บท 79: Seraphim's Embrace I
I took a deep breath, trying to hold back the nauseating feeling bubbling inside me.
I had killed someone.
Killed.
The word echoed in my mind, each repetition a sharp jab to my conscience. I felt a cold sweat break out across my forehead, my stomach churning violently.
My hands trembled as I gripped my sword. The reality of my actions was sinking in.
My breathing became shallow and erratic. I could taste the bitter tang of bile at the back of my throat, my body reacting viscerally to what I had done.
The sensation of my nails rubbing against my skin, a habitual gesture, did little to calm me. Instead, it served as a stark reminder of the blood on my hands, even if only metaphorically.
Disgust, guilt, and a profound sense of loss clashed with the cold, hard necessity of survival. I had known the risks, had understood the stakes, but the actuality of taking a life was a weight I hadn't been fully prepared to bear.
My legs felt weak, my body heavy with the burden of my actions. I forced myself to focus, to push aside the overwhelming feelings for the sake of the mission. The artifact was still within reach, and I couldn't afford to falter now.
But the image of the fallen <White>-ranker lingered, a haunting reminder of the cost of my resolve.
"Focus, Arthur," Luna's voice cut through the haze, grounding me. "You did what you had to."
I nodded, though the reassurance did little to ease the turmoil within me.
Taking another deep breath, I steadied myself, forcing my emotions into a corner of my mind where they wouldn't hinder me. There would be time to grapple with the consequences later—if I survived this.
For now, I had to keep moving, driven by the relentless need to succeed. With a final, shaky breath, I resumed my course, each step forward a struggle against the heavy weight of my conscience.
'I will have to kill many more people in the future,' I thought, the grim reality settling over me like a shroud. Not just demons, vampires, and Shadow Seekers, but humans, elves, and dwarves. Allies in the grand scheme of things, yet enemies in my path.
I couldn't afford to be weak-hearted.
Weakness would mean death.
Steeling myself, I decided to clean up and change my clothes at a nearby hotel before returning to the Academy's lodgings. My appearance was disheveled, and the bloodstains on my uniform were a dead giveaway.
Walking briskly through the dimly lit streets, I could still feel the weight of my actions pressing down on me. The city's lights flickered in the distance, casting long shadows that seemed to reach out and grasp at my conscience.
Arriving at a modest hotel, I checked in under a false name, heading straight to the bathroom. Before, I shot Jin a message, saying that the mission was successful. The hot water from the shower pounded against my skin, washing away the grime and blood, but it couldn't cleanse the turmoil within me. I scrubbed harder, trying to rid myself of the invisible stain of my first kill.
After what felt like an eternity, I stepped out, feeling marginally lighter. I changed into a fresh set of clothes, the familiar fabric a small comfort against the chaos of the evening. The mirror reflected a weary face, eyes shadowed with guilt and determination.
I knew I couldn't stay here long. Nero had granted me permission to leave with Jin, so my absence wouldn't raise alarms, but I still had to return to the Academy to sleep. I needed to be back before anyone started asking questions.
Making my way back, I felt a new resolve harden within me. The road ahead was fraught with peril, but I couldn't afford to waver. The artifact was only the beginning, a small piece in a much larger puzzle.
As I approached the hotel where the Academy was staying, the familiar sight brought a strange sense of relief. I had made it through the night, but the real challenges were just beginning.
'Stay strong, Arthur,' I reminded myself. 'There's no turning back now.'
After checking in to the hotel, I went inside my room and collapsed on the bed. The weight of the day's events pressed down on me, but I knew there was one more task I needed to complete.
I reached into my spatial ring and carefully extracted the Ancient-grade artifact.
Ancient-grade artifacts. In this world, they were second only to legendary-grade artifacts, as mythical-grade artifacts didn't exist here. These artifacts were unique, their power growing with the passage of time, and they had the remarkable ability to bond with their owners.
Unlike legendary-grade artifacts, which typically allowed only one bond per individual, ancient-grade artifacts could be bonded with several, provided the individual had the ability. Of course, these artifacts were discerning, choosing their owners based on worthiness, making the bonding process far from straightforward.
Holding the artifact in my hands, I felt a sense of awe. It was priceless, a treasure that many would kill for.
'The one involved in this deal was likely trying to reach <Ascendent>-rank,' I mused. The wall between <Integration> and <Ascendent>-rank was a formidable barrier that few could surmount. Many <Integration>-rankers came to Nimran to seek enlightenment at the temple, hoping for a breakthrough.
The <Integration>-ranker selling the artifact likely couldn't bond with it, which is why he was willing to part with it. It was a calculated risk on his part, a chance to gain something more valuable in return.
I examined the artifact closely. Its surface was etched with intricate runes, glowing faintly with a soft, ethereal light. It felt warm in my hands, almost alive, resonating with a power that seemed to pulse in time with my heartbeat.
The Ancient-grade artifact I held in my hands was known as the Seraphim's Embrace. It was a marvel designed to enhance every aspect of vision, though not quite on the level of <God's Eyes> or the esteemed <Sage's Eyes>. Still, its power was undeniable, befitting its status as an Ancient-grade artifact.
Crafted with meticulous detail, the Seraphim's Embrace shimmered with a faint luminescence, its surface adorned with intricate runes that seemed to dance with unseen energy. The centerpiece of the artifact was a large, flawless gemstone that radiated a soft, celestial light, hinting at the profound capabilities it held within.
I marveled at its craftsmanship, the weight of its significance settling in my palms. This artifact could potentially elevate my abilities to new heights, granting me insights and clarity beyond what was ordinarily possible.
But first, it needed to accept me as its bearer. Bonding with such artifacts was no trivial matter; it required a contract sealed with blood, a commitment that bound artifact and wielder in a symbiotic relationship.
I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves. With resolve, I prepared myself for the bonding ritual. This was a moment of truth, where my worthiness would be tested, where the artifact would judge whether I possessed the strength and spirit to wield its power responsibly.
Carefully, I pricked my finger with a small blade, letting a drop of blood fall onto the artifact's surface. The Seraphim's Embrace shimmered faintly in response, its runes glowing brighter as if acknowledging my offering.
As the bond formed, I felt a surge of energy envelop me, tingling through my veins and settling deep within my core. It was a sensation of unity, of becoming one with the artifact, as if our destinies were now intertwined.
Luna's voice echoed in my mind, a gentle reassurance amidst the intensity of the moment. 'You have done well, Arthur. The Seraphim's Embrace has chosen you.'
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