Akiko stumbled through the thick underbrush, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Her body ached from the wounds she had sustained, and blood trickled down her arm from a deep gash. The eerie glow of the enchanted lanterns hanging around the Dodomeki encampment barely penetrated the darkness of the forest, casting long, flickering shadows.
Two Dodomeki rushed to her side, their eyes embedded in their arms, blinking with concern. One reached out to steady her, but Akiko shook them off and staggered forward. “I… I need to see Lady Kuroha,” she panted, ignoring their worried murmurs.
She pushed her way through the gathered crowd until she reached the heart of the camp, where Lady Kuroha stood tall and composed, wearing a kimono with an ocean motif. Her black hair flowed like silk down her back, and while her arms bore the many eyes of her kind, her face held a single, normal set of eyes that watched Akiko with quiet intensity.
Akiko fell to her knees, panting. “Lady Kuroha… I bring dire news.”
Lady Kuroha inclined her head, her expression unreadable. “Speak.”
Akiko swallowed hard. “A warrior ambushed us. He was unlike anything I’ve seen before. He wielded powerful magic wind magic, but… stronger. It bent everything around him and crushed our defenses. I barely escaped.”
Lady Kuroha’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Wind magic, you say? How many did we lose?”
“All of them,” Akiko whispered, her voice breaking. “He killed them all.”
There was a long silence as the weight of her words settled over the camp. The gathered Dodomeki exchanged uneasy glances, their arms bristling with tension.
Then, from the shadows, a commanding voice rang out. Leida, the second-in-command, stepped forward. Tall and imposing, her arms rippled with muscle, and the eyes along them glowed faintly in the dim light. Her gaze was fierce, and electricity crackled around her hands, a testament to her formidable power.
“We can’t let this go unanswered,” Leida growled. “Our sisters’ blood cries out for vengeance.”
Lady Kuroha’s voice was calm but firm. “Revenge will only lead to more loss. We need to pull back, regroup.”
Leida’s many eyes flicked toward the Chieftess, a snarl curling her lips. “Regroup? After what he did? No. We strike now while the trail is fresh.”
“We cannot afford to act recklessly,” Lady Kuroha warned.
Leida stepped forward, defiant. “With respect, Chieftess, caution will only embolden him. If we wait, he’ll come for us. I won’t let that happen.”
The gathered Dodomeki shifted uneasily, their loyalty torn. Leida’s voice rose in a rallying cry. “Who’s with me? We’ll find this warrior and make him pay!”
A chorus of roars erupted from the crowd as over sixty Dodomeki stepped forward, their eyes gleaming with fury. Akiko hesitated, her heart pounding. She knew disobeying Lady Kuroha was dangerous, but the need for vengeance burned too brightly to ignore.
“Leida, this will lead to ruin,” Lady Kuroha said, her gaze hardened.
Leida smirked. “Stay behind if you want. We’ll finish what he started.”
Without waiting for permission, Leida turned and strode into the forest, her electric aura crackling in the darkness. The Dodomeki followed, their eyes glinting with determination. Akiko trailed behind, her mind racing.
As they moved deeper into the woods, Leida’s voice echoed through the trees. “Find him. And when you do, show no mercy.”
Leida’s many eyes glimmered ominously as she strode forward, the energy around her hands crackling with increasing intensity. She turned her head just enough to glance at Akiko, her expression a mix of disdain and calculation.
“When we find him,” Leida growled, “you grab the kaiju girl. She’ll be useful.”
Akiko blinked, her breath hitching. Kaiju girl? The nickname felt off, but she bit her tongue. Leida wasn’t one to tolerate questioning. “Understood,” she muttered, though unease coiled in her gut.
Leida nodded, satisfied. “Don’t mess this up, Akiko,” she added with a faint sneer. “We’ve already lost enough.”
As the group moved deeper into the forest, Akiko’s unease grew stronger. The shadows felt heavier, and every whisper of wind seemed to carry an ominous warning. She glanced around, her gaze darting from tree to tree, but nothing stood out yet.
Something’s wrong, Akiko thought, her heart pounding. Every instinct screamed that this wasn’t going to end well. Leida’s plan was too aggressive, too risky. The warrior they faced wasn’t normal. The sheer power he wielded back in the clearing, the way he had torn through their sisters.
Akiko clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay calm. Just grab the girl and get out. Simple. But deep down, she knew it wouldn’t be.
***
Azriel leaned against the cool stone wall of the cave, the soft crackle of a campfire filling the silence. The orange glow flickered across Yuki’s face as she knelt on the ground, performing the Thundering Ash Rite. Sparks of electricity danced around her fingertips, illuminating her solemn expression. As the ritual ended, a faint rumble echoed through the cave. Rena’s body gently dissolved into shimmering ash, swirling into a small ceremonial bag Yuki now held tightly in her lap.
Yuki’s shoulders trembled, clutching the bag, sword, and essence left behind by her mother. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, a mixture of sorrow and fear written across her young face. Azriel, watching from a distance, felt a pang of empathy.
He sighed, running a hand through his silver-white dreadlocks, the faint red glow from underneath casting soft shadows. What can I even say? He thought. Words felt hollow in the face of such loss.
Determined to do something, anything, to ease her pain, Azriel turned to his inventory. He pulled out some of the wolf meat from earlier, setting up a makeshift cooking station over the fire. As the meat sizzled, the aroma filled the cave, a blend of savory spices and mana-infused warmth. Azriel infused a bit of his energy into the meal, hoping it would provide comfort beyond just sustenance.
“Yuki,” he called softly, handing her a plate once the steak was ready.
Yuki hesitated at first, eyes still fixed on the bag of ashes. But after a moment, she gently set it down beside her and took the plate. The first bite made her eyes widen slightly. A soft, surprised smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
“It’s good,” she whispered, her voice cracking. She looked at Azriel, tears spilling over as she held the plate close. “She’s still with me… we’re still… sharing this.”
Azriel nodded, sitting down beside her. “She’ll always be with you,” he said quietly. “In everything you do.”
Yuki sobbed quietly, eating between breaths, and Azriel sat there, offering silent support. The warmth of the fire, the scent of the food, and the quiet presence of someone who understood gave her a sense of peace, however fleeting.
Eventually, exhaustion won out. Yuki curled up on Azriel’s bedroll, still clutching her mother’s belongings as she drifted into sleep. Azriel adjusted the blanket over her, making sure she was comfortable before stepping away to check his system notifications.
----------------------------------------
[Divine Quest Completed]
Guardian’s Light
A prayer has reached the heavens, pleading for a protector. A young girl, Yuki, needs a guiding hand and a shield to guard her from the shadows threatening to consume her future. Thank you for answering the call.
Reward Obtained
* Blessing of Selûra
* A Celestial Essence
* Gauntlets of Bastila
----------------------------------------
BLESSINGS OF SELÛRA
A divine boon granted by Selûra, the Goddess of the Moon, her blessings enhance defensive capabilities, sharpen reflexes, and boost presence under moonlit skies.
New [Path] Options are available.
----------------------------------------
PASSIVE BONUSES:
* All Conditions:
* +15% Physical Defense
* +15% Magical Defense
* +10% Willpower
* +5% awareness
----------------------------------------
UNDER MOONLIGHT EFFECTS:
* Agility Boost:
* Gain +20% Agility, increasing movement speed, attack speed, and evasiveness.
* Presence Boost:
* Gain +20% Presence, improving charisma-based interactions, crowd control resistance, and leadership aura effects.
* Allies within 10 meters gain +10% combat effectiveness from your rallying aura.
* Moonlight Empowerment:
* Lunar Shield: Absorbs 200 HP in damage every 60 seconds.
----------------------------------------
STATUS UPDATES
* Path Level Up
* You have gained 1 Level to [Monster Cook]
* Attributes Points Allocated
----------------------------------------
Azriel stared at the glowing notifications, his eyes tracing the details of the rewards from his quest—the Blessing of Selûra, Gauntlets of Bastila, and Celestial Essence. The description of the blessing was intriguing, and the idea of an aura that amplified his presence under the moonlight was appealing. His attention quickly turned to the items in his inventory. The Celestial Essence caught his eye first as a sphere of red-gold light, its glow faintly pulsing, the inner halo shifting with subtle elegance. It felt powerful, like something ancient yet unassuming in its quiet radiance. Azriel reached out, his fingers brushing the surface of the sphere.
----------------------------------------
* Celestial Essence
* [Legenday]
* Celestial Essence is the purest form of divine energy, collected from the very fabric of the heavens. Infused with the power of celestial beings, it holds the essence of pure will, balance, and the cosmic forces that govern the multiverse. Those who possess Celestial Essence find themselves imbued with unearthly strength and access to abilities that transcend mortal limitations.
----------------------------------------
It was warm, but not in a way that burned. The moment his skin made contact, a wave of calm power washed over him, his senses sharpening, a connection forming to something greater than himself. He felt... aligned, as if a piece of his soul had found its place within this divine artifact. A celestial gift, he thought. Selûra, huh?
He set the Essence down carefully, then turned his attention to the Gauntlets of Bastila. They were striking, silver with intricate glowing runes that pulsed softly, synced with the phases of the moon. He held them up to the firelight, watching the faint lunar glow shimmer across the surface. The runes weren’t just decorative; they hummed with a quiet power, almost like they were waiting for something. Azriel could feel the latent energy as he slipped them on, the fit perfect, as if they had been crafted specifically for him. The surface was smooth but unyielding, a reminder of the strength they imbued.
His hands felt more... solid, more connected to something beyond the physical realm, like the gauntlets were grounding him in a way he hadn’t experienced before. A surge of warmth spread through his arms, then faded, leaving a sense of readiness and strength behind.
He flexed his fingers, testing the gauntlets. There was no resistance, just an immediate comfort like they were an extension of himself.
Azriel glanced back at Yuki, still curled up in her sleep. She’ll need protection, he thought, clenching his fists in the gauntlets.
He looked at his Path Level Up. Path Level Up... Monster Cook. He smiled softly. Well, that's unexpected, he thought, recalling the meal he'd made earlier. The idea of honing his skills in cooking was strange but practical. I'll make sure her next meal is even better.
But the Blessing of Selûra intrigued him the most. His awareness was heightened, his willpower bolstered, and a new strength flowed through him, especially under the moon's glow. He could feel it deep in his bones. I can protect her. With one final glance at the quest rewards and his new abilities, Azriel took a deep breath, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders.
Azriel stood in the dim cave, the fire’s warm glow casting flickering shadows across the stone walls. He glanced at the quest rewards of the Celestial Essence and the Gauntlets of Bastila and felt the weight of responsibility settle heavily on his shoulders. The air felt charged, thick with tension. Despite the comfort the rewards offered, unease gnawed at him. He was about to process it all when a presence suddenly appeared beside him, making him freeze.
“You’ve been busy,” a soft, melodic voice broke the silence.
Azriel whipped around, hand instinctively reaching for his weapon. He hadn’t heard her approach, hadn’t sensed her at all. His heightened awareness had failed him.
“How?” he asked, his voice low, eyes narrowing.
“You’re focused on too many things at once,” she said, stepping forward. Her smile was playful, but her eyes betrayed a sense of urgency. “Sixty-two Dodomeki are coming. They want vengeance for their sister you killed.”
The number hit him like a hammer. Thirty had been a challenge, even with the element of surprise. But sixty-two? His thoughts spun wildly. “How are they tracking us?” he demanded.
She glanced toward Yuki’s belongings. “Her mother’s items,” she said, her voice calm but edged with grim understanding. “They can literally smell wealth, and those items cost a fortune. To them, it’s like a beacon.”
Azriel clenched his fists. His mind raced through options: he could fly using his gravity powers, but the mana cost would be immense. Hiding the items was another problem altogether. “What’s the plan?” he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Calm yourself,” she said, stepping closer. Her hand cupped his face gently, a strange but comforting gesture. “You still have time. The yokai are hours away.”
“How do I prepare?” he pressed, forcing himself to focus.
She pointed at the Celestial Essence, still glowing faintly. “Absorb it. Create a new [Path], put Yuki’s belongings in your inventory, and when they arrive, kill them all.”
Azriel nodded slowly but kept his gaze locked on hers. Something about her presence felt… off. “Who are you?”
Her smile faltered, and for a moment, she hesitated. “I’m your guardian,” she said softly.
He snorted. “Guardian? Really? That’s straight out of a story. The mysterious protector is watching over the hero.”
“This isn’t a story, Azriel,” she said, her eyes hardening.
“Then what’s your name?” Azriel asked.
A pause. The woman’s posture stiffened, and her voice softened. “I… don’t have one.”
Azriel’s brow furrowed. “Everyone has a name. You can’t tell me you don’t have one.”
She froze, visibly unsettled. “It doesn’t matter,” she whispered.
“Then I’ll give you one.” Azriel’s voice was firm yet thoughtful. I’ll call you Eve, the first woman since you’re, the first woman I met in his world.”
For a fleeting moment, a glimmer of warmth softened Eve's features, and her lips curled into a delicate smile that hinted at vulnerability. But then, like a flickering candle extinguished by a gust of wind, her expression hardened, and tension rippled through her frame. Mysterious, luminescent green markings erupted across her arms and neck, their glow throbbing rhythmically as if powered by an unseen force, casting an eerie light over her skin.“Head northwest. There’s a shelter there. After you deal with the Dodomeki, go,” Eve said, her voice sharp.
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Azriel opened his mouth to question her, but before he could speak, she vanished, leaving only a faint trace of her presence behind.
He stood there in silence, the weight of her words lingering. Shaking his head, he knelt by Yuki and carefully placed her mother’s items into his inventory. The danger was approaching quickly, and there was no time to waste.
Azriel straightened, gripping the Celestial Essence tightly. “It’s time to prepare,” he muttered. Without hesitation, he absorbed the glowing orb, feeling its power surge through him. The fight was approaching, and he would be ready.
***
Eve stood alone in a clearing deep within the forest. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting silver beams onto the forest floor. The air was crisp and quiet, save for the rustling of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze. She looked down at her arms, where the glowing marks had finally dimmed, their light fading.
Her expression softened, though the tension in her body didn’t entirely leave. The relief was fleeting. The marks’ glow had been a warning, a reminder of the connection now binding her to Azriel. A bond she had willingly forged but one that carried its weight.
Eve took a deep breath, closing her eyes and letting the silence wrap around her like a cloak. "You’re stuck with me forever," she whispered to herself, the words hanging in the air, both a promise and a quiet lament. There was no going back now. She had stepped into a role she hadn’t anticipated, tied to a man who carried more than just power. He carried a destiny that could shape more than he realized.
Her mind drifted to the moment when she had cupped his face, feeling his anxiety, his overwhelming sense of responsibility. She had seen that weight before—in only one other person, her former master. Yet, Azriel was different from her former master. There was a fire in him, a stubborn defiance against the forces that tried to control him. That defiance would either save him or burn everything around him.
She opened her eyes, glancing toward the direction of the cave where she had left him. He was preparing, absorbing the Celestial Essence, and strengthening himself for what lay ahead. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
"Protecting him is the right thing," she thought, the conviction solidifying within her. "Even if he doesn’t understand why yet."
But that protection came at a cost. The marks on her body were a reminder of the price she would pay. A reminder of the ancient power watching, waiting for the moment she would falter. She wouldn’t let that happen. Not now. Not ever.
Eve turned her gaze to the sky, where the stars blinked down, cold and distant. “I’ll see this through,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “For both of us.”
With a final, lingering glance at the horizon where the last rays of twilight melted into the darkening sky, she slipped quietly into the shadows, like a whisper fading into the night. The clearing, once vibrant with the sounds of dusk, fell into an enveloping silence, reclaiming its tranquil solitude. Only the delicate, intoxicating fragrance of night-blooming flowers drifted on the cool evening breeze, a fleeting reminder of her presence, as ephemeral and elusive as a dream on the cusp of waking.
***
Azriel floated in the familiar void, a starry expanse stretching endlessly in every direction. The same calm, weightless sensation washed over him as it had when he first forged the Skybreaker Blade. However, something felt different this time. As he drifted toward the central island, his gaze was drawn to the sword still orbiting in a slow, serene arc, glowing faintly with a soft blue light.
But that wasn’t what caught his attention. A new addition appeared: a bridge extending from the edge of the island, formed from ethereal stone and shimmering with faint, golden veins. Azriel narrowed his eyes, curiosity burning within him. He took a cautious step forward, then another, until he found himself walking across the bridge, his footsteps echoing softly in the otherwise silent void.
The bridge led to what looked like a town square in progress. Several structures were partially formed, their outlines shimmering as though they were still being conceptualized. To Azriel’s right, a fully realized building stood out: a fanatical-style inn with a carved wooden sign bearing a wolf’s head. Azriel tilted his head, piecing it together.
“Monster Cook,” he muttered, recognizing the connection to his Path. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Cool.”
His attention shifted to the square’s center, where an anvil sat atop a raised platform, bathed in a red-gold light that pulsed rhythmically, like a heartbeat. Azriel inhaled deeply, steadying himself, and approached. He placed a hand on the hammer resting beside the anvil, its handle warm to the touch. As he lifted it, a glowing menu appeared in his vision, listing five divine domains:
* Vengeance
* Knowledge
* Order
* Twilight
* Life
Azriel scrolled through them, each one resonating with its weight. His mind lingered on recent events, the death of Yuki’s mother, the pain, and the injustice of it all. A deep, burning conviction settled in his chest. He knew what he had to choose. His eyes locked on vengeance.
The moment he confirmed his choice, the anvil flared to life, glowing brighter and hotter. Azriel gripped the hammer tightly and began to strike, each blow sending sparks flying into the void. The metal on the anvil shifted and molded, taking shape under his relentless strikes.
Suddenly, red-black ethereal chains erupted from the void, coiling around him like serpents, their touch cold and biting. They pulled taut, attempting to bind him. A notification window flashed in his vision:
----------------------------------------
Apollyon, Goddess of Vengeance, War, and Wrath, is attempting to claim you as her angel.
----------------------------------------
Azriel’s jaw clenched. He felt the oppressive weight of the chains as they tightened, the power of the goddess pressing down on him, trying to subjugate his will. But he wasn’t one to kneel. Not now. Not ever.
With a growl, he tapped into his [Unbound] Outworlder Trait, a surge of raw defiance coursing through his veins. The struggle became a dance of pain and fury as the chains transformed, their links sprouting jagged blades that cut into his flesh. Blood dripped onto the anvil, mixing with the molten light.
Azriel roared, the anger boiling inside him, anger at the injustice and the entity trying to force him into servitude. Channeling that rage, he grabbed one of the chains with both hands, ignoring the searing pain, and slammed it onto the anvil. Sparks exploded as he raised the hammer and brought it down with all his might.
“MY PATH, YOU DIVINE BASTARD!”
The anvil blazed, engulfing both the chain and the Celestial Essence in a storm of red-gold light. The void trembled as if acknowledging his defiance, his refusal to be controlled. With each strike, Azriel infused the forging with his willpower and his determination to carve his fate.
----------------------------------------
Power form title [Wolf Killer] has been infused into the [Path]
Power form title [Patriarch] has been infused into the [Path]
The Divine Aspect: [Wrath] from Apollyon has been infused into the [Path]
----------------------------------------
Blow after blow, the chains began to shatter, their fragments dissolving into light. The essence fused into the weapon forming on the anvil, pulsating with raw power. Azriel’s final strike sent a shockwave through the void, leaving him breathless but victorious.
The hammer clattered to the ground as the flickering light faded, illuminating the breathtaking result of his labor. Azriel stood proudly amidst the remnants of his toil, his form weary yet resilient, a triumphant smile playing at the corners of his lips. He had shaped not metal but his very destiny, every curve and contour a testament to his unwavering determination. Azriel felt his body shift.
----------------------------------------
Skills [Anomalous Insight] and [Resonant Aura] have been sundered.
Skill [Anomalous Insight] has become a Mental Trait [Universal Understanding]
Skill [Resonant Aura] has become a Spiritual Trait [Celestial Presence]
Skill [Mentality of Nemesis] has become a Mental Trait
Blood of [The Phoenix of Retribution] has enhanced this [Path] due to its nature.
Radiant Title has been completed, and you are now the Evony of the Heavenly Calamity.
Evony of the Heavenly Calamity has altered the [Path]
Ding!
Master Tier [Path] created [Wrathforged Empyrean]
* [Wrathforged Empyrean]
* The Wrathforged Empyrean is a being forged from divine fury and primal essence, embodying the balance between celestial order and primordial chaos. Empyreans are the offspring of astral beings and primordials. These warriors channel raw, unrelenting power fueled by their heritage. Empowered by ancient forces, they serve as living avatars of vengeance, justice, and cosmic retribution.
* +30 Strength, Agility, and Willpower per level
* +50 Presence per level
* Art [Void Blade] has become [Wrathful Blade]
* The Wrathful Blade is the ultimate manifestation of raw, celestial fury and primordial power forged through the wielder’s unyielding will and righteous Wrath. It retains the ethereal properties of the Void Blade but is now imbued with primordial energy, crackling with cosmic flames and surrounded by an aura of retribution. The blade shifts in color, radiating hues of gold, crimson, and black, symbolizing its balance between celestial justice and destructive vengeance.
* Divine Edge: The blade’s attacks now deal with a mix of radiant and elemental damage, bypassing most forms of resistance. The Art’s effects amplify their depending on the wielder’s emotional state and a sense of purpose.
* This Art’s damage scales with the wielder’s Willpower and Presence attributes. The damage improves further based on the weapon it encapsulates.
* Judgment Aura (Passive Ability): While wielding the Wrathful Blade, a radiant aura envelops the wielder, reducing incoming damage and reflecting a portion of it to attackers. Enemies within the aura feel the weight of their sins, slowing their movement and lowering their defenses.
* Art [Shatter Bullet] has become [Annihilation Bullet]
* The Annihilation Bullet is a devastating round crafted from condensed destructive energy, designed to obliterate its target and disrupt reality itself. When fired, the bullet leaves a trail of black and crimson energy, signaling the arrival of destruction. Its impact unleashes a localized explosion of annihilative force, disintegrating matter and bypassing most forms of defense.
* Destructive Force: The Annihilation Bullet deals massive physical and magical damage, ignoring resistances and immunities. It also applies a stacking armor reduction and magic defense reduction on the target.
* Void Detonation (Active Ability): Upon impact, the bullet triggers a secondary explosion in a 20-foot radius, dealing AoE damage. Enemies caught in the blast are staggered and pushed back.
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***
In the heart of the celestial plane, a sacred meeting ground lay cloaked in twilight. Swirling mists and faint stars hovered above the endless expanse of polished obsidian. The air thrummed with divine energy as two figures stood across from each other, locked in a charged silence.
Selûra, serene yet slightly uneasy, folded her arms beneath her flowing robes. Her pale, moonlit skin glowed softly in the dim light. The fusion of combat and shrine maiden attire hugged her form elegantly, the silken fabrics swaying with each subtle movement. Her white rabbit ears twitched ever so slightly, betraying her calm exterior, while her mask, carved from smooth ivory and adorned with faint runes, concealed her eyes. Beneath it, a faint blush threatened to creep up her cheeks as she held back laughing.
Across from her, Apollyon radiated fury tempered by a grudging respect. Her gold armor gleamed with a crimson sheen. Underneath her armor were sleeveless black combat robes, the red sash at her waist fluttering like a battle standard. The wolf-like mask covering the top half of her face did little to hide the intensity in her voice as she spoke.
“He stole my essence,” Apollyon growled, her silver dreadlocks shimmering with each agitated movement. “Do you understand the audacity it takes to forge one’s [Path] with my power? I should be furious.” Her lips curled into a smirk beneath the mask. “But I’m also impressed.”
Selûra inclined her head, her voice calm and melodic. “Azriel is… unique. He didn’t need my intervention.” She paused, sensing the question before it came. “No, Apollyon. I had no hand in guiding him. He chose this on his own.”
Apollyon took a slow step forward, her gold-plated boots ringing out against the stone. “You’re quite defensive of him. Are you interested in him, Selûra?” The question dripped with mischief and curiosity. “Is that why you’ve graced him with your blessing? A gift for someone you fancy?”
Selûra’s ears twitched again, this time more visibly. The blush she had been suppressing bloomed, staining her pale cheeks a soft pink. “I-I only blessed him because he earned it,” she stammered, her voice quieter but firmer. “There’s nothing romantic about it.”
Apollyon chuckled, the sound low and rich. “You’re blushing, Selûra. Don’t lie to me.” Her tone softened slightly, but the teasing edge remained. With a dramatic sigh, she straightened and folded her arms. “Still, he’s proven himself worthy.”
Selûra tensed as Apollyon raised a hand, crimson and gold energy swirling around her fingers. “I’ll grant him my blessing, too.” The words felt like a challenge, and Selûra’s lips parted in surprise.
“You would—?” Selûra started, but Apollyon cut her off.
“Yes. The more eyes on him, the better. He’s made waves already, and the gods will take notice. They’ll come for him, Selûra. It’s inevitable.” Her tone was blunt but not unkind. “Let’s see how he handles the weight of their attention.”
Selûra’s fists clenched at her sides. “You know what that means. He’ll be hunted and tested. You’re inviting danger.”
Apollyon shrugged. “He invited it the moment he claimed his Path. I won’t deny him the reward.” She took a step back, the light around her dimming. “I’ll send an item to the temple district in the nearest city. Consider it… an apology for any trouble I might cause.” Her voice dripped with amusement. “He’s not your typical mortal.”
Selûra exhaled, frustration flickering beneath her mask. “You’re making this harder for him.”
“Or helping him rise to the challenge,” Apollyon countered, her grin audible in her voice. “Perhaps he’ll surprise even you after he just gained a Master Tier Path.”
With that, Apollyon turned, her form dissolving into shimmering gold and red particles, leaving Selûra alone in the twilight. The pale woman let out a long breath, her rabbit ears lowering slightly. “Azriel,” she whispered, a mixture of worry and admiration lacing her voice. “You never make things simple, do you?”
***
When Azriel woke up, his senses told him Yuki was still asleep, somewhat upbrothed by what he had done. Does that bed prevent people from waking up until morning? He thought. Azriel looked himself over using the perception that gave him an odd third-person perspective of himself; his abstract tattoos began to glow red along his arms, the patterns swirling and shifting to life once more. The hexagons and interwind swirling nebulas formed and, this time, remained cascading from his arms across his chest and pooling onto his back. A new set of aura drew his attention as 62 figures came in, just like Eve said. Azriel stood up, manifesting Myth Maker, but it looked way different. The once jet-black blade with violet energy has become a silver-white masterpiece, radiating a soft but potent glow. Light green circuits pulse along its surface, resembling veins of raw energy coursing through a living weapon. The blade hums with a serene yet dangerous resonance, symbolizing the balance between creation and devastation. The weapon’s gun mechanism is seamlessly integrated into the blade's design. When the trigger was pulled, the blade's edges split apart, revealing an inner chamber that channels mana.
“What happened to you?” Azriel asks the gunblade as if it would answer him. Azriel redoubled his focus on the task after feeling the yokai get closer. He opened his status, and he was satisfied but also confused by all the changes. Any questions he had will have to wait. Azriel closed his status, cut the flame cooking set, placed it into his inventory, and stepped out ready.
Name:
Azriel Nighthawk
Race:
Radiantborn
Path:
[Skybreaker Level 10]
[Outworlder Level 3]
[Monster Cook Level 2]
[Wrathforged Empyrean Level 1]
Rank:
Iron (16/100 until Bronze)
Radiant Emblem:
Evony of the Heavenly Calamity
Health:
25,900/25,900
Mana:
23,970/23,970
Traits:
Born Traits: Adaptation, Phoenix Resurrection
Outworlder Traits: Inventory, Looting, Unbound, Realm Walker
Physical Traits: Celestial Resistance, Poison Immunity
Mental Traits: Mentality of Nemesis, Universal Understanding
Spiritual Trait: Celestial Presence
Strength:
530
Agility:
487
Intellect:
505
Willpower:
572
Awareness:
520
Presence:
680
Skills:
Acting [Bronze] [Lv.60]
Astral Anchor [Iron] [Lv.3]
Astral Breathing [Iron] [Lv.55]
Cold Resistance [Iron] [Lv.45]
Eyes of Nighthawk [Iron] [Lv.6]
Firearm Mastery [Bronze] [Lv.60]
Gravity Manipulation [Iron] [Lv.5]
Gunsmithing [Iron] [Lv.25]
Make an Entrance [Iron] [Lv.1]
Pierce Resistance [Iron] [Lv.5]
Slash Resistance [Iron] [Lv.10]
Sword Mastery [Bronze] [Lv.60]
Arts:
Annihilation Bullet [Iron] [Lv.5]
Astral Barrage [Iron] [Lv.10]
Planetary Impact [Iron] [Lv.2]
Stun Bullet [Iron] [Lv.10]
Void Grip [Iron] [Lv.2]
Wrathful Blade [Iron] [Lv.6]
Spells:
Astral Veil [Iron] [Lv.1]
Dimension Door [Sliver] [Lv.120]
Titles:
Artifact Holder
Divine Renegade
Patriarch
Path Maker II
Skill of a Legend
Wolf Killer
Blessings:
Blessing of Selûra (True)
Blessing of Apollyon (True)
Free Points
0