Ikmael understood the aning behind his master's silent glance. Without a word, he vanished in a ripple of light-space bending around him-and returned only seconds later. In his hand, he held a small, heart-shaped stone.
At first glance, it seed ordinary: dull gray, no bigger than a fist. But as one's gaze lingered, a subtle radiance began to rise from within, like starlight trapped under stone. Lines of ancient runes glimred faintly across its surface, countless and intricate, pulsing as if alive.
"This," Tiramisu said, her voice smooth but solemn, "is an Alpha-Oga Overgod Body Refinent Technique-the Astra-Vajra Heartwork. It enables the practitioner's physical strength to surpass the limits of their cultivation base. If you take full advantage of the opportunities your ti in the landmasses will offer, you will be able to cultivate it quickly!"
Cain's eyes widened. The re ntion of a technique of such caliber was staggering. Yet confusion flickered in his gaze at Tiramisu's final words.
Without wasting ti, he accepted the heart-shaped relic with
reverence and bowed deeply to Tiramisu. Then, focusing his mind, he sent his consciousness into the artifact.
Imdiately, the principles of the Astra-Vajra Heartwork unfolded before his inner sight-vast, precise, and breathtakingly cruel. In that instant, Tiramisu's words made perfect sense.
To begin the first level, he would need to claim the heart of an Early Archdeity, then transmute it into a Living Glyph using the thod encoded within the technique. Once engraved into his own heart, the Glyph would hunger for blood and souls. Feeding it would cause runes to bloom like veins throughout his body, etching micro-sigils
into bone and tendon, seeding the marrow with power. As these runes spread, his muscles would thicken, his sinews harden, and his strength would grow to the point where he could shatter Early Archdeity armor with his bare hands.
When the first layer was complete, he could forge a second Living Glyph using the heart of a Middle Archdeity, layering the constructs one atop another like a living architecture. With each level, his body would edge closer to divinity itself.
Cain's lips curved slightly as he understood.
"The first and second levels will not help much," he mused. "My Neo-Demon Body has already reached that strength on its own. But if I complete the third level..."
His eyes glead with a predatory light. "Then even Peak Archdeity armor will crumble under my fists."
The thought sent a thrill through him, and his grin deepened as his mind reached the final revelation within the Heartwork.
"If I master the fourth and final layer," he thought, "my body alone will be capable of breaking the flesh of Alpha-Oga Overgods."
The image filled his mind, and his blood roared in his veins. For a mont, he could almost feel it. But then his excitent tempered as he read the requirent for the final stage.
To forge the ultimate Living Glyph, he would need the heart of an Alpha-Oga Overgod itself.
He exhaled softly, the corner of his mouth twisting into sothing between amusent and resolve. "One step at a ti," he murmured.
With that, he stored the relic away and bowed again, gratitude and determination shining in equal asure.
Tiramisu nodded in satisfaction, then turned her attention toward ylin. "Young one," she said gently, "I can see that you are cultivating the Oneiric Truth and the Sin of Wrath. You should remain here for
now. I will help you refine them."
ylin blinked, taken aback. She had not expected such an offer. She did not doubt Tiramisu's power-anyone could feel the resonance of Wrath emanating from her aura-but ylin had planned to accompany Cain to the battlefields.
Her intent had been to use her Depravity Possession to devour and assimilate the souls of warriors who had mastered the Oniric Truth of Wrath, deepening her resonance through conquest. She had intended to do so in the Second Realm, but the war for the Natural Inheritance had disrupted her plans.
Before she could answer, Tiramisu spoke again, her tone kind yet warning. "Devouring the souls of others is a useful and effective thod to grow stronger, but it is not without cost. Purity of soul and essence is vital to a True Depravita when breaking into the rank of an Alpha-Oga Overgod. You have already accumulated a few... faint impurities. During our training, I will help you cleanse them."
ylin's eyes widened, surprise giving way to alarm. She glanced inward, probing her soul, but felt nothing unusual. Yet she saw no falsehood in Tiramisu's gaze. It wasn't carelessness that had caused it -she had simply been following a path too similar to Cain's, and unlike the Neo-Demon line, the True Depravita did not thrive on devouring others indefinitely.
Her hesitation dissolved. She clasped her hands together and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lady Tiramisu. I will do my best to learn everything you wish to teach ."
A soft smile curved across Tiramisu's lips. "Good."
Then, finally, she turned her attention to the last of the trio. Her
expression grew faintly regretful as she t the Enlightened One's
calm eyes.
"I have no ans to assist your path of peace and harmony," she admitted. "However, you are free to explore the Library and Armory. Take any treasure or technique that you find useful."
The Enlightened One bowed slightly. He had not expected such generosity. Unlike Cain and ylin, he bore no direct connection to the Demon King. Still, he understood what this gesture ant. Tiramisu was not rely showing kindness; she was investing in them. Each of them would play a role in the coming expedition into the Scarlet King's Sacred Dinsion, and the stronger they were, the greater the Life Path's chances of success.
Not that it mattered. Power was power. The trio saw no reason to question it. As the saying went-do not look a gift horse in the mouth. If Tiramisu wanted them stronger, they would beco stronger. Monts later, the eting dispersed. The Enlightened One departed for the Library, his robes trailing faint luminescence. ylin remained behind with Tiramisu, her aura already beginning to ripple with the first signs of Wrath's harmonization.
Cain lingered only a mont longer within the Heart of Sin, then stepped out and flashed to the landmass. His eyes were sharp as he was determined to use every second to grow stronger. His instincts warned him that he would need it when he t the Crimson Exarch.
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