The Nihility Chef

Elizabeth's expression remained calm, yet her voice carried a weight of centuries as she answered, "My physique is called the Nine Lives Divine Body. It grants me the ability to store nine wisps of my soul, allowing me to reform even in death. However, each time I return, I must cultivate from the very beginning. This physique also bestows upon me an unparalleled 600% affinity with the Life Element."

A solemn silence settled over them before she continued. "Upon awakening, I also received a technique—Bastet's Retribution. It absorbs the life aura in the air, refining my body and strengthening it. At least, that was its supposed purpose. But from the moment I first practiced it as a child, I felt immense pain, as if my very essence was being torn apart. I assumed it was merely a trial to endure, yet the agony only worsened, gradually deteriorating my body until I reached this frail state."

Sami's eyes narrowed as realization dawned upon him. "I understand now…" he murmured, his voice thick with revelation. "Your bloodline must have resisted the life aura—it wasn't meant to be tempered by it. Instead of strengthening you, it weakened you, causing unbearable suffering. What we need is a technique that harmonizes both life and death, balancing the conflict within you. And to restore your foundation, you will require at least a Saint-level Life and Death Herb."

His excitement dimmed, replaced by a steely determination. "But such things are beyond rare… except within the Reincarnation Empress' Forbidden Land."

The world of Verus is riddled with places that defy common sense—Forbidden Lands. These domains, remnants of powerhouses long gone, are steeped in peril and mystery, existing as both tombs and trials for those seeking the impossible. The will of these ancient beings lingers, their legacies sealed behind insurmountable barriers. However, once every few decades, the barriers weaken, allowing only the most worthy—or the most reckless—to step inside.

Within these lands, fortunes and fates are decided. Weapons of legend, lost tomes of forgotten arts, elixirs that defy mortality—treasures beyond imagination await those who survive. Yet, these powerhouses did not intend their inheritance to fall into unworthy hands. Most Forbidden Lands impose an age restriction, ensuring that only the young, the talented, and the bold may claim their legacy.

"Sami, I read in a book that the last time the Reincarnation Empress' inheritance opened was thirty-six years ago. That means…" Alice's voice trailed off, her eyes widening with hope.

"That means we have fourteen years to prepare," Sami finished, a fierce determination burning in his gaze. "We will do it. We will retrieve the inheritance, and your mother will be saved!"

His hands clenched into fists. "But in the meantime, we must act to prolong her life. I will speak with my father—he can arrange medicated meals infused with the Death Element. Her body is already overflowing with Life aura; what she needs is balance."

Elizabeth, who had been listening in stunned silence, finally spoke. "Wait… you're saying my family had a bloodline?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, the weight of the revelation settling upon her like a storm.

"Yes, Mother!" Alice said eagerly, her youthful excitement shining through. "Our bloodline is called the Death Empress Bloodline. It grants a 300% affinity with Death, but also a -300% affinity with Life."

Elizabeth stood frozen, struggling to process this truth. She had spent her entire life believing she was simply unfit for cultivation. Yet, the truth was far more profound—she had been shackled by her own unrivaled potential.

"Auntie, don't worry," Sami declared with unwavering confidence. "When the time comes, Alice and I will enter the Forbidden Land. We will retrieve the inheritance and save you. This, I swear."

A warm, motherly smile graced Elizabeth's lips as she ruffled Sami's hair. "You're already becoming quite the hero, my sweet child."

"Auntt!" Sami whined, trying to dodge her hand.

Internally, he groaned. Why do all these older women insist on ruffling my hair or pinching my cheeks? Will I ever be free?

Elizabeth chuckled. "Alright, children. You should go now—enjoy your youth while you still can."

"Bye, Mother!" Alice chirped, and the two ran off, their hearts lighter despite the burdens they carried.

As they reached a secluded courtyard, Sami suddenly stopped, his expression darkening. "Alice… Today is the last time you will ever allow yourself to be humiliated like that. Those nobles believe they can walk all over you because of their status, but you are a princess. Let them see your strength—let them fear you."

His fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white. "They belittled you, thinking you were beneath them. They couldn't touch me because of my background, but they targeted you instead. You must retaliate. If a mosquito bites you, crush it. Do not let it feed on your blood."

Alice's expression turned solemn as his words sank in. Images of the nobles' cruel sneers flashed before her eyes, their mocking laughter echoing in her mind. Sami was right. If she remained weak, they would continue to trample upon her. No more.

With a steady voice, she declared, "Sami, on this day—the 18th of September, Year 7025 of the New Calendar—I vow never to succumb to those nobles. I will become stronger. I will gain the strength to protect all those I hold dear."

Sami's eyes burned with conviction as he met her gaze. "I vow the same. I will never allow harm to come to those I love. I will become stronger. I will live my life to the absolute fullest. My dreams, my desires—I will see them through to the end."

Their hands clasped, sealing their promise.

Countless years later, historians would look back upon this moment and call it The Promised Day—the day when two of the greatest figures in history made an oath that would shake the very foundations of the world.

Knowledge of the Day: Elemental Fusion

There exist two primary types of elemental fusion:

1. Fusion of Harmonious Elements:

Harmonious elements strengthen each other, such as water and ice or wood and healing.

The power of such attacks is doubled.

2. Fusion of Conflicting Elements:

This is the strongest but most dangerous form of fusion.

Conflicting elements, such as life and death, produce volatile reactions.

The power of such attacks are at least tripled maybe even more

However, without precise control, this power can easily backfire, harming the user.

The strongest figures in history were those who mastered this final type of fusion, bending the very forces of existence to their will.