Chapter 67: The Power Within.

Chapter 67: The Power Within.

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[Adam C. POV]

[Inner World.]

With a blink, I opened my eyes and found myself standing in the vast terrain of my inner world.

A lake stretched out before me, reflecting the bright moonlight and stars that spread across its surface like a blanket. In the middle of the lake, perched atop the water in a cross-legged position, I could make out a figure, its silhouette being unmistakably familiar.

Zanryuzuki.

I walked through the warm water, my eyes never leaving my Zanpakuto, until I reached her.

"I suppose I'm here because of what Odin said, right?" I asked, breaking the silence.

Zanryuzuki turned her head slightly to acknowledge my presence but didn't answer my question. Instead, she continued to gaze out at the shimmering water.

"Zanryuzuki," I said, a hint of frustration creeping into my voice. "Why am I here?"

She finally turned to face me, her eyes reflecting the bright moonlight. "In a way, yes. But mostly, you are here because you seek answers. Answers that I'm afraid to give you."

I frowned, not quite understanding what she meant.

"What did Odin mean when he said we were holding back?" I asked, sitting in front of her.

Zanryuzuki sighed, and I could see in her gaze that she was debating whether or not to answer that. "You're a Shinigami, Adam, but you're not a normal Shinigami, not even Ichigo who was an anomaly of its own was like you, for unlike him, you can use your powers without leaving your body, the thing is... a mortal body can only handle so much power before it breaks."

I nodded slowly, trying to comprehend what she was telling me. "So I'm subconsciously holding back because I'm afraid of what might happen to my body?"

Zanryuzuki gave a small smile, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Yes and no, it is more complicated than that. In a way, like most humans, your body limits what you can do, and that goes beyond what you perceive as a subconscious level."

"What do you mean?" I asked, tilting my head.

"Human brains are always trying to make sure humans don't get pushed too far to where they actually damage something important. You see, if a human were to exert... let's say their muscles to their absolute maximum, they would tear their muscle tissue, ligaments, and tendons, and would as well break their bones, leaving them in dire straits," Zanryuzuki replied, her voice soft but firm.

"So it's not me, but my body who is automatically limiting my powers to prevent me from hurting myself?" I asked, trying to grasp the concept.

"Yes, but partially," Zanryuzuki nodded, turning her gaze to me. "Your body is certainly a factor in this, but it's not the main mechanism keeping your power in check, that... would be me."

Now it makes sense what Odin said.

"If we don't do something we will die," I stated grimly, making sure she understood the severity of the situation.

Zanryuzuki nodded, her expression serious. "I know, however, I also know that if I let more power out than your body can handle, you will die, see my conundrum?"

So I either die or die...

What a deal, give me two.

Fuck that.

"I won't die," I said firmly, staring into her eyes. "I refuse to accept this outcome. I'll find a way to make this work, to make it so that I can use more power without jeopardizing my life."

Zanryuzuki's eyes softened, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I had a feeling you would say that."

I smiled, beaming at her. "Well, if someone knows me, it's you." I chuckled. "You know, I wouldn't be in this situation if you agreed to teach me your Bankai, right?"

Zanryuzuki laughed, shaking her head. "That's true, but as I've said before, you're not ready yet, your body can't control your spiritual pressure yet, let alone my Bankai, you would simply die before making a single move, and I can't have that."

Before Artemis could say another word, the air around Adam began to crackle with energy, a fierce aura emanating from his body, the sheer pressure of his body making the world Artemis had built collapse on its own little by little.

Artemis growled as she was forced to take a step back, her eyes widening at the display of power in front of her. I could see in her eyes as clearly as the day that she had never witnessed such raw strength before at least in a mortal.

The funny thing was.

There were mortals capable of much more than what Adam was currently showing, but Artemis was a reclusive one.

Irene.

Gildarts.

Makarov.

August.

I could keep on giving names.

Alas, for Artemis, this... was something new, something she had never seen before, and she was struggling to comprehend.

It was only natural, she was used to hunting those who are weaker than her.

As Adam's aura intensified, he slowly began to lift off the ground, cracking the earth around him, his eyes closed in concentration as he began to channel more and more power.

"Good luck," I waved, before disappearing into thin air, from this point forward, it was all up to them.

I had done my part.

Now, I would wait for the results.

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[Artemis POV]

I watched in disbelief as the mortal's power continued to grow, his body now hovering several feet off the ground. The ground shook beneath me as his energy crackled around him, destroying my forest, creating a fierce storm of raw power that threatened to consume everything in its path.

I could feel the pressure of his power... weighing down on me, making it hard to move.

How could a mortal... have so much power...?!

"This changes nothing!" I spat, taking a step forward, however... I found myself taking a step back instead.

Why.. does it feel like my body is freezing?

Why does it... feel like I should run?

I don't run.

I don't hesitate.

I am Artemis, the Goddess of the Hunt, and the Moon.

I am better than this.

"As much as I would love to have a budget-breaking fight with you, let's end this quickly," The mortal said, his voice strained with clear pain.

His power... was destroying him from the inside out.

Of course... it was!

No mortal should be able to hold that much power!

I gritted my teeth, taking a step forward. "I will not be defeated by a mere mortal! This hunt ends now!" I shouted, drawing my bow and taking aim, putting all of my power into the arrow I would use to end his life as I had done with all of those who had come before him.