Chapter 3.11
During the trial, Osmund continually insists that Sui Yuan's only crime is awakening the source of darkness. With the Holy Son stubbornly sheltering the elf, the judge does not sentence him to death. The purification ritual is still compulsory, of course, but what comes next will have to wait until the process is over. If his 'original personality' is reinstated, then the judge will accept the Holy Son's request, making him Sui Yuan's guardian. If his evil nature still remains, then what awaits him is an execution.
Everyone present quietly accepts this verdict, including Sui Yuan who is simply waiting for an opportunity to escape and seek death.As according to the original story, the security detail within the shrine tasked with guarding Nardred is extremely strict, which is why his sole chance of escaping is during the ritual itself. Hence, Sui Yuan allows the day of preparation for the ritual to pa.s.s smoothly and doesn't put up a struggle when he is finally led to the altar.
The Heavenly race's priests stand in formation, surrounding the altar as Sui Yuan is chained to the middle of their circle. Osmund, Aurora and the other holy knights position themselves a distance away from the altar, a few paces away from the only entrance of the shrine. The tranquil silence is heavy with nervous tension as everyone's gaze is fixed attentively on the ritual, waiting with bated breath.
The priests begin to chant in unison, and the four crystals encircling the altar gradually emits resplendent, golden rays of light.
As the light magic creates a barrier enshrouding the entire altar, the holy chains binding Sui Yuan slowly unravels. Enveloped in light magic, an excruciating pain as though his flesh is being ripped apart piece by piece burns through his body. This level of agony is exactly the same as what he experienced that day, when he swallowed the source of darkness.
Gritting his teeth and pus.h.i.+ng through the pain, Sui Yuan's eyes fall on the crystal facing the east. According to the story, that area is the weakest point of the array. When the original Nardred bet his life in his final attempt to flee, he unexpectedly manages to reduce that crystal to smithereens, thus causing the barrier to collapse and the ritual to fail. Now, he has to target it in order for the scene to play out appropriately.
With a low snarl, a black blade materialises in Sui Yuan's right hand. Aurora's sobbing plea that he endures for a while longer is ignored as he hacks away at the tendrils of light reaching for him.
Brandis.h.i.+ng the razor-sharp sword, he futilely tries to keep the endless streams of magic from wrapping around his limbs. Little by little, he inches towards the eastern side of the altar. As soon as he is within reach, he switches targets instantly, slicing out at the crystal rather than the ropes of light around his left arm.
"Not good!" A priest yells, but his warning comes too late. The crystal shatters immediately and the barrier collapses. A dark shadow flashes across the shrine, heading straight for the entrance. "Quick, catch him!"
Sui Yuan feels his power returning in full force the moment he steps away from the altar. Although his physical body is weak from being confined for a period of time, his magic alone is enough for him to put up a bit of a fight.
Not even sparing a single glance for the other guards charging forward to stop him, he heads directly towards his predestined opponent. Black blade clashes against golden sceptre, producing a sharp, ringing noise that echoes throughout the building upon collision. Antic.i.p.ation flares in Sui Yuan's eyes, but is completely disregarded by the other man.
Every strike and stab of his weapon allows the elf to advance, while Osmund retreats with each block and parry. One forcefully attacking and the other giving way. Seeing that they are nearly at the entrance of the shrine, Sui Yuan begins to worry.
Uncaring that he might be violating the rules, Sui Yuan murmurs lowly to remind this pig teammate of his to stick to the script. "Kill me!"
Giving a strained, bitter smile, Osmund returns his stare with an intense and gentle look. "How can I bear to kill you?"
"Don't talk nonsense!" Sui Yuan almost got down on his knees to beg him. The climax is here but he wants to continue dragging things out?! Why is seeking death so difficult!!
Osmund refuses to answer, expression remaining the same. Sui Yuan really can't tell how this male lead plans to conclude things with the supporting male lead.
Once again failing to get his colleague to act the scene out properly, he decides not to waste any more time on him. He has to die here, so if Osmund doesn't plan on killing him, he will find someone else to do it. The ending for this villain BOSS absolutely must not be altered. Although dying in the hands of another means he is not following the plot, it would be better to let it happen than allowing the male lead to show this villain mercy. If Sui Yuan manages to escape the shrine, then it will be extremely disastrous for his career!
