random123456

Chapter 86: Lesser Abyssal Wyrm (2)

Lucavion's mind was a whirlwind of calculations as the Lesser Abyssal Wyrm shifted its tactics. The creature's regeneration was remarkable, but it was only a matter of time before Lucavion would find the opening he needed.

The battle was now a deadly game of patience and precision, where the slightest mistake could mean his end.

The Wyrm, sensing that brute force alone would not be enough, shifted its approach. Its massive form began to tremble, and a deep, guttural growl reverberated through the air. Lucavion's eyes narrowed, his instincts screaming a warning.

'It's preparing something… something big.'

Without warning, the Wyrm reared back, its maw gaping wide. A seething mass of dark energy began to gather in its throat, coalescing into a dense, swirling vortex. The very air around Lucavion seemed to thrum with power as the Wyrm unleashed its breath—an inferno of abyssal fire.

FWOOOOSH!

The black flames erupted from the Wyrm's jaws, sweeping across the crater like a tidal wave of death. The heat was intense, the very ground beneath Lucavion's feet beginning to melt and crack under the assault.

「Devourer of Stars. Manifest」

There was no time to think, only react. Lucavion summoned every ounce of starlight within him, forming a protective barrier around his body as he leaped backward.

The barrier held, but the force of the flames drove him further back, his feet skidding across the scorched earth.

Despite the protection, he could feel the searing heat piercing through, licking at his skin and burning away the edges of his clothes.

'This fire… it's not normal. It's devouring everything, even mana itself!'

The realization struck him hard—this was no ordinary fire.

'So, that is what she meant by the essence of Abyss.'

The abyssal flames were consuming not just the physical world but the very essence of energy itself. Lucavion knew that he couldn't afford to take another direct hit like that.

But the Wyrm wasn't finished. As the flames died down, a thick, impenetrable fog began to rise from the ground, blanketing the entire battlefield. The fog was unnatural, an eerie blend of darkness and shadow that seemed to swallow all light. Lucavion's vision blurred, his senses dulled by the oppressive miasma.

'A smokescreen… or something more?'

Lucavion's mind raced as he tried to pierce through the fog with his senses.

But it wasn't just his sight that was impaired—the fog seemed to distort sound, distance, and even his perception of time.

It was as if the Wyrm had drawn him into a world where the rules of reality no longer applied.

Then, without warning, the ground beneath him trembled violently. Lucavion's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. The Wyrm had disappeared into the earth, its massive body burrowing through the ground like a serpent. The tremors grew stronger, more erratic, as the creature wormed its way beneath him, ready to strike from any direction.

'This is bad…'

He barely had time to react before the ground exploded beneath him. The Wyrm's massive head burst forth, its jaws snapping shut with bone-crushing force.

SWOOSH!

Lucavion twisted his body at the last second, narrowly avoiding being bitten in half, but the creature's tail whipped around with blinding speed, catching him in the side.

THUD!

"UGH!"

The impact sent Lucavion flying through the air, his body slamming into the jagged rocks at the crater's edge. Pain radiated through his ribs, and he tasted blood in his mouth. The world tilted precariously as he struggled to stay conscious.

[Lucavion!] Vitaliara's voice echoed in his mind, a mix of panic and concern. But she held back, remembering his earlier command.

Lucavion coughed, spitting out a mouthful of blood as he forced himself to his feet. His body ached, and every breath was a struggle, but his eyes remained focused and sharp.

'Focus… I need to focus…'

The Wyrm had burrowed back into the ground, and the fog still hung thick around him, obscuring his vision.

But in that moment of clarity, Lucavion realized something—there was a pattern to the Wyrm's movements.

The tremors, the shifts in the ground, the way the fog moved—it all followed a rhythm, a cadence that he had almost overlooked in the heat of battle.

'It's using the fog to mask its approach, but the ground… the ground gives it away.'

Lucavion closed his eyes, shutting out everything but the subtle vibrations beneath his feet. He focused on the rhythm, the slight changes in pressure, the way the earth shifted ever so slightly as the Wyrm moved.

'There… I've got you.'

He opened his eyes, now filled with a fierce energy. The Wyrm was cunning, but it wasn't invincible. Lucavion had seen through its tricks and had grasped the rhythm of its attacks.

And now, he knew what to do.

The ground trembled again, and Lucavion's body tensed, ready to spring into action. The vibrations grew stronger and closer, and he could sense the Wyrm rising up beneath him, ready to strike.

'Now!'

Lucavion leaped to the side just as the ground exploded once more. The Wyrm's head shot out of the earth, its jaws snapping shut where he had just been standing.

But this time, Lucavion was ready. He pivoted on his heel, his estoc already in motion, the blade glowing with concentrated starlight.

"Take this—!"

He drove the blade forward, aiming not for the Wyrm's armor but for a specific point—an exposed area near the base of its skull where the abyssal energy converged.

The [Void Starfall Blade] struck true, the starlight-infused estoc piercing through the Wyrm's thick hide and sinking deep into its flesh.

"SCREECH!"

The Wyrm let out a deafening roar, its body convulsing violently as the energy from the starlight surged through it. But Lucavion didn't stop. He twisted the blade, driving it deeper, channeling more starlight into the wound.

'Got you now…'

The Wyrm thrashed and writhed, but its movements were growing weaker, more erratic. The fog began to dissipate, and the tremors in the ground lessened. Lucavion could feel the abyssal energy waning, its hold on the creature slipping.

"SCREECH!"

But just as he was about to dispel more energy, the creature screeched once more, a sound that reverberated through the very air, filled with desperate fury. Lucavion's instincts screamed at him—a primal warning that something far more dangerous was coming.

The Wyrm's body convulsed violently, its scales beginning to shimmer with an eerie, malevolent light.

Lucavion's eyes narrowed as he watched the creature's last-ditch effort to survive. The scales, once smooth and impervious, began to tip upwards, standing on end like rows of deadly blades. The air around the Wyrm crackled with energy as the beast prepared its final strike.

'It's going to… self-destruct?'

Lucavion's mind raced, but there was no time to react. The Wyrm's entire body began to shake, and with one final, deafening screech, it unleashed its ultimate attack.

The scales shot out in all directions like a storm of razors, each one glowing with the abyssal energy that had once fueled the beast's life.

The sheer number of scales filled the air; each one honed to a deadly edge. Lucavion knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that this was something he could not simply evade.

His instincts, honed by countless battles, told him that this attack was all-encompassing, leaving no room for escape.

'There's no dodging this…'

Lucavion closed his eyes, his mind reaching a state of perfect clarity. He could feel the energy around him, the currents of power swirling through the air as the scales bore down on him.

Slowly, deliberately, he pointed his estoc to the side, the blade steady in his grasp.

[Lucavion!] Vitaliara's voice rang out in his mind, frantic and filled with fear. [What are you doing? The scales—they're coming straight for you!]

But Lucavion remained calm, even with his breathing. A small, almost imperceptible circle of starlight began to form around him, its light soft yet unwavering. The scales drew closer, a storm of death descending upon him from all sides.

'I have to trust in this…'

Lucavion released his breath, his body relaxing into the stance. The circle of starlight around him solidified, glowing brighter as he centered himself within it. And then, with a quiet resolve, he spoke the name of his technique:

「Annihilation Sword. Null Space.」

The moment the words left his lips, the circle of starlight flared with a sudden turning into a black-grayish hue. The scales, now mere inches from his body, entered the circle—and in that instant, they were met with an invisible force.

CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

Each scale that crossed the boundary was cut down with surgical precision and disintegrated into nothingness before it could touch him.

The air around Lucavion was filled with the sound of metal clashing against an unseen barrier, a symphony of destruction as the scales were obliterated one by one.

The starlight within the circle hummed with power, its glow unwavering as it annihilated everything that dared to enter.

Vitaliara watched in awe and disbelief as the storm of scales was neutralized, her mind struggling to comprehend the sheer mastery of the technique. [Incredible… He's cutting them all down!]

Lucavion remained motionless within the circle, his focus absolute. His breathing was calm and measured.

At least, that was how it looked from the outside.

Upon close inspection, he was actually moving.

Moving at a rapid speed and cutting everything that was coming his way. That was a technique he had developed on his own, just by himself.

The sword style that he had used as Bruce.

It was the manifestation of that sword.

The Wyrm's final attack, a last-ditch effort to take him down, was reduced to nothing more than dust in the wind.

When the last of the scales had been destroyed, the circle of starlight slowly faded, leaving Lucavion standing alone in the aftermath. The Wyrm's massive form slumped to the ground, utterly spent.

Yet, the beast did not die.

Of course, it would not. After all, no beast would sacrifice itself just for the sake of taking its enemy along.

They had only one instinct.

It was to survive.

"Well….That was close…."

As the adrenaline of battle faded, exhaustion began to take hold. His body, pushed to its absolute limits, was starting to show the toll of his relentless efforts.

Blood trickled from his nose, a dark crimson trail that dripped onto the ground. He could feel the sharp pain in his muscles, the deep ache in his bones—signs of the internal injuries he had sustained from forcing his body to perform a technique that was not yet complete.

Vitaliara's concerned voice echoed in his mind. [Lucavion, you're hurt… You've got internal injuries!]

He nodded slightly, wincing as he shifted his weight. "Yeah… I know. The technique… it's not finished. I pushed myself too hard."

His breaths were shallow and labored, each one sending a jolt of pain through his chest. But despite the pain, a smirk played on his lips as he looked down at the Wyrm.

The once-mighty creature, now slumped and defeated, still clung to life, its body trembling with the last vestiges of its strength.

"How sad…."

Chapter 87: First Vortex

"How sad…."

Lucavion mumbled as he stepped closer, his eyes cold and mocking. "In the end, you ended up just like these…" He said, pointing to the skulls all around. "And now you are going to become my meal."

The Lesser Abyssal Wyrm, now stripped of its once-impenetrable scales, lay exposed and vulnerable before Lucavion. Its flesh, pale and almost translucent, pulsed with the last remnants of the abyssal energy that had once made it so fearsome.

Without its protective armor, the creature no longer looked like the mighty beast that had terrorized the forest. Its body was long and sinuous, covered in patches of raw, bleeding flesh where the scales had been torn away.

The Wyrm's eyes, once glowing with a malevolent light, were now dull and glazed, filled with a mixture of pain and fear.

The creature's elongated maw, lined with jagged, broken teeth, gaped open as it struggled to breathe. Its massive claws, which had once raked through the earth with terrifying force, now twitched weakly, scraping against the rocky ground in a pitiful attempt to defend its

Lucavion watched the Wyrm's futile efforts with a detached expression, the coldness in his eyes reflecting the fate that awaited the beast.

It was no longer a monster to be feared—it was just a pest, a dying creature that had been stripped of its power and dignity. The sight of the wriggling, pitiful mass before him stirred no sympathy in Lucavion; instead, it only solidified his resolve.

"As a mere beast, you have already achieved quite a lot," Lucavion said with a smirk, his voice mocking. He raised his estoc, the blade gleaming in the dim light, and took a step closer to the Wyrm. "But in the end, you became nothing but a stepping stone."

The Wyrm's body convulsed, a final, desperate spasm of life as Lucavion approached. Its tail lashed out one last time, but the movement was slow and weak, easily avoided. Lucavion didn't flinch; his focus was absolute, his mind clear as he prepared to deliver the final blow.

With a swift, decisive motion, Lucavion plunged his estoc deep into the Wyrm's exposed flesh, aiming for the creature's heart.

The blade sank in smoothly, meeting little resistance as it pierced through muscle and bone. The Wyrm let out a final, shuddering gasp, its body going still as the last of its life force drained away.

Lucavion watched as the light faded from the Wyrm's eyes, the once-terrifying beast reduced to nothing more than a lifeless husk. He pulled his blade free, wiping it clean on the creature's pale flesh before stepping back.

"It's over," he said, his voice steady despite the weariness that now settled over him. He could feel the toll the battle had taken on his body, the strain of pushing himself beyond his limits. But the sight of the dead Wyrm at his feet brought him a sense of satisfaction—he had won, and the power he sought was now within his grasp.

Vitaliara's voice broke through the silence, her tone filled with concern. [Lucavion, you need to rest. You've pushed yourself too hard, and these injuries—]

"I know," he interrupted, his voice soft but firm. "But first, I need to finish this."

Lucavion knew he couldn't just reach out and absorb the death energy by pushing his hand.

The energy in this place was different—denser, more potent. It required a different approach, one that would allow him to fully harness the chaotic power that surrounded him.

Ignoring the pain that wracked his body, Lucavion lowered himself to the ground, crossing his legs as he assumed a meditative posture.

He closed his eyes, shutting out the world around him, and focused on his breathing. Each breath was slow and deliberate, drawing in the cold, dark air of the crater and releasing it in a steady rhythm.

The death energy in the crater was thick, almost tangible. It clung to the air like a heavy mist, seeping into every corner of the barren landscape. The Lesser Abyssal Wyrm's presence had left an indelible mark on this place, its abyssal energy mingling with the residual death energy from the countless creatures it had slain.

This place was like a nexus of death, a perfect environment for Lucavion to strengthen the [First Vortex].

'I'm walking a fine line,' he mused, his mind swirling with the dark energy that filled the crater. 'Balancing life and death… creation and destruction… it's not something that should be taken lightly.'

As he continued to breathe, Lucavion could feel the energy beginning to respond to him. It was subtle at first, a faint tingling sensation at the edge of his consciousness, but it grew stronger with each passing moment. The death energy began to flow toward him, drawn by the [Flame of Equinox] within his core.

Lucavion remained perfectly still, his focus unyielding. He allowed the energy to gather around him, letting it seep into his body with every breath.

'Don't stop now. Such an opportunity will never come again like this.'

The process was slow and methodical—he couldn't afford to rush it, not with the injuries he had sustained. But despite the pain, he persisted, knowing that this was the only way to fully harness the power he needed.

'Ignore the pain.'

As the energy flowed into him, Lucavion could feel the [First Vortex] within his core beginning to stabilize.

'Slowly.'

The black flame that represented the Flame of Equinox burned brighter, fed by the death energy that now surged through his veins.

Lucavion visualized the vortex as a whirlpool, its spiraling layers growing more distinct as the death energy was drawn into it. Each layer represented a new level of mastery, a deeper connection to the abyssal power that now resided within him.

He could feel the first layer forming, solidifying, as the energy flowed smoothly into place. It was still rough, still incomplete, but it was taking shape, becoming more defined with each breath.

'Keep the control…..It is becoming more and more chaotic.'

The pain in his body began to recede, replaced by a growing sense of power, a feeling of control over the chaos within him. The energy of the Wyrm, combined with the death energy that saturated the crater, was exactly what he needed to push the vortex to the next level.

'Just a little more…' Lucavion thought, his mind focused entirely on the process. He could feel the vortex nearing completion, the first layer almost fully formed.

The energy swirled faster, tighter, condensing into a powerful force that threatened to break free of his control.

But Lucavion held firm, his will unyielding as he guided the final strands of death energy into place.

The vortex spun wildly, the black flame of the [Flame of Equinox] burning brighter and colder, but it held together, its form solidifying into something more than just a chaotic swirl of energy.

"Huffff..."

With a final breath, Lucavion felt the vortex click into place, the first layer complete. The energy within him stabilized, the wild chaos settling into a steady, controlled rhythm. The [First Vortex] was finished, a powerful storm of life and death, creation and destruction, all held in perfect balance within his core.

Lucavion slowly opened his eyes, feeling the energy thrumming through his veins. The exhaustion was still there, but it was overshadowed by the sense of accomplishment, the knowledge that he had taken another step toward mastering the power that now resided within him.

The crater around him was still; the death energy drained from the air and absorbed into his being. He had done it—he had conquered the Wyrm, absorbed its power, and completed the first stage of his new technique.

"Haaaaah...Haaaah...."

His breathing was rough as he could feel the energy inside his core.

But then he noticed the scene before him.

"What the hell happened?"

It was a scene of utter destruction.

********

As the [First Vortex] stabilized within Lucavion's core, the energy that had been swirling wildly settled into a harmonious rhythm, a perfect balance of life and death, fire and frost. Lucavion let out a long breath, the tension in his body releasing as the chaotic storm within him finally came under control.

But just as he was beginning to savor the success of his breakthrough, the atmosphere around him shifted.

The air grew heavy, charged with a palpable tension that seemed to ripple outward from where he sat. Lucavion didn't notice the change, his focus still inward, but Vitaliara, perched nearby, felt it immediately.

Her sharp eyes widened as she saw something extraordinary. Above Lucavion's head, a pitch-black star began to form, shimmering into existence like a tear in the fabric of reality itself. The star was small at first, a point of darkness that absorbed all light around it, but it quickly expanded, its presence growing more oppressive, more intense.

[What…?] Vitaliara's thoughts raced as she watched the star pulse with a raw, chaotic energy unlike anything she had ever encountered before. The black star seemed to resonate with the vortex inside Lucavion, responding to the energies he had just harnessed. It was as if the very forces of the universe were bending to his will, drawn to the power he had cultivated.

The star continued to expand, and then, without warning, it began to disperse. The darkness unraveled, stretching outwards until it took the form of a massive, swirling hurricane of black energy.

The air around Lucavion twisted and distorted, the environment bending under the immense pressure of the phenomenon that had been unleashed.

Vitaliara's concern deepened. [This is more than just a breakthrough… It's like the energy is out of control!]

The hurricane of black energy spun faster and faster, the ground beneath Lucavion cracking and splintering as the forces at play grew more volatile. The entire crater seemed to tremble, the earth groaning under the strain of the energy Lucavion had unwittingly summoned.

Vitaliara tried to call out to him, but her voice was lost in the deafening roar of the hurricane. She could only watch in alarm as the situation spiraled beyond anything she had anticipated. This was no ordinary breakthrough—this was something far more dangerous, more chaotic.

And then, in a blinding instant, the hurricane contracted, collapsing in on itself with a force that sent shockwaves ripping through the air. The explosion that followed was immense, a detonation of pure energy that erupted from the center of the crater, sending debris flying in all directions.

Vitaliara was thrown back by the force of the blast, tumbling through the air before she managed to regain her footing. She landed a distance away, her fur bristling as she tried to process what had just happened.

When the dust and debris finally began to settle, Vitaliara forced herself to her feet, her eyes scanning the destruction left in the wake of the explosion. The crater had been deepened, its walls shattered and scorched, and in the center, where Lucavion had been meditating, a thick cloud of black smoke swirled ominously.

Vitaliara's heart pounded in her chest as she approached cautiously, her senses alert for any sign of movement. [Lucavion… Are you—]

Before she could finish the thought, the smoke began to dissipate, revealing Lucavion's form within.

He stood in the center of the chaos, breathing heavily but with a satisfied face. But then, upon seeing the scene, he could not help but look surprised.

"What the hell happened here?"

Chapter 88: First Vortex (2)

Lucavion's eyes widened in genuine surprise as he took in the devastation around him. The once-solid ground had been reduced to a shattered landscape, and the air was thick with lingering traces of raw, chaotic energy. He turned to Vitaliara, his expression a mixture of shock and confusion.

"What the hell happened here?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Vitaliara, still shaken from the force of the explosion, approached him cautiously, her eyes filled with concern. [It was because of you, Lucavion,] she replied, her tone serious. [The energy you unleashed during your breakthrough… it was far more destructive than anything I've ever seen.]

"Because of me?" Lucavion repeated, still trying to comprehend the extent of the destruction he had caused.

He looked down at his hands as if expecting to see some trace of the power that had just erupted from within him. But they were steady, and the energy within him had settled into a calm, controlled rhythm.

Vitaliara nodded, her gaze never leaving him.

[The power you've harnessed—the Flame of Equinox—it's not just powerful; it's volatile. The forces you're dealing with aren't meant to be tamed easily, and when they're pushed too far, they can become incredibly destructive.]

Lucavion furrowed his brow, the realization slowly sinking in. "I see….. I was just trying to stabilize the vortex, to bring it under control, and was just too focused on my core; I missed what was happening outside."

[Indeed.] Vitaliara acknowledged, her tone softening slightly. [You have already tapped into a power that goes beyond normal limits. The vortex within you… it's a force of nature, a balance of life and death, and when that balance is disturbed, it can unleash chaos.]

Lucavion took a deep breath, trying to steady his thoughts. The thrill of the breakthrough, the surge of power—it had felt like nothing he had ever experienced before.

'This is really different.'

He could feel the energy now wanting to go out of his body. After all, the moment one would reach the second-start realm, they would now be able to control the mana out of the core.

Lucavion took a deep breath, centering himself as he turned his focus inward. The devastation around him faded into the background as he honed in on the energy within his core. He could feel it—a powerful, swirling force, no longer just contained within him but now pulsing with a new level of intensity.

'Let's see…' he thought, his mind zeroing in on the [Flame of Equinox].

As he peered into his core, Lucavion's eyes widened slightly. The once flickering black flame that had represented the [Flame of Equinox] was now burning with a steady, fierce light. It had changed—grown.

The energy had solidified into something more potent, more tangible. The vortex that had been chaotic and uncontrolled before now spun with purpose and direction. He could see the layers of energy, each one representing a new level of mastery, spiraling together in perfect harmony.

The energy was no longer just something he could harness within his body—it was something he could project outward, something that could extend beyond the confines of his core.

Lucavion's gaze shifted to his estoc, still stained with the blood of the Lesser Abyssal Wyrm. His hand tightened around the hilt, the metal cool and familiar against his skin.

'Let's try it.'

With a deliberate focus, he willed the [Flame of Equinox] to flow through him, directing the energy toward the blade.

He could feel the mana responding to his command, surging from his core and traveling through his reversed meridians, a sensation that was both familiar and new. The energy felt different now—stronger, more assertive, but also more controlled.

As the energy reached the estoc, the blade began to glow faintly, the dark metal taking on an eerie, almost ethereal quality.

The black flame of the [Flame of Equinox] licked along the edge of the sword, casting an unnatural light in the dim surroundings.

Lucavion felt a thrill of power as he watched the flame dance along the blade. It wasn't just a visual effect—the energy was real, tangible, and he could feel it waiting…..

Waiting to kill.

'Now… let's see what you can do.'

With that thought, Lucavion took a decisive step forward, raising his estoc high before bringing it down in a swift, calculated arc.

SLASH!

The blade slashed through the air, aimed directly at the thick carcass on one of the skewers of the Lesser Abyssal Wyrm that lay scattered around him.

He could feel the resistance as the blade met the hardened flesh—dense and tough, even in the creature's weakened state.

But then, something unexpected happened.

As the blade made contact, the black flame of the [Flame of Equinox] flared, sinking into the skewer.

The estoc cut through the tough flesh, not effortlessly, but with a noticeable resistance. It wasn't the clean, effortless slice he had hoped for, but it was enough.

The blade passed through the skewer, leaving a deep, jagged cut in its wake.

Lucavion frowned slightly. 'So, it's not as smooth as I thought…'

He could tell that while the [Flame of Equinox] had enhanced his strike, it wasn't quite the same as when he wielded the [Devourer of Stars].

The energy didn't seem to project beyond the blade as he had imagined. Instead, it was contained in a weird way. If the starlight was like a compressed laser, this one was a fire that would ignite.

And it did just that.

The black flame, which had sunk into the flesh, was spreading. The point where his blade had made contact was starting to smolder, the fire eating away at the carcass.

It wasn't a fast process, but it was relentless.

The flame slowly consumed the skewer, eroding the dense material and reducing it to a blackened, crumbling mess.

Lucavion watched with a mix of curiosity and satisfaction. 'It's not just a simple enhancement… this flame has a corrosive property.'

The skewer continued to disintegrate, the black flame devouring it from the inside out. Where the blade had made its mark, the fire spread, melting the flesh as it went, leaving nothing but ash in its wake. It was a slow, creeping destruction, but there was no denying its effectiveness.

'The flame of death…..A fitting name, is it not?'

He thought with a smile. There was something weird with that flame, something that was far more dangerous than he could see.

But, he did not know what it was for the time being.

For the time being.

'So, this is how the [Flame of Equinox] works now…' he thought, his mind racing with possibilities. The power was there, potent and deadly, but it required a different approach.

He couldn't just rely on brute force; he needed to be precise and strategic, using the flame's corrosive nature to his advantage.

He glanced down at his estoc, the blade still faintly glowing with the remnants of the black flame.

'Hmm?'

But then he noticed something.

[Your blade… it cannot hold your flames,] Vitaliara's voice echoed in his mind, her tone laced with concern as she observed the estoc. She was right—the weapon was clearly struggling to contain the power of the [Flame of Equinox]. The corrosive nature of the black flame wasn't just devouring his enemies; it was slowly consuming his blade as well.

Lucavion ran his fingers along the blade's surface, feeling the rough texture where the metal had started to degrade.

The estoc had been his companion through thick and thin, but now it was clear that it couldn't keep up with the demands of his newfound power.

The thought of losing the weapon, of it shattering in the middle of a crucial fight, sent a chill down his spine.

'It's already starting to break down…' Lucavion thought grimly. He could see the damage spreading, the cracks widening ever so slightly as the corrosive energy continued to eat away at the metal. 'I haven't been able to take proper care of it in the forest… and now it's paying the price.'

His time in the wilderness had been grueling, with little opportunity to maintain or repair his gear. The materials he needed were scarce, and the battles had taken their toll.

The estoc, which had been his companion for many years, was now reaching its limit.

Vitaliara's voice broke through his thoughts again, this time more solemn. [The techniques you've been using, Lucavion… they demand too much from your blade. Especially that last one. It's a technique that's far more advanced than you're ready for, and you didn't execute it well.]

"Never forget….If you ever break a sword….It is not because of the blade but because of your lack of ability."

He remembered what Gerald had said to him once. Vitaliara's words just meant the same thing.

"Indeed, that is right."

Vitaliara watched Lucavion closely, her eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke. His determination was clear.

As Lucavion looked at her with a slight smile, saying, "Indeed, that is right. But there is not much that can be done about this, is there? Next time… I should put more effort into perfecting my technique," she couldn't help but feel a pang of worry.

Vitaliara shook her head slowly, her gaze softening as she considered his words. She knew how much time Lucavion had already spent honing his skills, how he had poured every ounce of his being into perfecting his swordsmanship.

And now, even after all that effort, he was saying he needed to do more.

'He's indeed crazy when it comes to the sword,' Vitaliara thought, her tone inward, almost affectionate in its exasperation. But she kept the thought to herself, not wanting to dampen his spirit.

She understood his drive, his need to push beyond his limits, but it was still difficult to watch him be so hard on himself.

Lucavion, unaware of her internal musings, continued to examine the estoc, his mind already turning over new ideas and strategies.

Vitaliara sighed inwardly. 'He won't stop, not until he's perfected every last detail… and even then, he'll find something else to strive for.'

Despite her concerns, she couldn't help but admire his tenacity. It was what had brought him this far, after all, and she knew it would continue to drive him forward, no matter the obstacles.

"Now, let me rest a little," Lucavion mumbled as he grabbed the one last healing potion that he had in his pouch.

"And then we will leave this forest."

It was time for him to leave this place.

Chapter 89: Leaving the Forest

As Lucavion settled into a meditative posture, the healing potion working its magic on his battered body, Vitaliara moved silently through the remnants of the battlefield.

Her sharp eyes scanned the area, taking in the scattered scales of the Lesser Abyssal Wyrm that had been blown away by Lucavion's final strike.

The scales, once a part of the beast's impenetrable armor, were now strewn across the crater, their dark, reflective surfaces glinting ominously in the dim light.

Vitaliara began to gather the scales, her movements precise and deliberate. Each scale was a reminder of the fierce battle that had just taken place, a testament to Lucavion's relentless drive and the power he had unleashed.

She handled them with care, knowing that they held a significance beyond their immediate value—they were pieces of a creature that had been formidable, and they might still serve a purpose in the future.

After all, most of the time, a beast's remains can be used for many things. The carcasses, especially for beasts with scales like these, would be used for making weapons.

And since the Lesser Abyssal Wyrm was a best-of-peak 3-star rank, it was something that would not be easily hunted. Because of that, the value it posed would be much higher.

'He can even make a weapon from its scales.'

That was what she had thought.

As she worked, Vitaliara's gaze occasionally drifted back to Lucavion, who remained seated in meditation, his breathing slow and even.

The contrast between the two scenes was striking. Around her, the landscape was a portrait of destruction: the ground was shattered, scorched, and marred by deep scars where the [Flame of Equinox] had burned through flesh and stone alike.

The air was thick with the lingering scent of ash and decay, a grim reminder of the life that had been snuffed out in this place.

But in the midst of this devastation, there was Lucavion, a figure of complete stillness and tranquility. His expression was calm; his body relaxed as the healing potion did its work.

The chaos that had erupted from his breakthrough had subsided, leaving behind only the quiet, focused energy of his meditation to recover his [Starlight] energy.

It was as if he had become a part of the stillness, a serene presence in the eye of the storm.

'The tranquility in him… it's almost unsettling,' Vitaliara mused, her thoughts tinged with a mix of admiration and concern. 'To be so calm after causing such destruction… it was indeed a rare thing.

Not everyone would possess such a quality.

'He was indeed not lying when he said he had seen enough…..' She thought.

As she continued to gather the scales, her mind wandered back to the moment when the black star had formed above Lucavion, when the air had crackled with raw, chaotic energy.

The memory of that power, so overwhelming and untamed, made her shiver slightly.

'That star….. It was of an abyss but at the same time of a cosmos…'

Being a Mythical Beast who had seen countless different things, she could easily say that that star was not something that was normal.

'Just what are you, Lucavion?'

She could not help but think.

'And just what kind of monster have you released to the world, Gerald?'

There were many questions but no answers at all.

In the end, she could only shake her head, looking at the play of fate.

'The play of the Fate…..'

Vitaliara cast one last glance at the destruction around her before turning back to Lucavion. His breathing had steadied, the tension in his muscles easing as the healing potion took effect.

The harsh lines of exhaustion that had marred his face were softening, replaced by the calm determination that was so characteristic of him.

With her task complete, Vitaliara approached Lucavion quietly, settling down nearby to keep watch over him as he continued his meditation. The peak around them was silent as if holding its breath in the aftermath of the battle. Even the usual sounds of distant creatures had faded, leaving only the faint rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of the wind.

'Let's see what the play has in store for you…..'

She thought. And whatever it was, she would follow him…

After all, she was his contracted beast from now on.

********

As Lucavion's meditation drew to a close, his breathing deepened, and a final wave of energy swept through his body, signaling the end of his recovery.

Slowly, he opened his eyes, feeling the residual warmth of the healing potion dissipate as his [Starlight] energy fully replenished. His muscles, once tight with strain, now felt refreshed and ready to move.

'That is good. I can now leave this place.'

He looked around the crater, taking in the aftermath of the battle one last time. The destruction was extensive, a testament to the fight that had just happened here, but he felt no attachment to the scene. It was just another step in his journey—one that had left its mark but was now behind him.

He glanced at Vitaliara, who had been quietly watching over him, her presence a comforting constant. She gave him a small nod, acknowledging that the time had come to move on.

'The map will show the way,' Lucavion thought as he reached into his pouch and retrieved the old, worn map of the Shadowed Thicket.

He had studied it countless times during his stay here, memorizing the paths, the landmarks, and the dangers that lay in wait. 'The exit is to the north, through the dense undergrowth… then past the River of Shrouded Echoes.'

The River of Shrouded Echoes was a wide, fast-moving river that cut through the heart of the Shadowed Thicket.

"I'll need to clean myself before we go," Lucavion murmured, his voice steady as he sheathed his estoc and adjusted his gear.

The blade, though worn and cracked, was still a part of him, and he wouldn't discard it until he had something to replace it with.

'Looks like you will be with me for a little longer.'

He thought with a small smile.

Vitaliara, who had finished gathering the scales of the Lesser Abyssal Wyrm, nodded in agreement. [It's a good idea. The river will help you clear your mind as well.]

Lucavion gave her a brief smile before turning his attention to the path ahead. The forest was quiet, the usual sounds of life muted as if the creatures themselves were wary of what had transpired here.

Well, that was to be expected. After all, the leader of this place was now dead, and most of the beasts would have already sensed it.

'This place will turn chaotic soon.'

Not long after, seeing that no one was claiming this place, more and more beasts would flood here. After all, the peak could very well be a place where many monsters could reside.

He took one last look at the battlefield, at the smoldering remnants of the Wyrm and the scars left by his breakthrough.

'This place…I will not forget it.'

With that, Lucavion began his trek toward the River of Shrouded Echoes, Vitaliara following close behind.

The journey was uneventful, the forest seemingly devoid of any immediate threats. Perhaps the presence of the Lesser Abyssal Wyrm had kept other creatures at bay, or perhaps they were simply lying low, sensing the power that Lucavion had unleashed.

After a short walk, they reached the river's edge.

The water was as dark as Lucavion remembered, its surface reflecting the twisted branches of the trees above, creating a distorted, haunting image of the world around them.

The sound of the rushing water was soothing, a stark contrast to the silence that had enveloped the forest.

With a sigh, he began to strip off the clothes he had been wearing for what felt like an eternity. The fabric was stiff with dried blood, dirt, and sweat, the remnants of countless battles and harsh conditions.

The once sturdy material was now worn and frayed, barely holding together after enduring the rigors of the Shadowed Thicket.

'I guess I need to change my clothes from now on,' Lucavion thought, glancing at the path that led out of the forest. He knew that leaving this place would no longer pose a significant threat. The time he had spent here had sharpened his senses and instincts to a razor's edge, allowing him to navigate the dangers with ease.

The monsters that once haunted his every step were now merely obstacles to be avoided or dispatched without much effort.

As he discarded his clothing, Lucavion's bare body was revealed, a testament to the relentless training and battles he had endured.

His physique was lean and sculpted, not bulky, but every muscle was defined and firm, a result of the intense physical regimen he had subjected himself to.

But what truly stood out were the scars.

They were scattered across his body, small cuts, slashes, and marks that told the story of his past.

Each one was a reminder of a battle fought, a near miss, or a wound that could have been fatal. They were remnants of his time on the battlefield, each scar a chapter in the saga of his life as a warrior.

"Are you not coming?" He turned to look at Vitaliara, who was just looking at him with her eyes. The small cat somehow looked sad.

[Cats dislike water.]

And Vitaliara appeared to be grumpy.