Capítulo 29: Metamorphosis Unleashed

Zac fixed his gaze upon the enigmatic blood cocoon, grappling with uncertainty regarding the wisdom of his interference. Suddenly, a subtle phenomenon caught his attention—the queen statue's eyes briefly glowed, as if locking onto his presence. An uncanny sensation enveloped him, compounded by the realization that he stood alone in perceiving this phenomenon. Notably, even Bella, stationed beside him, remained oblivious, her attention riveted on the blood cocoon. Zac, questioning the veracity of his perception, cautiously blinked, hoping to dispel any illusion.

"Bella, did you not observe that?" Zac inquired; a perplexed expression etched across his features.

"Observe what?" she responded, her focus undeterred.

"Never mind, it likely stemmed from my imagination," Zac conceded, his curiosity momentarily stifled.

Elise, still vociferating, found herself restrained by Carmen, who had materialized from the shadows.

Amid the turmoil, an air of uncertainty hung over the elders, their collective gaze betraying panic. They grappled with the daunting question of how to navigate the escalating situation, acutely aware that any misstep might incur the wrath of the clan leader in the event something befell Clarisse.

"We must exercise patience; I've already dispatched word to apprise the clan leader," intoned a voice from the rear. Stepping into the forefront was a man of middle age, his crimson-cropped hair lending a vivid contrast to the exquisite white robe enveloping him. The garment, though loose, failed to conceal his robust physique, discernible from the powerful arms that protruded. Gerard Crimson, the senior-most among the gathered elders, bore the mantle of authority in this critical juncture.

Elder Gerard, what if an unfortunate event befalls her before the clan leader's arrival?" queried another elder, his concern palpable.

"I recall that during the clan leader's awakening, there was a semblance of disturbance in the awakening stone, though far less pronounced than the current situation. It is crucial to bear in mind that the awakening stone was a gift from our queen. We must maintain faith in the notion that our queen's intentions are not malevolent. I firmly believe it will not pose harm to her," Gerard asserted, his conviction lending a reassuring tone to his words.

Simultaneously, within the confines of the blood cocoon, Clarisse underwent an astonishing metamorphosis, having succumbed to unconsciousness. A peculiar dance unfolded as a crimson and black droplet, akin to the symbiotic dance of yin and yang, fused in an uncanny union. Abruptly, a third droplet, pulsating with remarkable vitality, materialized within the cocoon. The trio amalgamated, coalescing into a darker hue of red, and seamlessly infiltrated Clarisse's corporeal vessel. Within the confines of her bloodstream, the amalgamated essence disintegrated into myriad molecule-sized particles, coursing through her veins.

Emanating from her physique, sporadic sparks of red and black light materialized, signaling an intricate and profound transformation. This metamorphic spectacle persisted until a profound silence enveloped the scene.

Clarisse's visage had undergone subtle yet significant alterations. Her once pristine crimson locks now bore streaks of obsidian, lending a captivating contrast. Her countenance radiated an additional aura of grace and elegance, the pièce de resistance being an intricate black symbol adorning the center of her forehead. Abruptly, her eyes fluttered open, revealing a captivating transformation within. Her left pupil had assumed an abyssal black, while the counterpart deepened into a richer shade of crimson, epitomizing the profound metamorphosis that had transpired.

Those positioned outside the blood cocoon promptly discerned a transformative shift in its composition. Gradually but perceptibly, the cocoon began to dissipate, revealing a discernible silhouette within its confines. Concurrently, the formidable doors of the awakening hall were forcefully thrust open, producing a resonant echo that reverberated through the space.

Amidst the unfolding scene, Damien burst into the room, his voice resounding with urgency, "What transpired? Where is Clarisse?" Elise, released from Carmen's restraint, sought solace in Damien's embrace, tears streaming down her face. Her trembling hand gestured towards the dissipating blood cocoon. Damien, embracing Elise, directed his inquiry to Gerard, "What is the meaning of this, Gerard?"

"Regrettably, we remain in the dark. The moment Clarisse released her blood essence, the awakening stone spiraled into a tumultuous state, encapsulating her in the blood cocoon. Fearing any inadvertent repercussions, I refrained from intervening," Gerard responded, his tone marked by a perplexed concern.

Damien mirrored a sense of helplessness on his countenance, grappling with the unfolding enigma. The dissipation of the blood cocoon revealed Clarisse's transformed form, drawing the immediate attention of Damien and Elise. Subsequently, Zac and Bella also discerned the profound alterations that had befallen Clarisse.

The metamorphosis was undeniable; Clarisse's entire physique had undergone a substantial transformation. If the previous iteration of Clarisse epitomized a charming and beautiful demeanor, the current manifestation radiated an unparalleled allure and sophistication.

As the remnants of the blood cocoon dissipated entirely, Clarisse stood upon the altar, fixating her gaze upon the assembled onlookers with a countenance devoid of discernible emotion. The transformation left an indelible mark, rendering her an ethereal presence that held the attention of all who beheld her.

"Clarisse," Damien called out in a subdued tone, yet eliciting no response.

"Big Sister," Elise echoed, extricating herself from Damien's embrace and cautiously approaching Clarisse.

As Elise drew within two meters of the altar, Clarisse's form stirred. Swiftly, the sword that hung at her waist materialized in her hand, and with a sudden, unanticipated motion, she lunged towards Elise. Caught off guard, Elise stood paralyzed, uncertain of how to react.

Bella, positioned nearby, reacted promptly as Clarisse initiated the assault. "Earth Wall," she commanded, summoning a barrier of stone that rose from the ground to interpose between Clarisse and Elise. However, the barrier proved insufficient as Clarisse's blade sliced through it effortlessly.

Capitalizing on the fleeting moment, Bella intervened to shield Elise from Clarisse's imminent threat. Yet, Clarisse persisted in her aggressive advance. Without pause, a tentacle materialized, winding itself around Clarisse's right leg and hoisting her into the air, momentarily halting her assault.

Zac stood alongside his ghoul undead poised for action. A sudden luminosity emanated from Clarisse's black pupils, and the tentacle ensnared around her leg began disintegrating into fine powder.

Astonishment etched across Zac's countenance at this unexpected turn of events. Despite the comprehensive analysis conducted by Zac and Bella during Clarisse's earlier engagement with the ghoul in the ghoul territory, this particular maneuver had eluded their scrutiny.

"Could this be the newfound power she awakened? What precisely does this power entail?" Questions proliferated within Zac's mind, shrouding the unfolding spectacle in a cloak of mystery.

Extricating herself from the ghoul's grasp, Clarisse executed a graceful somersault in mid-air before landing lithely on the ground. Her discerning gaze swept across the scene, taking note of Bella reentering the fray, flames ablaze in her two hands, and Zac, situated on the opposite end, commanding his death puppets.

Concern etched into her expression, Elise interjected, "Uncle, we should intervene before any harm befalls them."

"No, not at this juncture. Despite the apparent awakening and the opening of her eyes, Clarisse is not yet fully conscious. What's in motion is her subconscious, engaged in unraveling the intricacies of her newfound powers. If I were to intervene prematurely, it might impede her progress, and she would lose a valuable opportunity to refine her skills. Right now, it's crucial for her to contend with both adversaries," Damien explained with measured composure.

"But they're both confined to the Adept Stage. While they may exhibit prowess beyond their current level, how can they possibly match an Ascendant Stage powerhouse like big sister?" Elise queried, her expression betraying a blend of worry and confusion. The elders in the room mirrored a similar sentiment, grappling with the clan leader's decision to permit two Adept Stage individuals to confront an Ascendant Stage powerhouse, especially one in the throes of awakening.

"Elise, heed my words carefully. Discard preconceived opinions and judgments, as the world is far more intricate than your current understanding. There will come a time when you realize the limitations of the well in which you currently reside," Damien asserted, his tone carrying a weight of sagacity.

As Elise grappled with the cryptic nature of her uncle's message, Damien continued, "Observing these youngsters always leaves me with an inexplicable sense of curiosity. Their interactions, expressions, it's as if an unspoken telepathy binds them. Despite glaring disparities, each has managed to withstand my challenges individually. I surmise that when they collaborate, the dynamics will transcend a mere one versus two scenario. Brace yourself; I sense we are on the cusp of an extraordinary revelation." Damien's countenance mirrored a blend of curiosity and anticipation, his eyes aglow with excitement.

Zac and Bella positioned themselves on either side of Clarisse, their vigilant gazes fixed upon her every move, akin to predators sizing up their quarry.

"I believe this marks our inaugural collaboration since you acquired a corporeal form," Zac remarked with palpable enthusiasm.

"You're absolutely right. Let's unleash the full extent of our capabilities," Bella responded, sharing Zac's excitement. For her, this moment represented the realization of a longstanding aspiration—to engage in combat alongside Zac.

A surge of death energy emanated from Zac, enveloping his form. Simultaneously, Bella exuded a multifaceted aura, her fists wreathed in elemental flames.

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