Seo Jiwoo

My training with Mordian continued on with a steady pace, my progress and ability to absorb everything he was teaching was outstandingly fast—as he’d said to me—, and truth be told, I was able to rapidly improve many of the things which were stunting my progress or things I lacked, but I had to inevitably survive his sarcastic remarks—surely he hadn’t realised that he lacked the pleasantries of making a joke, seeing how up tight the dragon was, even after we’d gotten closer to each other.

In our time spent here, he’d taught me better utilization of mana and how to improve my spellcasting.

Several weeks flew by in an instant as I continued my training with Mordian, taking steady breaks in between the constant hours I invested in perfecting my mana manipulation, adapting to my body and figuring out how it reacted to my use of mana, now without using mana as a force of habit, whilst resting and taking breaks to eat and sleep in between.

And during those few weeks which flew by quickly, I hadn’t seen Mordian eat anything—even when I offered he outright refused. I guess only relying on mana to survive was a perk of its own. But I wouldn’t give up the delicacy of eating even if I somehow did.

I bobbed my head in Mordian's direction, who was resting in his usual spot without a care for the world. His eyes closed and snout resting over his arms. His majestic and gigantic figure embellished in obsidian scales, and two mighty horns—looking as sharp as blades—protruding outward and with a curve and falling forward from the sides of his head, which basked in the bright illumination of the crystals and stalactites around him, as his rhythmical breathing set him apart from looking like a beautifully carved statue made with the most perfect concentration and effort.

I continued doing a few sets of martial arts, throwing several jabs and kicks around, whilst sequentially manipulating mana rotation which easily helped me correct and stabilise the amount I needed to absorb and push through my body.

With mana rotation, the ambient mana was absorbed into my body as I moved with a steady pace and stance, the mana moved automatically to make way for the amount absorbed, as it was purified by the thorough process of purging, as it cycled through my channels and enforced each and every muscle in my body.

The sensation of when the mana was absorbed inside me, or released when conjured into a spell or when strengthening my weapon, mana rotation assisted me in remembering the shape and amount of the mana precisely which I needed to incorporate in the action done, like a reflex now.

It was similar to having a fixed system which was quite reliable and innovative, where only an amount which my body was compatible in absorbing, while also processing and exuding that mana out. It could be seen as a single complex action from a bystander’s perspective—like I'd thought when observing Mordian using the skill—, but after learning the skill myself, it was a process divided into three simpler steps, which the technique was built upon, that’s why Mordian had told me that it was hard to learn this skill, if not an ash’ari, who were naturally able to absorb, purge and refine the mana, because of how their different constitution worked.

We humans had a different constitution from the ash’ari, so we could survive even without mana in our system, unlike them, who were entirely reliant on the magical force to keep them alive and kicking.

But Mordian had truly helped me correct my use of mana and to control my output and discharge when using stronger spells which needed more magic to fuel. He had been an excellent mentor and his method of teaching had been reliable and effective in many ways which had opened my eyes to several possibilities on how I could manipulate my mana.

I held nothing but gratitude for him.

But I furled my hand into a fist, as a thoughtful frown creased past my brows, turning into a scowl.

Even with all my training and now stronger control over mana, would I be able to win against that Guardian?

I wasn’t sure!

I thought as I continued my training, my mana worked and reinforced my physique and cycled through each vein and muscle properly, but my concentration broke as I stopped using mana rotation and stood still for a moment, as I looked down at my clenched hand with my face pulled into contemplative frown.

That Guardian was strong! No, that would be an understatement to its formidable and dominating strength which looked like an unclimbable mountain, something I couldn’t surpass even if I trained all I wanted. Like an redoubtable power meditated for centuries, or perhaps even longer, unleased on to me like a maelstrom, which I couldn’t seem to fight against and win.

My hopes were dashed when it even survived a movement from the crescent moon style and when it cut my arm off...

My hand slowly reached for my previously cut off arm—now regenerated—as I firmed my grip around the bicep.

I’d always been confident in my strength, even in times which were more dire than any to me—my inborn confidence which always compelled me, and made me believe I could anything I performed—, but after facing that Guardian, I wasn’t so sure if I could win against it if I were to face it again head on.

Even after I’d exhausted all my abilities, skills, even using the crescent moon style, it still wasn’t enough to beat that guy. That Guardian was yet far the strongest adversary I’d faced in this life.

And that Guardian had crushed my every attempt at victory. And most of all, it had been fighting me while suppressing its true strength, which when it did release its limiter I was miserably defeated, without being able to protect myself. My grip around my arm firmed slightly. I could still vividly remember the crushing intent that Guardian had released which had rendered me immobile.

Remembering that moment made goosebumps to rise on my skin.

And most of all, that armour which it was wearing, while it was damaged and worn, it was still strong and sturdy enough to take on the full barrage of my attacks head on, barely receiving any damage.

I felt a sigh climbing its way out, but I held it back as I once again continued my training. Even if I had a second to spare, I should make it productive and use it to get stronger so I don’t get beaten so miserably again.

The system had been unresponsive for the past few weeks and since my defeat at the hands of that Guardian, the system hadn’t responded or given me any update on the status of the trial.

But unknowingly, my attention went to where Mordian was resting.

For the past few weeks, I’d been pondering over the fact whether I should tell Mordian about my past, that I’d regressed back in time and I was also somehow able to manipulate time through my skill.

Mordian had taught me a thing or two about what time might be, or how it interacts with certain aspects with its stringent nature, such as space and life, but it was ultimately just theories and hypothesis that he’d made from the information he’d gathered or learned a long time ago from the leftover research that his ancestors performed or what he’d studied himself.

But I still didn’t have a clue as to what time could actually be. Was it just a constraint which bounded the world in the form of a structure, separating itself in a rigid system of past, present and future, which the world needed to adhere to?

Then how was I able to stop time then? Did it mean that through certain means or if a person could find some comprehensive insight, or loophole within the rigid structure of time itself, could they deviate time in a certain way which allowed them to create paradoxical anomalies, even among the cycle and order in which time originally worked?

Even if that was possible, it would simply cause disorder in a which could cause everything to go into a state of chaos like Laurena had warned.

Then what did this make my regression? The more I thought about this time leap, the more intricate and overwhelming and uncomprehending it became.

Like a puzzle placed in a way which couldn’t seem to convey any answer and missing several important pieces, yet made some kind of point which I lacked perception to grasp.

If it was such, then that would explain my interference in stopping time for myself. But when I separated myself from the physical realm, all the existences around me, be it the mana or the demonic energy ceased to exist. Like they were bounded by some superior force or authority.

But I couldn’t seem to get Indra's words out of my head since our encounter. Could there actually be a stronger and superior authority out there which could strip both mana and demonic energy of their power in that static world.

Like an entirely different element of power.

But it could be an entirely different reason.

I was short for answers, but had a mountain worth of questions.

And whenever the topic of time was mentioned, Mordian would always make a slight frown, which was barely perceivable, but it was still there. It was a rough topic for him, and to remember about his kin whom were no more.

The loneliness of being the last of his kind, and seeing his own people getting butchered in front of him must have left a deep scar on his heart, something I could somewhat relate to, but I couldn’t fully connect with Mordian, because he still kept me at arm's length, always putting a wall between us when we started to grow comfortable around one another, and I think I understood him for why he would do that.

Because in the past I'd done the same to the people around me. I'd put a wall around me to push the weakness and vulnerability out, and it also worked as a mechanism for me to push away the people and their kindness which looked nothing to me but their pity.

Mordian was also like that, but I could perfectly feel his strong emotions for avenging his people. His hostility against the exciduim race still burned amply, there was always this sharp edge in his voice whenever the topic of the demons or the name of the demon who'd murdered his race was mentioned. To me, Mordian was someone who’d gone through a similar experience as me.

This war that’d taken everything from us...Our friends, family and people we were close to...Because that’s what war is, its a fight against two sides, trying to reign victory over the other despite the casualties made.

But after talking and receiving Mordian’s help in the last few weeks, I'd come to the decision that I wanted him to come along with me.

I’d taken this decision after much consideration and thought, and also taking Mordian’s standing into mind.

And my proposition could be beneficial to him. Instead of rotting in this cavern—to be able to do nothing—he would get a chance to avenge his kin. But that decision was his to make, not mine.

But he was strong and also a descendent of the dragons, he was someone who could help me greatly in my journey if he became a companion. Plus, with his help I might be somehow able to learn more about the edict of time and how my own regression took place.

Mordian was strong, and to win this war, I—no, mankind needed strong allies whom we could trust, who could help us stand up and fight against the demons of the exciduim race.

Because we lacked both power and trustworthy allies who would assist us in this war. We can only go as far as we can alone. And I know if we do that even this time around we will be welcoming the risk of our own extinction once again.

“You’ve been looking in my direction for a while now,” Mordian said as he blinked an eye open, still in his resting position. “Out with it already. You've something you want to say, right? You only make that face when you want to ask a question or some selfish demand!”

I felt my face take a weird expression and slack, as I looked at Mordian with questioning eyes.

Was it really that obvious? I guess I gotta work on my façade more. In front of this dragon I had truly grown too prone to show emotion.

But I composed myself a moment later as my lips pursued into a thin smile. But I don’t know why, whenever I was with Mordian, training or just having a simple conversation, I felt like I didn’t have to put up with my facade that I used to do with others. He was someone I could show my real self to, without being reserved. That’s the feeling I got after growing fond of him.

I guess people who’ve gone through similar experiences or share similar mentality can relate to each other and find solace in each other’s company.

I walked closer to Mordian, each step heavier as I stood firmly in front of him.

I took a breath as I came to a decision and determined myself. “Mordian, I want to tell you something," I paused for a second, lips shut and expression still, pondering over what could be a good way to disclose everything to him. “It’s regarding a matter which even I can’t explain perfectly, or neither was I able to get a answer for it from Indra Arudecarus. He said it was something that he can’t give me an answer for because he couldn't understand the phenomenon. It’s ahh...”

The dragon laid in silence, not even the slightest sound of a hum left him as he looked me with all seriousness in his sublime golden eyes now, which seem to dull even the light of the stalactites.

“This isn’t my first life,” I said firmly, nervousness prickled the back of my head but I stood with determination, “or rather this is my second time experiencing life.” I let my words roll slowly in the air as I looked the dragon straight in his eyes, laced with wisdom, but appearing astound. “I-I...this is my second life and this boy—this body’s previous owner , Seo Jiwoo, somehow became my new vessel in which I found myself when I died in my past life.”

His features wrinkled ever-so-slightly as he looked at me with a questioning eye.

“Do you mean to say that you have gone through the phenomenal experience of reincarnation?” Mordian urged, his eyes contemplatively looking at me, skepticism lacing his words as he stirred slightly.

“I may not be fully aware how the process of reincarnation works because it comes more as a forte of the phoenixes, as they are more adept in the understanding of this phenomenon and aspect which governs life and rebirth...but from what I learned from my mother a long time ago was that, it isn’t easy for others to perform this act of resurrection, unless caused by some external factor into play."

“Because reincarnation ushers a soul from the binds of one's own body and the force of the world around them into an entire different one."

“Then what you mean to say is, this boy’s body whom you reincarnated into by sheer coincidence...” Mordian said, eyes unwavering, but looking perspective and impassive. “That might explain your less control and synchronization with your own body. I did find it odd at first, that how could someone lack control of their own physical body and make mistakes that not even amateurs make, but that does explains it.”

“Then it could mean that you didn’t reincarnate in this body since long...and judging from the way you’re speaking, it makes me think that you aren’t aware of yourself how you were reincarnated. But its odd...”

I kept listening to him, listing out the things or possibilities which were true, his knowledge and keen nature allowed him to figure out and link the dots together rapidly once he gained some insight on the topic.

He was honestly impeccably smart and perspective.

But he wrong...I wasn’t reincarnated...Instead...

I remained silent for the time Mordian listed out the things on his mind, as I kept looking at him with a furrow of my brows. I needed to clarify this misunderstanding and tell him the truth.

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“Mordian, when you say reincarnation, that’s where you’re wrong...” I finally said, hesitation laced in my tone as the dragon paused and tried to rebut my words, but paused suddenly as his eyes perplexed and were now replaced with a hardened scowl.

“Do you remember when I first came here and we had a conversation shortly after, I asked you about the phenomenon over the reversal of time...” I said slowly as my eyes drifted away from his.

“You can’t mean to say that you...”

I nodded back, no words conveyed, only a silent gesture, and Mordian seemed to have grasped and understood what I was trying to say. The real reason...

“I told you before, what you’re trying to say is absurd and impossible...” He said, the calm in his voice replaced by a sharp edge, as he glared at me. “It’s imprudent and impossible to even take into account the reversal of time, something which can’t be offered by the force of nature, no matter how much insight one gains...”

His glare widened, his eyes burning in fury and rejection, but there was something else, some emotion hidden deep within his exasperated eyes. “If it was possible, then even the dragons would've had the ability to do so.”

“Then how do you explain that I regressed back in time? Why do you reject the possibility of something being plausible without having some evidence to show for your lack of understanding?” I said, words solemn and face replaced by a hardened expression. “Wouldn’t that just mean that the dragons lacked the insight and weren’t perspective enough to understand time to unravel its mysterious nature? That is unwise to say that you don’t understand something and only make excuses when someone makes a hypothesis. This is merely an excuse to hide your own lack of understanding."

Upon my remark, Mordian stirred in his position, the chains went jangling uncontrollably as they tightened around him and took a firm hold over his bulk, a rasp sound reverberated through the cavern making the ground to shake and shudder as a crushing pressure exuded from his mighty form which stood straight now.

My mana worked as I tried to counter against the force of his intent, but his intent was strong enough even when weakened due to the binds restraining him, which caused me to be pushed back and shudder.

“Indra told me that even the dragons, who proclaimed to have understood the edict of time better than anyone, couldn’t have given me a comprehensive answer to this phenomenon...”I shouted, as I fought back against the fierce pressure which made my knees to buckle. “Even I don’t understand for what reason or why was I sent back in time? But Indra told me that if I can master these edicts which create and form reality, I might be able to understand this phenomenon better. Or that’s how I see it.”

“But please, let me explain.” I returned, as my mana withered and I saw Mordian pull back his own as he settled with a glare palpable over his features.

I took a slow breath, still feeling the aftershocks of experiencing his crushing intent as my body slightly shook.

Mordian’s eyes fiercely looked at me, as I straightened and started to explain everything to him.

I told him about my past life, who I was, my name and how I used to live, how I trained and how I joined the war. His face turned impassive the more he listened, but I poured in as much detail to make sure my explanation didn’t feel fabricated to him.

I slowly covered every details concerning my past life—even the smaller details like my conversations or worthless incidents with my friends—and told him about how we humans had eventually lost the war and how I'd met Agares on the battlefield and fought him a few time, with our final battle which eventually led to my imminent death.

Mordian silently listened as I continued and told him how I found myself in this new body when I was enveloped by that beacon of light and everything that I’d gone through since regressing, with a few details omitted.

After several hours past I stopped as both of us settled, no words spoken between us as Mordian tried to comprehend what I’d just told him. Both of us were frowning and looking away from each other; unable to look one another in the eye.

Well, this reaction was understandable. I’d taken time for even Master and Fujimoto to accept this truth. And who in their right mind would outright accept the fact that I was someone who’d lived two lives and had regressed back in time.

“I wouldn’t say that I completely understand everything you have told me. But from the way you told me these things with a straight face, I can’t imagine you to be lying, and it would be stupid to think that you came up with an entire, well-orientated explanation for your past life. Its just imprudent to think that way.”

Mordian hummed as he made a pondering expression, his eyes looking slightly convinced. “If the demons invaded your land, then does that mean they’d gotten rid of the other races which gave them a superior edge in the war, or did they just attack without any consideration for them?”

“That’s what I still don’t understand!” I returned with a thoughtful expression. “From what you said during our previous conversation, the demons should have been wary and on edge because of their hostility with the other ash’ari races, so their hands would've been tied to completely overthrow an entire race. More or less, taking a disadvantageous step when the ash’ari were on hostile terms with them."

My frown deepened as I looked at Mordian, my hand over my jaw in thought. “Then that could mean only three things when we summarize the possibilities.”

“Either the demons launched a full scale war, no longer caring about the repercussions and losses which is injudicious, considering their strategic might which was wise enough to keep the ash’ari and other minor races occupied in the mean time to increase their strength. Second possibility would be that they made some deal with the ash’ari and joined hands with them to make a peace treaty to not cause any discord amongst each other.”

Mordian’s nose wrinkled as he listened but didn’t rebut me, as I continued.

“And the third and last, that they first got rid of the ash’ari while keeping as minimal forces behind to keep tabs on the minor races, only after getting rid of them did they decide to launch their final attack.”

“The information you provided could be optimal for our future endeavours, taking into account what actions the demons might take and what countermeasures can we make in accordance to exploit this information in our advantage. But even if I were to agree to accompany you on your journey, the biggest problem which needs to be taken care of are the chains binding me. Unless I’m freed, I can’t go with you.”

Mordian finally said, pointing toward the scattered old chains bidding his body.

That was true. In the last few weeks I’d also studied the chains with Mordian's permission, and what I’d find out through my observation and using Mind’s Eye to inspect the chains was that, this artifact was more less like a battery, which used Mordian’s dragonic mana as a conduit to strengthen itself and make it harder and less likely to destroy.

Mind’s Eye flared to life as I keenly observed the chains. Sequentially, they were more reliant on using the ambient mana in the atmosphere to empower them to restrain Mordian.

“In the past, I'd tried several times to destroy the binds myself, but whenever I tried to damage them in a single spot, these chains automatically strengthen that area using my restrained mana to stop the assault.” Mordian said as he lifted a heavy chain, as his hand blazed with a golden-white radiance.

“But these chains are more reliant on the atmospheric mana, and unless we can sever their connection with the ambient mana we can’t cut them. But we possibly don’t have a way to stop or force the ambient man in this particular area out.”

I was already contemplating over the possibility of such a scenario, because I could separate myself from the physical realm, but I lacked insight and I knew if I did that I could stop the ambient mana and the demonic energy and everything around me for a short amount of time, but I couldn’t pull Mordian inside that static void.

But I decided to tell him anyway.

“When I’d talked with Indra Arudecarus, he told me that time is a peculiar existence. With just a single change in its flow the reality of the world and the existences within it can be changed and altered. A change in a physical, fundamental and spiritual sense.” I said, looking up at Mordian, listening attentively. “But he also said that, an equal amount of force was needed to influence time—be it just to stop or slow it down—, but I'm not aware how.”

“But I can stop time with one of my skills.” I added right after.

Mordian frowned, as if not fully convinced of my statement. “Are you being serious?” He asked, sounding offended and astound.

“I bought this skill from the system inventory when I’d fought a demon—thinking it was just a simple ability—, and it allows me to separate myself from the physical realm for a short fixed period of time.”

Mordian nodded, looking skeptical, as I explained to him about what I was thinking; the way we could break the chains and free him, but the more he listened the more confused he became.

But I was conflicted and unsure if we could do what I’d explained. But the cool down of the skill had changed to two hours since my level up and break through. But that didn’t mean I could use the skill for an indefinite amount of times, even with the shortened cool down. The burden and stress it placed over my body, took me time to recover from, and I hadn’t used the skill since the dungeon incident.

So I still wasn’t confident on just how many times I could use it with the shortened cool down.

After we had thoroughly discussed the plan, I quickly opened the system shop and bought a sword—as I’d lost my old one after my fight again the Guardian.

‘Ahh...my precious points.’ I thought as I clicked on the interface, Mordian observing me keenly, striking the empty air.

I withdrew the newly bought sword from the inside of the inventory. Mordian’s eyes didn’t leave me once as an astound expression replaced his impassive face, but barely perceivable, as a long sword appeared in my hands from thin air, having silver strips.

I gave the sword a few swings, getting a feel for its compartment of balance and its durability.

Alright. After completing my assessment, I took a breath and pumped myself as I firmed my grip over the sword’s handle.

“I’m going to start.” I said, Mordian returned with a nod.

“I don’t know what exactly you’re going to do, but I have no choice but to trust you in order to be free from these shackles.” He said, eyes determined as he started to channel his mana as his body started to exude a golden-white aura, the chains stirred as a low noise reverberated in the cavern.

I returned with a determined nod as I slowly reached for the shackled power deep inside me. The skill named as Acausality seem to respond to my call as my mana worked and I felt a strange pulling sensation envelop my body as the colours from around me started to drain, as a veil of dark grey shrouded everything around me, the world around me seemed suspended in a delicate balance, with only me conscious.

My eyes peered to where Mordian stood, his body immobile like a statue as Mind’s Eye flared to life and I began to observe the frozen particles of mana and demonic energy which were ambient in the air, but held back and restrained by some force.

I tried to observe some change, but couldn’t see what I was expecting.

Already starting to feel the rebound of using the time freezing skill, I quickly got to work.

Every breath, every heartbeat, every flicker of movement was arrested in a timeless void. And yet, within that stilled tableau, my mind raced with questions and uncertainties.

Only here could I be able to understand this mysterious suspension of time; but what exactly do I need to do in order to pull Mordian inside this place from the physical realm, like I'd done with that demon back in the Devil’s Whisper dungeon.

Upon the activation of two skills, I quickly activated Ruler’s Authority as the alluring power bloomed and shrouded me with its warmth, as if helping me and guiding me through my ordeal.

My mind raced with questions and possibilities, what I needed to do. What I could possibly do.

In this frozen moment, as I held the power to halt time, but even that had limitations.

The burden of Ruler's Authority, coupled with the Mind's Eye and Acausality, bore down upon me with crushing intensity, my body shuddered with convulsions as my vision dulled and drained from the growing pain. My head throbbed with the pressure of infinite possibilities, as my mind reached one logical conclusion after another, but nothing seem to answer my question or provide me with some insight.

My breathing heaved as I could feel the trickle of blood running down my nose as my body strained to contain the vast influx of information.

Did time truly cease to exist for those trapped within this temporal prison? Then just what happens to the living when I separated myself from the physical realm? Were they frozen in a perpetual present; their consciousness suspended in a liminal state? Or did their existence simply pause, their life force held in abeyance until time resumed its inexorable march?

Or was it just me who stopped, and everyone else continued to move on regardless?

Or did it mean that the concept of past, present and future ceased to exist in this confined moment when I stopped time and until I released the power which allowed me to restrain the aspect of reality?

I felt like my brain could fry from the overwhelming amount of information which coursed uncontrollably, as new possibilities emerged one after another. Ruler’s Authority helped me think of every infinite possibility and conclusion which could come to my mind. It was similar to like tethers—like moving through a series of cobwebs which held an unending amount of information with the likelihood of providing some insight with my newly enhanced cognitive augmentation—, which connected a network of possibilities and conclusions, and spread to create an infinite number of them, but nothing yet I was looking to gain.

Each piece and conclusion lacking the desired answer I was hoping to get as my short time started to come to its conclusion.

I gritted my teeth in frustration as my body burned in an unimaginable amount of agony, my face twisting into a scowl. Precious seconds ticked by, as I grappled with the weight of these existential quandaries, the strain of maintaining such a power began to take its toll.

But even as I fought to maintain my tenuous hold on reality, I could sense my strength waning. My vision blurred, as my senses dulled, and every fibre of my being screamed in protest against the monumental effort required to sustain this frozen world.

Despite the overwhelming sensation of my mind teetering on the brink of collapse, I refused to relinquish my grasp over the skill as my body threatened to collapse, but I could not afford to let this opportunity slip through my fingers.

This frozen time held in it a key, the answer I was looking for.

In this suspended moment, amidst the chaos and uncertainty raging in my mind, laid the potential for enlightenment. And though the path ahead was fraught, my own understanding barely enough.

Then what about the mana or the demonic energy? Suddenly I picked up on new train of thought as I momentarily discarded everything else. Somewhere inside my mind, the contemplation continued.

The mana and demonic energy in this perpetual void were rendered immobile, so this place had no mana, it was devoid of the magical energy, but that didn’t mean it had disappeared, it was still there, except just dormant and unresponsive.

So could the case be similar to the living organisms, which were dormant, but hadn’t disappeared? Their presence and life-force should still be held by a veil, a delicate balance which made them immobile.

I felt like something on the verge of blooming inside me, as I considered very possibility.

Was I not conscious enough to feel the presence of the people around me when I was in this static void?

But when time stopped, it didn't mean that the living existences disappeared, they were just suspended in their positions until I held my grasp over the power. Be it everything around. As if by some force which was far more authoritative than both mana and demonic energy.

Just like how Indra had mentioned that there could be a force like that, like a sixth element...But his vague answer was more of a question which even he didn’t clarify about.

Then it meant that they were still alive and had an essence which classified them as being life; having a will, the mana which burned inside them should be proof of that or demonic energy, or simply just a presence. A fact and perception which didn’t disappear just because their time stopped.

But I lacked to understand that essence which they held when I was left pondering in this place.

Then that meant that even inanimate objects, who had no life or characteristics which could classify them as being as unique as a living organism, had some kind of awareness which separated them, but characterized them as something different...

Something...the word was on the tip of my tongue as my body wheezed and I spat blood, but refused to leave the frozen world.

The mana...intent...the past, the present and the future, the awareness.

The classification which we had build in order to understand time better, and to understand its uncertain and mysterious nature. My eyes closed as I gave everything a final thought.

Time...essence...intent...separation. Awareness.

Then what Indra had told me...could it be?!!

My eyes bulged open in comprehension as I took a deep breath to calm my convulsing body, which barely did anything, but I could feel it as the burden of maintaining the static void around me lessened slightly as Ruler’s Authority seem to lay the things which I focused on as clearly as day in my mind.

Like the pieces of a puzzle falling into place.

I tried to stretch my senses as far as I could and feel the essence which was still felt behind in this perpetual frozen world. The awareness which was still there.

If mana and demonic energy were dormant, then what did it make me who was still able to use my own mana in this frozen world? Shouldn’t that be labelled as an anomaly?

Time could only stop those who were confined by it because it was its nature by law to do so—because time worked differently from space or life—, but that didn’t mean it could breach against its constructive purpose.

The lifeforms which it confined still remained, but dormant.

I focused on Mordian, trying to feel or see his mana through this lens of grey which shrouded everything around me.

I focused, my arms clenched by my sides as blood trickled down my nose and surged from the inside of my mouth.

I wanted to pull Mordian inside this place. My intent surged through the air, as I felt some change occurring within me, as the world around me seem to look different somehow, shift according to my will, or rather my own perspective had shifted so I could better accommodate to the insight coursing through my mind.

Just like a veil being ripped open, for the shortest of a millisecond, I thought I saw a bright ethereal sheen of pure iridescent light, a halo of some otherworldly power as my body surged with warmth.

As the colours around Mordian darkened and I heard the raps jangling noise of chains stirring as the dragon looked at me with his face flummoxed.

“You...this...” he said, flabbergast palpable in his tone as he looked at the unmoving world. “You were able to do it.”

"Hurry. We don't have m-much time." I spat through blood.

I focused on the sword lying in forward of me as it materialised as I willed it to enter the static world, and it did.

I saw Mordian do his part as we'd discussed earlier, as he got to work immediately. His mana raged, as an ethereal golden radiance exuded his body and he focused all of it into a specific point in the chain hanging above him, wrapped around his bulk, as it shuddered.

With no atmospheric mana to sustain itself and confine the dragon lord any longer, the shackles were left useless as the dragonic mana they used as a conduit crumbled away and returned back to Mordian.

I rejoiced shortly, as I quickly took the sword in hand and performed the second movement of the crescent moon style.

As there wasn’t any atmospheric mana, I used every last drop of my own as a substitute to complete the sword art as blood rushed through my mouth, my body cried in agony, every part of it did, as my vision completely blurred, my senses barely able to perceive anything around me as I forcefully moved my body and somehow released the movement in time, as Ruler’s Authority and Mind’s Eye fell dormant.

But in that last split second as I stumbled backward from the rebound kicking in, I saw the force generated from the sword art cause a sound akin to thunder reverberate through the static world as I saw the loud crackling noise of chains shattering and snap. But suddenly I felt a headache claw away at my mind as the world around me seem to flux between colour to colourless, as I felt like something had gone wrong. But unable to hold on any longer, I finally released my grasp over Acausality as my body plummeted to the hard ground.

Every muscle in my body cried and convulsed uncontrollably as I spat blood and stirred. The rebound hit me and the sensation was like my blood was running backward and getting stabbed by countless needles.

Dust rose in the air, as debris fell and scattered everywhere, as I saw the chains from before shattered and teared apart. But there was no sign of Mordian.

I couldn’t see his gigantic form ahead of me as I stirred straight and leaned against a nearby crystal, the pain clawing away at me, as I felt a wave of weariness.

But from within the dust which was clearly up, I saw a pair of two bright golden eyes with an iridescent quality peering in my direction, looking as piercing and perspective, as a more humanoid figure of a man with long creamy wheat blonde hair and an athletic physique came into my view, draped in black intricate robes which adorned his overall looks and handsome features, unlike any I'd ever seen.

“M-Mordian...is that you?” I was barely able to utter those words.