Chapter 25: The Evolution of Power
Kayode stood on a rocky outcrop overlooking the dense forest below. The air around him shimmered with raw energy, a testament to the transformation he had undergone. His Warrior Nascent Soul pulsated with vitality, and his bloodline thrummed with newfound ferocity. But today, he was here to test something else.
"System," Kayode began, gripping his spear tightly, "it's time to see how much stronger I've become."
The system responded, its tone neutral but curious. "Your abilities have indeed changed, Kayode. The skills you inherited from the Guildian Beast are no exception. The Three-Tailed Rend has evolved. It is no longer a simple skill—it has become a bloodline art, tied directly to your Warrior Nascent Soul."
Kayode raised an eyebrow. "A bloodline art? What does that mean?"
Oba, perched lazily on a nearby rock, yawned. "It means you're about to unleash something truly terrifying. If you're not careful, you might end up destroying more than you intend to."
Kayode ignored Oba's snide remark and steadied his breathing. He closed his eyes, feeling the energy within him surge. The Nascent Soul within his core seemed to stir, as if it knew what was coming.
"System," he said, his voice steady, "tell me about the new form of Three-Tailed Rend."
The system's voice grew serious. "The skill has evolved into Apex Rend: Celestial Tails of Dominion. It summons spectral tails formed from your bloodline energy. Each tail is imbued with a unique aspect of destruction: one for physical devastation, one for spiritual annihilation, and one for chaotic entropy. When unleashed, these tails can cleave through the fabric of reality itself. Be warned, this power is not to be used lightly."
Kayode opened his eyes, their golden hue glowing brighter. "Let's see what it can do."
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Testing the Apex Rend
Kayode planted his feet firmly on the ground and gripped his spear tightly. Closing his eyes once more, he began channeling the energy from his Nascent Soul. The Warrior Nascent Soul within him roared silently, its spectral form echoing his movements.
"Apex Rend: Celestial Tails of Dominion!" Kayode roared, thrusting his spear into the air.
The sky darkened, and the air grew heavy. Three massive spectral tails materialized behind him, each glowing with an otherworldly light.
The first tail burned with a crimson aura, radiating raw, destructive energy.
The second tail shimmered like a ghostly flame, exuding a cold, spiritual pressure that made the very fabric of the world tremble.
The third tail was wild and untamed, crackling with chaotic energy that warped the space around it.
Kayode felt the immense power coursing through him, almost overwhelming in its intensity. He gritted his teeth, focusing on controlling the chaotic energy as the tails swayed behind him, each one exuding a terrifying presence.
He focused on a massive boulder at the edge of the clearing, its surface smooth and unyielding. With a single motion, he directed the crimson tail toward it. The tail lashed out, striking the boulder with explosive force.
The boulder didn't just crack—it disintegrated into fine dust, leaving a deep crater where it once stood.
Kayode's eyes widened. "That's… insane."
"Impressive," the system commented. "But you've only used one tail. The true power of Apex Rend lies in their combined force."
Kayode nodded, sweat beading on his forehead. He directed the second tail toward a patch of forest below. As it lashed out, a wave of spectral energy washed over the trees, and they began to wither and decay, their life force drained in an instant.
The third tail moved of its own accord, striking the air around him. The chaotic energy it released warped the space, creating ripples that shattered the ground beneath him.
Oba watched with a mix of amusement and wariness. "Not bad, boy. But if you lose control of that last tail, you might end up destroying yourself along with everything else."
Kayode smirked, his confidence growing. "I'm not afraid of chaos anymore, remember?"
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A Surprise Encounter
As Kayode continued testing the Apex Rend, he felt a sudden shift in the air. A powerful presence approached from the forest below, its aura sharp and menacing.
"System," Kayode said, narrowing his eyes, "what is that?"
The system's voice was grave. "It's an elder from the Coiled Serpent Sect. They must have sensed the energy from your attack."
Oba's tail flicked, his expression amused. "Well, this should be entertaining. Let's see how you handle a real fight."
Kayode turned to face the approaching figure, his spear glowing with energy. The three spectral tails swayed behind him, their presence a silent warning to anyone who dared to challenge him.
The elder emerged from the forest, his expression a mix of anger and curiosity. "You… You're the one who stole from our pavilion! Hand over the treasures, and I might spare your life!"
Kayode smirked, his golden eyes blazing. "Come and take them if you can."