Shattered Sun Chapter 6

Arthritis is pain :(

Edited by: Marethyu, Priapus

– Cyrus –

After taking a few moments to aim at the target dummy properly, I throw a spear of light at it from about fifty meters away, piercing it in the torso. I try again and again, casting several light spells and each successfully hitting its mark, making me smile in satisfaction. Alright, that wasn’t so hard. At least, not anymore. Seriously, getting used to having one eye is a lot worse than I thought it would be.

Not only does reading give me headaches, but my sense of balance and depth perception is terrible. I can’t aim, for one. Or I couldn’t until I got used to it somewhat. It’s still bad, and I’ve yet to stop tripping sometimes whenever I take a walk, but I’m getting better by the day, so that’s something, at least. Still don’t think I can hit moving targets, though. Baby steps.

On the other hand, my Ethernano didn’t seem to have weakened at all. At least whenever I’m on my medicine. I’ve been pretty attentive to that despite the disgusting taste, because better that than feeling like I’m about to die. I can actually practice magic properly, without the risk of killing myself with it.

It had been a couple of days since I first woke up in the treehouse, and for the most part, things have been peaceful. I’d wake up, have breakfast with Porlyusica, then I’d spend the rest of the day either reading, training, or taking a stroll around the forest. There’s this sense of normalcy that I haven’t felt for what feels like years, and it feels nice.

Even in my less-than-ideal state, I know I’m growing stronger after each day as I master everything my father has taught me. My light magic grows sharper the more I use it, even with a messed up Ethernano Container, and having to handle a sword with one hand sucks, but it’s nowhere near as bad as losing an eye, so I got used to that pretty quickly.

As for my clairvoyance spells… I’m not really sure. It’s challenging to test it out when there’s nothing to test it against. I can’t predict how a target dummy would attack me if it can’t move in the first place, and Porlyusica would have my hide if I tried to pick a fight with the monsters nearby, even if I feel confident enough to defeat them.

Thankfully, I’ve made good progress with Godslayer Magic. In just these short few days, I’ve managed to make some spells that are viable for combat. From a small, dull dagger to shortswords and beams. Unfortunately, it takes way more energy than the other elemental spells, and concentrating is tough. But progress is progress, especially with my circumstances, so I can’t complain.

Staring at the target dummy pincushioned by several light spells, I take a deep breath and aim my hand at it, this time conjuring up my Godslayer Magic. The black orb forms in my palm, surrounded by glowing light as I release the energy. The beam doesn’t just pierce the dummy, but completely obliterates it, reducing it to a pile of ashes in less than a second.

The difference between a barely refined Godslayer spell and mastered light spells is insane. Is this because it’s Solar Magic, something already considered Lost Magic, or are all Godslayer elements this powerful? If that’s the case, I wonder how it compares to Dragonslayer Magic? I know the protagonist used Fire Dragonslayer Magic, so it has to be powerful.

To say I’m not curious would make me a liar, but I’m not really willing to join Fairy Tail. At least not any time soon. Not until that bastard gets what’s coming to him.

Besides, I’m not sure if Natsu joined the guild yet, and even if he had, I’m not picking a fight with a child. Yes, I’m technically a child, too, but still. That’s weird.

“Cyrus!” I pause my practice as I hear Porlyusica calling out to me, turning around and spotting her looking at me from the window. “Dinner is ready!”

“Coming!” I reply, making my way to the treehouse.

As I walk up the stairs and enter through the front door, I’m quickly hit by the pleasant aromas of freshly cooked meals, prompting me to take a seat the moment I close the door behind me. And I was just starting to feel hungry, too.

Porlyusica, as grumpy as the day I met her, sits on the chair in front of mine. A plateful of assorted grilled vegetables, rice, and chicken, which, while very simple, is more than good enough to satisfy me. Especially when the portions are pretty big for a child.

“I mean nothing by it, but this is a bit too much for a kid to eat, no?” I ask. This wasn’t the first time she’d given me massive portions for dinner.

“Goodness, you’re so whiny.” She responds sharply. “Complaining about getting too much food now.”

“Not complaining. Just curious.” I shrug, having gotten used to her snappy attitude. I point at her plate, which has an equal portion to mine. “Kids usually don’t eat as much as adults.”

“So?” She scoffs. “You always lick your plate clean anyway.”

“Can you blame me? You make great food.” I compliment. “If you weren’t a doctor, I’d say you would make a fantastic chef.”

Porlyusica looks at me with a mildly conflicted expression. Something between being flattered and slightly bewildered. However, she doesn’t respond to my compliment and, instead, changes the subject after a quiet sigh.

“How have you been feeling?” She asks. “Headaches? Chest pains?”

“Nope. All good.” I assure her. “Or, well, I guess when I’m not trying to read anything. That still kinda hurts my head a little.”

“And your magic?”

“Works just fine.” I nod. “If anything, I feel myself getting stronger. Even Godslayer Magic isn’t as difficult to cast anymore.”

Yeah, I decided to tell her about the Godslayer stuff, mostly because I thought that knowing what’s tearing me apart on the inside might help her figure out what to do with me. I didn’t say anything about Solaris or my town, but something tells me she kind of roughly knows what’s going on.

She seemed pretty shocked by the existence of Godslayer Magic, thinking it was just a myth, unlike Dragonslayer Magic, but she believed me fairly quickly. Demonstrating it to her might’ve helped my case. Kind of hard to deny something’s existence when it’s right in front of your face.

“I see.” She hums. “That is good. It means your body has already acclimated to the foreign energy, and you’re now in the recovering stage.”

“Does that mean I can stop taking my medicine?” I ask, feeling hopeful.

“Of course, not.” She replies, making me groan. “Your medicine helps in mending your Ethernano Container, which had fractured after the Godslayer power invaded your body. It still serves a purpose.”

This sucks.

“Be sure to take your medicine once every night before you sleep.” She reiterates. “And while practicing your magic can be good for your recovery, if you ever feel any of the symptoms, stop immediately.”

“I understand.” I sigh. “What happens if I end up missing a day?”

“One or two days is fine. You will continue to feel worse, and it might delay your full recovery, but it’s not fatal,” Porlyusica answers. “Longer than five days, however, is dangerous. Make sure that never happens.”

“Got it.”

And as the discussion dies down, we eat dinner in comfortable silence. Porlyusica never was one to start a conversation, and I’ve pretty much asked her about everything she did and saw as a Fairy Tail wizard. A part of me thinks she’s gotten sick of me already. At the same time, it almost feels like she kinda sorta likes having me around.

Almost.

I think she regrets telling me her name.

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– Porlyusica –

Leaning next to the window, she scanned the outside of her treehouse for the giant, who had promised to come back after three days since he left the boy for treatment. But so far? Nothing. He hadn’t shown up to pick up Cyrus or left a message of any kind, and it had already been five days.

Had he forgotten? Perhaps gotten busy with other matters? Porlyusica wasn’t sure, but it didn’t make her feel better. Not one bit. Having no clue where he was and what might be delaying him made her feel nervous.

This man— this thing that came to her house that night was a god. An actual divine, whom she’d had no idea even existed. Yet the proof was right there on the patient's bed, reading a book. A boy with the power of Godslayer magic, taught to him directly by a divine being. She’d thought that type of Lost Magic was nothing more than a myth, but this wasn’t something she could easily deny.

It had remarkable similarities to Dragonslayer magic, but was different enough to be considered something else. Perhaps not exactly more powerful, but most definitely significantly sharper. Harder to control. More consuming.

So what else could it be? This was real, and Porlyusica had no idea how she was supposed to feel about this. Naturally, she was fascinated. She’d seen many things in her old life, and this was new. But how had this boy drawn the attention of a god? What could he have possibly done to convince a god to give him this power?

And more importantly, why did Cyrus speak of this god with such anger and venom in his voice? As if it wasn’t obvious enough.

It was very clear that this so-called god was the one who was behind all the pain Cyrus was feeling. Physical, mental, and emotional. The boy, of course, didn’t say anything about his past, but Porlyusica wasn’t a fool. Beyond an arm and an eye, she knew that he had lost too much.

This, unfortunately, didn’t explain why that monster had taken Cyrus as a student, and Porlyusica would ask the boy, but she barely knew him. She didn’t want him to recall terrible memories when he seemed to be growing more and more comfortable in her home. At least not now. Maybe when he was fully settled.

Assuming this god didn’t come to take him sooner.

“Ms. Porlyusica?” Cyrus suddenly spoke, making her glance at him. Now sporting a black eyepatch instead of a bandage covering half his head, he asks. “Are you alright?”

She blinked.

“Why do you ask?” She responded with a question.

“Dunno. You look kind of tense.” He pointed out. “What’s wrong?”

After a short pause, she answered.

“Nothing to concern yourself with.” She told him.

Although unconvinced, Cyrus thankfully didn’t persist, returning to his book. Another thing Porlyusica noticed about the boy was how he never acted like someone his age. Indeed, compared to other annoying brats she’d had the displeasure of dealing with, Cyrus felt different. And it became clearer with each conversation they had together.

Yes, he had childish tendencies, such as whining about having to take medicine and asking way too many questions for her liking, but whenever she spoke to him properly, it felt like she was talking to an adult. Never a kid. Maturity was one thing, but this was bizarre. Even his lexicon didn’t resemble a child’s in the slightest.

Honestly, the longer she spent with him, the weirder this kid seemed to become. From this supposed god taking an interest in him to him feeling way older than he actually was. Where had this kid come from? Who were his parents? Because they’d certainly raised a well-spoken child.

A strong one, as well. If his skill in magic was anything to go by.

…

“Cyrus,”

“Hmm?” The boy blinked, looking back at her.

Porlyusica hesitated for a moment, but decided to ask anyway.

“Do you have a place to return to?”

She saw his expression shifting from curiosity to anger to sadness.

“Not really.”

“I see.” She replied. I thought so. “…Then tomorrow morning, we will be leaving for Magnolia so you can join Fairy Tail. I can’t take care of you forever, but I’m sure Makarov wouldn’t mind.”

And hopefully protect him from that monster who calls himself a god. She couldn’t let a boy like Cyrus go with him.

After a pause, Cyrus chuckled mirthlessly.

“That sounds nice.” He said. “But I don’t think we have much of a choice in the matter.”

Almost on cue, as she was about to question what he meant by that, someone knocked on the door, prompting her to move away from the window. She put a hand around the doorknob, twisting and slowly opening the door.

She froze once she met eyes with Solaris, whose broad grin sent a chill down her spine.

“Good evening.” Greeted the Sun God.

Porlyusica wasn’t sure what to do. Hopes of him somehow forgetting about Cyrus were dashed away, replaced by the growing sensation of dread. She couldn’t even feel his presence until after she opened the door.

She’d known he was no human ever since she’d met him the first time, but now, knowing he was a god…

Porlyusica glanced behind her before addressing the giant standing in front of her door.

“You’re late.” She told him.

“Oh, just gotten distracted by the beautiful town nearby. Nothing to worry about, lass.” He said, almost mockingly. “Mind if I come in?”

“What for?” She questioned, hoping to buy some time to figure out what to do.

“For the lad, of course.” He tilted his head, looking mildly amused. “About time I took him off your hands.”

“He’s asleep.” Porlyusica lied, closing the door. “Come back tomorrow morning.”

However, the self-proclaimed god stopped her by putting his foot in the door.

“Then wake him up.” He told her.

“He needs rest if you want him to recover.” She argued. “You can be patient to wait for a few more hours, can’t you?”

“I’ve given you two more days than what we initially agreed on, lass.” He replied, the sinister smile never leaving his face. “I think I’ve been patient enough, so for your sake, the lad better be in tip-top shape.”

“He will be in the morning.” She reiterated, her eyes narrowing. “Now stop bothering me.”

Solaris chuckled, and, instead of arguing, moved faster than she could see, kicking the door hard enough that it was blown off its hinges, sending it and her crashing into the wall. Porlyusica cried out in pain, hissing and grimacing at the sensation of her shattered arm.

Seeing this, the startled Cyrus immediately got off the bed and checked up on her with nothing but surprise and concern on his face.

“Are you okay?!” He questioned. “What’s going on?! Who’s at the—?!”

The words died in his throat as he turned around to face the door, spotting the Sun God entering the treehouse. Cyrus’ jaw clenched, his pupils shrank into pinpricks as sweat rolled down his brow and cheek.

“Hello, lad.” Solaris greeted. “Did you miss me?”

Despite the fear visibly overwhelming him, Cyrus quickly stood in front of the injured Porlyusica. He didn’t say a word, however, glaring at the god in hatred.

“Why so surprised? You know I had to come back for you eventually.” He added, then his gaze flickered to the Healing Mage. “And I see you haven’t fulfilled your part of the deal. Despite the extra two days I’ve oh-so graciously given you.”

“Deal?” Cyrus mumbled in confusion.

“Your one-sided ‘deal’ was a lost cause from the start.” Porlyusica hissed. “This power you’ve cursed him with brought with it the most aggressive form of Fracturing Fever I’ve seen in my life, and you think three or five days are enough to cure the boy?”

“Naturally. I was assured that you were the best of the best doctors in Earthland, after all. Why do you think I bothered to see you specifically?” He responded. “But I see now that those rumors of the legendary ‘Healing Mage’ were nothing more than the boasting of mortals. How disappointing.”

Solaris then stared out the window toward where Magnolia stood.

“How sad that a beautiful town and all its inhabitants would disappear from the face of the planet. Men, women, and children. All gone.” He said sadistically, looking at her once more. “And it’s all your fault.”

Porlyusica clenched her fist, as now, after feeling this overwhelming presence growing more and more, she knew full well that he was very capable of doing such a thing. To wipe out an entire town like Magnolia, despite the hundreds of powerful wizards that live there, would come about as easily as flicking his wrist.

What was she supposed to do? Even if she were to somehow beat him to Magnolia and tell Makarov, what could they possibly do to stop him? She doubted even the combined might of the wizard saints could match his strength.

“W-what are you talking about?” Cyrus questioned, finally having gathered enough courage to speak. “What does any of this mean? What deal?”

“She didn’t tell you?” Solaris raised an eyebrow, and as he spotted her look of guilt, he chuckled. “Oh, how precious.”

He turned to address Cyrus properly.

“It’s simple.” He said. “I gave her three, or I guess five, days to cure you. If she couldn’t do it, I’d wipe out Magnolia.”

“What?” The boy whispered, his eyes wide as saucers as he turned to look at her.

For a split second, a look of betrayal flashed across Cyrus’ face, which pained Porlyusica greatly. However, there were more pressing concerns to worry about at the moment, something that the boy seemed to agree with.

“I suppose she didn’t tell you in an effort to protect you.” He added. “How nice of you, lass. But I’m afraid it makes no difference in the end.”

“Wait, Solaris,” Cyrus said, looking back at the Sun God. “I’m not sick anymore. I can travel.”

“You think you can fool me, lad?” Solaris questioned. “Your container is damaged. I can sense it. You’re still ill.”

“But I—”

“And my agreement with her depended on whether she could cure you or not.” He cut the boy off. “As we can see… I’m afraid she had failed.”

Porlyusica lowered her head.

“H-hold on. Even if she—”

“Wait here, lad.” He made his way to the door, ignoring the boy entirely. “I’ll come pick you up once this is over.”

And as they watched the Sun God walk away from them, Porlyusica felt nothing but despair, as Cyrus… Cyrus looked on with ever-growing fury, his power increasing exponentially. Surrounded by glowing outlines of his God Slayer magic, the boy, in desperation, flew directly toward Solaris before he could exit, striking him directly in the face.

The blow was strong enough to push the hulking man a few paces, causing a shockwave that shattered the furniture and created a small crater below them. Solaris, who was left largely undamaged by such a powerful attack, lowered his head and stared at Cyrus with an amused grin.

“Oh?”

“I told you I’m fine.” Cyrus, surrounded by the power of Sun God Slayer magic, insisted with a growl. “I-I might still be sick, but I can handle this power just fine, and I can travel. She did her part, so leave her and Magnolia alone.”

“Impressive.” Solaris complimented. “But you’re in no position to be demanding things from me, lad.”

The boy scowled, and right before Solaris exited the treehouse, he spoke once more.

“If you don’t do as I tell you,” Cyrus added, creating a light dagger and pointing it at his own throat. “Then I’m going to kill myself.”

Both Porlyusica and Solaris paused. The former had no idea what he was trying to do, saying something like that, but if not for this catastrophic situation they were in, she would’ve smacked him on the head for even joking about such a thing.

“Pardon me?”

“You think I haven’t noticed?” The boy’s eyes narrowed. “You want me alive. Need me alive, seeing how desperate you are to keep me that way.”

For the first time since he showed up, Solaris’ smile dropped.

“Even before you offered to take me as a student, you were willing to leave me alive even after wiping out Tulip Town. Even when I could’ve refused to go with you.” He pointed out. “You even went to the best doctor you could find just to make sure I’ll live.”

He wiped out Tulip Town?! Porlyusica’s eyes widened, remembering a peculiar event. That bright light the other day… Could that be?

“You need me for something. I don’t know what it could be— what kind of fucked up agendas you have that involve me specifically, but only an idiot wouldn’t see it.” He hissed. “So, unless you want me to destroy everything you’ve been scheming, you’ll do as I say and leave Magnolia alone.”

“Threatening me by ending your own life?” Solaris snorted. “Did the desperation make you lose your mind?”

“I’m not scared of dying, Solaris. I have nothing to lose, after all.” Cyrus said. “So tell me. Can you say the same?”

“What are you doing, brat?!” Porlyusica exclaimed, realizing he was dead serious. This wasn’t a bluff. He truly was willing to end his own life out of spite. “Are you insane?! Stop this nonsense right now!”

Cyrus didn’t respond, waiting for the increasingly annoyed Solaris to say anything.

“You do that…” He muttered with a threatening tone. “And I’ll destroy all of Earthland.”

“That’s too bad,” Cyrus smirked, pressing the dagger hard enough to draw blood. “But you'd better be prepared for the consequences. Walking the world alone for eternity sounds like an infinitely harsher fate than dying by my hands.”

The Sun God said nothing, staring deep into Cyrus’ soul as the atmosphere grew more and more tense. So much it felt suffocating. Porlyusica couldn’t do anything, only tightly clenching her fists as the boy was mere inches away from slitting his own throat.

But what could she do or even say? Whatever happened between them— it felt personal. Not just on Cyrus’ side, but Solaris’ glare was filled with nothing but hatred for the boy. Yet none of this made any sense to her. What could Cyrus have done to anger a god? Why would this same god take him as an apprentice? And why, exactly, did he need the boy alive?

Eventually, as the atmosphere reached its boiling point, Solaris began to laugh.

“Bravo, Cyrus. Bravo.” He clapped. “I’m impressed. Honestly, I am. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone who would put his own life and the entire world at risk of annihilation just to get me to back out of a deal.”

Both Cyrus and Porlyusica said nothing.

“Very well. You’ve made your point.” He shrugged. “Magnolia will be spared. For now.”

The Healing Mage couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

“But you’re still coming with me.” He added. “Get dressed and meet me outside, lad. We’re leaving now.”

And with that, he finally exited the tree house, leaving Cyrus and Porlyusica inside. The boy quickly returned to her side, helping her up. Naturally, she wasted no time reprimanding him for what he did.

“What were you thinking?! Are you out of your mind?!” She scolded, flinching at the pain in her broken arm. “You could’ve gotten yourself hurt!”

“As opposed to getting all of Magnolia destroyed?” He argued. Almost too calmly for her liking. “I had to do something.”

“And of everything you could’ve done, threatening to take your own life and nearly going through with it was your best idea?” She scowled. “Are you an idiot?”

“Oh, please,” He scoffed. “Really, so what if I died? Does it even matter?”

Porlyusica’s eyes widened.

“Don’t say that!” She yelled at him, grabbing him by the shoulders. “Don’t you EVER say that!”

Cyrus flinched, looking surprised by her outburst.

“Of course, it matters, Cyrus. Your life has a meaning.” She said, lowering her voice. “To even be pushed to think that way— it’s not something that should ever happen to a child. Or anyone, for that matter.”

The boy guiltily looked away.

“You don’t deserve to go through this pain, Cyrus. I need you to understand that.” She affirmed gently. “Your life is just as precious as anyone else’s.”

“…I’m sorry.” He replied quietly. “I didn’t mean to say that. I know you’re just worried about me.”

With a gentle hand on his cheek, Porlyusica made him look at her.

“I want you to promise me that no matter what happens. No matter how hopeless things might seem…” She told him. “You will never cross that line. That you’ll do your best and keep on moving forward.”

“I…–”

“Promise me.” Porlyusica insisted, almost pleadingly, as tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. “Please.”

The boy visibly hesitated, but as he placed his hand over hers, he slowly nodded.

“…I promise.”

The Healing Mage, reassured by the boy’s positive response and grateful look, hugged him tightly. Cyrus reciprocated, soothed by her gentle embrace. Even Porlyusica felt relaxed, despite the pain in her broken arm.

Porlyusica was never good with other people, especially kids. She always found them annoying and disrespectful. A big nuisance she’d rather not deal with for the rest of her life.

“Thank you.” She mumbled, rubbing the back of his head softly.

“For what?” He replied, almost playfully. “I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

But she was going to miss this particular kid.

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– Cyrus –

“Ah, here you are,” Solaris says, pausing as he spots my backpack. “Since when have you had any belongings?”

“Since the idiot talking to me couldn’t wait a couple of months until I’m cured,” I respond. Despite my highly venomous tone, he only tilts his head forward, prompting me to elaborate. “Most of what’s in here is medicine, with a few changes of clothes.”

He hums, saying nothing.

“By the way, you weren’t going around destroying towns when I wasn’t looking, were you?” I question, hoping to rattle him. At least a little bit. “Cuz I’d be pretty mad, and that might push me to do something pretty awful…”

“Please, lad.” He scoffs playfully. “I’m a god of my word.”

“Oh, good,” I say with a bland tone. “Can’t be too sure that the loser in front of me wouldn’t back down cuz he felt mildly inconvenienced.”

I frankly don’t care to piss him off, because now I know he wouldn’t do shit anyway. I had a suspicion that he wasn’t willing to kill me despite his subtle threats, and what happened back in the treehouse pretty much confirmed it. Solaris wants or needs me for something, despite his bizarre hatred for me.

Besides, I really doubt he finds my attitude anything more than mildly entertaining.

“I see you’re a lot more talkative now, laddie.” He chuckles, my insults rolling off him as smoothly as butter. “I like that. Certainly better than the pointless glares and scowls you tried to kill me with.”

“Whatever.” I scoff, following him. “Where are we going, anyway?”

“Wherever the wind takes us, I suppose.” He tells me.

“Great. So you haven’t planned anything.” I sigh. “For a god, you’re pretty fucking useless.”

“Does it matter? All you need to worry about is training. Wherever we’re going should not concern you.” He argues, admittedly making a good point. “Besides, this is more fun. More… ‘adventurous’. Less predictable. Don’t you agree?”

I say nothing, making him snort.

“I’ll take your silence as acceptance.”

I scoff again, then pause for a moment to look behind me. My annoyed expression drops, replaced by a look of sadness. Not how I wanted to part ways with her, but I guess I never really had a choice. I owe her a lot. More than I can repay, I think. She didn’t just save my life. She’s…

…Honestly, behind that grouchy attitude and face that made me think she wants life on the planet to perish, she’s very kind. I might’ve been a little intimidated by her at first, but now, I’m really hoping I’ll get to see her again. I’m not really counting on it, but perhaps one day.

I need to pay her back. Even if I’m not entirely convinced I could ever do so in this lifetime.

After a sigh, I follow Solaris outside the forest, and as the light of the rising sun hits me directly, I suddenly feel… better, somehow. More rejuvenated than I was just a moment ago. Of course, I quickly recognize what this is, and I metaphorically drink in this feeling for a few seconds, taking a deep breath.

The Slayer’s special ability of ‘eating’ their own element… Even though I’m not really doing that yet, trying to eat sunlight that is, it is different being in the presence of the sun. Mind you, I don’t feel stronger by any means, but there’s definitely a difference. And it’s…

“How does it feel, lad?” Solaris asks, noticing my expression of mild surprise.

“…Warm. Great. Wonderful, even.” I respond truthfully. “But I’m not absorbing any sunlight.”

“You don’t have to. Like how a Fire Slayer wizard would feel surrounded by an all-consuming wildfire, or an Ice Slayer wizard in frozen wasteland…” He explains. “From the point your body has accepted my divine gift, this has become your… natural habitat, for lack of a better word.”

I wait for him to finish.

“The perfect climate and conditions for a Sun Slayer wizard.” He adds. “Unlike most other elements, your limits are different. It matters not where you are, as long as the sun shines above you, you are superior.”

I pause for a few moments to absorb his words before replying.

“Is this how you always feel?” I ask, feeling curious.

Solaris laughs.

“Oh, lad. I feel even better than you can imagine.” He answers, confusing me for a little. “Unlike fire or ice, sunlight is everywhere until the sun sets and the moon rises. To be surrounded by your own element for so long can have… interesting effects.”

I quickly catch on to what he’s trying to say.

“I, and eventually you as well, aren’t bound by the Slayer’s need to devour their own element.” He elaborates. “Like how the grass and trees around us, you’re always basking in the sun’s brilliance. Constantly feeding on it. Empowered by its magnificence.”

“You mean… you’re always charged up?” I question, just making sure I’m hearing this right.

“I suppose that’s one way to summarize what I said.” He confirms with a nod.

That… that is insane. To be always in a state beyond your limits— to have an endless supply of energy to draw from as long as you’re below the sun. It would make anyone virtually unstoppable. Hell, just figuring out a way to fly high enough where the sunlight can reach you renders the daytime requirement completely obsolete. Potentially limitless power…

…Holy shit. That’s just being Superman.

“Now you understand what it’s like to be divine,” Solaris says with a toothy grin, making me frown. “Don’t you?”

I shake those thoughts out of my head, knowing I can’t let that power, regardless of how alluring it is, consume me, not with that disgusting mindset of pretending to be better than others, being nearly a requirement to utilize it.

“Get over yourself.” I click my tongue.

It’s nothing more than a tool.

A weapon I’m going to use to kill the bastard calling himself a god.