The vast white expanse pulsed gently around them as Arthur stared at Kael's hand, the mark of the Abyssal Lord glowing ominously against his skin. Shadows seemed to dance within the sigil, whispering secrets of darkness and power that clawed at Kael's sanity. He clenched his fist, as if trying to hide the mark from the eyes of the world.
"Kael," Arthur said, his voice steady yet laced with urgency. "You have been marked. The Abyss has chosen you."
Kael swallowed hard. "Chosen? More like cursed," he muttered, casting a wary glance at Varin, who stood nearby, his expression a mix of concern and determination.
"We can remove it," Arthur declared, breaking the heavy silence that hung in the air. Relief washed over Kael like cool rain on a sweltering day. "But there's more to this mark than meets the eye."
Varin stepped forward, his brow furrowed with questions. "What do you mean?"
Arthur took a deep breath, then gestured for Kael to approach him. "This mark may be a blessing in disguise. It is linked to the Abyssal Lord's energy, and it can be used to our advantage."
Kael frowned, doubts swirling in his mind. "You think it's a blessing? It feels like a death sentence."
"Perhaps it is both," Arthur replied cryptically, his gaze piercing into Kael's very soul. "You must trust me on this."
As Kael hesitated, Arthur summoned Limo, his furry, chirpy guide. In an instant, a whirlwind of sparkling light coalesced into the tiny creature, who blinked into existence with a mixture of excitement and fear.
"Limo!" Kael exclaimed, relief flooding him at the sight of his companion.
"Uh-oh," Limo squeaked, his wide eyes locking onto Arthur's figure. "Am I in trouble? Did I mess up? I swear, I was just trying to help! I promise!"
Arthur chuckled softly, a fatherly smile creeping onto his face. "No, Limo, you're not in trouble. You're needed for something much more important."
Limo, still quivering, let out a small chirp of relief. "Oh good! I thought I was getting sent to the Abyss or something!"
"Not today, my little friend," Arthur said, the warmth in his voice soothing Limo's anxiety. He took a step closer to the guide, ready to impart energy that would bolster Kael's strength and abilities.
But just as Arthur prepared to channel his energy into Limo, the air shimmered, and a new presence manifested—holographic and fleeting at first, but rapidly solidifying into the unmistakable figure of Ethan Soren. Kael's heart raced as he recognized the face of the being who had once breathed life into the Rebirth Core.
"Ethan!" Arthur exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with joy. "You're awake!"
"Just barely, Arthur," Ethan replied, his voice resonating with a familiar yet fragmented tone. "How's Ascension?"
Kael stood in awe, his previous doubts momentarily forgotten. This was the true form of the sentient being entwined with his fate. "Ethan Soren… in holographic form," he breathed, realization washing over him.
Ethan continued, "Do excuse my fragmented self. As you can see, Kael's Rebirth Core Mastery is still low. I can only manifest as a holographic figure for now."
"I will remove the Abyss mark for you, Kael," Ethan said, his voice shifting to a more serious tone. "But now is not the time. I need that mark in you."
Confusion filled the air like a thick fog. "What do you mean, Ethan?" Arthur asked, brows furrowed.
"I need the Abyssal Lord's energy power to create the right anti-virus that can cure and protect Erendath and Earth. Right now, I've already deciphered 20% of it."
Kael blinked, grappling with the implications. "You mean to tell me that I'm a… a host?"
Ethan nodded, his holographic visage growing serious. "When you use your Rebirth Core powers, the sigil on your hand activates and absorbs some of the Abyssal Lord's powers, funneling it into your core. I can harness that energy to create a countermeasure."
Arthur's expression darkened. "But Kael could be drawn deeper into the Abyss corruption. We can't risk that."
Ethan raised a hand, his presence radiating confidence. "I understand your concern, but this is necessary. If we strengthen the Aegis Shield to provide an additional layer of protection, we can create a window where only a portion of the Abyss energy can transfer over, allowing me to decipher it safely."
Arthur nodded slowly, digesting Ethan's words. "That makes sense… but how do we strengthen the shield?"
"I'll upgrade the Aegis+ Protocol," Ethan declared, determination igniting his voice. "With that, we can fortify the defenses and keep Kael safe while he absorbs just enough energy for me to analyze."
As Ethan spoke, Arthur's hands danced in the air, accessing holographic controls that pulsed into view. With a few deft movements, he initiated the upgrade, and a flurry of notifications rippled through the group.
Kael felt his heart race as the notifications blinked before him. Aegis+ Protocol Updated! Enhanced protective layers activated. Additional safety measures in place.
"Now that's what I call a power-up," Kael quipped, a sense of relief washing over him.
"Don't get too comfortable," Ethan cautioned, his expression turning grave. "While the shield provides protection, it won't last forever. You need to get stronger, Kael. We don't have enough time."
Kael looked around, a sense of urgency gripping him. "Why? What's coming?"
Ethan's holographic eyes flashed white, then returned to normal. "I've seen the Abyssal Lord's intentions. He's planning something big—something that could destabilize both Erendath and Earth."
Limo, still floating nearby, suddenly perked up. "If my services are still needed, I can help, right?" he squeaked.
Arthur smiled, his voice warm and encouraging. "For now, Limo, you are dismissed. Your presence has been invaluable."
With an eager chirp, Limo complied, vanishing in a swirl of sparkling light. Kael felt a pang of loss at the absence of his quirky guide, but his focus remained on Ethan.
"What do I need to do?" Kael asked, determination igniting within him.
Ethan met Kael's gaze, his holographic form flickering with intensity. "You must train harder. Embrace your Rebirth Core. Mastery of it is essential not just for you, but for the fate of both worlds."
"Then let's get to it," Kael declared, adrenaline surging through him. "I'm ready to face whatever comes."
As he stood there, surrounded by allies and the weight of destiny, the air thickened with resolve. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but Kael could feel the flicker of hope burning bright within him.
"Just remember," Arthur cautioned, "the mark is a double-edged sword. Use it wisely."
With those words echoing in his mind, Kael felt a surge of determination. He would harness the power of the Abyss and turn it against itself. The mark may have bound him, but it would not define him.
Ethan's holographic form flickered, signaling the impending end of their meeting. "Stay vigilant, Kael. Time is running out."
As Ethan faded away, Kael felt an unfamiliar strength surging through him. The battle lines were drawn, and the stakes had never been higher.
"What now?" Varin asked, breaking the silence.
Kael turned to him, a grin spreading across his face. "Now, we hunt Darkspawns. I need to unlock my skill and you need to fix your Rebirth core. It's time I level up."