《Legacy of the lost》 Chapter 1: The cursed is reversed Is this my end? He told as he was looking at the dead end in front of him. He had come with his teammates to earn some money from the C rank dungeon. but he was thrown away. Aiden was resting his back on the wall of the dungeon and he was looking at the Pieces of the sealing that had broken and blocked the exit. It was dark inside but tiny bits of light passed through the borders and gaps between the pieces of the sealing and the light splashed on his face. He was inside a dungeon stuck. He doesn''t know what will happen next to him. He was just stuck over here looking around he could did not find One exit he was just stuck in the dungeon. There was fear inside him not knowing what he should do next. He knew hardly he could be alive for the next two or three days. He had just a bottle of water and no food with him. He was carrying a kitchen knife with him because that was the only thing he could have bought with his money. He calmed himself down as much as possible. He knew if this was the end, he would try his best. At least he would try his best and explore the dungeon if anyway he would die. Aiden sat slumped against the cold, damp wall of the dungeon, his breathing shallow and uneven. His simple clothes¡ªworn and frayed at the edges¡ªclung to his frame, damp with sweat and dust. A crude knife, sheathed in a battered leather cover, hung loosely at his waist, the only semblance of a weapon he had. His dark hair was disheveled, clinging to his forehead, and his sharp, green eyes darted nervously toward the pile of rubble where the exit had just collapsed. Fear etched itself into every line of his face, his knuckles white as he gripped the knife¡¯s handle instinctively, despite knowing it was no match for whatever lurked deeper within. The faint flicker of torchlight illuminated the raw panic in his expression, yet beneath it, a flicker of determination began to surface¡ªa desperate will to survive. He walked a little and saw there were three paths in front of him, three caves which led to different directions. Not knowing anything, he blindly picked the left one. and walked straight. He was a little scared that a monster might appear, but more than that he was worried about a way outside this dungeon. Aiden saw illuminating crystals in front of him as the game was coming to an end. The next moment, the full hall was glittering and shining due to the illuminating crystals around it. Looking around it properly, he realized they were not normal crystals. They were spirit crystals. The word work on spirit power. The spirit crystals were the main currency of this world. They can be absorbed by the weak to get stronger. Little by little one can increase his capacity and become stronger through the spirit crystals. Aidan saw the number of crystals that were lying around him. He knew if he could dug even a quarter of it he would be Rich as a duke. But he moved forward as he there was no way to exit this dungeon. No matter, no amount of spirit stone was useful to him. He didn''t had any spirit power inside him, and He could not eat them. It was useless to him. He had come to earn some money in the dungeon and now he was losing his life. He heard a swift sound in the air and he looked around to find what was wrong. The next moment, a giant goblin appeared before him. The skin was dark green in color with red eyes with a bamboo in his hand. The moment their eyes met, the goblin dived in front of him and swung his rod to bite him. Aiden was shocked and stunned. He could not even move. He was frozen due to the shock. scariness and frightening in his heart. As the bamboo stick was about to hit his head, Aiden disappeared from his position. The next moment Aiden found himself in a different place. It was bright. There was a waterfall, a garden. Big Branch tress, it was comfortable, and very relaxed. There was a bright sky above him. He was not inside the dungeon anymore. It was a like a open castle As he was looking around, he saw the matured lady sitting on a throne an different treasures were shattered around her. He was was clueless about who she was. just by looking at her he could tell that she was not a regular adventure. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! The midday light streamed through the cracks in the dungeon¡¯s walls, illuminating the grand chamber in muted beams. At its center, perched on a throne carved from crystalline stone, sat the Spirit Queen. Alina¡¯s silvery hair shimmered like molten moonlight, cascading over her shoulders and pooling around her throne. Her violet eyes glowed faintly, piercing through the sunlight that dared to touch her ethereal form. She was draped in a gown that seemed to shift between light and shadow, its glowing runes dancing as though alive. Beside her throne lay a trove of treasures and ancient artifacts¡ªgolden chalices, jeweled relics, and weapons that hummed faintly with power, a testament to her dominion. Her delicate crown of crystalline vines sparkled under the daylight, each gem pulsing softly like a heartbeat. Despite the light, her presence dominated the room¡ªa silent, regal figure of untouchable power, watching Aiden with an expression that was equal parts curiosity and command. The next moment, the spirit queen¡¯s lips moved, Aiden could not hear it. Something appeared below his feet. it was a rune circle. The rune was red in color and showed a hundred designs and structures. Aiden knew the more filled a rune was, the stronger and advance it was. He tried to jump or move from the circle but he was struck. The more time the circle was taking to get ready the more scared Aiden was getting. He looked at the spirit queen who was also having a hard time using the rune power. She was putting all her spirit into it. The rune circle was growing brighter and brighter. The was a enormous power put in the rune circle. for a moment, Aiden felt like death was better than what was coming at him. He heard a voice in his head. [World Rule does not allow you to be a slave] [The cursed is reversed] [you have enslaved a Queen Spirit] The next moment, the rune disappeared. Aiden looked a perplexed. he doesn¡¯t know what just happened. He looked at the spirit queen, he saw a tattoo on her neck. Wait, it is not a slave crest right ?? He asked to himself in shock and curiousness. The spirit queen quickly opened a portal was about to dash into the portal, she was running from something. ¡°Stop¡± Aiden commanded. She frosh int he midway to the portal. ¡°turn around and close the portal¡± The spirit queen turned around and closed the portal. Aiden was shocked, he cannot believe that she had turned into a obedient slave. He was having a hard time to believing it. She was a crazily strong figure and the strongest existence he had ever meet in person. He asked who are you ? ¡°I am Spirit Queen Alina, the owner of this A rank dungeon.¡± ¡°And I am the master of you¡± replied Aiden. He had many questions in his mind and started asking one by one. ¡°Where were you running away from the portal?¡± ¡°TO the spirit world¡± Aiden was looking at the shattered treasures lying around the throne. ¡°Hand me the strongest weapon you have and open the portal¡± Aiden was testing the strength of the slave contract with her. He wondered what else he could do ? Alina waved her hand and a teleportation circle appeared in front of him. He tried to pass his hand but he was not able to do it. He looked at Alina, she replied. ¡°I believe only spirits could get into the spirit world¡± Aiden frowned a little, He had numerous stories about the spirit world, it this could have been his ticket to the spirit world, he could be the only person who would be able to do it. But he was a little sad which was overshadowed things he got today. The next moment, the Alina cancelled the spell and removed a sword from the air and kneeled in front of Aiden. She presented the sword to him. He touched the sword. a notification appeared. TheForged Star Slayer Swordis a breathtaking SS-grade weapon, a masterful replica of the legendary sword once wielded by the gods. Crafted through the harmonious collaboration of dwarves and elves, this extraordinary blade is forged from a rare alloy of meteoric iron and enchanted elven steel, shimmering with an ethereal glow. Adorned with intricate runes that symbolize power and peace, its hilt offers a comfortable grip, while the blade resonates with celestial energy, enhancing its wielder''s strength and agility. Beyond its formidable capabilities, the Forged Star Slayer stands as a powerful symbol of unity between two ancient races, embodying their shared history and ideals of cooperation. In the hands of a worthy hero, it becomes not just a weapon but a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward peace in a world often beset by conflict. He could not believe that it was a copy of the star slayer sword, it was one of the strongest weapons in the universe. He didn¡¯t dare to touch it. but he realized that it belonged to him. He took the sword and tried to use it but he could not. He also realized that it was as light as a feature and can be easy moved around. It was sure a perfect example of incredible work done by the dwarfs and elves. ¡°how did she get it?¡± Aiden thought in shock. ¡°I got it from my parents¡± Aiden was taken a back because they just talked without using their mouth, they had connected through their thoughts. ¡°You can hear my thoughts?¡± Aiden questioned. Alina replied, ¡° I only heard the question and nothing else.¡± Aiden thought about about something and focused about her in his mind. it worked. Her thoughts were scattered and unorganized. ¡°What are his intentions? what does he want? how did the slave curse got reversed by a low human. I have to kill myself, before he comes to me. I won¡¯t be slaved by a low human. I am a spirit queen of Astal, I cannot be touched by a human. I need to run away or destroy my crystal.¡± Aiden turned and looked at Alina. He took a step a closer to her, looking straight into her eyes. ALina was scared, she was fumbling and nervous inside but still managed to somehow make a straight face. Aiden took another step towards her. She was getting scared with every step he took and the more she wanted to kill her self. Aiden kept on getting closer to her. ¡°Why can¡¯t I bite my tongue and die? Why did I buy such a strong slave curse? kill myself, just die. he should die.¡± Aiden finally stopped after coming to a arm length distance away from her. He looked into her eyes. ¡°I have no intention of touching you, What I want is your help in becoming stronger. I shall respect every decision you make and I will be like a partner and not master. Lets grow stronger enough to rule the world together. So, just bear with me.¡± The next moment, the spirit queen was blank from inside. Aiden kept her distracted and made his new teammate comfortable. Chapter 2: Aiden, the dungeon Master
After adjusting to the dungeon, Aiden began repairing and upgrading its structures, aiming to attract more adventurers to hunt within its depths. More adventurers meant greater spirit crystal production and an increase in valuable treasures. It was a calculated move¡ªa necessary step toward strengthening both himself and his newfound domain.
He delegated tasks efficiently. The golems, with their immense strength, hauled heavy rocks, while the goblins, agile and quick, took charge of the construction under his supervision. Fierce Wolves and Wild Bats were assigned temporary defensive positions against incoming adventurers, ensuring that the dungeon remained a formidable challenge.
Aiden¡¯s gaze shifted to the side, where Alina observed the progress with keen interest. As the Spirit Queen, she was the most powerful entity in the dungeon, yet now she stood under his command. The irony was not lost on him. Those who had once sought his death were now working beneath him. The twists of fate were almost laughable.
But it wasn¡¯t enough. He needed to grow stronger¡ªto become a true leader. Without hesitation, he called Alina over and delegated the supervision to her. After a brief exchange of instructions, he stepped aside, allowing himself a moment to focus on his own strength.
Drawing his Forged Star Slayer, he began practicing with the blade. It was a legendary weapon, a replica of one of the strongest swords in existence. Yet, no matter how many times he swung it, nothing happened. The problem was clear¡ªhe had no spirit power. The blade required immense spirit energy to activate, and without it, it was little more than an ordinary sword in his hands.
Still, he refused to stop. Strike after strike, he pushed himself, ignoring the watching eyes of the dungeon creatures. He did not care how weak he was or how impossible the task seemed. His only thought was to keep trying, to push beyond his limits, to break through the invisible wall separating him from true power. Results mattered little¡ªhis determination was absolute.
Alina continued watching him from afar. To anyone else, Aiden¡¯s efforts were meaningless. A spirit weapon without spirit power was useless. Yet, despite knowing this, he persisted. His resolve unsettled her. He was the same man who had somehow reversed the rune, the same man who had bound her¡ªone of the strongest beings in the planet¡ªunder his command. The thought sent a chill through her. Unable to meet his gaze any longer, she turned away and busied herself with the construction, hiding behind the ongoing work.
Deep within the dungeon¡¯s endless corridors, an ancient cycle played out¡ªa silent pact between the living and the dead, between hunters and the hunted.
Adventurers arrived seeking glory, wealth, and strength. They delved into the depths, blades drawn and spells ready, battling monstrous foes in search of spirit crystals, enchanted artifacts, and legendary treasures. Each fallen creature left behind rewards, enticing more warriors into the dungeon¡¯s grasp. It was a delicate balance of risk and reward, a law dictated by the dungeon itself.
But for every victorious adventurer, countless others perished. Their remains, stripped of weapons and valuables, faded into obscurity. Yet, the dungeon wasted nothing. Their souls were drawn into the stone, nourishing the ever-growing spirit crystals at its core. Their lingering energy fueled the dungeon¡¯s evolution, birthing stronger monsters, fortifying its walls, and ensuring its continued existence.
This was the unspoken rule¡ªthe give and take of the dungeon¡¯s ecosystem. The more adventurers it lured, the greater its riches grew. The more battles fought within its depths, the stronger it became. And in this ceaseless cycle, only the fittest carved their names into legend.
A few minutes later, Alina interrupted his training. "We need more iron to continue constructing the traps. At least a quintal of it."
Aiden nodded, sheathing his sword. Before he could move, Alina tossed a heavy sack toward him. He caught it instinctively, surprised by its weight.
"Gold coins?" he muttered, opening the sack slightly. The sheer amount stunned him. Even if he had worked as a carrier for his entire life, he would never have earned such a fortune.
Accepting the task, he turned to leave the dungeon. But as he walked, a troubling thought crossed his mind¡ªhow was he supposed to carry an entire quintal of iron back on his own? It was an impossible feat for one person, and bringing normal human laborers into the dungeon was out of the question.
Aiden knew a storage box wouldn''t work¡ªhe had no spirit power. The thought irritated him as he strolled through the bustling market, searching for a solution. Then, his gaze fell upon a few familiar faces, and a wicked smile curled his lips.
Three people stood before him, their expressions frozen in disbelief. A man led the group, flanked by two women, their eyes wide, flickering with shock¡ªand something darker¡ªat seeing him alive.
Aiden greeted them with a warmth that belied the storm raging inside him, spinning a tale laced with charm and deception. He spoke of how, thanks to his who had abandoned him in the dungeon, he had stumbled upon unimaginable fortune.
"Whatever happens, happens for the best," he said, flashing an easy grin that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. "Let¡¯s forget the past and move on. Come, let¡¯s eat¡ªmy treat."
Their disbelief wavered as greed flickered behind their gazes, the very response he had anticipated. Their shock gave way to curiosity, then hunger. Aiden led them to one of the city''s most extravagant restaurants, the grandeur of the setting magnifying their longing. The lavish dishes, the glittering chandeliers, the soft murmur of wealth all around¡ªit was a trap of temptation, and they were already ensnared.
They pried eagerly, their questions sharp yet desperate. "How did you escape? Where¡¯s the treasure? How much did you find?"
Aiden answered with practiced ease, weaving a tale of peril and triumph. He spoke of fighting wolves, narrowly dodging goblins, and outsmarting a towering golem to reach the treasure room. Every word was a calculated performance, each detail tailored to stoke their greed further.
When the bill arrived, Aiden paid without hesitation, pulling gold coins from a heavy sack he "accidentally" allowed them to glimpse. The sight of so much wealth made their mouths dry and their thoughts frantic.
Feigning indifference, Aiden guided them through the bustling marketplace, his actions a masterclass in subtle flaunting. He bought iron¡ªa full quintal of it¡ªfor eight gold coins, a purchase so extravagant it shattered their restraint. Their glances grew sharper, their words more probing, their desire unmistakable.
As they helped him haul the iron, the man finally spoke, his tone careful, almost reverent. "Can you tell us more about the dungeon? How exactly did you find the treasure? I''m so happy for you, Aiden."
Aiden¡¯s smile widened, but his eyes remained unreadable. "I was just lucky," he said, his voice a mix of humility and mischief. "No special skills¡ªjust pure luck and God¡¯s blessing."
It was the perfect lie. His simplicity disarmed them, made him seem even more genuine. Their suspicion dissolved, replaced by blind trust, and they followed him without hesitation, too consumed by greed to see the trap tightening around them.
The dungeon loomed ahead, its oppressive silence unsettling. Yet Aiden moved with purpose, his confidence lulling them into uneasy complacency. The path he led them down felt wrong¡ªeerily quiet, devoid of the usual lurking threats.
Then they saw it.
The goblins'' nest was no longer a chaotic tangle of filth and savagery. It had transformed into a well-organized construction site. Golems hauled massive stones with ease, while goblins scurried under precise direction. The dungeon wasn¡¯t just a dungeon anymore¡ªit was a stronghold in the making.
The trio exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier excitement eroding into a cold, creeping dread.
One of the women finally spoke, her voice brittle. "Where¡¯s the treasure?"
Aiden chuckled, the sound low and devoid of warmth. He gestured around them with an almost theatrical flair. "You¡¯re looking at it. This entire dungeon the treasure."
Realization dawned on their faces, horror replacing greed. The truth was undeniable now: their avarice had led them straight into a trap.
Fear tightened its grip as they absorbed the scene¡ªmonsters obeying Aiden like soldiers, and a spectral figure hovering near him, its presence chilling and absolute. Aiden wasn¡¯t a lucky survivor. He was the dungeon¡¯s master.
They turned to flee, panic overtaking reason, but their path was suddenly blocked. Wolves emerged from the shadows, their glowing eyes unblinking, their teeth bared.
Aiden¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter, but something dangerous lingered beneath his calm exterior. "You came here by choice," he said, his voice smooth yet cold, each word a blade. "But leaving¡­ you¡¯ll have to earn that."
His command rang through the dungeon like a death knell, final and absolute. The air grew heavy with impending doom, and then¡ªthe monsters obeyed.
Wolves lunged first, their snarls drowned beneath the wet, sickening crunch of fangs tearing into flesh. The goblins swarmed next, their crude blades hacking without mercy. Arrows sliced through the air, striking true, burying deep into panicked bodies. It wasn¡¯t a fight. It wasn¡¯t even a struggle. It was an execution.
Screams erupted, high-pitched and raw with terror. They begged¡ªpleaded¡ªvoices cracking as desperation took hold. But Aiden only watched, his heart as cold as the stone beneath his feet. No sympathy. No hesitation. This was justice, long overdue.
One tried to crawl away, fingers clawing at the blood-slicked ground. A wolf¡¯s jaws snapped shut around his ankle, dragging him back into the frenzy. Another raised trembling hands, sobbing for mercy, before a spear silenced him forever. Their agony stretched for moments that must have felt like eternity. And then, silence.
Aiden exhaled slowly, the weight in his chest lifting just a little. The dungeon reeked of death, of vengeance fulfilled. The bodies lay in twisted, broken heaps, their blood seeping into the cracks of the cold earth. He felt nothing. Not guilt. Not regret. Only the deep, bone-deep satisfaction of knowing they would never betray anyone again.
"Get back to work," he said at last, his voice calm, unwavering.
A few moments passed before Alina stepped forward, arms crossed, eyes unreadable. "How long are you planning to watch the corpses," she murmured, a hint of amusement in her tone, "or should I clean up the mess?"
Aiden looked at her, slightly confused by the question. Then he nodded. Without another word, Alina cast a rune, and in an instant, the bodies vanished¡ªerased from existence, along with every trace of blood.
The sight reminded Aiden of the portal to the spirit world, the very one Alina had tried to escape through when she first became his slave.
A new thought struck him.
He turned to Alina. "Open the portal to the spirit world."
Her eyes widened in shock. "What? You know humans can¡¯t¡ª"
"Just do it," he interrupted.
Hesitant but obedient, Alina raised her hand. A swirling portal of ethereal energy materialized before them.
Aiden stepped closer, standing beside Alina. He studied the portal, his mind racing. Then, he gave his next command.
"Touch the portal."
Alina did as he asked, easily passing her hand through the veil.
Aiden clenched his jaw. Holding his breath, he reached out¡ªand to his astonishment, his hand passed through as well.
A slow grin spread across his face.
Alina gasped. "That¡¯s¡­ impossible. Humans can¡¯t¡ª"
"Apparently, they can." His grip tightened with excitement.
A new path had opened before him.
No longer hesitating, Aiden took a step forward.
Together, they entered the spirit world. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ******* Chapter 3: The half- Spirit Body
Alina and Aiden stepped through the portal together.
The shift was immediate¡ªan entirely different world unfolded before them. The air was thicker, charged with an energy unlike anything Aiden had felt before. The spirit essence here was overwhelming, far denser than in his own world. They stood amidst a vast, ancient forest where the trees shimmered with a faint glow, their leaves pulsating with an eerie luminescence. Vines twisted unnaturally, shifting as if alive. Even the insects crawling over the underbrush carried an otherworldly sheen, their translucent wings refracting the ambient light like shards of crystal.
"This is the Spirit World," Alina explained as they moved forward. "Everything here is sustained by spirit energy, not magic or manpower like in your world. It shapes the land, the creatures, and even the way cities are built."
Aiden listened intently, taking in his surroundings. The deeper they walked, the more surreal everything became. Then, in the distance, a massive fortress loomed over the treetops, its dark stone walls stretching endlessly.
¡°That¡¯s Black Lion City,¡± Alina continued. ¡°Ruled by the half-emperor Black Ocean Lion.¡±
As they neared the fortress, she pulled two cloaks from her storage bag, swiftly draping one over herself before handing the other to Aiden.
¡°Cover yourself,¡± she murmured, her voice laced with unease.
Aiden noticed her nervousness but said nothing. She had a right to be afraid¡ªbringing a human here was unheard of, perhaps even dangerous.
At the gates, two guards stood watch¡ªgoat-faced humanoids clad in iron armor. Their glowing eyes narrowed as one of them stepped forward, demanding identification.
Alina smoothly handed over a few spirit stones. The guard inspected them briefly before nodding and waving them inside.
As they passed through the gates, Aiden was met with a sight beyond imagination. The city teemed with life, but not as he knew it. Mermaids floated effortlessly through the air. Fairies with delicate, iridescent wings darted between towers. Massive crocodile-headed beings strode through the streets, their scaled bodies gleaming under floating lanterns.
His mind raced to process it all. A towering giant passed by, his steps shaking the ground, while a nimble dwarf weaved effortlessly through the crowd.
"This is incredible¡­" Aiden muttered.
Alina led him further into the heart of the city, where towering structures lined the streets. Despite the alien architecture, there was an odd familiarity to it. Black Lion City was no different from a human metropolis¡ªmarkets bustled with vendors, smithies clanged with the sound of forging weapons, and alchemists¡¯ shops exuded strange, pungent fumes.
At the center of it all stood a colossal castle, ancient and imposing. Though covered in dust and timeworn, something about it felt¡­ unnatural. Aiden''s instincts told him it was no ordinary fortress.
¡°This city thrives on spirit power,¡± Alina explained as they walked. ¡°Unlike humans who train for years, spirits can consume certain fruits or materials to evolve and grow stronger.¡± She gestured to a vendor selling glimmering fruits, their surfaces shifting with prismatic hues. ¡°These enhance spirit essence, pushing beings to the next stage of their evolution.¡±
Aiden nodded, absorbing every word.
For all its wonders, this place was built on strength¡ªon power. And if he was going to survive here, he had to find a way to harness it too.
As Aiden entered the busiest district of the city, chaos erupted before him.
A storm of violence erupted in the heart of the city, raw and unrestrained. Aiden stood at the edge of the chaos, watching as a monstrous, bull-armored warrior clashed against a serpent-like figure, their blows shaking the very ground beneath them.
The bull let out a guttural roar, his body expanding as his muscles swelled with raw power. His armor groaned under the transformation, reshaping to fit his growing frame. From seemingly nowhere, he brandished a colossal battle axe, its edge gleaming wickedly in the dim light. With a savage swing, he brought it down, cleaving through the serpent¡¯s arm with terrifying ease. Flesh parted, bone cracked, and the severed limb hit the ground with a sickening thud.
The serpent¡¯s scream split the air, not just in pain but in rage. Its form shimmered, twisting unnaturally, and in the blink of an eye, it was no longer a serpent but a fairy¡ªsmall, impossibly fast, and brimming with lethal intent. A dagger flashed in her hand, her movements a blur as she hurled it forward. The blade sliced through the air in a deadly arc before burying itself deep in the bull¡¯s chest.
Aiden didn¡¯t flinch. He had seen death before, but this wasn¡¯t war. This wasn¡¯t battle. It was something far worse¡ªa mindless slaughter, a display of savagery with no honor, no rules. There were no warriors here, only beasts tearing into each other with nothing but bloodlust driving them forward.
The streets ran slick with crimson as the fight spiraled into chaos. Every movement was a desperate bid to kill, every strike meant to maim beyond recovery. The clash of steel and the sickening sound of flesh being torn filled the air, a twisted symphony of violence.
Then, without warning, a stray attack hurtled toward Aiden. He barely had time to react before a crackling shield of spirit energy burst into existence before him. The force of the attack slammed into the barrier, sending sparks flying, but the shield held firm.
Alina stood beside him, her eyes cold and calculating as the remnants of her spell shimmered in the air. He exhaled sharply, realizing how close he had come to being caught in the bloodbath.
Then, the chaos was cut short. Dark figures moved through the battlefield¡ªlaw enforcers, draped in crimson uniforms, their presence an unspoken decree of finality. The fight was over.
Clad in deep crimson uniforms, they exuded an aura of authority and mystery far greater than the simple goat-faced guards at the fortress gates. With a wave of their hands, they cast an unknown spell, ensnaring both combatants in a flash of eerie red light.
The bull-armored warrior, still bleeding, was seized and promptly hurled beyond the city¡¯s borders. The fairy, however, had already begun to fade.
She didn¡¯t cry out, nor did her body collapse¡ªit simply disintegrated into shimmering dust and vanished into the air.
Aiden furrowed his brows. "Is she... dead?"
Alina shook her head, her voice calm as she explained. ¡°Not quite. Her body was destroyed, but she¡¯ll regenerate. Spirits aren¡¯t like mortals¡ªthey don¡¯t truly die unless their spirit stone is shattered. Somewhere, in a hidden place, her spirit stone remains intact. Given time, she will reform.¡±
Aiden absorbed this new information. The concept unsettled him. ¡°So spirits can resurrect infinitely?¡±
¡°Yes, but at a cost,¡± Alina said. ¡°Each time they die, they lose a fraction of their power. Still, unless their spirit stone is found and destroyed, they can never truly be killed.¡±
Aiden glanced at the place where the fairy had once stood, now nothing but an empty street stained with blood. The laws of this world were unlike anything he knew.
He had seen enough for one day.
As they retraced their steps toward the forest, preparing to return through the portal, Alina continued explaining the deeper intricacies of the spirit world.
¡°The castles,¡± she said, ¡°are among the most significant and mysterious structures here. No one knows who built them, but they are ancient, powerful, and bound to the very essence of this world. Any spirit can claim a castle by placing their spirit stone inside. Once bound, the castle grants its owner control over its unique abilities.¡±
Aiden listened, intrigued.
¡°Take the Black Lion City, for example,¡± Alina continued. ¡°The fortress¡¯s walls are indestructible¡ªthat¡¯s its ability. That¡¯s why the half-emperor Black Ocean Lion has ruled it for centuries. No one has ever been able to break through its defenses.¡±
Aiden frowned. ¡°But if the spirit stone has to be inside the castle, doesn¡¯t that make it a weakness? If someone finds and destroys it, the owner loses everything.¡±
Alina nodded. ¡°That¡¯s the risk of power. A castle grants incredible strength, but it also paints a target on your back.¡±
Aiden exhaled slowly. The more he learned about this world, the more dangerous it seemed.
Power came at a cost. And in the spirit world, that cost could be everything.
It was...
A distant clash echoed through the air.
Aiden and Alina instinctively turned toward the sound, drawn by the commotion. As they neared, they spotted a faint glow flickering through the dense underbrush. A small, round stone, pulsing with energy¡ªa Spirit Pebble¡ªhad landed amid the chaos.
A fight had already broken out. A handful of low-tier spirits clashed desperately, their crude spells and weak weapons colliding in flashes of dull light as they scrambled to claim it.
Alina barely spared the skirmish a glance. ¡°It¡¯s just low spirits,¡± she said. ¡°Once a Spirit Pebble is consumed, it helps them evolve to the next level. It¡¯s incredibly valuable for them¡ªbut useless to me. I was born a Elite spirit.¡±
Aiden observed the battle, unimpressed. Compared to the brutal, lawless fight he had witnessed earlier, this was nothing¡ªjust a struggle among the weak.
Alina turned to leave. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said.
But something held Aiden in place.
A pull. A whisper in his mind.
Get it.
His intuition had never been this strong before. There was no logic behind it¡ªjust an unshakable feeling that the Spirit Pebble would be vital to him.
After a brief hesitation, he acted.
¡°Spirit Queen,¡± he commanded. ¡°Retrieve it.¡±
She obeyed instantly. She had to.
The moment she stepped forward, the low spirits froze, terror gripping their fragile forms. Their instincts screamed, their essence trembled¡ªprimal fear overwhelming their feeble wills. But resistance was a concept beyond them now. With a flick of her wrist, unseen chains locked them in place, their spectral bodies stiff and unyielding.
She moved without urgency, her gaze fixed on the Spirit Pebble.
One spirit¡ªwhether driven by bravery or blind desperation¡ªlet out a piercing cry and lunged, forcing every ounce of its being into a final, futile charge. A burst of spiritual force propelled it forward.
It never stood a chance.
With a glance, the Spirit Queen willed its existence away. A pulse of raw power lashed through the air, and in an instant, the spirit unraveled, its essence shredded into nothingness.
Then, the ground beneath the caged spirits shimmered. A vast rune bloomed outward from her feet, its symbols writhing, pulsing¡ªhungry. The air thickened, humming with power, a silent harbinger of their doom.
Then came the silence.
Nothing remained. No struggle. No cries. No trace of the spirits that once stood there. They were simply gone.
Aiden exhaled sharply, his heart pounding. He had known she was strong, but this? This was absolute dominance.
She retrieved the Spirit Pebble and returned to him, placing it in his palm.
For a brief moment, she watched him, curiosity flickering in her usually unreadable eyes.
What would he do?
The moment the stone touched his skin, a surge of instinct roared through him¡ªConsume it.
Before he could even think, he swallowed it whole.
The Spirit Queen¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Aiden, stop! Even low spirits don¡¯t devour it in one go! Their bodies need time to absorb and stabilize the power¡ª¡±
Too late.
Aiden gasped, his entire body seizing as an unbearable agony ripped through him. It felt as if every bone in his body shattered at once, only to be rebuilt, twisted, evolved into something new. His veins burned as raw energy surged through him, reshaping him from the inside out.
He collapsed. Darkness consumed him.
Then, a faint glow.
A notification appeared before his fading consciousness.
Evolution Complete.
New Form Acquired: Half-Spirit Body. Chapter 4: The Astral Kingdom Aiden felt an unfamiliar sensation coursing through his body. He was light¡ªlighter than ever before. His limbs hummed with an energy that made his skin tingle. Slowly, he opened his eyes, and then¡ª He woke up. The world around him was different. He lay on a bed in the middle of a vast garden. The scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers filled the air. The bed beneath him was soft, but that wasn¡¯t what caught his attention. Vibrant petals swayed gently in the breeze, their colors almost too vivid, as if the garden itself pulsed with life. Something about his body had changed. He felt weightless, powerful, like an untamed force waiting to be unleashed. Curiosity burned in his mind. He needed to test it. Without hesitation, he sprang from the bed, his movements fluid and effortless. His feet barely touched the ground before he dashed forward, faster than he ever had before. In a single bound, he launched himself onto a tree, then propelled to another, moving like a shadow between the branches. His body flipped, twisted, and landed with a perfect backflip, his instincts sharper than ever. Aiden barely had a moment to process before he threw a punch into the air. A sharp shockwave erupted from his fist, sending gusts of wind rippling through the garden. His eyes widened. That was new. From a distance, the Spirit Queen watched in stunned silence. She had sensed Aiden¡¯s awakening, hurriedly grabbing the lightning whip she had claimed from the battle. She had intended to show it to him, to discuss their next steps. But what she saw left her speechless. Aiden moved like a being untethered by limits, his power radiating in waves. The way he leaped, the force he wielded¡ªit was beyond what she had expected. Then, before her eyes, something even more astonishing happened. Aiden turned to her, his gaze steady as if he had already known she was watching. A thought flickered in his mind, an instinct guiding him. He reached out¡ªnot physically, but through something deeper. A connection. A pulse of understanding surged through him. He could feel it¡ªthe knowledge, the spells, the runes. And then, it worked. Flames danced in his right hand, flickering like a living entity. Lightning crackled in his left, spiraling around his fingers. He controlled both elements effortlessly, his mind absorbing the Spirit Queen¡¯s magic as though it had always belonged to him. Decades of training, mastery, and power¡ªloaded into his consciousness in mere moments. The Spirit Queen stepped closer, her expression shifting between disbelief and admiration. She had spent lifetimes honing her abilities, yet Aiden wielded them as if he had known them forever. A slow smile played on her lips as she exhaled, shaking her head in awe. ¡°You never fail to leave me astonished, Aiden.¡±
Seated upon her throne, the Spirit Queen extended her hand, and the Lightning Whim materialized before Aiden. The moment his fingers wrapped around it, a surge of energy coursed through him¡ªit was as if the weapon had always been a part of him, an extension of his very being. With just a thought, it responded, shifting its form effortlessly. It grew longer, then thinner, reshaping itself to his will. Curious, he swung it through the air, and arcs of crackling electricity danced along its edge. He struck the ground, and a shockwave rippled outward, sending sparks skittering across the stone floor. The sheer power behind it sent a thrill through him, but he set the weapon aside, turning his focus to something more pressing¡ªthe spirit crystals buried deep within the mines. Descending into the mines, he attempted to absorb the raw energy within the spirit crystals, but it resisted him. No matter how hard he tried, the spirit energy refused to flow into him the way mana did for humans. Frustration gnawed at him until exhaustion finally set in. And then, in his moment of weakness, something shifted. The energy surged toward him, filling the void left by his drained reserves. Realization struck. He could not wield spirit energy as a human would¡ªbut as a spirit, he could draw upon it instinctively. A bold thought formed in his mind. Without hesitation, he grasped the Star Slayer, the legendary forge-blade, and poured his spirit energy into it. The moment he did, the weapon hummed in his hands, forging an unbreakable bond with him. He took a single step forward and slashed. The blade cut through the solid wall as if it were made of paper, the force of the strike reducing it to rubble in an instant. Aiden exhaled, gripping the sword tightly. It obeyed him with ease, as though they were one. The overwhelming sense of control sent a thrill of power coursing through him. He had no intention of wrecking the dungeon further. Instead, he strode into the garden, where golden light filtered through the ethereal leaves. With measured precision, he began practicing with the Star Slayer, each movement refined, each strike sharper than the last. From her throne, the Spirit Queen watched, her sharp eyes tracking his every motion. Something had shifted within her¡ªadmiration, respect, perhaps even something deeper. She had once seen him as a mere human, an outsider who had somehow bound her to his will. But now, she saw something else entirely. Aiden was no longer just a human. He was becoming something more. Something far greater.
Aiden turned to the Spirit Queen, his gaze unwavering. ¡°What do you think? Can I resurrect?¡± The question alone was enough to shake even the unflappable Spirit Queen. For a brief moment, she remained silent, then scoffed. ¡°That¡¯s the most foolish thing you could possibly consider,¡± she snapped. ¡°You don¡¯t have a spirit core. Without one, you¡¯ll simply die. Don¡¯t even entertain the thought.¡± Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Logically, she was right. Without a core, resurrection should have been impossible. There was no precedent, no reason to believe it could work. But Aiden had never been one to accept limits. Ignoring her warning, he closed his eyes and focused, reaching deep into himself¡ªjust as he had when casting spells, when etching runes into existence. He wasn¡¯t thinking about death. He was thinking about rebirth. And then, in that fleeting moment of clarity, something shifted. A strange sensation washed over him, as if space itself had fractured. He felt a pull, a thread of possibility, a connection to another place entirely. Instinct took over, and he surrendered to it. In an instant, Aiden vanished. The Spirit Queen¡¯s eyes widened in shock. She understood immediately what had happened. Without hesitation, she followed, her form flickering out of existence. Both had taken the ultimate risk. They had wagered their very lives in a gamble against fate. Now, it was only a matter of time¡ªwho would return, and who would be lost forever? When Aiden¡¯s eyes opened again, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. Ornate walls surrounded him, the space devoid of windows, drowning in an eerie stillness. The air was thick with power, ancient and unyielding. At the center of the room, a crystal pulsed faintly¡ªa spirit core. His heart pounded as realization struck. It wasn¡¯t just any core. It was hers. The Spirit Queen¡¯s essence lay before him, contained within the very thing she had claimed was necessary for resurrection. But where was he? Where in the vast, uncharted depths of the spirit world had he awakened? And why was her core here? Before he could make sense of it, another presence stirred. A second later, the Spirit Queen materialized before him, her form reforming, breathless yet whole. Aiden met her gaze and let a slow, victorious smile spread across his lips. ¡°See? I did it.¡± He stepped forward, his voice laced with certainty. ¡°Now I am a spirit too. Immortality is my fate.¡±
The Spirit Queen''s voice rang with urgency. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have come here! You don¡¯t know what this place is. We need to leave¡ªnow!¡± Without waiting for his response, she seized Aiden¡¯s wrist, and in the next instant, they vanished. When they reappeared, they stood on the outskirts of a massive city, far from the fortress where they had just been. Aiden took a step forward, his eyes widening as he gazed down from the cliffside. The city stretched before him, sprawling and vibrant, its size nearly ten times that of any settlement he had seen before. At its heart, a grand castle loomed, its towers piercing the sky like celestial spires. Unlike the fortress they had just left, this one was different¡ªsmaller, yet more intricate in design. Realization struck. Aiden turned to the Spirit Queen, suspicion flickering in his expression. ¡°That¡¯s your castle, isn¡¯t it?¡± The Spirit Queen hesitated, then exhaled. ¡°My parents own it. They are the Emperor and Empress of the Astral Kingdom.¡± Aiden stiffened. ¡°Astral Kingdom?¡± ¡°The largest kingdom in the central plains of the spirit world,¡± she explained, her voice firm yet edged with unease. He stared at her, processing the revelation. ¡°So, that makes you the Astral Princess?¡± She ignored his shock, her focus fixed on their escape. With swift movements, she pulled two cloaks from her storage ring, handing one to Aiden before throwing the other over herself. ¡°We need to get inside the city and reach the teleportation array. From here, we can¡¯t return to our dungeon.¡± Aiden didn¡¯t argue. He was intrigued, drawn to the city and the castle she once called home, but the urgency in her voice kept him from pressing further. With their cloaks concealing them, they descended the cliffs and approached the fortress walls. At the city¡¯s entrance, the Spirit Queen revealed an emblem to the guards. The moment they laid eyes on it, they stepped aside without question. As they passed through the gates, Aiden observed his surroundings with curiosity. Unlike the dungeons and spirit territories he had encountered before, this place was different. Most of the spirits here bore human-like features, their forms resembling mortals more than beasts or eldritch creatures. He spotted a few elves among them, but no monstrous beings or hybrid spirits. The Spirit Queen didn¡¯t allow him the luxury of sightseeing. She moved with haste, weaving through the crowded streets, her eyes darting with cautious precision. She was avoiding something¡ªor someone. She didn¡¯t need to say it. Aiden understood. She was afraid of being caught by her family. Still, as they passed through the city, something caught his attention. Statues. Everywhere he looked¡ªat street corners, plazas, towering intersections¡ªmonuments stood, carved in tribute to a single figure. Aiden slowed his steps, his gaze drawn to the solemn yet commanding face etched into stone. The man depicted had sharp, regal features, eyes that seemed to pierce through time itself, and an aura of authority so intense it radiated even from cold stone. ¡°That your father?¡± Aiden asked. The Spirit Queen barely spared the statue a glance. ¡°No. That¡¯s Emperor Eldrin the Celestial, the former ruler of the entire spirit world.¡± Aiden frowned. ¡°Former Emperor?¡± She nodded, her voice quieter this time. ¡°My grandfather once served under him. He was the most powerful sovereign in history¡ªhis dominion stretched across all spirit realms, and his mere presence was said to bend reality itself. But one day, he vanished. Without warning, without a trace. His empire fractured, dividing into smaller kingdoms. That¡¯s how the Astral Kingdom was born.¡± Aiden¡¯s gaze lingered on the statue, his mind racing. ¡°No one knows what happened to him?¡± ¡°No,¡± she admitted. ¡°One day, he simply disappeared. The spirits who had been bound to his rule were freed, and the world changed forever.¡± Aiden studied the stone effigy, his mind churning. If a being powerful enough to rule the entire spirit world could simply vanish, how strong had he been? And more importantly¡­ where had he gone? His eyes drifted to the other statues surrounding the Emperor¡¯s monument¡ªfigures standing beside him, their presence no less imposing. They, too, radiated an aura of forgotten power. He wanted to know more. To learn about them. To understand their strength. But now was not the time. The Spirit Queen grabbed his arm, pulling him away. ¡°We need to hurry.¡± Without another word, they raced toward the teleportation array. The moment they reached it, they stepped inside, vanishing before another second could be wasted. As the glow of the teleportation array faded, the plaza fell silent once more¡ªsave for the hurried footsteps that arrived moments too late. A tall figure emerged from the crowd, his piercing silver eyes scanning the empty platform. Clad in regal armor adorned with astral engravings, his presence commanded instant respect and fear. His gaze darkened as he clenched his fists. "She was here," he murmured, his voice cold, controlled. A guard hesitated before stepping forward. "Your Highness, we¡ª" "Spare me the excuses." His tone was sharp, unforgiving. "Where did she go?" The guards exchanged uneasy glances. "The array¡¯s destination was scrambled, Prince Kael. She must have done it intentionally." Kael exhaled slowly, suppressing the fury bubbling within. His little sister¡ªreckless as always. But this time, she wasn¡¯t just running. She was fleeing. And worse, she wasn¡¯t alone. His fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword. "Find out where she went. Now." The guards scrambled into action, but Kael remained still, his eyes fixed on the lingering afterglow of the array. "You can¡¯t run forever, Astra," he muttered under his breath. "I will find you." Chapter 5: infuse with the Show Eyes?
The Spirit Queen and Aiden landed inside the dungeon with a sudden rush of energy. As soon as they were safely within its depths, the Queen¡¯s expression darkened. She seemed troubled but said nothing. Without a word, she turned and swiftly left, disappearing into the garden.
Aiden watched her go, his mind whirling with thoughts. He had conquered death. He could die an infinite number of times and return without consequence. Yet, the Queen¡ªthe Astral Princess¡ªwas unwilling to return home. Was she afraid? Hiding from something?
His lips curled into a smirk. He had become something beyond mortal comprehension, an existence that defied fate itself. The weight of his past, his days as a mere carrier struggling to survive, now felt distant¡ªinsignificant. Power coursed through his veins, igniting a bold idea in his mind.
Without hesitation, he left the dungeon, making his way to the closest city. The familiar streets stretched before him, unchanged, but he¡ªhe was no longer the same. His eyes gleamed with newfound authority as he observed the ordinary humans around him. Fragile. Mortal. They lived and died within the boundaries of their limitations. But he? He had broken free.
Luck had played its part, granting him the spirit pebble, but he had seized the opportunity with his own hands. He had dared to challenge the impossible. And now, he wanted more.
His gaze traveled across the cityscape until it locked onto the tallest, most opulent building¡ªthe Earl¡¯s Palace. A slow smile spread across his face.
Aiden had never set foot inside the Earl¡¯s estate. He knew nothing of its architecture, its secret passageways, or its defenses. But he didn¡¯t need a map. He could sense it¡ªthe concentrated pulse of spirit minerals buried deep within the palace, radiating energy from the heart of the main chamber.
He wasn¡¯t interested in petty thievery. He wasn¡¯t sneaking in like a common burglar. He would take what he wanted, not as a thief, but as someone with the power and will to claim it.
Afternoon bled into evening. He waited, watching, memorizing the movements of the guards, the shifts in security. As the city dimmed under the approaching night, lanterns flickered to life in the hands of weary travelers.
Sitting at a small roadside tea shop, Aiden sipped his drink in silence. The moment was near. He placed a single silver coin on the table¡ªa coin worth far more than the measly copper the tea was worth¡ªand vanished.
The shopkeeper, upon returning, gasped at the sight of the silver gleaming under the lantern¡¯s glow.
Meanwhile, Aiden stood before the palace¡¯s main gate, his presence a silent declaration. The guards stationed there had no warning. One moment, he was a shadow against the night; the next, he was in motion.
In an instant, he dashed forward, leaping effortlessly over the gate. The stunned guards barely had time to react.
"Did¡ªdid you see that?" one stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Impossible!" the other muttered, turning to search behind the gate.
But Aiden was gone.
Realizing the breach, one of them snapped out of his daze. "Intruder!" he shouted, his voice ringing through the night.
The alarm had been raised.
Someone had infiltrated the palace.
Aiden was already deep inside, moving swiftly through the grand hallways toward the Earl¡¯s treasury. Guards stood stationed at every door, their postures rigid, their eyes scanning for any sign of disturbance. But they never saw him coming.
With a flick of his fingers, Aiden cast a Sleep Spell. One by one, the guards swayed, their weapons clattering to the ground as their bodies slumped into unconsciousness. But it took him a minute to make them fall asleep¡ªit was a time-consuming spell. Silent. Efficient. Yet, every passing second felt like an eternity. He stepped over them, pressing forward.
As he approached another corridor, more guards stood in formation, making direct confrontation unwise. He extended his hand, weaving an into the air. The magic rippled, twisting the fabric of reality. Within moments, chaos erupted. Some guards began twirling around as if entranced by an invisible melody, others clumsily reached for each other in bizarre, drunken embraces. Laughter, confusion, and muttered curses filled the hallway.
Aiden smirked. He needed something more precise.
He turned a corner and spotted two more guards standing at the next gate. This time, he cast .
One of the guards suddenly dropped his sword, turning to his companion with wide, adoring eyes. ¡°I love you¡­ I love the way you move,¡± he whispered, wrapping his arms around the stunned man and pulling him into a passionate embrace.
The other guard barely had time to react before he too was caught in the spell¡¯s grasp. He clutched at the empty air, whispering, ¡°Mother¡­ you came back¡­¡± before sighing blissfully and collapsing into deep slumber.
Aiden chuckled.
Moving swiftly, he continued using at every checkpoint. Within minutes, the entire palace was silent, its guards lost in dreams.
Then, he reached his destination¡ªthe .
A massive, rune-etched door loomed before him, pulsing with protective magic. Aiden pressed his palm against it, but the moment he did, a surge of energy pushed him back. The defenses were too strong.
Instead of wasting time, he teleported. In an instant, he vanished from outside the vault and materialized within.
Rows of spirit minerals lined the chamber, shimmering under the dim magical lights. Their energy hummed in the air, but Aiden¡¯s attention was elsewhere. His eyes locked onto a large, ornate box sitting atop a pedestal in the center of the room.
He stepped forward and opened it.
Inside lay two golden eyeballs¡ªperfectly preserved, gleaming with an eerie radiance. His breath caught.
The moment he reached out and touched them, a notification appeared before his vision:
Without hesitation, he accepted.
The golden eyes melted into his own, fusing with his very being. A sharp pain shot through his skull as his vision blacked out. For a brief moment, he was blind.
Then¡ªeverything changed.
When his sight returned, the world no longer looked the same. The granted him a level of perception far beyond his spirit sense. He could now see the energy of everything around him¡ªcurrents of power, hidden formations, invisible traps.
And that¡¯s when he noticed it.
Beneath his feet, an intricate rune glowed faintly. He had already triggered it. There was no turning back.
Aiden moved quickly, scanning the room with his enhanced vision. At the far end, tucked away in a locked drawer, a tiny, unassuming box pulsed with an immense concentration of spirit power.
With precision, he snatched it and pried it open.
Inside, a rested in his palm¡ªsmall, no larger than a child¡¯s toy, but he knew exactly what he was holding.
His breath hitched.
There were only a handful of these in existence¡ªan capable of both offense and defense. The king himself had only a few, and the dukes were each granted one. Yet, here it was, hidden away in the Earl¡¯s treasury.
Without a second thought, he teleported out of the vault and into the city streets.
He gazed at the miniature resting in his palm. To the untrained eye, it was nothing more than a trinket, but he knew better. A wouldn¡¯t even begin to measure its worth.
He could sell it and live like a king.
Or¡­ he could keep it.
A slow smile crept across his lips. He knew exactly where he was going to activate this treasure.
The Earl''s fists clenched as a messenger delivered the news. His treasury had been infiltrated. His jaw tightened, his expression twisting into something between disbelief and rage.
¡°Someone dared to rob my castle?¡± His voice thundered through the halls, sending a chill down the spines of those who heard it. He didn¡¯t wait for an answer. His boots struck hard against the marble floor as he stormed toward the vault, his mind a whirlwind of fury. This wasn¡¯t just theft. This was an attack. A challenge.
The guards scrambled to keep pace, but their fear was divided¡ªhalf for the thief, half for the Earl himself.
Reaching the treasure chamber, he ripped a heavy key from his belt and jammed it into the lock. The enchanted door groaned as it swung open, revealing the dimly lit vault within.
His breath hitched.
The protective runes shimmered¡ªa clear sign of forced entry. His pulse roared in his ears as his gaze swept across the chamber, searching. And then he saw it.
Or rather, he didn¡¯t.
The pedestal at the center stood bare. The Show Eyes¡ªone of his most prized artifacts¡ªwas gone.
A tremor ran through his fingers as he pressed them to his forehead. That treasure should never have left royal hands. And yet, it had vanished.
He staggered forward, but his steps faltered as his eyes landed on something far worse.
A drawer at the far end of the room stood wide open. Empty.
His heart lurched.
No. No, no, no¡ª
He rushed over, hands trembling, praying that his worst fear wasn¡¯t true. But the truth was undeniable.
The Skyship¡ªhis S-Grade artifact¡ªhad been stolen.
His knees nearly buckled.
If word got out¡­ if the Duke learned of this¡­
A cold sweat traced down his spine. The consequences would be unthinkable. His power, his influence¡ªeverything he had built¡ªrested on these artifacts. Without them, he was vulnerable. And if he didn¡¯t recover them soon, he wouldn¡¯t just lose his wealth. He¡¯d lose his head.
No. He wouldn¡¯t let that happen.
His grip tightened as he yanked a map from his coat pocket. The enchanted parchment pulsed, revealing a single marked location. A dungeon.
On the outskirts of the city.
His teeth ground together. His fury burned hotter than ever as he turned to his guards.
¡°Sound the war horns.¡± His voice was ice-cold. ¡°Mobilize the army. Now.¡±
A tense silence stretched between them before the guards snapped into action, running to fulfill his orders.
The Earl reached for his sword. The steel gleamed under the flickering torchlight as he drew it with a slow, deliberate motion.
¡°We march tonight.¡±
With a sweep of his cloak, he strode out of the vault. Behind him, the first echoes of war drums began to beat.
Across the city, the war drums pounded like a heartbeat of impending doom. Soldiers rushed to their barracks, strapping on armor, fastening their belts, and securing their weapons. The clang of steel echoed as swords were drawn, shields were hoisted, and protective jackets were strapped in place. The night, once peaceful, was now alive with the hurried footsteps of men preparing for battle.
But outside the castle, chaos spread like wildfire. The townsfolk awoke in confusion, peering out of their windows, whispering in hushed, frantic voices. What had happened? Why was the army mobilizing?
The city¡¯s guilds demanded answers, their leaders summoning informants, yet no one knew the cause. Even the city guards, sworn protectors of order, stood bewildered¡ªthere had been no enemy, no declaration of war. And yet, the town stirred as if on the brink of catastrophe. Chapter 6: whether the kingdom remains or not. Aiden stared into the still waters of the dungeon¡¯s underground lake, his own reflection gazing back at him. A familiar hum filled his vision as a status screen materialized before his eyes, revealing the details of his existence. The Show Eyes¡ªthe artifact he had connected with¡ªhad been a tremendous boon. With them, he could appraise anything at will, uncovering secrets hidden from ordinary sight. His reflection wavered slightly on the lake¡¯s surface, but the status remained firm. Aiden Body: ******* Contacts: Astra Spirit Level: Low-level spirit His body type remained obscured, likely due to his low spirit level. He frowned. What kind of body did he possess? What was its name? The question gnawed at him, stirring his curiosity. Another thought struck him. He turned his gaze toward the spirit standing a few steps away¡ªthe spectral presence of the Queen of the Dungeon. The moment his eyes landed on her, a second status screen flickered into view. Astral Princess Body: Astral Body (Sealed) Title: Crown of Rune, Queen of Spells Contact: Dungeon Owner Aiden¡¯s breath caught. Her body was sealed, yet her power was undeniable. She had earned her titles¡ªCrown of Rune and Queen of Spells¡ªthrough sheer skill, not simply by relying on her bloodline or inherited abilities. That alone spoke volumes about her strength. For a moment, Aiden considered confronting her about her sealed Astral Body, but he hesitated. His mind had already latched onto something else, something that piqued his interest even more¡ªContracts. The ability to bind others. He had already learned the spell of enslavement from the Spirit Queen. The knowledge burned within him¡ªhe had already learned the spell to enslave spirits from the Queen herself. With such power at his disposal, why not build a force of his own? A team of formidable beings bound to him, serving his future ambitions. Determined, Aiden stepped toward the Queen, ready to propose a journey to the Spirit World¡ªto gather forces under his command. But just as he opened his mouth to speak, the ground trembled. A deep, reverberating vibration pulsed through the dungeon. The Queen¡¯s eyes snapped toward the entrance, her expression darkening. "Aiden¡­ what have you done?" He barely had time to process her words before she raised a hand, casting a swift incantation. Her hands rose, fingers weaving through the air in a swift, precise motion. In an instant, the entire dungeon appeared before them¡ªas if a thousand unseen eyes had been watching it all along. The spell projected a vivid, living image of every corridor and chamber. Aiden¡¯s eyes darted to the moving figures now filling the dungeon¡¯s outer halls. Their armor gleamed in the dim torchlight, their badges emblazoned with an all-too-familiar crest. The Earl had come. Aiden didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°We need to leave.¡± The Queen whirled to face him, her gaze locking onto his. Two seconds of silence. Two seconds of unspoken calculation. Her voice was low, measured. ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose my dungeon.¡± Aiden met her stare, his own voice unwavering. ¡°You won¡¯t.¡± "I will make sure the dungeon stays, whether the kingdom remains or not." The Spirit Queen didn¡¯t understand, nor did she want to. The Spirit Queen wasted no time. With a flick of her wrist, she activated the teleportation rune, and before Aiden could blink, they were engulfed in a swirl of energy. When they reappeared, the air felt different¡ªthick with an unfamiliar presence. The sky churned with mist, and the ground beneath them pulsed faintly. Aiden scanned the surroundings, frowning. This wasn¡¯t the Spirit World he had visited before. ¡°Where are we?¡± he asked. ¡°To get more monsters for the dungeon,¡± the Queen replied without looking back. She walked ahead with purpose, but Aiden noticed the tension in her posture. Her steps were quicker than usual, her focus unwavering. He could tell she was worried¡ªher dungeon was everything to her. The only thing she had left. They moved forward, passing creatures unlike anything Aiden had encountered before. First, they saw giant pandas, towering over them but oddly docile. Then came furious rabbits, darting through the landscape with unnatural speed, but they, too, lacked the threat or power Aiden was searching for. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. A little further ahead, they found a pack of wild wolves. Strong, but common. The dungeon already had wolves. They were about to move on when the wolves suddenly froze in place. A silent, invisible pressure crushed the air around them, forcing the beasts to bow their heads before the Queen. Aiden exhaled. Even without lifting a finger, she commanded submission. Then, a disturbance ahead caught their attention. A group of high-level spirits were chasing something¡ªa creature that stood out from the rest. A flamingo with a horn. Aiden¡¯s vision blurred momentarily as a status screen materialized before him. [Ancient Flamingo] Spirit Level: Low Attributes: Water, Ice, Fire His breath caught. An ancient horned flamingo. A rare fusion of elements, and a beast with extraordinary potential. Without hesitation, he spoke. ¡°We need to catch that bird.¡± Aiden took off running while the Queen moved to intercept the spirits chasing it. The flamingo flapped its wings, trying to take flight, but Aiden was faster. Chanting under his breath, he wove a spell into the air. The moment it activated, the bird''s movements halted. The flamingo let out a shriek, its eyes burning with fury as it fought against the spell¡¯s hold. ¡°How long do you plan to run?¡± Aiden asked, stepping closer. The bird glared at him. It understood him, but understanding didn¡¯t mean submission. Without wasting time, Aiden activated a binding rune beneath it. The reaction was instant. The flamingo thrashed, flapping its wings wildly as it struggled against the magical restraints. The rune pulsed brighter, sealing the spell, locking the creature into submission. A notification flashed before Aiden¡¯s eyes. [You have enslaved an Ancient Horned Flamingo.] The ancient horned flamingo was under him, but he wanted to give a name because he won''t go calling. He thought about the name and just like fire and ice I will call you Flame. The next moment a notification occurred. [The universal contract is formed.] The bird trembled, and for the first time, Aiden felt something unexpected¡ªfear. The flamingo feared him. He wanted to speak, to reassure it, but a sudden explosion of energy interrupted his thoughts. The Spirit Queen was still fighting, surrounded by seven high spirits. Aiden¡¯s expression darkened. They weren¡¯t just strong¡ªtheir teamwork was too refined, their movements perfectly in sync, as if they had trained together for years. Even the Queen, an elite spirit, was struggling against them. Who were they? Then, a roar split the air. The Queen turned just in time to see the flamingo rise beside Aiden. Her eyes narrowed. He had enslaved it already? Slaving a creature was one thing¡ªcontrolling it was another. Even she had taken time to trust Aiden. What had he said to the flamingo? Before she could ask, the bird let out a cry. Flames and ice surged from its body, its wings glowing with unnatural energy. Aiden smirked. ¡°Go massacre them.¡± The flamingo took flight, shooting forward in a blur of fire and frost. A beam of energy exploded from its beak, aimed straight at the high spirits. They scattered, barely dodging the attack. Aiden could already see the shift in momentum. The Queen and the flamingo together¡ªit was over for their enemies. The leader of the high spirits barked an order, and within seconds, his forces retreated into the shadows. The flamingo wasn¡¯t done. It raised its head, gathering energy, before unleashing an ice blast. The shards tore through the air, slamming into the fleeing spirits, sending several of them crashing to the ground. Silence followed. The flamingo landed, its wings folding neatly against its body. The Spirit Queen stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the creature. For the first time, she truly looked at it. The flamingo was stunning¡ªits feathers shimmered in multiple colors, its horn pulsed with a quiet, ancient power. It was beautiful. She took a step closer. The flamingo tensed, watching her carefully. Aiden sighed, stepping beside her. ¡°Relax,¡± he said, gesturing toward the bird. ¡°She¡¯s one of us.¡± The flamingo hesitated before finally lowering its head. The Queen reached out, brushing her fingers against its beak, then trailing them to its neck. Aiden smiled. Then, the ground trembled. A shockwave rolled through the air, rattling the trees, sending a pulse of energy across the land. Aiden, the Queen, and the flamingo exchanged looks. Something was coming. Without hesitation, they turned toward the source¡ªand ran The Earl¡¯s army surged into the dungeon, their armor gleaming under the dim glow of the entrance. Then, without warning, the dungeon¡¯s gates slammed shut. A deep, echoing thud reverberated through the cavern, sealing half the army outside. No matter what they tried, the barrier remained unyielding. Those left behind banged against the invisible force, their shouts of confusion lost to the stone walls. Trapped. The Earl¡¯s forces had no choice but to move forward, leaving half their strength behind. At first, the eerie silence of the dungeon unsettled them. There were no signs of monsters¡ªonly an unnatural stillness that gnawed at their nerves. But as they ventured deeper, the air grew heavier, thick with a sense of unseen danger. Then, the traps began. Arrows shot from hidden crevices, piercing through armor. Stones crashed down from above, crushing unsuspecting soldiers. Vials of poison shattered against the ground, releasing clouds of death. The army had never encountered a dungeon like this. According to the intelligence reports, it was supposed to be a low-tier, sea-level dungeon. But this¡­ this was an intricate labyrinth of death. And it was massive. They pressed on, casualties mounting. The Earl¡¯s men fell one after another, claimed by the relentless traps. Yet, not a single monster had revealed itself. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. The deeper they ventured, the more their numbers thinned. A general, his face pale and bloodied, approached the Earl. ¡°My lord¡­ we¡¯re on the losing side,¡± he said through ragged breaths. ¡°We¡¯ve already lost more than half of our soldiers to these¡ªthese traps. They¡¯re unpredictable. Unlike anything we¡¯ve faced before. And the most bizarre part¡­¡± His voice faltered as he looked around. ¡°We still haven¡¯t seen a single monster.¡± The Earl¡¯s grip tightened around his sword. He had to make a choice. Retreat now and preserve what little remained of his forces, or¡ª A howl cut through the air. Low and guttural, it echoed through the dungeon walls, followed by a deep rumbling beneath their feet. Then, the ground split open. Shadowy figures emerged¡ªgolems, their stone bodies grinding as they rose. Above, the ceiling darkened. Shapes moved. Then, they fell. Goblins, armed with jagged weapons, rained from the shadows, shrieking as they landed among the soldiers. Chaos erupted. The creatures attacked in perfect unison, as if they had been waiting for this moment. There was no time to regroup, no space to counter the onslaught. The Earl¡¯s forces, already weakened, were thrown into disarray. It was a massacre. The Earl could only watch as his army was torn apart. He had fought in countless battles, faced monstrous foes, but never had he seen a dungeon so¡­ prepared. He realized, too late, that they had walked into a death trap. Retreat. It was the only option left. He turned and sprinted toward the exit, a handful of survivors following in his wake. The dungeon was still sealed¡ªuntil suddenly, as if mocking them, the entrance creaked open. Without hesitation, they bolted through. The Earl stumbled outside, gasping for air, his body covered in blood¡ªsome his own, most of it not. His men, those few who remained, collapsed onto the ground, their eyes hollow with terror. The soldiers waiting outside rushed forward, their expressions shifting from relief to horror. The army that had entered was gone. The Earl had led hundreds into what was supposed to be a simple dungeon raid. And in just thirty minutes, only a handful had survived. The Earl breathed heavily, his heart still pounding. He had escaped the dungeon¡­ but he knew that survival would not last long. Not with the Duke waiting for him. The dungeon was a nightmare. But the Duke ?? The Duke was a monster. And now, the Earl had no army left to protect him. Chapter 7: Universal contract formed They ran toward the source of the sound. Aiden pushed through the dense undergrowth bushes, emerging into a clearing where a young boy¡ªno older than twelve¡ªstood trembling before a monstrous red bull. The boy, an elf with ragged clothes and a small mouth organ clutched in his hand, was visibly terrified. His wide, tear-filled eyes darted between the raging beast and the ground beneath him, as if searching for an escape. Panic overtook him, his body rigid with fear, but still, he stood his ground. Aiden didn¡¯t rush in. He held back, observing. The bull lunged, its massive horns gleaming in the dim light, but the moment it neared, the boy let out a desperate cry. A shockwave of sound exploded from him, rippling through the entire forest. The sheer force sent the bull skidding backward, its hooves carving deep trenches into the dirt. Even Aiden and his group felt the blast, staggering as the wave of power pulsed through them. This was no ordinary child. Aiden¡¯s sharp gaze studied him. The elf had an innate ability¡ªsound magic, raw and untrained, but powerful nonetheless. Given the right guidance, he could become a formidable warrior, a sound mage, or perhaps even a legend. But the red bull was far from defeated. The next moment, It went berserk. With a guttural roar, its body began to shift, its muscles expanding grotesquely, veins pulsing with molten energy. The transformation was violent, the air distorting from the sheer intensity of its rage. Its aura, once a mere flicker of malevolence, now burned like a living inferno, scorching the ground beneath its hooves. The heat alone warped the air, crackling embers spiraling in its wake as an oppressive force radiated outward, suffocating everything in its vicinity. Aiden¡¯s eyes gleamed with interest. This was no mere beast¡ªit was a creature of raw destruction, a force to be reckoned with. And he wanted it under his command. Before he could act, a streak of motion cut through the chaos. The one-horned flamingo, moving with precise intent, swooped down and seized the elf boy in its talons. It had not waited for Aiden¡¯s command¡ªit had simply known. Known what he would have wanted, known that the boy was valuable. Aiden smirked. The ancient creature understood him well. The red bull snarled, its blazing eyes tracking the flamingo¡¯s ascent. It bared its fangs, prepared to attack¡ª But then she stepped forward. Alina, the Spirit Queen. Her presence alone was enough to send a ripple of unease through the battlefield. She met the bull¡¯s furious gaze without flinching, her posture exuding absolute confidence. The fire around the beast roared higher, a manifestation of its unrelenting rage. It pawed the ground, nostrils flaring, the earth trembling beneath its weight. And yet, she stood there, calm. Unmoved. Daring it to charge. The bull obliged, launching itself toward her in a blind, furious rush. Aiden didn¡¯t spare them another glance. He knew Alina could handle herself. His focus now was on the boy, the sound mage in the making. The child, now free from immediate danger, had shifted his attention entirely to the flamingo. He stood in silent awe, his fear momentarily forgotten, reverence flickering in his gaze. The moment the ancient bird let out a low, resonant call, the boy straightened, his expression shifting. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. He bowed. Aiden¡¯s brows lifted slightly. Respect. The boy knew. The boy wasn¡¯t just standing before any creature. He was in the presence of something far greater than himself. And for the first time since their arrival, Aiden¡¯s interest in the boy deepened. Aiden stepped closer. The boy immediately dropped to his knees. "Please accept me as your slave." Aiden froze. Of all the things he had expected, this wasn¡¯t one of them. His gaze flickered toward the ancient flamingo, wondering if the creature had somehow frightened the child into submission. But even the one-horned flamingo looked puzzled, tilting its head in silent inquiry. Aiden let the moment stretch before speaking. "Why do you want to be under me?" The boy lifted his head, meeting Aiden¡¯s eyes with startling honesty. His voice trembled with uncertainty, yet beneath it lay an unshaken resolve. "You have the universe¡¯s sound within you," he said, his tone reverent. "And another sound¡ªsomething mysterious, something I have never sensed before." His breath hitched, but he pressed on. "Your underlings¡­ they radiate trust and confidence in you. I can tell from the sounds they give off. And you¡­ you don¡¯t have any bad sound coming from you." Aiden¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. "You¡¯re also not a good person," the boy added, his voice steady. "You¡¯re a mirror. You reflect what you receive." Aiden didn¡¯t react, but he listened. "You don¡¯t have any ill intentions toward me," the boy continued. "I can hear it." Aiden wasn¡¯t just impressed¡ªhe was stunned. The boy hadn¡¯t spoken with blind devotion, nor had he tried to flatter him. Every word had come from pure perception, an ability beyond normal comprehension. Without hesitation, Aiden activated the spell. A glowing rune spread beneath the kneeling boy, intricate patterns weaving into the ground. Energy crackled in the air. The boy bowed lower. "My name is Lyrus," he declared. "I will serve you with my life." A notification appeared before Aiden¡¯s eyes. [You have enslaved a spirit.] "Lyrus," Aiden commanded, "stand." [Universal contract formed.] Aiden felt an undeniable connection forming¡ªone that mirrored the bond he had forged when he enslaved Flame and bestowed her with a name. But this time, it was different. It was ten times stronger. He hadn¡¯t felt this overwhelming surge of resonance when binding Alina. Was it because he had grown stronger? Or was there something more to it? A flood of information and power surged into him. His vision blurred for a moment, and then suddenly, the world before him transformed. He could see sound. It wasn¡¯t just a concept anymore¡ªit was a living, breathing world of vibrations. His senses sharpened, attuned to the very fabric of sound itself, as if he had become a part of everything around him. Every object, every being, every movement emitted a tune¡ªsome harmonious, others discordant. He turned his gaze toward Lyrus, and what he perceived was an exquisite melody, pure and innocent. It was soothing, yet layered with unfathomable depth. The longer he focused, the more intricate it became. Beneath the gentle rhythm lurked something potent, something devastating. Aiden narrowed his eyes. Just how destructive could this child be? Then, another presence caught his attention. A majestic yet chaotic tune resounded from behind him. He turned, already knowing what he would find. Alina stood atop the massive Evil Red Bull, her command over the beast absolute. She had subdued it with ease. Aiden¡¯s mind raced. This wasn''t mere coincidence¡ªit was power, raw and undeniable. His thoughts flickered as he closed his eyes, pushing his senses outward. How far could he reach? He exhaled slowly, tuning himself into the sounds around him. A torrent of semi-berserk vibrations pulsed from the south. He instantly recognized it¡ªthe tribe of the Evil Red Bulls. His mind stretched further, reaching beyond. The stronger the sound, the farther it echoed. Sound was eternal. It resonated through the universe itself, and every being contributed to its grand symphony. Then, he felt something else. Something distant. It was neither strong nor weak, neither clear nor faint. It was... a presence. A tingling sensation rippled through his body as he focused on it. This sound was not coming from a single direction. It resonated from everywhere yet did not belong to everyone. It was like the sound of the universe itself, but distinct, elusive. And strangely, he could feel a fragment of it inside him. No¡ªthis was the very sound Lyrus had spoken of. The universe¡¯s sound. But within him, there was another sound. A noise. A deep, chaotic, destructive noise. Not a melody, not a vibration, but something primal and untamed. Aiden¡¯s breath hitched. What was this? And why was it inside him? A sudden shift in the vibrations snapped him back to reality. He felt them¡ªapproaching figures. Powerful. Too powerful. And distant, yet moving with unshakable certainty. Enemies. His mind worked fast. He measured their strength against his own, against his group. The conclusion was clear. They were outmatched. "Alina," he said firmly, "head south and gather every Evil Red Bull you can find. Quickly. I¡¯ll hold them off." She hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her gaze. "Who?" Aiden didn¡¯t have time for explanations. He reached out with his mind, telecommunicating directly. We have enemies incoming. Move now. Alina still wavered, sensing the urgency but questioning its validity. Aiden exhaled sharply, clarifying, They¡¯re hundreds of miles away, but I can sense them. We have time, but not much. He turned to Lyrus and smirked. "Let¡¯s prepare an orchestra for our guests." Chapter 8: Skyship’s Might. Who would have thought that magic could be amplified with nothing more than a simple rhyming tune? Aiden¡¯s hands moved swiftly, weaving spells that reshaped the trees, bending their branches into intricate arches. The herbs and bushes around them curled into precise formations, as if preparing for an elaborate performance. Nearby, Lyrus worked in harmony with him, his magic resonating in a rhythmic chant, sending ripples of power through the air, amplifying the enchantments that filled the environment. The platform, adorned with meticulously placed runes, shimmered with latent energy. Every detail had been arranged with care, but time was slipping through their fingers. The stage was almost set. Scattered across the ground were stones and marbles¡ªcarefully selected materials meant to enhance the runes¡¯ potency. Aiden was experimenting for the first time, layering different elements to amplify their effects. Aiden, crouched nearby, swiftly positioned emeralds in key locations, his every movement precise, yet his senses on high alert. Then, in a heartbeat, his gaze snapped toward the distance. He shut his eyes for a brief moment, attuning himself to the shift in energy¡ª They were close. Without hesitation, Aiden signaled to Flame and Lyrus. They melted into the shadows of the trees and undergrowth, vanishing into the carefully arranged concealment of leaves. Every inch of the ground had been meticulously covered by Aiden¡¯s power, ensuring no trace of their presence remained. Even the slightest disturbance could unravel everything. The stage was set. The first of them stepped through the barrier. Six figures emerged, their movements cautious yet confident. Aiden, hidden within the foliage, barely breathed as he observed them. His pulse quickened when his gaze landed on one particular figure¡ªthe way he moved, the sharp flicker in his eyes¡ªit was clear he had already sensed something was amiss. The remaining five pressed forward, drawn toward the center of the rune circle, unaware of the web tightening around them. ¡°Wait.¡± The voice was calm but firm. The leader, clad in white emerald armor, raised a hand, halting the others. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, his instincts whispering of an unseen threat. Aiden remained motionless, his fingers just inches from activating the runes. Timing was everything. He needed them all within the circle. The leader was perceptive, but suspicion alone wasn¡¯t enough. Not yet. A tense silence filled the air. The leader''s gaze lingered on the uneven ground, his brow furrowed. Something felt... off. The arrangement of leaves, the unsettling stillness¡ªit was almost too perfect. His hand hovered over his weapon. Aiden steadied his breath. Just a little closer... The leader shouted, "Wait!" But the very second he did, Aiden activated the rune. The ground glowed, leaves vibrated, and in an instant, a shimmering barrier enclosed the area. The leader didn¡¯t hesitate. His body pulsed with a deep purple glow as he launched himself toward the center of the rune, slamming his fist into the ground. The impact sent a shockwave rippling outward, scattering the materials Aiden had painstakingly placed to maintain the spell¡¯s integrity. The rune¡ªhis carefully constructed trap¡ªwas unraveling before his eyes. Lyrus reacted instantly, fingers dancing across his instrument as he infused the air with a powerful melody. The vibrations of his music strengthened the failing rune, but it wasn¡¯t enough. Hidden in the shadows, he swiftly cast a visionary sleep spell, hoping to incapacitate the intruders. It failed. These weren¡¯t mere guards; they were far stronger than the Earl¡¯s usual soldiers. Aiden¡¯s chest tightened as he watched two hours of preparation undone in mere moments. He wanted to retreat, but it was already too late. His grip tightened around the hilt of his legendary Forged Star Saber. With no other choice, he dashed toward the other members of the group, excluding the leader, who was still focused on dismantling the rune. The attack should have taken them by surprise, but before he could land a single blow, something struck his chest with immense force. He barely registered the impact before he was sent hurtling backward, crashing into a tree. Pain exploded through his body as he gasped for breath. His dazed vision cleared just enough to see the leader standing where he had been, holding a golden metal rod. Their eyes met, and in that instant, Aiden knew¡ªthis was going to be a deadly fight. And he wasn¡¯t sure he could win. Lyrus and Flame launched their attack the moment Aiden hit the ground. But they were only two against five, and their odds were dismal. Flame, despite his speed and agility, was still just a bird. Lyris, a child with exceptional magic, was still just a child. They were at a severe disadvantage. Aiden didn¡¯t have the luxury of worrying about them. He had his own battle to survive. He lunged toward the leader, fully aware that brute strength alone wouldn¡¯t be enough. The leader¡¯s movements had already given Aiden a glimpse of his overwhelming power. He couldn¡¯t win in a direct confrontation. Without hesitation, Aiden summoned a thousand blades. The ground trembled as countless ethereal swords erupted from the earth, hurtling toward the leader like a relentless storm. For a brief moment, the leader was caught off guard. But then, with an effortless twirl of his rod, he deflected each blade. One after another, they crashed against the weapon, shattering into harmless sparks before they could reach him. Aiden¡¯s eyes widened. Not a single blade had made it through. It was an astonishing display of skill¡ªone that sent a chill down his spine. But he wasn¡¯t done yet. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! He conjured a fireball and hurled it toward the leader. The explosion engulfed the battlefield, momentarily obscuring everything in thick smoke. Aiden didn¡¯t waste a second¡ªhe dashed forward through the haze, saber poised to strike. The leader emerged from the smoke, his rod still spinning, deflecting the lingering blades. Though his armor had absorbed most of the impact, a few of the swords had managed to graze the surface, leaving faint scratches. It wasn¡¯t enough to injure him, but Aiden saw it as a small victory. He pressed forward, slashing with a flurry of precise attacks. But no matter how fast or unpredictable his movements, the leader countered each one with ease. Every strike was met with a swift block, every opening vanished before he could exploit it. Aiden was completely outmatched in terms of skill. But he was smart. As he was forced backward, he suddenly shifted his approach. Feigning retreat, he leaped away. The leader, momentarily puzzled, hesitated just enough for Aiden to strike. Channeling his power, he surged energy from his sword directly into the tip of the leader¡¯s rod. The instant their weapons connected, Aiden unleashed a spell-infused fireball at point-blank range. The explosion sent the leader flying, his body colliding with the thick trees lining the battlefield. His golden rod slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground. As the dust settled, Aiden took in the sight before him. The leader¡¯s armor, flawless until now, bore the first signs of damage¡ªhairline fractures snaking along its surface. More importantly, a thin trickle of blood ran down his forehead. Aiden smirked. But the leader¡­ he was furious now. This fight was far from over. Aiden stole a glance at Lyrus and Fame. They were struggling, barely keeping up against the five warriors. His grip tightened on his sword, but before he could refocus on the leader, a blur of motion slammed into him. The sheer force sent him skidding backward, his body barely withstanding the impact. The leader moved with impossible speed. Aiden barely had time to register his movements before he saw the golden rod in his hands tracing intricate symbols in the air. The glowing runes shimmered, forming words of power. A spell. Aiden reacted instinctively. A fireball roared to life in his palm, and he hurled it toward the forming spell. The explosion lit up the battlefield, momentarily obscuring everything in smoke. But as the haze cleared, Aiden¡¯s heart sank. The spell remained untouched, unbroken. Worse, the momentary distraction had only given the leader more time to complete it. A cold shiver ran down Aiden¡¯s spine as the leader stepped back and pushed the completed spell forward with the tip of his rod. Golden energy rippled outward, covering the entire battlefield. And then¡ª Silence. Aiden knew something was wrong. He could feel it in his bones. But before he could decipher the effects, he tried to move¡ªand failed. His feet were locked in place. ¡°Shit,¡± he muttered under his breath, struggling to break free. No use. The spell had rooted him to the ground. The leader¡¯s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He raised his rod once more, his entire form glowing with a white aura. Then, without hesitation, he lunged forward, the rod aimed straight at Aiden¡¯s chest. Aiden braced himself. He couldn¡¯t defend. He couldn¡¯t dodge. His only option was to attack. But before he could act, a deafening sound echoed through the battlefield¡ªhooves, heavy and unrelenting, pounding against the earth. Aiden smirked. If you were even a few seconds late¡­ A thunderous roar followed. A chorus of grunts, snorts, and wild screeches filled the air as a horde of monstrous bulls charged into view. Their eyes burned with an eerie red glow, and their massive horns gleamed under the moonlight. Chaos erupted. The warriors scrambled to dodge, but the bulls had already chosen their targets. Over a hundred of them surged forward, crashing into the battlefield like an unstoppable tide of destruction. Aiden didn¡¯t waste a second. He leapt onto the nearest tree, using the momentary distraction to summon the Skyship. A small, fist-sized object materialized in his hand. With a flick of his wrist, it expanded¡ªgrowing rapidly, unfolding like a blooming flower. Within seconds, it took shape, transforming into a massive floating vessel hovering above the battlefield. ¡°Go!¡± Aiden shouted. Fame grabbed Lyrus and soared into the Skyship. Alina followed close behind. Aiden jumped last, landing smoothly on the deck as the ship began to ascend. The bulls¡ªunder his command¡ªcontinued their rampage. When their job was done, they would return to the forest, waiting for his next call. But the enemy wasn¡¯t finished yet. The warriors weren¡¯t just skilled fighters¡ªthey could fly. Each of them wielded a strange staff-like device strapped to their backs, propelling them upward in pursuit. ¡°They¡¯re gaining on us!¡± Alina warned. Aiden didn¡¯t answer. He already knew. But the Skyship was built for speed, and even at their best, the warriors couldn¡¯t match its pace. Desperation fueled their attacks. Arrows, spells, and energy blasts rained toward the Skyship, but none even left a mark. Then, the leader raised his rod, its tip pulsing with radiant energy. A massive beam of white light erupted from it, streaking toward the skyship. The impact shook the air around them, but when the light faded, the Skyship remained unscathed. Alina turned to Aiden, eyes wide with suspicion. ¡°Where did you get this Skyship?¡± Aiden smirked, saying nothing. Alina frowned. Day by day, Aiden was becoming more and more of a mystery. Now was their chance to strike. Aiden had already stocked the Skyship with an ample supply of crystals¡ªit was time to put them to the test. Without hesitation, he activated the six cannons. The sleek weapons adjusted, each one capable of rotating a full 360 degrees to target enemies from any direction. As the cannons powered up, they began drawing energy¡ªnot just from the crystals embedded within the Skyship, but also from the surrounding atmosphere. The air crackled with tension as the energy coalesced into a volatile charge. Alina approached swiftly, her voice edged with cold determination. "Don''t leave them alive. If we let them escape, they''ll return with reinforcements. We can¡¯t afford more trouble." Aiden understood. This wasn¡¯t just a skirmish¡ªit was survival. With a sharp nod, he turned back to the controls. The battle had already moved far from the forest and the bulls; there were no innocents left to be caught in the crossfire. The cannons unleashed their fury. Six beams of concentrated energy tore through the sky, each striking with pinpoint accuracy. The enemy barely had time to react before the first explosion erupted. The blast was cataclysmic¡ªearth-shaking, sky-scorching, and utterly devastating. Fire and dust engulfed the battlefield as the landscape was obliterated. Where once stood towering trees and dense foliage, now lay a smoldering wasteland, carved open by the sheer force of the attack. Silence followed. No movement. No sign of pursuit. But deep within the shadows of the ravaged forest, a lone figure stirred. The leader of the enemy force lay broken, bloodied, and barely conscious. He had absorbed the brunt of the explosion to shield his comrades. His body ached, his vision blurred, yet his mind remained sharp. "That Skyship... it¡¯s no ordinary treasure..." he murmured, coughing up blood. "And they... they are far from ordinary." A few surviving subordinates gathered around him, their expressions grim. "What are your orders?" one of them asked hesitantly. The leader clenched his fists, forcing himself upright. "We need more information. More warriors. This isn¡¯t over." Meanwhile, miles away, in the grand halls of the Grace Temple Kingdom, the Duke listened as the report was delivered. The expressions of those around him darkened with each word. "The attackers wielded power strong enough to decimate half of the Enlightenment Forest," one subordinate relayed. "The Skyship alone was beyond anything we¡¯ve seen." Another hesitated before asking, "What should we tell the king?" The Duke exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. "The truth. We lost. And we didn¡¯t just lose to ordinary opponents. These people... they are a force to be reckoned with. Even the Royal Army would suffer heavy losses facing them." He turned to his men, his gaze hardening. "Find them. Learn everything about them. I want their names, their pasts, their allegiances. Whatever it takes, we will uncover who they are¡ªand how to destroy them." Chapter 9: The ghoul, The castle, The core. Lyrus gave the directions, and Aiden steered the skyship forward. Within minutes, they arrived at a towering mountain, its peak lost in the misty clouds. As they prepared to descend, the skyship abruptly halted in mid-air. An invisible force prevented them from moving further¡ªa barrier, woven with ancient magic, blocking their path. No one could fly above the mountain. Aiden¡¯s eyes narrowed. He considered blasting through the barrier but hesitated. Such an obvious solution rarely worked when dealing with ancient enchantments. There had to be another way. "There is a path through the mountain," Lyrus said, his voice calm but firm. "Between the rocks, a hidden cave leads to the other side." Trusting his guide, Aiden maneuvered the skyship to land at the mountain¡¯s base. Without wasting time, they stepped onto the rocky terrain and followed Lyrus toward the concealed entrance. The cave was barely visible, nestled between jagged cliffs, but as they moved closer, its dark maw yawned before them, inviting yet foreboding. As they ventured deeper into the cave, the atmosphere shifted. The air grew heavy, charged with an overwhelming presence of mana. Alina, walking beside Aiden, tensed. "The energy here is... immense," she murmured, her voice laced with awe. Glowing mana-infused crystals jutted from the cavern walls, casting an eerie luminescence. The deeper they went, the stronger the sensation became. Aiden felt it too¡ªnot just the mana, but something else. A presence. A whisper that wasn¡¯t quite a voice, resonating from within the depths of the cave. The same sound had lingered faintly in the air outside, but here, it was clearer¡ªbeckoning, familiar, as if calling to him directly. Aiden¡¯s grip on his sword tightened. Now, he understood why Lyrus had chosen this path. The mystery of this place wasn¡¯t just in its hidden passage; something ancient, something powerful, was waiting within. After what felt like an eternity, the cave finally opened up. A blinding light forced them to shield their eyes as they stepped out. When their vision adjusted, a massive structure loomed ahead. A castle. Black as the abyss, its towering walls stretched high into the sky. Vines and gnarled trees curled around its base, as if nature itself sought to consume it. Time had long forgotten this place¡ªabandoned, untouched, and shrouded in secrecy. As they approached, Lyrus raised a hand. "Be careful. A guardian stands at the gate," he warned. "This is no ordinary creature. Even powerful spirits, even those at the Emperor level, have fallen before it." Moving cautiously, they followed Lyrus to a vantage point where they could observe the gate. There, standing motionless before the entrance, was the ghoul. Wrapped in tattered black cloth, its entire form was concealed. It had no legs, merely floating in place, an ominous figure against the darkened threshold. In its skeletal hands, it clutched a massive scythe-like weapon¡ªits blade gleaming with an unnatural darkness. Aiden¡¯s breath slowed. He studied the creature, watching for signs of movement, but the ghoul did nothing. It merely stood, as if waiting. Watching. Yet the air around it pulsed with a silent threat. Finally, Aiden exhaled, a glint of determination in his eyes. Without a word, he stepped forward. Lyrus warned him, "That weapon can kill you in a single strike. Even if you regenerate, you won¡¯t last long." Alina placed a hand on Aiden¡¯s arm, her expression serious. "This isn¡¯t a battle you can afford to repeat. Escaping from that Astra palace again won¡¯t be easy." Aiden only smiled at her before stepping forward. Alina wanted to stop him, but something in his demeanor told her she couldn¡¯t. None of them knew that the ghoul standing before him was far stronger than his previous opponent¡ªthe leader of the unknown group. As he advanced toward the gate, two eerie lights flickered beneath the black hood. The ghoul had awakened. In an instant, it unsheathed its weapon and swung. The strike came so fast that Aiden barely had time to react. The dark blade cut through him¡ª But nothing happened. Aiden glanced down at himself. Not a single scratch. The ghoul hesitated, its hollow gaze locked onto him. Then, with no pause, it slashed again. Once more, the blade passed through Aiden''s body as if he weren¡¯t even there. The ghoul lifted a skeletal hand, black as the abyss, void of flesh or muscle. It reached forward, attempting to grasp him, yet its fingers phased through Aiden¡¯s form like mist. Again and again, the ghoul attacked, its strikes growing more frantic. Aiden remained still. Each time, the attacks failed to touch him, as if the ghoul simply did not exist in his reality. Without looking back, Aiden walked straight into the castle. The ghoul did not follow. Inside, the castle was in ruins. Walls lay crumbled, their jagged edges telling the tale of a battle long past. Broken bricks and shattered debris littered the floor. Weapons¡ªonce wielded by warriors¡ªnow lay scattered, their shattered forms still radiating an ominous aura of power. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Aiden ran his fingers along the hilt of a broken blade. Even in its ruined state, the weapon pulsed with energy. If reforged, it could rival even the legendary Forged Star Saber. He turned back. The ghoul remained outside, its presence lingering like a shadow at the gate. Wasting no time, he called for Alina, Lyrus, and Fame to join him. The four of them moved cautiously through the ruins, the air thick with the remnants of an ancient force. Strange weapons, their fractured edges still humming with residual power, lay strewn across the stone floor. Closing his eyes, Aiden listened. The wind whispered through the hollow halls. There was something deeper in the castle¡ªsomething waiting. He led the group forward. Turning a corner, they stumbled upon an unexpected sight¡ªa garden. It was unlike anything they had ever seen. The air was dense with energy, and the plants pulsed with raw, untamed power. The ground itself seemed alive. Drawn by curiosity, they stepped into the garden. Exotic plants thrived here, alongside rare spirit insects that shimmered in the dim light. But what truly caught their attention was what lay beneath their feet¡ªSpirit Pebbles, Spirit Crystals, and Spirit Emeralds growing naturally in the soil. Alina gasped. "This¡­ this is impossible. Spirit Emeralds can¡¯t be cultivated. They appear randomly, without explanation. Yet¡­ someone has managed to grow them." Spirit Emeralds were priceless treasures. No one could manufacture them, and no kingdom could buy them. Wars had been fought over a single fragment. If word got out, nations would burn to possess this garden. Lyrus, unable to contain his excitement, sought permission before swiftly gathering as many as he could. Meanwhile, Alina and Fame continued exploring the garden, enthralled by its mysteries. But Aiden¡¯s mind was elsewhere. The castle¡¯s true secret lay deeper within. If it had a core, and if he could claim it, then this place¡ªthis ruined kingdom¡ªcould be his. For the past few hours, he had mapped the castle in his mind. He had a rough idea of where the main hall¡ªand its core¡ªwould be. As he walked through the desolate corridors, something called to him. An unseen force pulled him forward, urging him toward the heart of the castle. Taking a deep breath, he stepped through a massive doorway. And there it was. A colossal crystal, glowing with an ancient, pulsating energy, levitated in the center of the grand hall. Its size dwarfed anything he had ever seen. Most cores were the size of a fist. This one¡­ was as large as he was. His breath caught. "The core of the castle¡­" Aiden had studied castle cores before. When a castle is built, it has no core. Only when someone claims it¡ªbinding their soul to it¡ªdoes a core form. And this core was proof that the castle had once had a ruler. But who? And more importantly¡ªwhat had happened to them? The castle was abandoned. The ruins spoke of war, yet no corpses remained. No one in their right mind would leave behind so much wealth, so many treasures, without a fight. Aiden clenched his fists. He wasn¡¯t just standing in an ancient ruin. He was standing in the remnants of a fallen kingdom. A forgotten king had ruled this place. And Aiden was going to find out why he had disappeared. Aiden was about to touch the crystal when Alina''s urgent voice cut through the silence. "Don''t!" she warned. "The moment you touch the core, it will start absorbing your power and bind you as its ruler. But you don¡¯t have the strength to claim it yet." He didn¡¯t turn to face her. His fingers hovered inches above the glowing crystal. "How do you know?" he asked, his voice calm but firm. "I haven¡¯t tried. Maybe I¡¯ll make it?" There was an edge of defiance in his tone. Everything he had attempted so far had worked. He had begun to trust this feeling¡ªthat things would fall into place for him. That confidence had been carved into him through every challenge he''d faced. In the corner of his eye, he noticed Fame and Lyrus clutching sacks, their hands full of treasures looted from the garden. Spirit emeralds, rare herbs, and energy-infused stones¡ªthings kingdoms would wage wars for. Aiden made up his mind. If he didn¡¯t try, he would regret it forever. Without a second thought, he placed his palm on the core. The moment his skin made contact, a violent force latched onto him. Power surged from within him¡ªripping, draining, devouring. It felt as though something deep inside was being yanked out. His vision blurred as his knees buckled under the overwhelming pull. He realized in an instant¡ªhe was going to die. Alina reacted immediately. She darted forward, grabbing him, trying to yank him away. But the force was relentless. The core had him in its grasp. She swung her sword at the link¡ªnothing. She cast spells¡ªuseless. The connection between Aiden and the core was unbreakable. Aiden could barely think. His body was weak, numb, slipping into unconsciousness. He felt his very essence being consumed by the castle itself. The pain was unbearable. The suction force was so overwhelming that it felt as if his very muscles and organs were being crushed, wrung dry of every ounce of power. His body no longer obeyed him¡ªparalyzed, trembling, and drained beyond its limits. His vision blurred. His world twisted and distorted, as though reality itself was unraveling. A creeping numbness spread through his limbs, yet the agony did not fade. Instead, it deepened, burrowing into his bones like a curse. Was he even still alive? Or had the core already consumed him? Half-conscious, his thoughts wavered, slipping between clarity and delirium. Regret clawed at him. He should never have touched it. He should have listened. But now, it was too late. The core was relentless, devouring him piece by piece, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. But in that moment of despair, something else happened. A new presence. A force unlike anything he had ever encountered. The air grew heavy, charged with something ancient, something deadly. Footsteps echoed through the hall¡ªslow, deliberate. Each step sent a tremor through the room. Even in his half-conscious state, Aiden could feel it. This power dwarfed everything¡ªthe garden, the castle, even the core itself. It wasn¡¯t just powerful. It was overwhelming. And then¡ª [The Wards of the World cannot be claimed or given.] A system notification. A rule of existence itself. The link severed. Aiden gasped as his body collapsed onto the cold stone floor, trembling, his strength completely drained. Darkness swallowed him as his consciousness faded. The footsteps grew louder. Alina wasted no time. She threw open the doors and, without hesitation, teleported the group out of the castle. A moment later, a lone figure entered the core chamber. He surveyed the space, his gaze settling on the crystal before a slow smile curved his lips. "Finally," he murmured. "Someone strong enough to enter this castle." His eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and anticipation. "At last," he whispered. "The time has come for me to be free." A mysterious man. A ruined castle. And a fate yet to unfold.