π Chapter Seven: A Symphony of Emptiness and Nothingness
Under the cover of darkness, deep within the Four Star Academy, Albert moved as if he were part of a shadow. His goal wasn't merely to study; he was tracking the frequencies of the "Space Seed" sensed by the "Calling Voice."
Albert reached the "Void Gate," a secret vault protected by magical spells that relied on drawing oxygen from the space to kill any intruder. As soon as he entered, the air began to evaporate, but Albert remained unfazed.
Elemental Material: Oxygen
With utter composure, Albert activated the "Oxygen Element Material" skill. He no longer needed to breathe the surrounding air; his body began generating oxygen itself from the mana in his blood. He walked through the airless room as if strolling in a garden, much to the bewilderment of the magical "Watching Eye," which had expected him to fall dead.
Encounter with the Guardian Monster:
From the depths of darkness emerged the "Shadows Ghoul," a summoned monster from the "Death Continent" with the rank of King (Level 4). The monster was enormous, its body composed of a black, gelatinous substance that absorbed swords. The monster roared, but Albert merely raised his index finger. He summoned the Blue and Gold Blade of Light, but this time he fused it with the substance of Gold.
"You are but a shadow, and shadows vanish before truth," Albert said in a calm voice, the confidence of a king.
Abilities Fusion:
Using the Control Hand to immobilize the ogre's body, Albert unleashed a sword strike imbued with the Sunlight of his ancestors. The strike not only sliced ββthe monster's body but vaporized it completely, transforming the dark hall into a bright day for a few seconds.
Receiving the Treasure:
At the end of the hall, he found a box floating in the air, containing the Seed of Space Power. As soon as Albert touched it, his entire body absorbed it. He felt his being expand, as if the world had become an open book before him.
Albert had now reached the Fourth Circle of Mana, and his body had attained the rank of High Master.
As he was about to leave, he sensed something behind him. He turned to find Maria standing at the entrance to the crypt. She had followed him, using her natural stealth abilities.
"Albert," Maria said, surveying the devastation he had left behind, "you killed the Academy's strongest guard... Headmistress Tia (her mother) will investigate herself. If she finds out you're here, she won't be able to protect you from the World Security Forces."
Albert looked at Maria, the aura of the Light Dragon appearing behind him for a moment. "Maria," he said, "I no longer need protection. I'm here to take what's mine, to create a world where no one dares threaten you or my family. Tell your mother... the heir has come to collect his debts."
Albert left, leaving Maria stunned by the transformation in his character and power.
π’ What will happen tomorrow? (Chapter 8) Tia (Maria's mother and the Academy's Headmistress) will begin hunting the intruder, and we will discover a shocking secret: Tia was once a close friend of Ellen (Albert's mother), but an old misunderstanding led her to join the Organizations. How will Albert deal with her without hurting her?