring The Chosen Blade up to my chest as if I were doing a salute.

"When evil laughs and the innocent cry. Where good people are forced to fight. From those who wish to harm. For those who wish for peace. I will not bend. I will not falter. I will be-" Tyranus shatters straight through the barrier, pouncing straight towards me. Her claws swipe at me, cutting clean through the clock tower. Falling through the air, I watch the ground quickly approach.

"[Unbreakable]!" Crashing into the ground, I watch as a thin layer of frost armor forms around me, closing the wounds from the battle against the Wrathborn. I can even use my hand. It's not healing magic, but rather it's keeping my body in an almost permanent stasis.

"Don't get distracted. Here she comes!" Blue warns. Lifting The Chosen Blade, I barely stop the swipe of her claw. To my surprise, I don't go flying, but instead hold my ground. Sparks fly from the claw and the blade. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"How peculiar. If it isn't little old Ursus's [Skill]. A truly annoying one," Tyranus says as she takes her other claw and flings me halfway across the courtyard.

"CJ, you need to focus. What's your plan?" Blue asks. For such a large creature, Tyranus closes the distance in an instant. A claw slashes into me, but this time I decide not to block it. The claw sinks into the frost armor, barely leaving a dent. As long as I brace for it, I won't be sent flying. So, there's no point in blocking. Instead, I need to focus everything on offense.

"How long can you keep this up?" I ask as I slash at one of her claw joints.

"Not long. A good three minutes before I risk burning my entire soul," Blue says.

"Three minutes? Then I have all the time in the world to come up with one," I say cockily. Tyranus swings her tail, clearing the courtyard of everything, including the clock tower. Bracing for the impact, I'm hit and dragged across the ground as I struggle to maintain my footing.

"You're weak. Weaker than I would expect from a Chosen One. Are you truly a Chosen One?" Tyranus asks as she opens her mouth wide. A sudden burst of energy erupts from her and into me. The purple beam frays the edges of the frost armor as it carves a good foot into the ground around me. What in the hells was that? A breath attack? My eyes flick to the slash I gave her earlier, and I'm not shocked to see that it's already healed.

"Blue, she's an Archmage. What kind of magic does she specialize in?" I ask as I reach into my pocket and press something into a cookie.

"Healing magic. Any wound you make will almost instantly be healed by her. If you're going to beat her, you need to make a decisive strike. A one-hit kill," he says as if it's that easy. Slipping under her next attack, I close the distance.

"Getting closer? What's your play?" Tyranus asks as she slices towards me. With a simple slash, I cut straight through her wrist and slide under her other claw. As I slide, I slash into her heel and bring her to one knee. The tail slams to the ground in an attempt to balance. Grabbing onto it, I climb my way onto her back.

"Stop. You are only delaying the inevitable. Ursus couldn't kill me. What makes you think you can?" Tyranus asks as I unsheathe what's left of the Uneven Blade.

"I don't know, maybe luck," I say as I [Throw] the Uneven Blade. With a curve, the blade shreds through one of the wings and up into the sky. A large, meaty claw slams down, barely missing me. Jumping over it, I make it to the head. With no hesitation, I stab one of her eyes. As I do, Tyranus's claw finally catches me. She brings me to her good eye as she begins to crush me.

"An annoying, pale imitation of what a Chosen One can do. You are unable to kill me," she says with a hint of anger. The frost armor starts to crack. Seems like my time is running out. Tyranus opens her mouth wide as she readies her purple beam attack. Taking that at point blank with the frost armor this way is going to be certain death. Which means it's time to bet it all. From the sky, the Uneven Blade falls and stabs straight into her one good eye.

With a smile, I take my loaded cookie and [Throw] it straight into her open mouth.

"What did you do!" Tyranus roars as she flings me from her grasp. Standing up, I dust myself off. Tyranus continues to heal her wings, eyes, and claws, but she doesn't realise that she's only making things worse. The frost armor finally shatters. The pain immediately comes back in full force. At the same time, Tyranus falls to the ground as brambles begin to fill the inside of her body.

"Little-known fact about Carnivorous Bramble. It feeds off the body of whatever it finds itself lucky enough to be attached to. So, introduce my entire bag's worth of Carnivorous Bramble seed into your throat, and even you will start to feel the pain. After all, you're just meat," I explain as I walk up to the stunned Tyranus.

"I will heal from this," she struggles to say as the bramble starts to grow out of her mouth.

"Please do. The more you heal, the more the bramble has to feed on. It's a vicious cycle," I say as I climb onto her head. Taking The Chosen Blade, I go to stab her in the brain. She's too busy focusing on healing her other wounds. She can't spare any resources for another life-threatening wound, or at least I hope so. If this doesn't work, I'm almost sure she'll find a way out of this checkmate that I have her in. So, I… Tyranus closes her eyes in anticipation of the attack. Not out of fear or anger, but relief.

What… Why?

"What are you waiting for, CJ? If you don't attack now, she'll break free and kill you. I'm honestly impressed that you managed to pull it off, but you have to finish the job now!" Blue says with a voice filled with pain. So many different thoughts rush into my mind. I'm missing something.

'You are the kindest of us all', 'Let me tell you the story of the little dragon', 'she was corrupted by the Blight', 'The Chosen of the North could only seal her'.

"You couldn't kill her. Why couldn't you kill her?" I ask Blue as I keep the blade in the air. A silence hangs before he answers.

"It was a mistake sealing her. I knew it the moment I did it. I should've killed her, but I couldn't kill… my friend's mother. CJ, please put her out of her misery. Do what I couldn't all those years ago," Blue says with a tone of defeat.

"Ok. I'll do what you couldn't," I say as I sheathe The Chosen Blade.

"CJ, don't-" Blues' voice cuts off as I take my hand off the blade. Tyranus' purple eyes open and peer up at me.

"You are a fool. You should strike me down if you know what's best for you."

"Hey, do you want to make a [System Contract] with me?" I ask with a devilish smile.

"Are you insane?" Tyranus asks in true confusion.

"It'll be a simple one. No tricks or loopholes. I will free you from the bramble, and all I ask is that you listen to me. At the end, you can decide to kill me or not," I propose to Tyranus.

"You're bleeding on me," she says with annoyance.

"Is that a no?"

"You are a fool. I will kill you at the end of this contract. By the [System], I, Tyranus, accept this contract," she says with anger.

"Then by the [System], I, CJ, accept this contract," I say with a devilish smile.

"Uphold your end of the [Contract]," she says immediately. Sliding down from her head, I land next to her mouth and [Throw] a poisoned cookie. The bramble latches onto it and immediately withers away. Tyranus coughs up the dead bramble and looks down at me with her teeth bared.

"Speak," she commands.

"Not here. Take me to the grave."

"How do you-""I'm The Chosen One," I [Lie]. Tyranus lands softly on the peak of a snow-capped mountain. Stepping out of her mouth, I groan from the bumpy ride.

"Have you ever considered getting some seats in there?" I ask.

"I haven't had any complaints. Finish your talk so that I can kill you," she says. Looking around, I find a solitary pillar of stone.

"How long has it been since you've come back here?" I ask. Tyranus hesitates.

"This is the first time since I buried my son," she says with a hint of guilt.

"Well, at least you're better than me. I haven't gone to see my mother since I buried her." Her eyes track my movements as I wipe the snow away from the pillar.

"You have lost?" she asks.

"A great deal. When she died, I was lost and alone. The only thing that was with me during those dark years was anger. Anger at those who killed her. Anger at the world that let it happen. Anger at myself for not being there for her. I was so angry. I still am… How did your son die?" I ask as I keep my back to her.

"He was a fool. He involved himself in the tiny mortals' problems, and he paid the price for it. What is the point of this conversation? If you're just trying to stall-""No. I'm not trying to stall. I'm trying to have a conversation," I say as I look at the horizon.

"Then have it with someone else," she says with more than a hint of anger.

"Do you want to die?" I ask, cutting to the point.

"... There is no point in living in a world without him. He may have been a fool, but he was a fool I miss dearly. If you will not kill me, I will end this world," she warns.

"You know… I thought about it as well, but like you, the anger kept me alive… It kept me alive long enough for someone else to pull me out of the darkness, and that's what I'm going to do for you," I say as I rub the bite scar.

"You are a fool."

"I've been told that before. I only have one thing I want to ask you. Something that I hope you will think long and hard on. After that, our [Contract] will be fulfilled, and you will be free to do anything," I say as I look upon his grave.

"What is the question?" she asks as she readies her claws.

"Why do you think he did what he did?" I ask.

"What?" Tyranus asks with a hint of surprise.

"Why did he die for those tiny mortals? I don't want the simple answer or your excuse. I want to know why you think he did what he did." The clouds begin to part as the sun shines in the sky. A rogue wind passes between us as Tyranus holds her claws in the sky, ready to strike. A mere moment passes, but it feels like an eternity. One in which my gamble either pays off or it doesn't.

"He was a fool! That is all!" she [Lies] to herself. Damn it! Why do you have to be so stubborn? Turning to face her- Crunch. We turn to see a small Beastkin girl with white bear ears. The girl walks up to us and gives us a small bow. Basket in hand, she then heads to the grave. The Beastkin girl then carefully brushes the snow off the stone pillar.

"Did you plan this?" Tyranus asks.

"No. I didn't," I say with a smile. The girl unwraps the basket and carefully places the oranges on the grave. She then walks over to us and says something in Beast Tongue. Tyranus looks distraught as the girl walks away.

"What did she say?" I ask.

"She told me that it was an honor to meet me and that my son had told them many stories about me," she says with a hint of sadness.

"Do you know why your son died for those tiny mortals?" I ask again.

"Because he wished to be kind… he wished to be just like me… What have I become?" she asks as she looks down at her claws.

"You haven't become anything. You were turned into this, but you can choose to turn back. You are Tyra, Queen of the Dragons, Archmage, and most importantly, a Mother," I say as I place a hand on her nose.

"This corruption. It has taken away what I hold most precious. The memories of my son. I… I wish to remember them as they once were," she says as she closes her eyes.

"Then remember, because this corruption is nothing compared to the love you have for your son. Isn't that right, Tyra?" I ask. With a smile, I watch as the purple flakes off her body to reveal pink scales. Then, with a blink, the purple of her eyes is overtaken by a golden hue.

"Yes. It is," Tyra says. You have done something that no one has ever accomplished. You have changed fate. Title <Fate Breaker> Gained +2 CHA +2 DEX +2 INT +2 LCK With a smile, I look over the [System Messages], but I'm distracted by something in the corner of my vision. How did that get here? Oh, well.

"Welcome back, Baggy."