Aetheral Space

Chapter 384:13.42: Long Live

I messed up.

The thought passed through Muzazi’s brain like a bullet as he watched Radiant Almighty be devoured by the Unthroned void. The preparations he’d made for this attack had come to naught. The gamble he’d taken with the Embolden was just as big a failure. He’d granted his opponent greater power at no benefit to himself.

Why hadn’t it worked? Had the Nebula lied to him? Was Mereloco just that strong?

He had no time to think about it.

Mereloco finally dispelled his Unthroned, the dark rift disappearing -- and immediately, he leapt through the space it had been occupying. It was no surprise that Mereloco had only used it for a second the first time. The hand he’d been guiding the ability with was flayed up to the elbow, and he was visibly exhausted -- massive bags pulling down on his face.

Still, he had more than enough in the tank to kill Muzazi with. He’d used Unchained to launch himself -- and to pull countless chunks of debris towards Muzazi from behind. An attack from all angles.

I’m dead. I’m dead. I’m dead.

The thought bounced through Muzazi’s head like a pinball, his resolve spiraling down into panic. Mereloco was pulling back his good fist. The world was a crawl, adrenaline and terror and despair all working hand-in-hand to give Muzazi a leisurely view of his own incoming demise. The fist was growing larger as Mereloco thrust it forwards. The air pressure was already tickling against his face.

It would hit Muzazi square in the head. It would demolish his skull. It would send his brains spilling down into the abyss below. It would, it would, it would.

Mind raced for a way out. No avail. Couldn’t dodge. Too slow. Couldn’t block. Too slow. Couldn’t do anything. Too slow. Slow, slow, slow, slow, slow. Fist coming to kill him. Eyes burning. Heart pounding. Skin clammy. Something, something. Had to be something. Some way to survive. Oh, Y. Oh, dear Y.

In that moment, in the instant before Atoy Muzazi’s life was ended, his mind screamed backwards --

Silent and unseen, she let her lips spread out into their usual sharp grin.

I will, Az. I will.