Mordian Astrionyx
I lunged forward, feeling all my cells groan under the brunt of my actions to strike at the entity.
Searing pain radiated through each part of my body so vividly that I felt like I could collapse at any moment, but I persisted against the pain and fatigue, attacking using different techniques, spells, my actions fuelled merely by desperation now as I spat blood, taking a swing at the entity.
It followed my actions, reading between the flow, the timing and perhaps even taking account of how I shifted my muscles, as if aware of the very intent behind my actions as it dodged, countering with a hook as I felt my vision swim as my breath hitch.
But I gritted my teeth as I persisted against it all, pushing at my mana as I lurched at it, but at the final moment my body gave out, as I felt my heart feel oppressed, the pain so severe it clawed at me, unlike anything I'd ever felt before.
The entity appeared again, and I brought my hands forward to defend against its strike as it struck and then took my right hand as I was left disoriented, and in that heartbeat that followed all I felt was a twist and the sickening crack of bones shattering as I was lunged in the air and then crashed on to the ground.
I took several seconds to take a hold of myself, my heart pounded in my chest like a drum, the beats caught in my throat as my vision blurred further, I couldn’t even see the things in front of me clearly, this was the weakest I'd ever been since the massacre of the dragon race.
“Why do you keep struggling? Or do you want me to stir things even more for you put up a better struggle?” The entity’s words rang inside my ears, the words barely audible in my numb mind as I took a hold of my feet and stood, the world around me appeared in blurred spectrum of different colours.
I wanted to say something, to shout, but with so little strength left in me, even standing left me struggling.
It raised its hand, a twisted smirk played on its lips. “Or do you want me to use the flame of destruction right now?”
No....I thought as I gritted my teeth, feeling anger rise from within me, but it was quickly overwhelmed by panic and trepidation; memories of when Jiwoo had just woken up after so many days, his desperation, his pain, his trauma of using the flames, how he appeared despaired and almost broken....
How I'd almost lost my bond. His uncertainty, his despair, his shattered confidence in his strength and capabilities, all of that clawed at my mind. I couldn’t let him go through that experience again.
But what more could I do now? I had barely any mana left, no options or spell that could go against this entity, this fight had seem to be against the inevitability of time itself. As if I wasn’t fighting an opponent but the converged wrath of the universe itself.
I had fallen to my knees, as it walked closer to me, each foot fall resonating with the dim beating of my heart as I saw its eyes scrutinize me.
“What more do you thing you can do? You barely had the strength to resist an opponent like Amanises, and now you are struggling to get your bond back from my clutches.” It shook its head in resignation, as the pity directed at me left a crater of grief and powerlessness to open inside my heart. “It's similar to what happened when Sylvie made the sacrifice to die in your stead, in order to allow you to escape the massacre of your race—to protect the one thing she considered even more precious than her own life.” It added, a maelstrom of raw emotions surged inside me as I felt my mind struck.
Shivers ran wildly through my body, as my mother’s final sacrifice played inside my mind, so fresh, so vivid, as if it had only happened recently. Her soft, motherly eyes, her caring and concerned gaze looking at me with emotions I still couldn’t quite describe.
Even in her final moments, she didn’t look afraid of death, but started at it straight in its eyes, no hesitation or fear in her eyes or in her demeanour.
The entity walked even closer as it spoke, its voice unrestrained, its aura pressing down on me even more as each breath left me struggling, its eyes radiating pain, sorrow, and an emotion similar to regret and self-loathe.
“Neither Sylvie nor your father, Anthirix, is here now to protect you; or anymore sacrifices left for you. Even your bond is under my control. What do you have to offer Mordian? You have nothing to show for it—for the sacrifices of the people who died to protect you, to keep you alive!” Its voice boomed, the emotion of rage so raw and unrestrained, building like a storm, cutting at the atmosphere like a blade.
“Do you want to know what were the last words Sylvie said before she met her end?” It pressed, as I felt my body release all the fatigue at once, my mind ajar from the heart-wrenching memories of the past. “She said to protect you. That you need to live, not for us, not for revenge, but for yourself.”
My eyes turned heavy, feeling the weight of those words press down on me like a mountain, my mind wanted nothing but to stop right now, to crawl into a hole and turn my back to all of these hardships, to accept my defeat, to accept my powerlessness, that I couldn't do it.
I was never enough, I had allowed Ashmedai to kill my parents, my people, how they ravaged our lands, destroyed everything. How could I be enough, when even the entire dragon race couldn’t survive? What did they see in me to give me this chance?
I felt those words stab at my heart like a dagger, the pain of the truth so unbearable.
I stayed on my knees, finally letting the weight of reality fall all over me which I had been rejecting for as long as I knew.
I lowered my head, looking down at the mangled ground, my vison soaked in blood as I felt my thoughts turn numb.
“Have you finally come to your senses, Mordian? It doesn’t feel good does it; accepting the reality, pushing that cactus down your throat. The regret and the destruction, it will never go away, even if you reject it all, it will come crawling back to you. Your will weak and heart in turmoil for the lose and acceptance of being the last of your kind. So, I ask you, Son of Mordain...will you give up here and now, or will you persist even in the face of death?”
I looked up, my neck stiff, eyes barely retaining their focus, and I saw Jiwoo’s visage, unsure what to expect on that face. Was my bond lost forever? Could I not even save him? Was it impossible?
I thought as the entity appeared unmoved, its figure only a few steps away.
But with a rush from my left side, I saw a thin shadow envelope me, gunmetal hair—appearing almost silver in the sunlight—fluttering in the air as vines protruded from the ground, mana stirred in the air as they lunged at the entity.
But before they could do anything, the vines bursted, leaving only teared pieces as I felt a push in the ambient mana and saw the entity move, I tried to do anything but my body refused to move, but Aurora simply stood in her position, her arms spread wide as if protecting me.
The entity’s fist stopped only inches away from Aurora’s face, its stance turning nonchalant as it stood straight.
“I don’t want you to be a victim of this fight, Aurora Silverlight. This has nothing to do with you, I merely have business with the dragon. So, I advice you to step back.” The entity said with its heavy and oppressive voice, as I felt Aurora’s face contort under the weight of its aura.
She stood rooted to her spot, as she shouted, looking at the entity with clear animosity—but there was painful desperation on her face as she looked at Jiwoo's visage. “Shun, please come back. I know you can hear me. Please...didn’t you say that you wanted to protect the people you care about, then why are you letting this entity take over you, and letting it hurt Mordian?” She said in one breath, her eyes looked heavy, perhaps tears welling in them as her breath hitched.
“Please...come back,” she wailed desperately.
For a moment the air seemed silent, the words left a deep impression, as the entity didn’t say a word, but after a suffocating moment, a faith chuckle rang in the air, turning more clearer as we looked at the entity draping my bond’s face.
“You say to come back, but what if I told you that Jiwoo doesn’t want to come back?” The entity spat, its words stung like a hot brand over my skin as Aurora appeared conflicted, her eyes narrowed in doubt and disbelief.
“You’re lying,” she shouted back, but the smirk on the entity's face widened, as if her desperation was merely like a child's cries.
“I'm not lying, Aurora. He is hurled into the deepest pit of his heart, if he wanted to fight against my control and take it back for himself, I would’ve actually had a harder time to maintain this vessel, but nothing’s happening, meaning that he isn’t fighting back, or even putting up a struggle.” It said with a cruel wry smile playing on Jiwoo’s face, Aurora's mouth quivered, her knees buckled as she almost feel to the ground under its aura.
“Do you want you know something?” It probed, as if playing some cruel game. “Jiwoo has given up. He has no will to come back, he finally gave in, destruction was the breaking point for him. And this time, he doesn’t want to come back. He's finally broken.”
Aurora bit down on her lower lips, her eyes trickled with tears, as she groaned under its presence. But she didn’t budge from her spot even now.
“You’re far more stubborn than I thought. But I warned you, this was between me and him, if you want to get reeled into it, then don’t blame me.”
Anger flared from the deepest pit of my heart as I saw the entity draping Jiwoo’s skin strike Aurora, the back of its hand struck her face as she groaned, her body went flying, then after a moment which felt like an eternity, she made contact with ground, rolling several times, as her body stopped, her movements limp and breathing shallow.
I bolted from my knees as I maneuvered my body and tried to attack it, desperation fuelled my attempt, as I saw it move, ready to counter any of the attacks I could have launched, as if not fighting against the flow but becoming one with it, creating harmony with a storm, and using it to its absolute advantage.
It pivoted, and its arms struck me in my ribs, the stinging sound of bones cracking reverberated as I spat blood, the movement fluid and no unnecessary waste in its strength.
Disregarding my own well-being, I lurched at the entity, as my broken arm dangled freely against me, the bits of mana I had recovered using mana rotation moved and my body began to turn illusory at the edges, my form expanding as scales grew over my skin and I transformed into my dragonic form.
I did whatever I could, I simply lurched at it blindly, no intent behind my actions, only pure anger and desperation behind my attempt now as I wanted to end this battle now.
But with a twist, it shifted in the air, escaping my jaws at the final moment, as I forced my body and focused all the remnant mana I had left and fired a beam of pure energy in its direction, as it raised its hand, the beam struck and I saw Jiwoo’s hand cracking as the entity seem to grunt finally, but everything seemed enveloped by its released intent now, as the ground beneath me crushed and the beam dispersed, I took that moment and transformed back and threw myself into the air, as I shot toward it using a beam of mana to propel myself.
The entity stood disoriented by the damage of exerting too much influence over my bond’s body found my approach too late, its arms open with gruesome wounds, as blood dripped from every corner of Jiwoo’s body. I gathered the last drop of energy inside me, as I curled my left hand and barely grazed its face, as I felt all my energy vanishing, as I plummeted to the ground, my eyes locked on the entity who remained in mid-air as I stumbled and breathed, each breath brought a sting through my chest.
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My vision swam, blood dripped from my mouth, unbearable pain clawing through each part of my body, wounds throbbing relentlessly, but my gaze never once left the entity.
“Heh, good job,” the entity said with a friendly smile, as I found its actions even more apprehensive than before, appearing all friendly now. “It looks like all that taunting worked pretty well.”
My hand went to my chest, precisely near my heart, as all my veins bulged, my skin turning pale and purple, as I spat blood, the ground soaked by the crimson liquid, as I stumbled to my knees, but just as my consciousness was about to drift, I heard a snap coming from ahead, and all the fatigue and pain was stripped away, the world around me spun and everything drained to a white expanse which stretched on for as far as my eyes went.
My condition appeared different, no wounds or blood visible, as my robes appeared undamaged, not one scratch.
I moved my gaze and saw Jiwoo standing in front of me in this void. His eyes seemed different now, they had changed, they appeared starry, like a night sky, with countless stars twinkling, each holding depths of knowledge as deep and old as the universe itself.
“The damage exerted over you was too immense, so I pulled you into the thought realm. Here we can finish our conversation before both our times end.” The entity said, its voice resonating through the void, but there was no hostility in its words like before, it appeared like a sage, gone was the glare in its eyes during our battle and what replaced it was utterly shocking.
“It's written all over your face just how surprised you are. I apologize for asking for a battle and handling you so badly. But it was true I wanted to test your resolve, to see how far you could go for Jiwoo.” It said, its words relaxed, no rush or hidden motive behind it as it appeared awaiting, as if wanting me to ask whatever I wanted to.
I felt wronged for a moment, I wanted to shout at it, but I eased myself instead, knowing that this wasn’t the moment for that, and perhaps both of us were running out of time.
So I asked the question I wanted to. This was the question I wanted answered most at this moment after scrutinizing the options available from our conversation during our battle, and through its explanation, I had come to realize what I needed answers for. I knew I could ask it anything, the entity itself had said that, so out of everything; my race’s extinction, Jiwoo’s regression, the mystery behind everything connecting him to these phenomenon...I knew what I needed to know in this particular moment, to not make things anymore complicated.
The entity looked at me, as if it already knew what I wanted to ask, but I still pressed.
“How does one reach the transcendence stage? It is theorized to be impossible, a stage only rumoured in the ancient past. Even the Seraphims, I don’t think, even they’re able to reach a full transcendent power?”
“That answer is different for everyone, just like when reaching the integration stage. And yes, their evolution and biological traits are different from the other races, but even they fail to acquire a complete transcendent stage, harmonized through their abilities to use more extraordinary abilities.” It said, as if stating something obvious.
"But, let me ask you before giving you an answer? What do you think is the fundamental difference between the integration and transcendence stage, Mordian?" The entity inhabiting Jiwoo’s body asked, its voice carrying an unnatural calmness, as if the answer was both obvious and deeply elusive.
The question unsettled me. I had poured years of my life into reaching the integration stage, dedicating every ounce of my effort to break through barriers that most could only dream of surpassing after years of hard work and resilience, but it was also because of my dragonic inheritance, giving me a better edge at reaching this strength with less hurdles, but all that was taken away by Ashmedai. And yet, the way it phrased its question made me feel as if all my accomplishments were just an illusion.
I hesitated, the weight of the question pressing heavily on my mind as I tried to think of different answers, but all of them appeared unfit; lacking. Before I could even attempt an answer, it spoke again, its starry gaze locking onto me.
"There isn’t," it said flatly, cutting through the silence like a blade. "The gap between integration and transcendence is not as fundamental as you believe—that’s why many among the ash’ari were able to reach it in the past. If you have reached integration, transcendence is simply another step—an inevitable progression, like the flow of a river toward the sea—like the shift of something trying to develop itself into a bigger whole. The challenge is not in the step itself, but in your willingness to take that step forward. Transcendence demands more than effort; it demands risk, the willingness to lose everything to gain something greater."
Its eyes gleamed with a knowing light, as if it could peer directly into the turmoil within me. "Think of it this way: imagine a bird perched on a branch. The integration stage is akin to the bird learning how to use its wings, understanding the wind, and mastering the art of flight in a controlled environment. Transcendence, however, is when that bird must take flight into the heart of a storm, trusting its instincts and embracing the unknown. It’s not a question of ability, but of belief."
The words struck a nerve, and I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew. But my mind felt like it was close to unravelling something.
The entity leaned forward slightly, its gaze piercing. "Mordian, if I told you that you possess the understanding to reach transcendence, yet simultaneously lack it, would you believe me?"
The paradox it posed unravelled me further, as if it were revealing a truth so simple, yet so profound, that it felt impossible to grasp. Its presence, alien and unnerving, felt less like that of an enemy and more like a teacher, pushing me to confront the barriers of my own mind.
I remained silent, the echoes of its words reverberating within me. This wasn’t just a question of power—it was a question of perspective, a challenge to shed the illusions I had clung to for so long.
"What do you propose I do?" I asked, my voice steady despite the confusion clawing at my thoughts. It was a strange sensation—standing before something that I knew was an enemy, yet feeling as though I were in the presence of a mentor—much less an old acquaintance. This wasn’t a battle; it felt like a lesson, one I wasn’t sure I was ready to learn after what it had done.
The entity tilted its head slightly, its starry eyes swirling with a spectrum of colours that seemed to defy logic. When it spoke, its words were layered with riddles, their meanings obscured like shapes hidden beneath murky water, or was that how I perceived them? Perhaps it was telling me the entire truth, but with my lack of understanding I couldn’t grasp the truth even if it was fully placed in front of me.
"Do?" it echoed, as though the question itself were flawed. "To do implies that the answer lies in action, that the path forward is carved by mere effort. But effort alone cannot unlock what you seek."
It circled me slowly, its gaze never breaking from mine. "The bird on the branch does not ‘do’ when it flies into the storm. It simply leaps, because the leap is both the question and the answer. What you lack is not the power to transcend, Mordian, but the courage to embrace what you do not understand. Or perhaps your own insecurities and pains.”
I frowned, the weight of its words pressing heavily on me. "So, you're telling me to leap blindly into the unknown?"
The entity paused, its expression unreadable. "Not blindly," it said, its tone sharper now, more deliberate. "But without chains. Your doubt is your chain. Your fear is your cage. To transcend is not to act—it is to be."
It stopped before me, leaning close, I didn’t flinch away. "Tell me, Mordian: when the storm howls and the sky splits open, will you wait for the wind to calm, or will you spread your wings and become one with the chaos?"
The question lingered in the air, heavy and unrelenting. It felt less like an invitation and more like a command.
I took a moment to absorb its words, feeling unsure. “Then does that mean, that transcendence is perfection for oneself, releasing oneself from our self imposed limitations; the final pillar of mana where everything, all the secrets of the universe open up to you? Where you start to understand the world in ways you lacked before?” I asked.
"Transcendence, in its essence, is not perfection," the entity began, its voice resonating with an almost otherworldly weight. "It is merely a construct, an analogy birthed by those who sought answers beyond their reach. They gave it a name and shaped it with theories that fit their limited understanding, crafting an illusion of finality where none exists."
"Then what is the true nature of transcendence?" I asked, though the question felt like it was unravelling me even as I spoke.
The entity's dark eyes flickered, a kaleidoscope of colours reflecting truths I could not yet grasp. "Transcendence is flawed by its very nature. It is not a state of perfection, nor a gift that can be attained through effort alone. It is not a pristine truth waiting to be discovered—it is a fractured mirror, showing different reflections to each who gaze upon it. And yet," it leaned closer, its voice softening, "within that imperfection lies the perfection you must uncover. To fully transcend is not to fix the cracks, but to find beauty within them."
It probed. "Just like how mana is a whole of something bigger, and so is demonic energy. Both of them may be two sides of the same coin, but they lack certain fundamentals, which they use each other's to coexist within harmony."
Its words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I struggled to comprehend, and it seemed to sense my confusion. "Imagine," it continued, "an artist painting on a torn canvas. The tear is a flaw, yes, but to the artist who sees beyond its limitations, it is also an opportunity—a chance to create something unique, something extraordinary that could not exist without the imperfection. That is Transcendence. It is not the act of becoming flawless, but of embracing the flawed nature of creation itself and discovering perfection within it."
"Isn’t that just justification for failure?" I asked cautiously, unsure if I dared to challenge it.
It smiled faintly, as if amused by my resistance. "Failure is a word spoken by those who fear imperfection. Transcendence is not a destination, Mordian—it is a realization. It is the moment you see the truth no longer veiled in subtleties. It is not about becoming the embodiment of mana, or of all creation; it is about understanding that you already are. The stage reveals truths that once whispered now shout, truths you must interpret through your own lens. It is not the universe that becomes clear—it is you. And through your own choices and insight can you hope to find the right answer—I can only guide you now, put you on the right path."
It straightened, its gaze piercing. "Consider the bird flying into the storm once more. The storm is flawed—it rages, it tears, it destroys. And yet, within that chaos, the bird finds freedom, finds the wind that lifts it higher than it could ever reach in calm skies. Transcendence is that storm. It is chaos. It is imperfection. But those who truly transcend are not those who avoid it—they are the ones who find harmony within it, who soar because of it, not despite it."
The silence that followed was deafening. Its words carved through my thoughts, leaving no room for comfort, only the raw, unsettling truth that the path forward was not about reaching perfection but redefining it from an angle different for everyone.
Every person had a different image of perfection, but if perfection led to imperfection, then through that same choices and imperfection, one could find perfection and harmony within oneself. Then did that mean transcendence was like the two sides of the same coin, whichever side fell was the desired result, you, yourself sought in order to find a state of harmony within yourself to acquire the transcendence only meant for you.
I felt my mind grasp at an important truth, as I looked at the entity with widened eyes.
It smiled softly as if encouraging me to hold that small tether of understanding. “It seems you have come to a decision. Good. Then my work here is done.”
I looked at the entity, wanting to ask one more think, but unsure if it would answer.
“It seems our time has come to an end, Mordian. But, truthfully, it was nice to meet you again here.” Its smile widened with nostalgia, appearing caring.
What? What did it mean by that? Had me met before somewhere? A time I couldn’t recall.
Before I could ask, the entity looked at me with a playful and reminiscent look in its eyes, as the void from around us shook, distorting, as it walked closer to me. “I would like to give one more gift on our parting. I don’t know when will we be able to meet again. You can ask just one more thing. I will allow it.”
I was unsure why it appeared so familiar with me, but I took it over its kindness.
“Who are you?” I asked, this time calmly.
It approached and placed a hand over my chest, where my heart was, as I felt a jolt of pain sear away from me. A faint iridescent glow enveloped its hand and my heart as the light subsidised.
It saw my twisted expression and added.
“I apologize for doing that out of nowhere but I have removed some of effects of the binding curse on your heart, the restrictions it has over you should be reduced even more. I’m sorry, but with my limited strength and authority all I can do is suppress the curse to allow you to gain your previous abilities back for a longer time.”
It sincerely apologized, looking me in the eye as if genuinely asking for forgiveness.
“No,” I shook my head. “This much is more than enough. Thank you....” I pressed, waiting for it to answer my previous question
“And one more thing, tell your bond, that I have sealed some of the effects of Ruler’s Authority's skill which he is still unable to fully master, so until the right time comes, it will stay sealed until it automatically is released.” The entity reassured and I felt relieved.
Upon my bond’s mention I turned my eyes to him, looking at his starry gaze, as if searching for Jiwoo. And it read my concern.
“You don’t have to worry. Jiwoo is fine, he is merely asleep and is safe, I simply supressed his soul through the system when I knew that winning against Amanises seemed impossible.” He spoke, as if reassuring me. “And rest assured, I won’t possess Jiwoo’s body in the future out of nowhere, its on the premise that I wouldn’t be able to. Because, at the rate which Jiwoo is growing stronger and assimilating, I wouldn’t have enough strength left after today to overwhelm his soul even with the help of the system. To be honest, he's a monster in a sense.” It joked.
The void around us shook more furiously as cracks ran through it, as the entity stepped back and it gave me a toothy grin.
“And for you last question. “ Its eyes seemed almost playful, voice soft and gentle. “I am Primordial.”
I felt my eyes widen as I felt shocked. This was the man, the ghost we had been chasing behind since Vetustima told us about his existence. So it...no, the entity was Primordial. He was behind it all.
Just as I tried to reach out, the void around us crumbled and I felt an unbearable amount of pain envelope me all at once, as I saw Jiwoo lying a few steps away from me, his body numb and unconscious, as I too felt my mind drift as everything turned dark.