Erste and Death were fighting while Blod, Tenma, and Frieda were watching on the sidelines since Erste said he would fight alone. Of course, Blod didn't want to listen to Erste's request at first, but Tenma was able to convince him.
Erste who had grown more and more powerful as he continued to fight was able to match Death in battle despite the other party's abilities to control souls being a little troublesome.
Erste noticed that as long as Death was able to touch a single part of his body he could not use any spiritual power for a period of time, depending on how long he was touched and which part of his body was touched changes the time in which he could not use spiritual power.
There was also that scythe, Erste hadn't been cut yet but he had seen the two dragons receive numerous cuts, and based on what he had observed each cut had greatly diminished their mana supply, which meant that thing was cutting down not only their bodies but also their souls. The powerful soul of a Dragon could withstand numerous cuts, but what about a human?
'I don't know what will happen but I better not get hit by that scythe.'
Erste evaded another attack and countered with a powerful slash that destroyed Death's body, but within seconds a new one appeared. As long as his core isn't destroyed he will always be able to come back, but Erste also noticed that every time Death recreates his body he was getting slightly weaker, and the time to recreate his body was getting a little longer.
As Erste and Death clashed again, Death suddenly backed away which confused Erste greatly.
"I apologize, it seems that I can no longer play with you. I need to deal with your little friends first."
"Are you sure you want to leave now when I already guessed where you're core is?"
The very second Erste mentioned his core Death's demeanor changed the playful aura disappeared. When he felt the oppressive aura of Death, Erste was getting even more excited. The kingdom of Death that was shining with souls suddenly dimmed and an icy frost spread around them.
For the first time since Erste came into contact with the Ancient One who Governs Over Death, the other party finally felt like actual Death. Cold and indifferent to all, this was what Erste imagined Death to be.
"Are you threatening me? Human I have indulged you for so long since you have been entertaining but do not mistake that for weakness."
"Well, I guess I am threatening you, what of it?"
...
[I already told you, I don't plan to die, I plan to win.]
[... Alright then... Good luck.]
[Tenma once you leave unlink me from your telepathy since I need to focus on this fight.]
[Very well, good luck Erste.] Tenma took Frieda and left as well, Erste could also the link he had with the others was gone.
...
"You made your companions leave, you truly looking down on me."
"Quite the opposite in fact, I'm doing all this because I'm taking you very seriously."
"Hmph, despite your numerous transgressions I acknowledge your courage. So human speak your name and I shall tell you mine."
"I'm the human Erste."
"Erste, you shall be remembered. I'm the Ancient One who Governs over Death, my true name cannot be heard by others, but in your human words you can call me Ractocpictan, he who waits at the end. I shall grant you true death."
"True death is it? Heh, I don't think you can do it but you can certainly try. I, on the other hand, am going to take something from you, I'm taking your authority over death."
"So you wish to replace me? If it were any other human what you said would have been laughable and foolish but after meeting you it sounds different. Still, it doesn't matter since you shall no longer exist after this."
Ractocpictan's form changed as his body shrunk into a size similar to Erste's body. Ractocpictan no longer showed different forms instead half his body became a skeleton figure and the other half was that of a decaying man, then the darkness that surrounded them turned into a robe that he wore over his body.
The scythe in Ractocpictan's hand emitted an icy glow just by looking at it one could feel their body growing cold.