In the cultivation chamber, the merging of the two powerful blood essences reached its final stage. Initially, both the behemoth's blood and the Devourer's blood were pitch black, exuding an ominous presence. As they battled for dominance, their dark auras began to weaken, and the beastly intents within them started to fade. The once menacing black color dissipated, signaling the end of their individual existences.
Ajitha watched in awe as the behemoths and the devourers souls emerged from each blood essence one last time. They devoured each other in a final act of mutual annihilation, and moments later, the fusion was complete. Where once two drops of pure darkness floated, now a single, pristine white drop hovered in the air. This new essence shimmered with a silver and purplish luster, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
"What a miracle this is," Ajitha murmured, captivated by the sight. "It's like seeing a beautiful galaxy in white space."
Reginald, equally entranced, nodded. "It's like seeing a chaotic world, but it's so beautiful to continuously look at it."
Ajitha's thoughts turned inward as he gazed at the drop. He prepared to store the drop in a vial but then noticed something miraculous. Just by being near the drop, Ajitha's injuries, accumulated over a lifetime, began to heal. The process was slow but unmistakable, and even the cracked nebula-core, which had been beyond the help of mythic-grade herbs, showed signs of mending.
The healing properties likely derived from the behemoth's blood, while the devouring power of both bloods seemed to gather energy to supply this healing.
Ajitha realized that if he stayed close to the drop, he would be completely healed in 300 years. However, he only had three years left before all his celestial power leaked out of his core. The drop's healing properties, while potent, couldn't keep up with the rapid leakage of his celestial power. The nebula-core might endure for a decade at most with the drop's aid, but it wouldn't be enough for a complete recovery.
"I will have to integrate with the drop if I have to heal completely," Ajitha concluded, his heart pounding with the gravity of the decision.
He had been prepared to travel back in time, building a solid foundation to prevent his nebula-core from shattering during ascension. But now, an unexpected opportunity lay before him—one that could heal him and allow him to reach heights he had only dreamed of.
Ajitha stared at the drop, feeling an almost magnetic attraction to it. Just as he was about to touch it, he shook his head and stepped back. With a resolute sigh, he placed the drop in a vial and stored it in a spatial crack. The temptation to use it immediately was overwhelming, but Ajitha knew he needed to consider his next steps carefully.
Just as Ajitha stored the drop in the vial, an unseen observer in the void smiled lightly before vanishing. This person's strength must have been unfathomable, as Ajitha neither sensed their presence nor felt their gaze upon him.
Ajitha and Reginald left the cultivation chamber, the grand doors closing behind them with a resounding thud. As they walked through the opulent hallway adorned with celestial tapestries and glowing crystals, Reginald broke the silence.
"Why were you standing in front of the drop for so long, like you were possessed?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Ajitha kept his eyes forward. "It was healing my injuries," he replied.
"The drop has healing properties?" Reginald asked, astonished.
"Yes," Ajitha said. "And it can also heal my nebula-core."
Reginald stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide with shock. "What? It can really... really heal your nebula-core?"
Ajitha nodded solemnly. "Yes."
Reginald's excitement was palpable. "Then why aren't you using it? You could get healed, ascend to new levels, and perhaps become an Overlord. This will be so thrilling!"
Ajitha sighed, his expression weary. "It may be that I can heal and ascend, but I've wasted my potential. Even if I heal and try to ascend, it will be very difficult. And if, by some stroke of luck, I one day become an Overlord, I would be the weakest one."
He paused, a deep sadness creeping into his voice. "Also, will my loved ones come back if I become an Overlord?"
Reginald fell silent, his excitement replaced by a somber understanding. They continued walking, the grandeur of the hallway contrasting sharply with the heaviness of their conversation. The intricate designs of the walls seemed to echo Ajitha's inner turmoil, reflecting the struggles and sacrifices he had endured.
As they reached the end of the hallway, Ajitha placed a hand on Reginald's shoulder. "There's more to power than just reaching the top," he said quietly. "Sometimes, the price is too high."
Reginald nodded, his respect for Ajitha growing. "I understand, my lord. We will follow the other way."
Ajitha smiled faintly, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Yes, we will. For now, let's focus on the tasks at hand and prepare for what's to come."
Together, they stepped out of the hallway, ready to face the challenges ahead with renewed determination.
Ajitha returned to his room, the echoes of his conversation with Reginald fading as he stepped into the dimly lit space. The ancient tapestries and artifacts lining the walls seemed to whisper secrets from ages past. Suddenly, a faint glow emanated from his sleeve, catching his attention. It was the leaf-patterned communicator given by the elves, pulsating with an ethereal light. Ajitha had been waiting anxiously for their response to his request for a heavenly-tiered cultivation technique in exchange for his life force. He had expected a reply within a month, but it had been over that time.
Accepting the communication request, a projection of Aricen materialized before him. The elder elf's serene face bore a faint smile.
"Ajitha," Aricen said joyfully, "Her Majesty has accepted your request to exchange your life force for a heavenly-tiered cultivation technique."
Ajitha's heart leaped with joy. This was a crucial step in his plan, a way to secure a powerful cultivation technique for humanity. But before he could express his gratitude, he noticed Aricen's embarrassed cough.
Ajitha's brow furrowed with concern. "What happened? Is there any problem?"
Aricen's expression turned apologetic. "Well, it's not exactly a problem, but Her Majesty wishes to meet you before you head to Yggdrasil. She wants to ensure you are a righteous person, not an evil one. But don't worry, I know you well. You are not an evil person."
Ajitha nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. Inside, he mused, *I highly doubt I am a righteous person, but I am definitely not an evil one. This should not be difficult.*
"Can you tell me something about your queen?" Ajitha inquired. "As you know, last time we humans visited Elsinore, we weren't able to meet her."
Aricen's eyes lit up with admiration. "Her Majesty is a vision of grace and wisdom. Her presence commands respect and inspires hope. She governs with a gentle yet firm hand, always seeking balance and harmony for our people and the natural world. Her voice, soothing and melodic, carries the wisdom of countless ages. To be in her presence is to feel the essence of the elven spirit itself."
Ajitha's mouth twitched. "Can you tell me about Her Majesty's strength? At what tier is she?"
Aricen's smile faded slightly. "I cannot disclose that, but keep this in mind: Her Majesty's strength is unfathomable to you."
Ajitha's curiosity was piqued. He thought back to his encounter with the mysterious lady and the truths he had learned about the Overlords. The idea that the elven queen could be an Omniscient Overlord seemed more plausible now.
"I'm sorry if I asked a difficult question," Ajitha said. "I just wanted to know more about her before I meet her."
Aricen waved off his concern. "Don't worry about it."
"When can I come to meet Her Majesty?" Ajitha asked.
"You can come tomorrow if you wish," Aricen replied. "Her Majesty returned a few days ago from the border of the cosmos."
"Okay, I will be there tomorrow," Ajitha agreed.
Aricen's projection conjured a golden leaf in his hand and passed it to Ajitha. "When you are ready to come, just insert your mana into this, and you will be teleported to Elsinore."
Ajitha held the leaf, marveling at its intricate design and the power it radiated. Such an accessory was typically reserved for the most prominent members of the elven society. Aricen, noticing his astonishment, added, "It was Her Majesty who instructed me to provide you with this."
Ajitha solemnly nodded as Aricen's projection faded. He placed the golden leaf carefully on a pedestal, its glow casting a soft light around the room. His thoughts drifted to the upcoming meeting with the elven queen, his mind a whirlwind of anticipation and curiosity.
Ajitha was alone in his room, the dim light from a single lamp casting elongated shadows on the ancient stone walls. He carefully extracted the vial from his spatial crack, the shimmering liquid inside captivating his attention. As he studied the drop, he couldn't help but marvel at its unique properties.
Holding the vial up to the light, Ajitha observed that the drop was not just floating idly but was actively absorbing the surrounding mana. His curiosity piqued, he decided to test its reaction with a mana stone, a dense gem used to channel and measure magical energies. As the mana stone touched the drop, it vanished in an instant, consumed by the drop's insatiable hunger.
The drop surged with waves of energy, its healing effects accelerating at a barely perceptible rate. It began to exhibit properties akin to a mana stone, including the ability to store energy. Moreover, the drop now displayed an elemental affinity—an astonishing development. Previously, neither the Devourer nor the Behemoth's blood had shown any elemental properties. The blood had been purely chaotic and primal, but this new drop had taken on a new dimension.
Ajitha pondered the implications of this newfound ability. If the drop could integrate and adapt to the properties of what it absorbed, what might it achieve if exposed to the blood essence of a mythic beast? This thought ignited a spark of excitement in him. However, he resolved to wait until after his visit to Elsinore before experimenting further. The upcoming meeting with the Elven Queen was too important to be postponed.
He carefully stored the vial back in the spatial crack and settled into a meditation position, focusing his mind and spirit to cultivate. Hours passed as he delved into his internal realms, drawing upon his remaining energy to fortify his being.
The next morning, Ajitha completed his meditation with a deep exhalation, the last vestiges of turbid ki dissipating into the air. Opening his eyes, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Stepping outside, he summoned Reginald.
Reginald arrived swiftly, his face a mask of professional calm. "You called for me, my Lord?"
"I'm heading to Elsinore today," Ajitha stated, his voice resolute. "During my absence, I need you to maintain control over everything here. We've made significant strides, and we must remain vigilant, especially concerning the pirates and the Galactic Commerce Guild."
Reginald hesitated, his expression troubled. "Lord, there is something I need to inform you about. It concerns the Galactic Commerce Guild."
Ajitha's curiosity was immediately piqued. "What about it?"
"It was destroyed a few days ago," Reginald said, his voice heavy with regret. "Our men reported the news yesterday. I didn't want to disturb you while you were in your room, so I apologize for the delay in delivering this information."
Ajitha's face grew solemn. "Was the perpetrator identified?"
Reginald shook his head. "No, we have no leads on who could be responsible."
Ajitha's eyes narrowed in contemplation. "It's possible that the attack was in retaliation for the items we seized. Remain on high alert while I am away, and contact me immediately if anything unusual occurs."
"Understood, my Lord," Reginald affirmed, his voice steady.
With their discussion concluded, Ajitha made his way to the courtyard. The morning sun bathed the courtyard in a warm, golden light. He held the golden leaf, the intricate patterns catching the light and casting a faint, mystical glow. With a focused thought, he channeled his mana into the leaf. The moment his energy touched the leaf, it shimmered brightly and began to fold into itself, creating a portal of shimmering light.
Ajitha stepped into the portal, feeling the familiar sensation of being enveloped by a swirling vortex of energy. As the light intensified, he was whisked away from his familiar surroundings, heading toward the enigmatic realm of Elsinore.
As Ajitha arrived at Elsinore, he was greeted by the breathtaking vista of the elven kingdom. Majestic towers of living wood intertwined with ethereal vines, their leaves shimmering with an otherworldly luminescence. Crystal clear streams wound their way through the city, reflecting the sunlight like liquid diamonds. The air was filled with the soft hum of magical energy, resonating with the natural beauty that surrounded him.
Ajitha strode forward, his gaze sweeping over the enchanting scenery, towards the grand gate that marked the entrance to Elsinore. This was his second visit to the elven realm, yet the sight from within the gates still held him in awe. Elves moved gracefully through the streets, their movements as fluid as the streams around them. Among them, he noticed other races, present for trade or diplomatic purposes, adding a diverse tapestry to the vibrant city. Large crowds lined up outside the gates, eagerly awaiting entry.
Lost in admiration, Ajitha was suddenly brought back to reality by a familiar voice calling his name. He turned to see Aricen approaching in a beautifully adorned chariot, its wooden frame intricately carved with elven runes that glowed faintly. Aricen stepped out of the chariot, his presence commanding respect and warmth. He greeted Ajitha with a smile and welcomed him to the Elven kingdom.
"Welcome back to Elsinore, Ajitha," Aricen said warmly.
Ajitha nodded in acknowledgment and joined Aricen in the chariot. As they rode through the bustling streets, the other races looked on in astonishment, whispering among themselves about the identity of the human who warranted such an honor from an elven elder.
Seated comfortably in the chariot, Ajitha turned to Aricen. "I've noticed some major changes in Elsinore since my last visit. There are more races here, and the streets feel livelier. Also, I see many new defensive structures being erected."
Aricen nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, it's all due to the ascension of our new queen. She has a very open-minded approach. She believes that by opening our gates to trade with other races, we can achieve mutual growth and understanding. She has also proposed aiding other races in times of need, and she founded an alliance among the weaker races so they can support each other."
Ajitha raised an eyebrow. "She sounds very kindhearted. But what about the defensive measures? What kind of disturbances are you facing?"
Aricen's expression grew serious. "There have been incursions by behemoths from the abyssal world. They are attempting to invade our universe, and now they've started appearing near our galaxy. Her Majesty ordered these defensive measures to prepare for any potential threats."
Ajitha was stunned by this revelation. "How is it that I never witnessed any behemoth attacks in our galaxy?"
Aricen's chest swelled with pride. "It's thanks to the Sylvan Guard, who protect the borders of our galaxy. They are one of the elite legions of the elven army. When the situation becomes dire, Her Majesty herself takes to the battlefield to ensure our safety."
Ajitha absorbed this information, realizing it could complicate his plans if these threats drew closer to his domain. He decided to put these thoughts aside for now and focused on the journey. Gazing out of the chariot, he marveled at the intricate tapestries hanging from the buildings, depicting scenes of elven history and myth. The natural beauty outside was awe-inspiring, with mythical beasts coexisting harmoniously with the elves.
Soon, the chariot reached the Elven Palace, a structure that seemed to have grown organically from the land itself. The palace was an architectural marvel, made from living wood intertwined with crystals and marble. Its grandeur was complemented by an air of serene peace.
Ajitha stepped out of the chariot, his eyes taking in the majesty of the palace. He straightened his robes and took a deep breath, preparing himself to meet the queen. This encounter could be pivotal for his future, and he knew he had to make a favorable impression.
As he walked towards the palace doors, he felt a mix of anticipation and determination. The path ahead was uncertain, but Ajitha was ready to face whatever lay before him in the mystical heart of Elsinore.