Chapter 99: Chapter 99 - Void's Embrace - A Saiyan's Reckoning and the Awakening of Primordial Power - Part 4
As Orach entered the first layer of the tower, the door behind him closed with a resounding thud. He found himself in a vast chamber that seemed to be a domain unto itself—a dense, wild jungle teeming with lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes. Ancient, broken ruins dotted the horizon, lending an air of mystery to the environment. At the center stood a towering shaft that spiraled upwards, disappearing into the ceiling far above.
As Orach ventured further, he realized he stood atop a cliff, surveying the environment from a height. Approaching the edge, he took in the breathtaking view. He noticed the gravity here differed slightly from outside, though for someone who grew up on Sadala, where gravity was vastly greater, it didn't affect him—it merely piqued his curiosity.
As he scanned the verdant forest below, an eerie sensation crept over him. Something was watching, waiting for him to make a move. He narrowed his eyes, and through his Ki sense, detected a malevolent presence at the center of the chamber.
Suddenly, it dawned on Orach. The domain master was likely Reyan—the battle-hardened warrior who'd faced countless foes across numerous realms. Recalling the statues outside, including his mother's, and the personnel files he'd accessed in the past as a royal and strategic division officer, Orach remembered Reyan's foolish challenge to her. That encounter had ended with Reyan thoroughly defeated, his pride shattered and humility instilled. Now, Orach understood the nature of this test: he was to face opponents from Reyan's memories. A smile played on his lips as long-dormant excitement stirred within him. One of the minor reasons he'd wanted to explore the many realms was to encounter interesting life. Now, knowing he was about to face creatures from Reyan's past, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of his old self seeping through.
Without hesitation, Orach leapt from the cliff, flying straight towards the center of the chamber. As he neared, a massive, gaping maw lined with razor-sharp fangs lunged at him from the undergrowth. Unlike with his friend Aeloria, this was a beast that saw him as prey. Orach's eyes narrowed as he vanished, reappearing at a safe distance to observe his assailant.
Before Orach loomed a colossal serpent, its body as thick as an ancient tree trunk and scales as dark as the void of space. As the beast turned, recovering from its failed attack, its blood-red eyes—brimming with primal hunger—locked onto Orach. The snake's massive coils rippled with raw power as it emerged from its hiding place, its forked tongue flicking out to taste the air. As they observed each other, Orach sensed the beast's ancient, primal power and its readiness to strike again. Though it appeared to be a creature of the lower realm, it exuded an aura akin to a king-level cultivator, catching Orach by surprise.
Without warning, the snake struck again. Its speed belied its enormous size as it launched itself at Orach, jaws wide and fangs dripping with venom. Orach's instincts kicking in, easily dodged, feeling the rush of air as the monster's head passed mere inches from him. But the snake was far from done. Its sinuous body followed through, attempting to wrap around the Saiyan warrior in a crushing embrace.
Caught between the snake's coils, Orach felt its grip tightening. With a burst of energy, he expanded his God Ki aura explosively, forcing the snake's coils apart and causing it to shriek in pain.
Freed from its grip, Orach wasted no time. He channeled his energy into his fist, coating it with a layer of his crimson God Ki. As the snake lunged for another attack, Orach met it head-on.
His fist connected with the serpent's snout, the impact creating shockwaves through the entire chamber. The snake's massive body crashed to the forest floor with an earth-shaking thud, finally going limp.
Orach landed beside the fallen beast, victorious. He watched as the serpent's form shimmered and dissolved into particles of light, leaving behind a small, glowing orb.
Intrigued, Orach picked up the orb, intending to study it. But as soon as he brought it close, the orb burst open, startling him. A ray of light shot out, quickly ascending to the ceiling and opening a passage above.
Now understanding the mechanics of this tower, Orach swiftly made his way to the next floor, climbing the staircase that led to his next challenge.
As Orach ascended to the next floor, he found himself in a starkly different environment. An arid, unforgiving landscape stretched out before him, the clear sky above dominated by three blazing suns. The sight gave him pause; while he had encountered worlds with different type of suns and even with two suns before, never had he seen three. His curiosity was piqued, wondering what realm Reyan could have visited to witness such a spectacle.
His contemplation was cut short as his senses alerted him to approaching entities. Two, to be precise, moving at considerable speed. From what he could discern, these were formidable opponents, likely on par with king-level powerhouses he had encountered before.
As they drew near, Orach's eyes narrowed, focusing on the approaching figures. They appeared to be enormous, avian creatures with golden plumage. Without warning, both birds opened their beaks wide, unleashing torrents of golden flames directly at him. The sight of these flames, coupled with the faint fluctuations of the primordial law of destruction energy he sensed within them, captured Orach's interest. He had witnessed sacred flames in higher realms before, remembering their awe-inspiring power. While these golden flames paled in comparison, the presence of destructive energy made them worthy of closer examination.
Intrigued, Orach entered his ultra instinct form and raised his hands to meet the oncoming attack head-on, eager to analyze the energy within. As the golden flames engulfed him, the birds spread their wings wide, hovering triumphantly in the sky and releasing victorious cries. Their celebration was premature, however, as a hand suddenly emerged from within the inferno, dispelling the flames with a simple wave.
"Fascinating," Orach mused, his eyes fixed on the birds. "It's rare to find lower realm creatures who've tapped into the primordial laws, especially one as potent as destruction." His gaze transformed from curious interest to that of a predator as the birds fully captured his attention. The primordial law of destruction had long intrigued him, given its connection to the Supreme God he worshiped. Despite his best efforts in the past, he had only grasped a fraction of its power on his own. However, he vividly remembered the sensation of wielding it fully, albeit briefly, during his battle with the fleeing Android. Now, seeing mere beasts harness this power ignited a fierce desire within him to unravel this elusive power.
"You've sealed your fate by attacking me," he continued, his voice eerily calm. "Blame yourselves for what's about to unfold. Pray to the primordial gods that your true forms possess more wisdom than you, shadows. Once I leave the Void realm and master traversing lower realms, I'll seek out your kind. If they're as untamed as you, they'll make excellent subjects for study. Congratulations—you've successfully captured my interest."
Despite Orach's calm tone, the birds trembled. Initially shocked by his survival, they now quaked under his penetrating gaze. In that moment, they felt trapped in an inescapable nightmare. For the first time, these creatures truly understood terror like this.
With a burst of speed that left no room for reaction, Orach closed the distance between them. His hands moved with surgical precision, striking at the core of the creatures' power. As his God Ki surged through their bodies, the birds' forms began to dissolve into particles of light, much like the serpent from the previous floor.
As the light faded, leaving behind two glowing orbs, Orach's mind was already racing with the implications of what he had witnessed. These challenges were proving to be more than mere tests of strength. Orach was beginning to realize that Reyan's true objective was to show him glimpses of realms and powers he had yet to fully explore and fully grasp. He gaze turned solemn as he reached for the orbs, ready to ascend to the next level of the tower. The orbs suddenly exploded, sending a crack spreading across the sky like shattering glass. Through the fractured heavens, Orach glimpsed the next floor. Without hesitation, he leapt through the opening, ascending to the next level of the tower.
As Orach entered the third floor of the tower, a frigid, inhospitable world greeted him. Blizzards raged across a landscape dominated by snow-capped mountains, with temperatures plummeting far below freezing. Though his Ultra Instinct form rendered him impervious to the cold, Orach couldn't help but wonder how any life could exist in such extreme conditions without protective gear or high cultivation.
His musings were abruptly interrupted as a massive snowball hurtled towards him. Orach's eyes widened, not from fear, but from the realization that a creature capable of thriving in this frozen wasteland indeed existed. With a flick of his wrist, he shot a small Ki blast to dissipate the incoming snow attack. As the whiteout cleared, a colossal figure emerged.
Towering over twenty feet tall, a behemoth covered in thick, dark fur stood before him. Its icy blue eyes glowed with intensity, piercing through the darkness of this world and fixing upon Orach—the supposed intruder in its domain. The creature's massive claws curled into fists as it beat its chest and released a warning roar.
Orach, encountering this kind of creature for the first time, was intrigued. He noted that, unlike his prior engagements, this foe seemed interested only in protecting its territory, not in consuming or defeating him. The way it communicated its intent revealed a rudimentary intelligence, a fact that attracted Orach's attention even more.
But, this revelation also, left Orach conflicted. He had always treated such creatures with respect, yet he knew that defeating them was the only way to obtain the orbs necessary for ascending the tower. A part of him considered killing this creature, but he quickly dismissed the thought. Closing his eyes, Orach took a calming breath and sighed. While he could be ruthless and cruel to his enemies or those who provoked him, he wasn't heartless towards innocent creatures—in fact, he respected them. Though he wouldn't shy away from killing when necessary, he refused to compromise these fundamental aspects of his character. With this resolve, Orach nodded at the creature without a hint of hostility and decided to fly around its mountain in search of an alternative path to transcend.
Seeing the intruder, leave and being respectful to it, the creature was startled and looked at the figure in the sky with confusion, and with calmer more intelligent eyes as if it could perceive the respect Orach had showed it. It later went towards its cave, where lay the reason of his being and the reason why he protected his territory with his life, a young one of its kind.
Living in this harsh environment was extremely tough, even for this creature, but it had no choice—this was its world. The hostility of other native creatures only compounded the difficulty. Having lost its mate to a vicious beast, it now had only its child left, which had become its whole world. Eager to spend time with its offspring, it hurried back to their cave with the meager food it had procured. To its dismay, upon entering, it found its child gone, with familiar claw scratches marring the cave's interior. Panic overwhelmed the creature as it fell to its knees, dropping the hard-earned food. A painful howl escaped its throat, tears staining its face. The familiar, vicious aura radiating from the scratches left no doubt about who had taken its world away.
Rage soon replaced despair. It had lost its mate; it wouldn't lose its child too. With a fierce howl, the creature set off in the direction of the figure who had shown it respect and carried no hostility. Though weaker than its enemy, and despite not knowing the creature it had just met, it desperately sought Orach. Based on the feeling it had sensed from that figure, it hoped Orach would help rescue its world—or at least take its child to safety while it sacrificed itself against the enemy if necessary. Nothing mattered but its child.
Meanwhile, Orach arrived at another tall mountain peak. Perplexed about his situation, he decided to meditate and delve deeper into the new power that had been aiding him since his encounter with the white tree.
As he sat down to meditate, his eyes closed, Orach felt the connection to the dragons he'd previously encountered solidify further. The area around him began to transform. The primordial law of life emanated from his being, gradually giving rise to plant life that defied the harsh, frigid conditions of this world. Unbeknownst to Orach, his appearance started to shift. His hair and tail fur transformed from the silver of Ultra Instinct to a dark blue hue. Two blood-red lines streaked down his cheeks from his eyes. Behind him, six consecutive rings—each larger than the last—began to manifest, circulating and radiating might. This power impacted the pocket world, causing the peak to glow like a shining star of hope in this harsh realm. The phenomenon was visible far and wide, witnessed by the denizens of this unforgiving world. Most felt immense terror and dared not even look in its direction.
However, the creature searching for Orach struggled through the fear that washed over it. Thoughts of its child propelled it forward towards the light. It sensed a familiar aspect in this terrifying aura spreading across the world. Feeling that power ignited hope in its desperate eyes—hope that this force would answer its plea for help, hope that it could aid in rescuing its world, its child.
After a grueling climb up a treacherous trail, the creature reached the summit. The sight before it was stunning. There stood the figure it had sought, but now transformed. It felt as if it were gazing upon an ancient, supreme being. The power emanating from the rings made the creature want to prostrate itself. Never had it felt such overwhelming might. Yet, recalling its mission, it gritted its teeth and dragged its body towards Orach. The creature struggled against the immense pressure, its legs buckling halfway. Still, it crawled on, refusing to give up, firmly believing in its instincts. Upon touching the patch of lush grass surrounding Orach—grass infused with the energy of the primordial law of life—its injuries began to heal. The fierce pressure lifted from its body, startling the creature. As soon as it felt better, it released a hopeful, pleading cry to the supreme figure before it, calling out for help.
Deep in meditation, Orach explored the powers of the dragons and the new primordial law of the Void within him. He integrated further with these forces, unraveling their intricacies and attempting to trigger more future visions that might guide him to the next floor—or even home. Suddenly, a desperate cry pierced his concentration. Though he couldn't understand the words, he grasped the intention behind it: an honest plea for help, devoid of any deceit.
Having rekindled his past spirit through this journey, Orach wasn't about to ignore a creature that approached him with such an open and honest plea. He resolved to help with all he had, despite any challenges, in accordance with the legacy he represented and carried.
Orach broke his meditation, and the phenomenon he had created began to recede. The rings behind him slowly vanished, his hair and tail fur reverted to silver, the lines on his cheeks disappeared, and finally, the glow around the mountain faded. Only the patch of vegetation remained, as vibrant as ever. This spot, having absorbed Orach's God Ki in a state he wasn't yet aware of, became a sacred place that would defy the laws of this world throughout its lifetime.
As Orach opened his eyes, the creature's hope surged. However, it was taken aback once more—for a fleeting moment, it glimpsed Orach's eyes: one crimson, the other a swirling mix of black and white. Then, in an instant, both eyes shifted to black.
As the creature came into focus, Orach's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and confusion. Why had this being sought him out? What could have driven it to plead for help? Pushing his curiosity aside, Orach centered his thoughts on addressing the creature's desperate plea.
With a swift motion, Orach appeared before the creature. He gently placed his hand on its forehead, channeling his God Ki to convey his message through intent. "I hear your plea," he communicated silently. "I will help you, but first, I need to understand what has happened. Show me your memories."
The hope in creature's eyes, now blazed anew on understanding this mighty figure. It nodded, allowing Orach to delve into its mind. Though Orach typically avoided such invasive techniques, he couldn't deny their effectiveness in dire situations like this.
As Orach delved into the creature's memories, a tapestry of joy, loss, and struggle unfolded before him. He witnessed the creature's once-happy family, then the heart-wrenching moment it lost its mate to a formidable ice dragon. Despite the crushing grief, the creature found solace in its child's presence, drawing strength from the young one's smile amidst their harsh existence.
The parallels between their lives struck Orach deeply. Just as this creature cherished its child, Orach's thoughts drifted to Rachel, his own daughter. The bond between parent and child transcended species, realms, and even time itself.
However, the final memory hit Orach like a physical blow - the haunting scene of the missing child, with telltale claw marks bearing the ice dragon's signature. Orach severed the connection, his eyes snapping shut as he processed what he'd seen. He didn't need to see more; the situation was painfully clear, all too familiar, and deeply personal. Separated from his parents and his daughter Rachel, Orach knew all too well the pain of familial loss.
A chilling thought gripped Orach's mind: "How long have I been trapped in this timeless realm? What if Rachel needs me right now... No!" The image of Rachel's tear-stained face from her painful past flashed before him, intertwining with the creature's anguish. The thought of Trigon, the demon who wanted to use his daughter, sent a surge of protective fury through his very being.
In that moment, Orach's power erupted uncontrollably. An immense wave of killing intent radiated from his being, shaking not just this icy world but reverberating through all the dragon domains. The wardens of the realms felt the tremors, their dragons responding to Orach's rage with thunderous roars of their own. It was clear that something had gone terribly wrong in one of the trials.
The dragons that had already submitted to Orach felt his fury most keenly, their own power surging in response as they turned menacingly towards the dragon domain where Orach was. The wardens, caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events, found themselves unable to leave their posts, forced to contain their agitated dragons even as they yearned to rush to Orach's aid.
As Orach's eyes slowly opened, the creature before him shuddered. Despite Orach's outwardly calm demeanor, the being could sense a chill far more intense than anything this frozen world could produce. It emanated from Orach's icy gaze, a silent promise of retribution brewing within.
Orach's voice, when he finally spoke, was low and controlled, but laced with an undercurrent of barely restrained fury. "I understand now. Your child has been taken by the ice dragon." He paused, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the task ahead. "I swear to you, we will get your child back. And that dragon... it will rue the day it dared to separate a parent from their child."
The creature simply nodded and got up to point in the direction of the enemy's domain. Orach nodded, and as his took flight, he used his Ki to lift the astonished creature and flew right towards it. Orach had already, remembered that energy signature from this creature's memories and spread his Ki to trace that signature, and soon locked on to it.
"Hold on tight," Orach warned.
"OoO!" exclaimed the creature as Orach increased speed, whisking it along and partly terrifying it.
As they arrived at the ice dragon's dwelling cavern, Orach gently set the creature down and stepped onto the icy ground. He released his Ki sense, locating the child—still alive. Noting this, he breathed a sigh of relief and transmitted the news to the creature, who was still recovering from its first high-speed flight.
Learning its child was alive, the creature's eyes welled with tears of gratitude as it gazed at its benefactor.
"Enough!" Orach reprimanded. "Now's not the time for tears. Save them for when we rescue your child."
"OooO," the creature exclaimed, nodding as it wiped away tears that were about to freeze.
With a nod both walked into the domain of the ice dragon, Orach's cold eyes, scanned the bones and half eaten parts of many creatures as they ventured inside the cavern. While Orach understood the law of the jungle when it came beasts and still wouldn't interfere for all. However, if he found this happening to a honest soul like the creature companion following him, he couldn't sit by, not anymore. He was ready to crush this reptile no matter what.
As they approached the cliff's edge, they spotted the ice dragon coiled beneath, resting. Upon seeing its child, the simple creature instinctively wanted to dash forward. However, respecting Orach's strength and leadership, it held back. Orach gave a nod, granting permission to rescue the child. In that same moment, he leapt down, aiming a powerful kick directly at the unsuspecting dragon.
The ice dragon's senses barely registered the intruders before Orach's devastating kick made contact. The impact sent the massive creature crashing into the cavern wall, its scales cracking under the immense force. Orach, his silver hair gleaming in the dim light, approached the fallen dragon with measured steps, each footfall echoing ominously through the icy chamber.
The dragon, dazed and struggling to comprehend the situation, let out a pained roar that reverberated through the cavern. Its eyes, wide with disbelief, fixated on the seemingly ordinary figure before it. How could such a small being possess such terrifying power? The aura from earlier in the day, had terrified it making it go in hiding in its cavern and now another power he could scarcely comprehend was being displayed by this silver-haired warrior.
The ice dragon couldn't understand this situation. But Orach was in no mood for mercy. As he approached the injured dragon, he raised his leg and stomped on its head, eliciting another agonized howl from the beast.
"You enjoy flaunting your power, don't you?" Orach said, his voice cold as he glared at the pathetic creature beneath him. "I understand—you're probably the strongest here, so others have no choice but to submit to your whims. Well, guess what? By that same logic, since I'm far more powerful than you, you now have no choice but to submit to whatever I decide to do to you. Got it?"
Panic surged through the ice dragon's veins. In a desperate bid for survival, it lashed out with its razor-sharp tail. Orach, his movements fluid and precise, caught the appendage mid-strike. The dragon's eyes widened in horror as Orach's grip tightened, muscles tensing beneath his skin.
"Struggle all you want," Orach said, his tone chillingly calm. "I want you to experience the helplessness, the despair, the suffering you've inflicted on countless others." With a swift, brutal motion, he tore the tail from the dragon's body, the sound of rending flesh and bone echoing through the cavern.
The dragon's agonized howl was muffled by Orach's foot, still firmly planted on its head. Blood stained the icy floor, steam rising from the warm liquid as it met the frigid air. In a final, frenzied attempt at self-preservation, the dragon unfurled its massive wings, hoping to overpower its tormentor with sheer size and ferocity.
Orach, however, remained unmoved. He grasped both wings in his hands mid way. The dragon, realizing too late the futility of its actions, could only watch in abject terror as Orach's muscles bulged. In one horrifying moment, the sound of tearing flesh echoed through the cavern, and the dragon's proud wings were ripped from its body, leaving behind only raw, bleeding stumps.
As the mutilated dragon lay before him, Orach's eyes gleamed with a cold, merciless intent. His voice, barely above a whisper, cut through the air like a knife. "How does it feel? To be helpless, at the mercy of another, powerless to resist?" He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "If you were merely a beast acting on hunger and instinct, I could simply end you and be done with it. But you're not, are you? You have intelligence. You understood the terror you inflicted."
Orach's gaze swept over the cavern, taking in the grisly scene of scattered bones and half-eaten remains. "I saw the faces of your victims, frozen in expressions of pure terror and despair. Tell me, dragon, do you understand their anguish now? Do you finally comprehend the horror you've inflicted?"
The ice dragon, despite its terror, still clung to a shred of pride and anger. Orach's cold eyes didn't miss this flicker of defiance. "It seems you still harbor some misguided pride," he mused, a hint of dark amusement in his tone. "You're thinking if only you could use your breath attack, you'd turn the tables, correct? Is that the source of your remaining arrogance?" A chilling smile played on Orach's lips. "Very well. I'll grant you one final chance. Show me your pride. Make your last stand."
With that, Orach leapt back, creating distance between them. The dragon, surprised by this unexpected opportunity, felt a glimmer of hope. Despite the foreboding it felt seeing no fear in its opponent's eyes, the ice dragon gritted its teeth, raised its head, and began to channel all its remaining power into its most devastating breath attack.
Watching this unfold, the creature clutched its child tightly, crying out in warning to Orach. It couldn't bear the thought of harm befalling its benefactor. But when it saw Orach merely smile and shake his head, the creature fell silent, confusion and trust warring within it. It held its child close, ready to face whatever fate awaited them, believing in the silver-haired warrior who had come to their aid.
ROAR
The cavern trembled as the ice dragon unleashed its mightiest attack. A blast of pure, icy fury erupted from its maw, hurtling towards Orach with enough force to freeze and shatter mountains. The air itself seemed to crystallize, the temperature plummeting to impossible depths. This was the ice dragon's ultimate technique, a devastating attack that had never failed to obliterate its targets.
But Orach stood his ground, unflinching in the face of this onslaught. As the freezing blast engulfed him, a blinding light erupted from his form. The creature and its child shielded their eyes, the brilliant radiance a stark contrast to the icy blue of the dragon's attack. When the light faded and the icy mist cleared, an astonishing sight greeted them.
Orach stood unharmed, a shimmering silver divine aura surrounding him. The air around him wavered with heat, defying the cold. He hadn't merely withstood the dragon's ultimate attack; he had absorbed its power, incorporating it into his own Ki.
"Is that all?" Orach's voice rang out, filled with disappointment and a hint of pity. "You've lived so long, caused so much suffering, and this is the extent of your power?" He took a step forward, and suddenly vanished only to reappear in front of the ice dragon. Extending his palm facing the terrified ice dragon and said, "Well its time to end this farce. Let me show you true power – the strength born not from cruelty and dominance."
Just then a swirling orb of energy formed in his palm. The ice dragon, its last hope shattered, could only watch in despair as Orach prepared to deliver the final blow.
"This is the end," Orach declared, his voice echoing with finality. "Enter the cycle of reincarnation and be reborn anew." With those words, he unleashed the energy blast, obliterating the ice dragon wiping it out of existence.
The creature that had accompanied Orach, now cradling its child, gazed at him with a mixture of awe and gratitude. Despite witnessing Orach's ruthless power, it sensed an underlying kindness in the warrior's actions. The child, however, trembled in its parent's arms, the image of Orach's fierce battle etched into its young mind.
As the last echoes of the battle faded, a beam of light suddenly pierced the icy cavern, forming a shimmering portal. Through it stepped a familiar figure - Reyan, his face etched with concern.
"Orach," Reyan called out, his voice tinged with worry, "what happened here?" His eyes darted around the cavern, taking in the aftermath of the intense battle. He could still sense six furious dragons, their wrath palpable even from a distance, ready to strike his own dragon at any moment if he didn't appease them after this fiasco. It was evident that something had gone terribly awry during Orach's test.
Orach, still simmering with anger, however, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The appearance of the portal—and more importantly, the warden of this domain—signaled the end of this floor's test, allowing him to regain his composure. He soon felt his connection establish with the seventh Dragon, forging a link with this domain. But before addressing Reyan, he vanished and reappeared before the creature and its frightened child.
"Your child is safe now," Orach said softly to the creature. "I must go, but remember this: you are strong. Live well and grow stronger together." He then turned his attention to the child, sensing its fear. "Young one, you have a strong parent. Be proud, grow strong, and honor them by surpassing their legacy."
With a gesture, Orach used his mastery over space laws to open a ripple in space and send the pair back to their cavern. The creature's eyes welled with tears of gratitude, but Orach simply smiled and shook his head. Words were unnecessary; the sentiment was clear.
As silence fell over the ice dragon's lair, Orach and Reyan stood facing each other, the weight of recent events hanging heavily between them. Orach, his mind racing with questions, took a deep breath and looked up at the cavern's ceiling.
"Reyan," he began, his voice steady, "I know these creatures are shadows from your memory. If you could use these dragons to recreate life, Ragnar would have brought back his people. So, tell me, was it you who originally encountered that creature and helped rescue its child?"
Reyan nodded solemnly. "Yes, it was," he confirmed. "During my travels in a lower realm, I arrived on this unforgiving planet. The events you experienced did indeed take place, but I was the one who came to the creature's aid."
Orach's expression darkened as he asked the question that had been gnawing at him. "Did they survive the battle with the ice dragon?"
A heavy silence fell between them as Reyan's face clouded with regret. After a moment, he released a weary sigh and answered, "No, they didn't. We managed to defeat the ice dragon together, but at a terrible cost. The creature was struck down by the dragon's blast. Even as I moved to rescue the child, gravely injured myself, the dragon made one final, devastating attack. The entire cavern collapsed. The child died, and even I barely survived, only because I activated a distress beacon for my people to rescue me."
The weight of Reyan's words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the cruel nature of the lower realms. Orach's fists clenched at his sides, his mind grappling with the harsh reality of the situation. The victory he had just achieved suddenly felt hollow, knowing the fate that had befallen the original creatures.
"Is that why you created this test?" Orach asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "To give them a chance at a different outcome, even if only in a shadow realm?"
Reyan's eyes met Orach's, a blend of sorrow and resolve shimmering in their depths. "Perhaps," he conceded softly. "Back then, my power paled in comparison to yours now. I might have yearned to see them achieve the ending they deserved through your strength. But more importantly, I wanted to impart a crucial lesson, my friend. Though I know you well, let me remind you: A warrior's path—a protector's journey—isn't paved solely with glory. It's strewn with impossible choices and heart-rending outcomes. Yet, we must endure. For each life we fail to save, countless others rely on our strength. This is our burden, the price we pay for our power."
Orach nodded slowly, he knew this lesson well. He was no longer the naive boy who had faced the Android war. The weight of countless battles and hard-won victories had shaped him into something more.
"What's our next move, Reyan?" Orach asked, his voice now filled with renewed determination. "There are still more floors to conquer, aren't there?"
Reyan's expression softened, a glimmer of pride shining through. "Indeed there are, Orach. This tower has seven floors. you have just cleared three. But, you must have already felt it, I have already acknowledged you. I suggest you proceed with the other dragons, my friend. You can always come back to challenge the other floors later.
Orach nodded, a surge of anticipation coursing through him at the prospect of new challenges. This test had taught him invaluable lessons. "I agree, Reyan. Let's move on to the next..." His words trailed off as an unexpected sensation washed over him.
Orach's brow furrowed in confusion. "Wait, what's this?" He felt a new connection forming—a link establishing itself unbidden. The eighth dragon, whose trials he had yet to face, had voluntarily surrendered and acknowledged him. This unforeseen turn of events left Orach utterly bewildered.
Reyan, noticing Orach's perplexed expression, closed his eyes and extended his senses. As he perceived the eighth dragon now among those that had acknowledged Orach, his eyes snapped open in surprise. A wry smile slowly spread across his face, and he couldn't help but chuckle.
"Well, well," Reyan murmured, shaking his head in amusement. "It seems Abrandt, the eighth dragon, has made quite the tactical decision." Seeing Orach's questioning look, he explained, "Our friend Abrandt must have sensed the outcome of your trial here and decided to avoid presenting a test altogether."
Reyan's smile turned slightly self-deprecating as he continued in his head, "More like he realized that after this... unexpected turn of events, I'd be facing the wrath of those fiery ladies." The images of Para, Aeloria, Taliana, and Ysraza, all fuming with anger, flashed through his mind. He gulped, thinking, "By surrendering preemptively, he's cleverly avoided getting caught in the crossfire."
Orach's eyes widened in understanding, a mix of amusement and concern crossing his features. "Interesting. As a fellow warrior, his test could have been similar. But I was looking forward to exploring his domain—after all, I haven't had the chance to view his lower realm until now."
Reyan smiled and nodded, waving his hand to open a ripple to the eighth dragon's realm. "You can still visit. After all, there's no way he'll refuse you."
With a determined nod, Orach strode through the ripple, stepping into the next dragon's domain.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone