Chapter 76
[Why do you have the energy of the abyss inside you?]
The moment Lucavion heard this, he immediately understood what Vitaliara meant.
"The energy of the abyss…..Do you mean the mana of death?"
He asked, seeking confirmation.
[The energy that is in your other core? Hmm….Wait….Why do you have two cores?]
Lucavion took a deep breath. "It's because of my unique condition. My reversed mana meridians don't adhere to the usual rules that bind other Awakened. I discovered this about a year ago. After extensive trial and error, I realized that my condition allowed me to form a second core."
Vitaliara blinked in understanding, her expression serious. [I see… Your condition truly is different. But then, how does this explain the energy of the abyss—or as you call it, the mana of death?]
Lucavion nodded, preparing to recount his recent experiences. "It started just yesterday. I was fighting a Shadow Stalker. After I killed it, I sat down to meditate to recover my mana. But instead of just drawing in the usual ambient energy, I sensed something else."
He paused, his mind revisiting the strange sensation he had felt. "It was cold, eerie... unlike any mana I've ever encountered. It felt like it was seeping out of the dead Shadow Stalker, drawn to me as if it recognized something within me."
Vitaliara listened intently, her eyes narrowing in thought. [And this was the first time you encountered such energy?]
"Yes," Lucavion confirmed. "At first, I thought it was specific to the Shadow Stalker, that maybe it had something to do with the creature's nature. But later, I realized it wasn't unique to that beast."
Vitaliara tilted her head slightly, prompting him to continue.
"After that fight, I encountered more monsters—chimpanzees. When I meditated near their carcasses, I felt that same cold mana again. That's when I understood... it wasn't just the Shadow Stalker. The energy seemed to stem from death itself, a residual force left behind in the bodies of the fallen. That was why I just named it as mana of death."
Vitaliara's eyes widened slightly. [The mana of death… from any creature?]
Lucavion nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Exactly. It's not a common form of energy, and I've never heard of anyone else using it. But for some reason, it's drawn to me. Maybe it's because of my reversed meridians, or maybe it's something else altogether. But when I discovered it, I knew I had to understand it better."
Vitaliara was silent for a moment, processing his words. [This is... unprecedented. The ability to draw on such an energy... it is not something a mortal should be able to do.]
"A mortal?"
[That is right. Vitaliara nodded.]
Vitaliara's voice softened, her gaze turning more gentle as she observed Lucavion. [A mortal, yes. The energy you are dealing with... it is something that touches the very boundaries of life and death. To wield it, to even be touched by it, is no small matter. It is something that only beings of the abyss should have any connection to.
Yet here you are, a mortal, drawing on this energy as if it were second nature.]
"Does this mean that by using this energy, I'm crossing a line I shouldn't?"
Vitaliara hesitated, considering her response carefully. [It is not about crossing a line, Lucavion. It's more about understanding what it is. The mana of death, or as you call it, the energy of the abyss, is not inherently evil or malevolent, but it is tied to the natural order.]
Lucavion's brow furrowed as he absorbed Vitaliara's words. "I thought it was related to my unique condition," he admitted, searching for clarity.
Vitaliara nodded, her expression thoughtful. [It could very well be connected to your condition. But regardless of how it came to be, one thing is clear: you are drawn to the energy of the abyss. This is not something that happens by chance. The abyss has a way of reaching out to those it deems capable of handling its power.]
Lucavion remained silent, processing her words. After a moment, he said, "I've never actually used the energy, though. I can feel it within my core, but I don't know how to control it. Even drawing it into my core was a struggle based on mere speculation. Every time I try to use it, the energy doesn't comply—it resists me. And when I push, it causes me pain."
Vitaliara's eyes narrowed slightly as she considered his words. [That's understandable. The energy you're dealing with is not something that can be easily tamed. It's ancient, raw, and tied to forces that even the most powerful beings respect. The fact that it causes you pain when you try to draw on it indicates that you're not yet attuned to its nature.]
"So, what do I do? How do I learn to control it?"
Just as he asked, Vitaliara slowly rose from her state as she approached Lucavion. Her fur and her eyes were glowing in the color of white as she stood over him.
[Your approach…..It is really interesting.] She mumbled, jumping over his shoulder. [Sit in the lotus position.]
As she said, Lucavion complied. He sat in the lotus position.
[Now, just meditate, and don't mind me.]
After saying that, Vitaliara jumped from his shoulder and landed right beside him.
Lucavion followed Vitaliara's instructions, settling into the lotus position with practiced ease. His breathing slowed as he centered himself, focusing inward on the flow of mana within his body. He could feel Vitaliara's presence beside him, her aura tinged with a sense of deep contemplation.
Vitaliara's gaze was intense as she studied Lucavion's core, her eyes glowing with a soft white light that seemed to pierce through the physical and into the very essence of his being. She could see the two distinct energies within his core—the cold, eerie abyssal energy and the warm, vibrant fire-attributed mana.
They were like two opposing forces, existing in a delicate balance but not truly harmonized.
[Interesting...] she murmured, her voice barely audible in Lucavion's mind. [You've managed to store the energy of the abyss within your core by using the fire-attributed mana to subdue its coldness and repelling nature. It's a clever approach, one that's allowed you to keep the two energies stable.]
Lucavion remained silent.
[But there's a problem,] Vitaliara continued, her tone more serious. [While you've succeeded in containing both energies, they are not truly integrated. Right now, they're simply canceling each other out. The fire-attributed mana is keeping the abyssal energy in check, preventing it from overwhelming you, but it's also preventing you from fully utilizing either power.
It seems you have already understood what you need to do to make them merge.]
[For them to merge,] Vitaliara explained, [you need to utilize the fire of life with the coldness of death.]
Lucavion nodded at Vitaliara's explanation. "That's exactly what I had thought as well. I've already altered the way I circulate the energy, completely reversing the method I used to absorb the death mana."
He paused, then added, "I've had partial success, but it's not complete." With that, he closed his eyes and began to demonstrate. Slowly, the abyssal energy and fire-attributed mana in his core started to stir, their opposing natures evident as they resisted merging.
Lucavion focused intently, reversing the flow of the fire-attributed mana while trying to coax the abyssal energy into harmony with it.
Vitaliara watched closely, her eyes narrowing as she observed the process. As the energies interacted, she could see the subtle progress Lucavion had made—how he had managed to create a temporary balance between them, yet the true merging eluded him.
The fire-attributed mana flickered and strained against the abyssal energy like oil and water trying to blend, but they remained distinct, unable to fully integrate.
Vitaliara's thoughts raced as she analyzed what she was seeing. 'This kid… How could he do such a thing without any guidance? He's completely developed most of this on his own.'
But as she continued to watch, something clicked in her mind. The fire-attributed mana Lucavion was drawing from the outside was still not what he needed.
'That is right….Just like the energy of the abyss, the Fire of the Vitality can also not be utilized by mere mortals that easily.'
It was something that was special to things like Vitaliara herself.
'What he needs is to feel the Fire of Life,' Vitaliara realized, her thoughts crystallizing.
Lucavion opened his eyes, looking at Vitaliara. "I can get them to balance temporarily, but they won't fully merge. I thought reversing the circulation and adjusting the flow would work, but I'm still missing something."
Vitaliara met his gaze, her expression serious. [You're on the right track, Lucavion. But what you're missing is the type of fire you're using. The fire-attributed mana you've been drawing isn't enough. What you need is the Fire of Life.]
Lucavion's brow furrowed slightly. "The Fire of Life…?"
[Yes,] Vitaliara confirmed. [The Fire of Life is a special kind of energy, one that embodies creation, vitality, and the essence of life itself. It's what can truly balance the coldness of death, the abyssal energy you've taken into your core. But because you've never encountered it, you've been unable to draw it.]
Lucavion nodded slowly, understanding dawning on him. "But you… you're the Guardian of Life. You can use this Fire of Life, can't you?"
[Exactly. And I'm thinking… what if we replace the fire mana in your core with my Fire of Life? If we do that, it might be enough to bring the energies into true harmony.]
"It makes sense…..definitely worth trying."
Vitaliara moved closer, her presence radiating a powerful energy.
[This will require precision, Lucavion. I'll need you to release the fire-attributed mana in your core, and I'll infuse it with my Fire of Life. It's important that you remain focused and open your core to the process. And it is very highly likely that it will hurt. Are you okay with that?]
"That is fine by me," Lucavion replied. The pain, he had already gotten used to it at this point as he was very well aware of how he became awakened.
[Then…..Let's start.]
'This kid….He is a one-time genius, but he is still not strong enough….And he does not have much time…It will not be long for them to fund us…..The moment that they find him, they will try to capture him as well….So he needs to get stronger as soon as possible…'
-----------------------
I am open to any criticism; you can comment on things that you would like to see in the story.
And if you liked my story, please give me a power stone. It helps me a lot.
Chapter 77
[Then… let's start,] Vitaliara said, her eyes shining brighter as she began to channel the essence of life itself.
As the Fire of Life began to flow into Lucavion's core, he was immediately struck by its nature. Unlike the steady warmth of the fire-attributed mana he used from [Serpent Flame Spear], this energy was wild, chaotic—alive in every sense of the word. It surged through him like a raging storm, a force born from the very creation of the universe, where life emerged from chaos.
"AARGHK-!"
Pain shot through Lucavion's body as the energy coursed through him. It was like nothing he had ever felt before, a searing, primal force that burned through his veins and threatened to tear him apart. Sweat poured from his neck, drenching his clothes as he struggled to keep his focus.
[Stay with it, Lucavion,] Vitaliara's voice echoed in his mind, her tone firm but supportive. [This is the essence of life, raw and untamed. It's not meant to be controlled by force but harnessed through understanding and respect. Feel it, and let it guide you.]
Gritting his teeth, Lucavion focused inward, his mind locking onto the wild energy within him. He could feel the Fire of Life battling with the abyssal energy, each force powerful in its own right yet fundamentally opposed.
But as he concentrated, he began to sense a pattern within the chaos, a rhythm that mirrored the pulse of life itself.
Vitaliara continued to guide him, her voice steadying him through the storm of energy. [You've already figured out how to circulate the fire energy before. Now, feel the fire within you—this is the true fire, the spark of life. Use it to gather the energy from outside, just as you would with the abyssal energy.]
Lucavion took a deep breath, despite the pain wracking his body, and focused on the fire within him. Slowly, he began to draw in more of the Fire of Life, harnessing it with the same methodical approach he had used with the death mana.
As he did, he felt the two energies begin to interact, their colors—white for life, black for death—swirling together within his core.
The moment the energies began to mix, the pain intensified. It was as if his core was being torn apart from the inside, the conflicting energies clashing violently as they sought equilibrium.
Lucavion's vision blurred as the pain threatened to overwhelm him, his consciousness slipping away as the power within him ran rampant.
But just as he teetered on the edge of losing control, Vitaliara's voice cut through the haze. [Stay awake, Lucavion! You're doing well! Don't let go now!]
Lucavion's grip tightened, both on his consciousness and on the energies within him. He forced himself to stay present, to endure the agony as the Fire of Life and the abyssal energy struggled to merge. The forces raged within him, but he refused to let them consume him.
[Focus on the balance,] Vitaliara urged. [You've already established a connection. Now, let them find harmony. They're not enemies—they're two sides of the same coin. Life and death, creation and destruction. Let them coexist within you.]
While she was saying that, even she was not expecting what was happening there. She was also doing this thing for the first time in her hundreds of years of life.
'Can he really do it?'
She was also questioning herself. The kid….He was walking on a thin rope; with any sort of mistake, he would fall down.
On the other hand, with every ounce of willpower he had, Lucavion focused on the core within him, on the merging energies that were now slowly beginning to stabilize.
'I see…..So this is how it goes….'
Lucavion thought. Even if he was in pain, he was feeling a familiar feeling. It was like when he held the sword for the first time.
When he felt like the sword himself was guiding him.
It was the same as that one just now, as well.
'Mend the Fire of Life and crush the Frost of Death.'
The wild chaos of the Fire of Life started to blend with the cold, controlled abyssal energy. The pain began to ease, just slightly, as the energies settled into a fragile harmony.
The swirling colors within his core—white and black—began to coalesce, forming a new, unified energy. It was still wild, still dangerous, but it was no longer tearing him apart. Instead, it felt… balanced.
Lucavion's breathing steadied as the pain subsided to a manageable level. He could feel the power within him, immense and untamed, yet under his control.
The Fire of Life and the abyssal energy had merged into something new, something stronger than either on its own.
It was unlike anything he had ever experienced—a fire that was black as night, yet its heat was intertwined with an icy coldness. This fire wasn't just an amalgamation of two forces; it was a fusion that transcended them, creating something entirely new.
The black fire swirled within his core, its essence both raw and refined. It was a flame that burned with the intensity of life yet carried the chilling stillness of death.
It was the embodiment of duality—a fire that was both hot and cold, a frost that was both rigid and flowing.
Lucavion's eyes slowly turned black, mirroring the color of the new energy that now resided within him.
His vision darkened, not with blindness, but with a profound clarity that came from deep within. He felt his consciousness slipping into a state of enlightenment, the world around him fading as he was drawn inward into the depths of his own being.
A thick, pitch-black smoke began to rise from his body, swirling around him like a shroud.
It wasn't just energy—it was an extension of the power he had forged, a manifestation of the balance between life and death that now defined him.
The smoke pulsed with an otherworldly energy as if it were alive, responding to his every thought and movement.
As the smoke swirled around him, Lucavion whispered to himself the name of the technique that had emerged from this fusion of energies.
"Flame of Equinox."
He mumbled.
The name came to him as naturally as breathing, as if it had always been there, waiting for him to discover it.
But that was not the end.
In his closed eyes, inside his mind, Lucavion saw the same dream.
The same dream where a lone star stood, pitch black.
Before, it was just dead and dry….. It was not active.
But now…..It was burning….With a pitch black flame that was similar to the one that he felt inside his core….
Lucavion felt the energies intertwine with his own essence, and for a moment, he was filled with a sense of profound accomplishment. The power was immense, and it was his to command. But before he could take another breath, his vision darkened, and the world around him began to blur.
THUD!
His body gave out, and he collapsed to the ground.
Vitaliara's eyes widened in alarm as she watched him fall. She rushed to his side, her heart pounding in panic. [Lucavion!] she called out, her voice tinged with fear.
As she reached him, she scanned his body for injuries, fearing the worst. But as she examined him more closely, she realized he wasn't harmed. His breathing was steady, his pulse strong. It was just that his body and mind had reached their limits.
[You're just exhausted,] Vitaliara murmured, relief flooding through her as she understood what had happened. The process of merging the energies, the strain of the technique, had taken everything out of him. He had pushed himself to the brink and beyond.
With a gentle smile, Vitaliara leaned down and licked his face, a gesture of both affection and reassurance. [You've been working hard,] she whispered, her voice soft. [Rest now. You've earned it.]
*******
The general sat at his desk, the dim light of the oil lamp casting long shadows across the room. The silence of the night was broken only by the occasional distant shout of a soldier or the rustle of leaves in the wind.
A sudden knock on the door shattered the stillness, pulling the general from his thoughts. He straightened in his chair, "Enter," he called, his voice calm but tinged with an undercurrent of unease.
The door creaked open, and an officer stepped inside, his face pale and drawn. The general's sharp eyes immediately picked up on the tension in the man's posture, the nervous flicker in his gaze.
"Sir," the officer began, his voice shaky, "we've received feedback from the pursuit team. They're… they're gone, sir. The entire unit has been wiped out."
The general's expression darkened. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes closing for a moment as a deep sigh escaped him. "I knew something like this would happen," he muttered, more to himself than to the officer.
His fists clenched tightly, the leather of his gloves creaking under the pressure.
Before the general could utter another word, there was another knock on the door, this one softer, more measured.
He glanced at the officer, who took a step back, unsure of what to do.
"Come in," the general called, his voice steady.
The door opened once more, and this time, a figure dressed in a pristine black suit entered, his movements smooth and practiced.
It was the butler of the Count, a man known for his impeccable manners and the aura of quiet authority he carried with him.
"General…."
It was the general's time to account for what happened…..
-----------------------
I am open to any criticism; you can comment on things that you would like to see in the story.
And if you liked my story, please give me a power stone. It helps me a lot.
Chapter 78
I stirred, my eyes fluttering open to the dim light of the early morning. The world slowly came into focus, and the first thing I noticed was how… refreshed I felt.
My body, which had been wracked with pain and exhaustion, now seemed to hum with energy, like it had been revitalized during the night.
I blinked, taking in my surroundings. The memory of the events before I collapsed was hazy at first, but as I lay there, the fog in my mind began to clear.
'What… happened?'
I sat up slowly, my muscles responding with an ease that was almost startling.
The last thing I remembered was the Fire of Life coursing through me, a wild and chaotic force that felt like it would tear me apart.
And then, the abyssal energy—cold, controlled, and equally powerful—fought back, clashing with the life force within my core.
And then… I forced them to merge.
The memories hit me like a tidal wave. The excruciating pain, the searing fire that burned within my veins, the overwhelming pressure of trying to balance two forces that were fundamentally opposed to each other.
I remembered Vitaliara's voice guiding me and urging me to stay awake and maintain control. I remembered the moment of clarity when I finally found a fragile harmony between life and death, between creation and destruction.
"The Flame of Equinox."
I whispered the name to myself, and a faint smile touched my lips. It felt right like it was always meant to be.
'So it is like that.'
I could still feel the new energy within me, this black flame that was both fire and frost, life and death.
Master had once mentioned that when he started cultivating and forming his own core and cultivation base, the technique was formed with a moment of revelation.
I remembered the way Master would speak of his own journey, the fire in his eyes as he recounted how he found the method to push his cultivation to new heights.
Master's path had led him to the method of forming stars around his core—a technique that had become the foundation of [Devourer of Stars].
Each star represented a new level of mastery, a new understanding of the power that resided within him.
These stars didn't just symbolize strength; they were the very essence of his technique, a manifestation of his control over the energy that pulsed through his veins.
I recalled how he explained the creation of each star. The first star came to him during a moment of intense battle when he felt his core wasn't enough to handle the energy he needed to survive.
In that moment of desperation, a vision of a star appeared in his mind, burning brightly around his core.
He had followed that vision, and as he did, the star took form, stabilizing his energy and pushing him to new heights.
Most cultivators experienced something similar. They would get a thought, a dream, or an instinctual urge to try something new with their energy, and that would lead to the development of their techniques.
For the [Iron Will Spear Art], practitioners would create spheres around their core. Each sphere represented a different level of focus and control, a way to channel mana into their attacks.
The spheres didn't just store energy; they refined it, compressing it into a dense, powerful force that could be unleashed.
On the other hand, the [Flame Serpent Art] was different. Those who practiced it would form Fire Rings over their core. These rings acted as conduits, amplifying the fire mana and allowing it to flow more freely through the practitioner's body.
Each ring was a marker of progress, a testament to the practitioner's ability to withstand and channel the searing heat of the flame mana.
I couldn't help but wonder what the path for my own technique would be. I had merged life and death, fire and frost, into something entirely new.
The [Flame of Equinox] was a balance between opposing forces, a harmony that transcended their individual natures.
'What will my method of advancement be?' I thought, contemplating the nature of the energy within me.
Would I form stars like Master? Or perhaps spheres or rings, like the Iron Will Spear Art and the Flame Serpent Art? Or would it be something entirely different, something unique to the duality that now defined my power?
Just as I had thought about that, I turned my eyes into my core. The black flame swirled within my core. It was still wild, still untamed, but there was a sense of order within the chaos, a rhythm.
'A rhythm?'
As I concentrated, the pattern became clearer. My core wasn't just a chaotic maelstrom of energy.
There was something deeper, something fundamental about the way the black flame moved. It wasn't random—it was following a path, a natural order that defied the chaos it seemed to embody.
The rhythm grew more pronounced as I observed it, and then I saw it: a whirlpool, a vortex forming at the very center of my core.
'Vortex….The embodiment of entropy.'
The energy spiraled around it, drawn into the vortex like water swirling down a drain. But the vortex wasn't complete; it was only partially formed, a nascent pattern that hinted at something greater.
'This is it,' I realized. 'This is the pattern I need to follow.'
The vortex represented the balance between life and death, the cycle of creation and destruction.
It was a natural progression, an order within the chaos. The black flame wasn't just a fusion of two energies—it was a dynamic force, constantly in motion, constantly seeking equilibrium.
As I watched, I understood what I needed to do. The vortex within my core wasn't finished because I had only just begun to cultivate this technique.
The Flame of Equinox was still in its infancy, still growing, and my task was to nurture it, to guide it into its full form.
The vortex had layers—concentric circles that spun faster as they neared the center. Each layer represented a new level of mastery, a deeper connection to the duality of life and death.
But right now, only a partial first layer was formed, a fragment of what it would become.
To complete the first layer, I needed to absorb and assimilate more mana, feeding the vortex and allowing it to expand.
The process wouldn't be easy.
The energies were still wild, still resistant to being controlled, but I had to tame them to bring them into harmony within the vortex.
'And in the process, I need to kill….'
Death….and…..Life.
Both of them needed to be in an equilibrium state.
I opened my eyes, the vision of the vortex still clear in my mind. And then, I calmed my breathing and started circulating the mana around my body.
FLINCH!
And in an instant, I felt my body twitching.
It was indeed just as I had expected. The power output was just too much, even for a 1-star stage.
'This energy of chaos…..'
I could feel my body burning inside, itching to move. It was forcing me to stand and use my body. A surreal feeling that I could not help but feel exhilarated to feel.
[You have finally woken up.]
Vitaliara's voice cut through the haze, pulling me back to the present. I looked over to see her slowly walking toward me, her paws pressing gently on the ground with each step.
There was an elegance to her movements, but well, she might also be just a cat at the same time. It has been a while since I had seen a cat since we don't have any on the battlefield.
"Yes," I replied, my voice steady despite the lingering effects of the energy coursing through me.
Vitaliara circled around me, her eyes observing every detail as if assessing my condition.
[As expected, you have rested well,] she said, her tone carrying a note of approval. [Your body and mind need time to adjust to the new energy within you. But now, you are stronger for it.]
That was indeed the case.
The rest had done more than just heal my physical wounds; it had given me the clarity I needed to understand the path ahead, to see the vortex within me and the power it represented.
"Thank you," I said, the gratitude genuine.
Without Vitaliara's guidance, I might not have made it through the process. Her presence had been a steadying force, a reminder that I wasn't alone in this journey.
Vitaliara paused in front of me, her eyes locking onto mine.
[No need to thank me. It is the familiar's duty to help its contractor.] She said as she swung her tail while jumping onto my shoulder. It seemed she liked standing there, as whenever she had found a chance, she would do that.
[And, it will also be helpful to me.] She said, looking into my eyes. [Since I doubt they will leave you and me alone.]
"Now that we have time, let's talk. Why do they want your essence?"
-----------------------
I am open to any criticism; you can comment on things that you would like to see in the story.
And if you liked my story, please give me a power stone. It helps me a lot.
Chapter 79
[And it will also be helpful to me,] she added, looking into my eyes. [Since I doubt they will leave you and me alone.]
"Now that we have time, let's talk. Why do they want your essence?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. There had to be more to this story, something that connected her to the people hunting her.
Vitaliara's eyes darkened slightly as she settled onto my shoulder, her tail curling around my neck in a way that was oddly comforting. She took a deep breath before beginning her explanation.
[After Gerald and I separated, I didn't lose hope. Even though I knew he was walking a dangerous path, I believed in him. I wanted to be of use to him, so I sought out a way to grow stronger. In my search, I came across a minor sect in a city called Thornridge. It was known as the Azure Blossom Sect.]
She paused momentarily as if recalling memories from a distant past. [The Azure Blossom Sect was a Unique ranked sect. It wasn't large or particularly powerful, but it had a reputation for cultivating rare and unusual techniques, and its highest-ranked technique was a Unique-Grade cultivation technique. I allied myself with them, offering my protection in exchange for their resources and knowledge.]
I nodded, understanding her reasoning for a powerful creature like Vitaliara; such an alliance made sense. It would have allowed her to gain strength while also providing the sect with a guardian unlike any other.
[For years, I served as their guardian,] she continued. [The sect prospered under my protection. We grew in influence, and even though we were small, we held our own against the larger sects in the region. Everything seemed stable until about two years ago.]
Her voice grew heavy, and I could sense the pain behind her words. [Two years ago, I suddenly lost my powers. The strength that I had always relied on vanished, leaving me weakened and vulnerable. It was as if a part of me had died.]
I frowned, sensing what she was implying. "That was when…"
It was when Master had left this world…..In the hands of Alexander.
[Yes,] she interrupted, nodding solemnly. [That was when Gerald died. When he left this world, our bond was severed, and with it, the source of much of my strength. I didn't know it at the time, but his death had a profound effect on me, more than I could have ever imagined.]
'I see….So at that time, because Master had died, his familiar also got her fair share….It makes sense….'
I thought to myself.
[With my powers gone, the Azure Blossom Sect began to decline. The protection I had provided was no longer there, and without it, we became vulnerable. It wasn't long before another sect, the Crimson Serpent Sect, saw an opportunity.]
Her eyes narrowed, and I could see the anger and betrayal burning within them. [One night, the Crimson Serpent Sect attacked us. They struck without warning, and in the chaos, I realized that half of the Azure Blossom Sect's elders had betrayed us. They had been promised positions of power within the Crimson Serpent Sect if they could capture me.]
"They wanted your essence…"
[Yes,] Vitaliara confirmed, her voice tinged with bitterness. [My essence is valuable, a source of immense power. Even in my weakened state, it holds a significant amount of energy that could be harnessed for cultivation or other dark purposes. They betrayed us for the promise of power, selling out their own sect to the enemy.]
"I see…."
It was an understandable choice….After all, with the power of the sect getting lower and lower, there was no reason for the Elders not to make that decision.
From the logical aspect, it was understandable.
'But understandable does not mean excusable.'
For people to betray their own for just a mere benefit…..It made me churn my stomach.
'I can understand it.'
At that time, when I was sent to the battlefield without ever being listened to, I felt the same. How unfair it was….
And until I die, I will never forget that feeling.
Vitaliara's story wasn't just about betrayal; it was about survival, about clinging to hope even when everything else seemed lost. She continued her tale, her voice steady but laced with the pain of her past.
[After I was betrayed, I knew I couldn't stay in the sect. They had made their choice, and I couldn't allow myself to be captured and used by those who only saw me as a tool.] Vitaliara paused, the memories weighing heavily on her. [So, I escaped. I used what little power I had left and fled from Thornridge.
Since it was close to the border of the Lorian Empire, I knew it was better for me to head somewhere beyond the Crimson Serpent Sect's influence.]
I nodded, understanding her logic. The Crimson Serpent Sect was powerful, but their reach would have been limited once Vitaliara crossed into another territory.
[That's why I entered the Shadowed Thicket,] she continued. [I thought I could lose them there, that the dangers of the forest would deter them from following me too closely. But… I was unlucky.]
She sighed, her voice tinged with regret. [In the process of escaping, I encountered a powerful monster. It was a creature of immense strength, far beyond anything I had expected to face in my weakened state. The battle left me gravely injured, and I couldn't move further. I had no choice but to find a place to heal, to recover enough to continue my escape.]
I could imagine the desperation she must have felt, running for her life only to be brought down by the very dangers she had hoped would protect her. But she was resourceful, and even in that dire situation, she found a way to survive.
[Since Gerald's death, my ability to recover mana has been severely limited,] Vitaliara explained. [Without a contractor, I can't draw on my powers as easily as before. But I was fortunate enough to find this cave. It provided me with shelter, a place where I could rest and slowly heal myself.]
I looked around the cave, now understanding its significance. It wasn't just a hiding place; it was a sanctuary for Vitaliara, a place where she had been able to cling to life despite the odds against her.
[For the past two years, I've been here, recovering as best as I could,] she said softly. [But it's been slow. Without my full powers, I couldn't heal as quickly as I needed to, and the danger of being found always loomed over me.]
I could feel the weight of her words, the exhaustion that came from fighting for survival every single day. She had been through so much, yet she had never given up. She had kept going, kept fighting, even when the odds were stacked against her.
"And now we're here," I said quietly, acknowledging the journey that had brought us both to this moment.
[Yes,] she replied, her voice steady once more. [Though I do not…]
Just as she was about to continue, I raised my hand, gently interrupting her.
"There's no need for that."
[What?] Vitaliara looked at me, surprised by my sudden interjection.
"You were mostly going to say something along the lines of not wanting to push the responsibility of your own actions onto me because I saved you, right?"
Vitaliara hesitated, her eyes widening slightly, but then she nodded, confirming my words.
[That's exactly what I was going to say,] she admitted, her voice softer now, as if she wasn't sure how I would respond.
A small smile crept onto my face as I met her gaze. "Vitaliara, from the moment you made a contract with me and taught me how to control the Fire of Life, our fates became intertwined. We're in this together now, whether we like it or not."
She blinked, processing my words, but before she could respond, I continued.
"I'm not someone who would ignore the people I care about when they're in a difficult situation. I know what it feels like to be helpless, to have no one to rely on when everything is falling apart."
The memories of my past, of being abandoned and sent to the battlefield without a second thought, flashed through my mind. That feeling of helplessness, of being discarded—it was something I would never forget, and I couldn't stand if I was the one doing the same thing to another.
Even the thought of that made my stomach churn. The fact that I would be the same as the people I hated the most….
It was disgusting.
"Besides," I added, my smile growing a bit wider, "you've already helped me in more ways than you realize. Without your guidance, I wouldn't have been able to harness the Fire of Life, and I am sure I will get a lot of help from you in the future as well."
I slowly brought my hand to her head, slowly patting her. She somehow looked cute with her prideful attitude gone.
"So, if you want something from me, you do not need to keep it to yourself."
At that, Vitaliara looked at me and purred under my touch.
[Then…..If you don't mind....Can you possibly save my people from Crimson Serpent Sect?]
"It will be my pleasure."
*******
As she heard this, Vitaliara could not help but look at Lucavion, who had a smile on his face.
'You…..really have a knack for making a lady's heart beat…..'
-----------------------
I am open to any criticism; you can comment on things that you would like to see in the story.
And if you liked my story, please give me a power stone. It helps me a lot.
Chapter 80
With our conversation settled, I decided it was time for breakfast. I reached into my pack and pulled out the rations I had brought with me, basic military fare that was designed for sustenance rather than taste. I unwrapped a portion of dried meat and bread, offering some to Vitaliara.
"Would you like some?" I asked, holding out a piece of the dried meat to her.
Vitaliara wrinkled her nose, her expression one of clear distaste. [Dull human food is the worst of its kind,] she said, turning her head away from the offered food.
I raised an eyebrow, curious about her reaction. "What do you mean by that?"
She flicked her tail dismissively in the direction of the rations. [That dried meat you're holding and those other rations you brought from the military—they're bland, tasteless, and devoid of any life essence. They might sustain you, but they do nothing for a creature like me.]
I couldn't help but chuckle at her disdain. "I suppose it's not exactly gourmet fare, but it's what I have for now."
[Vitality is key for beings like me,] she explained, her tone softening. [Fresh food, full of life and energy, is what sustains us. Dull, processed food like this… it's almost an insult to our senses.]
"I see," I replied, making a mental note of her preferences. It made sense that a being like Vitaliara, who was closely connected to life itself, would prefer food that was vibrant and fresh. I would have to find something better for her in the future.
As I finished my meal, Vitaliara watched me with a mixture of curiosity and mild amusement. [You really don't mind eating that?]
"It's not the best, but it gets the job done," I said with a shrug. "I've gotten used to it over the years."
[Humans are strange,] she mused, shaking her head slightly. [You tolerate so much discomfort without complaint.]
"It's part of what makes us resilient," I replied with a grin. "But not all of us are like that. In a way, you are parallel to the nobles. They also will not be able to tolerate the food that we are eating.
Vitaliara gave a soft, almost imperceptible nod, her eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and distaste. [I've seen my fair share of nobles,] she said, her voice carrying a hint of disdain. [Many of them sent their children to the Azure Blossom Sect, seeking to give them strength and prestige. But those children… they were often spoiled, acting like the world revolved around them.]
I could see the memories playing behind her eyes as she spoke, the way those children must have paraded through the sect with their heads held high, expecting everything to be handed to them.
[They would whine and complain about the most trivial discomforts, refusing to eat anything that wasn't prepared by a personal chef or presented in the finest dishware. Even in a place meant for training and growth, they clung to their luxuries as if they couldn't survive without them.]
A small, bitter laugh escaped her. [And yet, they still lived their lives in luxury, untouched by the hardships that would have made them stronger. It was almost amusing, seeing them try to navigate a world they were wholly unprepared for.]
Her words painted a clear picture of the disconnect between those who were born into privilege and those who had to fight for every scrap of survival.
The nobles, with their pampered lifestyles, were so far removed from the realities of the world that they couldn't even fathom enduring the discomforts that others faced daily.
"I'm not surprised," I said, shaking my head. After all, I was once a child of a viscount. Though, for me, things were slightly different from a normal child, the comfort and the life I had was not hard compared to the commoners.
"It's easy to forget the importance of resilience when you've never had to be resilient. Those kids were probably sent to your sect because their parents wanted to buy them strength without letting them earn it."
[Indeed,] Vitaliara agreed. [But the strength that isn't earned is a strength that will crumble at the first real test. Many of those children never made it far. They either returned home to their comfortable lives or were weeded out by the rigors of training.]
That was how the reality worked. Being comfortable made people weak.
'Comfort is weakness…..'
That was indeed the case.
[Now, what do you plan to do?]
Vitaliara asked.
"What do I plan to do? Now that I have already agreed to help you and your sect, I need to get stronger right now. After all, those people…..According to what you have said, they should at least have a 4-star warrior in their ranks."
I was a 3-star warrior now, but I had only just reached this realm, and the truth was, I still didn't know how to properly control my new powers.
The teachings of my master were still fresh in my mind, but I had yet to fully practice and internalize the skills he left behind. Without mastering those techniques, I knew I wouldn't be able to stand against a seasoned warrior, especially not someone of 4-star caliber.
There was also the matter of my new ability, the Flame of Equinox. It was a power unlike anything I had encountered before, born from the fusion of life and death, fire and frost.
But it was also a chaotic force, one that required careful control and a deep understanding to wield effectively. For this ability to grow stronger, I needed to feed it—by killing living beings and absorbing their mana of death.
And what place could be better for that than this forest?
"The Shadowed Thicket is filled with dangers," I said, my mind already working through a plan. "But those dangers are also opportunities. The creatures here are strong, and their mana will make me stronger if I can defeat them. I'll use this forest as my training ground, honing my skills and mastering the Flame of Equinox."
Vitaliara nodded, understanding the gravity of what I was saying. [It's a dangerous path, but one that will make you stronger. The creatures here won't hold back, and neither can you.]
"Exactly," I agreed. "I need to feel the power in my own hands, to experience it in battle. Only then will I be able to control it, to wield it effectively against those who stand in our way?"
There was a time when I might have hesitated when the thought of deliberately seeking out danger would have given me pause.
But not now. I had already endured too much, and I had no intention of backing down. The Flame of Equinox was a part of me now, and I needed to understand it and bend it to my will if I was going to survive the challenges ahead.
"And who knows," I added with a wry smile, "maybe by the time I'm done here, the 4-star warrior won't seem so intimidating."
Vitaliara purred softly, her confidence in me clear. [I believe in you, Lucavion. You've come this far, and you'll go even further. But be cautious. The creatures here are unlike any you've faced before. They're born of this forest's darkness, and they'll test every ounce of your strength.]
"I'm ready for that," I replied, determination burning in my chest. "I need to be ready for anything."
[That is good, then. I will also try to recover my strength as much as I can.]
"What do you need to do to recover your strength?"
"What do you need to do to recover your strength?" I asked, genuinely curious. If there was anything I could do to help speed up her recovery, I wanted to know.
Vitaliara paused for a moment, considering my question before responding. [To fully recover, I need to absorb life energy—pure, untainted by darkness or death. The natural energy of the forest can help, but it's not as potent as the life force of living beings. Animals, plants, and even the essence of the land itself can contribute, but it's a slow process.]
I nodded, understanding the significance of her words. "So, absorbing life energy is similar to how I need to absorb death energy to strengthen the Flame of Equinox. We're both drawing power from the balance of life and death."
[Exactly,] she confirmed. [But my connection to life energy is different. It's more delicate, more nuanced. The life energy I need must be pure, free from corruption or decay. The forest can provide some of it, but for a faster recovery, I would need to find areas where the life energy is concentrated—places where the natural world thrives without interference.]
"Like sacred groves or areas where nature's balance is particularly strong?" I suggested, recalling some of the knowledge I had picked up during my training.
[Yes, precisely,] Vitaliara replied, her voice tinged with approval. [Such places are rare, but they exist. If we can find one, it would greatly accelerate my recovery. However, they're often hidden and protected by powerful creatures or natural defenses.]
I frowned, realizing the challenges that lay ahead. "So, while I'm hunting and absorbing death energy, we should also be on the lookout for places where you can absorb pure life energy."
[That would be wise,] she agreed. [But don't worry about me too much. The forest can still sustain me to some extent, and as long as I stay close to you, I'll gradually regain my strength. My presence near you will help stabilize the life energy within your Flame of Equinox, preventing it from becoming too imbalanced.]
"That's reassuring," I said with a nod. "We'll keep an eye out for those areas, but in the meantime, we'll focus on growing stronger together."
Vitaliara gave a small, contented purr, her tail curling slightly around my neck in a gesture of trust.
"Then, let's start with hunting some monsters."
-----------------------
I am open to any criticism; you can comment on things that you would like to see in the story.
And if you liked my story, please give me a power stone. It helps me a lot.