Only after ensuring that Aestra’s condition was completely stable did Taranis deactivate Eyes of the Fallen and fall onto his back.
"Taranis," U called out in worry, rushing toward him.
"I-I’m fine," Taranis replied between heavy gasps. His eyes were tightly shut, blood continuously streaming from them, yet a smile of relief rested upon his face.
Wiping the blood away with the sleeves of his robe, Taranis rose to his feet, his eyes still closed, and murmured, "I need to use the washroom."
He attempted to move toward the attached bathroom of the chamber with unsteady steps, bumping into furniture and nearly losing his balance.
"Let guide you," U said, holding his arm.
Taranis did not refuse her help. With U’s guidance, he entered the bathroom while she remained outside.
After washing the blood from his face, he stepped out and was once again guided by U to the chair placed beside the bed.
After a brief silence, U asked, "For how long have you lost your vision?"
Taranis simply smiled at her question. It was not surprising that she had noticed his blindness, given how difficult it had been for him just to reach the bathroom.
"My eyes will heal in three days," Taranis replied.
Due to the continuous use of Eyes of the Fallen over the past week, along with thirty-seven sleepless nights, his exhausted body pleaded for rest. However, his mind insisted otherwise. It was not ti to rest.
Not yet.
While they awaited Aestra’s awakening, Taranis sat cross-legged on the floor beside the bed.
"Vivi, begin the absorption of cursed Soulforce."
"Initializing Host’s request..."
"Beginning the absorption of cursed Soulforce..."
Slowly, Taranis’ dried Sea of Soulforce began to fill once more, the level of golden water rising at an unprecedented rate. Within minutes, the Sea of Soulforce reached its original capacity, yet he did not stop.
The absorption continued, and his Sea of Soulforce surpassed its previous level. A golden aura enveloped Taranis’ body, his hair standing on end as the entire room illuminated from the energy radiating from him.
Upon reaching a certain level, the Soulforce began flowing into the Divine Tree.
Nurous golden branches sprouted from the bark of the tree. Leaves bearing shimring patterns of stars and galaxies blood one after another.
The Sea of Soulforce did not rise any further from that point, remaining stagnant as all incoming Soulforce was absorbed by the Divine Tree, which grew broader and more expansive.
Ding...
"Conversion of cursed Soulforce successfully completed."
Ding...
"Congratulations! Your Tree of Divinity has grown from Sapling Stage to Final-Stage Sapling.
Divine Soulforce Purity: 15%
Note: Purity can be increased with the growth of the Tree of Divinity."
"Did you experience so kind of enlightennt?" U asked once the glow surrounding Taranis faded. A trace of shock lingered on her face, given how swiftly Taranis had not only restored his Soulforce but exceeded his previous reserves.
"Sothing like that," Taranis replied. "My Sea of Soulforce is full again, but my vision has not returned. I suppose I must wait for my eyes to heal naturally."
Until now, Taranis had preserved the cursed Soulforce within his primary core, intending to absorb it only in a life-and-death battle. He had two reasons for absorbing it completely now. First, he needed to recover swiftly to attend the Azure Sky Competition. Second, he had to be at his peak to capture the traitor during the competition.
Yes, he had already discovered the traitor’s identity.
---
A day before the Azure Sky Competition, at Everfrost Peak
A knock echoed at the door of a royal chamber at the summit.
"Elder Sister, we must leave or we will not arrive in ti," said Doran, standing outside Nyria’s chamber.
A mont later, the door slid open, and Nyria stepped out, dressed in a long white robe adorned with intricate patterns and wide sleeves.
A beautiful shimring necklace graced her slender neck, while earrings of matching design hung from her ears.
Without a word, Nyria walked past Doran and made her way to the snow-covered garden outside her abode, where a white royal carriage decorated with elaborate patterns awaited.
Wearing a nervous expression, Doran hurried after her and spoke, attempting to explain, "Mother and Father left early because their presence was required at Heaven’s Sovereign Peak. They wanted to wait for yo—"
"It’s alright, Doran," Nyria interrupted calmly. "I did not ask for your explanation."
Once the two settled inside the carriage, Doran looked at her with pleading eyes and asked, "Elder Sister, do you truly wish to do it?"
"I do not wish to discuss this matter," Nyria replied coldly, leaving no room for further conversation.
From the atmosphere, it was evident that Doran had tried to broach this topic many tis before, yet Nyria had always halted the discussion before he could continue.
In the end, Doran released a weary sigh and decided to remain silent.
When they had settled in, the carriage, without a driver, rose into the sky and departed Everfrost Peak at a terrifying speed.
Heaven’s Sovereign Peak, where the castle of the King of the Hundred Sky Mountains stood, lay far from Everfrost Peak in the far north of the Hundred Sky Mountains.
Even at their remarkable speed, the journey took twelve hours.
Throughout the entire trip, Nyria did not utter a single word. She spent half the ti ditating and the other half sleeping in a seated position, embracing her sword, Frostbite, close to her chest.
The journey felt dull and suffocating to young Doran, who was in his late teens. He longed to travel with his whole family, conversing, laughing, and enjoying the road together. However, given the state of his family, it was a miracle that it had not completely fallen apart.
The silver carriage slowed and descended, touching down upon the ground. The door opened, revealing a grand city illuminated by beautiful lanterns, bustling with people singing and dancing, and countless shops lining both sides of the streets.
Upon recognizing the familiar carriage, the attention of those gathered in the streets shifted toward Nyria and Doran.
Before they could be surrounded, a group of a dozen knights arrived before them.
"Greetings, Princess Nyria, Prince Doran," said the knight who appeared to be their leader, offering a respectful bow.
"Allow us to escort you to the castle," he continued.
Engraved upon the golden chestplate he wore was a small sun crafted in intricate detail, the symbol of the Azure Sun Empire.
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