Taking a few more days off, Samael finally began to move as he found himself in a room with Icarius, Ajax, Aphemis, and a few orbs that were meant for the other members of the high table. There were also the Saints of Tera, along with representatives of the other sanctuaries.

"Good to see you back, Samael," Icarius said as he gave the boy a nod. "Are you okay now?"

"I'm all healed up," Samael said in response.

Surprisingly, when he woke up, his injuries were already fully healed, not even leaving a single scar. After some explanation from the Codex, it seems that the injuries he sustained that kept him inactive were due to a condition called "soul strain."

Apparently, shattering the chains meant unleashing a portion of his soul's power—power that his physical body cannot handle yet nor his current soul capacity.

With the sudden flow of power, his soul took quite a hit that could have killed him if it weren't for Lilith's intervention, something that also puzzled him. Why did Lilith's element of chaos cure him? How?

Unfortunately, the codex remained silent and only said that such information is too high even for his current state.

Expounding further into the details of his soul, Samael asked the codex a few questions and surprisingly got a few answers out.

First things first, the Codex explained that there are multiple different kinds of souls in the universe, some stronger than others. Some of these stronger souls belonged to creatures such as gods. Sadly, some of them were kept hidden due to a lack of authority.

As for Samael, his soul belonged to a whole other category. Although unable to explain its origin, the Codex simply said that his soul, a Vagabond, belonged to an error. That's all. Not only that, but Lilith's soul was also a vagabond.

Being a Vagabond, according to the Codex, is a dangerous thing, as their existence is rare beyond belief, so rare that many entities would pay a hefty price and go to extended lengths just to acquire one. As for what purpose? No one knows.

This was the real reason why the Codex had bound him. That action has kept him safe up until now. But his recent actions have made his presence known to some. Luckily, it seems none had fully grasped what he was, as the shattering was swift.

Delving into the topic of binding, Samael also asked who was keeping Lilith safe. Surely she doesn't have a codex of her own?

It turns out that Lilith was being protected by another strong entity. Unfortunately, the Codex cannot reveal any further information. But that didn't matter to Samael. As long as she's safe, he's okay with it.

But not all were bad. With high risks come high rewards. Due to the unbinding process, Samael's soul integration was hastened a little, giving him a boost in power, namely, the ability to manifest his own subzone.

A subzone is something most saints have, as their knowledge and their soul have reached heights no mundane human can achieve. Fulfilling these requirements, Samael is the earliest case of subzone manifestation ever recorded in the history of Ergo.

But like all his strong abilities, Samael hasn't fully understood the ability itself, as it's not some skill the Codex has given him. It's not something the previous Void Sovereign created but rather his very own ability, like the one he created back in his first trial. It would require some time before he even gets the chance to use it in battle.

Not only that, but Samael also noticed that his Ethos had significantly improved, meaning he can now store more Void essence of higher purity than before.

Going back to the meeting, Icarius cleared his throat as he spoke. "So we are all gathered here today to discuss the recent attack on Tera."

Laying a small stone-like remnant in the middle of the table, a picture of the flower under the city appeared, causing the table to erupt into murmurs.

"As you all know and heard, this beast attacked the sanctuary," Icarius said.

"Not just some beast; it's called 'fell flower," Samael chimed in.

"Well, whatever this fell flower is, it is something we have never faced before. We have no knowledge whatsoever of its existence, abilities, and capabilities," Icarius resumed. "However, upon observation, this beast has the ability to summon forth rifts."

"What?!" Nova exclaimed through the orb.

"Are you sure of this?" Olaf asked.

"Yes, yes, I am sure of it," Icarius confirmed as the table once again fell into a chaotic discussion.

Slamming his fist on the table, the voices halted.

"Please calm down everyone. I know the situation is bad, but we cannot be swept by our emotions, not now that we are slowly losing allies," Icarius said.

Samael's face fell solemn as he remembered Michael's death along with that of the headmaster of the school.

"Going back, this fell flower has the ability to summon said portals... and destroy them," Icarius followed.

"What are you insinuating?" Nova asked.

"It means killing it will also kill all nearby abominations and all it has summoned, like a form of power source," Mendez said.

"He's precisely correct," Icarius confirmed.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"When we killed this beast, all nearby abominations surrounding Tera fell like leaves in spring, dead. All the rifts were also patched."

"But why is it only in Tera?" Ishkar asked. "We're still facing waves upon waves of nonstop onslaught from abominations, and it seems that they're only getting fiercer by the day."

Inching closer, Icarius spoke, his visage dark.

"That's the thing. I believe there's another one out there that's fuelling all of the abominations coming to our world, and it's growing fast."

***

When the meeting had ended, all those who were not involved with the high table were instructed to leave, except for Samael and Ajax.

"Here are the two I'm talking about: Samael and Ajax," Icarius introduced.

"Although I may not be able to see you two, it's still nice to meet you," Nova said.

"I only greet strong people. Prove yourself first, and then we'll talk," Ishkar said.

"Don't mind him; he's just like that," Nova interrupted.

"My name is Olaf Siegeberg. I'm a blacksmith of the Mellaguns race. I look forward to meeting you two," Olaf plainly said.

"It seems it's my turn now. Hey there! The name's Mendez. I like women, booze, and most importantly, money," Mendez said when Icarius cut him.

"Okay! That's all for the introductions! These four will be your mentors as we travel through the sanctuaries. As per agreement, our first destination will be Servan," Icarius said. "There you'll meet Ishkar. Then we'll proceed to Erdun to meet with Olaf, and then... wait, where are you, Mendez?"

"Oh, don't worry about me; you won't be able to find me, but I will find you," he said.

Icarius sighed as he continued. "Well, after him is Oros, where Nova is."

"When will we depart?" Ajax asked.

"Tomorrow," Icarius said, prompting Samael to cough.

"Tommorow?!" Samael asked.

"Yes, tomorrow," Icarius confirmed. "Unfortunately, after your short coma, we've already been delayed by two months. Now we only have ten months to finish your training. We don't have the luxury of time."

A deep sigh escaped Samael's lips. "What about Aphemis? I don't think I heard you mention her."

"That's because she won't be participating in the training," Icarius said.

"Why?" Samael asked.

"She'll be devoting herself to training her granddaughter," Icarius said.

Samael's brows furrowed. As expected, it seems Aphemis is also preparing Lilith for the war. But knowing the woman, this probably wasn't her will.

"Will you be joining us on our journey?" Samael asked Icarius.

"I'll be with you, but I will only act once you've finished all four of them," Icarius said.

With that, the meeting came to an end as Samael went on his own merry way.

Seeing the bright moon in the sky, he couldn't help but sigh. Things were just going too fast. With how the series of events is flowing, many will surely perish as they fight this upcoming war.

Many things bothered him. There was his fear for Lilith's safety and his fear of being unable to reach the power needed to defeat the Cardinals. But now, there are also other beings beyond his comprehension that have begun to notice his existence. Yet again, he's a threat to everyone's safety.

Sitting down on the grass, Samael breathed in the fresh wind of the cold night, the bright panels of the Codex illuminating his face.

Void:

Tier 5 Mark 5

Control: Tier 5 Mark 5

Quantity: Tier 6 Mark 5

[Void Spawn [-]]

Evolution progress: Tier 10 Mark 3

Marker: 344,000/500,000

Special trait: Heir type

-a species of void beings capable of extreme destruction and power.

Not only did he gain a tier in his race meter, but a fuck tonne of points in his mastery meter. He jumped tiers and even a markup.

[STATS]

Name: Samael

Title: [Loved by the void]...[+]

Species: Void Spawn [+]

Affinity: Void [+]

Rank: Enlightened I

Condition: Good, Healthy

STATS

STR: 84,623

SPD/AGI: 85,880

CONSTITUTION: 92,999

SPIRIT: 102,345

CHARM: 501

∆SKILLS [+]

His stats were practically borderline a Saint. His spirit took the largest jump and has reached that of a Saint III.

It's time to see the new skills.

You have gained five new minor skills and one major skill! Would you like to see them?

Yes or no?

Show me.

[Void pulse] (Inheritance)

Release a small pulse of Void energy that can push or knock enemies back.

[Abyssal rupture] (inheritance)

Converge Void energy and release it, causing energy and hearing disruptions.

[Abyss depths] (inheritance)

temporarily corrode the light surrounding the enemy's eyes, blinding them temporarily or reducing their vision.

[Temporal armour] (inheritance)

allows the host to create a shield that can hover near the desired body parts, giving out defence without the cost of mobility. However, the shield is far weaker in comparison to the rest.

[Abyss charge] (inheritance)

allows the host to release an abrupt energy release that can deflect attacks around him. However, the range is small.

A small, imperceptible smile made its way to Samael's lips as he read the contents of the skills. Some of them were highly useful in combat, as they could impede the senses of the enemy. In a fight, such things can change the tide of the battle.

Not only that, but he also gained some defensive skills that will step his game up. Typically, his defensive abilities would render him immobile, but that isn't the case anymore. Still, he still has to test out the durability of these new shields before actually using them in combat.

Now, show me the rest.

It was now time to check the new evolution he obtained and the skills Crimson Raven has developed.

[Void Immunity]

It increases host immunity to higher-purity void matter.

Now that's extremely useful, Samael thought. Although he's a Void spawn, he isn't immune to the effects of higher-purity Void matter, as evident in his fight with the fell flower.

[Guardian]

Description: Protects the host from mental attacks by consuming them. However, it cannot consume multiple mental attacks that are too strong.

[Deflect]

Description: Allows the host to deflect heavy attacks and abilities at the cost of consuming essence.

[Blood bank]

Description: Allows the weapon to absorb the blood of its foes and use it rather than consuming the essence of the host. The higher the purity of the blood, the better and lower the energy will be consumed when used.

That is also extremely useful, Samael thought. This new ability, blood bank, stood out the most as it meant he'd be able to save more essence. But that would mean he'd have to hunt some beasts to fill it up.

Then again, the opportunity of combat was not his problem, there are more battles ahead of him.

Soon, very soon.