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Chapter 158: Breakthrough

Lucavion stood before the pulsating platform, his eyes narrowing as he took in the massive chamber. The energy from the Minor Fundamental Vein thrummed through the air, thick and tangible, amplifying the mana within the room. He could feel the power radiating from the core of the chamber, like a vast ocean waiting to be tapped into.

His heart pounded in his chest, not from anxiety, but from the anticipation of what was to come.

"It's time," he whispered to himself, his breath steady despite the immensity of the moment.

He stepped closer to the platform, the glow of the energy casting a pale light on his features. Vitaliara perched by his side, her feline eyes never leaving him. Though her awe had faded into quiet composure, Lucavion could still sense her heightened awareness of the situation. This was a critical moment—one that would determine his future path.

Lucavion closed his eyes, centering his focus on his cultivation core. The [Devourer of Stars] technique thrummed deep within him, the swirling starlight mana coiling inside his body like a waiting storm. He had cultivated relentlessly to reach this point, his core already nearing its limit. Now, with the power of the vein amplifying everything around him, he would take the final leap.

He dropped to a seated position on the platform, legs crossed, his hands resting lightly on his knees. The hum of mana from the vein grew louder, as if it could sense the impending breakthrough. Lucavion allowed his breathing to slow, his senses sharpening as he began to draw in the mana from the vein. It surged toward him, a river of pure energy flooding his body.

Vitaliara watched from her place, her eyes glinting with both caution and trust. [Are you ready?] she asked, her voice soft in his mind.

Lucavion didn't respond immediately, his focus solely on the swirling energy coalescing around him. His entire body felt like a vessel filling with stars, the power building to a critical mass. He could feel every strand of mana within him, each pulse of starlight as it gathered and condensed at his core.

The [Devourer of Stars] technique was designed for this—taking in the energy around him and refining it, merging it with his own essence to elevate his power.

"I'm ready," he finally murmured, his voice a calm contrast to the storm of power building within him.

With that, Lucavion initiated the final phase of his breakthrough. The starlight mana coiled within him began to move, spiraling through his body, merging with the energy from the Minor Fundamental Vein. It felt as though his very soul was being stretched and expanded, the boundaries of his current cultivation core shattering as the new power flooded in.

His breathing deepened, his chest rising and falling with the rhythm of the mana as it surged through him. Sweat beaded on his brow, but he remained focused, his will unshakable.

As the energy coursed through Lucavion's body, his mind turned inward, focusing on the stars he had formed in the previous stages of his cultivation. Three brilliant stars—each one a testament to his journey thus far—glowed within his cultivation core, their light steady and constant.

They were the foundation of his power, but now, to ascend to the next level, he had to take the [Devourer of Stars] technique to a more complex stage.

His breathing slowed as he visualized the next step, the crux of the breakthrough—entangling the stars. Each star held immense power on its own, but they were isolated and unconnected. The next phase of the [Devourer of Stars] technique required him to draw these individual stars into a perfect orbit, binding them together so that their energy flowed in harmony.

Lucavion's brow furrowed, feeling the immense challenge of the task. The stars needed to be connected, not by force, but by aligning their energies so precisely that they naturally drew toward one another. He couldn't rush this process, or he risked destabilizing the stars he had already formed.

He visualized the first star, its energy pulsing rhythmically in tune with his breathing. Slowly, he extended his mana, carefully weaving it around the star's surface. The star responded, its light growing brighter as it absorbed the mana he fed it. Then, he turned his attention to the second star.

His mana reached out, a delicate thread of energy, and began wrapping around the second star in the same way.

The challenge lay in balancing the energy between them, ensuring that the two stars did not repel each other but instead fell into a harmonious orbit. His body trembled slightly as he carefully manipulated the mana, feeling the subtle resistance between the two forces.

A soft hum echoed within him, the two stars beginning to move, drawn into a slow, deliberate orbit around each other. Their light flickered as they synchronized, the first step of entangling complete. Lucavion let out a slow breath, knowing this was just the beginning.

"Two stars," he muttered, his voice barely a whisper, eyes still closed as he focused on the task.

The third star awaited its connection. It gleamed brightly, but Lucavion could feel the tension. Drawing the third star into the orbit would require even more precision, as the three stars needed to balance perfectly. The smallest misstep could disrupt the entire process, causing the stars to collide and the breakthrough to fail.

He extended his mana again, this time more cautiously. His energy flowed from the first and second stars, reaching out toward the third. The three energies pulsed together, vibrating with increasing intensity as the distance between them shrank. Lucavion's heart pounded as he concentrated, holding all three in perfect equilibrium.

The third star hesitated for a moment, resisting the pull of the others. Lucavion gritted his teeth, pushing more of his will into the technique, coaxing the star forward without forcing it. Gradually, the resistance weakened, and the third star began to move, slowly aligning with the other two.

Then, with a soft, almost inaudible click, the three stars snapped into place, forming a perfect orbital system within his core.

Lucavion's entire body jolted as the energies merged, his chest tightening as if a powerful gravitational force had taken hold of him. The stars spun around one another, their light intensifying as their energy flowed seamlessly between them.

"Hoooooooh….."

He took a deep breath, the weight of his breakthrough still heavy on his shoulders, but he knew this wasn't the end. He had chosen this place not merely for the purpose of reaching the 4-star realm, but for something far more crucial—stabilization and expansion.

His core, unlike most, demanded an extraordinary amount of mana to support its complex structure, and the Minor Fundamental Vein was the key to making that happen.

The three stars spun within his core, now in perfect harmony, but Lucavion could feel the underlying instability. His unique condition meant that his core was far more volatile than others.

If he didn't stabilize it now, the breakthrough would be incomplete, leaving him vulnerable in the future. And then there was the next step—expanding the boundaries of his core, increasing his mana capacity to handle the immense power he sought to wield.

He closed his eyes again, steadying his breath, and focused inward. The stars were spinning in orbit, their light swirling in his core, but now he had to push them further. The rotational force of the stars wasn't just a byproduct of the entanglement—it was the very tool he would use to expand his core.

Slowly, Lucavion began drawing mana from the air around him, feeling the dense energy of the Minor Fundamental Vein pulse through his body. The power flooded into him, almost overwhelming, but he kept his focus razor-sharp. He let the mana flow into his core, saturating the stars as they continued their orbit.

As the mana poured in, Lucavion adjusted the speed of the star's rotation, quickening their pace. The energy they generated from their movement grew stronger, creating a centrifugal force that pressed against the boundaries of his core. The torque produced by their spinning wasn't just raw power—it was the key to pushing the limits of his mana capacity.

His core resisted at first, straining under the pressure of the growing energy, but Lucavion didn't relent. He knew this was the critical moment—the point where his core would either expand or shatter. His heart pounded in his chest as he poured more mana into the spinning stars, feeling the torque increase with every second.

"Steady…" he whispered, his voice barely audible as he pushed harder.

The pressure inside him built rapidly, the stars spinning faster, the mana churning and swirling with them. Lucavion gritted his teeth, sweat beading on his brow as the strain became nearly unbearable. His body trembled under the immense force, but he couldn't stop now. He had to push the boundaries of his core, had to make it larger, stronger.

With a sharp exhale, Lucavion directed the torque outward, pressing it against the edges of his core. The stars spun like gears in a vast engine, their rotational energy amplifying the pressure on the core's borders. He felt the first crack in the barrier, a small fissure that sent a jolt through his entire being. It wasn't enough yet—he needed more.

He drew in more mana from the vein, faster now, flooding his body with the raw, unfiltered energy of the dungeon. The Minor Fundamental Vein thrummed in response, its power flowing into Lucavion like a river, feeding the growing storm inside him. His core strained, the borders trembling under the increasing pressure.

"Almost there," he muttered, his voice strained but determined.

The stars spun faster, the torque growing to a level Lucavion had never felt before. His core's borders shuddered, resisting the expansion, but he could feel them weakening, the cracks spreading. He pushed harder, his will unyielding as he poured everything he had into the process.

–CRACK!

Then, with a deep, resonating crack, the borders of his core shattered. The pressure that had been building inside him exploded outward, and for a brief moment, Lucavion felt like he was suspended in space, weightless, as his core expanded. The stars within him flared with brilliant light, filling the new, larger space with their energy.

"It is over."

The hard part was now complete.

Chapter 159: Breakthrough (2)

"Almost there," Lucavion muttered.

After dealing with the mana for a long time, he had finally finished cracking his core and expanding the mana that was stored inside there.

–CRACK!

With the sound of the crack, the hard part reached its end.

"It is over."

He felt the immediate shift, the moment when everything clicked into place. His core had expanded, and the stars within him pulsed with renewed brilliance, filling the space with their energy. He remained still for a moment, suspended in that brief weightlessness, letting the feeling sink in.

'It's done. The breakthrough… finally.'

The pressure that had once been overwhelming was gone, replaced by a steady, powerful hum deep within his body. But it wasn't over yet—he still needed to stabilize the influx of energy to anchor his core in this new realm of power. Without stabilization, all of this would be for nothing.

Slowly, he began the process of regulating the mana flow, pulling in the last remnants of energy from the Minor Fundamental Vein. The raw, potent power that had fueled his breakthrough now had to be tempered and integrated into his core. His breathing slowed, each inhale pulling more mana into his body, each exhale releasing the tension from his muscles.

'Steady… there's no need to rush this.'

Lucavion's mind sharpened as he focused on his internal circulation, ensuring that the flow of energy remained smooth and uninterrupted. He could feel the stars within him spinning at a steady pace, their light no longer volatile but controlled, harnessed to his will.

His core, though expanded, needed to adjust to the new level of power, and the mana he was absorbing would serve to strengthen and fortify the borders he had just shattered.

'The final pieces are falling into place.'

His entire being hummed with the resonance of the stars, their energy coiling and flowing through his veins like liquid fire. Each pulse of mana felt like a heartbeat, steady and rhythmic, aligning with the newfound strength in his core. Lucavion could feel his circulation improving, the pathways inside his body widening and becoming more efficient as the mana flowed freely through them.

'The expansion wasn't just about capacity… it's about control.'

The realization struck him with clarity—this breakthrough had not only increased his mana reserves but had also enhanced his control over that mana. The stars he had entangled were now perfectly aligned, their combined energy amplifying his strength while allowing for precise manipulation.

He could feel the subtle difference in how he could now command the mana, directing it with a thought, shaping it as easily as breathing.

Lucavion sat cross-legged, grounding himself, as the remaining energy from the vein continued to pour into him. The glow around him began to fade, signaling that the Minor Fundamental Vein's power was nearly spent. But that was fine—he had taken everything he needed from this place. Now, it was just a matter of absorbing the final bits and stabilizing his core fully.

His breathing deepened, and he focused inward once again. The three stars spun in their orbital system, perfectly balanced, their energy flowing like a steady river through his body. He directed the remaining mana toward them, feeding them slowly, allowing the stars to absorb and refine the last vestiges of energy.

'This is it. The final step.'

His core pulsed once, twice, and then settled. The stars glowed softly, their light no longer flaring but a steady, constant presence. The flow of mana through his body felt natural now, as if this level of power had always been his. The expansion had been successful, and the stabilization was complete.

He opened his eyes slowly, his vision adjusting to the dim light of the chamber. His body felt different—stronger, lighter, more attuned to the world around him. The overwhelming tension from the breakthrough had melted away, leaving behind only clarity and strength.

'It's done. Truly done.'

He stood up, feeling the weight of his new power settle within him. The stars within his core continued their steady orbit, and he could sense the boundless energy now at his disposal. The process had been grueling, but the result was worth every moment of struggle.

Vitaliara, who had been silently watching the entire process, leaped from her perch and landed gracefully beside him. Her eyes gleamed with approval as she looked up at him.

[You've stabilized everything, haven't you?] she asked, her voice soft but filled with pride. Indeed, she was feeling prideful.

Her sharp eyes lingered on Lucavion, observing the subtle changes in him with a quiet intensity. While he had focused solely on breaking through and stabilizing his core, she had noticed something else—something unusual. The mana that had poured into his body hadn't just been absorbed into his core; it had also woven itself into his physical form, integrating with his very being.

'Gerald… you truly found someone peculiar,' she mused silently, her thoughts drifting to the mysterious nature of this young man before her.

The protective layer of starlight mana that had enveloped him during his breakthrough was unlike anything she had seen before. It wasn't just an aura of mana meant to shield him from external forces—it had acted as a buffer, insulating his body from the immense strain his core had undergone.

The starlight mana had coiled around him in a way that suggested more than just a reaction to his cultivation. It had protected him as if it was instinctively tied to him, a phenomenon that raised more questions than answers.

Vitaliara's tail flicked thoughtfully as she considered the implications. Normally, mana integration was a slow, controlled process, one that required focus and discipline to manage. Yet, Lucavion had experienced it naturally, without even realizing it.

The starlight mana that had fused with his core had also bound itself to his body, enhancing his physical form while providing a level of protection that was rare, if not unheard of.

'This… isn't something I've seen before,' she thought, her feline gaze narrowing slightly as she continued to observe Lucavion's calm demeanor. His breakthrough had been successful, but there was more at play here—more than he realized.

The way the starlight mana had enveloped him, almost cradling him in its glow, wasn't something she could explain easily. It felt like the mana had responded to him personally, not just as fuel for his cultivation but as a safeguard. It hadn't dissipated after the breakthrough, either. There was a residual glow, faint but persistent, that lingered around him even now.

'The mana… it's become part of him, not just his core,' her thoughts turning serious. 'But why? And how?'

She wouldn't tell him—not yet, anyway. Lucavion had enough on his plate after the breakthrough, and this new discovery would only distract him.

Also, this physique of his.

She felt like there were many things that needed to be discovered about that, which made it quite hard to reveal things for the time being.

This wasn't something to take lightly, and she couldn't jump to conclusions without fully understanding the scope of the phenomenon.

'Until I know more, I'll keep it to myself,' she decided, her feline instincts guiding her. She would investigate quietly, keeping an eye on Lucavion as his cultivation progressed. Whatever was happening to him, it was tied to the stars themselves, and perhaps it would reveal more in time.

For now, though, she would remain silent, watching and waiting.

Lucavion, oblivious to her inner thoughts, glanced down at her. "What's on your mind?" he asked, his voice calm, as if sensing her scrutiny.

Vitaliara blinked once, her expression unreadable as she leaped onto his shoulder, her usual place. [Just thinking how peculiar you are,] she replied smoothly, her tone light.

Lucavion chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You've said that before."

[What is wrong with saying it again?]

"Heh….Nothing is wrong with that."

Vitaliara shifted slightly, her feline gaze softening for a brief moment as she observed Lucavion. Then, with a subtle movement, she leaped down from his shoulder, landing gracefully on the ground. Without hesitation, she padded closer to him, her sleek form moving with the quiet grace of a predator at ease.

[Nothing wrong at all,] she said, her voice smooth and teasing.

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, watching her approach with mild curiosity. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, she did something unexpected.

Vitaliara nudged her head against his leg, rubbing her head into him like a cat, showing affection. Her soft fur brushed against his body, and she purred slightly, the sound almost imperceptible but unmistakable in its warmth.

Lucavion blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the gesture. He stood still, unsure of what to make of it at first.

"Pfft….Sometimes, I forget that you are also a cat."

[Humph…..If not for things like this, you will never remember.]

Her actions seemed almost playful, a rare display of affection from the ever-watchful Vitaliara.

"Hahaha….."

She circled him once before nudging her head into his side again, this time more insistent, as if reminding him that despite her sharp wit and piercing gaze, she was still very much a cat.

[You've been through a lot,] she murmured, her voice low and softer than usual. [A bit of comfort never hurts.]

Lucavion's smile widened slightly, his hand instinctively reaching down to run through the fur on her head, feeling the softness beneath his fingers. "I suppose not."

[What are you going to do now?]

Vitaliara asked, and Lucavion smiled.

"Well, I broke through the 4-star. But, we can't have the second core falling behind, can we?"

Chapter 160: The Twin Fishes

After the talk, Lucavion sat down once more, crossing his legs and closing his eyes as he slipped into a meditative state. His breathing slowed, the steady rhythm helping him align with the flow of energy within his body. The residual mana from the Minor Fundamental Vein still hummed faintly in the air, and he used it to complete the final steps of stabilizing his breakthrough.

For a few moments, all was quiet. The stars within his core spun in perfect harmony, and he felt the power radiating through him, steady and controlled. As he delved deeper into his own body's energy pathways, he began to notice the full extent of the changes that had taken place during his breakthrough.

'The core… it's grown by at least 50%,' he realized, marveling at the vast increase in his mana capacity. Where his core once held a finite amount of energy, it now felt like a boundless reservoir. The difference was staggering. It wasn't just the size—it was the quality. The mana flowing through him now felt richer, more potent, as if every pulse contained far more energy than before.

'This….Even at this stage, I should be able to counter the mana of a peak 4-star…..How much stronger will it be as it grows up?'

His meridians, too, had changed. As Lucavion focused on them, he could sense that they had strengthened significantly. The once fragile pathways through which his mana flowed now felt robust, fortified by the immense energy of the Minor Fundamental Vein. But there was something more.

'The positions… they've shifted,' he thought, his brow furrowing slightly in concentration. It wasn't a random change; his meridians had subtly rearranged themselves, adapting to something within him. It was almost as though his body had realigned itself to better suit his unique condition—the reversed meridians that had always set him apart from others.

'This… feels right,' Lucavion mused. For the first time in a long while, he felt that his body had found some form of balance. His meridians, now stronger and better positioned, allowed mana to flow more efficiently than ever. The change felt natural as if his body had always been preparing for this moment of adaptation.

With the strengthening of his meridians, his mana circulation improved, the energy coursing through his body faster and with greater precision. The stars within his core, spinning in their orbital system, seemed to respond in kind, their light glowing brighter as his meridians supported their flow of energy more seamlessly.

'This is a welcome change,' he thought, a small smile playing on his lips. His special physique, once a source of struggle and limitation, now seemed to be evolving in a way that would only enhance his cultivation. The increased mana capacity, the strengthened meridians, the newfound balance within his core—all of it would propel him forward on his path to greater power.

Vitaliara, who had been quietly watching from her spot, tilted her head as she sensed the shift in his energy. [You seem... different,] she remarked, her tone curious but laced with understanding. [More than just stronger.]

Lucavion opened his eyes, the glow of the stars within him reflected in his gaze. "It's not just strength," he replied calmly. "My body has changed—adapted. The meridians… they've shifted in a way that feels more natural."

[Ah… So it wasn't just your core, then,] she noted, leaping up onto his shoulder once again. [Your peculiar condition continues to surprise me.]

Lucavion chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. "I can't say I'm disappointed by the results. The changes… they feel like they've brought everything into alignment."

[So, what now?] Vitaliara asked, her feline eyes narrowing as she observed him closely.

Lucavion stood up, his body feeling lighter, more attuned to the world around him. The stars within his core spun steadily, their energy thrumming through his veins. He could feel the vast potential within him, ready to be unleashed.

"Just as I said before, we can't have the fact my other core falling back, can we?" he said, his voice calm. "And it is also the time when we find you a good meal, no?"

Vitaliara purred softly, a satisfied sound, as she curled herself comfortably on his shoulder. [What do you mean?]

Lucavion glanced at Vitaliara, an amused glint in his eyes. "Don't you remember what you told me?" he asked, his voice calm but teasing.

Vitaliara tilted her head slightly, her feline gaze sharp with curiosity. [What are you talking about?]

He chuckled softly. "Just like how I need to absorb death energy to strengthen my Flame of Equinox, you need to absorb potent life energy to recover your strength. You said it yourself."

Vitaliara's eyes narrowed for a moment, then she purred in acknowledgment, her tail flicking lightly. [Ah, yes… I did mention that. I've been running a bit low on life energy, haven't I?] She stretched her body, her movements languid but deliberate. [So, have you found such a place for me to recover, then?]

Lucavion's smile widened, and he met her gaze with a glint of amusement. "Didn't I say we were going to eat a fish before we left Rackenshore?"

Vitaliara blinked, a hint of confusion flickering in her eyes. [Yes, you did. But I don't see what—] She trailed off, her eyes widening slightly as the realization hit her.

"That fish," Lucavion said, his voice calm and certain, "will be your meal."

Vitaliara's initial confusion deepened as she processed Lucavion's words. 'What kind of fish would allow me to absorb life energy?' she thought to herself. 'Is there even a fish capable of that?' She glanced at Lucavion, her expression one of mild skepticism. But then, as the question lingered in her mind, something surfaced from the depths of her memory.

'Wait… I remember now.'

A conversation from her past, something that had been mentioned by the elders of her sect. It was about two guardian beasts that resided in a forest on the west side of Thornridge, the city where she had stayed after losing Gerald. The elders had spoken in hushed tones of these creatures, beings tied to the essence of life itself.

The elders of her sect had spoken of them in reverence, calling them the Tiax and Laxa, the inseparable fish-spirits of the forest.

Tiax, the life-bringer, was known to embody pure vitality. Its presence caused the forest to bloom with vibrant life, filling the air with an overwhelming sense of energy. The trees in its domain grew taller and stronger, the animals thrived, and even the water seemed clearer, purer.

It was said that anyone who came in contact with Tiax's life energy could be revitalized, their strength restored, their wounds healed.

But Laxa, the counterpart, was equally important. Laxa was the overseer of death, responsible for the natural decay and renewal of the forest. Where Tiax brought life, Laxa took the dying carcasses, drawing the last remnants of life energy from them and ensuring their return to the earth.

Laxa represented the quiet, inevitable end, but it wasn't a force of destruction—it was the key to balance, allowing new life to thrive by managing the transition of the old.

Together, Tiax and Laxa maintained the harmony of the forest, their energies interwoven in a delicate dance. They were inseparable, one constantly complementing the other in the natural cycle of life and death. They were more than mere creatures—they were the guardians of the very essence of the forest itself.

'The two fish-spirits…' Vitaliara thought, her eyes widening slightly. She had forgotten about them until now, but the memory flooded back in vivid detail. If Lucavion had found one of these guardian spirits, then the power it held would be immense.

[So it's Tiax, isn't it?] she murmured, her tone soft yet filled with awe.

Lucavion's smile widened slightly as he recalled the details from the novel, his eyes gleaming with knowledge. "Yes, Tiax and Laxa are the rulers of Wraithshade Forest. They've existed here for centuries, maintaining the balance of life and death. Their power is immense, and the forest thrives—or decays—based on their presence."

Vitaliara's gaze sharpened, her curiosity piqued. [You seem to know quite a bit about them,] she noted, her voice carrying an edge of intrigue.

Lucavion nodded. 'I do. In the story, after the male lead broke through the 5-star realm, the surge of power attracted the tribulation—and it also caught the attention of Tiax and Laxa.' He thought inwardly, the memory of the novel's events playing vividly in his mind. 'They led him to their sacred domain, where a life-and-death battle took place.'

Though, of course, he would not be able to tell Vitaliara about this.

"I came across the information somewhere."

[Hmm…..If you don't want to say it, say so.]

"Haha…."

Lucavion's chuckle lingered in the air, but his gaze shifted, growing more serious. "While the stories about them have been twisted over time, one thing remains clear," he began, his voice steady as he explained. "Tiax and Laxa aren't ordinary creatures. They're Nyxaliths—a rare breed of monsters."

Vitaliara tilted her head slightly as if she had remembered something. [Nyxaliths?]

Lucavion nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes. Nyxaliths are unique because each one embodies a specific elemental or spiritual force. Tiax has the life attribute, while Laxa governs death. Their powers are perfectly balanced, and together, they maintain the balance in their powers, and they can't live without the other."

[Ah…..Those….] Vitaliara's eyes widened as recognition flickered in her gaze. [Those forks…]

Chapter 161: The Twin Fishes (2)

[Ah…..Those….] Vitaliara's eyes widened as recognition flickered in her gaze. [Those forks…]

Lucavion raised an eyebrow at Vitaliara's reaction. "You know about them, don't you?" he asked, his voice curious.

Vitaliara nodded, her feline eyes gleaming with recognition. [Of course I do,] she replied. [As the Mythical Beast of Life, I know most creatures tied to my energy. Nyxaliths or whatever you call are well within my knowledge. At least I know the names of those two forks.]

She paused for a moment, her tail flicking lazily. [Though just because I know of them doesn't mean I care about them. Life is life—I oversee it as a force, but I don't discriminate or play favorites with the creatures tied to it.]

Lucavion's expression softened as he listened to her. "That sounds like something you'd say."

[It's not my job to meddle in the lives of those creatures,] Vitaliara continued her tone light but firm. [I simply ensure the balance of life remains as it should be. Whether it's a small creature or a powerful Nyxalith, they're all the same in the grand scheme of things.]

Lucavion chuckled softly. "And yet, we're heading toward them now."

[That doesn't mean I won't take what I need,] she replied with a playful glint in her eyes. [If they hold the power we seek, I'll absorb it just the same.]

Lucavion smiled, nodding in agreement. "Then let's see what they have to offer."

Since they were monsters of his target, it meant it was just meant to be. Would there be any need to hold a grudge or anything anyway?

Isn't everyone in this world living for themselves?

With those thoughts in his head, Lucavion and Vitaliara ventured deeper and deeper into the forest.

And as they ventured deeper into Wraithshade Forest, the atmosphere grew denser, shadows twisting and flickering through the trees. The air seemed colder, filled with an eerie stillness that made each step feel heavier. Wraiths floated through the mist, their forms barely discernible, but their presence unmistakable.

This place had claimed many lives over the centuries, turning those who sought fortune into the very specters that haunted it.

The forest had always been like this—a place where ambition met its end, and the souls of the fallen lingered, waiting for the next fool to join them.

The deeper Lucavion went, the more wraiths gathered, drawn to his presence like moths to a flame.

He moved with precision, his estoc flashing as he cut down the wraiths that dared approach him. Each strike was quick and decisive, dissipating the specters into the cold mist. They came in waves, their numbers seemingly endless, but Lucavion's blade didn't falter.

'This forest… it's alive with death,' he thought as he pressed forward, his steps steady despite the growing danger. His stars spun within his core, their light guiding him through the darkness, while the eerie howls of the wraiths echoed around him.

One particularly large wraith lunged from the shadows, its hollow eyes glowing with malice. Lucavion sidestepped the attack with ease, his estoc slashing through its form before it could react. The wraith let out a keening wail before dissolving into the mist like all the others.

"They never stop coming," Lucavion muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. His eyes scanned the forest, the trees looming over him like silent watchers. More wraiths gathered ahead, drifting aimlessly but drawn to his presence like the others before them.

[It's no wonder this place is filled with wraiths,] Vitaliara remarked from her perch on his shoulder, her voice calm despite the chaos around them. [Most who come here seeking fortune don't leave.]

Lucavion nodded, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "And they end up becoming part of the forest."

The deeper he went, the stronger the presence of the wraiths became. Each step felt like he was pushing through a wall of lingering souls, the very air thick with death and decay. But Lucavion pressed on, cutting down every wraith that crossed his path with ruthless efficiency. His blade was an extension of himself, each movement calculated, each strike precise.

Yet, despite the relentless onslaught, Lucavion remained focused. This forest was just a prelude to what lay ahead—Tiax and Laxa, the Nyxaliths, the true guardians of this forsaken place.

"The deeper we go," Lucavion said, his voice low and steady, "the closer we get to them."

Vitaliara's tail flicked slightly as she surveyed the darkened forest. [Indeed. The further we delve into the heart of this place, the stronger their presence are becoming. Be ready. Even though I am doing my best to mask our presence, at some point it will be impossible to hide.]

Lucavion's grip tightened on his estoc, and with a sharp breath, he continued forward, cutting down another wraith as it appeared from the mist. There was no room for hesitation here—not in a place like Wraithshade.

Then he continued deeper into Wraithshade Forest, his footsteps nearly silent as he pressed on. The mist seemed to thicken with each step, the eerie silence occasionally broken by the distant howls of wraiths. But as the wraiths faded into the background, replaced by the cold, heavy atmosphere of the forest, Lucavion felt a shift.

The deeper they ventured, the air itself seemed to ripple with the presence of more powerful entities. Vitaliara, perched on his shoulder, remained alert, her gaze flicking across the shadows as they moved.

Without warning, the trees ahead rustled unnaturally, and a low, guttural growl echoed through the dense fog. Lucavion stopped, his grip tightening around his estoc. The wraiths may have been relentless, but these were different.

Monsters.

A massive, wolf-like creature emerged from the shadows, its fur pitch black and its eyes glowing with a fierce crimson light. The beast's muscles rippled beneath its dark coat as it prowled toward Lucavion, its fangs bared and dripping with saliva.

Lucavion remained calm, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the beast. 'Early 4-star,' he assessed quickly. It was powerful, but not beyond his reach.

The wolf snarled and lunged at him, its claws tearing through the ground as it closed the distance in an instant. But Lucavion was faster. His estoc flashed, and in one smooth motion, he sidestepped the creature's attack and delivered a swift, precise strike to its side. The blade sliced through the beast's thick fur, and the wolf howled in pain, stumbling as blood spilled from the wound.

SWOOSH!

Lucavion didn't waste any time. He pressed forward, his estoc moving in rapid, controlled strikes. Each swing of his blade was infused with a subtle layer of his sword intent—an energy that vibrated through the air, sharpening his attacks and increasing their lethality.

After reaching 4-star, one would be able to use their weapon's 'intent,' which, in the case of Lucavion, was a sword.

The wolf barely had time to recover before Lucavion's next strike severed its spine, sending the creature crashing to the ground, dead before it could retaliate.

He paused for a moment, scanning the surroundings. His recent breakthrough to the 4-star realm had given him access to his sword intent, and he could already feel the difference in his movements.

'It is indeed much more effective.'

His strikes were faster, more precise, and each one carried a weight behind it that made him even deadlier.

But the forest wasn't done testing him.

From the darkness, more creatures emerged—this time, a pair of snake-like beasts, their scales glistening with a metallic sheen. Their tongues flickered in and out, tasting the air as they slithered toward him, their bodies undulating through the mist.

Lucavion exhaled, his breath steady. 'Two of them, both early 4-star.' His eyes sharpened as the snakes struck simultaneously, their bodies coiling around him in an attempt to crush him between them.

But Lucavion's movements were fluid, his estoc slicing through the air with a speed that seemed almost unnatural. He danced between the two beasts, his sword intent guiding each strike as the blade cut through their scales with ease. One of the serpents hissed in pain as Lucavion's estoc found its mark, slicing through its neck and sending its head tumbling to the ground.

The second snake reared back, its fangs bared as it prepared to strike. But Lucavion was already moving, his body a blur as he closed the distance. With a powerful thrust, he drove his estoc through the creature's open maw, the blade piercing its skull and silencing its attack in an instant.

The forest grew still once more as the two serpents collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

Vitaliara let out a soft purr of approval from his shoulder. [You're handling these creatures with ease now. The breakthrough has sharpened your skills.]

Lucavion wiped the blood from his blade, his expression calm but focused. "It feels different. My sword intent... it's almost like an extension of myself now."

He could feel it with every swing of his estoc—the clarity, the precision, the lethal efficiency. The monsters of this forest were powerful, but now that he had broken through to 4-star strength, they were nothing more than stepping stones in his path.

The further they ventured into the heart of Wraithshade Forest, the more the atmosphere seemed to shift. The air grew colder, and the very ground beneath his feet felt heavy with the weight of death. But Lucavion pressed on, cutting down more beasts as they emerged from the darkness.

Some were large, hulking creatures with thick hides and brutal strength, while others were swift and agile, using the shadows to their advantage.

Lucavion's estoc danced through the air with an elegance that belied the carnage it caused. Each creature that fell to his blade was a testament to the progress he had made—the refinement of his sword style, the mastery of his sword intent.

But as they ventured deeper, the presence of something far more powerful began to loom over them.

Vitaliara's tail flicked slightly, her voice tinged with caution. [The guardians are near. Tiax and Laxa.]

Lucavion nodded, his grip tightening around his estoc. He could feel it too—an ominous, oppressive energy that seemed to pulse from the very heart of the forest.

The Nyxaliths awaited.

And he was ready.

Chapter 162: The Twin Fishes (3)

Vitaliara's sharp eyes flickered with recognition as she felt the subtle shift in the air. The once-chaotic mana flows of the forest, filled with the presence of wraiths and other beasts, had stilled. Instead, something deeper, more powerful, began to move around them.

She let out a low hum, her voice filled with understanding. [They're here.]

Lucavion slowed his steps, his grip on his estoc firm as he scanned the dense, shadowed trees ahead. "What do you sense?"

Vitaliara's tail twitched, and her gaze turned towards the thickening darkness. [The mana flow around us… it's different now. Controlled. It feels like they're opening the path.]

Lucavion's eyes narrowed. "They're waiting for us."

[Exactly,] she replied. [Tiax and Laxa—Nyxaliths don't thrive on pointless bloodshed. They've seen enough of it in this forest. Now, they've decided to meet us directly. No more creatures will stand in our way.]

Lucavion nodded, feeling the shift in the atmosphere. It was as if the very forest had begun to yield to the presence of its rulers, allowing them to pass without resistance. The oppressive feeling of death lingered, but there was no more hostility, no more waves of wraiths or serpentine beasts lunging from the shadows.

"They no longer wish for any more blood to spill," Lucavion murmured, understanding the significance of the moment. "They're inviting us to face them."

Vitaliara's eyes gleamed as she surveyed the path ahead. [It's an honor, in a way, for them to grant us this. But it won't make the battle any easier.]

Lucavion's smile was thin but confident.

"It is fine."

Lucavion's gaze lingered on the dark canopy above, the weight of past experiences settling in his mind. "If my opponent is showing me grace, the only thing I can do is to respect it," he murmured softly. "And in a way, they are truly fitting rulers."

His thoughts drifted back to his time in the army, where he had seen all kinds of leaders—men and women who commanded others through fear, manipulation, or false bravado. He had witnessed them make grand speeches, only to abandon their people when real danger struck. In the face of true adversity, they were always the first to retreat, saving their own lives while others fell.

Lucavion had never respected such leaders. To him, they were cowards—those who put their own survival above the honor and responsibility that came with power.

But these two Nyxaliths, Tiax and Laxa, were different.

"They're still standing here," he muttered, a rare tone of admiration creeping into his voice. "They're not hiding from us, and they've spared the lives of their forest's creatures, showing us the path directly. That takes strength. They know their power and aren't afraid to face us."

[They are rulers, indeed,] Vitaliara purred in agreement, her voice thoughtful. [Many would hide behind their armies, using their underlings to weaken us. But not these two.]

Lucavion nodded, his expression hardening with resolve. "Exactly. They face us head-on, without pretense. That's what makes them deserving of respect. I've seen too many so-called leaders abandon their people in the face of danger. Tiax and Laxa… they embody what it means to lead."

His grip tightened on his estoc, the weapon feeling like an extension of his will. "If they're willing to face me with that kind of integrity, then I'll give them the respect they deserve. But I won't hold back."

Vitaliara leaped back onto his shoulder, her eyes gleaming. [And nor should you. The real battle begins now.]

As Lucavion and Vitaliara ventured deeper into the heart of Wraithshade Forest, the oppressive weight of the surrounding darkness began to ease, replaced by a different kind of energy. The air felt thicker, almost alive, as though the very ground beneath them hummed with ancient power.

The forest opened up to reveal a serene lake, its surface reflecting the faint glow of the moon and the vibrant life surrounding it. Flowers of every imaginable color bloomed on one side of the lake, their petals radiant and full of vitality, while on the other side, the plants were wilted, gray, and dead, the air heavy with the scent of decay.

It was a stark contrast—life and death existing in perfect harmony, dividing the lake into two distinct halves.

Lucavion's gaze swept over the scene, his senses on high alert as the significance of the place settled in. This was no ordinary lake—it was the very heart of Wraithshade Forest, the domain of Tiax and Laxa. The lake seemed to pulse with energy, the life and death forces intertwined yet distinct, reflecting the balance that the Nyxaliths embodied.

Vitaliara shifted slightly on his shoulder, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. [This is it,] she murmured. [The heart of their domain.]

As they stood there, the stillness of the lake was broken by a sound—a deep, resonant hum that seemed to come from within the waters themselves. The sound wasn't directed toward Lucavion, but to Vitaliara, vibrating through the air like a distant call.

Vitaliara's ears perked up, her gaze sharpening as she focused on the source of the sound. [They know we're here,] she said quietly, her voice carrying an edge of anticipation.

Lucavion's eyes narrowed. "What are they saying?"

[They're calling to me,] she responded, her tone serious yet calm. And then she leaped over him, falling down to the ground. She walked to the lake, her steps excluding a weird wave of arrogance and pride.

And then she stood over the lake, her white fur shining slightly. Lucavion understood that she was doing something related to the talk they were having. It was even possible that she was showing her authority or old presence.

However, for the time being, he did not have any way of knowing aside from reading the energies surrounding them.

Lucavion closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to focus on the subtle shifts in the energies around them. He could feel the distinct presence of life and death, their opposing yet balanced forces swirling through the air. The energy emanating from the lake fluctuated, but it wasn't hostile.

Instead, it felt subdued, as if the powerful forces within were holding themselves back, lowering their guard.

'Strange,' Lucavion thought, his brow furrowing slightly. 'It's almost like they're… submitting?'

The life and death energies didn't clash as he expected. Instead, they flowed harmoniously, bending to Vitaliara's presence. Whatever influence she was exerting, it was undeniable. The two presences within the lake, Tiax and Laxa, seemed to be responding to her in a way that he hadn't anticipated.

Vitaliara stood at the edge of the lake, her fur glowing faintly in the moonlight. Her posture radiated a quiet confidence, an authority that commanded respect. She glanced back at Lucavion, her expression unreadable but her eyes gleaming with understanding.

Lucavion stepped closer, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. "What did they say?"

Vitaliara turned to face him fully, her tail flicking lazily. [They're showing me respect,] she replied smoothly, her tone carrying the weight of her revelation. [Tiax and Laxa recognize who I am, and they've chosen not to resist. They're willing to be part of my recovery without any struggle.]

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, both impressed and slightly surprised. "So, they're just… letting it happen?"

[Heh….When I was young back then…these guys had benefited from me quite a lot.]

As she said that, she looked at the two fishes who now had shown themselves in the water and were looking at him.

Lucavion shifted his gaze to the water, curious to finally lay eyes on the two Nyxaliths—creatures he had expected to face in a fierce battle. But instead of hostility, they now revealed themselves in quiet reverence.

The first fish, Tiax, shimmered beneath the surface, its body glowing with an ethereal light. Its scales were vibrant, almost translucent, as though the very essence of life itself flowed through them. The fins on its back were delicate yet radiant, emitting soft pulses of energy that seemed to make the flowers and plants near the lakeshore bloom even brighter.

Tiax was the embodiment of vitality, its presence making everything around it flourish. Its eyes, bright and filled with a timeless wisdom, locked onto Lucavion for a moment before drifting back toward Vitaliara with what seemed like reverence.

Beside Tiax swam Laxa, the counterpart, and it was equally striking yet in a completely different manner. Where Tiax radiated life, Laxa embodied the stillness of death. Its scales were dark, almost obsidian, and gave off a faint shimmer like the last glint of light before complete darkness.

Tendrils of shadow trailed behind it, and wherever it passed, the once-vibrant plants wilted and withered, returning to the earth. Laxa moved with a slow, deliberate grace, its eyes deep and empty, like the abyss that awaited all things in the end. Yet, there was no malice—only the cold inevitability of death that Laxa commanded with the same calm authority as Tiax commanded life.

Lucavion watched in quiet awe as the two Nyxaliths hovered in perfect balance, each representing their respective forces yet unified in their purpose. There was no need for a fight here—only understanding.