Chapter 123: The Power of The Crystal

"That was something."

"Yeah."

With the crystal securely in Kiro's possession, their minds were buzzing with anticipation. They knew that this seemingly ordinary crystal held extraordinary power, but its true nature and purpose remained a mystery. As they regrouped in a nearby chamber, they examined the crystal, searching for any clues hidden within its greenish radiant glow.

The crystal emanated a soft, pulsating light, casting a bewitching spell on them. Its surface was rough but flawless, with sophisticated patterns swimming within, as if galaxies were trapped within its rough exterior. It seemed to whisper promises of secrets waiting to be unveiled.

"That thing seems dangerous, but alluring at the same time?" Hubris commented.

"It's the mystery, buddy." Kiro smirked.

With cautious curiosity, they both tried to study the crystal from every angle, hoping to decipher its mysterious properties. As they focused their attention on the crystal, a series of images and sensations flooded their minds.

Visions flashed before their eyes, like fragments of a long forgotten past. They saw ancient civilizations harnessing the power of the crystal, using it to shape the very fabric of reality.

They witnessed cities floating in the sky, landscapes transformed by the crystal's power. It became clear that this crystal possessed the ability to manipulate not only gravity but reality itself.

Eager to uncover more of its secrets and the great potential it had, Kiro began experimenting with it. He leaked his thoughts and intentions toward specific outcomes, hoping to harness its power.

To his amazement, the crystal responded, subtly altering the surrounding environment in accordance with his thoughts' desires.

"It—it can't be this easy, right?" Kiro was puzzled.

He focused on levitation, and the rock debris began to float gently in mid-air. He then concentrated on altering the flow of time. Seconds seemed to stretch and compressed around them.

"Whoa, isn't this too overpowered? Is it okay for me to be able to do this?"

He tried glueing it together, to no avail. Although it's light had dimmed, he could still sense the divine power within it. He attempted to leak his thoughts into it, but nothing happened.

"Know what? F*ck it. Let's just have something to eat."

Hubris was way ahead of him, as he started collecting wood from the temple. As it was run down, they weren't going to miss the wood anyway. He used two rocks to spark the flame, while Hubris had flames, his weren't really suitable to roast meat.

"Master, I've been thinking..." He paused, nervous of what was on his mind and reaction would Kiro give him.

"Go on."

"I want it." He paused again, for a long time but Kiro didn't disturb his train of thought this time, he just let him stew in his own thoughts. "I want revenge."

"As expected."

"If master doesn't want to get involved, that's understandable, I only need you to allow me to get my revenge."

Kiro was humming while roasting the meat, he was suddenly in a better mood. He was glad this hellhound chose him, he was glad to find out that, his Hubris wasn't a coward. That he was the kind to pay back those who messed with him.

"Of course I'm going to help, we're comrades after all."

Hubris' pounding heart slowed. He was relieved and elated, this had been weighing on him heavily. Just then, the broken crystal glowed more than it was when it was whole.

The two shards levitated and shot to both their chests. There was no pain, but the shock caused involuntary movements. Kiro expected the system's notification to explain what the action meant. But silence.

"That was anticlimactic."

The two halves laid doormat in each of their bodies.