Even though Maeve's words were phrased as a question, Clyde didn't have a choice in the matter. He would be lying if he said he wasn't interested in how he asured up.
"That would be a good idea."
Maeve smiled at him.
"I know just the place."
She took two steps toward Clyde and grabbed one of his hands. In the next mont, shadows enveloped the two of them, only darkness filled his vision.
Clyde tried to hide his panicked expression, but Maeve saw through his façade. As the shadows began to swirl in a circular motion, she spoke.
"Relax, it's faster this way."
A second ago, they were at the barracks; now they were indoors. The room was made of a strong white material resembling marble, with weapons lined against the walls. Maeve had let go of Clyde's hand and took a few steps away from him.
"Did we just teleport?"
Trying not to laugh, Maeve brought a hand to her mouth.
"In a sense, we did move through space. It's not because I can go wherever I want, though. I am bound by my own authority. One day, you might understand what I an. My soul has undergone three awakenings, allowing so of my actions to transcend natural law."
This was alarming news to Clyde. At this point in the human realm, it was only a rumor that a person could awaken again. The gap between the first and second awakening was big, but not like this.
When Clyde underwent his second awakening, he gained a deeper understanding and control over his powers. Physically, he also beca much stronger than before.
"How can I reach your level?"
Maeve's expression darkened as she looked to the side, her gaze fixed on sothing beyond Clyde's understanding. She let out a somber tone as her eyes closed.
"Your third awakening is not the sa as the second. It would be more accurate to say that it's the abilities that awaken in the third round."
Moving her head, she looked into Clyde's eyes, encompassing his vision.
"Everyone has a will. So are weaker than others, but the biggest difference between yours and mine is simple. I am absolute and you are not."
Clyde watched as the shadows began to form a mask of darkness around her face. Her armor darkened as well, being imbued with shadows. Maeve spoke, her voice calm but commanding.
"If you manage to hit , I will talk about the conditions of my third awakening. Don't worry, I'll be going easy on you. Otherwise, you wouldn't stand a chance."
Clyde stood still, gazing at the darkness.
"Your move, your majesty."
She disappeared from his sight. There was no sound or anything to signify her speed. His sense weren't picking up another person in the room. That was until Clyde felt the darkness break behind him. A familiar scene unfolded as Maeve whispered into his ear.
"Arrogance is the epito of failure."
Her hand shoved Clyde forward, nearly causing him to trip.
The shadows concealed her once more, rendering Clyde's senses useless. Turning around he saw Maeve standing, waiting for his turn.
She might be fast, but Clyde was sure he was faster. Granted, her speed was natural, while his wasn't.
'Let's see how she handles this.'
Clyde closed the gap with explosive force, a trail of sparks tracing his movents. His right fist was already heading toward Maeve's stomach.
When his fist was supposed to make contact, it instead continued to travel forward. Due of the montum, Clyde followed his fist, passing straight through Maeve's body.
Hitting the floor, Clyde had a realization.
'She turned into shadows?!'
Sprawled out on the ground, Clyde felt a boot pressed down on his back.
"You said you would go easy!"
Clyde figured she would be stronger than him, but this was just embarrassing. Thankfully, she didn't realize that her arrogance would allow him to strike.
'Ironic.'
The boot drove deeper into his back, following the sound of her voice.
"Do you expect to pity you that much?"
Clyde was glad that his face was turned away from her. Otherwise, she would have seen a devilish grin.
Unleashing a bolt of energy from his back into her boot, it beca impossible for her to dodge. He wouldn't have done any damage, but that wasn't what he needed to accomplish. Additionally, he would get to test out how his armor held.
"Resorting to cheap tricks?"
Clyde's eyes widened at the sight in front of his face. Maeve was lying down in front of him, her head resting on her arms.
"How!?"
A part of Clyde grieved in agony at the sight of her recurring nightmare of a smile.
"I'll admit, you are more impressive than I anticipated. You've given great insight into your capabilities. It's clear to now that you recently underwent a second awakening. If you truly want to break through the barrier, you should try expanding your limits."
As she lifted herself up, tangible shadows dragged Clyde to his feet. Looking at Maeve, he felt as if a roadblock stood in his way. But he had no but to overco the obstacle.
Clyde spoke under his breath.
"Expand my limits."
It's not like he had many opportunities to push himself after the blackout. Not that he was complaining. Things were different in this place. Being dragged into a war in the underworld, Clyde would now have many opportunities to push beyond his limits. It was also clear to Clyde that this process would take ti. Ti that Maeve assured him he had.
"You ntioned before that ti flows differently here. How much ti has passed in the human realm since I've been gone?"
Maeve put a hand on her chin.
"You have been here for about eight or nine hours. I can't be exactly sure, but no more than several minutes could have passed."
Clyde pondered for a mont.
'Bell... I wonder what's going on up there? You and Lapis are strong, but I'm worried.'
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