Bathing in the spring of Revitalization (1)

"YES!!! I'M BACK, BABY!" cried Vincent as he rose from the water, his body renewed with a vigor he hadn't felt in years. The energy surging through him made his once weak and frail body feel alive again. He flexed his hands, marveling at the strength returning to his limbs.

His triumphant shout echoed around the cave, but there was no response.

Turning to the shore, he noticed Aetheris, fast asleep, leaning against a boulder with his arms crossed, his breathing calm and steady. Despite the chaos of Vincent's awakening, Aetheris hadn't stirred, as if this was all a routine occurrence for him.

Aetheris slowly opened his eyes and looked at Vincent. He noticed the smile and happiness on his face but shook his head with pity.

'Hmmm..Remiel your prediction came true...I guess your countermeasures were indeed needed... how long have I been asleep and what is the progress of the seed' pondered Aetheris as he noticed the complete lack of essence in the Springs

<<Report:You have been asleep for 4.35 hours and the growth rate of seed has reached 7.5%!!! And Your bloodline awakening 1.5%!!!>>

"I see... Vincent, I can feel your Mana; your body has been cleansed and Rejuvenated. Congratulations," said Aetheris with a smile that filled Vincent with gratitude; he saw a genuine gaze from Aetheris that made him respect him even more.

"Thank you for this opportunity, all though I have nothing I will do my best to repay you" replied Vincent with a bow, his misfortune taught him how to be humble and he wasn't planning to disrespect the one who helped him at his weakest

"Hmmm... I like your character, Vincent," Aetheris said, his voice carrying a sharp edge. "The Spring of Revitalization restored your body to its prime, yes, but you willingly gave away your lifespan for more power, remember?"

Aetheris's eyes gleamed with a knowing look, cutting through Vincent's newfound confidence. "That part wasn't affected by the breaking of your core and the shattering of your True veins. So... Vinny, you only have three—no, 2.5 months to live... like before"

Vincent's smile froze as Aetheris's words sank in, the weight of his situation crashing down on him like a tidal wave. For a fleeting moment, he had felt invincible, his body restored and his strength returned, the years of pain and suffering seeming like a distant memory. But now, the reality of his fate was laid bare before him once again.

The Spring of Revitalization had done its part, healing his body and purging the damage from his shattered veins and broken core. Yet, it could not undo the deal he had made, the sacrifice of his lifespan for the power he had once sought in desperation. The clock was still ticking, and time was running out.

Despair gripped his heart as he realized that despite the vitality coursing through his veins, he was still bound to a death sentence. His rejuvenated body, now a cruel reminder of the life he could never fully reclaim, felt like a hollow victory. The strength he had gained was fleeting, no more than a temporary reprieve before the inevitable end.

His mind raced, struggling to make sense of it all. How could he be so young, so full of life, and yet have so little time left? The months Aetheris spoke of felt like a death knell, each passing day an inch closer to his demise. He had been so close to freedom, but the chains of his past still held him fast, dragging him toward the same bitter fate.

Vincent clenched his fists, the surge of energy he had just celebrated now feeling meaningless. He had fought so hard and survived against all odds, only to face the same looming darkness. The gratitude he had felt moments ago now twisted into frustration, anger, and helplessness. The taste of victory had turned to ash in his mouth.

"But..it doesn't have to be that way, Vincent; I can make you a deal, give you power, life... And purpose, but what can you give me, Vincent?" said Aetheris as he reverted to his original form; he began to release his Aura powered by his mark, influencing the honesty within Vincent.

"Your Eminence..." Vincent's voice trembled, the words barely escaping his lips as he fell to his knees, his entire being overwhelmed by the sheer presence of Aetheris.

His heart pounded in his chest, not from fear, but from awe. This wasn't just a man before him—this was a savior, a force of nature, and Vincent had never felt more humbled in his life.

"I... I am nothing without you. You've given me more than anyone ever has—more than I ever deserved. You brought me back from the edge, restored my body when I was broken beyond repair, and now, you offer me life, purpose, and power," Vincent said, his voice cracking with emotion. He bowed his head low, almost touching the ground, not out of obligation but out of a deep, unwavering reverence.

"Your grace is beyond measure, Your Eminence. I am forever in your debt, and I swear on my life, my soul—everything that I am—that I will serve you with every breath, every moment, until my last. If it weren't for you, I would have nothing but despair and death awaiting me. You have not only saved my life, but you've given me a reason to live again."

Vincent's eyes filled with tears, not of sorrow, but of gratitude. "I swear to serve you, to follow you, to honor you in every way I can. My loyalty is yours, unbreakable and eternal. There is no power, no fate, no destiny that could pull me away from this path. I exist for you, Your Eminence. My life is in your hands, and I will spend every moment repaying the kindness and mercy you have shown me."

He lifted his gaze to meet Aetheris's, his eyes shining with the light of absolute devotion. "Command me, and I will obey without question. Guide me, and I will follow without hesitation. I am yours, now and always."

"Very well... let's make a deal"

....

Thank you for reading 😊 🙏