Chapter 93 - Maybe I Was Born In The Wrong World

Drake’s body was moments away from collapsing. His breaths were shallow, his limbs trembling uncontrollably, and his vision blurred to the point of near blindness. Despite his condition, faint glimmers of light caught his attention. Slowly, countless translucent screens materialized before him, their words and symbols flickering faintly, taunting him with their incomprehensibility. He couldn’t make out what they said—his mind too clouded, his body too broken—but he clung to one thought: hope.

Drake had seen Adam and Kazue in moments like this before, pushed to their limits, only to rise again. A weak, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. It was strange that his thoughts drifted to them at such a critical moment. The memory of their struggles, their resilience, stirred something in him. He had grown fond of them—more than he realized. The thought surprised him, but it also gave him the smallest flicker of strength.

The screens continued to hover before him, broadcasting their cryptic information.

⌠‘Class: Cultivator - Rank A+’ has been brought to its maximum potential. All paths have been unlocked and elevated to their highest level.⌡ ⌠Specialization: Qi Condenser Lv10⌡ ⌠Specialization: Sword Sovereign Lv10⌡ ⌠Specialization: Pill Alchemist Lv10⌡ ⌠Specialization: Beast Tamer Lv10⌡ ⌠Specialization: Heavenly Daoist Lv10⌡

Though the words were indecipherable to him, something else caught his attention—a faint glow manifesting in front of him. Slowly, the light coalesced into a small, vibrant red object, floating in the air just beyond his reach. Despite the chaos around him and the fog clouding his mind, an inexplicable instinct surged within him. He knew what he had to do. He didn’t understand why, but he was certain that consuming this red object was the only way forward.

With the last reserves of his strength, Drake reached out. His trembling fingers closed around the glowing red sphere, and he tried to bring it to his mouth, something that was almost impossible due to his condition, however, when his arm was on the verge of failing, the boy felt as if something, or someone, grab his hand and gently help him reach his face. He didn’t understand what was happening, but as his lips parted and the orb touched his tongue, another screen appeared:

⌠'Specialization: Pill Alchemist Lv10' passive effect has automatically generated an 'Ethereal Rebirth Pill' due to the fulfillment of the condition (User is at death's door).⌡

The moment the pill met his tongue, an immense surge of energy coursed through his body. It was overwhelming, electrifying, but also refreshing in its intensity. His throat constricted as he forced himself to swallow it, his body trembling violently under the strain. The instant the pill reached his stomach, an explosion of golden energy erupted from within him.

Drake’s injuries—shattered bones, torn muscles, ruptured organs—began to mend at an unnatural speed. Cuts sealed themselves, bruises faded, and even the mortal wounds disappeared in mere moments. His vision cleared, and his senses sharpened to a level he had never experienced. He staggered to his feet, staring down at his hands in disbelief. Golden flames of Ki danced across his skin, their warmth and power undeniable. The energy pouring out of him was tangible, an unrelenting force that illuminated the battlefield.

For the first time in his life, Drake felt whole. He felt no pain, no weakness—only boundless strength and an overwhelming sense of liberation. He clenched his fists, the golden Ki swirling around him like a living entity, a testament to his transformation. He had never felt this alive. He had never felt this... free.

Meanwhile, Bai Huolong, who had been struggling to his feet, paused mid-motion. The ethereal tendril that had pierced him moments before had vanished, leaving only the notion of pain and confusion. He brushed his chest with a clawed hand, his expression darkening. Yet, as he turned to face Drake, his scowl faltered.

The air had changed. The oppressive aura of death that Bai Huolong commanded was now dwarfed by the overwhelming Ki radiating from Drake. The undead warrior’s crimson eyes widened as the golden flames licked at the air, their intensity like a blazing inferno. He could feel the heat on his undead flesh—a sensation foreign to him. As a Jiang Shi, he was immune to pain, yet the front of his body felt like it was burning.

Bai Huolong’s lips curled back in a snarl, but the rage in his expression gave way to something he rarely experienced: unease. There was something disturbingly familiar about that Ki. It prickled at the edges of his mind, like a memory long buried, struggling to resurface. A sharp pain stabbed at his temples, as though something inside his mind was clawing to be released.

“What... what is this?”

Bai Huolong growled, his voice carrying a hint of hesitation. He staggered slightly, clutching his head.

Drake stood upright, golden flames surging and flickering around him, casting an ethereal glow over the battlefield. His gaze locked onto Bai Huolong, noting the mixture of disbelief and fear on his adversary’s face. Before Drake could take a step forward, another system screen materialized in front of him. This time, he could clearly read its contents:

⌠'Specialization: Qi Condenser Lv10' is generating 'Imperial Royal Ki' at maximum output.⌡ ⌠The user's physical attributes have been enhanced beyond mortal limits.⌡ ⌠User Drake Shaw has earned the title 'Foundations of an Immortal Body'.⌡ ⌠Congratulations!⌡

Drake stood motionless for a moment, unsure how to react, but the feeling of absolute freedom coursing through him was enough to confirm that something extraordinary was unfolding—and he had no intention of letting it slip away.

Meanwhile, Bai Huolong struggled against the overwhelming weight of Drake's Ki. It bore down on him like an unrelenting storm, each step forward feeling as though he were wading through a roaring tempest. The sheer pressure forced cracks into the ground beneath him, his every movement an act of defiance against an invisible force threatening to crush him entirely. His undead frame groaned under the strain, but his pride—his fury—pushed him onward.

"You think you can intimidate me with this pitiful display?!"

He snarled, his voice trembling under the force yet defiant. His lips curled into a sneer as he forced his head up, glaring at Drake through the blazing golden light.

"This changes nothing, you trash!"

Every word was laced with venom as he continued his slow advance, his skeletal fingers curling into fists. With a sudden burst of effort, Bai Huolong slammed his foot into the ground, sending a shockwave outward and managing to disperse the oppressive aura around him momentarily. The brief reprieve allowed him to straighten his back, his eyes burning with malice.

“You think this trickery will save you, you inferior wretch?”

He bellowed, his voice echoing across the battlefield, defying the storm of power around him.

But before he could utter another word, something changed. The golden light shifted subtly, the flicker of movement so fast it was imperceptible to the ordinary eye. Bai Huolong blinked, and in that infinitesimal moment, Drake’s body became hazy.

To Bai Huolong, it seemed as though Drake’s body in its original position became blurry, a trick of illusion. But it was no trick. The guy moved with such incredible speed that for a fleeting instant, it seemed as though there were two of him—a shimmering afterimage that hung in the air before dissipating.

The world tilted for Bai Huolong. His instincts screamed at him to react, but his body lagged behind, too slow to keep up with Drake's overwhelming speed.

The blond reappeared directly in front of him, the motion so seamless it was as if he had always been there. For Bai Huolong, time seemed to slow to an agonizing crawl. The golden light around Drake blazed brighter, his figure almost indistinguishable from the flame-like aura. Every detail burned itself into the Don's mind: the determination in Drake's eyes, the tension in his muscles, the calm but resolute expression that foretold what was to come.

Drake’s feet planted firmly into the ground, the earth cracking beneath the force of his stance. His chest rose and fell as he drew in a deep, steadying breath, his entire body coiling like a tightly wound spring. His knees bent slightly, his arms shifting into position. Bai Huolong could see it—this wasn’t just an attack. It was a culmination of intent, raw power, and perfect form.

The strike came faster than Bai Huolong could process. Drake’s palm shot forward with a devastating force, the air itself splitting as a thunderous boom erupted from the motion. The power wasn’t merely physical; it carried the weight of the boy’s unshakable resolve, a force that tore through everything in its path.

The result was cataclysmic. Drake’s strike unleashed a colossal wave of golden energy that surged outward in every direction. The ground beneath them crumbled and disintegrated, as though unable to withstand the sheer force of the attack. Fractures radiated outward like spiderwebs, deep and jagged, splitting the earth apart with thunderous cracks. Pulverized debris erupted into the air, a choking cloud of dust and shattered rock swirling violently around the epicenter.

Nearby boulders didn’t merely crack—they exploded into countless fragments, the shards scattering across the battlefield like deadly shrapnel. Trees in the vicinity, no matter their size or age, were uprooted as if torn free by a hurricane. Some snapped in half mid-air, their splintered trunks hurled like twigs by the storm of power.

Bai Huolong bore the full brunt of the strike, his cursed body taking the devastating force head-on. The impact was merciless. His skeletal frame shuddered violently, and cracks began to spider across his ribcage and limbs, glowing faintly as the Ki seared into him. Though undead, his head jerked back unnaturally, his jaw snapping open as a vile, black, viscous fluid spewed forth like a torrent of corrupted bile.

The sheer force of the blow propelled him backward with unimaginable speed. The sound was deafening, an ear-splitting shockwave that echoed across the barren battlefield like a cannon’s roar. As Bai Huolong’s body was hurled through the air, the velocity shattered the sound barrier, the sonic boom ripping through the desolate surroundings. The ground beneath his trajectory was torn apart, a trench forming in his wake as displaced earth and stone was blasted aside by the residual energy still clinging to his form.

However, for Drake, everything moved in slow motion. His focus was razor-sharp, his mind empty of all distractions. He tried to chase after Bai Huolong, but just as he began to move, another set of system screens appeared before him:

⌠'Specialization: Sword Sovereign Lv10' is utilizing the user's 'Imperial Royal Ki' to manifest their soul blade.⌡ ⌠The treasure 'Transcendent Fang of the Exiled Realms - Rank S' has been created.⌡ ⌠Amazing Success!⌡ ⌠Every S-rank and above treasure has the power to alter the fate of a scenario!⌡ ⌠The treasure 'Transcendent Fang of the Exiled Realms - Rank S' has acknowledged user Drake Shaw as its rightful owner.⌡ ⌠User Drake Shaw has earned an A-rank merit.⌡ ⌠User Drake Shaw has earned the title 'Bearer of a Treasure That Shapes the World’s Destiny'.⌡

Before him, an enormous and magnificent sword began to materialize. It was forged from his golden Ki, with a green glow emanating from his chest—a part of his very soul. The weapon was an enormous greatsword, larger than Drake himself. Its blade, crafted from lustrous jade, bore intricate carvings and ornaments befitting a legendary artifact.

Drake reached out with his right hand, grasping the hilt. The moment he touched it, a sense of familiarity washed over him, as though he had wielded this blade countless times before, now reunited after an eternity. Without hesitation, he held the sword horizontally in the air, and to his astonishment, it floated.

Unconsciously knowing what to do, he leaped onto the blade and willed it forward. The greatsword shot off like a missile, trailing a streak of golden light as it pursued Bai Huolong's body. In less than the blink of an eye, the sword overtook him, its speed far surpassing that of its target.

Without thinking, Drake followed his instincts. The sword sailed through the air ahead of him, its gleaming blade cutting a brilliant arc against the sky. Still in motion, Drake reached out and seized the hilt mid-flight, his grip firm and precise. The momentum of his leap carried him forward, and with an almost fluid grace, he brought the weapon down in a devastating strike.

The blade connected with Bai Huolong’s midsection, cleaving through his undead form with unnerving ease. The force of the attack stopped the Don’s movement instantly, freezing him in place for a brief, surreal moment. Then, the world reacted. Another shockwave exploded outward from the point of impact, rippling violently across the desolate battlefield. The ground trembled as deep fissures carved through the earth, chunks of soil and rock hurled into the air by the sheer magnitude of the blow.

Bai Huolong didn’t have time to process what had happened. The earlier palm strike had left him dazed, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness. Now, his bisected form fell lifelessly to the ground in two grotesque halves. For an instant, it seemed like the end.

But it wasn’t.

The Don’s body began to pulse grotesquely mere seconds after hitting the ground. From the two halves of his lifeless form, an overwhelming surge of dark energy erupted, black tendrils spiraling outward like ravenous snakes. The battlefield seemed to shudder as a malevolent aura blanketed the air, its presence so suffocating that even Drake, who was radiating golden Ki, involuntarily flinched. His expression hardened. Whatever this energy was, it wasn’t natural—it was beyond anything he’d encountered before.

Without hesitation, Drake tightened his grip on his massive sword, the golden Ki around him intensifying until it formed a radiant cloak. With one fluid motion, he swung the blade downward.

The attack wasn’t just powerful—it was perfection incarnate. The air cracked and howled under the weight of his swing as countless golden slashes rippled outward, each sharp enough to carve the very essence of existence. In that instant, Bai Huolong's remains were obliterated, reduced to fine dust scattered across the battlefield. But the darkness wasn’t defeated.

From the dust, the human-shaped paper talisman, previously hidden in Bai Huolong’s body, began to reform and glow ominously. The paper, engraved with intricate runes pulsing with malevolence, hovered in the air. Dark energy converged upon it like a black storm, swirling into a horrifying vortex that made the ground quake.

Drake's golden Ki flickered slightly as he instinctively took a step back. The malevolence was so potent that it seemed to gnaw at the edges of reality itself, distorting the surroundings. And then, the system windows appeared before his eyes, their flickering text flashing ominously:

⌠The skill [Kaiju Fusion Lv9] has been activated⌡ ⌠The corrupted souls of character Bai Huolong and character Sung Ja-In are merging with 'Essence of Dark Galactron: Rank S-'⌡ ⌠Incompatible■souls, un■ab■le ■ to■ fu■s■■■■■■■■ ... ■■■ ... Er■ror■ ... ■E■rro■r ... Fusi■on ■has beg■un!⌡

Drake’s eyes widened. Sung Ja-In? Wasn’t that the name of the Don that group 1 was fighting? What happened? But there was no time to reflect. The system's warnings had never been this erratic before, and the implications of what was forming in front of him were far from good.

The vortex of dark energy condensed, forming a pulsating, obsidian-black nucleus in the center of the talisman. It resembled a heart, pumping waves of dark Ki and foreign dark energy into the air. Drake felt his instincts screaming at him to destroy it before it was too late.

Golden Ki erupted around him, his aura roaring like an inferno as he charged forward. Each step shattered the ground beneath him. He raised his spirit sword high, the blade blazing with golden light, and struck at the nucleus. The impact was cataclysmic—a deafening explosion of light and dark clashing violently.

Yet, as the light dissipated, Drake frowned. The nucleus, though dented, remained intact, its surface rippling like a liquid shadow. Tendrils of dark energy lashed out from the core, writhing and seeking to ensnare him. Drake spun his blade in a graceful arc, slicing through the tendrils with ease, but for every one he cut down, two more took its place… What exactly was that? He was using an S-rank treasure, how it was possible for that orb to resist?

The nucleus pulsated violently, releasing a tornado of dark energy that spread outward. The land it touched withered instantly, grass turning to ash, rocks crumbling into black dust. Yet, as the dark energy approached Drake, it dissipated against his radiant golden Ki. It was clear that the golden aura enveloping him was not just a defense—it was an antithesis to the corruption.

Drake gritted his teeth, his body moving on instinct. Each strike he delivered was precise and powerful, golden slashes aiming for the nucleus's weakest points. The air reverberated with the sound of his blade clashing against the dark core.

"Why won’t you break!?"

Drake roared, his voice reverberating across the battlefield. His frustration grew as he realized that even his legendary spirit sword, was struggling to pierce the dark heart completely.

Despite the apparent impossibility of the task, the dents in the nucleus grew larger with each strike. Drake wasn’t aware of it yet, but what he was doing wasn’t supposed to be possible. The nucleus was designed to be indestructible, yet his unwavering determination and unyielding golden Ki were bending the rules of its creation.

Drake continued cutting the nucleus with all his strength, his unwavering determination reflected in each strike. As his sword struck again and again, the dark energy emanating from the nucleus grew more intense, saturating the area with a palpable aura of corruption and despair. Every slash seemed to provoke a violent reaction, with the dark Ki spreading outward as if trying to devour everything in its path.

Finally, a noticeable crack formed on the surface of the orb. Drake stopped for a moment, surprised by the sudden stillness that followed. For the first time since the battle began, an eerie calm fell over the battlefield, as though the nucleus itself had paused to gather its strength. But that peace lasted only a fleeting instant.

Without warning, the orb erupted in a violent surge of dark energy, far more powerful than anything before. The explosion was like a volcanic eruption, obliterating the area with waves of shadowy Ki and a weird unknown energy. Drake was flung backward by the force of the blast, though he remained unharmed, his golden Ki shielding him from any damage. However, to avoid falling to the ground and coming into contact with the dark substance, which was beginning to corrupt the earth itself, he leaped onto the blade of his sword, floating above the chaos as he took in the scene.

The landscape had become a nightmarish wasteland, shrouded in oppressive darkness. Tendrils of miasma coiled and writhed like living serpents, spreading their corruption with terrifying speed. Everything the energy touched twisted and decayed, the once-firm ground warping into a vile, pulsating swamp that exuded a sickly glow. The air itself grew heavy, saturated with an acrid stench that burned Drake’s senses, though his golden Ki kept him protected from its effects.

The scene was a harrowing blend of chaos and malevolence, a visual testament to the power of the unleashed dark energy. It was then that another system window appeared before him:

⌠An ab■erra■tion h■as ■appe■ared! ... E■rro■r ... ■Er■ror ... Ille■gal M■erge o■f t■wo ■Scen■ari■os!⌡ ⌠'Dark Galactron Spawn: Rank S' m■anif■estatio■n has■been h■alted by a■ use■r⌡ ⌠Im■possibl■e fea■t ... E■rro■r ... Er■ror ...⌡ ⌠'Minor Dark Galactron Spawn: Rank S-' h■as inva■ded an■incom■patibl■e sce■nario■⌡

⌠Issuing an emergency System Quest!⌡ ⌠Destroy 'Minor Dark Galactron Spawn: Rank S-'⌡ ⌠Difficulty: S-⌡ ⌠Reward: Title 'Moderator Role' + Appropriate base reward based on contribution⌡

Drake read the text, his teeth clenching. What in the world was happening?

The nucleus at the heart of the swirling miasma began to shift and contort, growing and taking shape. Tendrils of dark energy spiraled outward, pulling in the corrupted ground, the noxious air, and everything around it. The dark energy twisted and swelled, coalescing into a massive, grotesque figure that towered over the wasteland. It was as if the very substance of despair and chaos had been given form.

Drake’s sharp eyes caught something horrifying within the swirling mass: two human faces, distorted in agony, drifting across the surface of the creature’s body. Their expressions were frozen in silent screams, mouths open wide, eyes filled with unrelenting torment. Despite the lack of sound, their suffering was palpable. Drake’s breath hitched when he recognized one of the faces—Bai Huolong.

Even though the Don had nearly killed him, seeing him like this brought Drake no satisfaction. The sight was unnerving, a grim reminder of what could happen to a person consumed by such overwhelming darkness.

The transformation was completed with an ear-splitting roar, and the creature stood revealed. It was a towering humanoid monstrosity, 10 meters (over 32 feet) in height. Its body was made entirely of writhing black energy, like liquid shadow given solid form, constantly shifting and rippling with unnatural vitality. Jagged spikes protruded from its shoulders and back, pulsating with dark energy. Its elongated arms ended in grotesque claws capable of rending through anything, and its legs were like massive pillars, crushing the corrupted ground beneath its weight. But the most disturbing feature was its head: atop the amorphous neck, the faces of Bai Huolong and Sung Ja-In were embedded, eternally screaming in silence.

The beast’s roar shattered the air itself, sending visible fractures through reality, as though the sheer force of its voice could tear apart existence. Yet Drake remained firm, his ‘Imperial Royal Ki’ blazing around him with an intensity that rivaled the sun. His golden aura illuminated the battlefield, pushing back the oppressive darkness in a fierce display of light.

With unyielding determination, Drake leaned forward on his sword, which floated beneath him like a gliding platform. The weapon responded to his intent, propelling him downward like a golden missile aimed straight at the heart of the towering abomination.

The battle began in a furious clash of light and dark. Drake seized the sword’s hilt mid-flight and swung it with deadly precision, carving into the creature’s body. His movements were impossibly fast, a blur of radiant light darting through the air. Each strike sent waves of golden energy crashing into the monster, disrupting the flow of its dark essence. Yet no matter how many times Drake landed a blow, the creature reformed, regenerating its lost mass from the infinite miasma surrounding it.

The monster countered with limbs that erupted from its body in endless, ever-changing shapes. Massive claws, whip-like tendrils, and spiked appendages lashed out at Drake with blinding speed. The creature’s attacks were relentless, striking from all directions, yet the blond evaded each one with uncanny precision. He flipped and twisted in the air, landing on his sword just long enough to regain his footing before launching another assault.

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As the battle raged, the wasteland around them became a vortex of chaos. The dark miasma churned violently, and each clash of their opposing energies sent shockwaves that rippled through the air. Drake’s golden Ki surged brighter with each strike, the antithesis to the malevolent energy that comprised the creature. It was as if his very existence was an affront to the abomination’s nature.

Despite the ferocity of their attacks, neither seemed able to gain the upper hand. The creature’s infinite limbs and regenerative ability countered Drake’s speed and relentless assault. Every time Drake’s sword cleaved through its form, it reassembled itself, stronger and more determined to crush him.

However, Drake’s expression remained resolute, his body glowing with the radiance of a warrior who refused to yield. He darted through the air with impossible agility, striking at the creature’s core, its limbs, and its head. His blade moved like lightning, cutting through the dark mass, yet the beast roared back, launching torrents of corrosive black energy in retaliation.

The stalemate dragged on, each side pushing the other to their limits. Yet in the heart of the chaos, Drake’s eyes burned with unyielding defiance. He wasn’t just fighting to destroy this abomination—he was fighting to protect the world it threatened to consume. And no matter how powerful it was, he refused to let it win.

Suddenly, as the boy’s blade clashed with the massive appendages of the Spawn, a series of system windows blinked into existence around him.

⌠'Specialization: Beast Tamer Lv10' is manifesting entities interested in the user.⌡ ⌠Nightshade Specter Fox wants to form a pact with you.⌡ ⌠Sky-Piercing Vermilion Roc wants to form a pact with you.⌡ ⌠Thunderhowl Azure Tiger wants to form a pact with you.⌡ ⌠Shadowfang Jade Serpent wants to form a pact with you.⌡ ⌠...⌡

Dozens of names scrolled past his vision, a flood of mythical creatures vying for his allegiance. Drake squinted as he read, his mind racing even as his body moved on instinct, dodging another of the monster’s obliterating strikes.

Then, the windows vanished in unison, replaced by a singular, commanding one:

⌠The Four Emperors of Murim have taken notice.⌡ ⌠All pact offers have been withdrawn.⌡ ⌠The Northern Emperor: Eclipse-Crowned Vermillion Dragon wants to form a pact.⌡ ⌠The Eastern Emperor: Primordial Void Basilisk wants to form a pact.⌡ ⌠The Southern Emperor: Blackstone Titan Ape wants to form a pact.⌡ ⌠The Western Emperor: Imperial Radiant Phoenix wants to form a pact.⌡ ⌠The Four Emperors of Murim demand exclusivity and superiority.⌡

Drake couldn’t comprehend what was happening. His breath quickened as an overwhelming presence surged behind him, making the very air quake with raw power. Even the monstrous spawn hesitated, it manifested many glowing eyes narrowing as it turned to observe the disturbance. Drake seized the opportunity, pouring everything into a devastating upward slash that severed one of its enormous arms. The dismembered limb spiraled skyward, leaving behind a crescent of cutting wind that tore through the heavens. Yet, before he could relish the impact, the spawn’s blackened form began to regenerate, shadowy tendrils weaving together its torn flesh.

Panting, Drake leaped back to gain distance. Another window appeared:

⌠The Four Emperors of Murim are manifesting in your aid.⌡

The sky above split apart as four radiant circles materialized, each inscribed with ancient sutras glowing with celestial brilliance. And from each energy ring emerged a magnificent figure, their presence not dwarfing even against the monstrous spawn.

The first was a massive crimson dragon, its serpentine body coiled with infinite grace. Scales like molten metal glimmered as arcs of red lightning crackled across its length, and its eyes burned with ancient wisdom and fury. Its booming voice rolled like thunder.

“It has been ages since I felt this Ki. I did not know Han Zhenwu had left a successor.”

The second was a colossal purple serpent, its scales dark as twilight and shimmering with faint, unearthly patterns. Its eyes were grotesquely stitched shut, and yet it moved with predatory precision. Its hiss cut through the air like a blade.

“Fool. If that were true, we would have found him long ago. This one is different.”

The third was a hulking black-furred ape with a sly grin stretched across its face. It twirled an enormous staff effortlessly, each movement generating shockwaves that distorted the battlefield. Its booming laughter filled the air.

“Who cares who he is? I never thought I’d see someone worthy of our pacts again, let alone an outsider! This is going to be fun!”

Finally, a blazing phoenix descended, its form forged entirely of cobalt flames. It hovered with regal poise, its piercing gaze sweeping over the battlefield. Its voice was commanding and resolute.

“Focus! This alliance is a rare moment. We fight for Murim, not for amusement. Save your games for later.”

Drake could only stare, his mouth dry, as the Four Emperors launched themselves into battle.

The crimson dragon roared, unleashing storms of red lightning that danced across the monster’s darkened hide, searing through its defenses. The ape, now surrounded by illusory clones, swung its staff with unparalleled might, each strike breaking the sound barrier and driving the creature back. The serpent wove through the battlefield, its presence nullifying the monster’s reality-bending abilities, forcing it to rely solely on raw strength. Meanwhile, the phoenix unleashed torrents of blue flame, each wave incinerating the dense matter comprising the spawn’s body.

Despite the onslaught, the Spawn retaliated fiercely, its tendrils striking in unpredictable patterns, its core pulsing with destructive energy. Yet Drake refused to stand idle. He rushed into the fray once more, his blade blazing with Ki as he synchronized his attacks with the Emperors.

Together, their combined might began to shift the tide. The battlefield became a symphony of destruction, where the harmony between Drake and the Emperors was both breathtaking and terrifying. The chaotic clash of energies churned the air into a violent storm, each motion a deliberate step in an intricate dance of survival and defiance.

Drake matched the Emperors’ attacks as if they had fought together for ages. When the Eclipse-Crowned Vermillion Dragon unleashed arcs of red lightning that seared through the dark spawn's limbs, Drake anticipated the resulting convulsions. As the creature twisted to shield itself, the boy darted in, his blade slicing through exposed sections with precision. His weapon, imbued with his unyielding will and blazing Ki, struck true, each slash leaving deep wounds that struggled to regenerate.

The Primordial Void Basilisk, its immense form gliding across the battlefield like a phantom, nullified the creature’s reality-bending abilities. Drake noticed subtle fractures forming in the Spawn’s distorted aura wherever the Basilisk slithered. Realizing these moments were his opportunity, he adjusted his strikes to exploit the weakening defenses. He dove into the fray, his blade shattering through the spawn’s warped form with an audible crack, his blows landing with devastating impact.

When the Blackstone Titan Ape hurled its colossal staff in an attack that shattered the air, Drake stayed in its wake, using the shockwaves to propel himself faster than the eye could follow. As the staff impacted, shaking the very ground, Drake capitalized on the chaos, delivering a flurry of strikes while the creature staggered under the sheer force of the blow. The Ape, with its mischievous grin, multiplied to create mirror images, each one distracting the Spawn while Drake struck again and again at its most vulnerable points.

Above them, the Imperial Radiant Phoenix spread its flaming wings, releasing torrents of azure fire that burned with transcendent heat. The ethereal flames consumed the Spawn’s dark matter, purging its corrupted essence with every fiery onslaught. Drake coordinated his movements with the Phoenix’s radiant inferno, leaping into the trails of blue fire to amplify the power of his own attacks. Each swing of his blade was imbued with the Phoenix's cleansing fire, turning it into a weapon capable of burning through even the Spawn’s relentless regeneration.

The monster fought back viciously, its tendrils lashing out in every direction. A black wave of corrosive energy erupted from its core, forcing Drake and the Emperors to scatter. But even as they defended against the onslaught, they struck back with ferocity. The Basilisk coiled protectively around Drake, its presence shielding him from the reality-warping assault. The Dragon roared, its lightning obliterating the dark tendrils before they could reach their target. The Ape’s staff smashed into the infested ground, creating a shockwave that disrupted the Spawn’s focus, while the Phoenix’s flames roared brighter, deflecting the corrosive energy back toward the enemy.

Drake continued to adapt to the rhythm of the battle, weaving his strikes seamlessly with the Emperors’ attacks. When the Dragon roared and blasted the Spawn’s torso with a beam of crackling lightning, Drake followed it with a vertical slash that pierced through the charred surface. As the Basilisk hissed, forcing the Spawn’s form to stabilize temporarily, Drake delivered a devastating combination of slashes that tore into its exposed core.

The battlefield became their stage, and their coordinated assault began to yield results. The creature’s towering form swayed under the unrelenting onslaught. Each attack chipped away at its massive frame, carving deeper wounds and slowing its regeneration. The air was thick with Ki, fire, lightning, and shadow, a chaotic maelstrom that threatened to consume everything—but in this storm, Drake and the Emperors stood as an unbreakable force.

For the first time, the Spawn began to falter. Hope ignited amidst the tempest as they pressed the advantage. The battlefield roared with chaotic energy as Drake and the Four Emperors pressed their relentless assault on the Spawn.

Their attacks came from all angles, each blow carving away at the monstrous entity’s form. Yet despite the devastation inflicted upon it, the creature refused to yield. The miasma surrounding it grew thicker, darker, and more oppressive, and the Spawn’s size increased slowly but steadily as if feeding off the corrupted energy saturating the area. Drake’s golden Ki flared brilliantly as he prepared another strike, but his concentration broke when the Crimson Dragon’s voice echoed in his mind, grave and commanding.

“This abomination’s energy is beyond comprehension. It is similar to Void Ki but far more corrosive. Were it not for the Void Basilisk Emperor, reality itself would already be crumbling around it. This creature… it is an entity capable of consuming the world itself. We must destroy its core before it’s too late.”

Drake’s grip on his blade tightened as the dragon’s words sank in. His mind flashed to the black nucleus he had briefly damaged earlier. It had to be the core the dragon spoke of. But he remembered the sheer difficulty of even scratching it. Destroying it outright seemed impossible.

Doubt clawed at the edges of his resolve when a faint murmur echoed through his thoughts—a whisper he didn’t recognize but couldn’t ignore. The answer seemed to crystallize in his mind: Bai Huolong and Sung Ja-In. Their souls were at the foundation of this monstrosity. If he could do something with that knowledge, maybe he could end this.

“But what can I do?”

Drake muttered under his breath, frustration evident. Souls and their intricacies were Adam’s expertise, not his. The murmur grew louder, more insistent, as if guiding him toward a solution he couldn’t quite grasp. Then it came to him, a flash of clarity he couldn’t explain. His head snapped up, and his golden Ki surged anew.

“I have an idea, but I need to reach its head!”

He shouted. The Crimson Dragon’s booming voice cut through the chaos.

“Then we will clear the way. Move, boy!”

Without hesitation, the Emperors launched themselves at the Spawn. The Dragon surged forward, its long, sinuous body crackling with crimson lightning. Bolts erupted from its scales, striking the Spawn with devastating force and carving burning scars across its form. The Titan Ape followed close behind, its enormous frame radiating sheer power. With its colossal staff in hand, it delivered thunderous strikes that shattered parts of the Spawn’s mass, each blow creating shockwaves that reverberated across the battlefield. High above, the Radiant Phoenix descended like a comet, blue flames pouring from its wings and body. The fire seared the dark miasma, incinerating chunks of the Spawn’s essence with every strike.

Drake darted forward amidst the chaos, weaving through the openings created by the Emperors. His golden Ki burned like a beacon, a contrast to the black void surrounding him. But just as he closed the distance, the Spawn’s head dissolved into the swirling miasma and reappeared elsewhere on its body, far out of reach.

“What!?”

Drake gritted his teeth, a low growl of frustration escaping him. He charged forward, his blade glowing with golden Ki as it sliced through dark tendrils that lashed at him with ruthless precision. Each swing sent ripples of energy tearing through the battlefield, but the Spawn's growing strength was becoming alarmingly evident. The creature’s movements were faster and more calculated, and every strike it unleashed carried an overwhelming weight of malice and destruction.

The Four Emperors, undeterred by the increasing difficulty, redoubled their efforts. The Titan Ape charged ahead with a feral roar, its colossal staff swinging in wide arcs that shattered massive appendages in a single blow. The air quaked beneath its feet as it fought with sheer physical might, its strikes carving enormous craters into the Spawn’s body. Yet even the Titan Ape, with all its monstrous strength, began to falter. One of the monster’s tendrils coiled around its staff, wrenching it free with a sickening snap. The Ape grunted but didn’t retreat, immediately engaging the Spawn barehanded. Its fists rained down like meteors, each impact sending shockwaves through the air. But without its weapon, the strain on its massive form became clear as fresh wounds began to appear across its dark fur.

Above, the Imperial Radiant Phoenix soared, its azure flames burning with righteous fury. It dived again and again, its wings spreading torrents of fire that seared through the Spawn’s dark mass, incinerating portions of its endless appendages. Each flame burned bright enough to illuminate the battlefield like a second sun. But the Spawn adapted, tendrils coated in impenetrable darkness rising to meet the Phoenix mid-flight, slashing through its feathers and leaving charred gaps in its once-pristine form. The Phoenix screeched, a sound both defiant and anguished, but it continued its relentless assault, blue flames still blazing despite its diminishing strength.

The Vermillion Dragon roared with fury, crimson lightning erupting from its scales nonstop and coiling around its long, sinuous body. Its strikes came from all directions, bolts of electricity scorching the Spawn’s writhing form and leaving deep, smoldering scars. The monster retaliated with a barrage of jagged, spear-like tendrils, forcing the Emperor to twist and weave through the air with unmatched grace. Yet even the Dragon couldn’t escape unscathed. Tendrils pierced its body, leaving deep gashes that caused golden blood to drip from its crimson scales. Despite the pain, the Dragon unleashed another deafening roar, pouring every ounce of its power into a devastating surge of lightning that temporarily forced the Spawn to reel.

The Void Basilisk slithered silently along the edges of the battlefield, its serpentine body distorting reality with every movement. The air around it shimmered and bent as it exerted its control, nullifying the Spawn’s attempts to warp the battlefield further. Yet the effort took its toll. The serpent’s stitched eyes emanated an oppressive power, but its body began to slow, cracks forming along its ethereal form as if the strain of holding the Spawn’s reality-warping nature at bay was too much, even for it.

Drake pushed forward through the chaos, his every step fueled by the determination radiating from his golden Ki. The Emperors’ efforts were nothing short of extraordinary, but the toll on them was becoming painfully evident. Blood, flames, and shattered energy littered the battlefield as they held the line, their focus unshakable. The Spawn’s strength had grown to monstrous proportions, and its attacks became a relentless torrent, lashing out with chaotic, massive tendrils that sought to crush, tear, and consume.

Yet none of them yielded. The Emperors’ collective strength carved temporary openings, moments of reprieve where Drake could surge forward toward his goal. Each step was a battle in itself, the Spawn’s regenerating appendages closing gaps faster than they could be cut. The air was thick with the clash of energy, the battlefield a cacophony of roars, screeches, and explosions. As Drake advanced, his heart burned with gratitude for the unyielding will of his allies, their sacrifices pushing him closer to the creature’s head—the key to ending this nightmare.

However, despite their efforts, the head continued to evade Drake’s reach, its movements effortless and maddeningly fast. And just as despair began to creep into his thoughts, the Void Basilisk finally reached it. The serpent Emperor slithered through the battlefield, its presence warping the very air. Reality itself twisted under its influence, and the Spawn’s relentless movement faltered. The Basilisk’s gaze locked onto the creature, its stitched-shut eyes radiating an oppressive power. In an instant, the Spawn’s head froze in place, as if bound by invisible chains.

Drake’s heart surged with hope, and he wasted no time. Golden Imperial Ki erupted from him as he charged toward the immobilized head, his sword gleaming with radiant energy. The grotesque visage of the Spawn’s head loomed before him, its surface writhing with tortured faces. Drake’s gaze locked onto two of them—Bai Huolong and Sung Ja-In. Their expressions were frozen in silent agony, their torment palpable. A chill ran through Drake’s spine, but he steeled himself, his resolve burning brighter than ever.

As the blond finally reached the Spawn's head, he leaped down from his blade, his boots landing firmly on the grotesque, pulsating surface of the abomination. He exhaled hard, his shoulders heaving with exhaustion, his eyes closing briefly to steel himself for what was to come. When he opened them again, they no longer carried their usual deep blue hue. Instead, they glowed brilliantly with a radiant golden light, as if imbued with the essence of something far greater than himself.

A system window materialized before him, the glowing text almost overshadowed by the brilliance of his eyes:

⌠'Specialization: Heavenly Daoist Lv10' is creating a passage.⌡ ⌠The sacred soul of 'Immortal Emperor' Han Zhenwu is smiling upon you⌡ ⌠User Drake Shaw has temporarily inherited the skill [Heaven and Earth: D&D (Divine Division) Lv14]⌡

Drake barely noticed the text, his focus entirely on the task at hand. His breathing was heavy, but his movements steady as he raised his hands, each palm brimming with a distinct Ki—one white as the purest light, the other black as the deepest abyss. The energies swirled and danced, intertwining yet perfectly balanced, like two halves of a whole. Without hesitation, Drake thrust both palms onto the spawn's grotesque head, the force of his strike sending shockwaves rippling through the battlefield.

The moment his hands connected, a surge of energy erupted, spiraling through the miasmic body of the Spawn. White and black Ki coursed through its form like twin rivers of divine judgment, spreading to every appendage, every corrupted particle of the monstrous entity. The battlefield trembled under the raw power of the attack, yet no immediate effect was visible. The monster remained intact, its dark mass writhing as if taunting the boy’s efforts.

Drake’s heart sank. Was he wrong? Had he misunderstood what needed to be done? Exhaustion weighed on him as he stood panting, his vision swimming. The world around him seemed to slow, the sounds of battle fading until there was only silence. The surroundings turned into an endless expanse of pure white light, blinding yet strangely serene. Time itself felt frozen.

Drake raised his gaze, his chest heaving, and what he saw stole the breath from his lungs. Before him stood the glowing forms of two figures—Bai Huolong and Sung Ja-In. Their features, or at least the one he knew, were unmistakable, yet softened by an ethereal glow surrounding them. Both men appeared at peace, though their expressions carried a profound sadness, as if they were finally free from an unbearable weight.

Before Drake could process what was happening, another figure emerged from the white void, passing through him as if he were nothing but air. The blond didn’t see the face at first—just the commanding presence of an imposing figure, his back turned toward him. Both Bai Huolong and Sung Ja-In’s faces lit up, tears welling in their spectral eyes as their lips curved into soft, bittersweet smiles.

Drake couldn’t speak, his throat too tight with emotion and exhaustion to form words. He could only watch, frozen in place. Slowly, the mysterious figure turned. The boy’s golden eyes met his face for the first time, and he was struck by the serene grace it carried. The man wore an amicable expression, an ear-to-ear smile that radiated both kindness and strength. There was no need for an introduction. Drake somehow knew—this was Han Zhenwu, the Immortal Emperor.

“Thank you.”

Han Zhenwu said, his voice calm yet resonant, as if it came from the very air itself.

“Maybe we’ll see each other again, but take care of my sword and my friends in the meantime, okay?”

Drake didn’t respond. He couldn’t. His legs gave out, and he dropped to his knees, watching as the Immortal Emperor turned and began walking toward the glowing white horizon, Bai Huolong and Sung Ja-In following close behind. Just before they vanished, Han Zhenwu stopped and turned back, his expression shifting to something almost playful.

“Oh, one more thing.”

He said, his voice carrying a lighthearted tone that felt strangely out of place at the moment.

“Tell Park Zhen to not be that harsh with Little Void, okay?”

With a chuckle, he turned again and disappeared into the radiant expanse, the light fading into nothingness.

Drake blinked, finding himself back on top of the Spawn. The monstrous entity beneath him began to crumble. The oppressive aura that had weighed so heavily on the battlefield lifted, replaced by a profound stillness.

The Spawn’s form finally dissolved into nothingness, its dark miasma disintegrating like ash scattered by the wind. The terrain was left barren and lifeless, a stark reminder of the battle's cost. Trees, grass, and even the smallest signs of life had been wiped away. Drake descended and stood amidst the desolation, his trembling hands gripping the hilt of his massive blade. He exhaled sharply, steadying himself as the golden glow around him began to dim. The battle was over—or so it seemed.

As the dark miasma vanished completely, the four Emperors descended as well, their massive forms radiating both majesty and exhaustion. The Vermillion Dragon roared, its voice echoing across the barren plains as it spoke directly to Drake.

“Your technique was extraordinary for a mortal, boy, I’m impressed.”

It said, its deep, resonant tone carrying a note of approval.

The Titan Ape, despite the deep wounds marring its massive body, let out a booming laugh.

“Extraordinary? That’s putting it lightly! You’re insanely powerful!”

It exclaimed.

“I want a sparring match with you someday, no holding back!”

The Void Basilisk slithered closer, its presence unnervingly silent, but its voice was sharp and cutting.

“You displayed not only strength but wisdom and wits. Knowing what to do at the right time... That is something to be commended.”

Finally, the Radiant Phoenix stepped forward, its brilliant blue flames dimmed but still regal.

“To form a contract with a master of such supreme skill and determination would be an honor”

It said, its melodic voice calm yet filled with respect. Then, in unison, all four Emperors declared.

“We accept to form a pact with you, together.”

The Titan Ape let out a joyful cheer, leaping into the air despite its wounds.

“I haven’t felt this alive since Han Zhenwu!”

It exclaimed. Turning to Drake with a curious tilt of its massive head, it added.

“Tell me, are you really an outsider? Or are you some long-lost descendant of the Immortal Emperor?”

Drake met the question with a calm, almost wistful smile.

“No… But… I think I’d have liked to be born in this world.”

He replied, his voice steady. The Emperors exchanged glances before nodding in unison. The Phoenix spoke once more.

“We are too injured to continue here. We must return to our domains to heal and regain our strength. But know this—we look forward to meeting you again to finalize the contract.”

One by one, the Emperors ascended back into the energy circles from which they had emerged. The Titan Ape grinned mischievously even as it vanished.

“Don’t forget our sparring match!”

It called out before disappearing completely.

Drake stood alone once more, the stillness of the wasteland around him broken only by the sudden appearance of numerous system windows.

⌠Quest complete!⌡ ⌠User Drake Shaw has gained the title 'Moderator Role'⌡ ⌠User Drake Shaw has contributed 100% of the quest completion... Calculating appropriate reward.⌡ ⌠It might take a while, please wait.⌡

⌠You have defeated an entity from an S-rank scenario while being a rookie!⌡ ⌠The title ‘Outstanding Rookie’ has evolved to ‘Heavenly Talented Rookie’⌡ ⌠User Drake Shaw has obtained the titles 'Savior of Murim', 'Immortal Emperor Descendant', and 'He Who Succeeds in the Impossible'⌡ ⌠Warning: You have caught the interest of Eden's "Beowulf" and "Brunhild".⌡

The messages overwhelmed him, their implications swirling in his exhausted mind. Everything that had transpired, every battle fought and every decision made, felt monumental.

Yet there was something bittersweet in his realization—this power, this golden Ki that coursed through him, was only temporary. It wouldn’t last, and he could already feel its potency beginning to wane. But the fleeting nature of this strength also hinted at a possibility: it was a power he could one day make his own.

The thought both exhilarated and sobered him. He steeled himself, gripping his blade tightly. There was still work to be done, and though his time with this power was limited, he intended to use every second of it. With a resolute leap, Drake landed atop his floating sword, which surged forward with incredible speed, carrying him toward the ancient palace ruins. The wind tore past him as his mind raced with thoughts of his next move.

Maybe he didn’t have much time left, but he would ensure that every moment counted. He considered checking his new titles and their effects in his stat window, but before he could act on the thought, another system window materialized before him.

⌠Otherworldly Fanbase: There seems to be a civil war among your fans!⌡ ⌠Otherworldly Fanbase: Your fans have different opinions of what just happened.⌡ ⌠Fanbase Count: [10 members] *+2 new members*⌡ ⌠Hater Count: [1 member] *+1 new member*⌡ ⌠Otherworldly Fanbase: Your first hater is using Points of Influence to tip you the ‘Lucky Cheater’ title.⌡