Chapter 16 - Country of Roses, Meloire
The transformation to Soul Wings was an ability that belonged to the first species called the Mystics. They were a humanoid race with platinum hair and silver eyes.
Long ago, they dominated the entire planet with their power, Soul Magic. It was an ability where one could directly access the energy of the soul. The symbol when a Mystic utilizes Soul Magic, a pair of energy wings unfurls. Physical and magical capabilities are drastically multiplied. This is the gift that the First Creation was blessed with.
Dario was capable of unlocking that mode of fighting for 5 seconds at best. After the transformation was over, the strain of superseding the bodily limit would make anyone fall unconscious.
The question is, how can someone not from the Mystic race perform their god-given ability?
It comes down to the comprehensive list of the young disciple’s chi cultivation method. A great amount of power is needed to successfully achieve a connection with the soul. In terms of the Omen people, there were a few figures in recorded history that achieved such a feat. They called it, “Limit Break,” the ascension technique that allowed the Omen Nation to dominate the world.
Chi Cultivation Techniques: [Qi of Asura] Rank: EX Proficiency: 110%
-An unknown manual passed on to Dario by his late father.
-The formula of the chi cultivation technique is rated as a cut above Elder Saru’s mana breathing method.
Chi Cultivation Techniques: [Heavenly Demon Aura] Rank: EX Proficiency: 98% -The culmination of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s final chi-breathing technique.
*New mode unlocked: Limit Break - Soul Wing*
Typically, warriors from the Omen Tribe are apprehensive to adopt new breathing methods in addition to their original mana cultivation technique. The reason is that chi/mana deviation is likely to occur when two cultivation methods mix together. And, there are a few more known dangers as well.
Inside and outside of the Omen Nation, there has not been one individual known to date that has had two working chi cultivation methods work harmoniously with one another. However, Dario was the first to achieve this great accomplishment.
With Qi of Asura and Heavenly Demon Aura working simultaneously, the young disciple was capable of entering the state of Soul Wing. Access to soul power was now attainable thanks to the combined efforts of two world-class mana cultivation methods. This was how Dario was able to enter this mode of fighting for a short moment, five seconds to be exact.
The move that the young disciple can muster within 5 seconds during the Soul Wing mode was Omen Impale. It was one of the few techniques that Dario could not attempt normally and was only doable through Limit Break.
Omen Impale was a move taught personally to Dario by Jinn. When the young disciple first saw it, he understood the colossal gap between him and his Master.
The technique itself initiates by sending 3 Shadow Doppelgangers from the left, the right, and from above, performing different sword combos until the time limit ends. For each Shadow Doppelganger, two skill moves were successfully performed before ending the last move to hold the enemy in place. The Shadow Doppelganger from above would be the only exception in the fact that its last move launches the enemy in the air from the back of the opponent. This is all happening while mirroring Dario’s every movement.
By now, the enemy would have been killed or close to dying. Eldar Calamor’s HP gauge showed that the bar was in the red, meaning that he had less than ten percent of his Health Points left.
When the blade ceremony ended with the last move being an impale from two powerful swords, the undead Blood Elf said some strange words.
“In the end, you were right… the blood could not be satiated… my old friend.”
***
Dario was the victor.
*Congratulations! You have conquered the Forbidden Cave, The Tomb of Calamor.*
Forbidden Cave, The Tomb of Calamor Rank: EX
Difficulty:
-Lvl. 60 or above
When the time limit was over, Dario’s illuminating hair reverted to its golden blonde hair. His eyes and tattoo that were glowing also returned to their original colors. The young disciple fell unconscious immediately after the ultimate move.
“You’re awake,” said Gerald.
Dario was seen levitating while meditating in a lotus form, “How long have I been unconscious?” The young disciple asked.
“Since last night. Your recovery speed is inhuman,” Gerald replied.
Dario opened his eyes and said, “Status window.”
Dario Courtwell Lvl. 66
Class: Peak of Transcendence Realm
5th-Tier Magician
Main Job: Sith Lord - Lvl. 91
Sub-job: Dark Hero - Lvl. 89
He looked and saw that his main level was 66.
Levels in the way that was formulated by Veda counted experiences in every category differently than one another. The main level shown as “Lvl. 66” is the cumulative experience purely deduced for combat operations. In other words, other crafts other than combat are also counted. Levels in the job section of the window displayed the amount of experience gained in or out of combat with each specific class of job.
Therefore, if Dario fought as a Sith Lord, he could use some abilities in that job class and gain experience. The same could be said and vice versa with the Sub-job class, Dark Hero. Even both jobs can level up at the same time depending on how many abilities are used in each job class.
From level 30 to level 66 is an extreme jump. It was something Dario hadn’t expected. Moving on, Dario stretched his legs and walked towards the dead Elvhen body on the wooded throne. Dario wasted no time and placed his right palm upward, “Return to the land of the living, Arise.”
Mana swirled around the young disciple’s body like spectacles of energy particles. A wisp of mana made its way to Calamor’s deceased body.
*Congratulations! You have successfully resurrected a Mythological Undead, Calamor the Blood Elf.*
Visibly, the Elf’s body recovered by itself. Blood began to cover the open and wounded areas and healed them as if it never happened. In the span of a couple of seconds, Calamor looked brand new.
Calamor Lvl. 80 (weakened) Class: 6th-Tier Magician (weakened) Species: Eldar Blood Elf
Main Job: Necromancer
Sub-job: Blood Mage
Titles: The Undead, Deluc
Rank: Elite Boss
Ultimate Boss (sealed)
The Blood Elf’s eyes opened and a red iris began to take color. Species within the Elvhenkind are beautiful people and so was Calamor. Blood Elves were described as having crimson hair and red irises. Unlike their Elven counterparts, Blood Elves were said to be vicious and bloodthirsty. In effect, they are known to be one of the top combatants.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“Took you long enough,” the remark was humorously arrogant.
“Hmph,” Dario smirked at the first words that Calamor would say after being resurrected.
“So this is what it feels like to be arisen by a Sith Lord,” Calamor said while clenching his hand. He stood from his throne and kneeled before Dario. “Calamor of the Blood Elves greet you, O’ Sith Lord.”
“Enough of that,” Dario said and skipped with the formalities. “Let us return. The Main Mission is yet to begin.”
***
From the time when Dario left the Omen Village in pursuit of his mission, the Omen Village began to expand its territory. When Jinn first laid eyes on the land of the Omen people, it reminded him of the setting of Japan with its bamboo groves, wisteria bloom, and cherry blossoms. Albeit, the houses that the Omen peopled lived in were of poor design and the material (wood) was rotten. Thus, Jinn would order Veda to model the village into classic Eastern Asian (Japanese, Chinese, Korean) architecture.
Originally, Omen Village was settled in a fertile land cordoned by Mount Tian, The One-Hundred Thousand Summit. Most of the land is barren but the areas that do hold life are enough to keep a population of people self-sustainable.
Jinn immediately put his people to work in the advancement of his soon-to-be cities. Not only that, he put his androids to work as well, leaving only an essential amount for the ship, Regalia. There were close to around 50 androids alongside less than 100 humans. In effect, the impoverished village improved into a mid-sized town on the cusp of expanding even more.
All of the buildings before were on the brink of rotting away. The Androids can take care of the development of the land by themselves, but, the Omen people wanted to work as well and learn architecture.
Effectively, the Omen Village was now worthy to be the capital of the Omen Nation. They made the destitute village and created a beautiful place that complimented the environment around them. Moreover, the homes would all be built into a design to shinden-zukuri style, a finer domestic house. These types of houses existed in Japan in the medieval period when such homes were enjoyed by the samurai class.
It came as a surprise when Dario laid his eyes on his home. They arrived there in a short amount of time thanks to the flying ship, Regalia.
“What happened to the village?” Dario questioned.
“Do you know what this place is, leader?” Gerald asked.
At the entrance gate, Elder Saru could be seen standing then bowed, “Young Master, you have returned.”
“What happened to the village while I was away?”
Chuckle.
A heartfelt chuckle was expressed by the old man, “It is all because of Lord Vicegerent.”
The party looked surprised at the strange houses they were seeing for the first time. Of course, the designs were from planet Earth. Admiring eyes latched on to the town that looked prosperous and beautiful. Out of all the strange new creations, Dario was mostly surprised by the paved roads. He understood that such a thing was seen in advanced civilizations.
All these things made the party want to explore the exciting new town. However, there was one thing that caught the young disciple’s eye that was not directed to his home.
“Where is everybody?” Asked Dario.
“I understand that you all must be tired from your conquest, but Lord Vicegerent has commanded an audience with his people,” Elder Saru replied.
“I understand. My Master calls for us,” Dario bowed and boarded the Regalia with his party and Elder Saru.
***
Aside from Elder Saru and Dario, the group’s eyes dilated, even more, when they saw the massive crystal palace that is Holy Manalum, “This is the place talked about in fables,” said Calamor.
The group looked at the Blood Elf, “The City of White Nights…” His words darted off because of what he was witnessing.
“Hohoho! This old man has not heard of that name ever since I was a brat. Well, let’s not keep Lord Vicegerent waiting. We will have time for observation later.” The party nodded and proceeded to the exit of the ship.
Huge crystal gates opened by themselves and people could be seen. Different races lined up in organized rows as if receiving the procession of a king.
The young disciple recognized many of the people present. Dario knows that his nation once had citizens of different species, but after the Omen Campaign, the population became fragmented due to betrayal and necessity. Therefore, it caught the young disciple off-guard when he saw Dark Elves, the Giant Tribe, and Berserk Dwarves in attendance.
Above all, those that were present all had their eyes on the one seated on the Soul Throne. Dario and the party walked across the royal red carpet placed for a king’s procession and made their way in front of the throne. The young disciple kneeled with the utmost humility and so did the rest of the audience.
“Master, I have returned,” Dario said.
The being that is regarded as the “god” of the Omen people replied, “My disciple, I have been waiting for you.”
(Author’s note: Jinn is not speaking in the royal plural speech when he addresses his disciple.)
Jinn’s words reverberated throughout the entire sanctum and the feeling of peace covered the people. This is what Jinn calls his “power cosmic,” the ability to release the emotion of absolute peace through quantum nanomachines. In effect, the audience felt a feeling they have not experienced in a long time and some of them started to weep while others held solemn faces.
“It has been 10,000 years. My people, your Lord has returned,” Lord Vicegerent Jinn said.
The epic speech began, “We see your position, one out of weakness and hatred. Long have you suffered the torment of the disbelievers!”
Suddenly, the atmosphere began to feel heavy. Not just that, the eyes could physically see gravity pushing down and the sound of air pressure constantly crushing.
This is called “quantum pressure,” it is an ability that makes the atmosphere heavy with gravity. Moreover, Jinn can adjust the gravitational pressure by whatever multiple he chooses.
In this case, the quantum pressure was meant to accentuate and ingrain his presence upon his people. Of course, Jinn was not pressing any of the audience down with the pressure, but the light feeling of being weighed down. In other words, it was as though they were submerged underwater from which they could easily escape. The quantum pressure exhilarated the hearts of the Omen people and the words coming directly from Jinn fulfilled their longing for their Lord.
"The first of every species was created from the fruit of The Divine Tree, clinging like congealed blood while absorbing its nutrients. When the appointed time came and your form was complete, the acknowledgment was uttered.”
The room reverberated after the last sentence was voiced, adding to the epic speech, “It is He who has blessed Us with this solemn duty as Vicegerent.”
Jinn stood from his throne and stretched his arms, palms facing upwards. An explosive statement was said, “All hail Soa!”
The Omen people stood as well and exclaimed vehemently.
“All praise Soa!!!”
“All hail Soa!!!”
“All praise Soa!!!”
“All hail Soa!!!”
“Glory be to Soa!!!”
Their praises were so loud that glass could instantly shatter. Jinn could feel the suffering from their voices. The suffering they had to endure for so long. And now that the Vicegerent has returned to planet Soa, his people released all their emotions through praise of The Creator.
Lord Vicegerent sat back on the otherworldly, Soul Throne.
“My people, We have returned. Tell Us your will and We shall bless it for you. None of you will be denied the grace of Soa.”
Jinn tailored his speech into tangents. First, he would address his people and claim his return to the Omen Sect. Then the anguish that the Omen people experienced was rightfully acknowledged. Finally, Lord Vicegerent Jinn would reward them for remaining steadfast in their religion, to their people, and the undying hope in the wisdom of The Creator. Truly, Lord Vicegerent would bless his people for their forbearance.
Initially, Jinn did not intend for his speech to be long. The right amount of words that needed to be said was said. And so, the Lord Disciple would be the first to speak.
The young man kneeled in front of his master amongst all those present, “Revenge. My Master, my will is revenge!”
Chuckle.
Jinn expressed a light smile. It may have seemed strange when Jinn chuckled for a bit but it was not one out of ridicule. In actuality, it was because of such an answer that Lord Vicegerent laughed.
“Is that all you wish for, my disciple?”
“Master, it is the only thing in my life that I have ever lived for. Please, Master, grant my wish.”
In essence, all of the people present except Jinn were unified in the thought of revenge. To return the debt to those who unjustly framed the Omen Nation, to those traitors who conspired with other countries for the downfall of The Omen, and for driving the Omen people from their lands and property.
“Very well…” Lord Vicegerent said.
“For now, We will bless a path of righteous vengeance to appease all of your hearts and reclaim honor for the disgrace set upon you by the disbelievers.”
This goes without saying that Jinn fully understood their sentiment for revenge. After all, he lived his entire life for the sake of revenge on Earth.
“When the selected time is chosen and Our will is acted upon, We will pose the question once again and We shall bless it for you. Do not hold back or hide anything for We grow in anger when not all is asked of Us.” With that, the appointment with the ruler of Soa and his people came to an end.
***
A couple of days passed and the different species of the Omen Nation reconciled after a long time of hiding from their circumstances. Especially for the Dark Elves who had been in the shadows the longest, biding their time for the right moment to finally cross to the light.
(Author’s note: Starting now, the name “Omen Nation” will be used only for the right context, and “Omen Sect” will be the permanent title for the country.)
So far, the Omen Sect has three locations directly under its control, Divine Manalum, Mount Tian, and New Kadessa (Omen Village). Divine Manalum is the origin of all Omens. It is a massive crystal palace centered in the middle of the colossal floating mountain in the heavens and is directly above Mount Tian.
(Author’s note: “Omens” is synonymous with “Omen people.")
Long ago, The One-Hundred Thousand Summit, Mount Tian, was once the focal point for all pilgrims in which all Omens must climb the mountain once in their life as is beset by Soa. As of this time, Mount Tian has been designated as the “Homebase” or “HQ/Headquarters” for the fighting members of the sect.
Lord Vicegerent had sent his Androids to renovate the caves and chisel steps up the path of the mountain. A small number of Humans and Dwarves also contributed to that work as well. The Androids were rightly qualified to do all of the work and architecture as befits their technology and knowledge, but that did not mean that the Dwarves could not give information pertaining to living in caves and mountains. It is a well-known fact that the Dwarven race is known to live in such places their entire lives. And so, inside the cave of Mount Tian was a grand view.
Jinn had given his disciple Mount Tian for him to use. All of the capable fighters of the Omen Sect were gathered in the meeting room designed only for them. The room itself was gigantic and filled with splendid decorations befitting an emperor.
In the middle was a throne reminiscent of Murim China where the Lord Disciple was seated.
“Master has commanded for us to go to the central plains of Meloire,” Dario said to the warriors.
This would be the start of the “Soul Campaign,” the war to reclaim and conquer the planet Soa.