Chapter 314: Ascendance (XV)

Chapter 314: Ascendance (XV)

Chapter 314

Ascendance (XV)

Cain and Quinn didnt make any noise, ensuring not to draw attention to themselves. They mostly used Mana to conceal themselves and stalk others, picking up Voidscrolls occasionally and inspecting them. Curiously, Cain mused, they were similarly fashioned to one-time talismans, though with even more restrictions, such as that any contact with unfamiliar Mana caused them to self-detonate.

He hadnt encountered something quite like it ever before, but it was interesting nonetheless. Furthermore, the weapons they found were also of the better make, and though their overall strength was quite basic, it was still above average for their tier.

Their main focus, however, remained locating the prime body of the creature who created this massive illusion. After all, no matter how many of its clones they killed, it would be for naught if its main body continued to exist as it could just resupply itself by sucking up more Mana.

Even Cain, however, was unable to do that quickly as he had to follow the minute traces of expelled Mana each time somebody died--and he only had a brief few moments before they disappeared. It was frustrating, to say the least.

Ah, Im gonna rip out some fucking spines at the end of this, Cain mumbled, nibbling away at some beef jerky. And shove a whole pole up his ass and squash his eyes with my fists and break every bone in his body and grind it to dust--

Alright, alright, just calm down, Quinn said, blowing at her soup. You sound like an impatient child.

... its frustrating, how well hes able to hide, Cain sighed, leaning back. Im just jealous.

Ah, yes, a guy hiding within the world created by the creature... she rolled her eyes. Your standards are not right in the head.

cause I aint right in the head--no, wait, that was a... never mind. Just eat.

I think you went on a painful mental journey there that had nothing to do with me.

...

Days passed in rather boring consistency. Every day, the two managed to pick up on a few, at most, traces of foreign Mana, following it. They drifted further toward the canyons far edges, but there still wasnt enough for them to project a trajectory, at least not one they were confident in. It was then that a savior appeared.

Stupid human, Ive found it! Tegha popped its head and informed Cain with a pride grin on its face.

You did?!! Fuck yeah! Quick, tell me!

...

... what do you want?

Kekeke! The stupid thing has a Chaos Core! I want you to feed me it!

Fine, Ill give it to you, Cain nodded without much thought while Quinn nearly stumbled over and fell. Now quick, tell me where the thing is.

Kekeke, here, the young cat injected a tiny mote of Mana, projecting the directions for Cain before disappearing back into inventory.

Haaah, finally. Ill commit some inhumane shit on that thing.

It was a young man, a teenager, in fact--at least, that was the appearance. He donned a crown of fire that acted like a beacon, drawing the eyes to the face of harrowing beauty. A pair of ruby eyes stuck out against the pale skin and bloody-red lips that seemed full of knife-like scars.

Welcome, Thief, the man spoke, spreading out his arms, his face expressionless. To my humble home. The last bastion of my Kingdom.

... the last? Why? What happened? Cain quizzed.

What besets Kingdoms if not ruin, young Thief? A King should die with its people, but my people died for their King. And now... I limber and lumber. Waiting.

Waiting for what?

To resurrect my Kingdom.

How?

How are dead things resurrected?

Magic?

Divine Will.

So, what? Dont tell me all of this is just some big sacrifice.

It is.

Oh.

Which is why you should leave, he said. The Council does not view you as an enemy, Thief. In fact, among many dregs dragging their corpses through the Prisons, we see you with favor.

... Cain frowned, trying to catch up mentally to the story he was being put inside of.

You are still a pup, he added. But you show promise. Dont discard it for vanity. Leave. Put down that inherited Crown of yours and return home. Neither this world nor the Colony of Discarded are befit of you. Grow within the encased walls of prison and break out with splendor of grandness. the boys armor was indicative of a Mage, Cain realized. It wasnt, however, the kind that Cain had ever seen before--it was like a mix of plate and cloth, a combination of oxymorons that seemed to somehow fit.

And if I dont want to?

Then this world will become your eternal grave.

You seem confident in beating me up, Cain smiled faintly.

... I thought you clever, not hotheaded.

Look at this from my perspective, Cain said. I just found a King abandoned, one rife with Mana, holder of a Chaos Core, and someone connected with Council, which likely means youre loaded with at least knowledge. Your Mana signature, though powerful, is reliant on the fact that you bear traces of Chaos, making you essentially a God amongst Conquerors. But... I dont care for that Chaos. So, if we take that out of the equation... our raw abilities shouldnt be incomparable. With a little luck, I can defeat you.

... you wish to fight me? the boy stood up slowly, causing the entire room to shake suddenly. Are you certain?

...

... very well, the boy nodded, spreading out his right arm and summoning a sword made entirely out of black-dyed Mana. At least I shall have an eternal companion in death. There is solace in suffering.