Chapter 269 Scathach, a strange mother
The full moon shone brightly in the sky, illuminating the training field atop an isolated mountain.
The sound of blades clashing reverberated across the landscape, a chaotic melody created only by two high-caliber warriors.
Scarlet, the strongest vampire, moved with supernatural elegance, her slender sword gleaming like liquid silver under the moonlight. On the other side stood a red-haired woman, exuding brute strength that rivaled Scarlet's lethal grace.
Her movements were precise, her broad blade resembling a fragment of pure destruction.
Scarlet smiled, a mix of respect and provocation. "You're getting faster, Scathach. Maybe, someday, you'll actually land a hit on me."
Scathach let out a dry laugh, spinning quickly to dodge and counterattack. "I don't need to hit you, Scarlet. I just need to learn enough so the next one to wield my strength will defeat you."
Scarlet parried the blow effortlessly, her eyes gleaming with renewed interest. "Ah, so this training isn't for you? You're preparing to leave your legacy."
"Something like that," Scathach admitted, stepping back and spinning her blade in a defensive move. "But don't underestimate me, my Master. I'm not done showing what I'm capable of."
Scarlet chuckled softly, propelling herself forward with impressive speed.
Their blades exchanged strikes with an intensity that sparked the air around them.
Scathach blocked each attack with precision, but the impact of every blow showed the difference between them.
Scarlet possessed inhuman strength, while Scathach was the embodiment of human potential at its absolute peak.
The two separated again, both breathing heavily. Scarlet narrowed her eyes, studying her disciple with a mix of admiration and curiosity.
"You mentioned before... your unique physique. Don't you think it's time to stop hiding and tell me the truth, foolish disciple?"
Scathach lowered her sword slightly, adopting a more relaxed posture. Her eyes, shining with determination, met Scarlet's. "The Demon Dragon Physique," Scathach said, looking at the vampire, "I'm still only in phase two... I won't be able to reach phase three, but I hope the next one will be able to use the runes correctly." She smiled wryly.
Scarlet raised an eyebrow. "Draconic runes? I thought that was a myth. Something only the ancient dragon legends of Caelum could accomplish."
"It's no myth," Scathach replied, her voice quiet but firm. "It's a legacy that few can bear. My body supports draconic energy because of what they call the Demon Dragon Physique. It's incredibly rare, almost impossible to awaken fully. But those who do..." She paused, looking at her hand, where faint traces of runes began to glow slightly on her skin. "...are capable of feats that defy the logic of this world."
Scarlet fell silent for a moment, absorbing Scathach's words. Then, she tilted her head, a provocative smile curling her lips. "Interesting. So, you're saying your body is a vessel for the impossible. That explains your strength... and why you can endure my training."
Scathach smiled back, her gaze hardening. "It also means my son will inherit this. He will have the potential to be even greater than I am. Who knows, maybe he'll reach Phase Three."
Scarlet narrowed her eyes, her curiosity piqued. "Wait, son?" She was surprised...
Scathach nodded. "I'm pregnant," she said, smiling. "He will inherit the strength, but how he uses it will be his choice. That's why I'm here. I want to ensure he has the tools to control it. Because draconic energy is not something to be toyed with. It can consume, destroy. And if he isn't strong enough, it could end up destroying him."
Scarlet smiled, leaning slightly forward. "So that's it. You're sacrificing yourself now to pave the way for him. Admirable, Scathach, or foolish. I'm not sure yet."
Before Scathach could respond, Scarlet lunged forward again, her blades flashing like lightning. Scathach barely had time to react, but she blocked the attack with renewed strength. The two warriors were once again caught in a deadly dance, their strikes exchanged with precision and ferocity.
"Show me," Scarlet commanded, her voice cutting through the air like an order. "Show me everything, and I'll teach him when the time comes."
Scathach took a deep breath, her eyes shining with determination. Then, slowly, runes began to manifest on her body. They glowed with a golden hue, pulsating with an oddly ancient energy. The ground around her began to vibrate, and even Scarlet seemed to hesitate for a moment.
"Impressive," Scarlet murmured before grinning widely. "Let's see if this is enough."
The fight resumed, but this time, Scathach was on another level. Her movements were faster, more powerful. Every strike she delivered seemed to carry the weight of a dragon behind it. For the first time, Scarlet was forced to retreat, her movements now focused on defense.
"This is incredible!" Scarlet exclaimed, her voice full of enthusiasm. "But don't drop your guard, or I'll end this here and now!"
Scathach responded with a devastating strike, creating a wave of energy that split the ground between them. Scarlet smiled, dodging at the last second, but the force behind that attack didn't go unnoticed.
"You've surprised me," Scarlet admitted, stepping back and resting her sword on her shoulder. "It seems I have nothing left to teach you," she said, laughing again.
"I have one question," Scarlet said, not letting her rest. "Why do you speak as if you won't exist? You're talking about inheriting something and training for it." Scarlet's smile faltered slightly.
"It's inherited, a unique physique for one person. When he's born, I will slowly die," Scathach admitted without remorse. "Because you can't—"
"I can't do that. I wouldn't forgive myself if I took his life so I could live. Come on, you know what it's like to be a mother," Scathach smiled at her.
The vampire crossed her arms, a hard expression on her face. "You sound so selfless it's almost irritating. Don't tell me you think being a mother justifies sacrificing your entire life."
Scathach shrugged, a melancholic smile crossing her lips. "You know how it is, Scarlet. Don't pretend you don't understand. You've lost much for those you loved."
There was a heavy silence. Scarlet looked away, her expression hardening. Scathach was right, and it troubled her deeply. Scarlet carried centuries of painful experiences, but the idea of someone sacrificing so completely for another still unsettled her.
"So, what's the plan?" Scarlet asked, breaking the silence. "You train him until he's strong enough for the physique to be passed on in the best way possible?"
"Not just that," Scathach replied, adjusting her stance and taking her sword again. "I've done a few things for him with the runes, and gradually, all of this will be unlocked bit by bit. He'll probably live through some tough years since the physique won't awaken until he's over 18."
Scarlet sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible. And what if he doesn't want this? What if Strax doesn't want the burden you're handing him?" Stay tuned to empire
Scathach smiled, but this time there was something darker in her eyes. "Then he will be free to make his own choice. My sacrifice is not a burden, Scarlet. It's an opportunity. I can't guarantee he'll do what I think is right, but I can guarantee he'll have the strength to choose."
Scarlet scoffed, lifting her sword once again. "You talk like this is some epic tale. I still think it's a waste. But if this is what you want, I won't stop you. I just hope he's up to what you're giving him."
Scathach smiled widely. "He will be. After all, he's my son."
"A proud one, a true dragon," Scarlet remarked with a smile. "I hope your son turns out like you."
"Hmm? What's that? Are you wanting a husband?" Scathach asked with a mischievous grin.
Scarlet narrowed her eyes at Scathach, the other woman's teasing smile only fueling her momentary irritation. She spun her sword in the air, an elegant and lethal move, before pointing it directly at her friend.
"Don't be foolish, Scathach. I'm perfectly content with my solitary immortality," Scarlet replied, though there was a playful tone in her voice. "But I must admit, if I wanted a husband, I'd certainly choose someone who doesn't annoy me as much as you do."
"HAHAHAHA," Scathach laughed, her vibrant laughter echoing across the training field. "Ah, Scarlet, I think you'd end up choosing someone exactly like me. You need challenges, and I admit it would be fun to see you dealing with someone who's a match for you."
Scarlet sighed, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them again and locking eyes with Scathach in a cold gaze. "You really like to provoke, don't you? But don't be fooled—if your son has even half of your sharp tongue, maybe he won't last as long as you think."
"He will be stronger than me," Scathach said, with conviction. "And probably smarter too. Who knows? Maybe he'll end up being a challenge even for you."
Scarlet raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, so now you're suggesting I might be a potential enemy for your precious son? Interesting."
Scathach shrugged, her expression full of confidence. "If he ever crosses your path, I hope he's worthy of your attention. But, Scarlet, let me tell you something: if he beats you, maybe you'll finally find someone you truly admire."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
"That, or I'll kill him before he has the chance to annoy me as much as you do," Scarlet retorted, though there was a glint of amusement in her eyes.
"You wouldn't do that, after all, he'll be my son," Scathach smiled. Then she added, "But if you fall in love with him, don't worry, you have my blessing," she said teasingly.
Scarlet stopped mid-movement, staring at Scathach with an incredulous expression that quickly turned into something between amusement and exasperation. "You really can't stop provoking, can you?"
Scathach simply shrugged, her mischievous smile growing. "I'm just thinking of the future. At least my son needs strong women by his side, I wouldn't mind being your mother-in-law," she said, laughing as the memory faded from Scarlet's mind.
Now...
"Damn woman... he's put his claws in two of my three daughters, and now he's going after the third. What are the odds he'll come after me?" Scarlet wondered, watching Strax being pummeled by Bela.