Aaron was completely gobsmacked, it was like when you lost the dick fighting contest in the males changeroom. When you were proud about the "thud" you made, the new alpha slapped oranges around with his dick like it was a national sport. Except it was Lyner, his son that was more alpha than himself. It was both a prideful and a... disgraceful feeling at the same time.
It had only been 6 days since the Lazarus clan started playing Bloods vs the Crips with the System and the Multiverse forces. Which meant based off of doing lazy quick maths, 2.1 million years in time dilation.
Now, getting back to the prideful and the disgraceful emotions Aaron currently felt. Lyner and Leyara were both monsters that had such raw innate intuitions and instincts, they avoided all the mistakes in cultivation that others would walk into. Both of them were born on Earth, and had both Leandras and his own heritage, but that alone was not able to make 2 monstrous beings on a planet that did not have Spirituality, Dao, Concepts or Laws. Even with his and Leandras combined races, heritage, and ancestral guidance passed down through the generations. Lyner and Leyara had no damn right to be this effortless.
What took Aaron hundreds of millions of years to confirm his Dao, all the heavenly and abyssal wars, and numerous tribulations to reach his peak before his injuries. Both of his children effortlessly blew through those gates, while their cultivation bases would be erased upon Reincarnation. They would be turned into auxiliary Cultivator Cores used for gradual consumption. Constantly improving their foundations, body, and innate talents. Not only that after they were fully digested, the husk of the auxiliary cores would remain and later be able to be turned into a Optimization Core.
Optimization Cores act as a general boost to any Cultivator. It can be as simple as increasing the overall sturdiness of the muscles, bones, and meridians of Pugilists. Which would greatly benefit them and their combat styles, meaning they can take harder hits and in return open a bigger can of whoop ass. There were also Optimization Cores that solely focused on enhancing an illusionists mind and soul, or those increasing the power and natural affinity to elemental Daos for mages, and let me reiterate this quickly. FUCK the mages. And as complex as being able to be used as a support tool in Karma, Divinations, Mysticism, and the like.
In this time that passed Aaron fine tuned Lyners Mana control, taught him Formations and Blacksmithing. His son outstripped all those he had ever seen in both fields of study. With Lyners superb Mana control being something even Aaron wouldn't dare say he was better at. Lyner created a profession based off of all of the above, Mana Body Blacksmith. Mana Bodies enhanced all of the basic attributes, and Mana is the basis for all life in the Multiverse. Without water humans would die, and without Mana cultivators would die. Mana Bodies also acted as a back up generator, in special environments lacking Mana, the Mana Body kept the Cultivator alive longer albeit on a timer. The higher the quality of the Mana Body, the stronger the connection to "life" the more blessed by "life" the individual was.
On the other hand Leyara had no talent in Mana, but instead Stamina. Another form of energy directly linked to Bloodlines, Constitutions and Divine Bodies in the Multiverse. The physical body is the canister holding boundless potential no matter that of race. Stamina and Mana needed to be in an equal balance, to ascend into the Realms of God, one needed a upgraded Life Rating which was the basic function of Stamina. Leyara equally was taught Stamina control, Formations and Blacksmithing leading into a new Profession, Bloodline Blacksmith.
Both Lyner and Leyara were Profession Patriarch/Matriarch. When becoming of age to start cultivating after Rebirth, it would lead to an exclusive title that would benefit them as they grew in power. Both were siblings and would have professions with 100% synergy between them. As long as they were not nipped in the budding phase, they would be capable of creating a faction of limitless potential. And later on if the Lazarus clan ever got destroyed by the System, they could revitalize and bring a higher glory. But that was for the future, and a big if, if they wished to become enemies of the System.
Aaron sighed as he watched the cocoon holding Lyner inside. The Heavenly River Demonic Art is a Transcendent technique of the Demon race, it was created by a fallen Archangel in the primordial Era. When Lyner inherited it on Earth, the fallen Archangel left a seed in the technique that invaded Lyners soul space. Creating a second version of him that was in a constant struggle of supremacy. But there was potential in this, Aaron saw it as an opportunity that Lyner would have to overcome. He just crated the environment and threw Lyner into it. Because that's what parents did, they threw curveballs because why the hell not?
It had been 1 million years in time dilation since the beginning of it. Aaron watched nervously as numerous times he felt Lyners soul nearly get consumed, now both sides were in a fragile equilibrium. If Lyner succeeded the seed would be erased, Aaron would then split Lyners soul into two equal parts. Lyner would have a secondary version of him that could cultivate, and would act in the best interests of himself and have 100% of his own attributes.
Aarons attention returned as Lyner came out of the cocoon with a identical copy of himself. One was Holy and the other was Demonic. Aarons eyebrows raised in alarm as Lyners and the Archangels' souls were intertwined.
"Relax father it's fine, the both of us came to a compromise that works in favor for both of us. Azarinths soul weakened over the aeons and was very close to dispersing. We fused our souls in a last ditch effort so that we would always have a worthy opponent, and ally to rely on. Azarinth is not so bad, he can out drink me and is quite the blasphemer. You should hear about the time he let an ass ripper of a fart in mid praye-"
The second Lyner covered the real Lyners mouth and smiled as friendly as possible. "Hey dad, nice to meet your acquaintance. Don't mind what this brat is spouting, he got severe brain damage from the soul wrestling. You humans have an interesting figure named Randy Orton, his RKO is quite comical!" Azarinth smiled while his eyes spoke of murder as he glared daggers at Lyner.
Meanwhile, Lyner only stirred the pot more mentally as he made childish noises in his head, with both middle fingers up raising his arms up and down like a mental gif. (Imagine Steve from Brickleberry flipping Ethel off while shuffling backwards, tripping over himself to keep shuffling back as he gets back up and exits the room.)
Aaron simply blinked multiple times, algebra, bedmas, and numerous other mathematical equations rushed through his head. Black smoke blew out of his ears, as even he could not commute the retardery going on in front of him. But he understood the gist of the situation. This was the kind of shit you'd see on Facebook or ClickClock (that was purposeful, don't worry 'bout it.")
"It's good that things worked out for my son, if they were not sorted out by the time of Reincarnation. I would have personally stepped in, but I am satisfied with the results. It will be interesting to watch what comes from this situation." Aaron smiled proudly then redirected his gaze to Azarinth "As for you, I will not comment since it has been a very long time since the resurface of a lost lineage. You and my son are intrinsically tied to the same soul. While there are many tribulations that come with the Lazarus name. There are many benefits, and if you keep the best interests of my son. I can use an ancient ritual to undo both souls without damaging either, returning freedom to you once again."
The second Lyner, nah nevermind scrap that shit, Azarinth looked on with hints of anticipation but in the end shook his head.
"There's no need for that, both of our souls are already long past that point. Besides, the portrait of that women in Lyners soul has cleansed the deviations of my cultivation path, and even has opened up the chance to start over. Lyner is I, and I am Lyner. If either of us die, then both of us will without a doubt die. Lyner is a worthy companion and a foe to challenge myself against, why would I want to give up this fun? You know what it's like at the top dont you? It's boring and miserable not being able to have the thrill of a true life and death battle." Azarinth said making eye contact with Aaron, not willing to show weakness or back down from someone who he himself equally stood at the peaks with once upon a time.
Aaron smiled as he knew Lyners situation was a chanced upon encounter. Lyner had yet to come under the purview of the System, there were untold benefits of having another "half" that you could change classes between both sides, gain twice the levels and the attribute points outside of the norm. But it also greatly increased the difficulty of tribulations, race evolutions, class evolutions and the like. While Lyner gained 2x the benefits of a normal Cultivator, he had to in exchange gain 2x the amount of achievements, titles, enlightenment, and there would be more bottlenecks than the usual. There is always cause and effect for ones actions, a balance had to be achieved or it could lead to karmic mishappenings. Because nothing said gg like an errant bolt of tribulation lightning striking you in mid enlightenment, breaking your connection and damaging your soul. Karmic Fuckery and all that jazz.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
"Well you will simply just have to keep your best interests in line with each other as companions. Healthy competition is always welcomed when the power balance is not skewed in favor of a singular side. There has to be balance in which case will happen sooner than later. Spend the last bit of time observing a battle between peak powers going head to head. Feeling the various impressions on the battlefield of such a high tier would benefit both of you, and don't forget to protect Leyara in the next life. She is not battle fanatics like you both, but instead pursues magic, knowledge, non-combatant fields and more academic routes." Aaron said, giving Lyner and Azarinth a pointed look, then left to give final pointers to Leyara before the deadline arrived.
It was originally promised to be 7 days in total, but many auras of the Lazarus clan were chaotic and unstable. Tens of thousands of the Lazarus clan members died, but billions and trillions of individuals from numerous factions across the Multiverse were slain as well. The percentile was still within bearable standards, the Lazarus clan only had 1.5 million individuals in total. 500,000 were fighters, the rest were management, Healers, Alchemists, Blacksmiths, Rune Engravers, and various other professions a clan or faction needed to earn money and to produce pills, equipment, formations, talismans, array disks and the like.
Each member of the Lazarus clan was the cream of the crop in their respective fields. For the warriors they would be the Guardian Protector of the sect, and for the non combatant classes they'd be the chief Alchemists, Blacksmiths, Engravers or the most respected Principles to teach the younger generation how to cultivate with as much efficiency as possible. Every single loss to the Lazarus Clan was heart breaking, and irreplaceable. The System actively targeted the Lazarus clan, and for whatever allies that stood by them were heavily punished in numerous ways. They were shunned by the System, as such the remaining members of the Lazarus Clan were a tight knit community. Very few dared to go against the System and those that did would all fall. It was not a matter of how, but when. Even the Lazarus Clan was unable to circumvent being annihilated eventually.
Taking his fathers advice, Lyner watched multiple combatants of both sides who had the Daos of Sword, Light, Dark and Thunder. They were the only Dao available to him because of Aarons and Leandras bloodlines. Whatever spirituality Earth did have accumulated, was devoured by Lyner and became the fuel to plant his Dao, albeit to a limited and very weak effect. But even that alone was enough to make Lyner realize the power he could gain, and then push into his combat abilities.
Azarinth stood by his side, and was able to take in all the various flavors. As a being that is at the peak and confirmed his Dao, he was not afraid of becoming lost by the different flavors. All the interpretation was looked at keenly and broken down to their most basic components. Numerous eons passed before Lyner gained the Holy River Demonic Art inheritance, and thus Azarinth entered a slow period of regression. After that, Azarinth and Lyner came to terms and Azarinth used up the remains of his Dao to clone Lyner and gain a suitable body. What he was doing was simply to replenish his reserves, although it was lower quality than Aarons who was at the peak and had Oblivion. It was better than nothing, and beggars could not be choosers, hypothetically.
Lyner was enthralled by what he could make sense of, Aaron refused to teach any combat skills as that would in the end deepen the karmic connection between them. It was Aarons goal to set the foundations primarily in Mana and Lyners soul, Formations and Blacksmithing was a bonus, but not taught from the Lazarus inheritance, and would not thicken the karmic webs. In the end Lyner knew his fathers goal was to cut all karmic ties related to the Lazarus Clan and himself. Upon Rebirth it was a "get out of jail card." All that Lyner learned would be imprinted onto his soul, same for Leyara although she was never told that specifically as both Lyner and Aaron knew Leyara would refuse such a thing. It felt shitty, but it had to be done even though it was selfish of Aaron to do so.
Lyner understood the reasons why he hated to lose the bloodlines of his parents as that made Lyner what he was to this day. But for the bigger picture and not to be hounded by the System upon rebirth, Lyner knew there was no other choice in the matter. He had gained an ally in Azarinth, and would be able to double up on the protection for Leyara.
Lyners thoughts derailed as he eventually came to the thoughts of one women in particular, Jasmine. Lyner never chased after love as that was just not in the cards for him, but if there was one person he did have love for, it was Jasmine. He cared for the rest of his squad, but that was more like comrades who fought and survived together. Lyner was the captain but age wise he was the youngest brother in the group, many treated him as such but they respected him as a fellow peer regardless of age.
"BOOM!"
"RUMBLE!"
Lyner was brought out of his musings by the loud sounds, a tremendous wave of aura was approaching him and Azarinth. Aaron appeared in front of them as his hand caught the highly condensed aura beam, then shattered it into motes of light.
"It would seem the time for goodbyes has come. Let me make this send off a peaceful one." Aaron put his hand ontop of Lyners and Azarinths heads, then vanished from the spot avoiding an enormous ancient sword slashing apart space and the void.
Aaron reappeared where Leyara was shocking her, as she had yet to adjust to seeing what was still magic in her eyes.
"Listen up carefully my children, this will be the last time I see you both for a very long time. I know that I have not been the best parent to you both. Things happen by chance, and with purposeful intent. I will not explain as we do not have the time. Just know that the both of you are my greatest source of pride, and I love you both. That is something I truthfully did not say enough, just know in your heart of hearts. You are Lazarus through and through, as long as even one of our clan members is still alive. You will always have a home with welcome arms if fate allows for such reunions in the next life."
Aaron knelt down onto one knee hugging both Lyner and Leyara into his embrace. "I am afraid the both of you will never find a life of peace, but as long as the both of you are together. You can still find peace, there is no need to become strong like me and have to be in this kind of struggle. Just become strong enough to etch out a peaceful living, create a family, raise your own future children. I love you both so much, and your mother would be so proud to see the both of you." Aaron said with a voice rife with untold emotions.
Unclipping a necklace from his chest, Aaron gave it to Lyner. "This is the last momento your mother left behind for you, my son. It is an independent realm created outside in a space that even the System does not dare to touch. It is a safe haven and space will never deteriorate inside. View it as a last resort if the worst is ever to come. It has also various abilities like time dilation, the rest you will have to unlock as you grow in strength."
Aaron pulled out a locket from his pocket and gave it to Leyara, cupping her small hands within his. "And this is for you, my daughter. Inside is a picture of your mother. When you activate it by letting a drop of your blood fall onto it. It will imprint itself into your soul. It has a very weak remnant of your mothers soul imprint left. It will allow you to communicate with her, and further be taught how to use Stamina, become a healer and awaken Bloodlines, Divine Bodies and Constitutions through the manipulation of Stamina. Stay safe my little angel, always listen to your big brother."
Aaron said his final words, kissing both Lyner and Leyara on the foreheads one last time. Aaron steeled himself knowing he had already wasted too much time. But he would be the one to steal the time back, giving safe passage to his children as they enter the cycle of Rebirth.
Aarons open palms touched skin to skin on the navel of Lyner and Leyara, he then gently guided his energy into their bodies wrapping up their cores. Aarons mental energy surged as hands condensed out of Mana appeared, making various seals and ancient Sanskrit symbols infused into the cores. Next Aaron dragged out all the potential hidden deep within their bodies, condensing it into a ball the size of a tennis ball and pushed it into their brains. The same actions were repeated once again and quickly finished.
Aaron stood up in front of Lyner and Leyara, behind him the remaining warriors of the Lazarus clan gathered, arrays inscribed onto their bodies lit up as their energies were transferred to Aaron. Behind Lyner and Leyara, a vortex of golden energies formed circling around and steadily stabilizing. The density of "life" Mana and Stamina was so thick it was visible to the naked eye for trillions of kilometers in the distance. Aaron moved his hands with wuthering speeds as his endless summons solidified the Cycle of Rebirth.
"Inside is highly dense Rebirth Energy, passing through the vortex behind you. Both of you will be cleansed of any filth that accumulated within your bodies. The longer you remain inside until your body, soul space and spirit are cleansed of the impurities of a non System run world. The both of you might even be able to learn how to utilize the Rebirth energy. It would become a future benefit and smooth out the transition in achieving a breakthrough solidifying the gains quicker and to later on build upon it. After these have both been fully absorbed, they will be turned into Optimization Cores that will further boost you." Aaron explained briefly.
[Aaron. That is enough of your folly! I will not sit and watch you do what you are so very pleased to do.]
A child in a golden Cultivators robe embroidered with Dragons, Phoenixs, and Kilins appeared. Lyner, Leyara and Azarinth felt a danger on a spiritual level that was never felt before. It was as if a single thought of this child in front of them, could and would permanently wipe them out of existence.
"Go, my children! Now!" Aaron shouted in alarm as he, and his mother appeared sandwiching the Systems conjured body between walls of their explosive auras.
[The Lazarus Clan has tested my patience one time too many. Punishments will be dealt appropriately for such transgressions. Progeny of Aaron Lazarus will be cursed eternally. The Lazarus Clan will be exterminated!]
Just as Lyner, Leyara and Azarinth were about to enter into the cycle of Rebirth. Lyner felt that something was "off" trusting his instincts, he used the last remnants of his Internal Energy projecting it to push Leyara through the Rebirth cycle.
Seconds later two different hexes appeared, etching themselves onto his and Azarinths combined Soul. He had no time to process or understand what had just happened. Pushing through the final hurdle entering the Rebirth Cycle with Azarinth in tow.
Before the Rebirth Cycle was able to fully close itself, Aarons mother appeared in front of it. The Dao of Karma condensed into a multicolored sword of pink and purple hues. Shuttling through the Rebirth Cycle cutting the Karmic ties connecting Lyner, Leyara and Azarinth to the Lazarus Clan.
"My dear grandchildren, let us old folks pave the way for your future to be just a little bit more peaceful." The eyes of the Lazarus Clan Matriarch turned sharp and ruthless. "Lazarus Clan listen up! From this day forward the Lazarus Clan will be disbanded and go into hiding. As for those of us who are still here. We have a job to do to pave a peaceful future the best we can for the next generation. Let us instill fear into the System, and rain blood across the entire Multiverse in one last moment of glory and power!"
"HOORAH!" The warriors of the Lazarus Clan chanted in unison, hammering their fists rhythmically above their hearts, their gauntlets hitting their chest plates making high pitched clink sounds.
The vicious and demonic smile that Lyner had appeared on the Lazarus' Matriarchs face. It was apparently genetic or some shit like that. Or the Matriarch herself, was the originator of the insatiable bloodlust and viciousness that was not far behind when that face reared itself.
"TO THE DEATH!" The Matriarch roared with a fanatic fervor in her eyes.
"TO THE DEATH!" The shouts of the warriors followed suit, as they all followed their Matriarch into a death March against the System, and various powers of the Multiverse.