Chapter 85: 5% Power

Silence descended upon the ruined throne room, a stark contrast to the violence that had just transpired. Vell stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving, his body still trembling slightly. His expression was now calm, almost serene. The blood that covered him seemed to blend into his skin, a part of him now.

He looked at his hands and flexed his fingers, testing their strength. The sharpened claws were gone and his nails were now normal, but he could still feel a lingering echo of power. It was a sense of untapped potential that thrilled him. He licked the remaining blood from his fingers with a soft chuckle, finding an odd sense of satisfaction in the taste.

He took a deep breath, the air filling his lungs. ’Wow.’ The red light that had engulfed the room faded, replaced by a soft glow from the torches that still flickered on the walls. The scent of blood lingered in the air. It no longer felt oppressive, it was more like a reminder of what he had just accomplished.

He walked towards the throne, his steps light, almost playful. He touched it with his finger, the glass feeling cold against his skin. He could sense a lingering presence of her power. It was a faint echo of her energy that was now fading away. He smiled, a genuine smile this time. The cruel glee was replaced by a sense of peace.

He looked around the ruined throne room, his gaze sweeping over the destruction. The pillars were cracked and broken. The floor was stained with blood and the air was heavy with the scent of death. It was a scene of utter devastation, yet it also felt strangely… freeing.

“Well, that was certainly an experience.”

He turned towards the exit. He wanted to leave, but there were things he needed to do first.

[Master… that… what the hell was that form just now? You never had that power, even in your original form.]

He raised an eyebrow. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Oh? You were that surprised, huh? I thought you knew everything about me.” He chuckled, enjoying the system’s reaction.

[That was not part of my database. I have no record of that power ever existing, even in your past self’s memories. That power… it was strange, like nothing I have ever seen before. You were not yourself in that state… no, that’s not it. Something in you changed when you entered that state… you were like your past self, but also not.] The system’s voice grew more urgent. Its usual monotone was replaced by a tone of genuine concern. [You need to stop, Master. You cannot keep using such a dangerous power. It might be the end of you.]

“Pfft, you worry too much. I was in full control. What I did to her, that was all me. It’s not like my mind was corrupted or anything… I just had a deep hatred for her in my heart that came out when I used that power.” He sat on the throne, noticing how uncomfortable it was.

A strange feeling washed over him. “Strange, why is the mission window not popping up?” As if hearing his words, the second system window popped up.

[Mission Updated: Defeat Mother’s True Form]

[Rank: Unknown]

[Reward: Special Skill]

[Time Limit: None]

“The fuck!”

His eyes widened, a flicker of disbelief flashing across his face. He stood up, his gaze sweeping across the ruined throne room, searching for something that had changed. He felt a chill run down his spine as a sense of unease settled over him. He was sure he had killed her. He had ripped her apart with his own two hands. So, why was the mission updated to “True Form”?

He took a slow, deliberate breath, trying to calm the sudden pounding of his heart. This was not good. He was too tired to use that form again. But despite that, his sword was drawn. His muscles tightened, ready for anything. He could see nothing, feel nothing.

He reached the area where he was sure her body was lying, but instead, it was empty. There was nothing. No blood, no remains. It was as if nothing was ever there. He looked around once more, his eyes narrowed, trying to see if he was missing anything, but he found nothing.

He took another step and then he felt it. A ripple of light shimmered in the air behind him. It was subtle, almost imperceptible. He spun around, his muscles tensing. That was when she appeared. A figure was stepping through the shimmering light.

It was Mother. Or at least, it looked like her, but something was vastly different. She still possessed the same ethereal beauty. The pure white skin and long hair were the same. But now she was clad in sleek, crimson armor. The armor covered her body and was etched with glowing runes, similar to those that the guards had.

Her armor flowed and felt like an extension of her. She had large, angel-like wings sprouting from her back. Their dark, leathery surfaces were edged with red. A large sword rested on her back and her short skirt was composed of overlapping layers.

Her red eyes seemed… different. They were more calm, wise, and they had no bloodlust behind them.

He immediately tensed. His hand instinctively moved to where his sword used to be. The memory of the previous fight was fresh in his mind. He was on guard, ready to fight again. His mind raced, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. How could she be here? He had made sure. He looked at her corpse and ripped it apart. He even destroyed her heart!

But she simply raised a hand. Her expression was calm, even… congratulatory. “Impressive. You’ve managed to defeat a mere clone of mine. Not many can do that.” Her voice was soft, yet it carried an undercurrent of power that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

His eyes narrowed. His confusion turned into a sense of unease. “Clone?” The single word was dripping with disbelief.

She smiled, a small, almost amused smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Indeed. That… thing you fought was only about 5% of my true power. A mere puppet designed to test players. I must admit, I did not expect you to awaken that power of yours.”

He tried to read her power, to get a feel for her, but it was like looking into a black void. He felt nothing. No aura, no presence, nothing. It was like she was simply not there. His senses could not pick her up at all. He knew, with a certainty that chilled him to the bone, that she was not joking. The fight he had before was nothing compared to what she was truly capable of.

“I see.” His tone was flat. He was trying to keep his fear at bay, though his body tensed even further. “So, you’re here for round two then?” He took a step back. His stance shifted into a fighting position, ready to use whatever power he had left. He knew it was impossible to win.

She chuckled. “Oh, no, nothing like that at all. You’ve earned my respect, even if you did destroy one of my favorite playthings.” She walked towards him. Her movements were graceful, yet powerful. He didn’t move, but his muscles were tensed, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. His hand was still hovering where his sword used to be. “Instead, I have decided to give you a gift.” She stopped in front of him.

She snapped her fingers and a cube appeared before him, suspended in the air. It was a sleek, black cube, with blue mana veins all over it. “This is something I picked up… somewhere. I don’t need it, so I might as well give it to you.” She smiled, her red eyes burning with amusement. “I don’t know its worth, but I am sure you can figure it out.”

He cautiously reached out and grasped it. The cube fit perfectly within his palm. It felt cool to the touch, yet it radiated a power that made his senses sing.

[… Why would she give you something so precious like that?]

’You know what this is?’

[Of course, but for now, finish your conversation. Make sure not to piss her off.]

’Hmm…’

Before he could examine the strange object, she continued. “Also,” she snapped her fingers once more, and a new weapon appeared, suspended in the air. It was a sleek, black sword. Its hilt was wrapped in crimson leather and its blade pulsed with dark energy. It felt heavy, but it also felt… right. “Your sword was cracked, wasn’t it?” She smiled, her red eyes burning with amusement. “This should suit you well.”

He looked at the weapon. It was beautiful, yes, but it radiated a strange kind of power. It felt like the blade was calling to him, tempting him. It was just like when he used his form. He shook his head, pushing those thoughts away. “You are giving me a lot of gifts. Why?” His voice was still laced with suspicion. His eyes darted between her and the two floating gifts.

’Nothing is free in this world. I learned that the hard way. She must have her reasons.’

She chuckled, a soft, melodic sound that echoed through the ruined hall. “Why not? You entertained me. You are strong and you have a unique power. Besides, you’ve earned it.” She tilted her head slightly, her gaze piercing. “Think of it as an investment. Once you are done playing out here, come to the tower. That’s where the real game starts.”

She leaned forward and kissed him. The kiss was gentle, soft, almost like a feather. Yet it was also intense. It was a powerful wave of energy that washed over him, leaving him breathless. His body was craving the touch. The sudden release of tension made him crave more, but he held himself back. It was strange. He had no clue why she was doing this, but he couldn’t deny the sudden satisfaction. It was as if his body was acting on its own.

She pulled back, her eyes locked on his. Her lips curved into a knowing smile. “And one more thing.” She then snapped her fingers once more, and the core from her clone appeared. Its energy radiated in the air. Its form twisted and turned like smoke. It was an ugly thing. She then snapped her fingers again and the entire body appeared, fixed like new. “Do whatever you want with this. I don’t need it anymore.”

She then slowly started fading away. “I am looking forward to seeing you grow, my dear. Who knows, maybe next time, I can finally be able to see you at your true potential.” Her voice lingered in the air, echoing through the ruined throne room. “Until then.”

And then she was gone, leaving him alone once more.

[Mission complete…???… mission complete.]

[Giving rewards…]

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