Author's Note: You know, I am conducting an experiment. This chapter is actually comprised of three chapters wearing a trench coat. Let me know if you enjoy this format, and I will continue with it. The catch is that releases would occur twice a week. Alternatively, I can stick to daily updates.
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Chapter 29
The relentless assault continued unabated, the sounds of clashing mana and roaring waves filling the air with a cacophony of chaos. Adam's heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he pushed himself to his limits and beyond. Every fiber of his being was focused on the singular goal, survivde, his face became devoid of any emotion, and his determination was unwavering in the face of overwhelming odds.
But as the minutes stretched into eternity, Adam began to feel the strain of the battle weighing heavily upon him. His movements grew sluggish, his breath coming in ragged gasps as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him. Yet still, he fought on, drawing upon reserves of strength he never knew he possessed in a desperate bid to emerge victorious.
The weight of exhaustion pressed down on Adam like a leaden cloak, each movement a herculean effort as he fought to stay upright against the relentless onslaught. His breaths came in ragged gasps, his chest burning with each labored inhalation. The strain of his rigorous exercise routine before the instant dungeon had left him depleted, his muscles screaming in protest with every exertion.
"Four more minutes," Adam muttered through gritted teeth, his voice strained with determination as he summoned his remaining strength to fend off the creature's relentless attacks. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a mana plate to parry another bone-crushing blow from the creature's powerful hand, the force of the impact sending him hurtling through the air once more.
Pain lanced through Adam's body as he tumbled across the sandy shore, his vision swimming with dark spots as he fought to regain his bearings. Blood oozed from countless cuts and gashes, staining the sand crimson beneath him, but still, he pressed on, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on his target.
"Found it," he managed to rasp, his voice barely audible over the roar of the crashing waves. Ignoring the searing pain that flared with each movement, Adam forced himself to his feet, his muscles trembling with exertion as he braced himself for the creature's next assault.
But even as he prepared to defend himself once more, Adam's mind raced with strategy, searching for a way to gain the upper hand against his formidable opponent. With a burst of inspiration, he summoned the float spell, propelling himself thirteen feet into the air just as the creature lunged forward with a savage snarl.
Hovering above the creature's head, Adam watched as it clashed with his conjured mana snake and magic sword, the chaotic fray unfolding beneath him. With a calculated risk, he canceled his magic mid-flight, allowing himself to plummet earthward before summoning his magic sword anew, the blade gleaming with ethereal light in the moon's pale glow.
As he fell, Adam locked eyes with the creature, his gaze unwavering despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. With a primal roar, the creature turned its attention toward him, its orange eyes burning with a feral intensity as it looked up. But before it could react, Adam drove his conjured sword downward with all the force he could muster while also being aided by gravity and his momentum, the blade piercing through scales and sinew with a sickening crunch while he himself was not unscathed, as cracks could be heard while the wind was knocked out of his body.
The creature's roar turned into a strangled cry of pain as Adam's sword impaled it to the hilt, its thrashing limbs faltering as it struggled against the mortal wound. With a final, defiant roar, it collapsed to the ground, its body convulsing in its death throes as Adam tried to stand victorious above it, key word, tried as he failed.
Breathless and battered, Adam sank to his knees beside the fallen creature, his muscles trembling with exhaustion as he surveyed the aftermath of the brutal battle as he laid in top of the creature groaning, "ohh. Oh fuck, i broke another rib, nope, several more" But despite the pain and weariness that threatened to consume him, there was a flicker of triumph in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the victory he had fought so hard to achieve by sending into his pearl, before laying on the beach, "i just need to…sle..ep" before he dossed of.
-scene change-
Few days had passed since Adam's encounter with the snake-like mermaid creature, a battle that had nearly overwhelmed him once again. Since then, Adam had enjoyed a few peaceful days, following his routine without any major disturbances. However, the tranquility of his own existence sharply contrasted with the chaos that gripped the rest of the world.
Reports flooded in of people rioting and looting, driven mad by the presence of a colossal robot-like entity that claimed to judge their worthiness to live. Some called it a celestial being, a space god of sorts, whose motives remained shrouded in mystery. Yet, amidst the turmoil that engulfed the city, Adam found himself strangely unaffected, as if shielded from the influence of the celestial entity. It was a relief, allowing him to focus on replenishing his spiritual force, inching closer to his next breakthrough.
With his spiritual force reaching 12 points once more, Adam seized the opportunity to create a new spell. Dubbed "Sleeping Flower," the spell encased him within a protective barrier of large red rose petals, simultaneously acting as a shield and a source of healing. It was a precautionary measure, designed for moments when Adam found himself battered and bruised by formidable monsters—a common occurrence in his live now
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the landscape, Adam took to the streets for his evening jog. Clad in a thin white t-shirt and sweatpants, with a pair of sneakers cushioning his every stride, he let the mana string dance around him in a mesmerizing display of control and finesse. Despite the cool evening breeze, beads of sweat glistened on his brow, causing the fabric of his shirt to cling to his robust frame, he jogged for a couple of hours before returning home as his mana string floated around him, unseen to mundane people, except for a gothic Asian chick with a strange staff that stared at him for a while as she thought, "come Niko, you already have your plate" before turning around and continuing her walk.
Back in his boat home, after a couple of hours of invigorating jogging, Adam found himself encased within the comforting embrace of five large petals, forming a cocoon-like structure reminiscent of a sleeping flower. Inside this sanctuary, he bathed in the soothing green glow that permeated the layers of rose petals, each petal pulsating with healing energy.
Twelve minutes passed in tranquil serenity as Adam immersed himself in the rejuvenating process. With a gentle rustle, the rose petals disintegrated, revealing Adam in his revitalized state. Stretching his limbs languidly, he couldn't help but let out a contented yawn. "Well, that was a nice healing bath," he remarked with a satisfied smile, feeling thoroughly refreshed.
Making his way to his workbench, Adam's gaze fell upon a meticulously handcrafted chessboard resting atop its surface, a testament to his craftsmanship and attention to detail. Retrieving his spell workbook, he flipped through its pages until he reached the section detailing his latest spell project—a star-shaped construct comprised of interconnected elements, each imbued with magical potential.
Studying the intricate notes scrawled across the pages, Adam pondered the purpose and function of the spell. "With this spell, it should serve both offense and defense admirably," he mused, a sense of accomplishment tingling through him. However, his insatiable thirst for knowledge and improvement urged him to look ahead, always striving to stay two steps ahead of any potential challenges—a lesson learned from chess.
As he contemplated his next endeavor, Adam found himself reflecting on his weaknesses and areas for growth. "Healing is covered, escape is covered, defense and offense as well," he murmured thoughtfully, his brow furrowing in concentration. Yet, amidst his introspection, a flicker of inspiration sparked within him.
"The only area where I'm lacking is in perception and detection spells," he realized, his mind racing with possibilities. "But how should I approach it? If only I had access to space. mana, I might have more options for detecting the positions of people."
Suddenly, a breakthrough occurred, a brilliant idea illuminating his thoughts like a beacon in the darkness. "Wait, instead of detecting position, I can try to sense life itself, since nature encompasses all living things," he exclaimed, excitement coursing through his veins. With newfound determination, Adam eagerly set to work on crafting his latest spell, fueled by the prospect of overcoming yet another challenge.
After wracking his brain for ideas and considering how the spell should function, Adam decided to take a break and prepare himself some nice and easy breakfast. With his hunger satiated and his mind clearer, he got dressed and headed out—not to the park as usual, but to a nearby library. The reason for this detour was the aftermath of a recent skirmish between villains. Rhino and Kraven, two notorious villains of Spider-Man, had clashed just a couple of hours ago. Consequently, the police had sealed off the area for investigation, prompting Adam to switch his plans to the library.
Navigating through the city streets, Adam found himself surrounded by the towering skyscrapers that defined the urban landscape. Nestled among them was the library, its facade adorned with intricate architectural details that spoke of its rich history. However, what truly distinguished the library was the presence of a giant, alien-like treehouse nearby. A creation of mutants, it served as a unique tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide. Despite its allure, Adam had no intention of venturing into the treehouse. His focus lay solely on his training and studies, preferring not to involve himself in situations that didn't pique his interest.
As Adam approached the library, he couldn't help but appreciate the calmness of the day. The gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the sunlight filtered through the gaps between the skyscrapers, casting dappled patterns on the pavement below, "its calm, and peaceful today, hopeful there is no-" before he could continue, his moment of tranquillity was short-lived as a sudden shadow loomed overhead, casting a pall over the serene scene. Before he could react, a massive fireball hurtled down from the sky, slicing through the air with a deafening roar. A small figure darted beneath it, likely a hero attempting to intercept the fiery projectile. However, their efforts proved futile as the fireball crashed to the ground, sending plumes of black smoke billowing into the air after the initial explosion.
Adam watched the chaotic scene unfold with a mixture of resignation and annoyance. "I should really keep my mouth shut," he muttered to himself, recognizing the inevitability of such events in a city teeming with heroes and villains alike. With a resigned sigh, "I should probably move out" he contemplated, he prepared himself for the unexpected turn of events, knowing that his peaceful day had just taken an unforeseen detour.
After the smoke cleared, Adam cautiously observed the aftermath, his mind already bracing for the worst-case scenario. "Just in case, it better not be a brood. I don't want to be impregnated," he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with a mix of dread and dark humor. With trepidation, he turned his attention to the source of the crash, hoping against hope for a less ominous sight.
To his dismay, what greeted him was a colossal purple alien robot, its imposing presence casting a shadow over the surrounding area. The robot lacked conventional arms, instead adorned with massive, flowing tentacles that swayed ominously. Adam couldn't help but groan inwardly at the sight. "Why can't we be invaded by a big, muscular, beautiful warrior woman?" he mused sarcastically, his thoughts momentarily drifting to more preferable scenarios. However, his fanciful reverie was abruptly shattered as the alien monstrosity sprang into action.
With a swift movement of its tentacles, the robot seized a small human figure below, whipping them through the air with terrifying force. Adam followed the trajectory of the unfortunate victim, his expression morphing into one of stunned disbelief. "Yeah, they're dead," he remarked nonchalantly, resigned to the grim reality of the situation.
Meanwhile, from the giant treehouse nearby, several figures emerged in response to the unfolding chaos. Among them were iconic mutants like Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Wolverine, along with the formidable Darwin, whom Adam held in high regard. Additionally, he noticed Polaris, a magnetic powerhouse akin to her father Magneto, and Sunfire, a lesser-known hero.
Polaris wasted no time in attempting to subdue the alien threat, utilizing her magnetic abilities in an attempt to control the robot's metallic form. However, her efforts were swiftly thwarted when it became apparent that the robot was immune to her magnetic influence. As the situation grew increasingly dire, the robot moved to crush Polaris, only to be intercepted by another familiar figure hurtling through the air—Rogue.
Rogue, infamous for her ability to absorb the life force and powers of those she touches, sprang into action, saving Polaris from certain doom. Despite the risks associated with her powers, Rogue's intervention proved crucial in the face of such overwhelming adversity. Adam couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension at her presence, knowing all too well the dangers posed by her unique abilities to absorb people's life force and memories.
Adam observed intently as the X-Men regrouped, their strategic maneuvers unfolding against the advancing alien robot. Standing near the library, he felt a sense of relief that the robot's attention was fixed solely on the mutants, leaving him out of harm's way. "Since the alien robot seems to be targeting them, then I don't have to worry about being attacked. But just in case, I brought the moon horn with me " Adam mused, satisfied with his preparation. With a composed demeanor, he turned his gaze back to the unfolding spectacle, his curiosity piqued.
"It's nice to be the spectator of a battle rather than being the one fighting it," he remarked with a faint smirk, his eyes scanning the scene before him. However, his tranquility was abruptly disrupted by an unexpected turn of events. Below the building, civilians sought shelter while others observed the unfolding battle. Suddenly, the alien machine emitted a burst of energy, washing over the bystanders in a wave of confusion and distress.
Adam's instincts kicked in, ready to deploy defensive spells, but the pulse of energy proved too swift, but leaving him unaffected. Confusion clouded his thoughts as he watched the civilians fall to their knees, gripped by sudden migraines. "A spiritual attack or was it psionic? Is there even a difference?" Adam pondered, observing the scene with a furrowed brow. While everyone else writhed in pain, he remained unscathed, the energy passing harmlessly over him like a benign breeze.
As Polaris erected a protective dome of metal around the group, Adam's gaze shifted to Jean Grey, a renowned telepath among the X-Men. "Isn't Jean Grey a famous telepath? Can't she do something about this attack, or is there something I am missing?" His questions lingered unanswered as the dome transformed into a mech adorned with the unmistakable X-logo.
Observing the clash between the two towering robots, Adam sighed, noting the energy constructs generated by plain mana, a reminder of his ongoing spellcrafting endeavors. "I really need to finish changing the state of my plain mana so that I don't have to create spells that look like energy constructs," he muttered to himself, mentally adding it to his ever-growing to-do list.
With keen interest, Adam witnessed the X-Men mech gaining the upper hand, despite sustaining damage. As Cyclops unleashed his optic blasts and Sunfire enveloped the enemy in flames, the alien robot retaliated with another pulse of psionic energy, sending the X-Men reeling backward. The intensity of the battle only seemed to escalate, leaving Adam on the edge of his seat as he awaited the next twist in the unfolding conflict.
Just as the X-Men robot was on the brink of collapse, a shadow darted forward, slicing through the air with lethal precision. It was Wolverine, the lady, targeting the robot's large eyes before swiftly gutting them. In a matter of seconds, the towering alien machine crumbled to the ground, defeated. As the X-Men robot rose from the skirmish, its missing hand silhouetted against the backdrop of the setting sun, the lifeless remains of the alien robot lay beneath it. The arrival of the Avengers' helicarrier and the Fantastic Four's airborne figures a few moments later solidified the victory. With the combined might of the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Avengers, the alien threat stood no chance. "Well, that was a few minutes away from reality. It's time to get back on the grind," Adam remarked with a sigh, acknowledging the return to his routine.
For the next couple of hours, Adam immersed himself in the library, meticulously selecting books and settling into a quiet corner. He dedicated his time to gathering mana particles, inching closer to his goal of 100,000, which would significantly bolster his spiritual force. His practice with the mana string continued, each movement serving to refine his skills while absorbing knowledge from the tomes around him. Occasionally, he paused for a quick lunch, enjoying a moment of respite before diving back into his tasks. As the sun began its descent, Adam reluctantly closed the book in his hands, stretching his muscles in satisfaction. "Ahh, that's it for today," he declared before exiting the library, casting a glance at the towering tree house constructed by the X-Men before heading home.
As sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and gold, Adam strolled alongside a babbling brook, munching on a chicken breast sandwich. Contentment filled him as he savored the simple pleasure of a peaceful day. "I'm just a couple of thousand mana particles away from reaching 100,000," he remarked with a grin, attracting a curious glance from a passing drunken man. "Then hopefully, I'll be able to create a true spell circle." However, his moment of bliss was short-lived, for the universe seemed to have other plans. Slowly but surely, everyone around him vanished, leaving Adam alone. Unfazed, he quietly finished his sandwich, scanning his surroundings. "See, this is why I wanted a spell that worked like radar," he muttered to himself. His thoughts were interrupted by a low growl echoing in the distance.
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A/N i promised i would leave for a few days, that doesn't mean forever. anyways, how do you like this chapter?