The forest was a cathedral of shadows, its canopy a vaulted ceiling that cloaked the world in an almost tangible gloom. Through this sylvan labyrinth, a figure emerged, his presence an affront to the quiet sanctity of the dense alien forest. It was Michelle, his form both regal and ominous as he moved with deliberate slowness.
A grotesque spectacle trailed behind him; Substance, once a creature of fluid grace, now reduced to a mewling husk. Her golden hair, long and straight, served as a cruel leash, held tightly in Michelle’s grasp. The limbs that should have been attached to her torso were instead macabre ornaments suspended in the air by some unseen force, orbiting her silently as if in mockery of her current state.
The group, assembled in a clearing not far ahead, watched this grim procession with a mix of horror and fascination. Albedo and Abadis shared a glance, their twin natures resonating with a sadistic appreciation for the display. Jordan though more composed, could not entirely mask his discomfort. Alucard muscular frame stood like a statue, his orange eyes piercing through the dim light with an observer’s keen interest.
Ophelia, ever the opportunist, shifted uneasily, her vulpine instincts sensing the dangerous undercurrents at play. But it was Lucy whose reaction was most complex—a tapestry of emotions woven from threads of admiration, and envy.
She watched Michelle, seeing not only the embodiment of the power she yearned for but also the mentor she unwittingly emulated. This man in the form of blue hair child, who could so easily sever a being from their bodily sovereignty, held a dark allure that called to the depths of her own ambition.
’I can’t help but wonder why someone as powerful as Seventh chose a human to be his successor, even going so far as to directly sire Merciless. Is there something unique about this former human that I am missing?’
As they drew nearer to each other, the sounds of whispers could be heard rustling through the trees. The words were spoken in hushed tones, filled with shock and wariness, but also tinged with an unspoken recognition of Michelle’s incredible power. To stand before a being of such magnitude was to come face to face with one’s own limitations, and to realize how far they fell short of his level. Looking at it he literally defeated Substance with a phone call.
Lucy’s green eyes, sparkling with a sharp and almost menacing intensity, never wavered from Michelle’s back. His indifference to their stares, the casual yet deliberate display of his power, only served to stoke the flames of her blazing determination.
Honestly speaking she didn’t felt anything about her broken engagement, it was one of political means, and beside this side was stronger, and could offer more, but as she stepped forward into her new role as an Astella, a sense of clarity and purpose coursed through her veins like a wildfire.
Unbeknownst to Merciless, his father’s influence had taken root within her, shaping her resolve as surely as a sculptor shapes clay.
The small group stood rooted in horror as Michelle, encircled by the remnants of his victim, emerged from the shadows and into the clearing. Each step he took seemed to draw in the air around them like a heavy cloak, making it difficult to breathe. The ground beneath their feet felt like quicksand, pulling them down with its oppressive weight.
In this world of twisted imagination, where love was often wielded as a weapon and power was the only currency for survival, one’s purpose could be as elusive as the shifting mists—or as clear as the malice in the gaze of a powerful figure.
Michelle’s gaze cut through the group, sharp and discerning as a scythe through ripe wheat. A collective shiver ran down the group spines as they withstood the weight of his scrutiny, the dread he inspired an almost tangible force in the air. He was accustomed to such reactions—fear was the progenitor’s unspoken herald, a constant companion to one so steeped in darkness and dominion.
"Your trepidation is as expected."
Michelle acknowledged with a dismissive wave to the group.
"But let us not dwell on pleasantries. To be honest, just to remind you all, the terms are simple: half the fallen will belong to Merciless during and upon the conclusion of your examination. Those Prometheus armaments are treasures, you can even call them divine weapons."
As if emphasizing his words, he violently threw Substance towards them. She landed on the ground with a dull thud, her body now limp and silent under the power of Scáthach’s voice. Michelle stepped on her head with his boot, holding her down like a macabre prize. This act of blatant disrespect only added to the terror that was already coursing through the terrified slime.
The others exchanged wary glances, each reflecting the grim acknowledgment that before them stood a true progenitor unlike the 2nd and 3rd generation progenitors, capable of atrocities beyond comprehension. In an effort to steer away from the discomforting display, Michelle locked eyes with Alucard, whose orange orbs betrayed nothing but calm observation.
"Hmmm, Curious, isn’t it?"
Michelle mused aloud, the timbre of his voice carrying an edge sharper than any blade.
"To think that such esteemed scions should find themselves assembled together like this, and that means a lot coming from me since I have a negative opinion of scion vampires as a whole, you know since yall come from traitorous blood."
Said Michelle, his eyes quickly went towards Jordan as he continued to speak.
"Well, all except for young Jordan who is of preimaginal blood like myself and Merciless. But you know don’t let me get in your head, this is good, hahah… to think my own progeny would stand shoulder to shoulder with those who’ve already etched their names into our community’s annals of infamy."
As Michelle’s words echoed through the forest, they carried a weight that seemed to darken the already oppressive silence. It was a delicate balance of power, with each participant acutely aware of the high stakes involved in this examination. Powerful vampires, all of noble blood, were present and engaged in a dance for dominance.
They were not lying when they claimed to have made names for themselves; even Michelle couldn’t deny their reputations. This exam would inevitably lead to bloodshed, especially since everyone present held the currency that could grant them a wish from a djinn. Everyone was a potential target in this cutthroat competition.
"I hate to admit it, but as much as I hate these Jahad bitches, if we are going to pass this exam, and make it to the top of the leaderboard, and have a shot at the djinn’s nonetheless, we are going to have to put our difference aside and work together, Agh… Eos above I want to vomit just by saying that."
Abadis said as she eyed down both Lucy and Ophelia, of course, Ophelia just stuck up her middle finger, while sticking out her tongue in response to Abadis’ insults.
Meanwhile, Lucy stabbed through Ophelia’s feet again, her arms folded, as Ophelia began to scream. Lucy herself begins to reply to Abadis while she Ignores Ophelia’s screams.
"AGHAGAAAAHHHHH BITCHHHHH!!…
"Hmmm, that’s the only sensible thing you’ve said since we met. Don’t misunderstand me, I feel the same way, as long as you don’t cross any lines or harm my staff in any way, we’ll get along just fine."
"And though it pains me to say, I have heard a great deal about you two. The synergy twins, they call you. They say that wherever the both of you go, there is either enslavement or death in your wake."
In a blunt manner, Lucy acknowledged the twins. Albedo loves that these mere Jahad are praising him, after all, they were of a higher clan, naturally, he felt his ego was boosted by this recognition and he responded accordingly.
"Hmm, of course, our mother isn’t called the queen of slaughter for nothing, and we as her children take after her in that regard."
"Although you have to give the devil what it is due though, believe it or not, Lucy isn’t a small fry either, among us scions, she is quite popular, they call her Nachtgestalten."
The moment Albedo heard this word from Alucard his eyes opened up, wide as he gave Lucy a surprised look, naturally Lucy’s ego was rubbed off. While Albedo began to look at her and questioned.
"Nachtgestalten… you… really!?"
"Mmmmhhmm!!"
Lucy said with a cocky smile, clearly satisfied by Albedo’s shocked facial expression.
"Nachtgestalten egh!? Very interesting, no wonder why you reek the most of blood and death, you are one of the very few people that the church has a massive fucking bounty on, hahah tell me why the hell do you take on a mercenary position, a Jahad as a famous Uji now that is new."
A/N: Uji: In vampire language, it means one who slays or hunts, or it can also mean hunter, basically they are the opposite of a vampire hunter, they exist to kill any member of the church or any hostile units deployed to slay vampires, and Nachtgestalten is one of the top hunters.
"Hold on, wait... no way. I can’t believe this. How is someone like her related to Mother, Cousin Ella, and Lady Beatrice? Aren’t they all part of the infamous Uji faction, one of the most dangerous and blood-thirsty factions to exist?"
"Skill issues baby girl!!"
Lucy replied mockingly, to which Abadis replied back in kind.
"Don’t push it whore queen."
"… Who are you calling a whore you bitch!?"
At that moment, Michelle jumped in between Lucy and Abadis as he said.
"Can both you slutty size queens shut that filthy thing you all call a mouth for a second will ya?! By the king above… I’m originally a woman but y’all make me want to identify as a man permanently with your pointless and immature catfights, what are you two…16 or something? Cause the last time I check by human standards both of your beat-out pussy is a forest of white hair, the only thing saving it from being loose is our kind natrual regeneration."
"Oh god."
Albedo said with an amused face.
"Haa."
Ophelia said with worry.
"Pfft."
Alucard and Jordan began to chuckle softly to themselves.
…
…
Both of them wanted to speak up, but they both hesitated. They knew that if either of them said something, Michelle would most likely do something extreme to illustrate his point. He was known for going to extreme lengths to prove a point or to make a statement.
Lucy and Abadis exchanged a quick, knowing glance, silently agreeing to put their bickering aside for the time being as Michelle’s volatile aura hung heavy in the air. Even Alucard and Jordan, usually composed and observant, felt a slight tinge of tension at the sudden shift in the atmosphere brought about by Michelle’s cutting words.
As the silence stretched on, Michelle’s expression softened slightly, a dangerous glint still present in his eyes.
But yes you all have some good titles, I might not go out in public often but I make it a hobby to ensure what all is happening in the vampire community. Man, I really hope Merciless gets his first real public moniker soon, the earlier the better.
"Public monikers."
Alucard rumbled his voice a low thunder that rolled through the trees.
"Are more than mere adornments. They are declarations of our essence, so I see why you would wish that for your son."
"Indeed!"
Chibi Albedo concurred, his own tone threaded with the silk of cunning.
"And it is no trifling matter that we bear them."
He considered Jordan Astaroth, the Soul Teller, whose exploits had already woven through the fabric of their society like a sinister melody. His ability to amass souls and wield them as currency—a morbid form of commerce—spoke volumes of the macabre genius that resided within.
"Dracula Chosen."
Michelle intoned, the name falling from his lips like a benediction for the damned. It was a mantle heavy with expectation and history, one that Alucard bore with great pride that bordered on defiance.
His mother, Vlada, was a specter of terror within their ranks, her cruelty a legend whispered in hushed tones. Yet it was Alucard who stood before them, her will made manifest, her legacy personified in the sinew and bone of her son.
"Monikers such as ours."
Alucard continued, unfazed by Michelle’s scrutiny.
"Serve as proof to our action, and our power... and the fear we instill in the hearts of our lessers, It is very important given the fact that to be qualified as an elder in the vampire society you need to be over 300 years old and also have a public moniker."
The air around them thrummed with tension, each syllable uttered shaping the unyielding truth of their existence. They were scions of darkness, born of blood and shadow, each destined to leave a mark upon the world—an indelible imprint of their passage through the annals of eternity.
"Let us not forget, however."
Alucard added, his gaze sweeping across the assembled progeny.
"Being given such names inevitably paints a target on our backs. We become symbols, representing something for others to either rally against or strive towards. This is why those who survive long enough to become elders are not ordinary individuals. To reach elder status means attaining nobility, or if born into a noble family, standing out as a respected and distinguished member of the upper class."
Michelle observed with a distant calmness and minor curiosity swirling inside of him as Alucard, the living representation of his clan’s unwavering power, discussed ancestry and heritage. The discussion had delved into deeply personal and meaningful topics, exploring the climb towards authority that was only attainable for a select few.
But the topic soon shifted, when Michelle began to think about something, as he gaze at Alucard and asked.
"By the way, how is Vlada, although now a traitor she was amusing to be around nonetheless, tell me how the brat is doing, the last time I saw her was fifty years ago back in Ickira village."
"Training in another dimension."
Alucard’s voice rumbled through the forest, the words hanging heavy like a shroud over the gathered vampires.
"She is on the cusp of ascension."
A flicker of interest sparked behind Michelle’s gaze when he heard this, an ember of remembrance that kindled recognition. It had been half a century since whispers of Vlada, known in hushed terror as Dracula, had graced his ears. That she sought to transcend her mortal coil was no trifling matter—it was an event that would ripple across their dark world for sure if it did happen.
"Ascension…. is that so? Hahah, the brat finally decided she wants to be more than a mere scion, about damn time!"
Michelle mused aloud, his voice a sibilant caress that seemed to stroke the shadows themselves. A smile ghosted across his lips, the expression more predatory than pleased. Appreciation for ambition and struggle was ingrained in his very marrow; he himself was no stranger to the relentless pursuit of power that transcended realms and rewrote destinies.
"Such dedication commands respect at the very least, I will say this though there is a reason why ascension is hard, but I guess she will find that out for herself soon enough if she is really trying to reach realm two."
He continued, his eyes reflecting the ancient wisdom of countless lifetimes spent in the pursuit of dominion over his limitations.
"It took me about 200-500 years to reach realm 2-4 when I first started, and about another 300,000 years before I reached realm 5-8, and 30,000,000 years to finally grace realm 15, and to this day my true form, and even the king as well cant past the trial to ascension to go pass realm 16."
The others, progeny of noble scion blood and fearsome reputation, shifted uneasily. The revelation that another among the scion class vampire might soon join the ranks of the ascended was unsettling. They knew well the tales—how only two before had shattered the chains of vampiric limitation and soared into the echelons of enlightenment.
"Hmmm, well I hope she succeeds I know for a fact that it’s not easy to ascend, since its different for everyone."
Alucard stood resolute, his formidable presence casting shadows that seemed to swallow the light. Yet, it was not fear that danced within his orange eyes but pride—a son’s reverence for the mother who is willing to directly defy the gods themselves by reaching their level as well.
"Indeed."
Michelle said, his voice a whisper that seemed to echo from the depths of the forest.
"To ascend is to enter a selective group reserved for legends. It is to become a true myth incarnate."
Around them, the forest held its breath, the creatures of the night stilled by the gravity of the discourse. For amidst the darkness, where power was the only truth and purpose the blade upon which fates were cleaved, such revelations did not merely signify change—they heralded the coming of a new epoch, that was just how huge of a deal ascension was, especially if it was for a progenitor.
And in that moment, bound by blood and shadow, they all felt the inexorable pull of destiny—as if the very cosmos was watching, waiting, to witness what marvels or madness the rise of another ascender would bring.
However, with the conversation going smoothly, something was bound to bend it.
The conversation fractured like shards of glass, mirroring the world itself as it seemed to bleed and break apart. The once serene forest, cloaked in twilight’s embrace, now lay suffocated beneath a dome of vivid scarlet light.
Chi, thick and palpable, filled the air with its scarlet and intimidating luminescence. Alucard, a towering figure radiating both respect and wariness, immediately recognized the signature of the light: it was Zane’s handiwork, an ultimate onslaught manifested in an eerie glow that target everything it touched.
"Zane... the hell you doing man?"
He murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
Beside him, Michelle stood motionless, his gaze transfixed by the vermilion currents swirling through the air. The chi struck a chord within him, plucking at the strings of memory with a maestro’s precision.
The source of this c𝓸ntent is freewebnøvel.coɱ.
’This chi… no way, this is…
In that instant he began to have a flash back, the formidable vampire progenitor was no longer amidst his kin—he was blue eyes sphynx cat, lean and enigmatic, prowling the sand-swept avenues of ancient Alexandria.
Visions of an era long buried cascaded before Michelle’s eyes. Slaves toiled under the relentless sun, their sweat glistening like liquid gold as they erected monuments to the heavens. Revelers danced with abandon, their bodies entwined in the euphoria of fleeting moments.
Crimes unfolded in silent alleys, a testament to humanity’s darker symphony—a cacophony Michelle watched from the wings with the detached amusement of one who had transcended such mortal follies.
Yet among these echoes of the past, one memory ensnared his consciousness with unyielding claws. It was Cleopatra, the pharaoh whose very essence defied convention. She wielded chi with a mastery that bordered on divine, her powers a spectacle that awed even him, some one who was hard to impress.
Michelle pretending to be a cat at that time watch from a distance, licking his furless paw commented to himself.
"What kind of monster pretending to be a human is this?"
Michelle stood on the stone wall of the training ground, listening intently as Cleopatra gave a demonstration on something she called True Chi. As he was intrigued by it and couldn’t help wondering about its potential uses.
"Gather close, for I speak of the very essence that binds us all – the life force, the chi. It courses through every creature, from the lowliest beetle to the mightiest pharaoh. But while the commoners may content themselves with a mere tremor of chi, a flicker of flame, those of noble blood understand the true power it holds."
"It is the very breath of life itself, subject to our will. Yet, there exists a deeper knowledge, a secret I discovered in my youth, while the Nile still whispered secrets to my ears. Mastering chi unlocks a symphony of potential beyond the crude manipulations of the masses."
"It grants a versatility, a potency that transcends the mere control of life. Imagine, not simply commanding a spark, but weaving fire into intricate tapestries of light! Envision, not just a flickering pulse of life, but channeling its very essence to heal, to empower, to bend the very will of nature itself! This, my friends, is the true dominion over chi, a power reserved for those who dare to delve deeper."
These individuals were members of the royal guard, personally trained by the queen herself. As she continued her explanation, it was clear that they were selected for their exceptional skills and loyalty to the throne.
"Ah, Chi. A dance that is familiar to even the most lowliest of peasants. Yet, I daresay, the mere ability to twitch a leaf or ignite a spark is but a child’s plaything compared to the true power that lies coiled within. It is the mastery of two serpents, these techniques you speak of, that unlocks the true essence of chi. They are the vipers that guard the very gateway to its potential."
"Only when these serpents are tamed, their venom harnessed, can you even dream of approaching the true potency of this force. And as for my own technique, my secret weapon... well, let us just say it lies far beyond the grasp of those who haven’t even learned to command these fundamental beasts."
Cleopatra announced.
Cleopatra, the very name a siren song, stood before them. Her beauty was a legend whispered on the wind, a truth confirmed by the sight that stole their breath. Skin, the color of rich, sunbaked earth, stretched flawlessly across a body both powerful and alluring. Golden eyes, like molten gold itself, held a mesmerizing intensity. She had long and silky black hair, as dark as a moonless night, cascaded down her back in thick, luxurious waves.
Her height, a statuesque 5’8", held a regal bearing. Lean muscle sculpted her form, evident in the way she moved, a predator with a dancer’s grace. Yet, these muscles were no warrior’s bulk, but a subtle definition beneath her curves.
Ample breasts, like ripe pomegranates, swelled beneath the sheer fabric of her royal gown, a tantalizing glimpse of forbidden fruit. Hips, wide and full, swayed with every step, a promise of untold pleasures. This was a body sculpted by the Nile itself, a masterpiece designed for both sin and majesty.
Her attire, a dazzling display of wealth and power, clung to her form without revealing too much.
Gold jewelry adorned her arms and neck, catching the light and glinting like a thousand captured stars. Yet, it was the woman herself who commanded attention. Beauty, yes, of the most breathtaking kind, but it was more than that. An aura of power, of regality, emanated from her, a queen born and bred. Her gaze, intelligent and calculating, could disarm or intimidate with equal ease. A hint of a smile played on her lips, a promise of both captivating charm and a hidden, perhaps even ruthless, intelligence.
Cleopatra was a paradox, a living embodiment of both allure and intimidation. A woman as beautiful as a desert sunset, as dangerous as a Nile crocodile – a force of nature to be admired, respected, and perhaps even a little feared.
Every person in the private training ground of the queen was captivated by her presence. Male and female alike were entranced, their eyes never straying from the stunning figure before them. They were clearly overwhelmed by her beauty, but they fought to maintain focus on their queen’s words, knowing it was a great honor just to be in her presence.
"Silence! Lend me your ears, for I shall bestow upon you knowledge reserved for the chosen few. This is not a game, not a parlor trick for the amusement of the masses. This is the art of manipulating chi the correct way, the very essence of life itself, bent to my and soon your will."
"One hour, I grant you. One. Singular. Master the technique before the sands of time slip through that hourglass, and you shall be elevated beyond mere mortals. Noble or peasant, your lineage fades into insignificance before the power you shall wield. You will become extensions of my will, instruments of my design."
"But fail me... and the consequences will be swift, and final. Do I need to remind you of the fate that befalls those who disappoint their queen? A swift visit from Anubis awaits those who lack the dedication or the acumen to grasp this gift."
"So choose wisely. Work with the fervor of a desert wind, the focus of a Nile crocodile, or prepare yourselves for the sweet embrace of the underworld. The clock ticks, my loyal subjects. Now, behold!"
Cleopatra’s tone is a chilling blend of regal authority and veiled threat. She emphasizes the importance of the task while leaving no room for doubt about the consequences of failure. Her student or her target has no room to regret they knew what they were signing up for, and immediately after Cleopatra said this, the subjects she was teaching all responded at the same time.
"We are yours to command, our queen!"
Their voices echoed in unison, a pledge of loyalty tinged with fear and reverence.
"Good."
Cleopatra’s arms spread wide, her splayed fingers casting a dark shadow over the surrounding grass and trees. The once vibrant greenery began to wither and decay under the weight of her power, as if drained of their very life force. Birds plummeted from the sky, their feathers dull and listless as they too were sapped of their energy by Cleopatra’s commanding presence. With a voice filled with authority, she began to speak of the true form of chi, her words laced with an otherworldly intensity that seemed to shake the very earth beneath their feet.
"Listen well, for I reveal a secret carried on the desert wind. We all know of chi – the life force that animates every living thing. But chi is rarely pure. It carries the baggage of existence, a muddy sediment obscuring its true potential. To unlock the power I possess, we must refine this essence, filter out the impurities."
"This knowledge, I admit, came to me during a brush with death. Lost and parched in the desert, I felt my life force escaping, a wisp of smoke disappearing into the unforgiving sky. Weak and desperate, I could only watch as my own chi slipped away. But in that desolate moment, a strange thought struck me."
"We boil water to cleanse it, to strip away impurities. What if, I wondered, instead of desperately grabbing at my fading chi, I could somehow... intensify it?"
"But to do that I needed something like furnace in my case I took desperate gamble, and channel the remaining chi in my body and move all of it to my heart, since the heart pumps blood to the entire body, I figured it could do the same for chi."
"My father’s ancient scrolls had tales of chi warriors who could harness their life force to heal themselves or others in times of desperation. They could also temporarily increase their physical abilities beyond mortal limits by sacrificing a portion of their life force, a thought that came to mind through this memory."
"Facing my own demise, what did I truly have to lose? Better a shorter life lived fiercely than a quick demise right then and there. So, with a parched throat and my gaze locked on the relentless sun, I focused. I willed my waning chi not to retreat, but to accumulate and explode within my own heart. To boil. And with a searing sensation, it did. Imagine, a cauldron within your very being your life force bubbling and churning, burning away the impurities that held it back. It was a crucible, a trial by fire that forever changed me."
Their queen said, as they witness her heart shinning a bright dark red, her body became slightly transparent as they can literally see the energy flow through her veins.
"Mark my words, for this is but the gateway, the first step on the path to true mastery. This refining technique you witness is not the true control of chi, but a necessary precursor. By purging the impurities, we gain access to a purer form, a pristine essence some call "perfect chi."
"However, the true refinement lies in pushing this process to its very limits. Ideally, one would focus their will, magnify their chi until their heart becomes a literal sun, burning away impurities. But alas, such a feat is beyond the reach of normal humans. Thus, I devised a method to lessen the strain – a multi-pronged approach. Imagine applying the refining technique simultaneously to each organ, a symphony of purification."
"Once this initial hurdle is overcome, you can begin to absorb chi from the very air around you, just as I do now or from your own self but to learn true chi you need a lot of impure chi at first, thankfully this method only need to be done once, after that you never have o do it again."
"As such, instead of passively collecting it, you must compress this energy with all your might, make the chi flow along side you blood. Visualize it, and do it very quickly without stopping, do this till you feel a horrific burning sensation, and see a scarlet core solidifying within you like the ones i’m allowing for your too see in my heart."
"This compression, a strange dance between blood and chi, creates a chain reaction. You see, these cores become marvels of efficiency, transmuting impure chi into its purest form on contact. A touch, a breath, anything tainted becomes refined in an instant. This, my loyal subjects, is the true power you seek, the foundation upon which we shall build an empire fueled by pure chi."
"And when the chi core is form, you can now behold the true purpose of your chi core power. Think of it as a royal scepter, not a mere vessel. It draws the life force around you like metal would a magnet, raw and untamed. But fear not, for within your core it burns, transforming into a vibrant scarlet essence – pure power fit for a queen. And now pure power fit for the queens chosen."
"And lastly all you need to do from there is project it outward, a crimson wave of your will. A shield, a weapon, a testament to your might. Unleash it with the fury of a desert cobra, and your enemies will crumble before its radiance."
Cleopatra created a small ball of scarlet energy, seemingly harmless to the naked eye, but it sent shivers down their spines when they saw it.
With a graceful flick of her finger, she directed the scarlet ball upwards, sending it soaring into the sky. The ball was no bigger than a marble, but as Cleopatra deemed it high enough, she snapped her fingers with a sense of power. In an instant, the energy within exploded, causing the entire continent to shake violently. The resulting explosion coated the surrounding area in a bright red hue, filling the morning sky with a fiery display. It was as if Cleopatra had blown away all the clouds with the sheer force of chi alone.
With wide eyes filled with a mix of fear and awe, her student gazed upon the destructive display before them. Cleopatra stood tall and regal, her gaze sweeping over the chaos she had unleashed. As she surveyed the scene, her voice rang out with power and finality.
"Enough chatter! Now, get to work! By the time I return, I expect every single one of you to have forged your own. Failure... well, let’s just say your queen is feeling particularly generous today. Generous enough to personally select the bucket destined for your severed heads. Consider this a motivator, wouldn’t you agree?"
These were the queen last words, on the other hand Michelle began to lick his paw as he said to himself.
"That is truly a unique and captivating technique, although it may not align with my personal fighting style. However, I cannot deny the intrigue of that formidable woman."
To the people of ancient Egypt, she was the avatar of Isis, her supernatural prowess intertwined with the fabric of their faith. But to Michelle, she represented the pinnacle of human potential, a wellspring of intrigue during his nine-year sojourn—a respite taken in the guise of mundanity to sate the boredom that gnawed at eternity’s edge.
As the recollection crested, Michelle’s lips curled into a mirthless smile. The resonance of the scarlet chi around them was unmistakable—it bore the same indomitable spirit he had witnessed in Cleopatra’s court. It begged the question, was this mere chance, or did Zane’s lineage trace back to that legendary queen, Michelle wondered to himself?
"Curious!"
He whispered, his voice barely audible above the susurrus of crimson energy.
However, amidst the scarlet chaos that bathed the forest, a sudden tremor rumbled through the ground. The air crackled with urgency, and the trees groaned as if in protest to an unseen force that threatened to unravel the very fabric of their being.
"Attention, everyone, eyes over her if you please."
Abadis’s voice cut through the tumult, her blue skin almost luminescent against the crimson light. She stood poised, as she began to explain the situation.
"The planet’s core is destabilizing as we speak, that human is draining the very life from the planet itself. We must depart at once, before the planet blows up."
Without hesitation, Abadis extended her arms, her fingers splayed wide. Her eyes closed. The group could feel the weave of reality bending to her will, each thread pulled taut by her immense power.
He watched, his gaze steely, as Albedo stood protectively beside his twin, ready to follow her lead to the next planet.
The ground beneath them lurched violently, a harbinger of the cataclysm to come. Roots snapped like brittle bones under the strain, and the red light intensified, a beacon of the end times.
"Prepare yourselves!"
Abadis announced, her voice a calm amidst the maelstrom.
"Actualize!!!"
The moment she said that, in an instant that spanned both eternity and the blink of an eye, they were wrenched from their dying world. The forest, the red chi was no more, instead they were in a beautiful garden fill with blue roses.
When they reemerged, the landscape had shifted dramatically. A new world unfolded before them, alien and untouched, bathed in the soft glow of twin moons hanging heavy in the sky. This was one of Abadis’s sanctuaries, a sanctuary crafted by her capable hands.
