Max quietly entered Arya's laboratory, his enhanced stealth skills allowing him to move with absolute silence.
The laboratory was impeccably neat. Every piece of equipment and magical ingredient was meticulously organized, and nothing seemed out of place. Shelves lined the walls, holding various jars and vials, each containing mystical substances. The room was illuminated by a soft, ambient glow, emanating from magical crystals embedded in the ceiling.
In the center of it, there was a large, ornate cauldron atop a sturdy wooden table. It was here that Emily was diligently working, her focus unwavering as she attempted to create a potion. The cauldron emitted a faint, otherworldly mist, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of herbs and arcane ingredients. She was near a cauldron, fervently attempting to concoct a potion. Her soft humming filled the air, creating an oddly soothing atmosphere in the laboratory.
Max contemplated sneaking up on her, taking advantage of his newfound control over his body and nearly soundless footsteps. He moved with delicate precision, closing the distance between them. However, as he stepped within the range of a specific set of magic circles on the floor, they activated with a soft glow. Max's heart skipped a beat as he quickly retreated, attempting to avoid triggering any more of them. Yet, despite his best efforts, additional magic circles sprung to life beneath his feet, their intricate symbols pulsating with energy.
With a start, he spun around to find a hand resting gently on his shoulder. He hadn't sensed anyone approaching, and the touch caught him completely off guard. He took in a deep breath, ready to react, but the presence behind him was unmistakably familiar.
Turning around slowly, Max was met with the sight of Emily, who was wearing a mischievous grin. Before he could utter a greeting, she swiftly delivered a playful but affectionate smack to his head, scolding him for his attempt at stealth.
"Why on earth were you trying to sneak up on me?" she chided her voice a mixture of surprise and amusement. But in an instant, her stern expression melted away, and she enveloped him in a warm, heartfelt hug.
Max couldn't help but chuckle softly, relief washing over him at the sight of his sister's familiar antics. He hugged her back tightly, the bond between them unbreakable.
Once they had pulled away from the hug, Max asked Emily how things had been for her under the guidance of Arch-Bishop Arya. He was genuinely concerned about her well-being in this new environment.
Emily's eyes sparkled with a mixture of joy and gratitude as she spoke, her words flowing with enthusiasm. "Everything's been amazing, Max. Arch Bishop Arya is incredibly kind and patient. He doesn't scold or yell at me, even when I make mistakes. Instead, he takes the time to explain things to me so nicely. And he doesn't mind if I touch or use anything in the laboratory."
Max couldn't have been happier to hear this. Knowing that his sister was content and well-cared for eased his worries. They spent the next two to three hours catching up, with Emily eagerly sharing all that she had learned and experienced under Arya's tutelage. Max absorbed every word, cherishing the moment.
It was during this heartfelt conversation that Max learned he had been unconscious for three months. Emily's tales of her studies and her glowing assessment of Arya painted a positive picture of his absence.
As the conversation came to a close, Max bid his sister goodbye. He made his way to the chambers Akira had provided for him, feeling a profound sense of exhaustion settling in. Once in his room, he collapsed onto the bed, his body succumbing to the fatigue of the past three months and the emotional rollercoaster of reuniting with Emily.
With a contented sigh, Max closed his eyes and drifted into a deep, well-deserved slumber. His dreams were filled with visions of a promising future.
The Next Day,
Grey led Max to a quiet, secluded training area within the Shadow realm. "Max," he said, "Let's test your abilities now. But this one requires you to tap into the very core of your being. Close your eyes and focus on the warmth inside your mind."
Max nodded, trusting Grey's guidance. He closed his eyes, trying to tune in to the warmth Grey had mentioned.
"Now," Grey continued, "try to move towards that warmth. Reach for it with all your might."
Max concentrated, feeling an inexplicable connection with the warmth. It was like a beacon in the darkness of his consciousness. Slowly, he moved toward it, his determination unwavering.
As Max's mental grip tightened on the warmth, a brilliant explosion of light burst within his mind. When the radiance faded, Max felt different, as if he were no longer just himself. Around him, two intricate red circles with runic patterns appeared, and he found himself dressed in a striking red and black ninja suit complete with a hood.
Max's eyes widened with wonder and excitement as he looked down at his new attire. "This is So cool!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with joy. "I've got my ninja suit!"
Grey nodded, clearly impressed by the powerful aura that now surrounded Max. "Now," he said, "try to retract the suit. Focus on returning it to its original state."
Max's excitement gave way to reluctance, but he followed Grey's instructions. With a deep breath, he thought of the suit becoming lighter and more comfortable, suitable for training. Much to his surprise, the suit complied, shifting its form to match his desire.
Grey smiled. "Impressive. It seems the suit is semi-sentient, adapting to your wishes."
While Max was engrossed in exploring the suit's capabilities, Arya took diligent notes on its transformation abilities. After a brief moment, Grey turned his attention back to Max, who was eagerly awaiting the next gift.
"Now," Grey said, "I have a gift for you Max, I want you to close your eyes again and focus on your eyes. Send your energy to them, little by little."
Max nodded and closed his eyes once more, this time directing his energy towards his eyes. As he did so, he felt a growing warmth, like a slow-burning fire within his eyes. The sensation continued to intensify until it felt like his eyes were ablaze.
With a gasp, Max opened his eyes, revealing a startling transformation. His pupils were now a deep, blood-red, with a single black dot in the center of each, and two black tomoe spinning slowly within.
Max marveled at his changed vision. "This is incredible," he said, his voice filled with amazement. "I can see everything so clearly now, and I can even sense the flow of mana around me, though not perfectly."
Grey nodded, his own eyes reflecting Max's wonder. "You have unlocked the power of the Sharingan," he explained. "There are two primary abilities it grants you: the Eye of Insight and the Eye of Hypnosis."
Grey adjusted his imaginary glasses and continued, "Let me provide a more detailed explanation of the Sharingan's abilities. First, there's the Eye of Insight. This aspect of the Sharingan is all about mimicry."
Max leaned in, intrigued by the prospect. "Mimicry?"
Grey nodded, "Yes. With the Eye of Insight, you can instantly memorize any physical movement you witness and replicate it, as long as it's compatible with your body structure. It's like having an incredible muscle memory. For instance, you could easily read another person's lips or copy their handwriting just by observing their movements."
Max's eyes widened in realization. "So, I can learn physical skills just by watching them?"
Grey affirmed, "Yes, but there are limitations. Your ability to mimic a skill depends on your physical attributes, like strength, speed, stamina, reflexes, and flexibility. If you attempt something beyond your physical capabilities, it could strain your body."
"But," Grey continued, "even if you don't witness the complete extent of a fighting style, your Sharingan allows you to visualize their movements based on the memorized information. With enough effort, you can essentially mimic the result of that image training and acquire the same capabilities."
Max nodded, processing this newfound understanding of the Eye of Insight.
Grey then shifted his focus to the Eye of Hypnosis. "Now, let's talk about the Eye of Hypnosis. This aspect is all about perceiving Mana flow."
Max listened attentively, eager to comprehend this second aspect of his Sharingan abilities.
Grey explained, "With the Eye of Hypnosis, you can not only see Mana but also how it flows within the someone. This means you can detect irregularities in someone's mana flow, such as when they're under the influence of a genjutsu."
Grey's expression turned serious. "It is a potent tool for manipulating others," he explained. "You can cast powerful genjutsu—a form of mental illusion—on your adversaries. It can be used for a variety of purposes, from confusing opponents in battle to extracting information from them."
Max was both fascinated and wary of this power. "So, I can control people's minds?"
"In a manner of speaking," Grey replied, "but it's not without limitations. The effectiveness of genjutsu depends on your skill, your opponent's mental resilience, and the situation at hand. It's a power that should be used carefully."
Arya, who had been writing intently, chimed in, "Max, these abilities are both extraordinary and dangerous. But with proper training and guidance, you'll learn how to harness them effectively."
Max absorbed this information, his red eyes reflecting his growing understanding of the incredible powers he now possessed.
Grey smiled as he handed Max two intricately designed boxes. "Max, I have something special for you," he said with a hint of excitement.
Max's curiosity piqued, and he carefully opened the first box. Inside, he discovered a sleek, black-colored gun. His fingers traced over the inscription beautifully etched onto its surface, which read, 'Jesus Christ is in Heaven Now.'
Grey revealed the gun's name, "This, Max, is Jackal." He continued, "It's a modified version tailored to suit you. Jackal fires incredibly powerful and explosive magic bullets, and the best part is, it never needs reloading. It operates on the energy of its wielder, so as long as you have energy, it keeps firing."
Max's eyes widened in amazement as he grasped the weapon. He marveled at its craftsmanship and potential.
Grey emphasized, "Jackal is a user-locked weapon. Only you can wield it, Max."
Excitement coursing through him, Max aimed the gun at a distant wall. He could feel the energy within him flow into Jackal, making it come alive in his hands. With a deep breath, he squeezed the trigger.
The moment the trigger clicked, a magic bullet erupted from Jackal, tearing through the air with incredible speed. It struck the targeted wall, causing a massive explosion that sent debris flying. Dust and smoke filled the air momentarily, obscuring the scene.
When the dust finally settled, Max, Akira, and Arya were met with a jaw-dropping sight. The bullet hadn't just destroyed the targeted wall; it had penetrated through two more walls beyond it, leaving gaping holes in its wake.
Max stood there in disbelief, a mix of awe and fear coursing through him. He couldn't help but wonder about the immense power his Lord possessed to give something of this caliber so casually.
Max's eyes widened as he opened the second box, revealing a foreboding, dark-red dagger. The weapon seemed to radiate no aura as if it existed in a realm separate from the magic that filled their world. Max carefully held the dagger in his hands, its ominous presence sending shivers down his spine.
Grey stepped closer and began to explain, "This, Max, is the Divine Glaive." He paused, emphasizing, "It's not named for being divine but for its power to slay supernatural beings effortlessly. The Divine Glaive doesn't emit an aura, making it virtually invisible to magic senses. Its unique passive ability ensures that the higher an enemy's magic defense, the more damage it deals."
Max's fascination deepened as he listened intently. However, Grey continued, "But its most crucial feature is its active ability, called 'Breaking Point.' When activated, it Ignores all of an enemy's magical defenses for a single strike, dealing devastating damage. However, be warned, Max, this ability comes at a great cost. It takes a tremendous toll on the user when used."
Grey looked at Max with a serious expression. "Before you even think about using 'Breaking Point,' you must first increase your strength and magic power significantly. It's not a power to be taken lightly."
As Max absorbed the information, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. No one had ever cared for him like this, and the gifts he had received were beyond anything he could have imagined. At that moment, he felt a deep bond with Grey, considering him not just a mentor but a true brother, along with Arya and Master Akira.
Max made a silent vow to himself that he would go to any lengths to protect them, holding this newfound family close to his heart.
With his newfound powers and the exceptional gifts from Grey, Max was now ready to begin his training. He stepped back into the training chamber, his red and black ninja suit adapting to his desire for a comfortable training outfit.
Grey and Arya watched from the sidelines as Max started to explore the extent of his abilities. His movements were swift and graceful, a testament to the power of the Sharingan and the skills he had inherited. Max's every action was calculated, a result of his enhanced perception and the Eye of Insight.
As he practiced, Max could feel the warmth of the suit, which seemed to respond to his thoughts and desires, shifting and adapting as needed. He moved with increasing confidence, experimenting with the different abilities at his disposal. The training area buzzed with energy as Max pushed his limits, and the room bore witness to his growth.
His training was not limited to his Sharingan abilities. Under the watchful eyes of Grey, Arya, and Akira, Max began to tap into his spectral abilities. He phased through solid objects, his body becoming intangible as he moved effortlessly through walls and barriers.
Max could feel the exhilaration of his newfound phantom powers coursing through him.
In addition to his spectral abilities, Max honed his ninja skills. He moved with the agility and stealth of a seasoned ninja, his red and black suit aiding him in his training. He practiced various martial arts techniques, honing his combat abilities to perfection.
With each passing day, Max's powers grew, and he became a more formidable supernatural entity. His training was a delicate balance of mastering the gifts of the Sharingan, harnessing the spectral abilities of Phantom, and perfecting the skills of a ninja.
The results of Arya's examination of his new body and bloodline left everyone in awe. Initially, they had expected his body to be transformed, given the nature of the process he had undergone. However, the revelation that his bloodline was something entirely different from known ninja or ghost lineages took them by surprise.
Arya, the Arch Bishop and a repository of knowledge couldn't ignore the striking familiarity he felt when he glimpsed the traits of his newfound bloodline. A sense of recognition surged through him, urging him to delve deeper into this enigma. Without wasting a moment, he hastened to his workshop, where he kept a collection of books on supernatural beings, authored by his parents.
In the dimly lit chamber, surrounded by ancient tomes filled with secrets of the supernatural world, Arya embarked on a quest for answers. His nimble fingers searched through the pages, and there it was—the information he sought. He had found a reference to the bloodline that now coursed through his veins.
It was the Bloodline of Spectrals, an enigmatic race that once existed alongside gods. Which Max is a part of from now.
However, much of the Spectrals' history remained shrouded in mystery. They were believed to have vanished during the time of the Great Flood, and theories about their origin ranged from being an alien race from outer space to inhabitants of an entirely different universe.
Regardless of their origin, one thing was certain: Spectrals were beings of immense power and potential, Who were Feared By the Supernatural beings due to their Uncanny abilities. And Max now carried their legacy within him.
A Few Days Later,
Grey found himself heading towards Arya's room. The steady rhythm of his footsteps echoed in the quiet corridor. He intended to discuss something of great importance with Arya, a matter that weighed on his mind.
As he approached the door to Arya's chamber, Grey was ready to knock and wait for a response. However, just before his knuckles met the wood, his keen ears picked up something unexpected—a symphony of laughter and the gentle cadence of a woman's giggles. His surprise was palpable; he hadn't anticipated anyone else being with Arya in his room. The notion of the Arch Bishop having a visitor, particularly a female one, piqued his curiosity and left him somewhat bewildered.
Grey hesitated briefly, contemplating whether to announce his presence or retreat discreetly. The mysteries that might be unfolding behind that door tugged at him, but he knew he had an important matter to discuss with Arya, one that concerned both of them deeply. Ultimately, duty and responsibility prevailed, and he knocked on the door.
The room fell silent abruptly. Laughter gave way to shuffling sounds, and the door swung open to reveal Arya, who wore a bright, happy expression. Next to him stood a woman, Emily, and she curtsied politely, addressing Grey with formalities.
"Greetings, Lord Grey," Emily said politely.
Grey, however, dismissed the need for such formality in their private setting and encouraged a more casual tone.
"Please, Emily, no need for formalities here," Grey replied.
He exchanged pleasantries and then got down to business, revealing the matter that had brought him here.
Grey explained that he had enrolled both Arya and Emily into a prestigious institution—the Royal Biblia Academy.
Arya raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his expression. "The Royal Biblia Academy? That's quite unexpected."
Emily, curious, asked, "What's the reason behind this decision, Lord Grey?"
Grey's gaze shifted between the two as he elaborated on his reasoning.
"Their knowledge of magic and grimoires is undeniably powerful. I believe this academy is the ideal place for you both to enhance your skills, broaden your magical understanding, and potentially discover new horizons in your abilities," Grey explained thoughtfully.
After delivering this news, Grey suggested they begin preparing for their departure, which was set for the following Noon. With that, he left the room, leaving Emily and Arya to absorb the gravity of his words.
Once Grey had departed, Emily voiced her concern, fearing that her presence might have been misconstrued or perceived negatively by their Lord. Arya, on the other hand, appeared relaxed and eager for their upcoming journey. He reassured Emily that if Grey had any reservations about her presence, he would have expressed them. His relaxed demeanor put her at ease, and she too began to look forward to the prospect of attending the magic academy with Arya, a chance she had long awaited.
On the next day, I began the arduous task of putting my affairs in order. Kuroka was currently inside the pagoda, determined to complete all nine levels of training. I had informed her of my upcoming departure, assuring her that I would be going for training and would return. I assigned a series of missions to Akira, specifically for Max to complete during my absence. These missions were designed to further enhance Max's skills and abilities.
Afterward, I made my way to Sifu's place to pay my respects and inform him about my impending departure. As I entered the tranquil courtyard, I found Sifu engaged in his daily meditation. I approached him with a sense of reverence, waiting for the right moment to speak.
Finally, Sifu opened his eyes, and I bowed respectfully. "Sifu," I began, "I have come to inform you that I will be embarking on a journey for training. It will take me away for a while."
Sifu's eyes bore into mine, and he nodded sagely. "Ah, Grey, the path of a martial artist is one of constant growth and discovery. It is good that you seek to further your skills. But remember, the true strength lies not only in one's techniques but in their character."
I listened intently, knowing that Sifu's wisdom was invaluable. He continued, his voice calm and reassuring, "Stay safe on your journey, my dear disciple. Your training has only just begun, and there is much to learn beyond these walls. Trust in your abilities, and never forget to follow Your Heart."
His words touched me deeply, resonating with the core of my being. I bowed once more, gratitude and respect filling my heart. "Thank you, Sifu, for everything you have taught me."
With a warm smile, Sifu placed a hand on my shoulder. "May your path be illuminated, Grey."
I nodded, feeling a profound sense of belonging and purpose. Sifu's guidance had been a beacon on my path, and I was determined to honor his teachings in the world beyond.
As noon approached, Arya and Emily were ready and waiting for me. I gathered them, one final time, to provide a brief explanation of our upcoming journey. With a sense of finality, I handed each of them a ticket. As they tore the tickets, two dark portals opened up behind them, ready to transport them to their destination.
Just before stepping through the portals, Arya and Emily turned back and rushed towards me, wrapping me in a heartfelt hug. Their gratitude and emotion overwhelmed me, threatening to stir my feelings.
"Thank you," they said simultaneously, expressing their heartfelt appreciation.
I couldn't help but smile, even as emotions welled up within me. "You're on your way to becoming certified Magi," I told them, my voice carrying a touch of sentiment. "Wear a smile on your face as you leave. It suits you both."
With a lingering tear in my eye, I watched as they entered the dark portals, embarking on their journey to the Royal Biblia Academy. It marked a new chapter in their lives, filled with promise, growth, and the pursuit of their magical destinies.
As the night descended, there was no moon in the sky. I stood near a serene lake, its waters reflecting the tapestry of stars that adorned the heavens. With unwavering determination in my voice, I spoke, "Let's do it, Ddraig."
~I am ready when you are, partner.~
"Okay!" I replied, my focus narrowing to the draconic magic coursing through my veins. My dragon heart quickened its rhythm, and a surge of magical energy flowed across my body. A brilliant, emerald light enveloped me, and in that very moment, Ddraig's voice resonated with the words I had been eagerly awaiting.
~WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER.~
"SCALE MAIL!" we both exclaimed in unison.
~Well done, partner. You've achieved the perfect form balance breaker on your very first transformation.~
In this enhanced form, I noticed two magnificent draconic wings extending from my back, and the armor felt not only robust but surprisingly lightweight.
~Partner, you can maintain your balance breaker indefinitely, unless interrupted. Your physical limitations due to Boost still apply, but in your case, you won't reach your limit anytime soon, unlike other mortals.~ Ddraig conveyed his pride.
"Perfect!" I declared with satisfaction, fully embracing this newfound power. With a clear purpose in mind, I called upon the system embedded in my consciousness. 'System activate
[LOADING...]
.
.
.
[TRYING TO ESTABLISH LINK WITH THE WORLD...]
.
.
.
[WARNING! WORLD LEVEL TOO LOW!!]
[FINDING ALTERNATIVE VERSION OF THE WORLD...]
.
.
.
[WORLD FOUND!]
[ESTABLISHING LINK...35%...86%...100%]
[LINK ESTABLISHED]
[HOST, DURING THIS, YOU WILL BE TRAVELING IN THE TRUE VOID]
[SINCE THE BASE WORLD AND TARGET WORLD ARE NOT ON THE SAME TIMELINE, THERE WILL BE TIME DILATION]
[TIME WILL BE COUNTED WITH RESPECT TO HOST]
I pondered the message's implications, realizing that time was indeed relative, as Einstein had posited. 'I suppose I have a few months to spare,' I mused. Little did I know that I had gravely underestimated the effects of time dilation, a realization that would dawn upon me only after I pressed the enter key.
My gaze shifted to an old VHS tape clutched in my hand, and a smirk tugged at my lips as I pressed
[HOST SUCCESSFULLY ENTERED VOID]
[TIME TO REACH THE DESTINATION...]
[4 YEARS...!]
[HAPPY TRAVELS! HOST]
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
[NAME : GREY]
[AGE : 13 YEARS]
[TITLE : VOID MASTER]
[RACE : HUMAN(TRANSCENDENT) / DRAGON]
[CULTIVATION : CORE FORMATION]
[TRUE POWER : HIGH-CLASS DEVIL(LATE)]
[SOUL STRENGTH : A- GRADE]
[LEGACY : DEVIL EMPEROR]
[BLOODLINE : RED DRAGON EMPEROR]
[PHISIQUE : DRAGON ]
[NEXUS POINTS : 100]
[PASSIVE : STATUS EFFECT CONVERSION; HYDRO-RESURGENCE; 5-ELEMENTAL AMPLIFICATION]
[STATUS : NORMAL]
[WORLD : -N/A- (IN THE TRUE VOID)]
[TIME LEFT TO REACH DESTINATION: 4 YEARS]
[SKILLS : SHADOW WALK ; SHADOW BLEND ; ENHANCED HEALING FACTOR(ACTIVE) ; SHADOW MANIPULATION ; ABYSSAL MASTER]
[SHADOWKHAN-- HIGH-CLASS DEVIL(PEAK)]
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x