67 Parting Gift

"LIKE HELL!"

Cheryl called up her innate powers, bending the space around her with a twist of her hand. Shooting tendrils of distorted air at the beastman.

And as they manifested, every frail and ancient attraction for display shook appart. Breaking before the pressure excluded by the girl.

Xalder even retreated when he saw how serious she was, not wishing to block her way. However, their opponents did not seem to hold the same opinion of this struggle.

With a high and mighty smile, the beastmaster rouse up into the air while stretching out his palm. Silently chanting a sentence for them all to her.

"Source erasure."

Just as the tendrils were about to hit him, a small white ball formed itself in the palm of his hand. Turning the distorted vines into nothingness whenever he allowed the light to hit them.

"Such a thin Autrion bloodline and yet you still wish to battle me?"

Cheryl looked up at the sight of her failed attack and dropped her jaw. Feeling a crawling sensation of dread split her head open.

"Your spirit is weak. Just like your connection to the source, little girl."

The beastman lowered his hand slightly while eyeing down the surrounding walls and floor. Almost as if absorbing their structure into his brain.

"Time to finish this. It was an honor meeting you, Champion."

Without much care in his tone, the beastmaster once more raised his hand up into the air. Conjuring up a ball of white energy which slowly began to grow brighter each passing second.

"As for you two sweethearts, I bid you a heartfelt farewell."

Xalder looked up at the ball with a fearful gaze. Immediately charging up his saber in a brisk of blue fire.

"THUNDERS OF THE NORTH..."

However, before he managed to summon his blue whip of destruction, the floating beastmaster interrupted him. Indifferently calling out to the foolish captain while feeling the sparked up air current shoot through his fur.

"What a pitiful child, wishing to stop me with only energy emperor layer strength. "

The white ball of light then abrubtly began to spin around. Shooting its radiant rays of light into every corner of the room and engulfed not only their surrounding space, but seemingly the entire area they found themselves in.

Xalder and Cheryl, alongside every living organism within the light's radius felt their very essence quiver. Shaking before the unkown might which forced their cells to submit.

And through this blinding light that erased the scent, feel, and temperature everything held, came a overpowering whisper. Shooting off into the distant like a sonic boom generated from an explosion.

"I am the first, I am the witnesses."

"I am the one who birthed the source into existence."

"And with my call, it shall shake."

"It shall cry, and it shall break."

Reality seemed to warp when faced with these words. And not long after they died down, the white radiance covering the land intensively flashed. Booming out a last scentence before the surrounding space went silence.

"Source bomb."

.....

Many, many miles away from where the doors of life stay rooted, a beautiful city could be made out.

Filled with ancient taverns, villas, mansions and shops. Having hundreds upon hundreds of well dressed nobles wander the streets, and of course, the ocational peasent or slave wearing some rags or other minor sets of cloth. Either in chains or just openly harassed by the more well equipped masses.

This was the Ingel royal city. Home to the most prestigious members of society who looked down upon those below. Where status and strength was key to all. A place where might may make right.

It was filled with all kinds of ancient families and groups like the [Church's] belonging to all kinds of religions, The [Four clans], and even the royal family which holds every cornerstone of this continet balancing on their fingertips.

However, with so many powerful individuals encased together, balance is naturally needed. And as such, all these areas were built a respectable distance away from each other. Resting within the pieces of lands belonging to their respective groups.

But in this current day, not too far from a specific area, a giant manor, no, a castle could be seen resting over the horizon. Having the exterior appearence of an ancient steel tower. However, unlike any normal structure found in this world, it was more akin to a real life castle shaped sky scraper. Shooting off into the clouds like a silver pillar.

And with this place's beauty came, of course, people who're curiosity and respect almost matched the tower's size. Pulling many newcomers would come exactly to this place every single day. Wishing to gaze upon the mighty structure which was famed for its unparalleled might.

The reason? In legend, it was said that the material this tower was made from held the properties to bend space itself! Encasing all those inside safely, and creating a perfect and secure defence against everything within this world.

And who else would have the luxury of living here other than one of the most powerful clans in existence? The ones who's origin was so profound and deep, that even the most amiable nobles would find themselves bowing before a member of this grand family.

This was the headquarters of exactly the Zell clan. One of the most prosperous groups in the current moment in time.

However, despite the incredible background, a secret was tightly kept within these walls. One which every single member held direly within their hearts.

"Congratulations, Lord Rion. You have another child with a level potential exceeding 100!"

Inside a faintly lit study found inside the Zell clan, two people could be found talking to each other.

The first one was a well dressed and attractive maid. Having her attire perfectly round out every part of her body, and her black hair set up in a ponytail. Only truly allowing her exotic facial features any light.

"That is of no importance to me, Helen. You know what to report."

Before the maid, a hardy, yet young voice echoed. It belonging to a casually dressed nobleman with a headful of long, brown hair. His attention was at the moment almost completly submerged in a sea of fumbled documents which were planted before his desk like trees.

The maid, Helen, made a saddened expression after hearing the noble man's request. Regretfully reporting to him with a sour look.

"No bloodline awakening..."

Just as she finished talking, a sudden vibration shook the space around her. Making the notes and accessories on the desk tremble slightly.

Hela felt her blood begin to rush into her head, and the blood vessels reach the breaking point. However, the dreadful feeling abruptly disappeared. Leaving her with a sigh of relief.

"Not even the second daughter who fled from her responsibilities possessed it... despite being a direct descendant too. Truly disgraceful. Anyhow, who else other than the accident have been able to awaken?"

Rion suddenly intervened. Questioning her with a stern yet worried tone. Mabye influenced by the heavy blow their family had once received.

"Please, Lord Rion. Mrs Lena didn't hold any value for the clan, there is no need to bring her up..."

"But yes, other than Lady Cheryl, no one other than the new children seem to have awakened their bloodlines. Not since the sudden density decline..."

Regret was awfully obvious in the way Hela talked. Not knowing how to properly word herself when knowing of their clans decline in prodigies.

But to her worries, Rion only bashfully grunted at her. Not wishing for her to speak of the great decline cursing over their bloodline.

"You know not to speak of the decline. Ever. Or what would you do if the elders heard you?"

Yet again, space seemed to bend to his words. However, that feeling quickly vanished as he calmed himself down. Leaving the man with the same regretful stain inside his heart.

"Forgive me.."

Hela tried apologizing, as she knew this problem was not something many would wish to admit. Only digging it under the radar and looking for a method of reversal.

"Sigh....Forget it! How is that girl doing?"

But he did not blame her much. Only pushing his fingers over the sharp black eyebrows resting over his hazel eyes, while asking about how one of their rising starts were doing.

A gentle smile made it's way over the maid's face when she heard him. And without any hesitation, she openly told him of her progress.

"Although still only at the king layer, Your cousin is currently doing some rather promising work over at the Doors of Life facility in the Torvel. Running most operations with the famed 'Hell's Whip' Xalder who reached the emperor layer at only eighteen years old."

Maybe it was due to the way she spoke, or maybe it was the fact that Cheryl currently did well for herself. But anyhow, Rion's mood brightened up.

"I see... Anything else?"

"Well....."

He tried asking the maid once more. However, she suddenly hesitated to speak. Almost as if afraid to inform him about something.

"Well?"

Helen gripped her black skirt with both hands. Digging her nails into the fabric while informing him.

"We lost all connection with the facility not too long ago. And not even Lady Cheryl seems to answer our calls.."

Rion was greatly surprised by what she said. Opening his hazel eyes in shock.

"Oh? Send a group to check it out. I would rather not have uncle worry unessecarily over minor things. After all, the tournament is about to start. And the summoned heroes will return soon."

Helen nodded at him with a gentle smile. Happy that he showed some care for the matter even though it may not be anything serious.

"Do you perhaps worry about your cousin?"

She tried asking him silently. Hoping he wouldn't mind her excess talking. And to her delight, Rion smiled. Not feeling annoyance by her murmuring.

"Cheryl does not need my help any longer. It's just that, with all these events happening..... First the [hero summoning] which brought forth those otherworldly children, the decline in our bloodline, the disappearance of Mrs Lina, the [continental tournament], the beast and [demi continent's] activities near our borders, the growing number of [vampires], the sudden fall of [Bell Academy], and last but not least, the sudden move made by the [Metal Shrine] and [Devil Cult]. It has proven to be rather taxing...."

Feeling himself thowing up all kinds of useless infomration made Rion suddenly halt with his wording. Looking up at the equally smiling maid.

"But forget about me! You have been talking a lot today, Helen."

He gently lowered both hand onto the desk. Giving the maid a tender, yet friendly look. Almost as if they were long time friends.

"I am just worried. That is all..."

With a soft sigh, Hela exhaled. Evidently releasing her ties towards the unnecessary responsibilities she held onto.

"You shouldn't need to bother yourself with my problems. Besides, what is the worst that could happen?"

.....

"Source Bomb."

The blinding white light flashed once before slowly dissipating. Showing the landscape once more.

The light, as if holding the properties of toxic radiation had completely burnt away everything. Leaves, stones and all other unnecessary materials were gone. Leaving only a shaded brown wasteland made up of the raw soil.

The main facility building was gone. No longer having any walls or floors.

Remains of it were spread around in the hollow pit where it previously stood. Having all kinds of vials, glasses, animal remains and potions rolling all over the place. Some cracked and some intact.

And of course, in the middle of these ruines were currently three people.

The first was naturally Michael. Only having his consciousness temporarily switched with the ancient god. Still hovering in the air while in the beastlord form.

Meanwhile, below the majestic person that was Andev, the remaining humans laid.

Cheryl was kneeling onto the earth. Having her lab coat torn in several places, and the long black hair rolling all over. Heavily exhaling and inhaling the moist air which surrounded her. Desperately trying to regain her strength which had so suddenly dissapeared.

And not too far away from her, Xalder could be found. Laying flat on his back while having streaks of dried blood cover most of his naked body.

His eyes were almost completely diluted and his hair was a mess. Leaving the man fighting for his life as he silently mumbled something whenever he received enough oxygen.

"N...Not even an imperial beast should survive my attack...."

His body twitched a little as he spoke. Shooting out small spurts of red from all around his exposed skin.

And to his honor, Andev looked over at the boy. However, not with pity. But rather with a disappointed mock which was evident on his wrinkled forhead.

"Imperial beast? You must be joking, boy. There are no imperial beasts who would ever lower themselves so much as to voluntarily visit this plane."

His words were sharp, penetrating into the very soul of the dying captain. Making him only create more questions to forever be unanswered.

But Andev did not bother with him any longer. Only changing his gaze up towards the blue sky, and eyeing the non existent clouds with a sorrowful look.

"I wish I could aid you more, but the longer I stay awake, the closer IT gets to finding me. And if it does, then our fates are sealed."

He lowered his head back down. Once again absorbing the molecular structure of every piece of useful biological material

"My power is yours. However, I have exhausted myself too much over the eternities that have passed, and giving you the full access right away would turn you into a beacon for IT to find."

As he finished speaking, a white flash ignited the very corner of his void eyes. Making the yellow slit in the middle temporarily disappear for a second.

"Here, just enough before breaking the threshold."

He was content with the tweaks done to the body. And as such, was now planning on leaving the rest to Michael.

However, right before his mind departed, he stretched both hands out into the air. Feeling the locking current of the air and the smelly texture of the scraped dirt below his floating body.

"One last thing before I leave."

His voice was calm and gentle. Resonating with an ancient aura that instantly covered the nearby wasteland in its might.

"Source Call!"

Still with his arms spread out, he shouted. Letting the aged tone reverberate into the compound of every living thing nearby. Demanding it to bow before its maker.

And surely, they answered. All the broken vials, glasses and animal remains laying lifelessly on the ground were instantly burnt into a colourful mist alongside the liquid essence inside of them. Oozing up from the wet soil in their most pure form.

Even Cheryl felt something leave her body. But sadly, she was powerless to do anything as a blue vapor made its way through her pores, and up towards Andev's floating frame.

"Converge!"

With one swift move, Andev then crossed the muscular arms togheter. Sliding the red and black hide covering them into each other.

The mist, as if listening to his wishes, obediently followed after. All coming togheter into a single point. That of course being the point of his body.

"Combine!"

Just when the last piece of colourful smoke was absorbed into his body, a last command was given. Fusing and purifying every single piece of source material into a higher and more noble state.

"There, that should be..."

The beastly body of Andev trembled for a second before calming down. And only after it was soothed did he placed his arms down and rearranging his sight towards the sky. Allowing the spherical reef to bathe within his blank balls of light.

"As I feared. You have not forgotten.."

Above him was still the sea of blue everyone would be familiar with. However, what the creatures of this world could not see was perfectly viewable by him.

From the ancient god's point of sight, a giant translucent bloodly eye could be seen hovering inside the heavens. Violently rotating around while seemingly looking for something.

"Luckily this world is sealed. Giving me a little more time."

With no choice left, Andev planned on going back to sleep within Michael's body. However, right before he closed off, a sudden spark shook him awake.

"Wait, why is there another soul inside this vessel?"

He looked over at his claw like hands with shock. Starring wide eyed at the the center of each palm while whispering something.

"No, forget that. Such unimportant matters are within your power to solve. But this... Even the force of chaos lies within your body?"

Andev, now more happy than ever, closed both his eyes. Cheerfully smiling while letting his consciousness wander off.

"Truly, a fine champion."

A white mist starter to exclude from the flying beastman. And with it's departure, Andev's mighty voice became more and more distant

"Farwell for now, Michael. I leave you both my blessing and knowledge."

Slowly, the graceful tone faded into the air alongside the secreted mist. Leaving only a few echoes behind for Michael to hear.

"And with it, you must succeed....You must find the others....You must free us..."

"Or I fear we are doomed to suffer fates end..."

And so, Andev disappeared. Leaving Michael's body to fall down from where he hovered. Slamming into the ground with a heavy thud.