Chapter 615 The Next Step (3)
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Vampire Skill: [Skill Absorption] activated. Attempting to absorb the skill [Past-sight] from the prey.
Required gene to learn the skill: Precursor gene.
Genes present in the host's body. Proceeding with absorption.
Due to the inefficiency of [Skill Absorption], only partial absorption could happen. As a result, the active skill [Past-sight (lvl 30)] has been turned into an active skill [Memory Reading (lvl 20)].
(Note: The user is recommended to upgrade [Skill Absorption] as soon as possible.)
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"Huh... it's been a while since I saw this notification," Ashton rubbed his eyes as soon as he woke up. "Couple with that... it took over 20 hours to absorb this skill... that's a first."
As Ashton lay there, the visions of Shiva and Arnold still lingering in his mind, he couldn't shake off the sense of awe they invoked.
Vulcan and Flintmace had always been the pinnacle of strength in his eyes, but after witnessing the might of those beings, Ashton couldn't help but doubt whether even his mentors would stand a chance against them.
"Shiva and Arnold... I shouldn't dwell on them," Ashton said, standing up. "If they are as strong as I suspect, they could defeat any of us effortlessly, that is, if we are on different sides."
Just as Ashton was about to push the rogue thoughts out of his head, he remembered something else. "Wait... could they be Precursors? They are said to be the strongest beings in the universe, so it would make sense. Why I'm wasting my time on this..."
Shaking his head, Ashton decided that dwelling on their power was futile. His primary concern was the safety and well-being of those he held dear, nothing more.
Ashton heard a soft but urgent knock on his door. Curious, he opened it to find Anna standing there, her eyes red and filled with worry. Before he could react, she slapped him across the face, the sound echoing through the room.
"You fool!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with anger and concern. "Why are you so hell-bent on facing every danger by yourself?"
Ashton rubbed his stinging cheek but didn't protest. He understood her frustration and knew he had worried her more times than he could count. He sighed, knowing that both of them were correct from their standpoint.
"I'm sorry, Anna," he said gently as she wrapped her arms around him. "I don't want to put you through this, but sometimes, there are things that only I can handle. I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me."
"I know," Anna's grip on him tightened, and she buried her face in his chest. "But I can't bear the thought of losing you... ever."
Ashton held her close, his heart aching at her words. He felt the same, and that's why his first instinct was to save her first. Even if it meant taking harsh steps to do so.
"You're a moron, you know that?" Anna looked up at him, her tearful eyes searching his.
"I fell in love with you, so yes. I do." Ashton mumbled softly.
"Want me to slap you again?"
"No thanks," Ashton chuckled. "The last one was enough."
"Then shut up and just hold me a little longer," Anna said, a hint of a smile on her lips.
"As you wish, your highness."
Ashton and Anna were lost in each other's embrace when suddenly, there was a knock on the door. They reluctantly pulled away from each other, and Ashton went to answer it. A messenger stood there, looking slightly nervous.
"Reaper and Bella, Minister Theron requests your immediate presence before the Emperor," the messenger announced, trying to sound as official as possible.
Anna exchanged a concerned glance with Ashton. They both knew that a council meeting after their battle with Krathos could mean only one thing - they wanted Ashton to release the Priest he had kept inside [Valhalla].
"Tell Minister Theron we'll be there shortly," Ashton said calmly, dismissing the messenger with a nod.
As soon as the messenger left, Anna turned to Ashton, her expression serious.
"What do you think this is about?" she asked, her mind racing with possible scenarios.
"What do I think? I think this is gonna be fun," Ashton smiled confidently before wearing his all-black attire. "Let's get going."
They made their way to the council chambers, the anticipation building with each step. When they entered, the ministers and the Emperor were assembled, their eyes fixed on Ashton.
But they weren't the only ones there. Vulcan, Flintmace and several other figures who held importance in the Orion empire were present there. The room was adorned with banners and decorations, and the atmosphere was filled with a sense of triumph and gratitude.
As soon as Ashton and Anna entered the chambers, everyone moved as fast as they could and before Ashton knew it, he was flanked by Flintmace and Vulcan while the mercenaries stood in formation behind them.
The Emperor, along with his ministers, stood on an elevated platform, preparing to address the heroes and the gathered crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests and brave warriors," the Emperor's voice boomed across the hall, "Today, we gather to honour those who have shown unwavering courage and selflessness in the face of danger."
He continued, "Lord Flintmace, Sir Thori, and Sir Reaper, you have all proven your mettle and dedication to our empire. We are eternally grateful for your service."
The crowd erupted into applause, and the mercenaries raised their weapons in acknowledgement.
"Reaper, Flintmace, and Thori," the Emperor had a lot more to say, his expression serious, "I must ask you for one more favour. The Priest who summoned the behemoth, he has committed heinous crimes against our empire and its people."
"As such, he must face justice for his actions... by our laws," Minister Theron concluded, his tone firm and resolute.
Another minister said, "We would like to ask you to hand him over to us so we can bring him to trial and deliver the appropriate punishment for his crimes. The people of our empire need to see that justice will be served and that no one is above the law."
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