562: New Generations' Emergence (V)

New Generations' Emergence (V)

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On an island surrounded by dense clouds…

As mentioned before, the clouds were formed from a dense gathering of Spiritual Essence. However, its current concentration was far from naturally occurring because it was the byproduct of the three Grand Masters continued training. As a result, the density of energies in this place skyrocketed over time. Despite the pleasant scene, Gideon wasn't here to marvel at the beauty of this place. He wore a grim expression during his journey towards the island's center.

In the center of the island was an enormous mountain with three pathways carved into its side. The interior of the paths was smooth as they were created using a pure Spiritual Essence. Gideon couldn't help but pause for a moment. 'I wonder what their reaction will be when I tell them that monstrosity is still alive?'

Gideon stood before the three pathways and enveloped his hands in a cluster of energy out of curiosity. Once the power started rippling, he clapped his hands together, sending out an amplified sound wave deep into the caves. Aside from this, Gideon made no other moves as he rested on his staff and patiently awaited their response.

Approximately three minutes elapsed before a rumble finally occurred, followed by a retaliation with berserk golden energy. However, Gideon was all too familiar with this individual's ways and summoned a barrier of dark flame to block out the golden energy.

The barrier shook after receiving the attack, but it retained its overall stability as Gideon gradually released his control of his battier. Instead of dissipating into the atmosphere, the energy funneled into the barrier flowed back into his body as an individual with a wild appearance appeared from the leftmost pathway.

Their body was draped in robes and leather armor made from the hide of an extremely strong beast. At the same time, the armor also possessed traces amounts of fur that seemed to interact with the atmosphere. The wild individual looked at Gideon with a fierce expression while raising his finger forward.

A berserk energy wrapped around his finger as the manifestation of a terrifying spear instantly surrounded his fingers. Compared to Soren, who took some time to gather his energy and cause a manifested image, this individual was like night and day. They seemed to wield this technique like it was as simple as breathing!

"What brings you here, and why have you been so rude as to disturb our peace?"

"That's that thing Hakkur, all of you need to emerge from your peaceful state and take a look at the state of the world. What's more, the situation is far more disturbing than you understand," Gideon said while ignoring the presence of the spear image hovering close to Hakkur's body.

For one, he wasn't afraid of this attack as he too could conjure an attack of equal strength to neutralize it. Besides, as of now, his focus was currently on the issue plaguing Astarat. It was far more important than some petty exchange to somehow establish a nonexistent superiority.

"I know the situation. We're at wars with the Terrors once again. What's new? There's nothing to fear about battling them. Times of strife is what creates strong people. The moment we lose the conflict is the moment our people begin to grow weak," Hakkur said in a tone that displayed his indifference. In his eyes, battle with the Terrors were inevitable.

Compared to the earlier generations, the humans of Astarat were much stronger now because conflict with the Terrors forced the humans to bond with their Spirits and use their power at a deeper level. As a result, people like Paragons could be born and wield immense strength.

However, Gideon only shared this opinion to a certain extent. It was entirely different situation if their race suffered possible extinction. Thus, he felt he should reiterate his reason for coming here.

"You misunderstand. It's not the conflict with the Terrors that worries. It is the hidden force behind them. I have confirmed; that Terror we faced before at the cost of immeasurable losses is still alive. Tell me, is that not enough to awaken for your period of inactivity? If not, then I would love for you to tell me who can handle an enemy of that caliber."

Finally, Hakkur's expression showed some change after listening to Gideon. His recollection of the past event was perfect. Many of the Supreme Families strongest lineage were wiped out due to that one existence. 

"And you have proof that we failed to kill them back then?"

"Correct, they've been using this battlefield for unknown purposes. But, from what I sensed moments ago, his power should have returned to a certain extent. More importantly, he created a Disaster to do his bidding. So it's truly unknown how much Death Essence he's accumulated," Gideon admitted.

Even though his senses were strong, Death Essence was hard to quantify once it moved too deep into the Endless Death Domain. The natural atmosphere of that place was almost identical so to differentiate between the ambient and newly introduced energy was almost impossible, even for an individual as powerful as Gideon.

Consequently, Hakkur fell silent. He took a moment to digest what he had just been told before inhaling deeply. His chest swelled as he inhaled both air and energy alike. A moment later, the entire island shook under his thunderous roar.

"Old fogeys! Wake the hell up! We have a past adversary that has returned; it would seem we have to make a visit to the Endless Death Domain's core area!"

The roar was so loud that even Gideon had to cover his ears while also encasing his hands in energy to avoid any damage. When on the battlefield, Hakkur's roar was akin to a beast's berserk roar.

A few laters, two individuals emerged from within the depths of the middle and rightmost cave. The one emerging from a middle cave was a woman who despite showing signs of aging with a few wrinkles present on her face, retained a portion of her youthful beauty. Her milky white hair seemed to flow like silk as she casually tied it up with three ornaments.

At the same time, her cerulean eyes shifted to Gideon before trailing to Hakkur. She was the Grand Master of the Crux Family and her name was Evangeline Crux.

On the other hand, the figure who emerged from the rightmost cave was a man who despite having a wrinkly face had a full head of pitch-black hair. His deep black eyes scanned the area before him as he slipped his arms into his spacious sleeves. This was the Grand Master of the Braum Family known as Tiberius Braum.

"Don't you ever know how to use a gentle approach?" Evangeline commented with a soft sigh. Hakkur's primitive methods usually affected them in some unpleasant way. In the case of his previous roar, it left these two feeling disgruntled.

"You ask too much of someone lacking even basic intellectual skills. We've already established that he's all brawn and no brain. Now, what was it you said about a past adversary and needing to visit the Endless Death Domain? Is there something substantial taking place?" Tiberius questioned. 

However, he didn't direct the question at Hakkur. Instead, he looked directly at Gideon since he was the one who visited this place.

"Correct, that monstrosity is still alive. I suggest we put an end to it before this situation gets out of hand," Gideon said. The more they waste, the higher the chances were that Az'kayzak finished absorbing the Seed of Death. Regrettably, none of the present parties were even aware that something like the Seed of Death was in place.

Had that been the case, the Grand Masters and Gideon would have long since vacated the island. Fortunately, it would take no time at all for them to cross the distance between their current location and the Endless Death Domain.

"If it is as you say then we must indeed pay them a visit," Tiberius decided. "Come with me."

The energy surrounding Tiberius underwent a shocking change as an aura as dark as midnight seeped from his body. While the energy seeped from his body, Tiberius's body turned ink black. Everyone nearby stepped close, entering within five meters of Tiberius.

A spatial tremble occurred for a second but by the time it subsided, Tiberius and the others had already teleported away from the island.

…

Inside the Endless Death Domain…

Tiberius and the others emerged in the Endless Death Domain within seconds due to the usage of his Avatar Form. However, unlike a Saint, Tiberius didn't face the same issues. As a Zul Sovereign, his bodily resilience was incomparable to that of a Zul Saint. Therefore, using the power for menial tasks like movement and the like posed no backlash for Tiberius.

"This place is more dreadful than I remember. This energy has grown too irritating," Evangeline said with a deepening frown. While the atmosphere didn't inflict any pain, it was unpleasant to be inside.

Soon enough, something caught the eye the Grand Master. 

"Oh? We're not the only ones here. It's surprising that a little boy managed to come this far. And, judging by his aura he should be now older than the new generation. Furthermore, he shouldn't be stronger than a Lord cultivator. So… what is going on?" Tiberius said while displaying a tinge of shock.

As for the individual in question, it was undoubtedly Aaron. He was the only person intent on exploring this deep into the Endless Death Domain.

"Come out little boy, there is no need to hide. If you're here and managed to survive then you might as well attend this little meeting with us," Tiberius said, seemingly directing his comment nearby.

From behind a large boulder, a slim figure holding a spear across his shoulders emerged.

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