Chapter 6

As Elara spoke, Valen's mind grappled with the implications. The radiant crimson glow surrounding him seemed to intensify, echoing the tumultuous currents of his thoughts. The moonlit garden, bathed in the ethereal glow, became a stage for the revelation of possibilities that stretched beyond the horizon of mortal understanding.

"Wait, what?" Valen interjected, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Are you telling me that Kiara was only worth this kind of power? How is that possible?"

Elara, with a serene expression, responded, "Valen, the power you derived from Kiara is not a reflection of her current state, but rather a result of her inherent strength—or lack thereof. Kiara possesses a low power level, which means her contribution to your abilities, while significant, is limited compared to what a being with a higher power level could provide."

Valen, still processing the revelation, couldn't help but feel a mix of disappointment and curiosity. "So, she's weak... like a low power level?"

Elara nodded, "Exactly. It's not a matter of her being weakened; it's her inherent strength that determines the impact on your power. Think of it as trying to draw water from a well—the strength of the source determines the flow. Kiara's power level, in this context, is akin to a trickle rather than a torrent."

The realization settled in Valen's mind, prompting a recalibration of his expectations. The glow around him pulsed with a steadier rhythm, as if acknowledging the newfound clarity in understanding the dynamics of his unique abilities.

Elara continued, "This is not a limitation on your part, Valen. It's an opportunity for you to explore and tap into more potent sources of cosmic energy. Beings with higher power levels, ancient forces, and realms of existence untouched by mortal understanding—all of these can contribute to unlocking the true extent of your potential."

Valen, now with a renewed sense of purpose, absorbed Elara's words. The moonlit garden, witness to the ebb and flow of cosmic energies, stood as a testament to the evolving journey that awaited him.

"As we venture forward," Elara spoke with a reassuring tone, "we will seek out sources of power that resonate with the grand tapestry of existence. Kiara was but a starting point, a glimpse into the possibilities that await. Embrace the diversity of cosmic forces, and you will find yourself standing on the precipice of unparalleled strength."

Valen, intrigued by the prospect, nodded, prompting Elara to delve further into the nature of his unique abilities. "Let me shed light on the intricacies of the Draconith's bloodline, and how I believe your power operates," she continued.

"The Draconiths, in their time, were known to draw strength not only from physical connections but also from the metaphysical aspects of those bonds. It wasn't just the act itself but the depth and intensity of the connection that fueled their power. Their abilities transcended the limitations of mere physical prowess; they tapped into the very essence of emotions and spiritual unity."

Valen listened attentively, absorbing the knowledge of this ancient bloodline and drawing parallels to his own experiences.

"Now," Elara continued, "while your power bears some resemblance to the Draconiths, there are notable differences. Your abilities seem to resonate with a broader spectrum of cosmic forces. It's not solely tied to the depth of emotional connections; rather, it's influenced by the intricate interplay of mortal and cosmic energies."

Valen, contemplating the information, furrowed his brow. "So, how did Kiara contribute, if her power level is low?"

Elara sighed softly before explaining, "Mortal girls, Valen, possess a certain intrinsic energy, albeit limited. This energy is influenced by various factors, including physical attributes and other subtle qualities. While Kiara may not have had a high power level, her contribution was not entirely insignificant. In your case, her energy served as a catalyst, blending with your cosmic forces and amplifying them in a unique way."

Valen's expression revealed a mix of understanding and curiosity. Elara continued, "Moreover, the act itself holds significance in the mortal realm. The breaking of certain barriers, such as the hymen, releases a burst of energy. In your case, this added a bonus to the power you gained from Kiara, further enhancing the unique fusion of your mortal and cosmic energies."

The moonlit garden, witness to the exchange of cosmic knowledge, seemed to shimmer with the complexities of Valen's newfound understanding. Elara's words resonated with a sense of guidance, inviting him to explore the vast possibilities that lay ahead.

Valen, absorbed in contemplation, found himself momentarily speechless. The revelation about the fusion of mortal energies and cosmic forces opened doors to uncharted territories within him. As his thoughts swirled, he realized that the intricate workings of his power were both fascinating and, in a strange way, sensible.

Breaking the silence, Valen looked towards Elara with a thoughtful expression. "This is a lot to take in," he admitted, his voice reflecting a blend of awe and introspection. "But it makes sense in its own way."

Elara, acknowledging the weight of the knowledge bestowed upon Valen, offered a reassuring smile. "Indeed, the understanding of your power is a journey in itself. Embrace the revelations, for they will pave the way for the mastery of your unique abilities."

Valen, still processing the depth of the cosmic knowledge imparted to him, looked up at the moonlit sky. The garden, now a haven of enlightenment, beckoned him to explore the limitless horizons that stretched beyond mortal comprehension.

After a moment, Valen's gaze returned to Elara, his curiosity lingering in the air. "If this power is influenced by mortal connections, would it be possible to... do it again? With Kiara, I mean. Could I amplify my abilities further?"

Elara, understanding Valen's inquiry, considered his request with a measured gaze. "It is within the realm of possibility," she replied. "The intimate connection with Kiara has the potential to further amplify your powers. However, I advise caution. Rushing into such endeavors without proper understanding could lead to unintended consequences."

Valen, his curiosity tempered with a hint of overconfidence, chuckled at the notion of consequences. "Consequences? Hahaha, naahhh, how can there be consequences if all it has are benefits?"

Elara, her ethereal presence maintaining a serene composure, responded with a gentle caution, "Valen, the realms of cosmic energies are intricate and multifaceted. What may seem like only benefits on the surface could harbor unforeseen consequences beneath. The balance between mortal experiences and timeless forces is delicate, and it requires a mindful approach."

Valen, still wearing a smirk, seemed unconvinced. "Well, I've felt the benefits, and they're incredible. Why not go for more?"

Elara, faced with Valen's persistent confidence, simply sighed. "Very well, Valen," she conceded, her ethereal voice carrying a note of resignation. "If you're determined to explore further, we shall proceed cautiously. Just remember, the delicate balance of cosmic energies can be unpredictable, and the consequences might not be immediately apparent."

Valen, seemingly unfazed, grinned at Elara's acknowledgment. "No worries. I'm ready for whatever comes my way. Let's dive into the unknown and see where it takes us!"

As Valen expressed his eagerness, a sudden realization swept over him. Elara, with her guidance and even in moments of caution, had become somewhat likable to him. Her ethereal presence, once a source of frustration, now held a certain charm in the way she navigated the complexities of their cosmic journey.

Valen, in a moment of unspoken acknowledgment, thought to himself, Maybe she's not so bad after all. As the glow of his radiant crimson aura continued to pulse around him, he found himself contemplating the mysterious entity that had become an unexpected ally.

Breaking the brief silence, Valen turned towards Elara with a curious expression. "By the way," he inquired, "you have inspected me earlier, right? Any notable changes aside from power boost?"

Elara, her ethereal presence conveying a sense of focus, nodded in response. "Yes, Valen, I've observed the changes that accompanied the surge in your powers. Aside from the noticeable power boost, there's also a heightened regenerative capability. Your body now mends itself with remarkable speed, a testament to the fusion of mortal and cosmic energies within you."

Valen, absorbing this information, raised an eyebrow. "Regeneration, huh? That could come in handy."

Elara affirmed, "Indeed, it is a valuable enhancement. But be mindful, Valen. As your powers continue to evolve, there might be further changes—subtle or profound—that we have yet to discover. The journey ahead holds many secrets, and our exploration will unravel the intricacies of your newfound abilities."

Intrigued by the possibilities, Valen's thoughts shifted to practical matters. "Speaking of enhancements, are there any weapons you know of that I could use? Something to complement these newfound abilities?"

Elara, her presence maintaining a contemplative air, responded with a measure of uncertainty. "Weapons in the mortal world are beyond my knowledge. Even the lowest level weapons I know of couldn't be wielded by a mortal. The cosmic energies that now course through you, Valen, are of a different nature altogether."

Valen's brows furrowed in mild disappointment. "So, no legendary swords or ancient artifacts that could amplify my powers even further?"

Elara shook her head, "The weapons I'm familiar with belong to realms beyond mortal reach. However, that doesn't mean there aren't artifacts or tools in the mortal world that could potentially enhance your abilities. We'll have to explore and discover them together."

Valen, though momentarily disappointed, recognized the wisdom in Elara's words. The moonlit garden, witness to their exchange, stood as a reminder that his journey was not solely about external tools but about harnessing the innate strength within.

Elara, sensing Valen's contemplation, gently reminded him, "Valen, keep in mind that acquiring powerful weapons often requires a substantial amount of fortune and luck. These artifacts are not easily obtained, and their paths may be veiled in mystery. It's a journey of both exploration and chance."

Hearing Elara's words, Valen couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. "Well, it seems I'm really a poor conqueror, relying on fortune and luck rather than amassing a grand arsenal of legendary weapons."

Elara, ever observant, detected a hint of self-awareness in Valen's tone. "Fortune and luck do not diminish your strength, Valen. They are threads woven into the fabric of every extraordinary journey. The true conqueror navigates the twists of fate with resilience and adaptability."

Valen, nodding in acknowledgment, conceded, "Fair enough. I'll embrace the unpredictability and see where the cosmic currents take us. Perhaps my path to conquest is paved with unexpected twists and turns."

Elara, ever enigmatic, interjected with a suggestion that carried a hint of mischief, "If you truly seek fortune, Valen, you might consider hastening your conquests in more than one realm. Bedding beauties often opens doors to wealth, and there's no doubt that amassing their fortune is a unique way to fuel your ambitions."

Valen, caught off guard by Elara's unexpected advice, raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting I should seduce my way to wealth? It's a novel approach, but I'm not sure how practical or ethical that is."

Elara's response held a cryptic smile, "Ethics are subjective, Valen, and the ways of mortals often defy the boundaries of morality. The cosmic currents of desire and ambition can be harnessed in various ways. It's a choice you must make as you tread the path of conquest."

Valen, contemplating the unconventional counsel, couldn't help but grin at the audacity of the suggestion. "Well, I suppose conquering hearts might lead to conquering coffers. Let's see if the cosmic currents favor this peculiar strategy."

With a newfound resolve, Valen seemed ready to embark on the uncharted territories of both martial conquests and amorous pursuits. The radiant crimson glow that surrounded him pulsated with a mix of determination and anticipation.

"Alright," Valen declared, "I've already heard what I've wanted. Let's get out of here."

With a decisive gesture, Valen ceased releasing the radiant crimson aura that had enveloped him. The ethereal glow gradually faded, returning the moonlit garden to its serene state. The transition from the otherworldly spectacle to the quiet beauty of the night was marked by Valen's deliberate control over the cosmic energies within him.

Elara, ever observant, noted the shift in Valen's demeanor. "Your mastery over the cosmic energies is growing, Valen. Control is the key to unlocking the full potential of your abilities."

Valen, acknowledging Elara's insight, nodded in agreement. "Control is indeed crucial. I'll hone my abilities and learn to wield them with precision."