!!!!! Pr Credits To Draconis & Rota who not only both pred it but improved this ch's quality greatly please rep them. Also Full Credits to Askard who maintains the Information Doc where a majority of spectral regalia information is written please Rep him to ^^!!!
so i couldnt bare letting you guys go one more day without a chapter of sr this is the copy draconis sent me, he did an incredibly good job pring this so far by himself. rota is also pring this chapter and i will update this chapter with the fully pred version when it is ready but i think this is still readable and as long as your not purposely looking for mistakes it should be ok.
today was a bad day for me :( i saw spectral go down 0.02 points :( it may not seem like a lot to you guys but in the top 5 its make or break, amazing isn't it? the second chapter should hopefully come with the fully pred copy of this chapter that rota is working on so all we can do is hope for it.
there are some things in this story that may seem a bit urksom at first but you have to know that explanations cant be given immiedietly having them explained at a story pace adds to the depth.
i hope you guys enjoy this chapter it has been awhile :(
oh yes!. regarding Ethereal sovereign allthough im still on a temp hiatus for that story i may write a chapter just to help ease that frustration for you guys but i cant promise anything you all know me by now that i will write when im in the mood XD get it done right or not at all i say.
Please Rate/Follow/Favourite/Share/Enjoy this chapter.
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Kael was a little stunned and pouted a little as he rubbed the back of his scaled hand. “Well, Master, I still can't find these particle things you're talking about… All I can feel is dark matter holding me together... and little sparkling specks within it, like the stars of the night sky.”
Avrin listened and nodded. “It's better than before. You will spend tonight trying to make that breakthrough. Are you taking the advice I gave you to heart?” Avrin asked, to which Kael replied. “I am, Master… You told me that it would take me at least a year if I'm lucky, but I'm starting to feel like that won't be the case...”
Avrin nodded. “Don't feel down. In fact, it can’t be helped. Our progress was focused on reshaping the body. Why are you in that from still? If someone sees you, it will be trouble.” Kael nodded as he stood still and emitted a black Nebula Mist that spread over every inch of his body.
Within 2 minutes, Kael’s figure had shrunk somewhat. His tail had vanished and his scales, horns and large build had turned normal, revealing a slightly less muscular, but still considerably well-trained, human boy.
Avrin looked and nodded at his progress. “Before, it had taken you 10 minutes to revert back to your human form. I didn't think it was possible without control over particles, but you have proven me wrong.”
Kael smiled softly and rubbed the back of his head. His appearance, although human, was much more masculine than his former self. He had a look of confidence, and the nervous and fearful look had all but vanished. “Master, you are too much. You can do it in a few seconds, I'm still far behind.”
Avrin chuckled softly. He had indeed developed this reshaping ability himself, painstakingly focusing every day while training Kael to reshape the body. Of course, he was sure to not neglect his own training.
He would often venture into the center of the Twisting Lands while he and Kael traveled and would combat powerful creatures no weaker than the Draconians he had faced. Of course, over time, he had managed to accumulate many valuable Dark Cores that helped improve him, but he wasn't so quick as to absorb them all.
When he and Kael would venture off to find and convert creatures, after allowing Kael to fight, he would convert the creature to a Dark Core and accumulate it. He had taught the technique to Kael, but the best he could do was convert creatures at Intermediate level and lower. It seemed that despite Kael’s uniqueness, he wasn't as good as Avrin when it came to freely controlling Nebula Mist and dark matter.
So whenever Kael would venture alone, he told him to convert any creature he could get and put the dark cores away for later use. Avrin felt that he may find a way to use these Dark Cores for something else, and he wouldn't want to rush him to absorb things and miss something. He had made many errors in judgement by rushing and not exercising caution, so stockpiling a valuable resource may prove handy.
As Avrin and Kael, who was reforming his former chest plate using Nebula Mist, were making their way toward a small stream, Avrin glanced around and lowered his hood to reveal short black hair and a casual looking head with a face hidden behind the mask.
Despite being able to change his appearance and reform himself into a human, this was a habit he hadn't grown out of.
Kael glanced at Avrin and laughed softly. “Master, you look silly still wearing that mask when you can reshape yourself.” Avrin frowned as he removed the mask, showing a face resembling a 30-year-old male with average features.
Reforming himself was one of the largest discoveries he had found and would save him the trouble of being discovered by someone he knew.
“Oh? Teasing me are you?... Would you like me to crush you into the ground like yesterday?” With a taste of words to show that Avrin had indeed fought with harshness to train him, Kael had turned somewhat pale and gave a nervous laugh.
“S..Sorry Master... I'm just kidding..” Avrin smirked and knelt down beside the stream of water as he placed his hands, which had no covering or gauntlet, into the cold water. At first, the feeling was nostalgic, but as he raised both his hands while clasping water like a cup to wash his face, he felt refreshed.
“You are right, the mask isn't necessarily needed anymore. But I can't seem to part with it. The feeling has grown on me.” The mask itself represented his chance to learn blacksmithing, and just like his current attire, he felt it now represented a bit of who he was as well as signified a bit of his history.
Kael looked at Avrin curiously. He had come to realize the mask was to hide his face, but for a long term solution it didn't seem to be a proper method to avoid being seen. Kael had understood that Avrin held some pressure, when he had thought he lost it all after obtaining this from Avrin, he had spent a great deal of time to find a solution.
Of course, Kael was disappointed, because it was Avrin’s fault to begin with, but he could not doubt that if this hadn't happened he wouldn't be half as strong as he currently was. “Master, why are you still training me? You're so strict even now that I have this power. This should be more than enough to show my father I have changed.”
Avrin kept silent for a few moments before forming a small facial towel in a near instant, seemingly out of a nearly invisible mist, showing that he had also learned some new tricks in these months. While drying his face, he spoke. “Let me tell you from experience.
You may be powerful and think you are on top, but there is always someone on your path that will kick you back, and if you're unlucky you will surely die. I’m training you because you're part of my race now. Unfortunately, It was something I hadn't expected, so now I have to make sure to keep everything in order.”
Of course, Avrin wanted to tell him that he didn't want Kael to get captured by an enemy and screw him over so he needed Kael to be as strong as possible, but telling him this in such words would make him seem a bit unwise.
“I'll remember that, Master. I'll keep training. When we return, I have no doubt father will send me to Gaia Academy…” Avrin suddenly stood up and placed the mask back onto his face as he looked at Kael, eyeing him carefully.
“The place for so-called geniuses? Sounds like fun.” Kael glanced happily. “Then you agree for me to go if I do end up being sent to attend? I'm sure I can also help you somehow!” Avrin began walking off towards a small mountainous area near the forest they were in. “Indeed, because I will be attending it with you.”
Kael, who had begun to follow Avrin, froze again, as he felt he was kicked to the side. “B-But Master, could it be you don't trust me?... I have promised to not reveal that I am a Spectral now…”
Avrin gave a soft sigh “It isn't that I trust you or not, Kael. You have to understand the circumstances. As I have told you, there are powerful individuals out there that I don't even know about, and this academy is their hub.
Who knows whether they can detect you or not. Which is why I will be looking for a bit more information from Lord Gregson as to whether it truly is acceptable for you and me to attend. In the best case, if there is no worry, I will be going for extra safety as well as to seek information.”
Kael didn't argue further. He had come to believe Avrin even more so over these months. “Very well, Master. I guess it can't be too bad. But what information are you seeking?” “Nothing too important. Mostly dungeon locations.” Of course, Avrin’s intentions were to better himself. He understood that if he were to turn a dragon into a Dark Core he would pay Lang a visit. He surely had a bone to pick with it.
Kael nodded and soon looked forward to seeing the small man-made cave Avrin had created for them to spend the week at. Kael hadn’t realized how large the Twisting Lands truly are. A majority of it remained unexplored due to dangers. He also understood that there weren't many Grandmasters out there who would map it out for the sake of adventurers. He had a realization that if they did map it out, it would most likely stay between those close to them to conceal important areas that may be monopolized.
Having come to grips with what he is now, Kael had trained fiercely over these 10 months. Every day he had a strict training regime. He would spar with Avrin in the morning until he was exhausted, once he recovered, he would enter the wilds and fight with anything that may seem like a challenge for him while trying to come up with his own fighting method.
Of course, Avrin had given him a few techniques, but being a Spectral one had to rely on what they discovered and manifested with dark matter. The limitless combinations were truly awe inspiring.
As night soon left and morning came, Avrin was seated in a meditative position looking over his body’s inner workings. “80% converted to Type 3 particles, but it’s gotten increasingly difficult with the more I have. What's going on? It’s as if I'm deliberately being slowed.”
Avrin was clearly in a bad mood. He had expected to have converted all Type 2 particles to Type 3 within a few months, but it occurred to him that the process had nearly doubled in time requirement, as if this were a law set in stone.
“That's fine. All in all, I’ve managed to increase my base strength by 105% since I came here. Those Dark Cores are truly marvelous. They should be thanking me for clearing out a majority of the Master level creatures around this island’s main parts.”
Feeling his mood change for the better, it seemed he had cheered himself up. “unfortunately there isn't much I can do here anymore. Nothing appears to be challenging unless I face up against several Grandmaster level opponents, but they’re quite rare.” Thinking carefully, Avrin viewed the Type 3 C.Particle currently acting as a foreman linked with all the other particles that were being fused.
He felt that it was currently going at maximum efficiency to fuse together the remaining Type 2 particles. “I have to say, the most beneficial progress I have made is developing my abilities even more so, being able to change my outward appearance. This will prove valuable in building a name for myself.”
Soon, Avrin’s eyes in the real world opened as he stood up and walked outside. He gazed at Kael, who seemed to be practicing with his Nebula Mist, trying to develop his own style. “Oh, Master? You're all done?” Kael spoke out.
Avrin glanced and spoke “I am. There's nothing else to do now but keep my promise with Gregson. Are you ready to return?” Kael glanced at Avrin, both of them showing human appearances.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“But we still have 2 weeks, shouldn't we train a bit more?” Avrin shook his head. “My promise is kept, and the sooner I settle things the quicker we can move to the next phase.” Kael nodded. In his hand, he currently held 2 Void Spheres that were connected by a chain of Nebula Mist that emit a faint pulse of dark light.
As Avrin glanced at Kael, he began to think. “-It's not bad things have turned out this way. If this goes well, Kael may prove to succeed his father. If they are connected to old royalty, I may possibly be able to assist him in reclaiming the throne.
A useful pawn of a king-” Having settled his worry for Kael, Avrin had already been planning to use him. Kael wanting to go to Gaia Academy was actually a good way to help show his progress and make a name for Kael as well. This would transpire into great things that will benefit Avrin.
Suddenly, Avrin glanced over to his right, looking past the clearing into a forested area. His Divine Sense wasn't extended too far, it remained over 50 meters in diameter, only enough to alert himself if trouble had come. He felt the mana traces of 3 individuals, their robed figures approaching into the clearing quietly.
“Kael, we have guests…” Having improved himself greatly, Avrin had also managed to upgrade his Divine Sense. Not only was he able to use it to gain a view of everything around him using dark matter but he could feel and tell the difference between their races as well as their strength.
Kael suddenly dissipated the chained Void Spheres in his hand and glanced over at Avrin before glancing over to where he was looking. He hadn't developed a Divine Sense yet, but he knew a little about it from Avrin.
Soon the figures came into proper view after passing a few trees that blocked eyesight. When they appeared, it was obvious to see that these were the 3 demons that had been sent to find Avrin. Immediately, the one in the middle spoke. “Finally found you. Do you know how difficult it was?”
He spoke out to Avrin, who seemed a little confused in heart but not visibly due to his mask, but his words soon confirmed it. “I apologize if I don't know you. Have we met before?” Avrin courteously asked.
The man gave a soft chuckle and laughed again. He spared Kael only a faint glance, feeling that he couldn't detect any mana from him he looked to Avrin, who gave him the same feeling. The man lowered his hood to reveal his face. The same dark grayish skin with elven-like ears, this man could still be considered quite handsome despite his refined and aged look.
The man placed his right hand on his chest and bowed. “Andras, at your service.” Avrin hadn't budged at the man’s introduction. He cautiously looked at him and eyed his appearance. He felt the reason they were here clearly wasn't ordinary.
“Andras, what is it you want?” Avrin spoke up, not even returning his name. The large, bulky demon who was still hooded clenched his fists and spoke out. “You… How dar-” Andras only gave the large hooded demon a look. “Balam, that's enough… This individual is important to Her Majesty.”
Avrin could feel the big demon had a short fuse, but what caught his attention was he had been called useful to ‘Her Majesty’. He wondered who this person might be and how she knew of him. Andras turned to Avrin and spoke. “Sir, although it is rude of someone to not return their name, you have right to be cautious of us who happened to come by out of nowhere. I won't lie to you, we are demons who follow under Demon Queen Driada, and she has been watching you for quite some time. Nearly 3 years in fact.”
Avrin was astounded. If it was almost 3 years, then she wasn't someone who discovered him during his encounter with Lang or even someone who had discovered him when he unleashed Astaroth at first.
“-Could she have discovered me when I was imprisoned?-” Avrin was curious as he pondered some things. “How exactly did you find me?” He couldn't help but ask Andras, who quickly responded. “There are few on this planet that the queen cannot find. I'm sure you know our demon race holds the Sigil Weapon Void. With it we can track all but a handful of people.”
Avrin felt as if his privacy was intruded upon and was a little irritated. Of course, he knew God was watching him, but something about a non-omnipotent being looking at him occasionally from who knows where felt wrong. Especially since he had only become aware of it. He suddenly had a bit of insight.
“So that's what it was…” A few months ago, when he achieved a breakthrough in his Divine Sense, he felt a faint wave of dark mana that seemed to coat everything around him within a 10-meter radius.
“-That must have been her tracking me..-” He thought to himself and spoke up. “Tell me then. Why is it you're here?” Having spoken this, Avrin watched as Andras’s face grew solemn and gave a fair expression. “Her Highness has noticed a special feature about you. No doubt you are an Enigmatic level user and a special individual. We would like you to return with-”
Avrin frowned and spoke immediately. “That isn't going to happen. I have my own plans. If your queen would like to discuss things without me having to go to your continent, which I'm sure is where you will lead me, then she can meet me within Altea city.”
Having not shown respect to their queen’s words, Andras’s facial expression twisted a little. Andras then turned to Balam, who was shaking with fury, then turned to Avrin. “I see. Then please know that you are dealing with 2 peak Masters and someone at a Grandmaster level. We would not want to injure you if possible, but we are not afraid to take you by force.”
Kael looked at them and a small chuckle nearly made it past his lips. He knew Avrin, without holding back, could decimate someone at a Grandmaster level before they had begun training, but now who knows how much he had improved.
“Use force? By all means, you are welcome to try.” After Avrin had spoken, Andras sighed and shut his eyes. “Balam…” Without waiting for Andras to continue, Balam turned into a gray blur as he rushed towards Avrin. But as he passed the halfway mark, a blue streak smashed down in front of him.
The shockwave split the ground. Balam had quickly jumped back, narrowly avoiding the attack as he looked in shock. In front of him was Kael, who was slowly raising his fist from the small crater he had caused. His pupils had turned purple but still retained their human appearance.
“You want to fight my Master? Then I'll see if you're worthy…” Kael took up a fighting stance as he glanced at Balam.
Before, he had not been able to do much during his experience in the dungeon, and when he watched Avrin fight and risk his life he knew this was someone who had devoted his life to becoming stronger, even if it meant putting himself in constant danger. Kael understood that if he played things down he would never improve.
Kael had indeed matured for the better, with a heart of flesh striving to become iron. He would also engage in battles to one day become strong like Avrin. “Master, please let me handle this.” Avrin glanced at Kael.
If one could see under his mask, he would be smiling, which was quite rare. Having someone risk himself for him was something he had never encountered until now.
“Such a good disciple. Well then, don't overdo it. You and he should be about even.” Avrin began to walk off towards a rock, but Balam, who looked at the boy in front of him than at Avrin, who was walking away, roared out in fury.
“You're leaving me with a pest to fight!” Balam tried to charge past Kael towards Avrin, but Kael’s facial expression was one of a snicker.
As Balam neared, Kael dashed with surprising speed in his human form and punched towards Balam’s abdomen. Of course, in this human form he couldn't be considered at a Master level. But he was still quite impressive.
Balam’s eyes narrowed as he punched towards Kael’s fist. “Worm!!” He uttered out. And as their fists clashed, it sent a shockwave of air that caused the ground to crack and kick off debris and dust as well as the nearby trees to shake slightly with the birds fleeing.
Balam had taken a single step back while Kael was blown back 2 meters, clasping his hand, which was bloodied somewhat. “Strong.” Kael uttered out and eyed his opponent, whose only damage was to his pride.
“Impressive, this boy…” Andras spoke while rubbing his chin. The female looked at Avrin, who was now seated on a nearby boulder, and then to Kael. “Should we assume he is like the one we seek?” She spoke to Andras, who gave a simple reply. “Possibly father and son. We can only assume the Enigma ability is bloodline inherited.”
Balam glanced at Kael with his eyes full of anger. “You little brat…” Balam raised his hand. The air suddenly felt a bit thinner as dark mana converged and formed into a large battle-axe.
“Sir Andras, do we need to keep this one alive too?” Balam turned and spoke. “Not at all. Unless his father gives up, his life is forfeited.” Avrin raised a brow. “-Such cruel individuals. Let’s see how you fair against him-”
Seeing Avrin hadn't replied, Andras shook his head in a slightly frustrated manner, which was all Balam needed before he charged towards Kael and smashed the battle-axe towards him. “Fast…” Kael had seen Balam’s speed increase and not decrease with the battle-axe he wielded, which seemed frightening.
He put all his focus into paying attention as he quickly backflipped out of the way with only the metal cutting a few strands of his hair before it cleaved into the ground, causing it to shudder and split. This blow was not as merciful to the surrounding trees, as the split ground seemed to crack up one of the trunks and cleaved the tree in two.
Balam glanced at Kael, who had retaken a position, and frowned. “Little rodent… Dare you take this head on?” He laughed out in a taunting way. Kael replied. “Hah. Not me. Go ask your grandmother instead.”
Balam, having underestimated Kael’s new wittiness, as well as his strength, rushed towards Kael, who eyed him and dodged all his attacks with little difficulty despite them being but a hair’s breadth away.
As Kael was dodging, he grinned. “-Compared to Master’s speed, you're like a chained bull-” Andras and the female watched with cautious expressions. “That boy is toying with Balam?” The female spoke.
“He used Balam’s temper against him. This boy is interesting.” Andras couldn't watch his subordinate lose any longer and spoke out. “Fool! Use your magic to slow him down.” He spoke out.
It was then that Balam snickered as he remembered he had that. Raising his hand, dark mana began to gather. Kael, who was in a defensive position, looked on cautiously. Avrin hadn't uttered a word despite knowing telepathy. He wanted to see how Kael would handle things but was quite impressed. “-Being able to fight against a Master level demon when his own base strength should be around a mid Expert level. Impressive indeed-”
Soon, Balam spoke up. “Miasmic Encroach!” Within moments, the swelling magic in Balam’s hand seemed to pop like a balloon, causing all of the magic inside to flood out into the surrounding area, coating everything in a transparent miasma.
Of course, this had reached Avrin, who couldn't care less, as it would not change anything if they decided to sneak attack him. But for Kael, this was a difference. He felt his body become heavier and his mind loosen a bit.
“Field magic!?” Kael, having some knowledge, knew that Field magic was able to change the area of a battle to suit the casters needs. It was often used in wars humanity waged, but only those at the Master level could successfully attempt it.
“Little brat!” Balam charged over, his speed seemingly faster than before. Kael jumped back but found his own speed was slower than it had been. He instinctively raised his hands to block just within moments of Balam using the back side of the great-axe to smash Kael away.
“Gah!” Kael felt his body shake and organs ripple as he coughed out some blood. He was smashed against a boulder that shattered, showing that his own body was still comparably more durable than rock.