Thunder rumbled as turbulent energy stormed across the sky. Adrian continued absorbing the power until everything went still, and a powerful voice echoed, “Remember what you did here, boy. I won’t forget you.”In an instant, the massive rift in the sky sealed shut. The old man, frozen in terror, realized the divine being had vanished, apparently frustrated by Adrian's relentless consumption of its power. Shockingly, Adrian remained unscathed, despite the enormous energy he had absorbed.“H-How can this be?” the old man muttered, horror in his voice.Adrian gave him a cold smile. “What’s wrong, old man? Lost your confidence? Now it’s your turn. I’ve had my eye on your soul power for a while.”In a flash, Adrian appeared above the old man and struck with his palm, shattering the latter’s skull. The old man gazed up in agony, only to see Adrian smiling calmly.“No need to look so shocked. We’re practically old friends by now,” Adrian cooed.Another snap echoed as the man’s bones spl
Adrian refused to believe the shadows held nothing. The space around him had visibly shifted during his recent trial, suggesting a hidden presence was at work.Suddenly, a deep rumble shook the area, and a faint blue-green path materialized before him. Adrian’s eyes flickered with surprise. This passage was unlike anything he’d seen and likely set up by whatever entity was observing him from the shadows. If he wanted to escape, it seemed his only option was to follow the passage.Although uneasy, he pressed forward, stepping into the mysterious corridor. The path stretched endlessly, shrouded in a haze of blue-green light, making him feel a touch uncertain. Partway through, a stone tablet with an inscription appeared.[If the world were to end, what would you do?]Adrian chuckled wryly. “First, survive,” he replied. “Then, help others where I can. But my survival comes first.”As his answer echoed, the tablet shattered with a thunderous crack, replaced by another that read, [What
The space around Adrian trembled as he felt himself being pulled through time and space. The world spun, and in a blink, he found himself once more before the Phoenix Tree.Awe filled his gaze. Standing before the tree, a deep respect settled within him. Now, he understood its true power.Bowing with humility, Adrian said, “Thank you for letting me leave unharmed, elder. I apologize for any disturbance I caused.”The Phoenix Tree’s voice responded with a hint of amusement. “You are indeed an intriguing one, and your answers resonate with my own. You have a boundless future. Today, I grant you two of my leaves, but remember, a favor will be owed. Dark times are coming, and you will need to fulfill this promise.”Surprised, Adrian asked, “What do you mean, elder? If I have the strength, I promise to repay your kindness.”The tree’s voice grew softer, echoing with a sense of forewarning. “A cosmic calamity is approaching, one that will plunge the world into war and chaos. If you grow
The Phoenix Tree spoke calmly, "Haha, there’s no need to worry so much, young one. Just focus on fulfilling your purpose."As the tree finished speaking, a few leaves gently trembled and drifted into the void. Adrian’s eyes lit up at the sight, and he eagerly reached out to claim them all. But the Phoenix Tree’s voice returned, warning, "Greed is endless, boy. Do you think you can take all these leaves? Do you believe each is filled with my precious essence?"Most of the leaves began to wither, leaving only two that floated slowly toward him. Astonished, Adrian asked, “What just happened? Please, enlighten me, elder.”The Phoenix Tree explained, "These leaves contain my essence. Only two are rich enough to retain it. The others withered. Did you think every leaf I bear holds such essence? You’re too naive.”Adrian’s face flushed with embarrassment, but after a moment’s reflection, he understood the wisdom in the tree’s words. If every one of the thousands of leaves held essence, th
Adrian gazed at the ancient, forest-like realm before him, awe and a touch of dread in his eyes. "This place... It’s not somewhere we should tread lightly," he said.Tyron and the Violet Rain Bird stood frozen beside him, while the little Fire Unicorn looked up, chittering softly.Adrian smiled down at the unicorn. "We can’t go back yet. There are too many powerful beasts here. But, little one, once I’m stronger, I promise to take you home for a while."The Fire Unicorn’s gaze softened with a hint of sadness. This was a place far from its true home.Adrian grinned back, reassuring it, "Trust me, it won’t be long."The unicorn’s eyes widened with hope, clearly looking forward to his promise. For Adrian, bringing it back was just a matter of time."Adrian, what happened back there?" Tyron finally asked. "One moment, we were pulled toward you, and then we were instantly transported here. Was there someone powerful intervening in secret?"Adrian frowned, reaching into his cloak. "Ta
A sudden rumble erupted in the distance, sparking excitement in Adrian’s eyes. Beside him, Tyron and the Violet Rain Bird shared the same look of anticipation. At last, they would fight alongside Adrian rather than watch him bear the burden alone.“Something powerful is definitely stirring over there. Let’s go check it out,” the Violet Rain Bird said.Once reluctant to follow Adrian, the bird now viewed him as a formidable leader, a visionary whose decisions inspired confidence. Tyron felt equally motivated, and even the Fire Unicorn bounced with excitement, wide-eyed with wonder at the vast, unknown world it was finally exploring.“Then let’s head out and begin a new journey!” Adrian declared.With his newfound strength, he was now a force to be reckoned with in this secret realm. Embracing his boldness, he led his companions toward the distant, radiant light pulsing ominously across the sky.Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…Figures from various directions shot toward the light, clearly
Seeing the look on Greg’s face, the onlookers knew they were mere spectators here. Approaching was out of the question. The Twelve Rakshasas alone would be more than a challenge, let alone Greg.The Rakshasas eyed Greg warily. Their leader furrowed his brow and said, “Well if it isn’t Mr. Greg. I didn’t expect you to take an interest in this treasure as well.”“Indeed,” Greg replied. “If it’s valuable, it’s mine. If it’s ordinary, you’re welcome to it.”Though his tone feigned indifference, Greg’s intent was clear. The best belonged to him, and whatever remained could go to the Rakshasas.Their expressions darkened at his audacity, but they restrained their anger.“Hah! Well said, Mr. Greg. Naturally, if it’s worthy, it’s yours. The lesser finds are ours,” the Rakshasas’ leader replied, forcing a smile. Greg’s strength wasn’t something to challenge lightly. Even if his powerful background didn’t intimidate them, his sheer prowess commanded respect.“Very well. Let’s see what this
Greg gripped his weapon tightly, anger flashing in his eyes as he spotted Adrian.Off to the side, Tyron watched with a look of mocking amusement.“Well, look who I’ve run into. Saves me the trouble of finding you.” Greg sneered, unleashing an intense aura that sent shivers through the onlookers.“What kind of power is this? He’s at the peak of the Astral Stage! It’s hard to believe he’s so strong,” someone whispered in shock.Greg’s strength was no accident. It hinted at years of disciplined training, not something achieved overnight. But Adrian met Greg’s gaze with defiant calm, his expression hardening as anger flickered in his own eyes.Greg scoffed. “I’ll give you one chance. Kneel, and I might let you live.”His desire to crush Adrian swelled as he recalled Adrian’s former arrogance. But Adrian remained cool and indifferent, fueling his rage.“You arrogant fool!” Greg bellowed, launching a deadly punch aimed straight at Adrian’s head. Adrian’s gaze sharpened, readying fo