Within the Tower of Leo, massive changes occurred in the altar room as rifts in space started to form.

From those rifts, large waves of Void matter seeped out, slowly slithering towards Samael's floating body and encasing him in its embrace.

Around him, multiple panels of the Codex manifested.

Acquisition of a second shard was detected! Undergoing a second rebirth!

Commencing rebirth!

As the Void matter took Samael in their embrace, it slowly circulated, forming a pitch-black cocoon.

All around it, another torrent of Void energy whipped in a frenzy, cautiously protecting the heir.

Inside, Samael's body continuously disintegrated and regenerated, repeating endlessly. Inside his soul, shackles were slowly being shattered, revealing a portion of his potential.

The storm above the tower of Leo brewed wildly, emitting lightning that left gashes in the sky.

The abominations all over the world cowered as they hid in fear. As for who, no one can tell. It was instinctual; they did not see nor hear what it was, but it was there.

Not a single soul dared to enter the tower or even take a single step on the ancient grounds of Uria.

While all this happened, Samael felt at peace. As though the months of suffering he endured were but a dream.

He felt relaxed, content, and at home.

He could feel himself grow stronger and better, and his mind became clearer.

As the moments passed, the changes started to ease down as the void matter slowly vanished without a trace.

As they did, Samael's body slowly lowered to the ground, naked. However, his skin glew and his muscles were far more defined.

He had no wounds or bruises. There was not even a single small scratch. His hair became darker, almost glimmering. But the biggest change was his aura.

As Samael slowly opened the lids of his eyes, he squinted as he felt as though the world had gained another level of clarity. Similar to when he first entered his

transformation back in the ruins beneath.

His eyes have become brighter shade of crimson, glowing in the dark.

Did I go through another transformation?

That is correct.

Samae slowly rose up, but his body flew up without warning, shattering through the roof as he landed on the highest peak of the tower.

But to his surprise, he felt no pain.

Samael's brows furrowed as he ever so slowly rose up, this time making sure he paid attention to his strength.

Just what the hell was that?! He thought in bewilderment.

But his attention was soon lured towards the sky.

The clouds have calmed down, allowing the light of the sun to peer through. There were no more lightnings, and most especially wyverns.

But what intrigued him was that the heat of the sun was nothing to him now. It almost felt soothing.

Just what happened to me?

Glancing at his hands, Samael opened and closed them with a speed unimaginable to him before.

However, the series of surprises was just beginning as Samael summoned a mirror and was once again shocked by his appearance.

Did I look this good before? He wondered. It was like he had never touched a blade in his life.

All the dark circles under his eyes had gone, and he almost looked like he was glowing. Not to mention, his muscle definition is better now.

Summoning the Codex, it was time to see the changes.

On cue, a myriad of panels exploded in Samael's face as he recoiled back, unintentionally dashing back and nearly falling off the edge.

Damn it! It's even worse now since my hearing is more sensitive! Samael thought in exasperation as he winced.

Congratulations on obtaining the second shard! Authority has increased!

Rebirth successful! You have surpassed your limits and grown stronger!

Do you wish to see the changes?

Samael could only massage his temples. For now, he will ask one question at a time.

What are these shards?

Due to [REDACTED], there are seven Void shards scattered throughout the universe. Each of these shards contains the potential and power of the Abyss. Upon absorption, you will gain a portion of the lost legacy of the Void and get one step closer to your goal.

Interesting... What do these shards do?

Each and every shard you get will have a specific effect. The first shard was what triggered your awakening. The second shard you just recently obtained granted another rebirth, strengthening your body and its limits along with your soul.

That makes sense of how absurd my physical capabilities are now, but I don't seem to feel the changes in my "soul."

Feel your aura.

Samael's gaze narrowed as he hesitantly expanded his astral pressure.

For a moment, Samael felt nothing until a sudden burst of power ejected from his body, shattering the rooftop of the tower as he fell down a few floors.

Rising from the rubble, Samael internally cussed.

What was that?!

Your aura.

I know, but—ugh. Nevermind.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Show me the changes he commanded.

Understood.

Your rank has increased!

Metamorphosis III -> Enlightened I

I jumped up three ranks?! Samael's jaw fell agape as he inched closer at the screen hovering before him.

[STATS]

Name: Samael

Title: [Loved by the Void]...

Species: Void Spawn [+]

Affinity: Void

Rank: Enlightened I

Condition: Good, Healthy

STATS

STR: 78,988

SPD/AGI: 77,276

CONSTITUTION: 83,455

SPIRIT: 90,000

CHARM: 500

∆SKILLS [+]

Samael's eyes nearly blew off their sockets as he was unable to believe the numbers written on the screen in front of him.

Not only did he jump ranks, but his stats skyrocketed to thousands upon thousands! Just how did that happen?

Samael sat down as he comprehended what the Codex showed him.

If my stats are like this, just how far did my mastery and Crimson Raven soar?

Void Element.

Tier 3, Mark 4

Control: Tier 4 Mark 4

Quantity: Tier 3, Mark 4.

[Crimson Raven]

Rank: Enlightened I

Tier 9 Mark 3

Type: Weapon [Axe]

Description:

"Slaughter... Slaughter all of them. This hunt... This hunt is mine alone..." A weapon previously owned by a hunter who held limitless malice towards the god.

Skills [+]

Well, fuck Samael thought as a wide grin made its way to his lips.

If his stats were like this, there was no doubt there would be a plethora of new skills in his arsenal.

Show me everything.

You have gained four new minor skills and one major skill.

You got one minor evolution.

Crimson Raven has gained two new skills.

Overdrive and heightened senses have undergone changes!

Time to see the rewards of my effort

Needle rain (inheritance)

sends down a rain of needle-like attacks composed of solidified Void matter.

Void wall (inheritance)

summons a large wall of Void matter capable of defending against heavy attacks.

Void miasma (inheritance)

deploys a Void miasma capable of corroding the lungs and internal organs of those that inhale it. Also causes minor blindness and visual disruptions.

Two AOEs and one defensive ability. Not bad. Now what's the last one?

Instinct (Innate)

Instinct gives the host multiple effects. One of the effects is that the host may sense if something is off or dangerous through their guts alone. The second is that the host's reactions are enhanced; he may even react without noticing it. Third effect: the host's learning capability is enhanced as his body instinctually learns a technique, allowing him to cast abilities or do abilities without needing to put much effort in.

An innate ability? Wait, is it because I underwent rebirth that I got another inborn ability?! Isn't that technically cheating? Not only that, the Codex also mentioned changes in some of my innate abilities.

Overdrive -> Hyperdrive.

Hyperdrive (Innate): Allows the host temporary access to the Void realm, giving him nearly infinite essence to utilize. Not only that, but the user will burn through tonnes of Essence within seconds, enhancing their capabilities by multiple folds. However, its drawbacks are just as severe. The user's body will deteriorate due to the intense amount of Void essence that his soul and body may yet be able to use or handle. The user will suffer extreme pain, not only physically but also spiritually, and undergo a coma. The amount of time he will be in a coma is dependent on how much he uses Hyperdrive.

INFINITE VOID ESSENCE?! Samael roared inside.

Just thinking about the number of things he can do in such conditions is astonishing. But his mood dimmed as he saw the severe backlash.

Heightened senses = augmented awareness.

Augmented Awareness [Innate]: Enhances users awareness to another level. It also gives the host the host the ability: Sheer Focus. It allows the host to filter out distractions and focus on one target or multiple.

It must be one of the reasons why everything tastes like rainbows. Now, since that is out of the way, it is time to see the major ability.

[Devourer]

summons a formless Void creature in the user's arm or desired body and allows him to devour a portion of the enemy.

Another skill I must use with care. How about my evolution and weapon?

[Tracker] Description: Allows the host to put a marker on an enemy he damages.

[Birds eye]

Description: Allows the host to deploy a Raven and see what it sees.

It seems most of my new abilities in my weapon are for utility purposes. How about my evolution?

[Soul hardening] {Minor}

increases soul durability, giving the host more flexibility under the use of astral pressure.

Finally! An ability that targets my soul! Samael thought.

In the last few years of levelling up, there were not many abilities that targeted the astral body. Something like this was just that rare.

With that panel, Samael's advancements have ended.

Unsure of how to handle so much information, Samael sat down as he absorbed everything.

He also did a series of exercises and drills to familiarise himself with his new body.

Eventually, before he knew it, the sun had gone down, marking the end of the day.

Wearing a new set of clothes, Samael shot a glance forward as he caressed the necklace around his neck.

Oddly enough, he can somewhat feel something in the space just before him. He could tell it was his way home.

It seems it was time to rejoin the war and continue where he left off.

But this time, there was no holding back.

***

Erubin's groans echoed as he struggled to crawl forward, his fingers digging through the earth as he tried to reach for his blade.

Memories of his beloved love flashed before his eyes. The days they spent together, the missions they took, and... her death.

It kept repeating, like a sick joke.

Erubin cannot just accept it. He must avenge her, even if it costs him his life.

Erubin's small flicker of flame stood proud as he grasped the hilt of his blade, using it as support to stand up.

Glaring at the beast before him, Erubin weakly raised his blade.

However, a mere swipe knocked him back down as his arm was sent flying in the air.

Wails of pain escaped his lips as his blood pooled underneath him, his legs flailing uncontrollably under the pain of the rot.

"More! Scream! More!" The wolf said.

Timeus could only bite his lips in frustration as he watched the scene unfold before him.

He already watched his daughter die; now it's happening again.

How can they even win?

"Please... anyone... help us," Timeus muttered, his eyes blurring.

But like some miracle, someone answered his call.

Not some angel.

Not some god.

A man.

He who is one with the Void.

A large rift in space formed as a foot stepped out, stirring the dust as his figure slowly exited the portal.

Samael's dishevelled jet black hair danced in the wind as he laid eyes upon the wolf that nearly cost him his life.

Slowly, his gaze shifted towards Erubin's nearly lifeless body and Timeus.

Samael's eyes widened, and his bright red pupils stuck at the carnage that had occurred in his absence.

This was his fault, wasn't it?

A wide grin crawled on the face of the giant wolf as it saw Samael again.

"YOU! I... KNOW YOU!" it roared as its eyes turned crescent.

However, his smirk was soon wiped off his face as collosal astral pressure smashed him to the ground.

The wolf's face paled as the world around him became blood red. The air became so stale that even breathing was a chore.

It could not move, it could not speak, and it could not even breathe. The wolf felt that one wrong move, and he was dead.

For the first time in his life, it felt...

True fear...

The Spawn of the Void had returned.

And he's angry.