Published at 20th of March 2026 10:12 pm

Chapter 344: Sparring

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Was it necessary to sting me so many times? Nicolai asked. Hed just gotten done purging the venom.

Yes, replied Serrin, unrepentant.

Itd been worth it nevertheless. He felt the Dark Spirit still, gathered up around the hole on the other side of the Interior. Lurking, ready to hunt anything that came near.

It served all the same purposes as the demons itd consumed, and far more. It would protect him from other Interior beings, both passively and if he travelled there. Even now, he was able to feel it there. And just as those demons had possessed a way of peering into the Material realm and giving whispered warnings, the Dark Spirit had the same capability. But now the source of those whispers was effectively a part of him and thus there was no need even to whisper.

Better yet he could pull it through from there at any time and send it out via Soul Sense, a living spiritual attack. He couldnt wait to see what it would do to an enemy.

But, thinking on it, he realised it was important to ensure it didnt possess anyone. Tearing through their spiritual defences, destroying their Soul, yes. But just the thought of possession using this half-part of him made the Tribulation Spirit under his tongue stir.

That was a warning. If he were to do that, he was pretty sure it would contravene another Heavenly Rule. Another Tribulation would descend, and hed struggled plenty against the last.

That said, the Dark Spirit led to other, very interesting possibilities. It had been capable of consuming demons and entities, normally unkillable.

What about the Tribulation Spirit?

The very thought made him shiver with excitement. If he could destroy the Tribulation Spirit he would be free to create more like the Infiltrator.

But was he willing to roll the dice in an attempt to do so right now? He wasnt sure. When he thought on the Tribulation Spirit, something deeply concerning became apparent. He wasnt sure why he hadnt noticed. Maybe his new, close experience with Interior beings and the Dark had simply expanded his awareness of this sort of thing.

Either way, he now realised the Tribulation Spirit had grown stronger. Much stronger, in fact. Compared to when hed first faced it, he believed it was at least twice if not three times as strong.

The longer he left it, the stronger it would become. But he couldnt try to kill it now, because if he was wrong, and the Dark Spirit was no good against it, it would likely overwhelm him. He needed more research, more understanding. He needed to craft the perfect situation where all would be in his favour, then release it, then kill it.

That thing youve made, Serrin spouted, unhappy, and Nicolai resigned himself to more arguing. Serrin was entirely lacking in enthusiasm when it came to his pet Dark Spirit. I cant even guess at how dangerous it is. A Dark Spirit? Do you realise how it looks when its in you, from outside? It barely even fits. A demonic spiritual monster, and a powerful one. You should cut it loose. So long as its over there, it cant get through, right?

Probably not. These beings dont seem capable of pushing through to here, even via the hole of my mind. But this particular being is likely more capable of it than most.

If it can be safely released or destroyed, you should do so. Any time you pull it through and take it into you, youre at great risk of possession.

Serrin had a point, but Nicolai had another: nothing was gained without risk. The Dark Spirit was an extremely strong weapon, a possible answer to things like the Tribulation Spirit. He had no intentions of throwing it away.

The Hornet seemed to feel his thoughts. Can you even use it against others?! You told me its important that no one knows about your Black Gift, nor my White. They would hunt us, thats what you said. Wouldnt the mere sight of this Dark Spirit betray that?

Most likely, yes. Hed need to research, see how easy it would be for people to connect the dots. But that merely stops me using it in public. So long as all who see it end up dead, theres no problem.

The Hornet subsided into irritable grumbling.

###

The sparring room was a large square with ritual-lined walls.

Nicolai stood on one side of it, gazing at Serrin. The Hornet stood across from him, spear in hand, panting lightly. They had been warming up, fighting without Symbiotes, Artifacts, technology or anything of that nature. Nicolai had simply used his rapier without the Imbuement, against Serrins spear.

It had gone on for longer than hed intended. There was something strangely pure about such a simple form of combat.

That bait you used, spoke Serrin. Feinting, but knowing I knew it was feint, using it to draw me in. Very sneaky. The Hornet sounded delighted rather than annoyed, his mandibles smiling. Ill try that myself one of these days.

Nicolai quirked a smile. He wasnt wearing his helmet, had opted to remove it while inside the base. It hung from his belt. Its a good one, though it only works if you can condition your opponent. I find most fights dont last long enough to use those kinds of tricks. Now, lets fight for real. He was eager to do so. He wasnt sure what kind of Symbiotes Serrin had, and he was interested in the youths spear.

He anticipated quite a fight.

How does that work? he asked, gesturing at Serrins spear. Is it similar to my Knife? He felt no ripples from it, but considering how favoured Serrin was he was sure the young Hornet had been given an Artifact. He was hoping it would be able to penetrate Shields, because otherwise the fight would be quite unbalanced.

This? Serrin raised the spear, looking it over. Its just a spear.

He frowned. Its not even Imbued?

Nope, the Hornet replied cheerily. Ive had it since I was young, he added, running a fond hand over it.

Why do you not have an Artifact? Nicolai, and the Modules, and even the Mask were baffled. Your mother never gave you one?

Oh, she tried. Plenty of times. But I always refusedeverything she gave me, I just dumped it in my room! Serrin chuckled. That showed her. I dont want to use anything that witch gives me. Ill earn an Artifact on my own merit, without stealing or hurting anyone, once Ive escaped her.

Nicolai didnt know whether to laugh or cry. This kid

Do you think he began, slowly, that having an Artifact might make escaping her easier? Significantly easier, in fact?

The words bounced straight off the Hornet, as Serrin spread his arms in a careless shrug. Sure. But its the principle. I refuse to give in to her in even the smallest way. He tapped his forehead with a knowing finger. Thats her plan, to win me over with rare Symbiotes and powerful Artifacts. If I give in to greed, then soon I might end up obeying her in everything.

Nicolai felt there was an above 0% chance that just hearing all of that may have made him slightly dumber. The Modules agreed but were also delighted by the admission, which firmed their belief that Serrin was one of the funniest, craziest people theyd ever met. Only the Mask felt Serrin had a point, saying that, These acts were the only way he could hold onto who he is.

Without an Artifactand everything and anything else that could improve your chancesyou are most likely going to fail to escape her, he said bluntly. Sentiment is one thing but there is no denying that purposefully remaining under-equipped will only hinder you.

Serrin was refusing to meet his gaze. Thats your opinion, he muttered. I think it makes me stronger.

How.

If I had accepted all her gifts, I wouldnt be half the fighter I am now. It was all that time fighting against bad odds, as my brothers were always eager to use everything they had against me, that taught me so much.

Nicolai sneered. No. It has taught you some fundamentals and how to fight from a disadvantage. But that is it. You have limited your own understanding of combat to one area.

My experience served me well enough against you, snapped Serrin. I dont need an Artifact, or fancy Symbiotes. Come on, fight me with everything youve got! He spun the spear and settled into stance.

Nicolai gazed at Serrin. Dont hurt him! hissed the Mask, sensing the grim shape of his thoughts.

I wont hurt him too much. But he needs to learn. A Better Man would teach him.

The Claw unfurled.

Do you have Rejuvenating Orbs? he asked.

I have a few, earned myself.

Good. Are you ready?

Serrin spun the spear in answer.

Nicolai raised his bionic and the laser hummed to life. The red line moved at the speed of light and drew a line of fire across Serrins eyes.

Screaming and flailing, the Hornet toppled to the ground, beating at his face.

When he had recovered, with the aid of an Orb, Nicolai asked again.

Are you ready?

I

The laser hummed to life and drew a line of fire over his eyes.

But this time Serrin charged him anyway, snarling, using Soul Sense to see. His Stinger stabbed out, but was caught and crushed by the Spectral Claw.

The Hornet threw himself to the side but the Claw twitched after him. He had no movement Symbiotes to aid him in escaping it. His Soul Sense tendril rose, angling for a desperate parry.

But Nicolai was canny to the method and the Claw merely paused then pressed forward. Serrin kept hunting for a parry, standing frozen and staring sightlessly up at the Claw.

So he took hold of the assault rifle on his chest and fired on the Hornet. The roar of fully automatic gunfire echoed through the room.

Serrins Burst Shield went first then his primary Skin Shield, and finally Nicolai paused.

Youre dead, he said, retracting the Claw.

Serrin stomped back, drawing on the Orb. The moment his eyes were fixed he was glaring.

Are you ready? Nicolai asked. While waiting hed drawn his M99, held it idly in one hand with the butt against the ground. Serrin began to bite out an answer so he raised his laser and attacked.

Serrin came at him in a frenzy, raising an arm to protect his eyes from the laser, Stinger lancing out.

But this time Nicolai aimed the M99, fired twice.

Serrins Shields detonated and he stood unprotected, freezing as he stared into the M99s barrel and saw death looking back.

Dead, Nicolai pronounced, lowering the weapon. Again?

This isnt a fight! Serrins ripple came out loud as a scream, full of fury. Why are you doing this! I just want to fight properly!

Though you refuse to recognise it, and in spite of her nature, your mother has coddled you. Im not sure why. Perhaps she was so focused on your refusal to kill for her, she never realised your state. This is what a real fight is. Out here, in the real world, you will encounter enemies who outmatch you. Who have methods that counter your own. Who outnumber you and overwhelm you.

Hed advanced as he spoke and now loomed over Serrin. Powerful Symbiotes and Artifacts matter! he snarled, seizing Serrin by the shoulders. They are the difference between life and death, weakness and strength! You think youre special because you fight well? Keep up like this and one day you will fall to a group of stupid, shitty fighters, simply because they chose to seize everything they could that would give them an edge.

Nicolai pulled himself away, frowning at his twitching fingers. He hadnt meant to grab the Hornet.

Serrin was glaring at him, emanating sullen rage. Is that why you chase after tools like this Dark Spirit, though it might spell your doom? His thoughts on that particular decision had been made very clear.

Say what you will, but my choices have made me strong. Consider that I didnt even use it, in our fight. Consider how far below me you are, in battle. And the saddest part is that you could match me, if you had what you need Serrins glare only intensified. Sighing, Nicolai stepped back. There is no point in us fighting. You lack what is necessary to challenge me. The next time you see the Queen he trailed off, the words unsaid: you should ask her for everything she is willing to give.

The Mask held that the decision had to be made by Serrin, claimed that pushing too hard here would only backfire. He could do no more than make his point, though one more had occurred to him.

You say that by giving in to her you will become like her. But one who is truly strong in themselves need never fear such. If you are certain in who you are and determined to remain true to yourself then no action you take will risk that.

The Hornet stared at him. Whether or not his anger had faded in response to that, Nicolai couldnt tell. Scoffing, Nicolai turned away. As he left the room he was deep in thought.

He hadnt meant to grab the Hornet and hed been surprised by the emotion in his voice. Much of it had been coming from the Mask. As a part of him, enveloped by all that he knew, it understood just as he did that these warnings were not abstract, distant things, but what would happen. It was experiencing a protective anger thatd reached through him.

But a part of the anger had also been his own. Serrin was a great fighter, and Nicolai found himself in a kind of mentorship role to him. The idea of someone with such talent going and dying in some stupid way because he refused to use everything available was upsetting.

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