Blood River, Consciousness, and Obscurity (First of Three Updates)

"I'm certain you'll die to my Weak Water of Dissolution before you take five more steps."

The face sneered. It grew more distinct, drifting up and down through the curtain of dark rain as it circled Ryan. Its gaze was cool and arrogant; it clearly thought nothing of him.

Ryan remained expressionless and gave no reply.

He merely lifted his leg and took another step.

Heavy rain blanketed the ancient city. He had made it halfway through, leaving a trail of footprints behind him.

Getting through this rain was taking far too long.

He was interested in experiencing the properties of the Weak Water of Dissolution and analyzing the essence of his opponent's Ancient Grand Wizardry. But he had no intention of wasting much more time.

He had learned nearly everything he wanted to know.

Ideas surfaced in his mind. Through Mental Control, he shaped them into words and engraved them in the memory region of his brain.

"Why won't you answer? Do you feel hopeless because you're powerless, or are you afraid?"

The face frowned. Watching Ryan's stubborn persistence seemed to stir something in it. "Give up. You can still save your life and spare yourself annihilation of body and soul. Keep going, and you'll suffer torment unlike anything you've ever known."

"You talk too much." Ryan's lips finally moved.

Combat had many facets. Psychological manipulation was one of them.

He could see his opponent's aim clearly.

It wanted to mislead him with words.

Its true form was what sustained this domain of rain. Once he reached it, the whole thing would fall apart.

"Compared with enemies I've faced before, your corruption is rather shallow."

That was Ryan's assessment of everything his wizard body had felt.

The face's expression froze before it gave a scornful laugh. "Oh? And who