Chapter 7 - Aftermath

[Floor 3 Cleared!]

Rend Core acquired!

(x10,500) Essence Fragments 

(x5,225) Ascended Fragments 

+200,000 EXP 

Level Up!

[Wrath of the Warlord] has increased to level 10!

New weapon acquired [Blue Crystal Chaos Sword]

(x50) Chaos Shards

(x200) Chaos Gemstones 

(x100) Aethersteel acquired

(x150) Nightshade Essence acquired

+50,000 Gold 

Blessing from Chaos acquired 

As the fiery avatar dissipated, I collapsed to one knee, my body smoking but unbroken. Sweat dripped from my brow as I let out a shaky laugh. "Damn…that was intense. First time using a Susanoo. Gotta say…that shit was badass." My laugh echoed through the now-silent chamber, filled with both relief and triumph.

My gaze shifted to the list of rewards hovering in front of me. My eyes widened slightly as I took it all in. Definitely a lot, but it made sense since I took down an enemy way above my level.

"I'll go over all of them later. I'm ready to get the hell out of this Rend." I said.

[Will you like to send all collectibles to the inventory?]

"I really appreciate the convienience Game. Yes I will." I said as I stood up to my full height. I then equipped the Rend Core.

It was a glowing, crystalline structure that pulsed with Chaos Energy. 'Strange..looks like it's already stabilized..' I thought as I observed it.

To Close a Rend one must-

1. Reach the Core:

Eternals and Rendbound teams must battle through waves of monsters and environmental challenges to reach the core. These obstacles are often linked to the god's aspect and require strategy and teamwork to overcome.

2. Neutralize or Stabilize:

Eternals must either destroy the core (causing the Rend to collapse) or stabilize it using specific techniques or artifacts, often provided by the Ascendant Order. Stabilization is rarer and usually reserved for cases where the Rend's energy can be redirected for constructive purposes.

Essence Fragments:

When a Rend Core is neutralized, it typically leaves behind Essence Fragments, which serve as rewards for the Eternals and a measure of their success.

Surprisingly he only had that overpowered ass boss to fight, but this was still kinda bizarre, he chalked it up to him being the 'True Eternal' or whatever.

[Would you like to leave this Rend?]

I instantly replied 'Yes' and white light enveloped me, disorienting for a moment before fading into the familiar surroundings of the Rend's entrance. The two guards stood waiting, their expressions shifting from casual indifference to stunned disbelief as they noticed me.

"Well, I'll be damned.." one of them muttered, his voice thick with disbelief. "Mr. E-Rank actually survived the Rend."

I smirked, rolling my shoulders as I dusted off the lingering ash from my jacket. "Not just survived.." I said, letting my words hang with sharp confidence. "Cleared that shit too." My gaze then met the guards' and the corners of my smirk widened. "You both definitely ate those words up."

Both guards exchanged incredulous looks before one let out a low whistle.

"Cleared? You're joking, right? No Eternal below a C-Ranked Charism even attempts these, let alone finishes them."

I tapped the Rend Core now slotted into my inventory. "Guess I'm built different." The crystalline structure still hummed faintly, a testament to the chaos I had just tamed.

The other guard took a step forward, his wide eyes fixed on me. "You mean you stabilized it? That's… unheard of for someone of your level."

I crossed my arms and smirked, allowing a moment of silence to sink in before speaking. "Get used to it. There's more where that came from."

A voice cut through the charged atmosphere, calm yet laced with intrigue.

"I see you're doing quite well for yourself…"

Turning toward the source, I found Lyria approaching, flanked by two others. One was a tall, muscular man with pale skin, short black hair, and sharp silver eyes that gleamed with curiosity. The other was a striking elf woman, her emerald hair cascading down her back and her piercing blue eyes locked on me with a mix of curiosity and admiration.

"Lyria?" I said, raising a brow. "Didn't expect to see you here."

"Glad you remembered my name." she replied with a sly smile. "We heard about the D-Rank Rend here, but it turns out you already beat us to it."

The man beside her grinned broadly, stepping forward with an outstretched hand. "Having an E-Rank Charism and pulling that off? That's fucking awesome. Name's Vari Ashward."

I clasped his hand, nodding. "Tyros Celestorn."

The elf woman stepped forward, her movements graceful and deliberate. Her hand was delicate as she extended it toward me. "Kaelira Lynthiel," she said, her voice soft but confident. "What you've done is nothing short of remarkable, Tyros. Stabilizing a Rend is impressive even for higher-ranked Eternals. With an E-Rank Charism? You've caught more attention than just ours."

I shook her hand briefly, offering a polite nod. "Appreciate it. I just do what needs to be done. E-Rank or not, I'll be damned if I get left behind."

Vari laughed, clapping me on the shoulder with a force that almost made me stagger. "That's the spirit! Even with a liability like yours, you keep pushing through. Gotta respect that."

Lyria smirked, tilting her head slightly. "I agree. It's no wonder you grabbed my interest when I first saw you."

Her words made me chuckle, a smooth grin tugging at my lips. "Interest, huh? Should I be flattered or worried about what that means coming from someone like you?"

She stepped closer, her smirk deepening. "A little bit of both, maybe. You're full of surprises, Tyros. And I do like surprises."

"You'll find there's more under the surface than you're ready for.." I shot back, my grin unwavering.

"Oh, I'm counting on it." she replied, her eyes glinting with playful intrigue. "Just don't disappoint me."

Vari let out a booming laugh, cutting through the tension. "Damn, this is getting good! Tyros, you've already made quite the impression. Maybe we can spar sometime."

I smirked at him, crossing my arms. "Once I've got a little more experience under my belt, you're on."

Kaelira, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "While this banter is entertaining, Lyria and Vari are right. You've proven yourself capable of more than your rank suggests. But with great accomplishments comes scrutiny. The Ascendant Order will likely take notice."

Her words gave me pause, but only for a moment. "Let them watch." I said with a shrug. "They'll get front-row seats to my rise."

Kaelira smiled faintly. "A bold mindset. Just don't let it blind you to the dangers ahead."

"Noted." I replied before glancing back at Lyria. "But I can handle myself. And if I stumble, I'll get back up stronger than before."

"Good." Lyria said, her tone softer this time. "I'd hate to see someone like you burn out too soon. I look forward to seeing your progress in the future."

"Likewise." I replied with a nod and grin.

Vari grinned as well. "Hit me up when you're ready for that fight, Tyros."

Kaelira bowed slightly. "Stay safe. You've already proven you're more than your rank—don't let anyone convince you otherwise."

I watched as they walked away, Vari's laughter echoing, Lyria glancing back with a knowing smirk, and Kaelira's elegant stride radiating quiet strength.