Sacrifice.

Resting by the wall, all bruised up, was a brown-haired lady. Though her hair was covered in blood it still had a beautiful glow. Her purple eyes shone with a brilliant light as blood dripped from her eyelids.

Despite her current appearance which gave the impression of a hopeless lady, she still had the aura of a warrior… one of valor.

"Don't be obstinate, Avani…?" Amrish said, looking at the fallen figure. "We can take our race to its glory… me and you!"

While talking, he moved toward Avani in steady steps. "I had worked hard to end the chief's life… It was a joyful moment for me!" Pausing for a moment, he smirked. "He was a foolish man…

Always claiming to know best… after his son's death aka your father, he ordered that we hide the truth from you, hahahahaha!"

Amrish laughed hysterically as he placed an arm on his abdomen. Avani was like a child to Amrish, warranting his carefree attitude despite the happenings around them.

"So even mom… your daughter was just a tool?" Avani's disgruntled voice echoed through the vicinity, causing even Amrish to falter for a brief moment.

"Yes… it was all for the greater good… dear… come with me," Amrish said calmly, gesturing for Avani to take his hand.

Smirk

As he sighted a smirk on Avani's face, Amrish knew that something was wrong, causing him to flee in fright of the unknown; creating a distance between him and Avani.

"Hahahahaha…! You haven't changed at all grandpa," she said, supporting her rise with an arm. 

"You always saw me as a tool for your goals… same with Mom… even Sahil…" Avani said, a nostalgic expression on her face.

"..." 

Amrish just stood speechless. He could sense the energy he so much dread emanating from Avani, paralyzing him for a brief moment.

"Even after witnessing you talk about orchestrating the death of old man Jay… I still kept faith… believing that it was for us!"

Wailing, a pebble manifested in her arm, shining so bright that Amrish had to shield his eyes for some seconds.

'No! I have to stop her!' Amrish thought, moving to Avani at high speed. 'I messed up!'

Amrish had the chance to accomplish his goals with Avani, but failed due to his ego; feeling he could brainwash her with the power that can manifest through his acts.

Arriving before Avani, he aimed directly for her hand in an attempt to knock the pebble off.

Popping from the earth's surface was a spike that made him retreat in fear of getting impaled. 

It was so sharp and sturdy that the thought of it piercing his body sent a chill down his spine.

Successfully escaping the sudden attack, he looked to Avani who currently seemed to be in a trance state as light emanated from her body, moving to the Heavens.

The sky got disorganized as its color changed, creating a colorful scene filled with wonders. 

Around the Southern continent in distant locations, individuals could sight the strange phenomenon, causing them to marvel at the mysterious sight.

______

"What is that?" Asked a student to his master.

"Hmm?" Forming a thoughtful expression, the old man eyed the scene that seemed to be ages away from their current position. "A feat only few achieve… one that signifies rebirth…" 

Saying this, his disciple could only look at him strangely, shaking his head at his master's mysterious words.

______

"It can't be!" Amrish muttered as he watched the earth elements merge into Avani's body.

Though he had to deal with Avani, he couldn't help but look at the scene in awe, marveling at the sudden turn.

"Jay…!" Calling out that name, his core churned as energy spread rapidly through his body.

'How…?! I have your core…! How can she have so much power?! Why can't your core provide me with it?!' Amrish buried himself in self-doubt and anger at Avani's sudden power-up.

Despite absorbing the core of Jay, he didn't become overpowered. He still had to train with all his might. But just by crushing a pebble, Avani got tons of what he didn't!

It was an annoying fact that Amrish didn't like. How can the tool he created surpass him? She was supposed to be just a weak girl…! 

Looking at the brownish core in his hand, Amrish clenched it tightly. 'You forced me, Avani… now you'll pay the price.'

Slowly, Amrish brought the core to his chest, a crazed smile forming on his face. "Merge!"

As the orb touched his chest, he also transformed, a dark light emitting from his entire being.

Horns grew on his head, his nails elongating to form a claw-like shape. His clothing tore off as his size increased, leaving only his underpants intact.

"If I can't see that future… then no one will!" He roared to the colorful sky in defiance. 

Eyeing the still trance Avani, he moved at a speed unknown to man, using his claw to attack Avani in rage.

A similar phenomenon occurred, the difference being the number of spikes which numbered in thousands, aiming for Amrish.

"Ahhhh!" Amrish wailed, fleeing further from Avani. His body was riddled with holes of different sizes, and blood gushing out.

Amrish's eyes became bloodshot as he churned his core. "Remember that girl?!... Jaya!"

'Hehehehe, too bad… you have so many emotional weaknesses,' Amrish thought with a smirk on his face.

The energy around Avani faltered for a brief moment as her heart raced in panic.

"you couldn't find her, right?!" He said with a chuckle, causing Avani to picture the worst.

"W-where is she?" Giving in, the energy around her collapsed, giving Amrish the chance to strike.

"Die!"

Creating an intangible spear, he moved to Avani aiming straight for her heart.

'What a fool I am… falling for emotions… At least I found a family," closing her eyes, Avani prepared for the worst.

"Huh!" 

He exclaimed in disbelief as he felt something go through his chest. His eyes trailed to Avani who was a few kilometers away from him, suffering from the backlash of breaking her Ascension.

Slowly, he looked at the person before him… no! Person's before him. Impaled on the intangible spear he created, was the body of two individuals, male and female. The male hand clenched on his fragile heart.

"R-Raymond?!" Muttered Avani in disbelief.

_________

Earlier

Two figures could be seen clashing violently in the region, their collision creating a colorful scene that seemed to resemble fireworks.

Suddenly, a pillar of light emerged from a distance, garnering the attention of both male and female.

"Avani?!" The male called out, immediately taking off in that direction.

"Raymond!" Yelled the female, following suit.

Arriving not too far from the site, he could see Avani shielded by the light that shone above.

Reading her assailant's lips, he felt a sudden sense of crisis, moving straight for her.

"No way!" Came a figure, tackling him to the ground.

"Let go, Alice!" Raymond said as he pushed Alice away. 

They both fought on the rooftop for brief moments before he sighted the male aiming for Avani.

"No!" Yelling, he picked up Alice, moving at a great speed to Avani.

Alice could only wriggle as Raymond took her down the rooftop, straight for the spear.

*Sacrifice*

Raymond mustered the strength, utilizing the best technique in his arsenal for the situation.

"Kuerghh!"

As he got impaled by the spear, Raymond stuck his hand forward, piercing Amrish's chest.

[I rushed the scenes... The main story is coming.

Thanks!]