[I hate that expression. It churns my guts. Why fear when all that lies ahead of you is victory? Only bottom feeders wake each day content with the idea of second place. If you lack conviction, give up. Don't do it scared—just don't do it.]
[If you do it, do it knowing death is but a step away, and never look back. Fear is the mind killer, not a tonic. I'd rather die reaching for the throne than wait for its king to fall and relinquish it.]
[I don't care if I'm delusional. At least it's honest. Most of the people going against me are just coping anyway. Nobody likes fear.]
[What I'm saying is… go for it. Shine as brightly as possible. Then die, if you must. But you'll die knowing you were the brightest star in the cold, endless void of existence. Isn't that more memorable than all the other bullshit? Haha!]
These words echoed in Caine's mind, accompanied by the foolish, confident smile of a certain person—a smile brimming with unshakable hope.
Something deep within Caine stirred, sparked by the resonance of those words and that unforgettable smile. The memory ignited a flicker of light in the dormant rings hidden within the depths of his pupils.
At once, his nine rings activated, and his crown flickered into existence atop his head, its brilliance so intense that the world around him seemed to bathe in silver.
WHOOOSH!
The wall of destructive elemental attacks converging on Caine disintegrated, dispelled as he dropped back onto solid ground.
For a moment, he stood still, his mind racing. Though he hated to admit it, the years he'd spent amidst the comfort and opulence of the Velios had softened him.
It had dulled the edge of the person he used to be.
But unlike most, Caine wasn't about to reject who he'd become under this new life. Nor would he forsake the person he had once been.
He was as much Caine Lerouge Velios as he was the Nameless Caine, the First Blight.
It was a simple realization, yet it unleashed a cascade of revelations in his mind. The internal struggle between his two identities, once clashing like opposing tides, fused into a singular, harmonious whole.
The transformation extended to his rings, which solidified into perfection, their complexity evolving as runes of unseen intricacy etched themselves across their surface.
Exhaling slowly, Caine steadied himself and looked upward—only to frown.
The Pope was gone.
In the time it had taken him to land, the man had vanished, leaving no trace behind.
'I suppose this isn't the end. Or perhaps it is. I'm not sure.'
The entire encounter had been chaotic, a whirlwind of confusion and revelations. Yet, despite the turmoil, it had left an indelible mark on Caine.
He sighed, casting a few healing spells on himself, mending his battered body.
'If nothing else, this fight has highlighted my flaws. I need to take training more seriously. And beyond that, I need to master techniques that truly capitalize on my talents.'
His gaze sharpened. 'I've been underutilizing my innate circle. Everything—my bones and flesh, my gifts, my qi, my rings, my techniques—it all needs refinement. It will take time, but that time will be well invested.'
Caine flexed his fingers, robes materializing around him with a flick of his hand.
With the same hand, he performed a clawing motion. His Gift—Warp—activated, rippling through the fabric of space.
Space tore, and a portal opened before him. Without hesitation, Caine stepped through, leaving the fractured reality behind without a backward glance.
He had finally completed his coming-of-age ceremony.
***
[Above the Holy Capital—Far into the great holy stars.]
In the skies above, Pope Francis hovered, gazing down at the hall where Caine had been. A faint smile graced his lips.
A voice, disembodied yet clear, broke the silence. "You know this will bring you trouble, right?"
The Pope chuckled. "I know. But it is what it is. If we want to bring about change, chaos is necessary. And you can't get anything more chaotic than that little grumpy man."
The voice, though invisible, seemed exasperated. "And what if he kills you?"
The Pope shrugged, his grin widening.
"Wouldn't be the first time. He'll kill me a few more times, then get over it."
The voice faltered, defeated. There was no arguing with the Pope's madness.
***
[Outside the Trials—Northen Continent]
Caine emerged from the portal, stepping into the heart of a dense forest near the grand gate he had used to begin his trials.
'I see.' He nodded to himself, analyzing his surroundings. 'My Gift provides me with spatial awareness. When I warped space, I simply willed myself to return here, and it brought me to the perfect location.'
If anyone had been privy to his thoughts, their shock would have been indescribable. The ability to tear portals from one place to another as a mere mortal was already groundbreaking.
But opening a portal to an unknown destination without coordinates or direction?
Such a feat should have been a death sentence. And yet, here he stood, unharmed.
The potential of his awakened Gifts was terrifying.
"Hm?"
Caine's thoughts were interrupted as his senses flared. A spike in atmospheric qi rippled around him. In the next instant, twelve veiled figures clad in blood-red robes materialized, surrounding him.
Each figure wielded a scarlet blade etched with black runes. Talismans on their backs interlinked, forming a network that amplified their collective strength—a unit far greater than the sum of its parts.
Caine regarded them coolly, his gaze devoid of concern. He had expected opposition. What intrigued him, however, was the fear and confusion in their eyes.
His aura was perfectly restrained, so much so that even Zao would believe he was still a mortal. Yet, their gazes betrayed doubt and apprehension.
Seconds passed before the realization struck him.
'They're shocked I came out alive.'