10 A Game of Life and Death
My actions aren¡¯t worthy of praise, nor is it easy to live with the knowledge that I could have prevented so much death. But that was my choice, and I won¡¯t lie to myself or hide behind a veil of righteousness.
After all, I left those people to die. Whether to protect my family or not, the outcome remains unchanged.
I knew my family would struggle to keep the secret. I also knew that if they warned a few people, word would spread. A chain reaction. Streets flooded with panicked crowds, exits blocked by desperate drivers breaking every traffic law in their rush to escape¡ªonly to cause greater chaos.
So I made them promise: say nothing until we were close to the exit. I manipulated my parents, feeding them only the truths that served my purpose. Guilt gnawed at me, but survival demanded it.
Even so, as we neared the highway, they started calling friends and relatives.
By then, I had already decided. I crafted a bulletproof excuse¡ªhow, when, and why I had no proof of what was coming. But still knew it was coming. Then, I posted on my groups and social accounts.
An hour remained when I hit upload. Then, I cut my connection, ignoring the flood of messages I knew would come. Staring out the window, I tried to leave my thoughts behind, just as I left the city where this version of me was born.
Maybe this was fate. On the same day both halves of me merged, the Catastrophe was destined to fall. If I had remained the old me, escape would have been a nightmare. My family¡¯s survival uncertain.
But now, thanks to the system¡ªand Vex¡ªwe escaped. Not just that, but with the money Vex brought back from the Usub Family, we could afford to start over.
When Eden¡¯s countdown reached zero, a system-wide announcement echoed across every connected human in the affected zone.
[ Announcement! ]
Due to severe pollution, Kew Dew City and all territory under its jurisdiction will be designated as a ¡°Wild Territory.¡± Vegetation will overrun the streets and buildings. Beasts will emerge to protect the land. Escape while you can. Find safety.
Disclaimer: The system does not endorse the destruction of the environment or harm to other living beings. Pollution is a poison that affects all life, not just its creators.
Pay attention to your future actions¡ªand do your best to survive.
Good luck!
Five seconds after the notification, it began.
A low hum trembled through the neon-lit skyline of Kew Dew, rattling glass towers and flickering sky-high holograms. At first, it was subtle¡ªa glitch in the city''s chaotic pulse.
Then, all at once, the world cracked.
Vines erupted from the chrome streets, thick and writhing, as if enraged by decades of suppression. They lashed out like starving predators, weaving through cracks in the pavement and wrenching apart the city¡¯s foundation. Concrete split with a thunderous groan as roots¡ªgnarled and ancient¡ªforced their way to the surface, reclaiming what had once been stolen.
Buildings trembled under the siege of nature¡¯s resurgence. Moss crept like a slow infection, overtaking sleek facades, while colossal flowers bloomed in bursts of color, exhaling thick clouds of violet pollen. The air shimmered with floating spores, turning streetlights into eerie halos of bioluminescent haze.
Screams shattered the illusion of evacuation. Not everyone had escaped.
Trees burst through rooftops with explosive force, their branches spearing through steel and glass like jagged spears through flesh. A network of green tendrils coiled through the streets, snatching at fleeing citizens as if the city itself had turned against them.
A woman sprinted down the boulevard, her smart-cloth bodysuit flickering with distress signals. She barely made it a few steps before something wrapped around her ankle¡ªa vine, its veins pulsing with an eerie glow. It jerked her off her feet, dragging her backward toward the gaping maw of a flower too large, too sentient. Translucent teeth glistened with viscous nectar, and deep within its throat, something pulsed hungrily.
Not far from her, combat drones hovered into formation, their turrets whirring as they unleashed rapid bursts of laser fire. The city¡¯s last line of defense. But the jungle was learning. Thorned creepers cracked like whips through the air, slicing through metal, pulling the machines down in a cascade of sparks.
Vault Breakers fought alongside the city¡¯s armed forces, a desperate last stand against the encroaching wilds. Gunfire rattled, voices shouted in overlapping commands, abilities flared in bursts of flux and flame¡ªbut resistance only drew more attention.
The beasts came next.
From the deep shadows of the undergrowth, they slithered, prowled, and stalked forward. Predators reborn from the Catastrophe. A towering creature with four rows of unblinking eyes and jagged, bark-like skin emerged onto the main avenue, its claws clicking against the pavement. It turned its head, inhaling the scent of prey.
A Vault Breaker¡ªa Virean, armed with a neon spear¡ªlaunched into motion, engaging the monster before it could turn on the panicked pedestrians. Their clash sent shockwaves rippling through the asphalt.
Elsewhere, a reptilian beast, its moss-covered body adorned with glowing fungi, released a guttural snarl before leaping onto an abandoned hovercar. Its talons sliced through the reinforced metal like wet paper, sparks flying as the vehicle collapsed under its weight.
Above, the city¡¯s defense turrets locked onto targets, their mechanical arms whirring into place. But it was already too late.
Kew Dew was lost.
A colossal tree ruptured from the center of the city¡¯s main plaza, its trunk a twisting labyrinth of silver and green veins. From its canopy, creatures leapt¡ªhalf-plant, half-animal, their eyes gleaming with an intelligence far older than the civilization crumbling around them.
They were the new rulers of this land.
I watched it all unfold from above, my spirit hovering weightlessly in the air while my body remained resting in the car.
The chaos felt distant, like watching a nightmare from which I had already awoken.
I wouldn¡¯t have survived this. That much was obvious. I was still weak, still untested.
But as I stared at the evolving battlefield, at the city reborn in nature¡¯s wrath, another thought took root.
I had to come back.
This place would be a hunting ground. A place to grow, to increase my rank, to claim whatever treasures the Catastrophe had left behind or created. But for that, I¡¯d need a license. Approval. Neither of which my parents would ever give me.
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They probably wanted me to settle into a new academy, resume my studies, pretend none of this had ever happened.
I sighed.
Guess I¡¯ll have to run away from home, huh?
. . .
"Brother, you''re awake." My little sister''s voice pulled me from the haze of sleep.
"Yeah." I stretched, feeling the stiffness in my limbs. Blinking away the drowsiness, I glanced around. Only the two of us were in the car, parked at what looked like a gas station. "Where are Mother and Father?"
"They went to buy some snacks for the road."
"Snacks?" I muttered, opening the door to get some fresh air. Even though my spirit could separate from my body and drift with the wind, prolonged stillness still affected my physical form.
"Mother said to stay in the car. We can''t leave it alone."
"I''m aware, Julie. Thank you."
I had no intention of leaving my sister alone, no matter how badly I needed to stretch or find a bathroom. Still, a good stretch would do me some good.
One-two, three-four, five-six¡ªI rotated my arms, loosening my muscles.
Pow!
A gunshot shattered the quiet.
The sharp crack echoed through the parking lot, startling me and everyone else nearby. I snapped my head toward the gas station. Flux surged into my eyes, sharpening my vision¡ªbut even with enhanced sight, I couldn''t see inside from this distance.
I didn''t need to.
The people bolting away from the station, their faces twisted in fear, were enough proof.
This can''t be good. I yanked the car door open.
"Lock the car and stay inside," I ordered.
Julie¡¯s lips parted as if to protest, but years of drilled-in obedience took over. I heard the soft click of the locks engaging.
That was my signal.
I sprinted forward, keeping low as I weaved between parked cars. Charging straight to the station would be reckless¡ªI could be spotted too easily. Instead, I used cover, closing the distance as quickly as I could.
When I reached the last vehicle before the station, I activated my ability¡ª[Ethereal Vision].
The world around me darkened, like ink blotting out reality, leaving only a spectral blueprint of my surroundings. Objects glowed with faint blue outlines, their structures clear in my mind. I couldn''t see through living beings, but their forms and energy signatures were visible.
Which was more than enough.
Inside, only three figures moved. Two stood near the entrance¡ªguards. The third was at the counter, trying to hack the terminal. The rest of the people were lying face on the floor.
The gunshot had come from the third guy. Unlike the others, who carried only knives, he had a firearm.
What a pathetic heist, I thought, already moving.
[ Quest: Justice Incarnate ]
Objective: Kill the assailants
Progress: 0/3
Rewards:
- 10 HPF (High-Penetration Flux) bullets
- 120 VP (Void Points)
Accept? [Y/N]
What kind of sick joke is this?
I was about to refuse. The hassle of dealing with the authorities, the wasted time¡ªnone of it was worth the meager rewards. But then it happened.
A sharp breath left my lips, curling into something I hadn''t intended¡ªa mischievous grin.
"Haaa."
The Madman had taken over. I felt its excitement. It felt so... refreshing, so... alive. And with that, all caution was abandoned.
A fragmentation grenade materialized in my palm. I pulled the pin without hesitation, pointed a finger at the closed gas station doors, took aim¡ªand threw. Glass and metal screeched as the doors were forced open by [Telekinesis], just in time for the grenade to soar inside.
"Go kaboom!"
I ducked behind the nearest car, fingers stuffed in my ears, waiting for the explosion.
But nothing happened. Instead, the grenade flickered¡ªthen vanished. It had dematerialized the moment it left my control radius.
Shit. The realization hit like a punch to the gut. I almost slaughtered innocent people.
A cold shiver ran down my spine. My fingers twitched toward the revolver at my hip. I forced myself to breathe.
Focus.
I grabbed hold of a fire extinguisher near the sliding doors, lifting it into the air with my [Telekinesis]. A flick of my wrist sent it hurtling inside.
Bang!
One well-placed shot was all it took. The canister burst open, engulfing the entire station in a thick, blinding white mist.
Time to move.
A [Burst] to my feet, and I was airborne, landing right at the entrance. My eyes snapped shut as I activated [Ethereal Vision]. The world turned to darkness, replaced by spectral blue outlines.
The gunman¡¯s silhouette flared in my mind¡¯s eye. I pulled the trigger.
Crack!
His weapon flew from his grasp, clattering across the floor. I spun, revolver aimed at the remaining two.
"Don''t shoot, man!" One of them raised his hands, voice shaking. "Please!"
I didn''t fire. Not yet.
Up close, they didn¡¯t look like hardened criminals. No gang tattoos, no dead-eyed indifference. Their clothes were worn but not tactical¡ªmore like factory workers than thieves.
Then I checked their karmic score. Not in the negative. They were not evil.
"On your knees. Face down!" I ordered, my mental power grabbing the gunman and slamming him onto the floor next to them.
I crouched low, voice dropping. "Do you have a family? Do you want to see them again?"
They nodded frantically.
"Then what the fuck are you doing here?" I barked, yanking off the cheap plastic masks covering their faces.
The oldest one¡ªtheir leader, maybe¡ªswallowed hard. "We¡ we''re from Kew Dew City." His voice cracked, thin and frantic. "We lost everything. Homes, job, family."
I frowned. Kew Dew...
"We stopped here to refuel when I got the quest," he confessed. "It told me to rob this place."
I stared at him, disbelief simmering into rage. "And you just accept every damn quest that pops up?"
"We were desperate!" The youngest, barely more than thirty, choked out. "Please, my child is in the car outside."
I went still. A breath. Then I whispered, "It happens that I also received a quest."
The air in the station seemed to freeze. Their eyes widened in terror as I continued, voice flat. "A quest to kill all three of you."
A shudder ran through them. The oldest one clenched his jaw, his hands trembling against the floor.
I exhaled slowly. "But what? Should I turn this place into an execution site?"
"Eden!" A voice cut through the air.
Mother. I turned my head.
Her face was pale, her hands gripping the edge of a shelf. After everything we''d been through today¡ªanother near-death experience for her to witness.
I sighed, rubbing my temples.
"Lie on the floor and wait for the police," I told to the thieves. "If you so much as twitch before they arrive, I¡¯ll kill you on the spot."
My energy flared for emphasis. "For your knowledge, I¡¯m a Virean. A future Vault Breaker. Don¡¯t be foolish enough to test my capabilities."
The three robbers flattened against the ground, barely breathing. Tension bled from my shoulders. I stepped past them, heading for the back of the store.
"I want a box of spicy chicken drumsticks," I muttered to my mother on my way to the restroom. "Please."
11 Blood and Sigils in the Mist
¡°Iskar, what are you doing?¡± Lanee asked from under the tree.
¡°There¡¯s a spirit, Mother. It¡¯s calling me,¡± Iskar replied, his eyes following something unseen to the naked eye.
¡°A spirit? And what kind of spirit is it?¡± Lanee asked with a smile, her hands busy sorting medicinal herbs.
¡°I can''t see it clearly, but I think it¡¯s one of nature.¡± Iskar jumped to catch it.
¡°Nature itself is made of a variety of spirits, dear. And if you try to catch it like a butterfly, it will likely flee. Spirits don¡¯t like to be restricted,¡± Lanee explained.
¡°They don¡¯t like to be restricted?¡± Iskar paused mid-step. ¡°Then why do they live in rocks and trees? Aren''t they trapped there?¡±
¡°That is their home, so they feel comfortable. That''s where they were born.¡±
I opened my eyes, awakened by the sergeant''s voice.
Ahh, I still remember that day as if it were yesterday. Back then, my mother wasn''t afraid for me.
We, the Zamatos people, believe in and treasure the spirits, even though most of us cannot see or interact with them. I chose to nurture my connection with them, following the teachings of the old books, as my grandmother had trained me. But to walk that path, I had to defy my family and society, who thought me insane.
Not everyone in my world was Zamatos. Be they Vireans¡ªFlux Masters¡ªor Nuvans¡ªordinary people without the ability to control the Flux, not everyone believed in the existence of spirits. Even though my mother was a Virean and followed the Zamatos beliefs, she feared for me.
My questions and curiosity about the spirits and the other world became so intense that they dominated my studies as a child.
Scene: Night HALO Jump from a CC-130 Military Transport Plane
Location: 25,000 feet above the Test Site¡ªa beast-controlled valley.
Objective: Beast Hunting
¡°Listen up! We¡¯re over the DZ in sixty seconds! Check your altimeters, confirm your gear! This is a High-Altitude, Low-Opening jump¡ªstay sharp and control your descent!¡± Mason¡¯s voice crackles through their helmets.
Eden says nothing, silently checking his oxygen mask and backpack straps one last time.
¡°Be careful out there,¡± Mason advises, his tone momentarily softer. ¡°This test is critical for both your future and our country''s. But your lives matter more. Don''t throw them away for the solo test unless it''s your last option. You can always take the group test later and still become a certified Vault Breaker. So be careful, especially the younger ones. We can¡¯t afford to lose capable Vireans like this.¡±
The recruits complete their final checks, tapping their equipment and giving thumbs-ups. One recruit, Diaz, only twenty-one, double-checks his altimeter. His hands tremble slightly¡ªhe''s nervous.
Sergeant Mason notices. He steps toward Diaz, voice firm but calm. "Diaz! You good?"
Diaz nods quickly. "Yes, Sergeant! Just checking everything twice!"
Mason smirks. "Good. But checking three times won¡¯t keep you from freezing up at the door. You trained for this. Trust your gear, trust your training."
Diaz exhales sharply and nods again. The green light flicks on above the ramp¡ªGo Time.
Mason turns back to his post. "Green light! Stand up!"
The recruits rise in unison, gripping their static lines. The wind blasts into the cabin as they approach the open ramp. Mason makes a final signal to the pilot, confirming the drop zone below. He then looks back at the recruits, giving the hand signal for countdown.
"Ten seconds! Get ready!" Mason shouts. "No matter where you land¡ªtree, grass, stone, or water¡ªI expect you to make it out of any situation."
"Yes, sir!" everyone replies in unison.
"Good luck!"
The sleepy recruits shuffle forward, eyes fixed on the night sky ahead. The world below is nothing but darkness, the faintest outlines of ridges and valleys visible through their NVGs. The altimeter clicks closer to their drop point.
"Five¡ Four¡ Three¡ Two¡ ONE¡ªGO! GO! GO!"
One by one, the recruits leap from the ramp, vanishing into the black void below.
We were supposed to be twenty. But one of the guys quit as soon as the plane took off.
Now, the guy in front of me seemed to have a change of heart. He stopped right at the edge, hesitating.
"Diaz, do you quit?" Mason asked.
"I''m not sure what to do, sir," the young man replied.
"There¡¯s no time to think. Jump or pull back!" the sergeant¡¯s voice barked inside our helmets.
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Diaz braced himself, preparing to jump, but still hesitated. So, I helped him decide¡ªI kicked him out of the plane.
"Efficiency is key," I told the sergeant before leaping.
I had no intention of wasting my time. I had been abducted, chained, and deprived of sleep before they even asked if I still wanted to board the plane. There was no way I was in the mood to waste time on an indecisive sleeping head. Hell, if there were no repercussions, I would''ve dragged the instructor down with me as payback for how they treated us¡ªthe so-called participants in this test.
That¡¯s why the solo test was harder than the group one. Because of the harsh conditions we were forced to endure even before reaching the test site.
Only those left with no choice¡ªor the crazy ones¡ªtook the solo test. I was neither, but passing it would grant me the freedom to act on my own, to take missions without a team. So it was a necessity for my future plans.
The rush of air engulfed me as I stabilized, spreading my arms and legs. The altimeter ticked down¡ª20,000 feet¡ 15,000¡ 10,000. At 4,500 feet, each of us pulled our ripcord in sequence. The canopies snapped open, yanking us upward for a brief second before we settled into a quiet, controlled descent.
I landed on a tree, cutting my straps free the moment I touched the branch.
Each of us carried only a few rations, two water containers, a dagger, and our registered weapons. In my case, that meant my double revolvers¡ªpretty much useless with the bullets I had and the beast I planned to hunt.
Guess I''ll have to snatch a weapon if the opportunity arises. Now, who was the poor bastard that came here with a sword? I tried to recall.
No sword. No paper doll talismans. From what I¡¯d gathered, this world¡¯s people had no clue what those even were. The previous Eden had no knowledge of them either.
Well, I¡¯d have to make some.
Weak spirits couldn¡¯t roam freely without something to anchor them. The stronger ones could linger at a place or event, but even they weren¡¯t completely unbound. Cautiously, I searched for a suitable type of leaf or grass to craft makeshift talismans¡ªsomething to help my stored spirits connect with this world.
Under the cover of night, I moved through the forest in silence. The test had two requirements: first, survive. Then, bring back proof of the beasts you killed.
So far, things were going smoothly. I found a decent enough spot to rest and wait in silence.
I didn¡¯t have to wait long.
An oversized gray wooddog picked up my trail. Tough as tree bark, the beast¡¯s real weapon wasn¡¯t its bite¡ªit was its raw strength. A single pounce could knock a mancer to the ground, and after that, you were at its mercy.
Think of a pitbull. Now slap on an extra hundred pounds, stretch it to about 1.5 meters in height, and pump it full of steroids. That ain''t a pet. It¡¯s a walking bulldozer with enough destructive power to wreck your day.
Maybe not quite as much as your pissed-off wife, but close.
From my perch on a tree branch, I watched the wooddog pace in circles, trying to figure out how to get me down.
This won¡¯t net me many points, but it¡¯s a start. And a source of blood.
I pulled out Tyago, one of my revolvers, and took aim. No deafening gunshot echoed through the forest¡ªjust a faint hiss of searing heat as I pulled the trigger twice in quick succession.
The beast sensed the danger, leaping to the side. The first bullet only grazed it, leaving a smoking wound. The second, however, punched straight through its skull.
The wooddog hit the ground with a dull thud.
[ +17 SP ]
I had to move fast. Blood and fresh prey were an open invitation to things I wasn¡¯t ready to deal with yet.
Placing a leaf talisman made with a few droplets of my own blood on the dagger''s blade, I infused it with flux, enhancing the weapon''s sharpness and durability. Then, I forced my dagger into the beast¡¯s neck, rupturing blood vessels to pool the blood where I could reach it.
Some spilled onto the ground¡ªtoo much. Any natural hunter passing nearby would pick up the scent in an instant.
Ohh, it¡¯s a dog-eat-dog world out here. And an even doggier one out there.
Dipping my thumb into the silver blood of the wooddog, I began drawing sigils on the leaves. The first two I created immediately transformed into ravens as I bound the spirits to them with a focused intention.
Now, I had another two pair of eyes to help me scout the area¡ªat least until the spirits¡¯ power ran dry.
The valley reeked of old blood and damp earth. Jagged cliffs loomed over the mist-choked expanse, their shadows stretching long as the first rays of morning pierced through like golden spears. Gnarled, skeletal trees stood like forgotten sentinels, their bark cracked and hollow.
Somewhere below, they lurked¡ªmonstrous things, all gnashing fangs and sickly breath, prowling between the ruins of a world long abandoned by humans.
Eden crouched at the edge of a crumbling ridge, his sharp gaze scanning the valley. Twin revolvers¡ªTyago and Puma¡ªrested easy in his gloved hands, their silver barrels dulled by a coat of dried mud. The cold morning wind pressed against his armor, but he remained motionless, listening.
Then, the growl came. Deep. Guttural. Close.
Eden didn¡¯t move¡ªnot yet. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled a small leaf talisman. A whisper left his lips, words laced with intention and flux. The talisman pulsed, then burst into flickering embers that twisted and reformed¡ªYigo, a fox-shaped shikigami wreathed in ghostly blue fire.
"Find them," he murmured.
Yigo shot forward, a streak of pale flame weaving through the underbrush. Seconds later, a shriek split the air¡ªhigh, sharp, unnatural.
Eden¡¯s pulse quickened. He cracked his stiff neck, checked the membranous rounds in his revolvers¡ªstill mud-covered, still not the best model¡ªthen dropped from the ridge. The moment his boots left the ledge, his mental power cushioned the fall, guiding him into a crouch amid the valley¡¯s twisted trees.
The mist churned. Then, they came.
A hulking, wolf-like beast with too many eyes and a maw that split too far down its neck lunged from the fog, claws raking stone as it charged. Behind it, two more slithered from the darkness¡ªone a reptilian horror with chitinous plating, the other a twisted stag, its exposed ribs pulsing like breathing gills.
Eden¡¯s lips curled into a grin. "What¡¯s this, a high school reunion?"
The first beast leapt.
He fired.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The last two purple bullets punched through its body, splattering black ichor across the tree trunks.
[ +25 SP ]
Before the body even hit the ground, Eden spun¡ªhis legs whipping through the air as the second beast lunged. Puma barked twice¡ªBANG! BANG!¡ªeach shot slamming into the creature¡¯s plated chest.
It staggered. But it didn¡¯t fall.
Damn. Nice armor you got there. Better than mine, anyway. I glanced at the deep scratches in the plates across my chest.
The third beast came from the right¡ªsilent, fast. I had one second to react.
Eden gathered his focus, pouring flux into the mental-layer shield woven around his body. The stag lunged, its jagged horns slamming into his side. A burst of force sent him airborne¡ªright above the creature¡¯s opening ribcage, which split wide like a flower''s maw.
12 Encounter
Eden twisted midair, his free hand flashing through a quick sign. The talisman ignited, burning with spectral energy.
"Summoning¡ªPurifying Flame of Agaves!"
From the void, violet flames erupted, swallowing the stag-beast in an inferno. Eden kicked off the air with a [Burst], propelling himself out of reach before landing smoothly a few meters away.
The stag screeched, its thrashing form engulfed in fire, the scent of charred fur thick in the humid air.
[ +19 SP ]
The reptilian brute snarled, its wounds closing too fast.
Eden clicked his tongue. "Figures."
Reaching into his utility belt, he pulled out a fresh leaf talisman, this one inked in deep silver. With a flick of his wrist, he slapped it onto Puma¡¯s barrel. The sigils pulsed, absorbing his flux and glowing in eerie violet patterns.
"Let¡¯s see how you heal from this."
The beast lunged. Eden sidestepped, raised Puma, and fired. A single shot was out, sharp and precise. The bullet struck true¡ªstraight into the creature¡¯s open maw. The impact sent a tremor through its body. Cracks spread across its form like fractured glass. Then, in a silent explosion of ash, it disintegrated into nothingness.
[ +12 SP ]
Silence fell. The only sounds were the distant echoes of battle, rustling through the verdant trees.
Yigo returned to Eden¡¯s side, his spectral tail flicking as his form flickered. Moments later, his energy exhausted, the fox disappeared in a puff of embered mist, leaving behind a charred leaf that fluttered to the damp ground.
Eden exhaled, spinning Puma once before holstering it.
"Yeah, yeah. I know. Should¡¯ve saved the talisman," he muttered before Vex could even ask the question.
¡®Then why, Patron?¡¯ Vex¡¯s voice resonated in his mind.
¡®I never made that talisman from a leaf and silver blood before. No clue if it¡¯d work or not. Better to test it here than in a fight where my life¡¯s on the line.¡¯
¡®True words, Patron.¡¯
Eden rolled his shoulders, a small smirk tugging at his lips. Then, he extended a hand and uttered with mild excitement¡ª
¡°Harvest.¡±
Like shadows rising from the abyss, three immaterial entities slithered from the remains of the fallen creatures. Black as ethereal charcoal, two of them held solid forms, while the third wavered like smoke in a breeze.
A subtle yet absolute force pulled them toward Eden¡¯s palm.
[ Harvest Results:
+2 Dark Spirits
+1 Spirit Wisp
+4 Soul Residue
+2 Blood Essence ]
Eden studied the dark spirits for any lingering hostility before absorbing them into his inner world. They melted into his chest like ink dissolving into water. The Blood Essences would be valuable¡ªuseful for crafting stronger, more stable talismans, among other things.
The wavering spirit was different. A fragmented, unstable existence. It could be wounded, or merely a scattered fragment of a thought, an echo left behind. Commonly known as a spirit wisp, such entities lacked consciousness, driven only by chaotic instincts and faint, fragmented memories absorbed from the world.
It couldn¡¯t be channeled into a spell, bound as a shikigami, or merged into an object. But it could be dismantled and refined into soul residue¡ªa key material for crafting sigils, dolls, marks, weapons, potions, and countless other tools of a Soulmancer.
The problem? Refining required a spiritual flame and a proper refinery.
Neither of which Eden had. Nor did he know anyone who did.
"Now," Eden shut off his night-vision goggles, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Let¡¯s up the game a little."
After inking another talisman with a Blood Essence and storing the remaining one in the empty water container, he moved toward his next target.
The swordsman.
He was locked in combat, closely watched by a raven shikigami, as he battled a Vinorhine¡ªa monstrous hybrid of rhino and plant. Thick vines twisted around its body, creeping over its wounds as it healed. The more damage it took, the stronger it became if left unchecked.
From a safe vantage point, Eden observed the fight unfold. He wasn¡¯t interested in the Vinorhine¡ªhis real focus was the swordsman¡¯s capabilities.
The beast charged, uprooting trees in its frenzy.
The swordsman, however, didn¡¯t panic. He moved with precision, evading the attacks rather than clashing head-on, testing the creature¡¯s defenses with swift, probing strikes.
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Eden narrowed his eyes.
The swordsman¡¯s speed was impressive¡ªhis movements light, his attacks carrying the unmistakable sharpness of wind-attribute flux. No doubt, he was a specialist, someone who had honed their abilities toward a singular focus.
But something was¡ off.
What¡¯s with the positioning of his legs? The Achilles tendon shouldn¡¯t stretch that much. And his ankles? They shouldn¡¯t be able to support those angles, let alone propel him with such speed.
His feet adapted perfectly to whatever surface they landed on, producing near-instantaneous acceleration with each step. Through the shikigami¡¯s eyes, Eden hadn¡¯t noticed it. But now...
He activated [Ethereal Vision].
Ah. That explains it.
The swordsman''s energetic structure wasn¡¯t fully human. The flow of flux through his body was¡ altered.
Genetically engineered. No doubt about it. They must have enhanced his reflexes, his overall movement speed¡ªyet if his abilities as a Mancer remained all-rounded. That would give him an edge even over other specialists.
Unlike me.
I¡¯m something of an all-rounder Mancer¡ªsomeone who balances offense, defense, and utility instead of excelling in just one. But this guy? If he has a strong will, my mental tricks won¡¯t work on him. In a straight-up fight, he has the advantage.
The three primary specializations of a Mancer: Damage. Defense. Speed. Many Mancers choose to be all-rounders for adaptability, for survival. But specialists? They dominate in their chosen field.
Specialists¡ªsingle-point experts. All-rounders¡ªmediocre at everything. The outcome shouldn¡¯t need an explanation.
In my opinion, no path is objectively superior. Specialists have glaring weaknesses. All-rounders lack mastery. Masters of no craft, weak against true specialists¡ªwhether Mancer or beast.
Among specialists, people claim there¡¯s no inherent advantage between types. But I fear defense types the most. Damage versus speed? It¡¯s situational. One might win, the other might lose, depending on the fighter.
But a capable defense specialist? Against a damage or speed specialist, the fight drags on with no clear winner. Some defense-type Mancers specialize so deeply that even high-tier damage specialists struggle to break through their defenses.
And that¡ is a problem.
Anyway, I can do without a sword. Not my preferred model, anyway. With that thought, Eden turned to leave.
¡°Going somewhere?¡± A voice rang out from the front.
Eden reacted instantly, dropping into a stance¡ªone hand gripping Puma, the other reaching for a leaf talisman.
¡°Is it right to watch a movie without paying for the ticket?¡±
The voice echoed again. Eden activated [Ethereal Vision], scanning for the source. There¡ªsame energetic signature as the swordsman who had been battling the Vinorhine moments ago. Only now, he was leaning casually against a tree.
But that fight¡ was still going on.
Using his shikigami¡¯s eyes, Eden confirmed it¡ªthe swordsman was still engaged with the Vinorhine.
So, what was this?
Twin? Doppelg?nger? Mirage?
¡°What,¡± Eden asked, relaxing his grip on Puma, ¡°would you have preferred? That I joined the fight?¡±
¡°Ohohoh, that would¡¯ve been up to you.¡± The swordsman¡¯s double chuckled. ¡°But still, I¡¯m no work of art for you to watch without paying.¡±
¡°You poor or something?¡± Eden deadpanned, subtly scanning his surroundings.
¡°Ahahaha! Not at all.¡± The young man¡ªArnold¡ªlaughed, stepping forward. ¡°Leave behind what you gathered from the beasts, and you can go.¡±
¡°Mmm? You mean the spoils of my hunt?¡± Eden¡¯s tone turned amused. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a little arrogant? Even for someone with a double?¡±
Arnold laughed again. ¡°And how did you know it was me?¡±
Eden shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know who you are. Just that you and the other one have the same scent, aura, and everything else.¡±
¡°So you can sense it?¡± Arnold stepped out from behind the bushes. His gear¡ªjust like everyone else¡¯s in this test¡ªmasked his facial features completely.
Eden studied him carefully. His presence¡ I didn¡¯t even notice it. That was odd. Very odd. He prided himself on his senses.
"For how long have you known I was here?" Arnold pressed.
Eden kept his voice neutral. ¡°Does it matter?¡±
¡°Yes. Yes, it does.¡± Arnold¡¯s tone carried a note of finality. ¡°It¡¯ll decide what I do with you.¡±
¡°Yeah¡ you do realize we have body cams on us, right?¡± Eden said casually.
¡°And I hope you realize those cameras can be easily destroyed, right?¡±
Of course, I do. That was exactly what I planned to do with his.
Then¡ªEden¡¯s gaze flickered to Arnold¡¯s helmet. The socket where the camera lens should have been was¡ empty.
Tch. Is already off. Just like mine. Which meant¡ªneither of us wanted others to know what we¡¯re capable of.
The technology to transmit visual feed directly from the eye to an HQ existed. But it was banned unless used with consent.
¡°Guess that means neither of us wants to be watched,¡± Eden mused.
Arnold smirked. ¡°Oh? No, no. That¡¯s not the case for me. I come from a somewhat prominent background. My usual abilities are well known.¡± He said it without a hint of hesitation. ¡°It¡¯s a requirement if you want to establish yourself in a Union. Earn trust. Secure a spot in a team.¡±
¡°Mmm, that¡¯s if you want to join a team. I wasn¡¯t trained for that purpose,¡± Eden replied, his words carefully measured. His gaze sharpened as he sensed ripples of eagerness in Arnold¡¯s energy. ¡°Were you planning to attack me?¡±
¡°Pfft, what made you think that?¡± Arnold smirked.
¡°What if one of us dies?¡± Eden shifted his weight onto one foot.
¡°That wouldn¡¯t have been an issue at first. But you don¡¯t seem ordinary either. So I suppose I¡¯ll have to let you live. Would be a hassle if you had someone influential backing you.¡± Arnold drew his serrated sword.
¡°Mmm? That¡¯s reassuring,¡± Eden said, channeling flux into a leaf talisman. His lips curled into a pleased smile. ¡°Allowing me to live¡ What beautiful words. The melody of survival, the thrill of another fleeting moment. Simply wonderful.¡±
¡°What the hell are you on?¡± Arnold asked, stance tightening.
¡°Don¡¯t mind me. I have a tendency to dramatize things.¡± Eden grinned. ¡°ERUPTION!¡± He flicked the talisman mid-air. Flames erupted, spiraling into a raging inferno that surged toward Arnold.
A single step. A slight push off his toes¡ªArnold blurred out of the way. Another step brought him slashing at Eden in a seamless counter. Flux and mental power surged around Eden¡¯s arm as he blocked the strike, his other hand leveling Puma at Arnold¡¯s ribs.
Bang!
Arnold dodged before the bullet even left the barrel. He spun mid-air, delivering a sharp kick toward Eden¡¯s neck.
Eden ducked low, sweeping at Arnold¡¯s leg¡ªbut the latter vaulted into the air, twisting as his blade carved through the wind. A razor-sharp arc of wind blades tore toward Eden. He raised a combined flux-mental shield, the invisible force shattering the attack upon impact.
Arnold landed a few meters away, making no move to follow up. He simply studied Eden. ¡°Mental power, huh?¡±
Eden cracked his neck. ¡°Genetically engineered, right?¡±
¡°Something like that.¡± Arnold spun his sword idly. ¡°Psychic?¡±
¡°More or less.¡± Eden pulled another talisman, pointing toward Arnold¡¯s feet. ¡°Mechanical enhancements or DNA mods?¡±
¡°Feline DNA.¡±
Eden nodded. Arnold charged.
¡°Mesric Four¡ªArua-hano!¡±
Arnold¡¯s sword slashed diagonally, its tip igniting with energy. A massive wildcat¡¯s head materialized, its jaws wide open as it lunged to consume Eden whole. The spectral beast crashed into the ground, detonating on impact. A crater formed, sending dirt and howling winds outward. Every plant in the vicinity withered into brittle husks.
Eden perched atop a tree branch, where his crow shikigami had been moments before. ¡°Decay? Poison?¡±
Arnold turned, locking eyes with him. ¡°Decaying wind.¡±
¡°Yeah¡ I don¡¯t want to know what that does to human flesh.¡± Eden leveled both revolvers and fired.
Arnold moved like a shadow, tiptoeing through the barrage with effortless grace.
¡°You¡¯d recover in a few weeks,¡± Arnold called out with a smirk. ¡°And a lot of moisturizer.¡±
¡°Yeah, I think I¡¯ll pass on that.¡± Eden smirked, holstering Puma and Tyago before plucking an apple from thin air with a flick of his wrist.
13 A Gap Too Wide
He bit off the apple''s stem with his teeth before tossing the fruit toward Arnold. ¡°Here, have a snack!¡±
Arnold, mistaking it for an actual apple, instinctively slashed at it with his sword. A grave mistake.
The apple exploded on contact, the force of the blast sending Arnold tumbling across the ground. His protective flux flared in response, rippling like a shattered barrier.
¡°You don¡¯t like fruit?¡± Eden teased, his grin widening as he materialized an RPG out of thin air. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger. The rocket shot forward, streaking toward Arnold in a deadly arc¡ª
Then it vanished.
The RPG in Eden¡¯s hands disappeared as well, dissolving as if it had never existed. His amusement faded, replaced by a sharp furrow of his brow.
¡°That trick won¡¯t work twice,¡± Arnold said, bouncing lightly from one foot to another, his stance playful yet unreadable.
Eden''s mind raced. What just happened? He activated [Ethereal Vision], searching for the missing piece of the puzzle.
¡°But you¡¯re an odd one,¡± Arnold continued, watching him with intrigue. ¡°For someone who¡¯s not even a Vault Breaker, you can create illusions that reshape reality. Your parents must be really proud.¡± He smirked. ¡°Say, are you interested in joining my Union, Epigron Magnus?¡±
That name. Epigron Magnus. The No. 1 ranked Union in the country. The old Eden would have been floored by the invitation.
But the current Eden? He was too stunned by what he had just discovered to care.
¡°Technoflux?¡± he muttered under his breath.
With [Ethereal Vision] active, he could finally see it¡ªthe subtle yet undeniable distortion in their surroundings. The trees, the earth, every material object around them flickered, their structures fluctuating between solid matter and streams of numerical data¡ª0s and 1s. Reality itself was glitching, shifting between physical and energetic states.
To process something like this required an inhuman mind and computational speed.
Or¡ something simpler.
An interference zone. A disruption caused by vibrations, frequencies, or a technological force counteracting the natural flow of energy.
Technoflux. And its source?
Eden''s gaze snapped to Arnold¡¯s head.
So, that was it. Arnold wasn¡¯t just genetically enhanced¡ªhe was able to affect the physical world, even though slightly. He was actively interfering with the binary code that made up the material world. Thus rendering illusion and materialization useless.
A youth who can block illusion or reality altering attacks.
They must''ve poured a ton of resources into his enhancements. Eden exhaled slowly. ¡°Well¡ that¡¯s annoying.¡±
His senses jolted alive. Danger.
Instinct took over. Eden spun around just in time, his arm¡ªcoated in mental power and flux¡ªintercepting the serrated blade aimed at his back. His other hand snapped up, Tyago already aligned with his assailant¡¯s abdomen.
Bang! Bang!
Two short shots flared out.
Both bullets passed straight through, the figure¡¯s body flickering like a glitch in reality. For a brief moment, its form wavered, revealing the presence of a small technological device¡ªa cube¡ªfloating within its structure.
A projection? A construct?
Eden didn¡¯t wait to find out. With a [Burst] of energy, he propelled himself backward, widening the distance.
¡°What¡¯s annoying? My invitation?¡± Arnold¡¯s voice called out from the ground.
¡°Your abilities.¡± Eden corrected, his gaze flicking between Arnold and the advancing double. ¡°This copy of yours¡ does it work the same way as a shikigami?¡±
¡°A what?¡± Arnold asked, visibly intrigued.
Eden sidestepped another attack, then suddenly shifted forward. Catching the double¡¯s wrist, he forced an opening and drove his elbow into its helmet¡ªa clean, solid hit.
Yet¡ nothing. No recoil, no stagger, no reaction at all.
What is this thing?
Activating [Ethereal Vision] once more, Eden examined it. Its energetic structure was identical to Arnold¡¯s¡ªtoo identical. No distortions, no clear separation between the original and the copy.
Except¡
His gaze locked onto it. A pulsing energy signal roamed through the body, perfectly mimicking the flow of flux within a living being. That¡¯s why it felt real. The cube wasn¡¯t just controlling the double¡ªit was replicating the natural movement of energy, fooling even his senses.
Then I just have to disrupt it.
Calculating its trajectory, Eden shifted his stance. Tyago¡¯s revolver had one last bullet. He took aim¡ª
Bang!
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The bullet struck true. The cube sizzled under the impact, jolting the double¡¯s body into a flickering mess before it vanished, taking its weapon with it.
Arnold¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What the fuck¡?¡±
Before he could react further, Eden reached out with his mental power, snatching the damaged cube from midair. He examined it briefly before smirking.
¡°I¡¯ll claim this as my reward.¡±
Arnold¡¯s form blurred.
Eden barely had time to focus on the connection with his raven shikigami before Arnold''s body appeared before him.
¡°You won¡¯t claim anything!¡±
A flash of gray steel. Arnold¡¯s shimmering sword lunged forward, aimed directly at Eden¡¯s abdomen¡ª
But he was gone.
The blade pierced through a leaf that withered shortly after, its fragile form crumbling into dust. Arnold stilled, scanning the area before exhaling sharply. He sheathed his sword.
¡°What a strange individual,¡± he muttered before turning away, walking toward the Vinorhine¡¯s corpse.
. . .
¡°Mmm¡ That was close,¡± Eden muttered, exhaling through his nose. ¡°Speed, speed, speed. Bothersome.¡±
He pulled out Tyago¡¯s barrel and loaded another eight bullets. No shells remained after firing¡ªeach bullet encased in a membrane that activated on impact, igniting the flux stored within to propel the energy forward. A compact, efficient design.
Once his guns were ready, Eden retrieved two leaf talismans, channeling his flux into them. The assigned spirits took form¡ªtwo ravens that took flight to watch over the area.
Satisfied with his security, he leaned back, stretching on the ground. A strip of seasoned, dried meat and a few sips of water¡ªthat was all he had for eating and drinking. It was enough. His body, still recovering from the adrenaline surge, couldn¡¯t handle much more anyway.
Entrusting his safety to the shikigami, Eden shifted into a lotus position. Eyes closed. Breathing steady. He began absorbing the ambient flux, filtering out impurities as he replenished his reserves.
Fortunately, the air here wasn¡¯t polluted. Which meant less time wasted on purification.
Half an hour passed. After taking care of his basic physiological needs, Eden got moving. The sun was high now. He needed to hunt a stronger beast¡ªnot only to pass the test but also to gather ingredients for a potion he planned to concoct.
Then¡ª
¡°What¡¯s that?¡±
His shikigami had found something. A body. Or rather, half of one.
Armor shattered. Bow broken. Water canisters crushed against the dirt. Blood splattered across the ground, drawing in swarms of insects to feast on the remains.
Unfortunate.
Eden arrived at the scene, staying concealed within the dense foliage. Another participant at the test was already there, inspecting the corpse.
Truly unfortunate. Taking risks sometimes leads to nothing.
Eden got up, continuing his search. His focus remained on his real target. A Root Serpent. This species wasn¡¯t just a lethal predator¡ªit was also a valuable resource. A single serpent could provide potent medicinal ingredients.
Yet more often than not, the hunters became the hunted. It disguised itself as an ordinary root, lying motionless until prey wandered too close. Then¡ªlike a coiled spring, it would strike. Most people had no way of telling the difference between a Root Serpent and actual plant matter.
But Eden? [Ethereal Vision] erased the deception.
Taking out Puma, he scanned the tangle of thick, ancient roots. He inhaled. Aimed. Exhaled.
Bang!
The bullet struck the suspected root. No reaction.
That, in itself, was a reaction. A regular root wouldn¡¯t remain unscathed after taking a direct hit from a high-penetration flux round.
Eden smirked. ¡°Are you seriously going to keep pretending?¡±
He pulled out a leaf talisman, infused it with flux, and assigned a spirit to it before tossing it toward the disguised serpent. The talisman flared¡ªmanifesting as a steel chain that coiled around the fake root.
A single hand sign from Eden, and¡ª
The chain crackled, bursting with electrifying force. That, should¡¯ve fried the serpent.
Yet¡ nothing happened.
Losing patience, Eden fired a few more rounds. Same result. Nothing.
The serpent remained unscathed.
¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Achieved nirvana or something?¡± Eden muttered, pulling out his remaining talismans. ¡°Vex.¡±
Summoned by his master, the damned spirit entered the leaves. The sigils flared to life, shifting as the talismans transformed into a humanoid figure¡ªresembling Eden.
¡°Patron.¡±
¡°Walk near the roots over there.¡± Eden gestured toward the cluster of tangled roots. ¡°A serpent tougher than a morning hangover is lurking there. It¡¯ll try to attack you. I want you to kill it¡ªbut don¡¯t damage its upper half. Can you do that?¡±
¡°A serpent, Patron?¡± Vex¡¯s gaze swept over the area.
¡°Yes, Vex, a serpent.¡± Eden sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate it. I¡¯m out of talismans, so I¡¯ll have to use the spirits to create a barrier if things go south. So please, HELP ME OUT IN THIS TIME OF GREAT NEED!¡± He gestured dramatically.
Vex tilted his head. ¡°Is everything alright, Patron?¡±
¡°It¡¯s been way too long since I¡¯ve had a proper nap.¡± Eden grumbled. ¡°On top of that, I ran into some strange guy earlier. It¡¯s been a full damn day. I might be a little irritable¡ªso bear with me.¡±
Vex studied Eden¡¯s face as if searching for deception. Then, without another word, he turned and strolled toward the cluster of roots. The moment he was within reach¡ªlike a coiled spring snapping free¡ªthe serpent struck.
Its fangs darted toward Vex¡¯s neck, only to be stopped by a black layer of flux.
¡°As expected. This species really is vicious.¡± Eden observed from a safe distance.
The serpent flicked the tip of its tail free from the ground, swiftly slithering through the roots after its failed assassination attempt.
Lightning-fast¡ª Vex snatched the snake¡¯s body, yanking it upward. The beast coiled around his arm in retaliation, squeezing with crushing force while its fangs repeatedly bit at his flux barrier.
Vex studied the serpent calmly. ¡°Good skin.¡±
With a precise movement, he raised two fingers¡ªa sharp flux blade materialized at the tips. He sliced along the snake¡¯s body with surgical precision.
The serpent convulsed violently. Vex then lifted its head to eye level, meeting its gaze.
Abyss met nature.
Something dark and incomprehensible flickered within Vex¡¯s existence¡ªthe serpent froze.
A single, shuddering breath. Then, silence.
Eden watched with frustration. Vex had handled it effortlessly. And just as easily, he peeled the skin away from the body¡ªsomething Eden knew he would have struggled to do on his own.
¡°Patron!¡± Vex turned, presenting the intact leather and blood-dripping corpse.
¡°Harvest.¡±
[ Harvest Results:
+1 Spirit Wisp
+1 Soul Residue
+1 Blood Essence ]
Eden exhaled, extending a hand. ¡°Thank you for your hard work, my dear Vex.¡±
Vex tilted his head. ¡°For some reason, you don¡¯t look too happy, Patron.¡±
Eden loaded the materials into his pack, grumbling, ¡°I¡¯m just jealous. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±
¡°Jealous, Patron?¡± Vex blinked. ¡°Of me?¡±
¡°How strong would you actually be if you had a physical body?¡± Eden countered with a question of his own.
Vex considered for a moment. ¡°If the compatibility is high and the body is in good condition, I could likely regain over 70% of my original strength from when I was alive in the material world.¡±
Eden clenched his jaw. Seventy percent?
¡°Yeah¡ I don¡¯t even want to know how strong that actually is. Thanks.¡±
¡°Is something bothering you, Patron?¡±
Eden let out a slow exhale. ¡°Ahh. You just reminded me how insignificant my power really is. That¡¯s all.¡± His lips curled into a wry smile. ¡°I was starting to believe I was strong¡ just because of a few successes and a weak environment. But that¡¯s the thing¡ªit wasn¡¯t that I was strong. It was that those around me were weak. And that¡¯s a massive difference in perspective.¡±
For the rest of the test, Eden did nothing but meditate. Not to accumulate flux, but to clear his mind. Thoughts churned relentlessly, a storm he couldn¡¯t silence.
But if he couldn¡¯t even control his own thoughts¡ªhow could he heal the split in his consciousness? How could he ever be free¡ if he was still trapped in a prison of his own making?
14 The Way to Knowledge
With nightfall approaching, the remaining test participants¡ªfourteen in total¡ªgathered in the center of the valley, where a temporary military base had been established around the plane for the duration of the trial.
In order to pass the test, all the participants were required to arrive before midnight and present the spoils of their hunt. Each type of beast found in the valley had a designated point value.
If their trophies met the required threshold, they would pass the test and receive their certificate. If not, they would be barred from applying for the solo test for the next five years.
¡°Congratulations to all who have successfully passed the test!¡± Sergeant Mason announced, addressing the nine recruits who had met the requirements.
¡°Salute, Sergeant Mason!¡± all test participants responded in unison, regardless of whether they had passed or failed.
¡°After a short three-day rest period, a transport will arrive to escort you and your families to the grand induction ceremony for the Vault Breakers Corps. There, you will swear your oaths and complete the necessary formalities. Afterward, you will receive your Exo-Rig suits¡ªyour standard armor for mobility and aerial warfare. Further details will be provided at that time. Any questions?¡± Mason asked.
¡°I have one, sir.¡± Arnold stepped forward. ¡°Who came in first place?¡±
¡°There is no ranking in this test. Are you that eager to find out if someone was better than you?¡± Mason asked.
¡°Yes, sir. I want to know if my abilities were enough to secure first place.¡± Arnold responded without hesitation.
¡°If you lack confidence in your abilities, train harder to improve them. If you already believe you''re the best, then why do you need validation, recruit?¡± Mason countered.
¡°I need no validation, sir.¡± Arnold stepped back into line.
¡°Any more questions?¡± Mason asked.
Silence followed.
¡°Then board the plane and get some well-earned rest!¡± he commanded, dismissing everyone.
. . .
¡°Eden, my dear, how have you been?¡± My mother pulled me into a tight hug the moment I stepped inside the house.
It was pointless to mention that it was already 3 AM. She had clearly been waiting for me all night.
¡°Tired. Very tired and annoyed,¡± I muttered, returning her embrace.
¡°Tired? But you passed the test! You¡¯re a Vault Breaker now!¡± My father grinned, lifting me up with a bit of effort.
¡°Even Vault Breakers need sleep,¡± I muttered through a yawn.
¡°Have you eaten? Do you want something before bed?¡± mother asked, concern evident in her voice.
The pride shining in my parents¡¯ eyes seemed to fuel them with boundless energy. Despite the late hour, they looked more alive than ever.
¡°All I want is to collapse onto my bed. Nothing else,¡± I told them.
We lived in a new house now, bought with the money Vex had obtained from the Usub family. It wasn¡¯t quite the same as the old one¡ªnot in a bad way, just unfamiliar. The furniture, the design, the atmosphere¡ªit all felt foreign. But after days of little to no sleep, a simple bed was more than enough for me.
¡°Alright, son. Get some rest. We¡¯ll talk more tomorrow,¡± my father said. ¡°The academy replied to our request¡ªthey¡¯ve accepted your registration.¡±
¡°The academy?¡± I muttered, already making my way to my room. Who the hell has time for that?
I barely made it to the bed before collapsing face-first onto it. My body demanded rest, but I had more important things to do than black out for hours.
Even though I hadn''t lived here before, my parents had set up my room just the way I liked it. The scent of sandalwood incense curled through the air. I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply, letting the slow rise and fall of my breath anchor me.
I had done this countless times before¡ªbut never with such intense resolve.
Tonight, I would push past the veil. Beyond dreams. Beyond meditation. To the place where all knowledge resided.
Time was an illusion, yet under the weight of uncertainty, I couldn¡¯t afford to waste it. By day, I would train my body, energy, and mind. By night, I would leave my flesh behind and learn. Just as I had in my previous life as Iskar.
I focused on the steady rhythm of my heart, willing myself to slip free of the body tethering me to this world. A vibration started at the base of my spine, rising in waves, until my perception wavered. The physical world melted away, dissolving like mist.
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Then¡ªrelease.
I floated above my own form, a shimmering silhouette weightless in the void. The veil between worlds had thinned, and something ancient, patient, called to me. I followed the pull, soaring upward as the earthly realm faded beneath me.
Stars streaked past, their light humming in a language older than time. I moved beyond them¡ªpast dimensions filled with luminous and shadowed beings, past whispers of old prayers still echoing in the ether.
And then, with unwavering intent, I arrived.
The Akasha Library stood before me.
It was not made of stone or wood but something alive¡ªwoven from thought itself. Its spires stretched into infinity, shelves spiraling in impossible patterns, holding every truth, every moment, every soul¡¯s story.
I stepped forward, my astral form humming in resonance with the place. The energy here was vast¡ªoverwhelming yet serene. A presence emerged from the shifting air. Not solid, not fixed¡ªjust an outline of light in constant motion.
"You seek knowledge." The words didn¡¯t pass through air but bloomed directly in my mind.
I swallowed, steadying myself. "Yes. I want to understand."
No matter how many times he came here, standing before these pure entities, Eden couldn¡¯t help but feel awe. Their luminous forms exuded an air of quiet power¡ªneither benevolent nor cruel, only resolute in their purpose. Their neutrality was absolute, their devotion unwavering, their radiant presence demanding respect from all who entered their domain.
¡°To enter, you must pay 1,000 SP.¡±
A translucent prompt materialized before him.
[ Do you accept the entrance fee of 1,000 SP for the Akasha Library? ]
[ Y/N ]
Eden barely hesitated. "Sure."
[ -1,000 SP ]
The guardian¡¯s voice resonated through his being, less heard than felt. "What do you seek?"
Eden hesitated.
Before him lay the sum of all knowledge, every secret of existence contained within these endless halls. He had so many questions, yet choosing only one felt like a cruel limitation. The weight of infinite possibilities pressed down on him, demanding clarity.
Finally, he spoke with a steady voice. "I want to learn the best way to increase my strength."
The guardian raised a hand, and reality shifted.
In an instant, they were elsewhere. The shelves rearranged themselves, folding and unfolding like the turning of a great cosmic mechanism. Before him, on a lone pedestal, rested a massive tome of pure, radiant energy. Its surface shimmered, as if woven from strands of the universe itself.
Eden stepped forward, drawn by an invisible force. The book sensed his presence, opening on its own.
The pages were not made of paper but flowing light. They did not contain words, only visions.
Eden watched as fragments of his soul¡¯s past emerged¡ªlifetimes stretching across eras. A scholar, buried in scrolls and ink-stained hands. A healer, mending wounds with both touch and wisdom. A wanderer, treading countless roads in search of meaning. And lastly, a spirit, in front of an army of spirits.
Each version of the higher self had pursued evolution in different ways. Some had sought knowledge, others discipline. Some had wielded steel, others the mind. Every choice branched into infinite paths, some leading to power, others to ruin.
A shiver passed through Eden''s/Iskar''s being, and he pulled back. This was not a single answer but a tapestry of existence. Iskar and Eden''s own existence were part of that tapestry. Fragments meant to unite with their higher self after their mortal experience had finished.
Something that Iskar felt resistance against.
The path to power was not something to be given¡ªit was something that the higher self had always been shaping. But¡ was this truly what Iskar had sought? Was the only way for him to merge with his higher self? And to risk losing his own sense of self in the process?
Or was there a way to refine his path separately? An idea took root in his mind.
Eden turned back to the guardian, his expression thoughtful. "Perhaps my question wasn¡¯t the right one. Or perhaps¡ it¡¯s too costly to return here every time I need guidance." A slow smile formed. "Are you interested in making a deal, Mr. Librarian?"
The guardian¡¯s light pulsed. "Ajausha make no deals. We are the eternal wardens of knowledge."
"You have all the knowledge in the universe here. But tell me¡ªhow much of it have you truly experienced?"
The guardian stilled. "Experience?"
"You can study every recorded event, every memory, every possibility. But has the question never arisen within you?" Eden stepped forward, voice calm yet insistent. "How would it feel to live those experiences firsthand? To be inside time rather than observing it?"
The guardian did not react at first, but Eden felt something shift in the air¡ªan imperceptible ripple of thought.
"Ajausha were created to preserve and protect knowledge," the being finally said. "We have no need for experience."
"Yet you remain confined here, surrounded by everything and nothing at the same time," Eden pressed. "You know all, but do you understand why existence moves forward? Why time was created?"
"Time is a construct of the lower dimensions," the guardian replied. "It serves many roles. But its true purpose is something only those who evolve may understand."
Eden nodded, sensing an opportunity. "Then let¡¯s simplify it. Of past, present, and future, which is most important?"
The guardian did not hesitate. "The present. It is the only point from which both past and future may be altered."
Eden smiled. ¡°Have you never wondered what it would be like to experience life as it happens, rather than just learning from the echoes of the past?¡±
¡°Time does not exist here,¡± the Warden explained. ¡°What you do, have done, and will do¡ªall possibilities are recorded within these halls.¡±
¡°Then does that mean my choices are meaningless?¡±
¡°Quite the opposite. Every choice you make shapes the experience of your current perspective, while simultaneously expanding and collapsing the possibilities of your next actions.¡±
Eden leaned forward. ¡°And don¡¯t you wish to see through my perspective? To understand emotions beyond mere theory? To feel the thrill of making a choice without knowing what the future holds?¡±
The Warden remained still, unchanging in both vibration and aura.
¡°What do you propose? Granting me direct access to your personal perspective? That would mean knowing someone is observing your every moment.¡±
¡°That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m offering,¡± Eden replied. ¡°I don¡¯t just live as a human¡ªI exist as the Hollow Seraph. I don¡¯t know how significant my perspective is in the grand scheme of things, but I know it is unique. And there is value in uniqueness. As for privacy, I am well aware that the Source itself learns from my experiences. In a way, I am already watching myself. But on a lower dimensional level, such an observation is external. We are constantly watched¡ªby lesser spirits, by the very air we breathe. You, a neutral entity, are no different.¡±
The Warden rippled before responding. ¡°And what is it you seek in return?¡±
It was a good sign. Now, Eden only had to name a price the Warden wouldn¡¯t find too steep.
¡°I want to learn everything related to my path as a Soulmancer without having to come here and pay an entry fee each time.¡± A thought surfaced in his mind. ¡°If possible, I want a way¡ªfor knowledge to come to me as I progress, revealing answers to my questions.¡±
15 Exo-Rig: Skyborn Division
¡°You¡¯re asking for an open source of wisdom, linked directly to this library, capable of revealing the answers to your questions?¡± The Warden asked.
¡°Yes,¡± Eden admitted. ¡°At this stage of my existence, the cost of entry is more than I can afford if I intend to visit every night. More importantly, leaving my body defenseless while I¡¯m here is a risk I can¡¯t take. If I could study in my astral form while remaining near enough to watch over my body, that would be the perfect solution.¡±
"For a fragment of a concept such as yourself to devise a plan like this is highly commendable. However, I cannot accept your terms," the Warden rippled. "Not because your existence does not interest me, but because you have already made this deal with me once before. This existence of yours is several lifetimes too late."
Eden tensed. "What do you mean? Has another fragment of myself¡ªor perhaps my higher self¡ªalready struck this bargain with you?"
"Precisely," the Warden confirmed. "And while I understand that your existence as this fragment suffers from a severe split in consciousness, I strongly advise you to stop resisting yourself. Waging an internal war for something you don''t understand will only weaken you. I have seen the future of this existence of yours, and I can assure you¡ªit is a short-lived one."
"Then please summon another Librarian to speak with me. If you are not interested, I will make the deal with them instead." Eden struggled to hold back his fury.
"There is no other Warden but me. No matter how many separate beings you perceive¡ªwe are all one and the same."
What the... How can this be?
. . .
The three days had passed quickly, with Eden spending more than half of them asleep. Partly because he was exhausted, but mostly because he was angry. How could the librarian tell him his existence was short-lived?
Refusing to make the deal was one thing, but this¡ªtelling someone they wouldn¡¯t outlive the moon¡ªwas something else entirely. Then again, "short" was a relative term, so he shouldn¡¯t dwell on it too much.
Still, it did nothing good for his mental state. And now was time for the ceremony to take place.
The Hall of the Vaultbreakers was vast, its ceiling swallowed by darkness. Eden and the others stood at the center of the grand chamber, encircled by veterans of the order. Their imposing, suited forms cast long shadows across the polished obsidian floor.
Banners of past conquests lined the walls, each depicting a legendary Vault or battle they had conquered. Today, after years of rigorous study and training, the new recruits would take their oath in front of their family, friends, and superiors.
The air shimmered with anticipation as Ceremonial Instructor Varros stepped forward. His sleek, dark silver suit was lined with circuitry that pulsed dimly in the low light. In one hand, he held the first-ever obtained item¡ªa ceremonial blade, a curved dagger recovered from the very first Vault that had appeared.
The weight of history pressed upon the recruits¡¯ shoulders. Yet Eden stood unshaken.
"Step forward, Eden del Richo," Varros intoned when Eden¡¯s turn came, his voice reverberating through the hall.
Eden took a steady breath, studying the blade with more interest than the ceremony itself.
He had passed the trials¡ªthe grueling tests of skill, intellect, and endurance. He had deciphered ancient Vault scripts, survived simulated entrapments, and emerged victorious from the solo test. Now, all that remained was the vow.
Varros extended the blade. "Kneel."
Eden dropped to one knee.
"Do you swear upon the Vaultbreakers'' Creed?"
Meh, if necessary¡
"I do," Eden said, his voice firm.
"Do you swear to break into the Vaults and rescue those trapped inside? To place your life on the line to stop whatever lurks within from escaping? To travel to other planets and bring back resources for the future of our nation? To slay the beasts that threaten civilians and defend our land from all enemies, foreign and domestic?"
I swear to always do whatever benefits me the most.
"I swear it."
"Do you swear never to use what you find for selfish gain, nor allow such knowledge and artifacts to fall into unworthy hands?"
I swear to always do whatever benefits me the most.
"I swear it."
"Then rise, Eden del Richo. From this moment on, you are a Vaultbreaker."
Eden stood. The moment the words left Varros¡¯ lips, a thunderous cheer erupted through the chamber. Veteran Vaultbreakers clashed their fists against their chests in a resounding chorus of approval.
Maria and Paulo shed tears of joy and pride for their son¡¯s achievement. His sister clapped her small hands, beaming as her brother approached.
Once the last recruit had sworn their oath and the formalities concluded, the newly inducted Vaultbreakers gathered before Varros.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
A rare smile crossed the instructor¡¯s face. "Now, come. You must be equipped."
The words everyone had been waiting to hear.
. . .
The armory was unlike anything Eden had ever seen. Rows of suspended armor pieces floated in containment fields, bathed in the cold blue glow of stabilizing energy. Engineers moved between them, tuning interfaces, running diagnostics, and preparing the gear that would soon belong to the newest members of the order.
Varros led Eden deeper into the chamber, past rows of conventional armor, past suits equipped with built-in gravity stabilizers and thermal regulators, until they reached a raised platform at the very end of the hall.
There, suspended in containment fields, were the Skyborn Exo-Rig armors.
Eden¡¯s breath hitched.
The armor before him was unlike anything he had ever seen¡ªsleek and imposing, a fusion of matte black plating and luminescent energy veins that pulsed like a living entity. The segmented plates allowed for full mobility, while micro-thrusters lined the back, shoulders, and calves, promising speed and agility beyond human limits.
A thin, transparent visor extended from the helmet, feeding a live stream of environmental data, tactical overlays, and biometric readings.
Varros gestured toward it. ¡°This,¡± he said, ¡°is the pinnacle of our craft. The Skyborn Exo-Rig is reserved only for those who endure the most grueling trials. It is not merely armor¡ªit is an extension of your will, designed to adapt to your unique specifications and capabilities. From this batch, only you and one more person had been chosen as fit to wear this armor.¡±
Eden took a hesitant step forward, and the armor responded.
The containment field flickered off, and the suit unfolded with a mechanical whisper, its sections shifting like clockwork gears, revealing the hollow space within.
¡°Step in,¡± Varros instructed.
Eden obeyed.
The suit sealed around him seamlessly, locking into place with a faint hiss as pressure equalized. And then¡ª
A surge of information flooded his mind.
The Rig¡¯s onboard AI synchronized with his neural pathways in an instant, the connection so smooth it was as if the armor had always been a part of him. Eden wasn¡¯t just wearing it¡ªhe was it. Diagnostics scrolled across his visor in crisp, efficient lines.
Systems Online.
Flight Stabilizers Engaged.
Energy Shields: Full Capacity.
Weapon Modules: Standby.
Then, one final message blinked into existence.
Welcome, Skyborn.
Eden flexed his fingers. The armor responded with perfect precision¡ªno delay, no resistance, just raw, effortless power.
This thing isn¡¯t like a suit. It¡¯s¡ alive.
He rolled his shoulders, testing the range of movement. The plates adjusted accordingly, shifting with a near-organic fluidity.
Varros smirked. ¡°Try it out.¡±
Eden didn¡¯t hesitate. With a single thought, the thrusters ignited.
A rush of energy surged through him as he launched into the air. The force of acceleration should have knocked the breath from his lungs, but the Rig compensated instantly, dispersing inertia and stabilizing his body in mid-flight.
He twisted, banked, then dove, the motion as natural as if he had been flying his entire life.
¡°This is incredible!¡± he shouted over the comms.
Varros chuckled. ¡°You haven¡¯t even unlocked half of its capabilities yet.¡±
Eden executed a tight roll before descending. The moment his boots touched the ground, the thrusters cut off with impeccable timing. Engineers watched from the sidelines, murmuring their admiration¡ªanother Vaultbreaker had taken to the sky.
Varros stepped forward and clapped a hand on Eden¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Welcome to the Skyborn Division.¡±
Eden¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Skyborn?
Varros continued, ¡°Only a handful of Vaultbreakers have the honor of joining this division. With this armor, you¡¯ll be able to travel anywhere¡ªno aircraft required. Even crossing the nexuses into other worlds will be possible. But,¡± he added, his tone firm, ¡°you won¡¯t be given permission to do so anytime soon, so you don¡¯t need to worry about leaving your home planet just yet.¡±
I wasn¡¯t planning to leave now anyway. But¡
¡°What do I have to do to receive permission to enter the gates?¡± Eden asked.
Varros met his gaze, eyes sharp with expectation. ¡°Experience,¡± he replied. ¡°And achievements. In other words, successful missions that will build the foundation of your Vaultbreaker career.¡±
Eden nodded slowly. ¡°I see. Can I request specific missions, or are they assigned?¡±
Varros folded his arms, regarding Eden with a measured look. ¡°You have the freedom to choose your missions. Why? Do you have something specific in mind?¡± He paused before adding, ¡°I should also warn you¡ªif you remain inactive for more than a year for reasons unrelated to health, your certification will be revoked. And if that happens, you¡¯ll still be forced to participate in missions, but without the privileges of a Vaultbreaker.¡±
Eden met his gaze without hesitation. ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem. But thanks for the warning.¡± His voice carried quiet certainty. ¡°And yes, I do have something in mind¡ªKew Dew. I want it to be my first mission.¡±
Varros raised an eyebrow. ¡°The wild zone?¡± His tone was laced with both curiosity and mild disbelief. ¡°For your first mission?¡± He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. ¡°That¡¯s ambitious¡ªbut I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t be allowed to take it on alone. Kew Dew is classified as high-risk, even for experienced Vaultbreakers.¡±
Eden didn¡¯t flinch. He had expected resistance.
Varros continued, studying him for a moment before relenting. ¡°That being said¡ we do have a group scheduled for deployment there. Most of them are part of the Unions, but there are a few freelancers among them. If you''re serious about this, I can have your name added to the list.¡±
"Please do."
. . .
[ Kew Dew: The Wild Zone Metropolis ]
Once a beacon of progress, Kew Dwe now lay in the grasp of nature¡¯s relentless reclamation, its towering spires half-shrouded in creeping vines and shattered glass. Neon signs flickered feebly, their messages distorted by time, while cracked holo-billboards displayed fragmented ghosts of forgotten advertisements.
The roads, once slick with the hum of hover traffic, had become a labyrinth of crumbling asphalt and root-choked overpasses. Skyscrapers, built to defy gravity, sagged under the weight of ivy and moss, their skeletal remains housing things far less human than their architects had intended.
Through this eerie expanse, a group of Vaultbreakers advanced¡ªshadows against the storm-lit skyline. Their reinforced boots crunched over glass and brittle bones alike as they moved in formation, rifles humming with stored energy, visors scanning for movement.
They were trespassers in a world now ruled by the feral and the forgotten.
Low growls echoed from the darkness between ruined alleys. Red-glowing eyes flickered from within shattered apartment complexes. The city had new occupants now¡ªbeasts twisted by the vegetation that swallowed Kew Dew.
Hulking forms slinked through the ruins, some draped in bio-luminescent fur, others armored in crystalline scales that refracted the dim glow of malfunctioning streetlights.
The Vaultbreakers stopped at an intersection where a collapsed mag-rail train lay half-submerged in a sea of foliage. The scent of damp earth and rust filled the air. Overhead, the sky, once dominated by sleek drones and blinking planes, stretched vast and empty, punctuated only by the distant cry of unknown predators residing atop the skyscrapers.
This was no longer a city. This was a hunting ground.
16 Into the Ruins: Where Death and Fortune Collide
At the military base serving as the command center for border defense in the southern part of the wild zone, transport planes touched down, delivering the Vaultbreakers participating in the third exploration mission.
The moment the Vaultbreakers stepped on solid ground, the more experienced and high-ranking members clustered together, switching their comms to a private frequency.
Beyond the base¡¯s borders, remnants of once-suspended highways lay in ruins. These bridges, which once ensured smooth and fast travel regardless of the terrain below, were now nothing more than crumbling pillars.
The lake beneath them teemed with beasts, while others prowled through the overgrown fields and hilly remnants of old farmlands.
¡°Listen up!¡± Grange¡¯s voice rang through everyone¡¯s comms as his silver-winged Exo-Rig stepped forward. As the team leader of Epigron Magnus, he addressed the assembled group with authority. ¡°We¡¯ll split into smaller teams. I¡¯m sure each of you came here with your own mission in mind. Moving as a single group of 54 will only attract powerful beasts and make stealth impossible.¡±
¡°I agree with Grange. Splitting up will be more effective,¡± said Shay-Zu, Captain of the Davaliris Union¡¯s exploration team.
¡°That¡¯s right,¡± added Franklin, captain of the Moshero Beta Group. ¡°If anyone runs into danger, the nearest team will provide backup. Does that work for everyone?¡±
A freelancer named Bozok stepped forward. ¡°So how do we decide these teams?¡±
¡°The Union members will stick together,¡± Grange replied. ¡°We were sent here with specific missions. As for the rest of you, team up however you want¡ªbut let¡¯s be clear about one thing.¡± His gaze swept over the freelancers. ¡°No stepping on each other¡¯s toes. That means no poaching loot from major ground bosses and no encroaching on another group¡¯s hunting zone.¡±
Bozok scoffed. ¡°So the big Unions get to act on their own, while the rest of us scramble for whatever¡¯s left? And what about these ¡®zones¡¯¡ªdo we get to choose where we go?¡±
¡°Yes,¡± Grange confirmed. ¡°My team will head slightly west of the city before advancing further.¡± With a flick of his wrist, he projected a holographic map, marking his intended route.
At first glance, the map seemed unremarkable¡ªplain, unmarked, and lacking details on wild beast territories. But those with the right connections, particularly among the influential Unions, could read between the lines.
Grange¡¯s chosen path led straight to the nest of the Spartan Grovers¡ªa quadrupedal beast resembling a triceratops that laid valuable eggs.
Individually, a Spartan Grover was classified as a B-rank threat, but in groups, their danger level could escalate to A or even S if they entered a berserk state together. However, their eggs, shells, thick flux veins, and even the long muscle fibers along their spines were highly valuable.
But was Grange really planning to raid the nest with just his seven-man team?
Shay-Zu wasn¡¯t so sure about that.
But in any case, all the major Unions had their own agenda for this place. Prying into another team¡¯s business wasn¡¯t his job¡ªthough he wouldn¡¯t mind knowing Grange¡¯s plan. Maybe even stealing whatever his team was after, be it valuable items or important information.
¡°Then we¡¯ll head straight forward,¡± Shay-Zu said, drawing an arrow on the holographic map, marking a path toward the city¡¯s center.
¡°You plan on going that far?¡± Grange¡¯s voice came through the comms.
¡°I don¡¯t believe my actions are any of your concern, Captain,¡± Shay-Zu replied coolly.
¡°No, of course not. Just curious,¡± Grange chuckled. ¡°With the strength of your team, reaching the center shouldn¡¯t be a problem¡ though whether you survive the journey is another matter entirely.¡±
Shay-Zu smirked. ¡°No need for concern, Captain Grange. If anything, we might be the ones collecting your remains from a beast¡¯s nest. I hope you¡¯ve done plenty of good deeds before coming here¡ªotherwise, your karma might keep you in this place forever.¡±
Grange scoffed. ¡°Does Captain Zu still believe in childhood superstitions? Oh, I forgot¡ªyou also believe in ghosts and energy retribution. For someone who¡¯s seen how the system really works, you sure cling to outdated convictions.¡±
¡°I¡¯m not sure which of us is truly blind,¡± Shay-Zu countered. ¡°If you¡¯ve abandoned the old ways and put faith only in what today offers, then you¡¯re nothing more than a rootless man with no sense of tomorrow.¡±
¡°Enough, both of you,¡± Franklin interjected, stepping between them. ¡°We¡¯ve got our own objective.¡± He marked a circle on the map near Shay-Zu¡¯s arrow. Unlike Grange¡¯s mark, which edged toward the city¡¯s core, Franklin¡¯s was closer to the periphery.
¡°Two more Unions are participating in this mission,¡± Franklin continued, shifting the conversation. ¡°Aspiro-NGR will be coming from the western base, while Richter will start from the northern base and, if my intel is correct, also head toward the city center.¡±
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
¡°Yes, I know that much,¡± Grange said. ¡°But what about Aspiro? Any word on their destination?¡±
¡°No,¡± Shay-Zu answered. The rest remained silent.
¡°Very well. Good luck to you all,¡± Grange said, shutting off the hologram and taking his leave.
¡°Eh, Eden!¡± A familiar voice crackled into his comms. It was a private channel¡ªnone of the others seemed to hear it. ¡°How have you been?¡±
A slight push on his shoulder made Eden turn.
¡°Well, well,¡± Eden said. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m not the only one who got their hands on a Skyborn suit.¡±
¡°Did you doubt me?¡± Arnold smirked.
¡°Not really. But how did you recognize me? I don¡¯t recall sending you a picture of my suit.¡±
¡°I came across your profile while browsing the market,¡± Arnold joked. ¡°I even know what you look like and where you live.¡± His smirk widened. ¡°That¡¯s why I told you to join my Union. No matter how talented you are, without a strong Union backing you, you¡¯ll hit a ceiling. There are things you simply can¡¯t achieve alone.¡±
¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll think about it,¡± Eden replied, giving Arnold a firm pat on the back. ¡°Good luck out there.¡±
¡°You too,¡± Arnold said before heading off to join Grange and the rest of his team.
As Eden watched him disappear into the distance, another transmission crackled inside his helmet.
¡°Hey, Skyborn, do you copy?¡±
Eden turned, scanning his surroundings, before spotting Bozok motioning for him to come closer.
¡°Yes?¡±
¡°I see you¡¯re not tagging along with the other groups,¡± Bozok noted, gesturing toward the departing squads.
¡°No,¡± Eden confirmed.
Bozok studied him for a moment, then asked, ¡°How old are you?¡±
¡°Does it matter?¡±
¡°Yes. Your voice sounds too young. Do you have any field experience?¡±
¡°This is my first mission. I passed the solo test last week.¡±
Bozok let out a sharp exhale. ¡°Your first mission? Shit.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°Alright, what about that suit? You any good with it?¡±
Eden activated his holographic display, revealing his B-grade piloting rank and C-rank combat proficiency.
¡°Not the best, but I manage,¡± he said.
Bozok studied the stats before nodding. ¡°That might do. Are you here for experience or materials?¡±
¡°Both.¡±
¡°Alright. We¡¯re heading east¡ªit¡¯s less crowded,¡± Bozok said, gesturing toward a small group of four behind him. ¡°Interested in joining us? Having another Skyborn on the team would help with recognition.¡±
Eden glanced at the group. Their armor and gear weren¡¯t much different from those of the Union squads. Another Skyborn stood among them, while the rest wielded Zion rifles and neon weapons similar to his own.
¡°Are you all freelancers?¡± Eden asked.
¡°No. Just the two of us,¡± Bozok said, nodding toward another man. ¡°Those two are from a smaller Union, and that one just joined a newly formed one. What about you?¡±
¡°Arnold invited me to join his, but I¡¯m skeptical,¡± Eden admitted, watching for Bozok¡¯s reaction.
¡°Arnold? The guy from Grange¡¯s squad?¡±
¡°Yeah.¡±
Bozok raised a brow. ¡°You do realize they¡¯re from the top Union in the country, right?¡±
Eden smirked. That was exactly the response he¡¯d expected. He wasn¡¯t looking for praise¡ªmentioning Arnold¡¯s invitation was a calculated move, one that would make Bozok see him as someone with value. Someone not to be treated as a mere scout or errand boy.
¡°So what if they¡¯re at the top?¡± Eden shrugged. ¡°They¡¯ve got their own problems, don¡¯t they? I¡¯m just not sure they¡¯re the right fit for me.¡±
Bozok chuckled. ¡°Hah. It¡¯s smart to be cautious with a choice like that. You value your freedom, huh?¡±
¡°Yeah.¡±
Bozok nodded approvingly. ¡°Alright then. So, you coming with us?¡±
¡°Yes,¡± Eden said, extending a hand. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m Eden.¡±
¡°Bozok,¡± he replied, shaking it firmly.
. . .
After leaving the base, the group of six advanced steadily through the wild zone. The terrain was rugged, a mixture of cracked roads, overgrown ruins, and twisted remnants of the past denizens. They navigated cautiously, avoiding unnecessary conflicts with the wildlife that prowled the area.
By the end of the first day, they had covered significant ground, and the distant silhouette of the ruined city loomed ahead. With nightfall approaching and the increased risk of predators emerging from the shadows, they decided to set up camp.
They took shelter beneath the remains of a collapsed water tower, its rusted frame providing partial cover. Around the perimeter, they set up motion sensors to detect movement, while small automated turrets were positioned to guard the entrance.
As the group sat around the flickering glow of a contained energy lantern, the only sounds were the quiet rustling of ration packets and the occasional clink of metal against metal. Each member ate and drank from their supplies, engaging in idle chatter, though their conversations held an undercurrent of caution.
From time to time, subtle glances were thrown in Eden¡¯s direction¡ªsome curious, others unreadable. He had removed his helmet to eat, exposing his youthful face, which only fueled their silent assessments.
A fresh recruit, a Skyborn, and a virean. He was like an anomaly among them.
A single sentinel was assigned to stand watch, rotating shifts once per night. Despite the exhaustion settling over the camp, no one truly slept soundly that night. Helmets remained on, save for brief moments when one dared to pull it off for a sip of water.
Every now and then, shifting bodies and flickering visors betrayed the same unspoken tension¡ªno one trusted each other completely. It wasn¡¯t just the wilderness they had to guard against. It was each other.
Traveling with strangers always carried risks. Some might be honorable, dependable allies. Others¡ not so much. And there was no mark upon a man¡¯s forehead to distinguish the two.
But Eden was different.
While his body rested, his spirit exited the body. His trustworthy companion, Vex, kept watch over his physical form, while Eden''s spirit roamed. Suspended above the camp like an unseen specter, he trained¡ªhis ethereal form wielding his illusory blade, slicing through the invisible foes of the night.
Not being able to seal a deal with the Warden of the Akasha Library had been a setback. But wasted time was a greater loss. Blacking out could wait. Training, planning, and scanning the area were far more valuable then losing consciousness while sleeping.
At dawn, the group broke camp and resumed their trek toward the city.
Eden¡¯s chest tightened as they passed between the crumbling remains of Kew Dew. Towering skyscrapers had long since fallen, their shattered bones now claimed by sprawling vegetation. What had once been a thriving metropolis was now an untamed frontier¡ªa graveyard for the past, where only the desperate or the fearless dared to walk.
Signs of previous explorers littered the path. Shattered armor plates. Broken weapons. Scattered supplies, left behind in panicked retreats¡ªor worse, final stands.
I had the same plan back then. Eden thought grimly. To come here as soon as possible and try my luck at finding something valuable.
He exhaled slowly, glancing at a ruined helmet half-buried in the dirt. How na?ve I was to think I could do that without proper preparation.
The remnants didn¡¯t belong to the military or the high-tech Vaultbreakers. Their crude design suggested they had once belonged to fortune seekers¡ªthose who had gambled everything for the promise of riches.
And lost.
17 Terror of the Wild Roller
High risk doesn¡¯t always bring high rewards. Sometimes, the only prize is a swift and merciless death.
The group moved in silence, their Exo-Rigs humming softly as energy pulsed through their metallic frames. Eden¡¯s own suit adjusted to his movements, the folded wings at his back thrumming with kinetic energy.
His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword as he followed Bozok down a narrow passage between ruined buildings. They had barely crossed the outskirts¡ªwhere a fallen megatower sprawled across the broken streets like a collapsed titan¡ªwhen the first warning came.
A deep, guttural growl.
It reverberated through the ruins, impossibly low and dense, like the grinding of stone against steel. It wasn¡¯t the sound of mere hunger. It was something far worse.
The group froze. Weapons drawn.
"Formation!" Bozok barked, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "From here on out, we''re facing the real threats."
Eden inhaled sharply, his fingers flexing around his sword¡¯s hilt. His flux surged as he activated [Ethereal Vision], his perception expanding beyond the physical realm. The unseen currents of energy flickered before his eyes, revealing what lurked in the shadows.
And there it was.
The beast.
It was massive¡ªlarger than any creature that should exist in this world. Its very presence twisted the air, its energetic field a chaotic storm of rage and hunger. Raw instinct barely contained within an armored frame.
Then, with an earth-shaking step, it emerged from behind the shattered remains of an old apartment complex.
The beast was a grotesque fusion of flesh and biomass, a monstrous hybrid of bone, carapace, and something even more unnatural. Jagged bark plating protruded from its shoulders and back like a natural fortress, its four green eyes scanning the Vaultbreakers with a predatory gleam.
It exhaled, releasing a wave of acrid steam from the vents along its flanks. Clawed limbs, each talon the size of a man¡¯s torso, scraped against the ground, carving trenches into the earth. Its mouth¡ªlined with fangs¡ªdripped with corrosive ichor that sizzled against the rubble.
A breath. A heartbeat.
Then¡ª
"The hell is that thing?!" Oivier, the other Skyborn in the group, gasped.
"A Wild Roller," Bozok murmured, his voice tight. "I didn¡¯t expect to see one here."
"A what?" Oivier asked again.
The Wild Roller let out a deep, guttural roar, the sheer force of it fracturing the already crumbling pavement. Dust and debris exploded outward as the shockwave rippled through the ruins. And then, with terrifying speed, it charged.
"Scatter!" Bozok roared. "Aim for its eyes!"
Eden¡¯s wings snapped open with a burst of flux, launching him into the sky. His Exo-Rig adjusted instantly, kinetic stabilizers flaring to maintain his balance. He drew his sword, its neon edge humming with deadly anticipation.
Oivier flanked him, keeping formation. "Don¡¯t fly too high," he warned. "There are worse things watching from above."
Eden nodded. "Appreciate the warning."
Below, Bozok sprinted out of the Wild Roller¡¯s path, his hands reaching for a blinding grenade. With a practiced motion, he hurled it into the air. A second later, it detonated in a flash of searing white light, bright enough to permanently blind any unprotected eye.
The Wild Roller reared back, bellowing in pain.
The ground trembled as the weakened subway tunnel beneath it finally collapsed under its weight, sending chunks of concrete and twisted rebar into the abyss. Staggered but unbroken, the creature swung its massive head and tail in blind fury, toppling what little remained of the buildings around it as though they were nothing more than flimsy paper constructs.
Gunfire erupted. Vaultbreakers unleashed a barrage of Zion rounds and flux-charged attacks. The beast barely flinched. Its armored body deflected most of the assault, and what little damage it sustained only seemed to enrage it further.
Eden and the Oivier repositioned, unleashing bursts of flux projectiles from their wings before diving in, their weapons glowing with charged energy. Their target was none other then the Wild Roller¡¯s burning eyes.
¡°Bozok!¡± Knail, the man from the newly formed union, called out.
Bozok didn¡¯t hesitate. He sprinted forward, his movements a blur, before leaping onto the shimmering green flux Knail projected beneath him.
¡°Wind Burst!¡± Knail shouted, his ability surging to life.
With a concussive blast of air, Bozok was launched skyward, his trajectory curving in a perfect arc toward the Wild Roller¡¯s exposed neck.
He clenched his fists. The energy around him shifted, thick with intent.
¡°Hate¡¯s Echo!¡±
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Bozok''s punch connected. A shockwave pulsed through the battlefield, a moment of absolute silence following in its wake¡ªbefore the Wild Roller let out a bone-rattling roar. The force of the sound alone sent the Skyborns reeling midair, forcing them to stabilize their flight.
Eden¡¯s eyes narrowed. That must have been Bozok¡¯s passive¡ªBlooming Hatred.
When joining a new group, there was always a certain level of disclosure required. You couldn''t just dive into battle without knowing what the others were capable of. It was a matter of survival. If you didn¡¯t know how to complement each other¡¯s abilities¡ªor worse, if you had no idea what to expect in a dangerous situation¡ªthings could go south fast.
That¡¯s why, the night before, we had all shared some of our abilities during the small chat. It was an unspoken rule among Vaultbreakers. No one had to reveal everything, but enough had to be said so that when the fighting started, we wouldn''t be running blind.
One of Bozok¡¯s disclosed abilities was Hate¡¯s Echo. A brutal, concussive punch technique powered by the passive ability of his Concept. The way it worked was simple¡ªhis first strike on a target would awaken the pain of its past wounds.
Even injuries that had long since healed would be felt all over again, as fresh and agonizing as the moment they were first inflicted.
A broken ability, if you asked me. Imagine hitting a creature that had survived a hundred battles before this one¡ªevery single wound it had ever taken would come back at once. A single punch could cripple something beyond saving.
At least, in theory.
In reality, Bozok didn¡¯t seem strong enough to fully unleash its potential. Blooming Hatred was powerful, but he wasn¡¯t pushing it to the extremes I imagined it could reach. Maybe his Concept wasn¡¯t fully developed yet. Or maybe he was missing something¡ªsome key requirement to level it up and take it beyond its current limits.
I wondered what he needed to do to reach that next stage. And more importantly... what it would look like when he finally did.
"Clear!" Musha''s warning came just a heartbeat before the deafening crack of his sniper shot.
The beast howled in agony, thrashing wildly as one of its massive, glowing eyes burst in a spray of dark ichor.
"That''s how it''s done!" Bozok shouted triumphantly, watching the creature reel in pain. Its frenzied roars echoed through the ruined cityscape. "Don''t give it time to recover¡ªkeep up the pressure! We force it to retreat, or we die trying!"
I¡¯d really appreciate it if you didn¡¯t joke about that.
Gerard, the battle-hardened freelancer, wasted no time. Planting his dadao sword firmly into the shattered pavement, he unleashed the stored energy within. "Earth Splitter!"
The ground trembled violently before splitting apart, a deep, jagged chasm forming beneath the beast¡¯s shifting weight. The fissure connected to the already-collapsed subway tunnel, extending into a massive crater that yawned beneath the creature¡¯s feet.
With a bellow of frustration, it lost its balance and crashed onto its side, sending tremors through the battlefield.
Above them, the sky darkened. Swirling gray clouds, thick and charged with raw energy, gathered at Oivier¡¯s command. The air crackled, the very atmosphere growing heavy as arcs of electricity flickered between the storm fronts.
Eden, sensing the shift in flux, instinctively increased his distance to concentrate.
"Rupture!" Oivier¡¯s voice rang with authority.
A blinding bolt of lightning, thicker than Bozok¡¯s armored frame, split the heavens. It struck the beast¡¯s skull with earth-shaking force, sending shockwaves rippling outward. A brilliant burst of light illuminated the ruins for a fleeting moment, then faded, leaving only the acrid scent of scorched flesh in its wake.
The Wild Roller twitched. Steam and smoke curled from its head, masking the full extent of the damage.
Whether from sheer agony or unrelenting fury, it let out a guttural snarl. Then, with a shuddering growl, it pressed its clawed hands to the ground and pushed itself back up.
"Shit," Oivier hissed as the beast wobbled to its feet, momentarily disoriented.
It reared onto its hind legs, towering over them, then came crashing down with terrifying force. The impact sent a shockwave through the battlefield, leveling debris and shattering the structures in its wake.
Eden barely had time to react before his comms crackled with static.
"Fucking hell!" Oivier cursed. "Status report! Is anyone alive?!"
Eden exhaled sharply, his grip tightening around his blade. The paper talisman on his wrist flared to life as spirits finished pouring their energy into it. He pressed the talisman against his sword, and an ominous white glow engulfed the blade.
Sensing the sheer concentration of flux radiating from Eden, Oivier instinctively flew to the side.
"Yeah, still breathing," Bozok''s voice came through, strained but steady.
Eden darted forward, both hands firm on his sword. His eyes locked onto the beast¡¯s throat¡ªone of its few vulnerable spots where the armor was thinner.
"Same here."
"I¡¯m good too."
Their confirmations steeled Eden''s resolve, wind whipping past him as he aimed for a decisive strike. A single, deadly arc of his blade carved through the air.
BOOM!
The force of his strike let free a sheer release of energy producing a sharp, piercing crack. Every beast within miles¡ªevery monster with a good hearing lurking in the ruined city¡ªwould have heard it.
Then came the explosion.
A violent burst of green, viscous liquid erupted from the wound, drenching Eden mid-flight. His Exo-Rig¡¯s warning system blared.
WARNING: Sudden increase in weight exceeds thruster capacity. Reduce weight immediately or prepare for emergency landing.
His vision momentarily blurred by the sticky substance, Eden wiped his visor with one hand. He then angled his body downward, letting the wind pressure strip away as much of the blood as possible.
Gritting his teeth, he engaged his thrusters, veering away from the beast to gain distance. Then he heard it.
A roar of terror.
Is it not dead yet?!
A sudden, violent gust of wind slammed into him, pushing him further back. His comms buzzed to life once more, this time with a sense of panic.
"What the hell is it doing now?!" Oivier''s voice crackled through the static. "Everyone, fall back! Now! Get out of there!"
"How the fuck am I supposed to run when I¡¯m trapped in here?!" Knail barked.
Eden turned, heart pounding. And what he saw next left him utterly frozen. The beast¡ªstill very much alive¡ªcollapsed onto its side. But instead of lying still, it started to roll.
Like a monstrous, living steamroller, it barreled toward the location where the Vaultbreakers lay buried.
Eden¡¯s stomach dropped. No.
"Wraaaa!" With a final, desperate struggle, Bozok pushed his way toward the light, clawing his way free from the debris.
But fate was cruel. His effort proved to be his last.
The Wild Roller¡¯s enormous bulk came crashing down, and in an instant, Bozok was reduced to nothing more than a smear beneath its colossal weight.
A sickening crunch echoed through the comms.
"Ah..."
A sharp breath. A shudder. A moment of stunned silence.
Oivier exhaled raggedly, sweat dripping down his brow as he struggled to steady his breathing.
"So that''s why they call it the ¡®Wild Roller,¡¯" he muttered, voice tinged with resignation.
His grip loosened on his lance as he lowered it, the will to fight momentarily wavering. There was no need for a status report. The Wild Roller wasn¡¯t stopping. It trampled back and forth across the battlefield, flattening everything beneath it, ensuring nothing remained.
Two vivid red stains marred the gray wasteland of dust and rubble.
18 A Candle鈥檚 Last Flicker
Eden''s fingers clenched around the hilt of his weapon, his knuckles turning white. His frustration simmered beneath the surface, his teeth grinding as he glared at the beast. "It''s like it knew exactly where they were," he growled.
He had been too weak. His strike hadn¡¯t been deep enough. Hadn¡¯t been fatal. Hadn¡¯t mattered.
ROOOOAR!
The Wild Roller bellowed, its fury now directed at the two remaining Skyborns hovering in the air.
"Come, let''s head back before..."
A sudden alarm rang in their comms.
Warning! Unidentified life forms approaching!
Eden barely had time to process the alert before a shadow swooped down.
"OIVIER!"
A monstrous winged beast snatched Oivier mid-flight, its talons digging into his armor.
"Get the fuck off me!" Oivier roared, twisting in the creature''s grasp.
He fired a barrage of flux projectiles from his wings, the explosive rounds blasting apart the creature¡¯s limb. The beast screeched in agony, its grip faltering just enough for him to break free. Oivier tumbled through the air before steadying himself.
Eden was already moving. In a flash, his sword sliced through the air, bisecting the wounded beast before it could recover. Its severed body plummeted to the ground below.
"You good?" Eden asked, adjusting his flight path.
"For now." Oivier shot a wary glance around them. "But we have no cover."
The two surged forward, heading toward the buildings in the city. But the Wild Roller¡¯s earlier rampage had left nothing standing in the surroundings. No buildings. No rooftops. No walls to use as cover. No shelter from the creatures hunting them from above.
Their comms crackled with static as Oivier sent out a distress call.
"We need immediate extraction! We''ve engaged a Wild Roller and lost most of our team. Now we''re being pursued by some kind of airborne predators!"
A brief pause. Then a response.
"Southern Base here. Air support en route to your location."
"Move faster!" Oivier snapped, risked a quick glance over his shoulder¡ªthen cursed.
"What''s the nature of the threat?"
"Unidentified... something," Oivier bit out.
"Can you provide a short description?"
"No."
They weren¡¯t slowing down to observe. The creatures were gaining. The high-pitched screech of breaking glass filled the air as the two Skyborns shot past the ruins of shattered windows, shards raining down in their wake.
A swarm of winged horrors tore through the open spaces behind them, their grotesque forms illuminated by the strong daylight.
Warning¡
"Shut up!" Eden snapped as a red blur closed in. He turned mid-flight, sword flashing.
The creature shrieked as his blade cleaved through it. But there were more.
The sky predators were a nightmare made flesh¡ªlike a cannibal species fused with something from the deepest depths of hell. Their crimson skin stretched over wiry frames, long membranous wings flapping erratically as their serrated, sturdy beaks snapped hungrily. Their elongated front limbs ended in hooked claws, sharp enough to tear through armor.
Eden exhaled sharply. Then he struck.
His sword unleashed a barrage of flux blades¡ªrazor-sharp crescents of energy that ripped through the swarm. The creatures shrieked as the deadly arcs carved through their ranks, some dropping lifelessly from the sky, others spiraling out of control as their wings were shredded beyond use.
But there were too many.
Eden reached into his utility belt, fingers curling around a talisman. The moment it left his hand, the paper ignited, burning away in an instant.
Then the sky exploded.
A roaring inferno erupted behind them, engulfing a portion of the swarm in searing flames. From the heart of the fire, something emerged.
A new beast.
Larger than the red ones. Faster. And unlike the others, it moved with terrifying precision.
A streak of gray, its wings slicing through the air like blades. It tore through the burning creatures with ease, its razor-sharp claws rending them apart as if they were made of paper. Blood and bone splattered in its wake.
Eden barely had time to react before it lunged.
He dove, sword a blur of spectral purple energy as he met its strike head-on. His blade found purchase, slicing deep into the creature¡¯s shoulder joint. The beast screeched, ichor spraying into the wind as sinew was severed.
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But it retaliated.
Its powerful tail lashed out, striking Eden with bone-crushing force. The impact sent him hurtling backward, his body colliding with a half-collapsed building. The structure crumbled beneath him, sending debris crashing onto the streets below.
His suit absorbed most of the impact, dispersing the force across its reinforced plating, but the shock still rattled his organs. Gritting his teeth, Eden barely had time to take flight before the beast lunged at him again, a gray blur of raw predatory instinct.
¡°Oivier!¡± Eden shouted into the comms, his voice strained.
Silence. Then, a deliberate click. Oivier had shut off communications.
Eden barely had time to curse before the beast was on him again, its dark silhouette cutting through the smoke-cloaked skyline like an omen of death.
His mind flared with power. He reached out, unseen force latching onto the creature¡¯s mass. With a mental heave, he twisted its trajectory, slamming it into a skeletal high-rise¡ªan apartment complex, long abandoned. Concrete and steel exploded on impact, dust and debris swallowing the beast whole.
For a heartbeat, Eden thought it worked. Then, a guttural snarl shattered the air.
The rubble stirred. The beast was already adapting, its presence a tidal wave of fury that battered against his mental hold. Eden grit his teeth, doubling down. Their wills clashed, two invisible forces locked in brutal combat.
The beast staggered, its massive form faltering mid-air. Then, it darted toward him.
¡°Shit!¡± Eden growled, reaching into his belt. He withdrew a handful of paper talismans, the seals already thrumming with contained malice. With a flick of his wrist, they adhered to the beast¡¯s body, clinging like spectral leeches.
¡°Crumble under the weight of your sins!¡± he commanded, his voice reverberating with power.
The spirits bound to the talismans shrieked, their wails rising in a discordant chorus as they latched onto the beast¡¯s essence. The creature convulsed, its flight faltering into a rapid, uncontrolled descent.
¡°Aaaawwwwwaaaaaa!¡±
A piercing headache slammed into Eden¡¯s skull. His vision blurred, the world tilting sideways as nausea gripped his senses.
''Patron!'' Vex¡¯s voice cut through the fog, laced with urgency.
Eden forced himself to focus. Behind him, red-winged beasts flooded the air, their numbers a writhing sea of predatory hunger. With a pulse of power, Vex unleashed his wrath, a wave of spectral energy ripping through the horde. The creatures fell from the sky like marionettes with severed strings.
Then, something massive crashed into the street below, shattering pavement upon impact.
Oivier.
Eden barely had time to react before his instincts flared¡ªdanger. He twisted just in time to see the beast¡¯s long, whip-like tail carve through the air toward him. He dodged by a hair¡¯s breadth. The tail struck the ground where Oivier crashed, splitting the concrete like brittle glass.
¡°Thanks!¡± The words tumbled from Eden''s lips as he stabilized himself mid-air.
¡°Aaaawwwwwaaaaaa!¡± Another bubbling growl rumbled from the apartment complex, its source now fully revealed.
''Patron!'' Vex called as Eden suffered under the mental attack.
The tailed beast stood within the ruin, without paying rent, its many watery eyes locked onto Eden with something disturbingly close to intelligence. For a moment, Vex wavered, his spectral form flickering. That moment was all the beast needed.
It struck.
Sleek, razor-edged tails lashed out, moving like executioner¡¯s blades through the night. One plunged through Eden¡¯s Exo-Rig, piercing deep into flesh and bone.
Time slowed.
Eden gasped, a sharp, wet sound. Blood splattered across his visor, his breath hitching as pain flared through his entire being. Instinct took over¡ªhis fingers found the talismans in his pouch, his mind reaching for them even as agony clouded his thoughts.
One activated instantly, swapping his position with his. The others clung to his wounds, pulsing with sealing flux to staunch the bleeding.
''Patron!'' Vex howled, materializing fully in a burst of black mist. His spectral form surged forward, clawing at the beast to force it away from Eden¡¯s battered body.
Eden struggled to focus, his breath ragged. He prepared to teleport again, targeting the talismans on the gray-winged monster he had previously bound. But he couldn''t. There was no teleportation talisman attached to the beast.
His thoughts fractured. A tide of sickness swelled in his veins.
Poison?
His limbs grew heavy, the edges of his vision becoming bloody.
¡°You dare!¡± Vex¡¯s voice was a thunderclap.
A wave of sickly mist exploded outward, rolling over the battlefield like a living storm. Every red-winged beast caught in its path convulsed violently before dropping lifeless to the ground.
Eden coughed, struggling against the inevitable. His sword slipped from numb fingers, clattering uselessly onto the broken earth. His suit¡¯s wings, once symbols of power and freedom, sagged limply against his back.
Vex roared, his very presence warring against the beast for control. Eden felt the pressure lifting, the mental claw retracting from his mind.
With the last of his strength, he reached for another talisman. I have to call the divine... the heal...
¡°Void Cutter!¡±
Vex¡¯s immaterial hand slashed through the air, a blade of pure entropy carving through reality itself. The severing force ripped through the beast¡¯s right side, slicing off its thrashing tails as if they were nothing more than rotting vines.
The attack didn¡¯t stop there¡ªmomentum carried the strike onward, cleaving through the skeletal remains of a nearby building, which crumbled in a deafening cascade of shattered concrete and twisted metal.
¡°Aaaawwwwwaaaaaa!¡± The fish faced beast¡¯s agonized wail pierced the daylight.
This time, it failed to affect its targets.
Vex¡¯s rage had ignited into something far beyond mere anger¡ªit had become an entity in itself, a force of nature that bent reality around it. The black mist surrounding him pulsed like a living thing, moving with an intelligence that belonged to neither man nor spirit.
The flying beasts reacted too late. The mist swallowed them whole. Their growls of defiance turned into choking, panicked wails as their bodies withered, their strength drained in an instant. They fell, lifeless husks before they even reached the ground.
Vex turned sharply, his spectral form flickering as he rushed to Eden¡¯s side. With a swift, forceful motion, he tore off Eden¡¯s helmet, revealing his patron¡¯s pallid face beneath.
¡°Patron!¡± Vex called.
Eden¡¯s eyes fluttered open, unfocused. His breaths came in short, ragged gasps, barely pulling in enough air. Sweat beaded along his forehead, mixing with the streaks of blood on his face.
¡°P-Poison¡¡± he mumbled, his voice barely more than a whisper. His fingers twitched weakly as if he were trying to grasp onto something just out of reach. ¡°It¡¯s¡ poison.¡±
Vex¡¯s eyes narrowed. He looked down, his ethereal senses sharpening as he examined the corruption seeping into Eden¡¯s body. A sickly green flux pulsed beneath his patron¡¯s skin, a writhing energy that was both spiritual and physical, digging deep into his very core like parasitic tendrils.
Without hesitation, Vex placed his hand over the infection and began to pull.
At first, it worked. The dark mist surrounding him funneled inward, devouring the toxic flux, stripping it away like peeling back layers of rot. Eden¡¯s body trembled under the strain, and for a fleeting moment, Vex thought he had a chance¡ª
Until he felt it.
It wasn¡¯t just the poisoned flux. It was something more. Something living. Something that refused to be purged.
¡°Patron!¡± Vex¡¯s voice broke with desperation. His grip tightened. ¡°Stay with me!¡±
No response.
¡°Patron! Tell me what to do!¡±
Eden¡¯s body began to convulse violently. Blood gushed from his mouth in dark, sickening spurts, his muscles seizing as if rejecting his very existence. His limbs twisted, spasming, his fingers clawing at the air in blind agony.
The warden¡¯s words echoed in Eden¡¯s mind. ''I have seen the future of this existence of yours, and I can assure you¡ªit is a short-lived one.''
No. No, he refused to accept that.
Vex clenched his teeth, his entire form crackling with unstable power. He tried again, pouring everything into purging the corruption, but it was like trying to empty an ocean with his bare hands. Eden¡¯s breathing hitched¡ªthen faltered.
His pupils dilated. His body stilled. Then, the darkness took him. His mind plummeted into the abyss, unraveling into the endless void.
"Ahhhhh!" Vex ripped the vessel of his patron in half before sending a second [Void Cutter] that split the fish faced beast in half.