Chapter 7 - Fights, Lessons, and a Late-Night Snack
Yula carried Olivia back to her bedroom, gently laying her down so she could sleep peacefully. Meanwhile, Jade, the head of the 18th Heaven, remained kneeling for hours, only now finally recovering from the effects of Olivia's skill. Even after regaining her senses, she was still in shock—how could Olivia possess such power?
However, they chose not to dwell on the mystery for too long. Instead, they felt relieved—no, proud—that their daughter was extraordinarily talented. That said, the incident within their domain remained a closely guarded secret.
While the 18th Heaven returned to tranquility, on the other side of the realm, Althea remained completely unaware of the hilarious yet terrifying event that had transpired at her home. She was currently focused on her lessons at Nova Academy, a prestigious institution where countless high-ranking gods had once graduated. This academy had produced legendary figures throughout history, earning admiration from all corners of existence.
Sitting in the back of the classroom, Althea listened attentively to the lesson. Her face was unusually serious, drawing the concern of her childhood friend, who sat beside her.
"Althea, what's the matter?" asked a girl with striking white hair. Despite her petite physique, she was undeniably beautiful, standing slightly taller than Althea. However, Althea paid no mind to their difference in height—her focus remained solely on the lesson.
"You're acting weird, Althea. Have you learned how to ignore your best friend now?" the girl huffed, slightly annoyed. But Althea still didn't respond.
Seeing this, the girl—Mara—narrowed her eyes.You're really focused, huh? Then I'll break that serious look on your face during the sparring session. She smirked to herself, already planning to snap Althea out of her unusual behavior.
Althea sighed inwardly, shaking her head. She knew Mara well enough to see through her intentions, but even though she was certain Mara would challenge her to a sparring match later, she didn't care. Instead, she continued listening to the instructor's explanation.
At the front of the classroom stood their instructor—a composed woman with piercing eyes. Her voice was both firm and smooth, carrying a weight of authority.
"The Primal Nexus Realm is where your journey begins. First, you must awaken your Primal Embers—the spark of power within you. Then, absorb ambient primordial forces—fire, earth, wind, water, lightning—to forge your Ascendant Core. This will serve as the foundation for your future advancements."
She cast a sharp glance around the room.
"Progress is marked by three key signs: sharpened senses, mastery of elements, and physical strength surpassing your body's natural limits."
Her expression darkened slightly.
"However, you must beware of Essence Overload. Absorbing too much power too quickly leads to Essence Erosion—instability that can result in complete disintegration. Stabilization is the only way to prevent destruction."
She tapped the board, and a blazing realm appeared in the projection behind her.
"Once your Ascendant Core reaches full capacity, the first layer of restriction within you will naturally snap, allowing you to step into the Inferno Realm. But until then, build your foundation well. Without a stable core, you won't rise at all."
Her gaze lingered on the students before she finally spoke again.
"Class dismissed."
With that, the students eagerly left the lecture hall, heading to their next lessons. Some sought to expand their understanding of various skills, while others made their way to the sparring sessions, knowing that battle experience was essential in building a solid foundation.
Althea and Mara arrived at the training facility, a vast arena built specifically for combat practice. As they faced each other, Althea sighed.
"You're persistent, Mara," she said, already expecting this battle.
Mara grinned. "Hmm? Your arrogance is resurfacing, Althea. I wanted to take it easy, but I guess I'll have to go all out."
Lightning crackled around her legs as she injected herself with electrical energy, stimulating her muscles and increasing her speed.
"Shush—"
With a blur, Mara dashed forward.
Before she could land a punch, Althea reacted instantly, countering with a devastating kick.
BOOM!
Her foot struck Mara's chest, forcing her backward. The impact disrupted her flow, making it difficult to regain balance. Debris scattered across the training grounds from the sheer force of the clash.
"Ugh, that hurt!" Mara groaned, her eyes watering slightly.
She quickly enveloped herself in Primordial Force, forming a combination of fire and water. She tempered her energy for a few seconds, fully aware of the openings in her stance—but she had already planned her counterattack.
By manipulating the earth beneath her, she sent an attack toward Althea from underground.
She's really not a genius for nothing… but if she thinks this distraction will beat me, she's mistaken.
Althea reinforced her Primordial Force into her eyes, enhancing her vision. At the same time, she redistributed her remaining energy throughout her body, causing a slight decrease in speed but making her movements more efficient.
She had already anticipate the earth attack.
Earth attacks aren't small—once materialized, they become as hard as metal.
Mara's precise elemental control was impressive, but Althea knew that manipulating the earth was extremely draining. She took advantage of that fact, striding into the air to dodge the attack before immediately diving down.
Before Mara could finish tampering her spell—
BANG!
A solid punch landed on Mara's face, sending her flying several meters across the training facility.
BOOOM!
A massive shockwave rippled through the air, damaging the surroundings. The watching students gasped in amazement.
"As expected of Althea and Mara, the two geniuses who hold the top marks in all lessons," one of them murmured in awe.
Mara groaned, feeling dizzy. She hadn't expected Althea to land a direct hit like that.
"Althea really is amazing," she admitted.
Her body felt heavy—Althea had reinforced her punch with Primordial Force, making it powerful enough to shatter a massive rock or even a small mountain. If a mortal were to take a direct hit like that, their body would be obliterated instantly. This was the strength of God Realm—beings with innately powerful physiques.
"Here, drink this."
Althea handed Mara a potion filled with potent healing properties. Seeing it, Mara smiled.
"This must be expensive... I won't be paying for it," she said seriously, looking as if she were completely broke.
Althea sighed but nodded. "Fine. Just don't disturb me—I want to reach the Inferno Realm as soon as possible."
She immediately sought out more sparring partners to further solidify her foundation. Advancing too soon without proper tempering would be fatal—stepping into the Inferno Realm required one to burn their own body in flames, refining it to its purest state. Without a strong foundation, the flames would consume them entirely.
Cultivation was not easy. Even a genius like Althea had to struggle.
Challenging five more opponents, she deepened her combat experience. Her body was battered, covered in bruises and broken bones, but she quickly healed using the potions she had stocked.
To outsiders, her training seemed brutal. But in the God Realm, this level of hardship was normal. Pain was insignificant compared to the desire to become a true god.
Hours passed.
Mara was nowhere to be seen, likely resting.
"Ahh… I really want to eat her warm cooking," Althea mumbled to herself. She left the training facility and returned to her dorm, a luxurious space filled with vast resources—her privilege as Nova Academy's top student.
After changing her clothes, she was about to eat when a knock sounded at the door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Opening it, she was greeted by Mara, who held out a basket of food.
"It smells delicious. Let me see!" Althea's eyes lit up as she returned to her usual self in front of her best friend.
Mara smiled at her reaction. "Okay, here you go—eat up."
As Althea ate, Mara watched her with amusement before suddenly asking—
"Hmm, I forgot to ask… what's driving you to get stronger, Althea? Is it a lover?"
Althea almost choked. "What? No! Why would I have a lover? I'm only a hundred years old!"
Mara smirked. "Then what is it? You're normally lazy. As your best friend, I hope you wouldn't lie to me."
She leaned forward. "I'm just worried about you."
Althea fell silent.
Could she really tell Mara the truth?
That her newborn sister's might surpass her soon?
Her grip tightened around her cup. The weight of her thoughts pressed down on her.
If she spoke, there would be no turning back.
But if she stayed silent…
Did she really want to face this alone?