561-574

Chapter 561 - Last Trial-5. Demurel Soul Reaper, Arcued.

"Hahaha, great work, sister Shiromi." The four brothers spoke and cheered.

Athan nodded at her with a smile that caused Shiromi to blush slightly, but she hurriedly looked at Tiana and others before sitting with them.

Sen elbowed her with a smile and said, "Congrats, you fought greatly."

"Thanks," Shiromi nodded with a smile.

As the girls talked, Tiana's gaze landed on Linci and Sen, 'These two are clearly in love with Athan. It's clear from how they behaved and their actions in the last couple of years. Shiromi is behaving reservedly, but I guess she is also attracted to Athan. Hmmm...who among them will make the first move?'

'Hmm...How will Athan respond? Those girls possess true feelings, but...I don't know how the current Athan will respond to them.'

Five minutes passed quickly before the next battle's numbers were revealed on the screens.

Black screen-[ 2]

White screen-[11]

A man sitting beside Illias stood up and started talking to the battleground.

"It's fine if he dies, but go all out," Illias spoke with a deadpan expression.

The man didn't pause but just nodded his head. He was at 2nd order of Zen order Grandmaster realm. He had two horns on his head and a hood that covered his head with two holes in the hood for the horns.

He wore a black robe with red and gold patterns that covered his whole body. His hands were in his sleeves, while he also covered his legs in the wide bottom part of the robe.

On the other hand, Arcued's eyes burned with excitement and determination as he shouted loudly and flew into the battleground before anyone could say anything.

However, his voice reverberated, "EMPEROR! I'll show him that they are not even worth the dust under your feet! They should be glad that they will have the opportunity to see your glory."

"Nyahahaha!! Well said, very well said! Nyhaha," Primo flew around in excitement before he sat on Athan's shoulder and spoke with gusto, "Master, I like this guy!"

Athan and others were speechless hearing that and thought, 'Why wouldn't you like him? You both are literally the same species with a different outer shell.'

...

Arcued activated all of his powers as his body shined with a black and white aura.

A reaper's scythe appeared in his hand that oozed out dangerous soul vibes.

The hooded man also pulsed with power, and he was prepared against any type of soul attack while also pointing his hands forward as tremendous fire-power gathered in dark orange flame with red sparks.

Arcued madly dashed forward and waved his scythe as an arc blade pulsing with black and aura with soul energy shot forward.

The hooded man also released his super-fast laser attack from his joint hands.

Arcued continued to dash forward in an attempt to dodge instead of stopping and defending.

On the other hand, The hood man's eyes turned blank for a moment before he regained his senses, 'WHAT! How can his soul attack be so powerful? Phew, fortunately, I fully prepared against it by overlapping my soul energy and my chaotic spirit's soul energy for defense.'

Arcued dodged the beam, but he lost his leg in an attempt to dodge.

"Aaaarghhhh...," Arcued cried in pain, but he didn't stop and gritted his teeth as he continued moving forward at full speed.

The hooded man tsked as his body glowed with purple and black sparks before forming three laser cannons.

"NOT SO FAST!" Arcued shouted as he pointed his scythe forward as a tremendous soul power burst out from it.

A soul wave in the form of a scythe materialized right from the chest of the hooded man, startling him, 'HOW? Wait...the previous soul attack acted as a conjuring point? BU-Arrghhhhhhhhhhhh...'

Arcued consumed all of his soul energy as the scythe slashed in an arc motion, cleaning, cutting the hooded man's soul defense, and...slashing his soul.

Suddenly, an Evagon-realm powerhouse appeared as he waved his hand and nullified Arcued's soul attack before it could fully pierce and cut the hooded man's soul.

"BATTLE OVER! One point goes to the challengers."

Everyone was impressed with Arcued, and the audience practically went bonkers!

They even gave him a title as they cheered for him.

"DEMUREL SOUL REAPER!"

Demurel means death caller.

...

Athan first recovered Arcued leg to peak condition with his void pulse before his patting him and saying with a grin, "Great job, Arcued."

"Damn, man! That was some sick soul attack," Theo punched Arcued's shoulder.

"You little, see how powerful you became since we first met," Tealery said with a joyful smile.

Arcued rubbed his nose as he said with a wide smile, "It's all because of Emperor."

Tiana, Avelia, and others were also surprised since Arcued didn't display that technique when they fought in the first trial.

Shiromi smiled wryly and said, "His soul strength is more powerful than me."

"It's actually just a bit less powerful than Tiana and I's soul strength," Avelia spoke in a surprised tone.

Athan nodded with a smile and said, "The benefit he received from my Touch of Transcendence is higher than all of you, and his growth is also fast."

"No wonder," Tiana nodded as she remembered a fact about Arcued she heard from Athan.

...

On the other hand, The atmosphere among Illias and others was dire.

Their zen order grandmaster LOST! This was a shock to them.

"Don't worry. That guy may be an exception. His soul was the strangest of all previous members of their group, and its power was also higher than the previous three," Illias spoke to diffuse the tension.

"Anyway, I don't want another loss," Illias spoke with a dark face, "There would be no face left for us if we lose against a bunch of Zen order elites."

...

The next battle was decided on the screen.

Black Screen-[13]

White Screen-[1]

Seeing the number, Athan and others looked at Sen, who stood up and took a deep breath.

"Sen, you can do it!" Shiromi said with a smile.

Sen looked at Athan for a moment before she silently flew towards the battleground, not responding to anyone.

Athan was a bit startled seeing her gaze as he felt it familiar. Looking at Sen's back, he opened his mouth to say something but thinking that it might have a reverse effect; he didn't say anything because...her opponent was none other than, Illias.

Others became silent, but Avelia shouted, "SEN! Leave no regret when you leave that battleground!"

Sen slowly flew forward as her body started producing dark red, bright orange, and crimson wisps. A zither appeared in her hand as well.

Her eyes burned the brightest flame of determination and....desire.

Chapter 562 - Last Trian-6, Stubborn Sen.

Illias had a grim face, and he wanted to know why the fuck all of their opponents had such a powerful soul.

He saw incoming Sen as she started attacking with all of her strength.

As expected by him, the first attack was a soul order technique. But Illias was ready for it and defended against the attack while also waving his hand as three demonic gates appeared with black and dark green patterns in front of him.

The gate acted as defense and offense both as they released strange demonic entities like three-headed lions, chimera, etc., as they flew towards Sen and attacked her while also blocking her incoming devastating attacks.

'Her soul power is not as strong as the previous person. Hmm...It looks like I can play with her for a longer time and gradually discover the mystery. But...' Illias narrowed his cold eyes, 'But not without inflicting some pain. Let's hope she doesn't give up too early.'

Sen was playing her Zither as she released her order techniques powered by the wisps of her essence innate physique, Enmato Crusade of Burning Wisps.

*Boom..boom..boom..*

*Screeeeee...*

The gate continuously released demonic entities while Sen continued to destroy them with her attacks.

'My soul attack...he is completely defending against it...'Sen thought with a frown as beads of sweat appeared on her face.

The intensity of Illias' attacks was increasing.

Suddenly, Illias waved his hands and clapped as the three gates shined and released green and black burning slashes at the same time.

The slashes were wide, fast, and controlled by Illias, so there was no chance of Sen dodging the attack as Illias would control it and hit Sen if she dodged.

However, she sensed another danger from the side and hurriedly tried to put the defense at both places.

*Shuaaa...*

A giant burning dark orange wall with red patterns appeared in front of Sen to defend against the slashes from the gate while she hurridly slapped the strings of her zither as two burning slashes appeared to her to defend against Bladeus' attack.

*Criiiiii...*

Bladeus broke through her slash before cutting off Sen's left leg.

"Aaaaaaaa....urghh."

Sen's scream stopped halfway as she gritted her teeth and held back, 'Athan doesn't even blink his eyes when he suffers gravest of injuries!'

Sen's eyes steeled even though tears appeared in them, and she endured, 'I have to endure and show Athan that...I am worthy of him...that I will not hold him back.'

At this time, Sen's Titan and Blitzzer voidlings finally broke away from the web trap of Illias's Blitzzers.

Titan appeared beside Sen as it provided defense while her Blitzzer tried to obstruct Illias's Blitzzer.

However, her voidlings were clearly weaker than Illias's voidlings.

Illias was at the 3rd order of Zen order grandmaster, the most powerful opponent in this trial, and ranked 7 in the Supreme genius leaderboard.

While casually attacking Sen, Illias was checking out her soul power.

'Strange...there is something very strange about this soul energy. Hmmm...this aura, it seems it's out of this Chaosverse, and it's so deep within in the soul energy...root? That Athan is also quite strange as he possesses power far beyond his apparent strength.'

While thinking, he glanced at the struggling Sen and raised his eyes, 'Quite determined, aren't you? Well, that's good for me since I can let you suffer more that way.'

Waving his hand, he muttered something as a fourth gate appeared that was bigger than the other three gates.

It was burning with even intense dark green and black flames along with purple sparks.

*Ribiiit.....*

A sound released from the gate before a flash of light, so blindingly fast that Sen could barely see it right when it hit the wall in front of her and broke it quickly before hitting squarely in her abdomen.

A giant ten meters tall demonic frog came out from the gate with two burning horns on its head. Its skin was a mixture of black and dark green with eccentric patterns.

Its mouth was open as its tongue slowly rolled back into its mouth while Sen flew back, spitting trails of blood.

Tiana and others became worried as Athan frowned and said, "She should give up. The difference in their strength is obvious."

The observing Evagon-realm frowned as they looked at Illias.

Illias indifferently spoke as he sensed their gazes, "Don't worry, I will not kill her."

Sen crashed onto the ground with blood covering her, pain coursed through her body while tears threatened to fall from her eyes, but...she didn't want to give up.

"Sen, you've done enough." Tiana did a sound transmission to her, telling her to give up indirectly.

'I will not! This is my chance to prove myself! I want to stay with Athan forever, and for that, I HAVE TO PROVE THAT I AM WORTHY OF STAYING BY HIS SIDE.'

Her desire, her wish, was to let Athan see her in the same gaze as he sees Tiana and Avelia. But, Athan looked far out of her reach, which caused her to be afraid of telling her feelings to him.

Athan was a vast, unending ocean in her eyes, and she wanted to be part of that endless ocean, drift in that, and go wherever he went.

She didn't know when she started having this feeling for him, maybe when he beat her at that time? But she was hopelessly attracted to him after seeing his eccentric personality, how strong, and how mysterious he was. In the end, after staying around him for so many years, she couldn't imagine herself apart from him. Her desire increased as she wanted his attention and wanted him to see her not as a friend but a part of him that he can not separate like Tiana and Avelia.

The love in Athan's eyes for Tiana and Avelia...she wanted to see that same love in his eyes for her.

Sen stood up as she ate some pills that Athan distributed to everyone. Her injuries recovered as she once again stood up with eyes burning with resolve, 'He is not planning to finish me off that easily, huh? Then I will wait for my chance.'

Sen called her cloud of chaos as she once again sat on it and picked up her zither as she started attacking Illias.

Illias indifferently nullified all of her attacks before speaking, "Why don't you use your soul attack?"

After saying that, he waved his hand as the frog opened its mouth, and its tongue once again shot forward at blinding speed.

Chapter 563 - Last Trial-7, Talk.

When the demonic frog opened its mouth and released its tongue, its whole body shined as the power gathered in its tongue.

Sen hurriedly put up her defense, but the shining tongue broke through it before hitting her in her abdomen.

She flew like a kite without string while spurting out blood. A scream of pain left her mouth even though she tried to endure as the chaotic energy coursed through her body, purely intending to bring her pain.

Illias smirked as he looked at Athan and others, 'You like to torture others, right? hehehe...'

Tiana, Avelia, Linci, and others bit their lips in worry.

Shiromi could understand the mental state of Sen right now. After all, She has spent a long time with Sen, and almost everyone knew about how deep she has fallen for Athan...other than maybe...Athan himself?

Avelia squeezed Athan's hands as she asked worriedly, "Athan...can you ask Sen to give up?"

Athan frowned as he shook his head, "I can't."

Sen's body convulsed in pain as she struggled and finally ate the pills to recovery from her injuries.

*Groannnnn...*

'I will wait for my chance...' Sen stubbornly thought while enduring the pain.

The public was talking about why is she not giving, or has she turned mad.

'Girl, you can't win against Illias, and he is just going to torture you. Give up and stop your suffering.' An evagon-realm powerhouse sound transmitted to Sen.

'SHUT UP!' Sen internally screamed as she stood up and once again went to face Illias.

Illias resumed his attacks when Sen arrived and said with a smirk, "Your only chance to defeat me is by using your soul attacks. Come on, do it."

Sen gritted her teeth as she defended against the incoming demonic entities by destroying them with her attacks.

Illias sighed as he shook his head.

The demonic frog attacked once again, throwing Sen to the ground covered in blood.

Illias then attacked her with his soul technique to force Sen to use her soul power.

Sen was not as injured as the previous time, so she hurriedly ate the pills but right then, a wave of soul power attacked her in a weird form as it came with a bubble with many holes in it.

However, Sen's eyes showed crazed expression as she burned her soul to gain more power, and instead of defending against Illias' soul attack, she attacked Illias by consuming all of her soul energy.

She didn't want to lose, no matter what it takes! She had always seen Athan winning, overcoming all odd situations. So, In this trial, she didn't want to add "LOSS" to her name because Athan was a part of this trial.

She didn't want to be the reason to add a loss in the trial that Athan spearheaded.

Illias was shocked to be suddenly hit by a powerful soul attack, and he couldn't defend in the time since he thought that Sen would instead use her soul power to defend against his attack!

"CRAZY BITCH!" Illias shouted as his eyes turned red.

He hurriedly gathered his soul energy to fight off the pile drivers of soul power that attacked his soul. They also released whirling threads while spinning that pricked his soul and caused him pain and confusion in his thoughts.

However, shortly afterward, Sen's soul attack diffused, and a shout also reverberated.

"STOP!"

"Battle is over. One point goes to Star-Breaker hill faction."

A powerful soul waved shot towards Sen and removed the lingering attack of Illias from her soul.

Athan and others entered the battleground before taking the unconscious Sen back to their area.

Athan checked her soul and frowned as it had suffered much damage.

"What happened, Athan? How is she?" Shiromi asked with worry.

Tiana, Avelia, and others also looked at Sen worriedly.

"It's fine. I can recover her gradually," Athan spoke as he used his soul energy and void pulse before combing them and enveloping her soul to let it recover gradually.

"She will recover in a few days, don't worry."

...

On the other hand, Illias returned with a grimace and painful expression on his face, 'Fucking hell...is she mad?'

"Illias, are you okay? That last attack-"

"I'm fine. I'll recover in two weeks with some soul recovery pills," Illias spoke as he closed his eyes, "But her condition should be quite severe."

"How reckless. Is it that important for her to win?" A man in the group spoke with a scoff.

"Yeah, the difference between her and leader was quite obvious. I don't get why she was that stubborn and risking her life to win."

Five minutes slowly passed as the next battle was decided.

The black screen displayed [ 5 ] while the white screen displayed [ 7 ].

However, the battle was over before it even started because the number 5 member of the Star-Breaker hill faction gave up after seeing the opponent.

Everyone in the Chaos Monolith Hills knew about Linci and her berserk power, so he gave up.

Illias and others didn't have any problem with that as well.

Tiana and others wryly smiled.

Athan and Sen were not here since Athan took Sen to Care Hill Center so she could get comfortable rest while recovering.

He instructed the people at Care Hill center not to inspect Sen and just told them to put her in the best environment and bedding for comfort. He even put a barrier of Abyssal darkness around her and told Primo to keep his eyes on her.

When he returned after paying fees and such, he saw a countdown reaching 0, and numbers appeared.

Black screen-[12]

White screen-[9]

Tiana and others saw Athan arriving here and then numbers as they shook their heads with a wry smile.

Athan directly flew into the battleground while waiting for the opponent that arrived shortly afterward.

It was a beautiful lady with dark bat wings with red patterns, a slim red tail, and curvy dark red horns. She was at 2nd order of Zen order Grandmaster.

'Cyrilyn, gauge his strength and if things get dire, give up. You also know that he is strange and can fight people above him,' Illias sound transmitted her.

Cyrilyn nodded with a serious expression.

Athan cracked his neck and stretched his hands out of habit before saying indifferently, "Let's start playing."

...

On the other hand, Tiana, Avelia, and others were not paying attention to battle but talking about Sen.

"Say, Tiana. Sen's feelings are quite obvious, but do you think Athan knows them?" Avelia asked while creasing her brows.

"I hope Sen will be okay and not suffer trauma. She was really taking this seriously and wanted to win," Shiromi spoke worriedly.

"Should we tell big brother about Sister Sen's feelings?" The second brother of the Nimpere brothers spoke as he scratched his head, "It's quite pitiful to see sister Sen like that every day."

Shiromi smiled weakly and said, "She is bold in all ways except for this matter. She just feels that Athan will not accept her and feels that she is not worthy of him. She wanted a chance to prove herself that she is worthy."

"Tiana, do you think Athan has feelings for Sen?" Linci asked with sweaty palms. She was in the same boat as Sen. Athan was many "first" in her bleak life, and he was someone who made her dark life colorful and gave her hope.

Tiana and Avelia looked at each other with a weak smile, "We don't know what Athan thinks. However, in this matter, we can't do anything. Sen has to decide to speak herself, and she can't run away forever while suffering. The more she holds back from saying her feeling, the more she suffers."

Avelia nodded, "She was quite bold when interacting with Athan, but lately, she has become reserved in that too. I don't know what she is thinking."

"How did you two capture Athan's heart?" Theo asked curiously.

Tiana smiled and said, "We were very young, and he seemed to be attracted to me in our first meeting and promised to protect me in the heat of the moment. However, that attraction, he eventually cast that away. But we stayed together for a few months due to that promise.

At those time, I felt very safe and protected when I was with him and was happily journeying with him. I took things for granted but didn't know that I was falling for him as well. However, suddenly, A time of parting arrived as he arranged things for me and told me that he fulfilled his promise..."

"And then?" Linci asked curiously.

Chapter 564 - [Bonus ]Last Trial-8, Seed Of Nightmare??

"And then...we parted. He made me a direct disciple of the valley master of our Thunder-Fire valley and told me he fulfilled his promise and went away with his friend."

Tiana smiled as she shook her head, "But then I realized my feelings. After returning to the valley, I became one of the most important people of the valley. Everyone respected me, but...I felt empty. Every day, my longing for him increased, and then I decided to pour out my feelings and made a major decision because...I felt similar to Sen, I guess. He was so powerful, but I was weak. So I decided to confess to him to see if I could spark his love for me and then took the risk to get powerful.

"I waited for him to come back and then knocked on the door of his house before pouring out my feelings. He was stunned at first, but I moved his heart. I could see his expression changing while he looked into my resolve-filled eyes. He was attracted to me as I sparked that same flame in him at that time."

Tiana shook her head with a weak smile as she continued, "My determination and resolve moved him along with my speech, but he couldn't realize that...the determination and resolve I had was accepting the risk of death I was going to take to get more powerful so that I could stay beside him.

"Even though he didn't realize what that determination and resolve were for at first, that was indeed the catalyst that sparked the love in him," Tiana said before she sighed, "And then, I went and did a stupid thing even though he loved back. Now that I think about it, If I really died, I would have made him even sadder. But thankfully, I didn't die by taking that risk because of Athan.

"Athan really truly saved me when he met me. After joining the Thunder-Fire valley and failing to get the support of a female-core elder because a more powerful core-elder had his eyes on me, I was always living in fear of being sullied by his grandson and others. That fear was gradually turning into despair as well. I even thought about dying. Even though I put a strong front so that bastard wouldn't go overboard fast, I was really in fear inside. But Athan saved me, his heat of moment promise saved me. hehe, I think I really fell for him from that moment but couldn't realize since at first, I was cautious of him as well due to my bad experience."

...

After Tiana finished speaking, Linci and others asked about Avelia, and she also told them her story, which made others speechless at first because of her antics.

Though they were surprised when they found out that Athan was a monogamous type of person in a world where having multiple partners was common. Females and Males can both have multiple partners as long as everyone is fine with it.

On the other hand, Athan was done playing with his opponent as he had done something very terrifying to the lady, but no one, not even the lady herself, noticed that her further days were going to be hell.

Illias and others were surprised because Athan didn't torture her like he always does with his opponents.

He was always on defense, and the few times he attacked were weak as the lady easily blocked his attacks.

But they didn't know that Athan planted something terrifying inside the lady when he attacked those few times.

He attacked her with his natural soul energy that was black and white with a hint of grey. Nobody could feel, sense, or see this soul energy. They could if he used with intent to attack, but he didn't intend to attack.

Instead, he just put his soul energy inside her as a tiny white orb with a black aura in it. He did that when he attacked her with his normal essence order techniques to mask his hidden activity further.

After he was done putting that inside her, He decided to finish the battle quickly since he took more time planting the seed of nightmare in her.

By quickly, he used his Gaze of Void that was now effective on Zen order grandmaster since his soul became much more powerful and easily defeated her.

Athan then returned and saw that everyone had gathered together and were talking about something.

Seeing that, he asked with a smile, "What are you all discussing?"

Avelia smiled mischievously and said, "It's secret."

Tiana shook her as she smiled gently and said, "We were just talking about how you met me and Avelia and our time with you."

...

On the other hand, After Nevitia returned, she frowned, "Why did Athan fight like that?"

Illias also had a frown on his face, "I don't know. But his innate physique is very powerful."

Nevitia nodded with an amazed expression, "Indeed. Those cerulean vines with red sparks. They actually absorbed the power of my attacks rapidly, and when they hit me, I couldn't control my order force and chaos force properly and was feeling exhaustion as well. It was like my life force was being absorbed slowly. But I could still resist their effect to an extent. However, It will become very formidable once he develops that physique more."

"Humph, since he is the master of that Chaos Enlightenment Tree, he obviously must have gotten the best thing from Efyeed," Mubomgin said with a snort, envy apparent on her face.

...

Five minutes passed as the next battle started.

It was between a 2nd order Zen order elite vs. Tiana.

"Hehe, we'll finally see the full power of sister Tiana," The eldest brother of the Nimpere brothers spoke as he and others saw Tiana flying in the battleground.

When she saw her opponent, she didn't waste time and instantly used her Geno Frame before attacking with her soul order technique and zoomed forward.

Chapter 565 - Result! Unexpected Situation.

From Efyeed, Tiana acquired an innate body physique called Hortar Blood Amber physique.

Once activated, her body can transform into an amber structure, and she gets overall strengthening in her body. All of her body order techniques also become power.

However, that's not all. This physique creates something called Hortar amber blood crystals from her heart blood all the time. Only a tiny amount of her heart blood is consumed every second, every minute to match her natural heart blood recovery process. The limit is 100 Hortar amber blood crystals for now, and she can have 100 Hortar amber blood crystals every two days without feeling a lack of her heart blood.

She can consume these Hortar amber blood crystals to empower her body order techniques, heal severe wounds, enhance her physical body's strength, and such things.

She can also create Hortar amber blood crystals in an emergency but creating too much can cause her fatigue and weakness due to lack of heart blood. After all, heart blood is not in a huge amount like normal blood in the body.

Tiana dashed forward while activating her innate physique and using her Geno Frame, which is a red and black demonic-looking armor on her body with crimson and black sparks whirling around her.

Her opponent was a man with an alligator-like head, and his spine had spikes. Seeing Tiana coming at him with break-neck speed, He waved his hands as a metallic mountain conjured on top of him, ready to crush Tiana.

Tiana continued forward even though the mountain blocked her path and crashed into it before breaking it completely and hitting the man.

The man's brain jolted with such a powerful crash because he started feeling weak and wobbly due to Tiana's passive genome ability.

Tiana gave him no chance further as she punched him with all her strength, causing him to shot backward while spitting blood.

Right after punching him, Tiana put both of her hands forward as they shined and released a condensed beam by consuming her geno energy.

But she didn't stop and released an order technique as energy balls that looked like lightning fireballs conjured but with a light blue aura around them.

'Elite Essence order technique, Hydro Crack Inferno Orbs.'

*Zaaaaaaap..*

*BOOOOOM...BOOOOM...BOOOOM...*

"BATTLE OVER. One point goes to the challengers."

...

Everyone was more fired up now! They were in the lead with two points!

2-4

Now they only needed to win three battles.

Five minutes passed, and the next battle was between Avelia and a 1st order zen order grandmaster.

Although Avelia struggled a bit, she still won with minimal injuries.

"Woah! Sister Avelia, those four silver blades were terrifying! Also, it felt that your opponent couldn't do anything after getting hit by that strange silver beam," Third brother of the Nimpere brothers spoke with excitement.

Shiromi, Tealery, and others nodded.

Afterward came the match of Theo vs. a 2nd order Zen order master from Star-breaker hill faction.

Their battle was intense, and a close one before Theo finally won due to the advantage of his soul. His physique and his innate ability from his ancestor helped him avoid some close fatal injuries from happening.

At this time, the faces of Illias and others were totally dark while the public was dumbfounded.

Their common sense was being subverted in front of them.

"Hahaha, Emperor. We just need one more win to pass this trial and make our faction official!" Arcued laughed out loud while Tiana and others were also happy and excited.

The next numbers appeared on the screens.

Black screen-[9]

White screen-[2]

Tealery stood up with excitement and determination, 'Arcued and Shiromi both won, so I also have to win.'

"You can do it, Tealery," Arcued shouted with a grin.

"fufu..., I have a feeling that something is going on between Tealery and Arcued." Eldest brother spoke as he rubbed his hand.

Shiromi, Tiana, and others looked at each other before chuckling as they also knew about it.

Athan raised his eyebrows as he looked Arcued and said with a faint smile, "Really, Arcued? Hahaha. Well, it's a good thing."

Arcued couldn't help but blush as he rubbed his nose.

...

On the other hand, Tealery faced her opponent, who...turned out to be the 2nd order of Zen order master.

In this battle, Tealery showed her ruthless fighting style. Her innate physique was body physique, Convorashi Vitality Blood Threads, and she was just like a vampire and berserker mix.

Her physique worked slightly similar to Tiana's body physique, Hortar Amber Blood Body, but Tealery's physique was superior in every way.

After all, Efyeed had guided Athan and others to get the best of the best physiques as they were the first batch after Athan became master of Efyeed.

She took less time to win than Theo and even managed to cut off her opponent lady's left hand.

As usual, her powerful soul and the soul order technique provided her with the edge she needed to win the battle.

"BATTLE OVER!"

"With this battle, the challengers are the winner, and they will replace the Star-breaker Faction!"

The public loudly cheered as they waited for the announcement of the name of the new faction.

"The name of this new faction is...

"VOID PALACE"

...

The next day, the star-breaker hill factions left the hill along with their palaces.

After the hill became completely empty, Athan and others told the construction team on what kind of palaces and buildings they wanted as the construction work started.

Four days passed before everything was settled, and then they went to visit Sen.

However, upon reaching there, their faces turned grave.

Sen...didn't wake up.

"What's going on, Athan? Why is Sen not waking up? Her soul should have been healed by now, right?" Shiromi asked in a worried tone.

Aren nodded with a frown as he put her hand on Sen's forehead and closed his eyes.

After a minute, he opened his eyes, his face still displaying a frown, "How did this happen? Her soul is healed, but....it's in a dormant state."

Chapter 566 - Sen

"Dormant state? but why?" Tiana asked with a frown.

Avelia suddenly thought of something and asked Athan and the other boys to leave.

"Did you find the reason for her condition?" Athan's voice had worry and doubt as he asked, 'Those emotions in Sen's eyes before she left for battle, I think I now know why I found them familiar...sigh, silly girl.'

Avelia smiled wryly and said, "I just guessed the reason, but I am not sure. Anyway, you all finish the unfinished work of Void Palace. Once we know the exact cause of Sen's condition, I will contact you."

"Alright," Athan nodded with a weak smile and left.

...

After Athan and others left, Avelia said with a sigh, "I think what we feared happened. Her soul might be in the dormant state because of the trauma of that battle and her conflicting thoughts."

Others became even more worried while Shiromi put her hand on Sen's forehead and closed her eyes, "Let me try something."

She sent her soul sense inside Sen to interact with her soul.

Sen's soul, which looked exactly like her, was currently sleeping with eyes closed.

Shiromi saw this and touched Sen's (Sen's soul) forehead to enter deep within her soul.

Inside her soul was the inner world of Sen, and there, she was crying...

"Sen?"

Sen looked at Shiromi as she hugged her while sobbing, "I lost, Shiromi. I brought a loss to Athan."

Shiromi caressed her and said with a helpless smile, "You were up against their most powerful. Anybody would've lost against him except for Athan."

"It doesn't matter! I-I can't hold back myself when I see Athan anymore because of my feelings. I want to embrace him, kiss him, I am carving his touch...that I've never felt before. But...I am afraid that I am not worthy of him."

Shiromi smiled sadly and said, "Anybody would feel the same after seeing Athan, but...you shouldn't create those barriers in a matter of love. Tell me, Is that why you closed your soul?"

Shiromi looked into Sen's eyes and continued, "You won't be able to hold back yourself, but since you are afraid of his negative response, you decided to close your own soul?

"But Sen...this is not the solution, and you should just let it out and face it. Nobody knows what is in Athan's mind, but...who knows? Athan will love you back as well after you pour your feelings to him?"

Sen appeared hesitant, and seeing that Shiromi said, "You can think about it for some time. We are all waiting for you outside."

"Wait, Shiromi. You...you also love Athan, don't you?"

"I-I don't know," Shiromi said as she avoided Sen's gaze, "You should think about your matter first."

After saying that, she left Sen's soul.

Tiana and others saw Shiromi opening her eyes and hurriedly asked, "Did you find anything?"

"What is the cause of her soul getting dormant?"

Shiromi looked at them and sighed as she talked to them about the things she had experienced.

After hearing that, everyone sighed.

"So that's why..."

Tiana and Avelia looked at each other as they arrived at the same conclusion, "I think...Sen became more insecure when Athan found us. Previously, when Athan was alone, and he didn't tell you about us, Sen felt that she could just stay by his side forever, slowly filling him with her small and bold loving moments but after we appeared and Athan started living more joyfully, she...felt unneeded and insecure."

"But no more."

Suddenly, They heard Sen's voice and saw that she had woken up.

"Sen!"

Tealery directly hugged her and said, "Stupid, don't go doing crazy things. We have stayed, trained, and suffered in purgatory together for a long time and will continue to do so to get stronger. You know, you almost scared me in that battle. Don't fight that recklessly again."

Tiana also hugged her and spoke gently, "Sen, I don't know what's on Athan's mind but don't forget that you accompanied him and cared for him when he arrived here alone."

Avelia nodded and said with a smile, "I'm sure those small loving, and bold moments that you always did to Athan affected him. Now go and tell him everything that you've held up in your heart for a long time. I already called him, and he is waiting just outside of this door."

Sen blushed as she walked down from the bed and slowly started moving towards the door.

Shiromi and others chuckled seeing Sen like this because they've always seen her in bold and high spirit.

...

Athan was waiting in the lobby outside of this room since Avelia contacted him.

"Athan..."

Athan's eyes jumped, and he sighed a relief hearing Sen's voice. He turned around and hugged her before saying with a smile, "I'm glad you are fine."

Seeing such a move from Athan, Sen was dumbfounded, 'T-this...' Her body trembled, this hug...this was what she carved, this touch, she directly felt addicted to it.

Athan then broke the hug as he looked in her eyes and said with a grin, "You don't need to prove anything to me. I've been seeing that blaze in your eyes for years now. Hehe, I am damn sure that you are willing to do anything for me, will go to any lengths for me. Who wouldn't love back such a woman? Haha, why do you think I won't accept your love and won't love you back?"

Tears started to overflow from Sen's eyes as she tightly hugged Athan, "Y-yes, Athan! I can do anything for you. I can't picture my life without you in it. Without your touch, with your presence. So please hug me like this at least once every day."

Athan smiled as he caressed her back and said mischievously, "Only hug?"

Sen broke away from the hug as her eyes burned with passion; the usual bold Sen seemed to have come back as she held Athan's head before moving towards his face and...planted her lips on his.

[A/N: I have posted official Sen's art in AUX chapter :D. Check it out xD]

Chapter 567 - Shocking Announcements From Athan.

Several days had passed since then, and everything was peaceful.

Void Palace hill faction.

It was a large mountain-sized hill, and its environment was starry. There was a large pond at the ground level of the hill.

The first building was Void Pavilion, where people would come and buy the voidling-zoids.

After that, the second and last building was a big pavilion at the top of the hill.

The large palace had outside ponds, greenery, beautiful trees, training ground behind the palace, and such things.

Inside the large palace, in one of the rooms, the atmosphere was hot and passionate as Sen was riding the stairs of heaven on Athan's majestic dragon.

She was shy at first since it was her first time, but after an hour, she became aggressive.

Her beautiful light peach-colored body was covered with sweat while her soft and plump breasts were jiggling as she moved her hips up and down on top of Athan.

Athan's dragon explored the new pink cave while his hands caressed her melons and pink cherries.

"Ahhhh...ahhhhh, A-Athan...I've never felt this good before...Ahhhh, L-let's do this every day!" Sen spoke with drunken eyes lost in pleasure as she squirted hot liquid from her pink cave.

...

Tiana and Avelia were sitting on the chair in the backyard while experiencing this peaceful scenery on the hill.

Shiromi, Tealery, Linci, and others were in their own rooms. Drizzly was also done with her breakthrough and meditation a few days ago, so she was in the training zone as she was getting used to her newfound strength.

Athan told them they would leave for their training after fourteen days.

"Should we join them, Tiana?" Avelia asked with a mischievous smile.

"Nah, let Sen her first moment with Athan alone," Tiana shook her head as she said with a gentle smile.

"Who do you think will be the next one?" Avelia asked with a grin.

"Hmmm, but I want Shiromi to be next. She...is pitiful."

"What? I think Linci will make her move before Shiromi. Shiromi seems very hesitant on this matter."

Tiana nodded, "She is, but she has fallen for Athan quite obviously. I believe that she also wouldn't hesitate to do anything for Athan. But I am just afraid that she will stay by Athan's side silently, loving him from afar without saying anything as long as she gets to stay beside him. That's the type of feeling she gives me."

"I see...so unlike Sen, who was suffering from inside by her pent-up feelings, Shiromi will just silently stay like that without saying anything. Won't she also explode like Sen someday?" Avelia asked with doubt.

"Nope. From how I have observed her so far, she is the type that silently loves the person. It's like she has chosen the path of unrequited love without even confessing. But I won't let her suffer like that." Tiana smiled and said, "Anyone who truly loves Athan like us and is willing to do anything for him shouldn't suffer."

...

The next day, quite a lot of people arrived, wanting to join the Void Palace.

However, Athan floated in the sky and spoke loudly as his voice reverberated, "Void Palace will not recruit anyone for an indefinite amount of time."

Hearing him, all people were dumbfounded.

"What the...really? But why?"

"Yeah, what is he thinking? Doesn't he need more people to get more resources for the faction?"

People started talking with confusion and doubt.

Athan looked at them and announced one more thing, "One more thing! The next batch of voidling-zoids will be the last one, and the void pavilion will also close for an indefinite amount of time."

This one came as a massive shock to many people!

"NOOOOOOOO! From the numbers, not even 1% of people had gotten their hands on voidling-zoids! What the hell?"

"Palace master Athan! You shouldn't close down the Void Pavilion. It's your money milking product!"

"Fuck! Although two of my voidlings were destroyed, I was planning to buy one more set but...this news? Hais..."

"Yeah, we could go explore in a more dangerous area and benefit a lot more with voidling-zoids, but...this is like taking our lifeline away."

"Athan has already returned back so no point in staying here. Let's go and talk to Dean Lenix so he can convince Athan to do otherwise."

...

Dean Lenix had just returned from suppressing his breakthrough and was dumbfounded to hear about the news of Athan shutting down his Void Pavilion.

However, he weakly smiled and shook his head in response to the masses, "I can't do anything. Since he has decided, then it's not my place to tell him to do otherwise."

The various hill masters returned with rueful smiles; they were disappointed.

...

The next day, Athan, Tiana, Avelia, and Sen were sitting on the bed and talking about various things after intense activity.

Their faces tinged with red and filled with energy.

Suddenly, Sen spoke, "Hey, Athan. I think you should buy Condensation of small body order method. It's a master level zen body order method, but once you get its body chaos trait, you can combine it with your The Giant body chaos trait to get a very powerful body chaos trait."

After saying that, Sen climbed onto Athan and said with a giggle, "However, before that, let's do one more round, hehehe."

...

The next day, Athan visited Dean Lenix.

"Dean Lenix, do you know a location of any special-grade chaos phenom dimensions?" Athan asked with a smile.

"Hmmm, they are rare, but I do know one such location. I'll tell Lady Fu about it, and you can leave with her whenever you want."

"Oh? Did she finish her breakthrough?" Athan asked as he took a sip from the tea.

"Yep, just two days ago." Dean Lenix nodded with a smile.

"Good. She is also an official member of my faction from now on as we have a deal between us. Oh yeah, you should call Head Zangrel too in a few days so I can give use my Touch of Transcendent on him as well."

Hearing that, Dean Lenix started laughing loudly before saying, "Hahaha, ever since I told him about it, he has been waiting for your call. Alright, He will be here tomorrow."

"Good," Athan nodded as he stood, "Now I'll go take a look at library hill to buy a body order method."

Before leaving, Athan turned around and said, "Tell Lady Fu to visit me as soon as she finishes her matters. Also, send Zorgia to the Palace as well."

"Alright."

Chapter 568 - Gathering. Departure.

Athan bought the scroll of Condensation of Small order method and returned to Void Palace to start its initial training.

Zorgia also arrived at the Palace with two other elders as they swore the same oath to obey Athan forever.

The next day, Head Zangrel arrived with excitement in his eyes but stayed calm.

Athan then also gave used Touch of Transcendent and planted Seed of Transcedency in him before he hurried off to suppress his breakthrough.

Both Head Zangrel and Dean Lenix were stuck at the peak of Evagon-realm for a long time, and this boost given by Athan was all they needed.

Several days after that, Lady Fu also arrived at the Palace, and it was finally time to leave for the training.

In the large hall of Void Palace, everyone affiliated with Athan had gathered.

Dean Lenix, Head Zangrel, Zorgia. These three were at the peak of Evagon-realm.

After that was Lady Fu, who had broken through to the high stage of Evagon-realm.

The two elders who arrived with Zorgia from the Ursh'in clan were at Evagon-realm Median stage.

Drizzly had broken through to Zen order grandmaster as she was rapidly advancing because of Athan's touch of Transcendence and also because she had unlocked inherit chaotic powers from the awakening of her bloodline. Those chaotic powers are easier for her to comprehend already, and on top of Athan's enhancement on her soul, her speed increased even more.

Tiana, Avelia, Sen, Shiromi, Linci, Tealery, Arcued, Theo, Four Nimpere brothers had enjoyed the last few days since Athan prevented them from training.

Everyone had gathered in the hall as Athan talked with Dean Lenix and Head Zangrel on a separate table while others were eating and drinking at another spot in the hall.

"Athan, you must remain careful in that special-grade CPD because it's more special than other special-grade CPDs," Dean Lenix said with a serious expression.

Hearing him, Head Zangrel thought of something and raised his eyebrows, "So did you give him the address of THAT special-grade CPD? Seriously?"

"What's so special about it?" Athan asked with curiosity as he took a sip from the wine glass in his hands.

Dean Lenix put the cup down from his hand and said, "As you must, all special-grade CPDs are actually connected to upper-Chaosverse. They are essentially a product of upper-Caosverse that doesn't appear in lower-Chaosverse, but they do make appearances in this Midgard continent."

Athan nodded as he knew that much.

"However, the special-grade CPD you are going to has more than just a connection to the upper-Chaosverse; it actually has a path leading to upper-Chaosverse in it.

"Occasionally, some gangs and wild chaos practitioners from the upper-Chaosverse might stumble in that CPD through chaotic portals. That CPD will also have chaos beasts who had one foot into king-grade or early-stage King-grade beasts, so stay cautious."

After saying that, Dean Lenix sound transmitted to Athan, "You can use your Touch of Transcendent and help that Zorgia breakthrough to King-realm for more safety after going inside that CPD. The only downside would be that when you return here, he will have to stay in that CPD because King-realm powerhouses can not stay in lower-Chaosverse or Midgard continent."

Athan noted that as he nodded and made some plans.

At this time, Head Zangrel spoke with a weak smile while looking at Tiana, Avelia, and others who were enjoying, "Athan, you taking them to that special-grade CPD is really...," He shook his head as he drank a cup, "They will really experience close encounters death many times as long as you manage to save them at the last moment. However, that is if you manage to save them."

With a serious expression, Head Zangrel continued, "Be extra careful there, Athan."

Athan grinned as he gulped another glass of wine, "It's only fun when death is close by, hahaha."

Athan then remembered something and said, "Head Zangrel, since we have a close connection now, I'll have to ask you to arrange special training for Mike and Qerin as well."

"Hahaha, sure! sure! I can make them my personal students if you want me to," Head Zangrel laughed and said as he drummed on his bald head.

Athan faintly smiled and said, "No need for that. I just want you to arrange a hard training schedule and dangerous adventures for Mike and Qerin as well. Naturally, you must arrange people to protect them in shadows, but they should experience danger while training."

After saying that, Athan took out two small glass bottles with a single drop of mysterious liquid that had white, gold, and grey patterns.

"After you return, tell Mike and Qerin to infuse a small amount of their soul energy in that drop of liquid. I have specially created them by using my Runic Artist's ability and my own powers," Athan said as he handed the bottles to Head Zangrel.

Athan had created those two drops using his soul energy and void pulse. Once they infuse their soul energy in the drop, the drop will disappear and appear beside their soul. After that, Mike and Qerin will experience the same effect of Touch of Transcendent, and a Seed of Transdecency will also form near their soul.

Head Zangrel took the bottles and put them away after glancing at them briefly before asking Athan, "What's their effect?"

"Touch of Transcendent and Seed of Transcendency," Athan said with a faint smile.

...

After everyone ate and drank for the whole day, Dean Lenix and Head Zangrel left.

Since Athan told them that they would require multiple sets, Tiana, Avelia, and others had bought sets of armors and weapons for everyone with the money that Athan gave them. They also bought their necessities like food ingredients, cooked food, drinks, etc.

Everyone has boarded Lady Fu's new, bigger flying that Athan told her to buy.

Athan led Zorgia and two other elders to their room in the ship and said, "Perform better and move according to the plan after entering the CPD. If you do it perfectly, then I will help you breakthrough to King-realm."

Athan glanced at the other two elders and said plainly, "You two as well."

Zorgia and the other two elders were excited as they bowed, "We will not disappoint you!"

Chapter 569 - Dangerous Special-grade CPD, Athan's Training.

After traveling for a month, the ship arrived at the location of the special-grade CPD.

Lady Fu's voice reverberated in everyone's room, "We have arrived at the destination. Prepare to leave the ship."

...

Everyone left the ship, and Lady Fu folded the ship into a one-square-meter cube before putting it inside her storage ring.

The entrance to this special-grade CPD was ten meters tall and fifteen meters wide chaotic portal with a bubble around it.

Zorgia and the other two elders were at the front of the group as everyone moved towards the chaotic portal and entered inside.

*Siiii....*

Right after they entered inside, Tiana, Avelia, Drizzly, and everyone except Athan, Lady Fu, Zorgia, and the two elders cried out due to sudden pain assaulting them. Linci was no exception since her Netherly frost was being absorbed by Athan, who was near her.

Zorgia and Lady Fu hurriedly used their powers to protect Tiana and others.

The scenery was chaotic around them was chaotic. There were clouds everywhere, but they were black and dark green clouds as they released fierce winds.

These chaotic black winds injured Tiana, Avelia, and others, and that's why they cried out in sudden pain.

Athan's body was lacerating with these black winds, and he was also injured as blood had already covered his body.

"Young master Athan...," Zorgia was stunned as he hurridly used his power to create a barrier around Athan as well.

"No need, My body will heal naturally and also absorb the power of this wind to get more powerful," Athan indifferently spoke as he waved his hand to release the abyssal energy that ate Zorgia's barrier.

*Roar....*

"Zorgia and you two, deal with that chaotic beast before it comes here. It seems to be in Evagon-grade," Athan instructed.

"Right away!" Zorgia and the other two elders flew forward towards the four wings serpent beast with dark green and black patterns.

Athan looked at Tiana, Avelia, Drizzly, and others before saying with a grin, "Are you ready? This journey will be a really painful one, as I told you before."

Tiana, Avelia, Sen, and others gritted their teeth with determination and nodded, "We are ready!"

"Good," Athan said with a smile before he turned to Lady Fu, "Lady fu, can you create small gaps in their barrier to let a small amount of chaotic wind enter inside."

"Alright," Lady Fu nodded as she did that, and muffled groans and faint cries released from everyone's mouth as they started to get injured.

However, they gritted their teeth as they looked at Athan, who was covered in blood as those fierce winds hit him continuously.

But Athan had superior recovery power that was abnormal, so his body was also being healed. However, that was not the case with Tiana and others. Even though only a small amount of these chaotic winds was hitting them, they couldn't see recovery as easily as Athan, and their injuries were rapidly accumulating.

Tiana and Avelia could use their genome powers, and others could also use their powers, albeit it would prove to be not that effective, but they still didn't use it and showed their resolve to Athan.

"But Athan, this will seriously injure them in just a minute...," Lady Fu spoke with worry because Tiana and others didn't have the ability to fight against this chaotic wind.

Athan nodded and said, "When they are seriously injured, use your chaotic healing powers to heal their injuries."

He then looked at Tiana, Avelia, and others before saying with a serious expression, "Your task is to...enter meditation while suffering this injury and pain. This level of pain is nothing to me, and you also have to have the ability to ignore it. These chaotic powers hurt like hell, but I have put this level of pain as entry-level. Higher powers will hurt even more, but during life and death battles, you have to ignore your injuries and pain to fight and win."

"W-we will d-do it!"

"Y-yeah!"

Everyone gritted their teeth as they endured.

Seeing that, Aren nodded with a smile, "Good. Get used to this level of pain and comprehend your zen order sets. After you break through to Zen order master, we will go deeper into this special-grade chaos phenom dimension and have some real adventure and fights. We will only comprehend wild chaotic powers as our next chaotic powers to advance."

Drizzly smiled wryly, and she was the one who was enduring better than all others, "Hey, Athan. When you go hunt a beast, then tell this big sister because I am hungry for some high-quality meat."

"Alright," Athan nodded with a grin as he also closed his eyes and entered meditation.

Lady Fu and Zorgia's initial task is to protect them as they train here. But their task will change once they go deeper into this dangerous world, according to Athan's plan.

...

Great Bridgade Palace...

After Head Zangrel returned to Great Bridgade Palace, he called Mike and Qerin, who both had broken through to Zen order elite, and gave them the crystal bottles with the mystical drop of liquid to them.

"Athan told me to give this to you. After you drink it, something will happen to your soul, and something will form beside it, so don't resist it. It's going to benefit you immensely," Head Zangrel spoke with a serious expression as he handed the crystal bottles to Mike and Qerin.

Mike and Qerin were surprised to see such severe expression on Head Zangre's face.

Qerin looked at the drop of liquid in the crystal and asked curiously, "Is it really that mystical? How will it benefit us?"

"Hehe, bro has sent it, so it's obviously good for us," Mike said with a grin.

Head Zangrel heard Qerin's question, and he smacked the table before saying in a deep voice, "The value of this drop of liquid can't be measured! Only Athan can create this, and the benefit it gives is something you can't even imagine!"

He also knew the true benefit of this along with Head Zangrel. Only two of them besides Athan knew how valuable Touch of Transcendent and Seed of Trascedency were!

Hearing the tone from Head Zangrel and how highly he spoke of this, Qerin and Mike were dumbfounded.

'Damn, it looks like bro sent us one hell of a thing,'

Chapter 570 - Seed Of Nightmare. Rift Battle.

Right after Athan and others departed from the Chaos Monolith Hills, something started to happen among the core members of the Star-Breaker hill faction who fought in the trial challenge by Athan and others.

After they lost, they had to disband the Star-break hill faction, but the core members remained in the group and became residents in one of the hills instead of joining other hill factions because they planned to re-establish the star-breaker hill faction.

However, Nevitia, who fought against Athan, started screaming in pain right after the day when Athan and others left Chaos Monolith Hills.

Her body started to feel hellish pain as she was mysteriously injured internally, but it also healed itself back after that.

The Seed of Nightmare that Athan left inside her first released a tiny bit of abyssal darkness to damage her internals, but right after that, it released a bit of void pulse to recover the injury.

"H-help...," Her eyes revealed pain as she pleaded for help while laying on the ground, but the other members didn't come forward. They already tried once, and when they did that, they were also injured and had to spend a ton of effort to heal their little internal flesh damage while feeling terrible pain.

None of them wanted to feel that pain again.

She was being recovered by voidpulse since Athan had scanned her structure, but others didn't receive such treatment from voidpulse after they were slightly injured by a bit of abyssal darkness.

"Il-illias, help...," Nevitia had tears coming out as she asked for help, but Illias shook his head and sighed.

Nevitia's soul was also feeling heavy and tired as she couldn't do anything because the seed of nightmare had also had Athan's soul power, and it worked to suppress her soul.

At this time, someone arrived hurridly with worry and panic on his face. He was the guy with long, wild white hair and four hands. His name was Ulbarka.

Actually, he had secretly loved Nevitia but never expressed his feeling to her because he knew that Nevitia didn't feel anything for him.

When Nevitia started to suffer, he was outside, but his friend called him since he knew his feelings for Nevitia and rushed here.

"Nevitia!" Ulbarka rushed to her as he saw Nevitia's trembling body due to pain.

"W-what happened to you, Nevitia?" Ulbarka asked as he sat down beside her and supported her.

"Help...," Nevitia couldn't collect her thoughts and could only repeat one thing due to the soul suppression.

Ulbarka put his hand on her forehead as he sent his soul sense inside, but right after that, a little bit of abyssal darkness traced his soul sense and entered inside his body before devouring a bit of his internal organ's flesh.

"Arghhhhh..." Ulbarka also cried in pain like others but seeing Nevitia's painful face, he gritted his teeth with red eyes and endured this hellish pain before he started using his healing powers to heal the mysterious wound he suffered.

However, after thirty seconds, a bit more abyssal darkness entered his body and devoured a bit of his internal organ's flesh, causing him another round of hellish pain.

"N-Nevitia...whatever this is, I will endure it to-together with you," Ulbarka spoke before he gritted his teeth with bloodshot eyes and veins visible on his head.

Athan didn't put that much abyssal darkness since he only wanted their entire group to suffer 1% of the pain he went through. However, nobody helped Nevitia share the burden except for Ulbarka.

He had also speculated that, and if that happened then, this incident would completely disband the Star-breaker hill faction.

In Athan's thought, if he were in place of Illias, then as the group's pillar, their close friend as well as the leader, he would definitely help share their burdens. This will create a strong bond, and others would be inclined to be more loyal to him.

This hellish pain was proof that one must care for the person to share this pain, and he knew that those bunch wouldn't do it, and it would lead to complete erasement of Star-breaker hill faction because It indicated that Illias wouldn't help them share their burdens either if he didn't even help Nevitia.

Nevitia and Ulbarka suffered together for a while, and finally, the seed of nightmare disappeared.

This incident helped Nevitia and Ulbarka get together for obvious reasons. Ulbarka's action moved Nevitia, and his feelings got through her. She would be stupid to turn away from a person who cared for her this much.

Both of them also left the group, and one by one, others also left the group since everyone had already gotten an invitation from other hill factions right after they lost their position as a hill faction. But Illias wanted to re-establish the Star-breaker hill faction, and they also hoped for it, so they stayed. But after this incident, they lost their spirit to re-establish the faction and just accepted an invitation from various hill factions.

Now only Illias alone remained as he sat down alone on the chair and in a dilemma on what to do now.

...

On the other hand, Mike and Qerin's special training had already started as they were sent to participate in Rift Battles.

Head Zangrel's plan was different, but the announcement of Rift battles from upper-Chaosverse arrived right on time, and he directly gave them a quota before sending them to participate. Anyway, this time's host was Great Bridgade Palace, so he had no problem in sending two people who just recently broke through to Zen order elite.

Rift battle is held at a special place where many chaos phenom dimensions are connected to each other and have very rich resources. Everyone is also given a special device on their wrist that will calculate their points based on the chaos beasts they have killed, rare items they have found, and such things.

In addition to the rewards they get from the rift battles, they can also exchange their points to train at a particular place arranged by all organizations where their training speed would increase by leaps and bounds.

This time's rift battles only allowed Zen order elite and Zen order masters to participate.

Naturally, participants were also allowed to kill each other, and it was a chaotic battle within a chaotic battlefield that is a large network of many chaos phenom dimensions. Once they enter the giant entry portal of Rift battle, they would often be swept by rift waves and appear in other chaos phenom dimensions.

Although Atha and others couldn't participate in Rift Battle, the place they were at, the special-grade Chaos phenom dimension, was even more useful for their growth than the Rift battle...However, It was also way more dangerous.

...

Mike and Qerin arrived at the grand canyon where many Zen order elites and Zen order masters had gathered.

The leaders of all major organizations, including Head Zangrel and Dean Lenix, were also present as they sat on a floating open-air pavilion.

"Hahaha, let's see which organization's members perform the best this time."

"Don't forget to do body count for dead as well. We got a lot more quota this time since this Rift Battle is for Zen order elites and Zen order masters."

"Dean Lenix, Is that Athan from your organization participating or not? After all, I heard that he also broke through to Zen order elite," The Pavilion Master of Boundless Pavilion asked. He was human without any special body features and looked like he was in his late thirties.

Everyone here had seen that mirage crystal and knew that Athan was no simple entity since he had such a massive backing called Void Emperor behind him.

"Hahaha, of course not! He doesn't put this Rift battle in his eyes, and to progress faster, he...went to a special-grade Chaos Phenom Dimension," Dean Lenix spoke with a grin.

"What?! He went to special-grade CPD even though he just broke through to Zen order elite?" Blue Arrow's leader spoke in disbelief.

"Well, I also heard that Athan and his entire group, who just broke through to Zen order elite, actually have battle power surpassing Zen order master and nearing the battle power of Zen order grandmaster," Pavilion Master spoke again with a faint smile.

"Dean Lenix...," The scroll master from Jade Scroll organization narrowed his eyes and said, "Your aura....how come I feel that you can actually break through to King-realm anytime?"

Chapter 571 - More Than One Thing

"You too, Head Zangrel. You also have aura similar to Dean Lenix."

Dean Lenix and Head Zangrel looked at each other before they laughed out loud.

"Zangrel and I had a fortuitous encounter, so we can now breakthrough to King-realm anytime," Dean Lenix spoke with a smile.

"Anyway, do you know anything about that Void Emperor? Is he really a mighty existence from upper-Chaosverse?"

"Yeah, the power he displayed was terrifying, to say the least. Only mighty existence can be unaffected by retaliations from multiple lower-Chaosverse's order wills working together."

Others also asked questions about it, but Dean Lenix shook his head, "Even though Athan is a member of Chaos Monolith Hills, I don't know much about him and the Void Emperor. We are just ants in front of him, not worth anything in his eyes. He just arrived here mysteriously and disappeared mysteriously."

"What was the response of the main organization in upper-Chaosverse about this incidents?"

"Well, what can they do? Our main organizations are just medium-tier organizations in the upper-Chaosverse, and the matter about mighty existence is out of their reach."

"Hmmm, will this mean that Athan will not join the main organization after going to upper-Chaosverse? that Void Emperor might have his own force in upper-Chaosverse. However, because of Athan, the Chaos Monolith Hills might gain a connection with that mighty existence."

Dean Lenix sighed and said, "Who knows? Athan might just disappear after going to upper-Chaosverse."

After saying that, Dean Lenix changed the topic as he smiled and took out an exquisite box, "Anyway, I have something that you all might be interested in."

Everyone looked at the box curiously and asked about its content.

"Ahem. This box contains...a neo-vortex flower, and I am willing to sell it," Dean Lenix spoke as he opened the box.

Looking at the flower, everyone's eyes shined.

...

...

In a faraway place, even further than upper-Chaosverse, a round disc-type ship was moving in the cosmic dimensional space of Orchos Firmament.

Inside the ship was none other than...Mimi, her parents, Athan's altar spirits, Lucky, and Silvestra.

"Lucky, I saw a glimpse of my guardian brother again," Mimi was sitting near the pond in the Ark space, and Lucky the cat was lying beside her.

"Nyaa? I also saw a glimpse of the master but still can't see or remember his face correctly," Lucky spoke.

Mimi's mother was not too far and hearing them, she arrived beside Mimi and patted her head with a loving smile, "Don't worry, Mimi. Once your dad and I finish our work, we will go in search of him."

When The darkness of nothingness devoured Athan's soul, they also lost memories related to Athan.

However, that caused many things to be inconsistent with their plan, so they assumed that something major had happened to the human they chose to host and activate the ark.

They didn't remember anything related to Athan and anything about him, but due to gaps, they assumed that there was indeed a person.

However, recently, Mimi, Lucky, and others started to see glimpses of memories related to Athan, but his face was still not clear in those memories.

This first started the day when The portion of origin of AVOF baptized Athan's soul.

Mike, Tiana, and Avelia also had small memories returned but not clearly. Athan already showed Avelia and Tiana memories, so they didn't feel much difference; however, Mike felt it and remembered his bro and assumed that the unclear face in that glimpse was Athan.

"Guardian brother...we have to find him, ok? Promise me," Mimi said as her big eyes were filled with worry.

Mimi's mother sighed and nodded with a smile, "We will definitely try to find him after finishing our work."

After saying that, she disappeared and appeared in a dark cave with glowing blue and black sparkles flying around.

In the center was a man as he sat crossed-legged with the Ark of Exordium floating in front of him.

"Honey, how is the progress?"

Hearing her words, the man opened his eyes and said with a smile, "I only need two or three years more. After that, we can finally take our revenge."

...

It's been a year since Athan and others entered the special-grade CPD.

Right now, Tiana and others had managed to enter meditation despite feeling the pain from slight chaotic wind injuring them every now and then.

Lady Fu was healing them as usual as well.

This year, Athan had already mastered Condensation of Tiny chaotic body power and gained its trait and combined it with The Giant body chaos trait.

He and Zorgia were currently floating in front of a trapped chaos beast that looked like a T-rex but with scales on its body and more terrifying with black and red patterns on its skin.

"Young master, I finally found the weakest chaos beast around here. It's the only 10-star chaos beast I encountered in this year."

Athan nodded as he floated in front of the blood-red-eyed T-rex-like chaos beast showing anger and bloodthirst.

After appearing in front of the chaos beast, He activated his body chaos trait as he became a twenty-meter tall giant.

Afterward, Athan released physical body force manifestation as a white gaseous aura released from his body and surrounded him.

'Condense...,' Athan thought as his body glowed slightly before it started becoming smaller.

In the end, it became only a fifty-centimeter tall body. However, the physical force around him increased by many folds.

Athan stretched his hand forward and muttered, "Condense..."

The physical force started to condense as it also started to shrink and condense.

After a while, the gaseous white aura perfectly covered his now tiny physical body.

Athan looked up as he closed his eyes and felt explosive and tremendous power inside this tiny body.

He floated in front of the T-rex's head and formed a punching stance of the new body order technique that he mastered this year. This technique was given to him by Zorgia after he saw that Athan practiced in the Condensation of Tiny order method.

It was a master-level body order technique, Murdering Punch, specially created for people who mastered the Condensation of Tiny body chaotic power.

In this year, Athan had already trained and practiced the technique to master it fully.

"Murdering Punch...," Athan muttered as he punched forward, and at that exact moment, his body and his physical force turned blood red!

All of the power from his body condensed into the punch, and one could see it clearly flowing forward if they saw in slow motion as all the red gathered at the punch in an instant before hitting the chaos beast.

*BOOOOOOOOM..*

The punch hit the skull of the chaos beast and cracked it before all the physical power surged inside its body.

The beast's body started to convulse rapidly before...

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM...*

The chaos beast exploded into blood and gore.

*clap, clap, clap...*

Zorgia started clapping as he spoke with a smile, "This combo is truly one of the most powerful. However, not many people can train in this Condensation of Tiny order method since it is tremendously painful."

Athan returned to his normal body size after checking its power and nodded, "Although my body is currently injured to various degrees, the power I exploded indeed managed to kill a 10-star chaos beast. That means that this punch can easily kill any Zen order Grandmaster..."

Athan was satisfied and thought, 'Now let's see how much Tiana and others progressed.'

Chapter 572 - Bloody Battle

After Athan went to check on Tiana, Avelia, and others, he guessed that they might break through to the 2nd order of Zen order elite in the next three to five months by creating their first mini chaotic world.

On the other hand, Athan decided to break through to 2nd stage of the Atmospheric body realm since he had already mastered Condensation of Tiny chaotic power.

The training of the body was simpler but painful from Zen realm order.

To increase the strength of the body, one had to grasp Body zen order sets and...infuse them into their own body. This process is painful, but it is the only way to advance further in the Atmospheric body realm.

Since this process is painful, not many people continue strengthening their bodies and just focus on Essence and Soul to advance in the way of chaos and order.

However, to Athan, this was even easier and faster. People would take it slowly to infuse Body zen order sets in their body due to pain, but Athan would just endure and ignore the pain and advance fast.

In the next month, Athan also mastered the Initial-Elite Body order method: Icaros Leanus.

After mastering it, he got an idea.

Icaros Leanus was a straightforward chaotic power, and it only affected one's body. It releases hellish white flames to strengthen the body. Even though the process is painful, it is the fastest way to strengthen it and reach the threshold.

However, Athan decided to make use of his knowledge of Zen body order sets of Icaros Leanus and upgrade the body chaos trait, Physical spirit stream.

He got this Physical spirit stream body chaos trait from the Heavenly Stream Pressure body order method, and it worked in a similar fashion as the Physical force. After breaking through to the Atmospheric Body realm, Athan could even combine physical spirit stream and Physical force to achieve more strength.

'Since The Giant and The Tiny body chaos trait combined, I should be able to upgrade Heavenly Stream Pressure as well,' Athan thought as he started trying. After all, there was no harm to him in trying.

Since he is a Runic Arist of master level, he has an advantage in this regard. He first consumed his order force and created zen order sets of Icarus Leanus before infusing them into the Heavenly Stream Pressure body chaos trait's body order sets.

He faced some blocks in the combination process, but he quickly overcame those with his superior comprehension.

After a few hours, he succeeded as a new body chaos trait was born inside him.

Athan floated in the air as a burning white physical stream released from his body.

Yes, the physical stream force he releases now is combined with the hellish white flames of Icaros Leanus!

He moved his hands and legs as he took a stance of Assault of Heaven and released the technique.

*Shuaa...*

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM...*

He didn't add any nature of chaotic power, but still, the attack was devastating. However, it didn't remain in the atmosphere for longer since the atmosphere of this chaos phenom dimension was way stronger and robust as it swept away the burning area of white flames created by the Assault of Heaven.

He also released physical force from his body and activated his Duality Extreme body chaos trait, which is a combination of The Giant and The Tiny as he became a twenty-meter tall giant.

As his body got stronger, The Giant chaos trait also became stronger. That's why after the combination of traits, He could become bigger than twelve meters tall, and his current limit was twenty meters tall giant with explosive muscles.

Athan maintained his twenty meters tall giant state as he flew towards Drizzly and woke her up.

Drizzly opened her eyes and, seeing Athan raring to go for fights, she smiled and asked, "Are you going for a hunt?"

"Yep, let's go," Athan nodded with a grin as he cracked his knuckles. He had gotten stronger quickly but didn't get many chances to do battles.

"Zorgia, you stay here with Lady Fu with those two elders and keep an around Tiana and others."

"Y-young master Athan, you should take Koinshi with you. After all, this is dangerous," Zorgia spoke with hesitation.

"No need, if there is danger, then I'll face it myself," Athan indifferently spoke before he turned to Drizzly, "Let's go."

Drizzly smiled wryly and nodded as she and Athan flew deeper into the dimension.

After ten minutes, they sensed a powerful presence as a flying beast with a sharp beak and four wings dashed towards them. It had burning black flame and golden patterns on its body.

Seeing the beast, Drizzly face turned grave while Athan's eyes shone with a dangerous gleam as he activated all of his powers and chaos traits.

A solid dark green skeleton armor appeared over his body that covered his body, Jadeite Exo-frame, Thorn Mail.

Afterward, his entire body turned emerald with silver patterns on it as he activated Chaotic Body-Aegis Starwood.

He also activated defensive technique, [ Tri-Plate Coverage ] and [ Quadic Tower Protection ] as triangle plates and a solid tower conjured around him.

Athan activated all of them in two seconds, and right at the moment, the beast also arrived in front of Athan with its terrifying beak that glowed with destructive energy and hit Athan.

"Athan!" Drizzly shouted, and in those two seconds, she had also activated her offensive power to attack the beast.

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM.....*

The beast's beak broke through all defenses of Athan, including the Exo-Frame, before hitting him.

Athan felt that an earthquake hit him as the destructive vibration passed through all places in his body.

'Damn...The attack of Evagon-grade beast is really destructive, even though it is in its early Evagon-grade,' Athan thought as he was shot back like a bullet with a cracked body that seemed to be falling apart anytime. The emerald crystals blasted off from his body which was actually his body.

Drizzly's attack also hit the beast, but it wasn't much effective as the beast targetted Drizzly afterward.

Athan hurridly devoured all destructive energies from his body with abyssal darkness and popped a pill that he created with voidpulse in his void region as his body recovered quickly. His natural healing factor and Aegis Starwood helped in that.

'Hehe, now this is an exciting battle,' Athan's eyes gleamed as he dashed towards the beast.

Chapter 573 - Icaros Spirit Force, Extreme Duality, New Gaze Of Void.

The chaos beast attacked drizzly after Athan, but her defense was better than Athan, so she got away with moderate injuries.

She had reached Zen order Grandmaster, and with her powerful bloodline of Chaos Eargia Dragon, she managed to clash against the early-stage Evagon grade beast without getting severe injuries.

At this time, Athan also arrived, but his body had turned tiny fifty centimeters. His body was covered with hellish white flames, but these flames were not normal and way stronger because he had combined these flames of Icaros Leanus with Heavenly Spirit Stream, and he named the combination as Icaros Spirit Force.

On top of Icaros Spirit Force, his physical force covered his body as well. So right now, without considering his physical body's power in tiny form, the power around his body was 350% of his normal physical strength.

As for his current tiny body's strength? It was 800% of his normal physical strength. That's how powerful this Duality Extreme Body chaos trait is: First, you become a giant with increased physical strength, and then you compress and condense that increased physical strength in a tiny body, increasing that physical power by many folds. This strains the body a lot.

He had hit the limit at 50 centimeters, and that was also the record. After all, the tinier you become from your initial giant form, the more pain you feel every second in tiny form and harder it is to condense and compress the power.

From Twenty meters tall with explosive muscles and blood-filled giant to just a fifty-centimeter body is a big compression and condensation with tremendous strain. Usually, you become tiny and release a devastating body order technique by exhausting the body's physical energy in blood and muscles before quickly returning to normal body form to heal and recover.

Athan appeared beside the flying beast by riding on his cloud of chaos with the tiny form, "Drizzly, hold it down for just one second!"

"Got it," Drizzly nodded as her body glowed with black and red light as she opened her mouth and roared!

*Roarrrr...*

Chaos Eargia Dragon's image appeared behind her that stunned the beast for a half-second, but Drizzly had already made another move with her hands as black and red tendrils released and trapped the beast.

Athan was already preparing his most devastating attack as of yet and stretched back his hand as his entire body and aura suddenly turned blood red!

"Murdering Punch."

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM...*

All of his body's power condensed into his fist that hit the flying chaos beast and raptured its skin.

'What a tough body!' Aren thought before grinning, 'However, that small gap is enough.'

From the tiny rapture on its skin, the devastating energy of Murdering Punch gushed inside the chaos beast's body and wreaked havoc.

However, Athan knew that it wouldn't be enough to kill the beast and shouted, "Drizzly, continue the attack!"

Drizzly nodded as she aimed the eyes of the beast while it roared in pain and was removing the murdering punch's power in its body.

On the other hand, Athan returned to his normal body form and popped another pill since his body had become a mess from inside. Blood even came out of his nose, eyes, and pores.

However, his eyes gleamed with sharp light as he waved his hand as crystal cannons appeared and released shots of Aarang chaotic power from his Aarang chaotic world.

The cannon shot hit the beast before it blasted into a dark blue liquid that lowered its defense bit and then exploded into crimson flames, producing grey sparks and transforming into burning chains that tried to keep it bound.

Three cannons released shots of Aarang chaotic power without pause, while Athan also released Archanid's demon web with Aarang chaotic power. Since he also used Archanid's demon web with Aarang chaotic power's nature, It also produced chains.

(The chains are an effect of Hollow Kernal's properties in Aarang chaotic power. Hollow Kernal is chaotic energy that transforms into weapons and can be imbued anywhere or in anything.)

So even though the beast destroyed the chains and webs that also released chains just by its aura, it was still kept bound. Also, Drizzly continuous attacks and the murdering punch's energy also helped with that.

After three minutes, the flying chaos beast finally succumbed and died.

Drizzly smiled while healing her injuries and said, "Athan, let Tiana and others have a break to eat this since Avelia can cook it with her Mystic Chef occupation. I am sure she has even cooked Evagon-grade beast."

Athan nodded with a grin, "Yeah, the beast you cooked three months ago was so bad. Sadly, I had to eat since I was pretty hungry after using that Murdering Punch. However, this time, I will definitely tell Avelia to cook this one."

Suddenly, a frown appeared on his face as he sensed another chaos beast coming, "It's a bit far, but it's coming here."

"What! Another one is coming?" Drizzly was startled because she didn't sense anything even though she had stretched his soul sense to the furthest she could.

However, after two seconds, she also sensed it and turned graved because its flying speed seemed even faster than the flying beast they had just killed.

Athan turned around as his eyes gleamed with black and white, "It looks like I'll have to handle it quickly."

*Caooooooooooooo....*

A black flash was coming towards Athan, but Athan's eyes showed symbols of two drops with a vortex of black and white inside them.

He had upgraded his Gaze of Void, and it was many times more terrifying than before because, on top of showing the stronger illusion to stun and scare the enemy, he could attack as well.

Right as his Gaze of Void landed on the black flash, the beast paused and floated in the atmosphere. The beast looked like a crow and a fish mix, and it was pitch black with one pair of wings, two horns, and a long black fishtail and fins on its back.

Currently, this beast was stunned as a terrifying beastly mouth with no face, but only white glowing nightmarish teeth that appeared inside its mind and arrived beside its soul.

It felt innate fear of being devoured, and before it could break away from this, terrifying darkness released from the beastly mouth that attacked its soul and erased it.

On the other hand, Athan nodded to himself and thought, 'So it takes 74% of my soul energy to kill this median-stage Evagon-grade beast. Although I am not satisfied, it's good for now.'

"Let's cook this one too."

Chapter 574 - Progress And Training.

"Damn, the smell is so nice," Theo spoke before gulping.

"Yeah, it looks like this meal is going to be very tasty," Sen spoke as she was ready with forks in her hands.

"Tasty and energizing too," Avelia spoke as she waved her hand in the giant burning pot filled with pieces of meat, "I have brought many seasonings and other ingredients, hehe."

Everyone was sitting on a temporary grassy land made by Athan. Lady Fu and Zorgia created several barriers around them as they didn't want to get interrupted while eating.

The food was ready after an hour, and everyone ate and drank to full.

Avelia cooked the food with regeneration buff using her Mystic Chef's powers as Athan and others got high body recovery buff, and their body also got stronger due to the powerful energy in the meat of Evagon-grade beasts.

Now they will quickly recover from injuries for one day.

After eating the food, Tiana, Linci, and others continued with their training while Athan and Drizzly went hunting once again for practice. Athan also wanted to master a new defensive essence order technique of Grandmaster-grade, Forest of Garoyal.

After all, he had no problem training in higher-grade techniques due to his powerful soul and superior comprehension ability.

'Oh yeah, I should be able to comprehend and master the third level of Cloud of Chaos and even fourth as well...,' Athan thought while flying deeper into the dimension with Drizzly.

He decided to train in the next levels of the cloud of chaos after mastering Forest of Garoyal.

...

Four months passed as Tiana, Avelia, Linci, and others managed to break through to the 2nd order of Zen order elite by creating their first mini-chaotic worlds one by one with only a day of difference.

They informed Athan about it, and he and Drizzly arrived on a large cloud crackling with golden lightning. There was a cloudly barrier on the cloud as well.

Seeing it, Lady Fu, Zorgia, and others were surprised.

"That's the 6th level of Cloud of Chaos, Shackle Break Cloud!" Lady Fu said with a surprised expression, "With that, you will probably be able to outrun most of the peak-stage Evagon-grade beast that doesn't have superior flying capabilities."

Athan nodded with a grin, "Yeah, I didn't expect that I would be able to enter 6th level as well. Although this level is a bit hard since the clouds in this stage are literally teleporting and coming out of my grasp even if I catch them."

Lady Fu nodded with a wry smile and said, "Well, that's because you just entered the stage. Spend some more time training in that stage, and you will be able to comprehend the mystery of the space. You have to study the patterns of those clouds and grasp the space order sets."

"I figured that, and it will likely take me two-three months to do that," Athan said with a smile, "After that, I will be able to do simple teleportation as well. At least as long as I am in Midgard continent."

"Yep," Lady Fu nodded.

"So, Athan. What are we going to do next?" Avelia asked.

Athan waved his hand as two dead giant chaos beasts appeared; one was a duck-like beast but with four pairs of wings and deadly talons, while the other beast was like a bear but with two heads and dark orange with silver patterns on its body. The bear's hands were unique as instead of claw-like hands, they were large drums with eccentric and vein-like patterns.

Before Athan could say anything, Avelia said, "Alright, I know. But some of you first remove their external skin and take out their organs while I prepare my ingredients and seasonings."

...

After everyone had a good meal, Athan told them his plans.

"Now, we will go deeper into the dimension, at a more troubling and dangerous atmosphere," Athan said as he and Lady Fu used their cloud of chaos to create two large cloud platforms, and everyone hopped onto it.

As they flew deeper into the dimension, they encountered two Evagon-grade beasts but took care of them.

Tiana and others observed the battle carefully and were speechless, as always seeing Athan beaten to half death but getting up like those injuries were invisible to him.

"Sigh...even though he was pretty tough and could endure, it was not to this extent," Tiana spoke softly with a sad expression, "I wonder what he experienced that made him like this."

Avelia sniffed as she said, "Something that we can't imagine."

Tiana, Sen, Linci, Shiromi, and others nodded.

After traveling for half a day, they arrived at a more dangerous environment where the atmosphere was dark red and filled with sparkling rivers of blood-red chaotic powers as they flowed chaotically.

Occasionally, a small round, the bright orb will manifest from the river and explode with terrifying power and shockwaves.

Athan tried to taste the power of one, and his body got exploded into bits.

"ATHAN! Y-you...don't scare us like that," Sen shouted with worry seeing Athan re-forming his body.

Athan wryly smiled and shook his head, "I didn't expect it to have such properties. The shockwave and blast released invisible tendrils that directly penetrated my body and caused the explosions. Anyway, as long as my soul is fine, I can reform my body using voidpulse, so don't worry."

"But...it's still painful for us to watch you like that," Shiromi bit her lips and said while shaking her head.

Tiana and others agreed with her.

"Big brother...no wonder...," The four brothers of the Nimpere clan shook their head with admiration and lamentation.

"Truly, Athan...," Theo smiled weakly and shook his head, "Anyway, how do we endure here?"

Hearing that, Athan turned to Lady Fu and Zorgia before saying, "Create a barrier that can pass the little bit of that crimson sparkling river's water inside. That water has strong corrosive and acidic power and can suck out vitality from the body and cause fatigue. Naturally...the pain will be higher."

Tiana and others involuntarily trembled, but their eyes didn't waver, and they were willing to endure.

"Also, be careful of those random manifestations of the orb and conjure a strong barrier around everyone when it appears," Athan said before he turned to Tiana, Avelia, and others, "While enduring the crimson sparkling river's chaotic power, you will enter meditation and train the cloud of chaos to 4th level."

"But we don't have th-" Before Sen finished speaking, Linci smiled and waved her hand as she took out twelve chests and gave it to others.

"The chest contains scrolls up to 7th level of the cloud of chaos. Once we reach upper-Chaosverse, I'll tell my father to give everyone a complete cloud of chaos technique," Linci said as she showed V sigh with her hand and smiled, "After all, the one who created the complete cloud of chaos was my Crow family's ancestor."

Everyone was surprised hearing that except for Athan since he already knew about it.

...

Tiana and others tried to enter meditation and train in the cloud of chaos while enduring the painful injuries caused by the crimson sparkling river chaotic power.

On the other hand, Athan started searching for a wild defensive-type chaotic power because he planned to combine three or four defensive-type chaotic powers to create his second mini-chaotic world.