Close call

At first, I was a force of nature. I cut down the skeletal soldiers like a seasoned butcher. Nebula, armed with holy water, was slicing through the undead like a hot knife through butter. But their numbers were relentless. I had to weave through the ranks, landing critical blows with deadly precision.

As the battle wore on, I could feel my movements faltering. My footwork became sluggish, my slashes lost their sharpness. The holy water's effect was waning, and each kill demanded more effort. Yet, I persevered, fueled by sheer determination. I sent skeletons flying with powerful punches, my body bearing the scars of the brutal fight. Eventually, I collapsed, gasping, "That took more effort than I thought."

Seeing my weakened state, the Pope summoned more skeletons. I, initially relishing the challenge, soon found myself overwhelmed. I had already vanquished around 300 skeletal soldiers, but they seemed to be infinite.

The holy water had initially given me an edge, allowing me to dispatch the skeletons with a single blow. But as they swarmed me from all directions, its power was suppressed. My body was a canvas of blood and wounds, a gruesome sight for any onlookers.

Despite my dire circumstances, I held my ground. I clutched my sword in one hand, the other dislocated and useless. My body screamed for me to flee, but I stood firm.

The Pope, looking down at me, declared, "All that big talk, and here you stand beneath me, mortal. Remember my face, for I am the one who will free you from the burdens of this world."

Lying battered and bruised after my battle with the Pope's skeletons, I thought, 'Now's the time; he's let his guard down.' Stealthily, I retrieved two bottles - one green, one red. I drank the red liquid and poured the green one onto my nails.

The Pope, engrossed in conjuring a massive fireball, hurled it at me, bellowing, "Die!" The fireball struck with a deafening 'BOOM', causing a tremendous explosion that engulfed the area in hellfire. A huge crater was formed in the dungeon, revealing a massive black sword. The crater was a gaping maw in the earth, its edges charred and smoking, a testament to the destructive power that had been unleashed.

The Pope, taken aback, cautiously approached the sword, wondering, "How? Where did it come from?"

I had used Nebula as a diversion and leapt back before the impact, waiting for the Pope. But then, "What? Where is he… what?.. nooooooo!" The Pope's chest was impaled from behind.

I taunted, "How?!" I continued, "Oh! You thought you were playing with me! Foolish! Why did you think you, despite being D rank, were defeated by me? Because you were dancing in my hands, doing what I wished you to do. Now get lost and don't remember my face while you die, creep."

Then I turned my attention to a small wooden box that had appeared. Inside was a heart, pulsating with vitality, its green veins bulging.

This was the Deadman's Heart, a D-rank artifact. It was a nerfed version of the cheat ability to resurrect people from the underworld. This artifact could bring a single person back from death, but it had a time limit of one week. Despite seeming insignificant, the potential to resurrect a powerhouse was immense. This artifact had fallen into the hands of Lucifer's followers, who had used it to raid the academy with one of the cult's previous heads, resulting in many student deaths.

I thought, 'I will use this to resurrect a very special individual.'

Author's note: Who do you think Orion will resurrect? This chapter marks a significant turning point in Orion's journey, setting the stage for a thrilling new arc. Stay tuned for what's to come!

Clue:

Aura is classified into seven stages:

1. **Initiate Aura (First Stage):**

 - The first manifestation of the warrior's aura.

 - Begins as a faint, subtle energy enveloping the individual.

 - Indicates the initiation into the path of mastering the sword.

2. **Blade-Wielder's Aura (Second Stage):**

 - Develops as the warrior gains proficiency with the sword.

 - The aura intensifies and becomes more visible.

 - Enhances the sharpness and precision of the blade.

3. **Adept's Aura (Third Stage):**

 - Achieved by those who have honed their skills to a high level.

 - The aura radiates with a visible glow, often taking on the color associated with the warrior's style or temperament.

 - Provides heightened reflexes and increased agility.

4. **Swordmaster's Aura (Fourth Stage):**

 - Attained by the elite few who have mastered the art of the sword.

 - The aura becomes a potent force, exuding a sense of authority and power.

 - Grants the ability to channel the energy into devastating sword techniques.

5. **Aura King's Radiance (Fifth Stage):**

 - A rare level achieved only by the most legendary swordmasters.

 - The aura reaches its pinnacle, emanating a radiant and awe-inspiring presence.

 - Allows the warrior to unleash unparalleled sword techniques and exhibit superhuman feats.

6. **Aura Emperor's Dominion (Sixth Stage):**

 - Reserved for the absolute masters, few in existence.

 - The aura transcends the physical realm, becoming a force that can influence the environment.

 - Grants the ability to project the aura over distances, affecting opponents and surroundings.

7. **Aura Deity's Ascendance (Seventh Stage):**

 - The highest achievable level, often bordering on the divine.

 - The warrior's aura attains a transcendent state, embodying legendary status.

 - Enables the manipulation of reality itself through the sheer force of the aura.