Chapter 338 338 Necessary Sacrifice

Chapter 338 338 Necessary Sacrifice

"Papa, what happened? Are you hurt?"

Dracula, despite his apparent distress, wore a peculiar expression – a mix of exhilaration and triumph. He waved away Abby's worry, insisting he was fine.

"It was a necessary sacrifice, my dear," he explained, managing a weak but genuine smile. "The Stone Book has revealed its secrets, and I am unharmed. Nexus, my boy, you've been instrumental in this."

Nexus, still reeling from the sudden turn of events, helped Dracula to his feet. "But what about the explosion? And why did the Stone Book shatter?"

Dracula chuckled, a raspy sound escaping his lips. "The explosion was the result of a protective enchantment within the Stone Book. As for its shattering, it was the culmination of a profound revelation. The knowledge gained transcends the physical form of the book."n/(0vElbIn

Abby, skeptical but relieved, examined her grandfather closely. "You seem different, Papa. Are you sure you're okay?"

Dracula reassured her, "I am more than okay, Abby. The Stone Book has gifted me insights, and I am rejuvenated. Nexus, I owe you a debt of gratitude for your unwavering assistance."

Despite the reassurances, Abby remained concerned, suspecting that Dracula might be downplaying the severity of the situation. She insisted on examining him further.

"Grandpa, let me help you. You might have absorbed something harmful during the process. We need to be sure."

Dracula, appreciating Abby's concern, gently stopped her. "My dear, I assure you, I am in perfect health. The Stone Book has bestowed upon me a newfound strength and clarity. There is no need for worry."

Nexus, sensing the tension, decided to intervene. "Abby, maybe we should let Dracula rest. He knows his body better than anyone. If he needs assistance, he'll ask for it."

Reluctantly, Abby acquiesced, her worry lingering in her eyes. Dracula, with a reassuring pat on her shoulder, turned to Nexus.

"Young man, you've been a beacon of support. I must express my deepest gratitude. But now, I must reflect on the revelations granted by the Stone Book. The journey is far from over."

Nexus carefully held the shattered remnants of the Stone Book, feeling the residual warmth from the Heavenly Flame that had cauterized it.

With a focused gaze, he invoked the power of system space, creating a temporary portal. The broken pieces shimmered and then disappeared into the otherworldly realm, leaving Nexus alone in the room with Abby.

"I've taken the Stones," Nexus informed Abby, a hint of concern lingering in his eyes. "If there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to reach out. The Russell family is here for you."

Abby, her worry for Dracula still evident, nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Nexus. I don't know what we would have done without your help."

As they stood in the aftermath of the chaotic events, Nexus couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to address. Dracula's resilience, though admirable, didn't negate the potential toll the cauterization process might have taken on him.

"Abby," Nexus began cautiously, "I know your grandfather is strong, but perhaps considering some professional help, like therapy, might be beneficial for him. The Stone Book , as powerful as it seems, could have lingering effects on his well-being."

Abby sighed, her shoulders slumping with the weight of concern. "I've tried, Nexus. Grandpa is stubborn. He's always been resistant to the idea of seeking help, be it from doctors or therapists. I'm not sure how to convince him."

Nexus nodded understandingly. "It's a delicate situation. I can't force him to consider therapy, but I can strongly suggest it within myself. Sometimes, an outside perspective can bring clarity and healing. If he won't listen to you, maybe he'll consider it from someone else."

Abby ran a hand through her hair, frustration evident in her expression. "I wish he'd understand that seeking help doesn't make him weak. We all need support at times, especially after something as intense as this cauterization."

Nexus offered a sympathetic smile. "It's not uncommon for people to resist seeking help. Maybe in time, he'll come around. For now, all we can do is be here for him and offer our support."

As they discussed Dracula's well-being, Nexus couldn't help but admire Abby's resilience and care for her grandfather. The cottage, once filled with the excitement of progress, now held a more somber atmosphere.

Abby sighed, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and worry. "Thank you, Nexus. You've done so much for us. I just hope Grandpa realizes that accepting help doesn't diminish his strength."

Nexus nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "He's been through a lot, and it might take time. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. The Russell family is here for both of you."

As he turned to leave, Abby walked him to the door.

"Thank you, Nexus. Grandpa can be stubborn, but I appreciate your concern. If anything changes, I'll reach out to you."

Nexus smiled, a mixture of relief and curiosity lingering in his gaze. "I'll be here if you need anything. Take care, Abby."

As he stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, Nexus couldn't shake the sense that their journey had taken an unexpected turn, and the mysteries surrounding Dracula and the Stone Book were far from unraveled.

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In the heart of the Russell family estate, Nexus embarked on the creation of his alchemy furnace, armed with the little stones acquired through collaboration with Dracula and Addy. The room designated for his alchemical pursuits was vast, its dimensions stretching to accommodate a labyrinthine expanse of gleaming countertops and shelves, each laden with vials, ingredients, and intricate apparatuses. The walls, adorned with arcane symbols and diagrams, whispered tales of centuries-old alchemical endeavors.

The atmosphere within the lab resonated with an air of anticipation as Nexus, surrounded by the alchemical apparatuses that adorned the expansive room, prepared to unleash the transformative power of his heavenly flame upon a pile of rubble. The laboratory is well-equipped and meticulously organized, bore witness to the convergence of ancient knowledge and modern techniques.

"I told Madeline all these are not necessary but she seems to really puts a lot of enough into this lab" he thought to himself with a shake of his head and grin on his face.

Nexus positioned himself in front of a large alchemy desk and got to work, he unleashed his Heavenly Flame. As Nexus ignited his heavenly flame, there seems to be a change and a thought unfolded within his mind. "The destruction of the seal seems to have made this process remarkably easier than I anticipated," he mused, the revelation seems to have sparked a sense of efficiency in his alchemical endeavors.

The heavenly flame has always been a manifestation of Nexus's unique abilities, as he unleashed it, the flame danced with controlled intensity as it interacted with the rubble. The once disorderly pile began to succumb to the alchemical forces at play, gradually taking on a new form—a shape that would house the transformative energies Nexus sought to harness.

Three days had passed in a whirlwind as Nexus focused fully on his new found hobby, he is so focused and lost in his alchemical work "I think I am almost done with this, I don't know its going to take this long". he complained internally.