A black shield slowly build up around Mars entirely consisting of Mind Force that got strengthened by the Void, cutting Mars off from the outside. The Mental Waves he gave off turned stronger and stronger piercing through the shield, hurting the enemies mind and leaving him jumbled and confused. But instead of attacking the black shield he just floated there getting hit and hit again after some time without making another move. He was waiting for something to happen.
... ADAPTATION COMPLETE ... MENTAL SKILLS STRENGTHENED ... ACHIEVED NEW MENTAL HEIGHT - MENTAL + ...
He felt a new disruption of his Mental Waves, but it was different, he saw some kind of liquid floating before him and looked to the right, a missing hand entering his view.
Instead of turning anxious, the man simply smiled, easily deflecting the incoming energy beam and said per telepathy "Welcome back brother." His Mind Space shattered Mars's one, this time by punturing a single spot and letting the abundant and uncontrollable energy get outside, shaking their immediate environment.
His Illusory Space disappeared aswell showing a black stain with armor that appeared right behind the Heralds back, ready to fire from close range.
"Mars, you can stop now. And you passed just now, the challenge is over and I will vouch for your strength." The hand he was missing reattached itself to his arm as he looked at it. His Mind Space truly was superior. He then looked back in awe, reminiscing about ancient times. "You might not remember me, but I still do. We were friends and allies. You treated everyone equally, no matter their status and so I am thankful. Without you we would have long since been defeated. Here take this." A shard manifested itself in his hands.
"This is what you have been looking for. With it you will rise to new heights, take it."
... CONGRATULATIONS - FINISHED MAIN QUEST - 'A test of true strength' ... RATING : EPIC ... GRANTING MENTAL CORE SHARD (Relict: This seems to be one of the missing pieces from your Mental Core. Use it to reach the next step. But the question remains: How did it end up in the hands of Merkur?), 100k EXPERIENCE POINTS, NEW COMPANION PAX, LEGACY OF THE MENTAL WARRIOR ACTIVATED - UNKNOWN ADAPTATION PATHS MIGHT BE AVAILABLE ...
"Thank you Pax." A look of confusion appeared on Pax's face. "How do you know this name? Didn't you lose your memory?" "It comes back from time to time. Do you want to come back to earth and help us?" "Well, I... I don't know, we would have to ask my Lord about that." A ripple crossed the universe instantly reaching both participants of the fight. 'Sure, go for it. I already considered it. After all you have to build business partners on trust and who could be a better observer than my Herald Pax.' Pax's face turned red, not having awaited this development and the praising of his master. "Also sorry for my behaviour before the fight, my Lord wished me to do it. You might have noticed the acting because I am not well in it. He said it might have been more fun that way." 'It was pretty bad, next time I might ask Concordia.'
"Master! No please, I can be better! I promise!" No response, just silence.
"Master?" Pax almost flipped out on their way back, chewing on his nails and going up and down in his Wyrm Fighter. But Mars could picture Merkur laughing his butt off because of his subordinates despair. What a mean old man.
- In a newly built commando room controlling the energy shield around earth, which was just being tested, an alarm went on.
"One mid and one high energy rated object is approaching us quickly. One of them is Mars's Wyrm Fighter, the other one has a different mark. Seems to be Merkurs Army." "Let them through." Slowly the shield opened partway, letting them acess the new enhanced airport. Many big shiny ships - Wyrm Destroyers were already parking there, getting filled and controlled again and again, preparing them for upcoming invasions.
Mars tried to do small talk with the unknown man that was Pax "As you can see we are still preparing for the invasion in the next weeks. There were no sightings of Void Stalkers or other scouts, I am still worried that we won't be ready by then." "Well there were no new fights because of you, right? You defeated them gloriously and no they might actually be afraid to attack in small groups. Either way, it seems we are on a good way. The real Void Army still needs time to arrive and I can train you if you want."
Pax was flashing a big smile grinning at Mars with his perfect white teeth. "After all my Mind Space is superior." That got a chuckle out of Mars, breaking the strange atmosphere that was still lingering between them They looked like old war buddies.