by L. M. Kerr
The close proximity of so many volatile Helion Spirit Crystal prevented those same Helion Spirit Crystals from stabilizing, just in time to get heavily bombarded with very powerful energy attacks from all sides.
One thing led to another back then, and Micheal, who was thankfully far from the blast radius, found himself knocked on his back, looking up at an explosion of such scale that it had horrified him, another moment where all the younger him could see was how weak and helpless he truly was.
In this present moment, Micheal couldn’t have felt more different, genuine cheerfulness appearing on his face as he cracked a smile.
‘Well, well, well.’
His gamble had paid off. He'd managed to cause a chain reaction of High-Tier Magic Beast deaths, though whether it had been from normal killings, dying suicide attacks, or even suicide as beasts were driven nigh insane by his reinforced Aggrosen Spikes, he wasn’t quite sure.
It worked, though, and that was what mattered. There wouldn't be any innocents in that area, not when the Life Festival was still live, making it a perfect attack.
The only humanoids at ground zero would be members of the Beasts of Providence.
‘Not bad.’ He grinned, a feeling of loopy cheer swarming over him. A minor hint of worry tried to worm its way into his heart, pointing out how he was still in danger, but it was a hint that vanished as reality around Micheal seemed to do the same.
The two things Micheal saw, before the world began tilting backwards and fatigue overtook him, only made him smile more.
From the corner of one eye, he saw the very-much-alive figure of Myla Hannis arrive on the rooftop, the elderly Farian so thoroughly taken aback by the situation that she didn’t even bother trying to look confused anymore. Her gaze, when it landed on Micheal, wasn't hostile, but instead, curious, something that delighted him.
The warriors of the Shadow Guard appeared alongside her, including Shadow Captain Tanin. Behind them, he saw a few of her fellow researchers or aides, including one specific Farian, a girl with tan skin and a freckled face, that looked oddly familiar.
From the corner of his other eye, however…
Micheal saw a blue screen.
And then another.
And another.
And another.
And…
.
—-Points Obtained—-
Points: 29,272
.
—-Points Obtained—-
Points: 33,272
.
—-Points Obtained—-
Points: 24,172
.
—-Points Obtained—-
Poin…
.
A feeling of warmth swarmed over his Soul as he collapsed.
He successfully prevented the assassination of Myla Hannis. while also learning some very important secrets. This was a huge shift in the timeline of the Second Layer, a divergence that would have huge ramifications on the future, something that all started because of what Micheal changed on the First Layer, the butterfly effect spreading out in ways he wasn't even aware of yet.
‘Points…’ Micheal couldn’t clearly picture how much he’d gained from these screens, but could tell it was definitely a huge amount. It looked like he’d gotten credit for wiping out a good portion of the group leading the Magic Beasts.
As that thought blearily registered, his eyes tried to widen in excitement, but remained closed in exhaustion, as he realized something.
It was finally time.
With this here, he had the Points, the Brand of Janus on his Soul, a body that was strong enough, and a mind ready for anything.
He finally had what he needed to take his next big step forward.
His Earth Tier Ki Cultivation just needed a slight push to hit the Peak Stage. Once he passed his Heart Trial, not only would he enter Sky Tier…
He would also regain the ability to use Master Tier Sword Energy.
And then, after he re-obtained that which was rightfully his…
It would be time to use the 'Champion's Gift' he'd won on the First Layer.
The 'Titles' Attribute that the Deities were famed for… it was his for the taking.
The hyper-accelerated work he’d put in, preparations for months and months…
It was finally all starting to pay off.
But before he let himself worry more about any of that…
Micheal’s eyes remained shut tight as he knelt down and leaned against a wall, lying down casually. He ignored his surroundings as he lay back, the cool night air tingling along his skin. He snuggled up tight, this plain stone wall feeling like a luxurious feather bed to Micheal.
The Farians wouldn’t kill him in his sleep, the Wise Lady wouldn't allow that, a small comfort Micheal held as his mind and body shut down, drawn far beyond their limit.
And thus, after months of constant stress, worry, and fear…
For the first time in what felt like a very, very long time…
Micheal fell asleep with a smile on his face.
.
Chapter 59
“What do we do with him? There’s no trace of the silver one.” Captain Tanin’s voice was gruff as he looked down at the slumped figure of a rather bedraggled, green-robed human.
Off to the west, the mysterious explosion had dissipated, its force spent, leaving only huge clouds of dust and smoke in its wake. The explosion had taken all of them by surprise, giving off a gargantuan shockwave was impossible to miss.
The Safe-Haven Beacon had finally sent out a call for help, though the attack itself seemed to have ended. Myla had insisted on coming to the surface to investigate the shockwave, trailed by some of the braver among the remaining researchers.
“He’s unconscious, but his body is fine. He’s exhausted, in many ways. He’ll need a lot of time to recover.” Myla gave her opinion after she knelt down next to Micheal’s resting figure and examined him. She frowned for a few moments in silence, a silence that was broken when someone else began to speak.
“Recover?! He’s one of them, Wise Lady. A human, same as the ones that were slaughtering us! They nearly killed you!” A harsh, anger-filled voice echoed out as Myla’s favored aide, Serena, stepped forward, a Blood Aura flaring around her,
A Blood Aura infused with the power of the legendary Red Phoenix, just like the Aura Myla controlled.
Serena’s words echoed in the air with a hint of grandeur, combining a mix of just anger, a legendary Blood Aura, and the younger Farian’s own resolute personality.
Mutters arose from the Shadow Guard and the other researchers on the rooftop at this, many of them agreeing with her.
“Not this one, Serena.” Myla turned to look at the younger Farian, ignoring everyone else.
With a wave of her hand, the Wise Lady’s Blood Aura pulsated into existence as the woman stood up. The elderly Farian then walked over to her favored aide and stretched that Aura outward, encasing both of them and making their conversation private.
“Do you remember when we first met, child?” The elderly Farian looked down at Serena, her eyes glowing with the light of the Red Phoenix.
Serena blinked and then nodded, the anger in her eyes still stubbornly present.
“Two years ago, you came to me. The Tribal Heir of the Kowalsi Tribe, desperate and alone, looking for help. You wanted to walk your own path, guided by your own choices. You rejected the path others chose for you.” Myla tapped the younger woman on the shoulder, continuing,
“At the time, all of the Tribes demanded I send you back, the Kowalsi included. Even the Lord Justiciar was unhappy, calling this a ‘distraction’ that could affect Tribal unity, droning on and on about ‘chaotic times’ and ‘new dangers.’” She shrugged.
“In the face of all of that… what did I do, child?” The Wise Lady raised an eyebrow,
“Did I give in and send you away?”
Serena’s angry presence wilted as she stared at her teacher. After a quiet moment, she slowly shook her head
and looked down. Myla’s gaze softened as she continued,
“No. I didn’t. No matter how much they railed against me, no matter what obstacles they brought or what roadblocks they formed, I never gave in.” Myla brought her right hand to Serena’s face, raising the younger Farian’s head back up.
“I will never regret that choice.” She gazed into Serena’s eyes for a long moment, the elderly Farian practically emanating cool, calm control. Then, she slowly looked away, drawing Serena’s focus over to Micheal’s slumped form.
“I will never blame someone for a crime they did not commit. Yes, this man is a human and it was humans that attacked us… but from what I saw, the only thing he is guilty of is coming to our aid.” Myla’s words echoed with a hint of finality in Serena’s ears.
Anger had fully fled from the younger Farian’s face by then, replaced briefly with frustration, before finally settling on expressionless calm, imitating Myla.
Abruptly, the Blood Aura that had encased the two Farians vanished as Myla released it, no longer shielding their words from the ears of others.
“Did you complete the Full Absorption?” The Wise Lady changed the subject as she began to walk back towards Micheal. Several of the warriors of the Shadow Guard had surrounded Micheal by now, prepared to strike if he so much as raised a finger towards Myla.
Serena blinked again as she rubbed her forehead, taking a few seconds to process the question. She looked down at what was in her other hand, the Farian Record Book, currently closed shut.
“Yes, Wise Lady, but my mind feels like it's tearing itself apart. It’s hard to think straight. I’m sorry.” She replied, her voice slightly unsteady.
Myla Hannis shook her head, waving off the apology.
“It was too early for you, but the need was pressing. I certainly couldn’t have predicted… this.” She vaguely gestured at the world around her.
“In a bit, I’ll show you how to safely meld the experiences and memories, though truly understanding them will take time.” The elderly Farian suddenly smiled, marred with a hint of sadness,
“At least one thing has gone right today. The Tribes can’t refuse me now.” As she finished this line, her voice suddenly became much louder, her next words carrying a layer of weight and importance that caught the attention of every Farian present.
“As of today, I officially declare Serena Kowalsi my Disciple Apparent! She has taken on my teaching and accepted my Inheritance! Let it be known!” The air itself seemed to shiver as these words flew out.
“It is known.” A chorus of voices echoed in the air from every Farian present, an ancient ritual response found in many of their oldest traditions. The researchers up on the roof looked at Myla in shock after they replied, eyes wide, well aware of what this meant. Even some among the stalwart Shadow Guard seemed taken aback, a few turning to stare at Serena before swiftly returning to their duties.
Serena’s eyes watered when she heard this, looking up at Myla Hannis with a mix of worship, fear, and guilt.
“Wi-Wise Lady I, I-” She stuttered and stammered, trembling like a leaf in shock.
She was a member of the Kowalsi Tribe, the strongest Farian Tribe that violently rejected all others. There was even a saying among the Farians about how one could barely walk a dozen meters into any Tribal Village without tripping over the blood feuds that the Kowalsi Tribe had left behind.
Even worse, Serena was the Kowalsi Tribal Heir, the direct descendant of the Kowalsi Tribe Leader.
Letting Serena unofficially work under Myla, hidden away and out of sight, had already been met with fierce objections from the Tribe Leaders. Becoming Myla’s Disciple Apparent would be seen as a thousand times worse, not only publicly declaring Serena’s current status and position, but raising a Kowalsi to be the named successor of the only living Wise Lady.
Myla Hannis completely ignored Serena’s shock as she motioned for her new Disciple Apparent to walk forward.
“Hush, child, and come here.” The Wise Lady waved off the younger Farian’s worries. Serena automatically moved to her side out of habit, obeying her teacher.
“Take a deep breath and focus on the Concept of ‘Recovery.’ Seek through the new additions to your mind, to the healing power of the Red Phoenix…” Myla went on, her attention fully back on Micheal’s slumped figure, as if she hadn’t just dropped a huge bombshell.
The Wise Lady raised her right hand.
Blazing Phoenix Fire formed above her fingers, a ball of it boiling violently in the air.
With a flick of her wrist, the ball of burning energy shot towards Micheal and encompassed him, in all of its fiery glory.
Instead of burning him to ash, however… it began to heal him, soothing his exhaustion and mental fatigue, bit by bit, as she'd expected.
To Myla's surprise, the Phoenix Fire also interacted with this human's body in ways that she had not expected.
The Wise Lady frowned slightly when she noticed this, feeling the human's internal energy start to mix with her flames, seemingly of its own volition. The human was clearly unconscious and not directing this; it was as if his body itself was moving on its own.
This was something she had never seen before. This man's body was far more mysterious than it initially appeared, equipped with a self-recovery power that seemed to operate independently of his mind, mystical in nature. Myla had to suppress the urge to dissect him, her inner researcher trying to break free.
By leeching off of Myla's Phoenix Fire, the internal energy that ran in the human's veins became a little... purer. It wasn't a huge difference, Myla noted, but a change that seemed to affect his entire body in multiple ways.
Just like that, Micheal broke into the final Peak Stage of his Earth Tier Ki Cultivation... in his sleep.
“Focus on the flames, Serena, and calm your mind. This fire will ease his rest and speed up his recovery.” Myla Hannis looked down at Micheal’s flame-enshrouded body, her voice becoming rather quiet, all of a sudden, as she began to speak to herself,
“I have a feeling that this man still has much to say…”
.. .. .. .. .. ..
The great, burning ball of fire that was the Second Layer’s Sun began its steady journey over the horizon.
As the day began to appear, Camp Solaro stood proudly next to Humanity’s Spawning Grounds, one of the oldest established villages, formed by men and women from the First Wave. It had stalwart stone walls that shielded several thousand buildings, not a particularly large Camp, but a historic one, nevertheless.
One of the larger buildings in Camp Solaro happened to be a cathedral, cut from sleek grey stone. The late Archbishop Irin himself, a First Waver, had helped establish this particular cathedral. He had been one of the earliest advocates for the Purgatory Church, enabling the fast spread of its influence on the Second Layer.
Inside this cathedral, on its third floor, a group of three men and one woman were currently sitting down in a plain-looking office, talking to a man sitting at a desk opposite them.
“The expansion of charitable services has seen great progress! The Church has established a presence in 100% of Camps.” The sole female of the group, a middle-aged woman clad in a long grey robe, had just responded to a question.
The man sitting opposite of her sighed when he heard her response, tapping his fingers on his desk lightly. His golden eyes glowed faintly, gazing at the woman as if he could see through her Soul itself.
“Sister Nara.” He began, the mood in the room shifting, as if the air itself had become heavier,
“What did I ask you about?”
“Uh-um, y-your Holiness, o-our charity e-expansion for humanity.” Sister Nara stuttered, blinking furiously.
“That’s right. And do humans only exist in the Syndicate-controlled Camps?” The leader of the Purgatory Church, the man known only as the Nirvana Saint, looked at the woman, his eyes holding seemingly fathomless depth.
The middle-aged woman froze, unable to come up with another re
ply as she shook her head.
“Exactly. Camps, Slums, or wherever humanity has gone, the Church must follow.” The Nirvana Saint continued, his words authoritative,
“Sister Nara, you are hereby relieved of duty. Brother Gaben, you will be taking charge of the Purgatory Church’s Charity Services Department. Brothers Brand and Gino here will assist you.” With a wave of his hand, he stripped the woman of any real authority, shifting it to others.
Actions of this nature had occupied an annoyingly large part of the golden-eyed man’s time over the past few weeks. The Nirvana Saint’s influence over the Purgatory Church had become titanic after he replaced Archbishop Irin, but that didn’t mean every problem was fixed.
Incompetent leadership choices, ineffectual long-term planning, he had been forced to grapple with a whole host of irritating issues, all because of one man.
Moments later, the woman left the room with a defeated expression, now assigned to basic missionary work, while the newly formed team leading the Charity Services Department left with optimistic expressions, already making plans on how to implement his orders.
This left the Nirvana Saint alone, sighing as he considered the mess he was still dealing with.
From what the Nirvana Saint had pieced together, Irin had been an effective leader for several years… ‘had’ being the keyword in that sentence.
Around 5 months ago, something changed. The Archbishop began to do things… differently.
He was still the same jolly fellow that the golden-eyed man had heard about on the First Layer. The man’s personality had been exactly as described, apart from the fact that the Archbishop tried to have him killed the day after they first met.
In the past 5 months, nearly all the decisions that the now-dead Archbishop made were so incredibly poor, it almost seemed as if the man was knowingly trying to sabotage the influence of the Purgatory Church, culminating in the idiocy that was the ‘Guinevere Plan.’
Irin claimed it was about ‘perfecting’ the Church.
In pursuit of that, the Archbishop gave new orders to the Grey Knights, the Church’s hidden army that he himself had commissioned, years prior. He spread those men and women out through all of Humanity’s Camps, waiting on the day when they would be called to serve.