Cain moved through the snowy terrain, a small smile appearing on his face as frost crunched beneath his boots. Origin Island was dangerous -extrely dangerous. So of the insects roaming its surface
carried toxins potent enough to paralyze his nerves, and the
environnt itself seed hostile to most forms of life. Yet despite all that, the energy born from the island's laws carried an unprecedented might.
That energy nurtured his body at a surprising rate, reinforcing his flesh and spirit with every step he took. More astonishing still was the fact that it could directly nurture his True Na-a feat not even pure Origin Power had been able to accomplish.
Even more amazing to Cain was the way he could channel that energy into his Neo-Demon Core. With every cycle, the harmony between the core and the Blue Matrix fused within it improved, becoming smoother, more efficient, more complete. The resonance between them grew steadier, like two once-clashing frequencies finally aligning.
Of course, no matter how important his growth was, Cain did not forget his goal. He continued advancing without hesitation, moving steadily toward the center of the island, where the Eternity Gate was most likely located.
After five hours of relentless forward movent, Cain finally ca to a stop.
Before him stood a massive wall of ice. It stretched endlessly upward, reaching toward the highest sky, its surface layered and ancient, thick enough to endure an unending barrage of attacks. The frozen structure radiated a quiet, oppressive pressure, as though it were not rely ice, but a barrier forged by the island's laws themselves.
"Should I scale it?" Cain muttered softly.
Through the Power of Chaos, he could clearly sense that stronger energy flowed from the other side of the wall. There was no visible gate, no opening, which ant the only path forward was through-
or over-it.
Just as he considered his options, a voice reached him from behind.
"Hello. Are you alone, or did you co with soone else?"
Cain's eyes widened for a fraction of a second. Soone had approached him without triggering his perception-or the force field maintained by the Supercomputer Assistant. That alone was alarming. Instantly, focus, will, and cold detachnt surged into his gaze as he turned to face the newcor.
The man standing there had white hair that fluttered gently in the cold wind. Sharp violet eyes stared straight ahead with a calm yet intimidating intensity. He wore a dark, loosely fitted kimono that hung open at the chest, revealing a well-defined physique. A tattered cloak draped over his shoulders, adding weight and motion as it billowed behind him. In one raised hand, he gripped the handle of a sword- yet no blade was visible.
Cain studied the man for several monts. The bright scarlet light within his eyes intensified as his perception sharpened.
"You can read my mind," Cain said calmly.
For a brief instant, the man's eyes widened. Then his stance shifted, growing noticeably more serious and solemn.
"My na is Ideonus," he said. "Will you share yours?"
"Cain Laurifer."
Cain had no idea who this man was or which force he belonged to. Still, he could tell one thing clearly: Ideonus was strong-and he was not a Neo-Angel. If a conversation could avoid a battle, that would be ideal. Given the looming threat of the Ancient One, creating unnecessary enemies was unwise.
Ideonus nodded once before asking again. "Did you co with soone else?"
When no answer ca imdiately, a flash of coldness appeared in Ideonus's eyes.
"I need an answer."
Cain stared at the native for a mont before replying. "I can tell you -if you tell about your people."
The mont those words left Cain's mouth, Ideonus clenched his fist around the sword handle. Obsidian skin rapidly spread across his arms, hardening and darkening as the coldness in his gaze deepened.
"Ahh..." Cain sighed quietly. It was clear that things would not be resolved peacefully.
The next second, Sky Devourer appeared in his hand, its presence sharp and oppressive. Cain's strength began to rise as his aura
intensified.
Silence reigned for a single second.
Then both figures moved.
They flashed forward like lightning, colliding at blinding speed. Ideonus swung the sword handle toward Cain's face. There was still no visible blade-but Cain could see snowflakes splitting cleanly in half as the weapon passed through the air.
"It's invisible," Cain realized instantly.
His eyes sharpened as he twisted his body, guiding Sky Devourer
along the contour of the unseen blade. When the two weapons collided, the impact blasted the snow away, leaving a montary vacuum between them.
And that was only the beginning.
The invisible sword struck faster and faster as they tore across the battlefield, shockwaves rippling outward with every exchange.
Ideonus displayed superb martial skill, his movents precise and fluid, refined by long experience. He was undeniably powerful. Yet Cain steadily maintained the upper hand. His overwhelming offensive strength surpassed Ideonus's defenses, and the combined might of the Power of Chaos and the Flow overwheld Ideonus's mind-reading ability. No matter how Ideonus tried to anticipate Cain's actions, he could not fully keep up.
The invisible blade flashed toward Cain's eyes. Despite lacking any sense of its length or dinsion, Cain dodged at the last mont, closing the distance and striking with Sky Devourer.
Ideonus leapt backward, narrowly avoiding the sword's edge-but even the tip was enough. A deep wound was carved into his body, blood spraying across the snow.
A sharp expression crossed Ideonus's face as he glanced at the injury. One of his lineage's core gifts was overwhelming defense, yet Cain's blade had pierced it with ease. That alone revealed just how extraordinary Cain's killing power truly was.
Taking a deep breath, Ideonus's heartbeat began to rise-stronger and stronger. Obsidian skin spread rapidly across his entire body.
"Asura Form!" he roared.
In the next instant, his heartbeat exploded-and so did his power.
Cain's eyes widened in surprise. Asura Form was the first innate technique he had awakened from his past life, and even now it remained one of his deadliest moves. Seeing it unleashed by a native
of Origin Island was shocking.
There was no ti to dwell on it.
Ideonus appeared before him in an instant, slashing with overwhelming speed and power. Cain did his best to defend, but he was pushed back, the pressure mounting. A deep cut tore across his chest, blood spilling freely.
Cain clenched his teeth and shouted, "Asura Form!"
His skin turned scarlet as his bloodstream surged with explosive
power.
User Comments
0 comments from readers