The Journey Beyond The Absolute
Temporary Reunion?
Suddenly, without any warning, the entire world around me transforms into an overwhelming expanse of white. It feels as though the color has been bled out of reality, leaving only this blinding, pristine whiteness enveloping me. Everything I once recognized begins to fade into the abyss of this luminous void.
With a sense of calmness contrasting my bewilderment, I break the silence, asking, "Where am I? Is this... Hell? Who summoned me here?" My voice echoes slightly in the emptiness, an inquiry lost in the infinite brightness.
At that moment, Liora materializes before me, her ethereal presence both striking and unsettling. Her features are reminiscent of the life she once lived, but now they are tinged with a ghostly aura, a translucent glow that suggests her otherworldly existence. She looks at me, a frown etched deeply across her face, and replies, "I did, Ather... We need to talk." The sadness in her eyes hints at the weight of our conversation.
I take a step back, shock coursing through my veins. "But how? I watched you die! I thought you were truly gone!" The disbelief is palpable as I reach out, instinctively touching her shoulder, as if physical contact might somehow reaffirm her reality.
With a solemn expression, she responds, "I did, in fact, die. Welcome to the spirit realm, Ather." Her words sink in, heavy with the implications of her current state.
Regaining my composure, I take a deep breath and ask, "Is that so? Huh... Well, what is it you wish to discuss?" My curiosity battles against the confusion swirling in my mind.
Lioras frown deepens. "Ive watched what youve become, Ather. I thought you were better than this." Her disappointment feels like a physical blow, a reminder of the choices I made in my struggle for power.
I attempt to explain, my tone steady, "I became what I had to because I couldnt let go..." The reasons Ive hung onto my darkness spill out, an admission of my failings.
She shakes her head, still dissatisfied. "By murdering people? Youre no better than they are!" The anger in her tone is clear, a reminder of the morals I once held.
Suddenly, voices interrupt our exchange, appearing from beyond the white veil almost as if the reality around us is shattering piece by piece. "You should know better than that," a voice interjects, laced with authority. "We dont fight that way."
Another chimes in cheerfully, "Did ya miss me?"
As I turn, shockwaves of recognition crash over me. "Its been a while, hasnt it?" My heart races, "No way... Sensei? Lucien? Lyra? Everyones here! I thought Id never see you again!" Tears begin to flow freely as the surprise fills the void my heart has felt for so long.
Kael Ryn, standing beside me with his laidback demeanor, casually pats my back. "What? Dont tell me you forgot that youre better than this," he says, a hint of camaraderie in his voice.
Lucien Morvane grins widely, his spirit infectious. "Yeah, dont forget youre not alone, you fool," he adds, giving me a friendly nudge on the shoulder.
Lyra smiles softly, her gaze warm and sincere. "Big bro, dont you ever forget that were here for you."
With a small, wistful smile, I slowly shake my head, realizing that their presence is comforting. "Youre right... This isnt me at all." I take a moment to steady myself. "Im just... Im sorry. Ive missed you all so much." The tears continue flowing, evidence of everything bottled up inside.
Kael Ryn gives me an encouraging thumbs up. "Just remember, you need to control your actions better. Be a better person," he advises, his tone light but laced with sincerity.
Lucien tilts his head, nodding in agreement, "Hes got a point, you know?"
With a thoughtful expression, Lyra adds, "Big bro... I think you should listen to your sensei."
As I ponder their words, a sense of clarity begins to wash over me. "Be a better person, huh? I think its too late for that... I fell into darkness a long time ago, anyway..." My voice is barely above a whisper.
Kael Ryn holds up a hand, his expression serious. "Its never too late! Dont think like that! Its never too late to turn to the light. You should look at things differently. Youll be surprised to find that the only enemy isnt out there, but within you," he points at my heart with conviction. "If you can conquer that, youll be unstoppable, unbroken, and victorious."
Luciens grin widens as he adds, "You should listen to him. Those are wise wordsspoken like a true master."
With renewed determination, I exclaim, "You know what... Youre right. I am my own enemy! This rage Ive felt... I understand it perfectly now. It was never directed at myself or my enemies it was always at myself for my inability, my helplessness to save you..." The realization floods over me. "Ive always hated doing nothing, letting you all down... thats what hurt me the most. My insignificant self failed to understand this..." I take a deep breath, as if shedding a weight. "I think I finally grasp your words, Sensei. I will strive to better myself from now on. Thank you all for your guidance and for being here for me. If you hadnt, I dont know what I would have become..."
Kael Ryn nods in approval. "Theres my determined student, all back to himself."
Lucien smirks, "Theres my rival."
As tears overflow, Lyras eyes widen with surprise and empathy. "Ather... I didnt know you felt that way..."
As Kael begins to fade, he glances back at me and says, "Oh, it looks like your time here is running out, Ather. But take care of yourself and remember..." His grin is warm, "Dont think this is it for our little contest our score is still unsettled. Last time I checked, well meet again, Ather. Im sure of it." And with that, he dissipates into the ether.
Lyra offers a soft smile before she fades away as well. "Big bro, dont forget that even if were worlds apart, we will always be here for you." She wraps me in a gentle hug that feels like a warm memory as she disappears from sight.
I find myself smiling through the tears streaming down my face, realizing the profound truth in her words. "I know that now... I never would have guessed that seeing you all again would bring me this unbelievable happiness." A sense of purpose emerges within me, illuminating the dark corners of my mind. I understand what I must do. As I observe the white realm disintegrating around me, I feel myself being pulled toward my next destination the Ninth Member of the Absolute Ten.
In that moment, I arrive, and Lukass eyes widen in unmistakable shock as she stands before me. "How did you find me?" she gasps, a mix of surprise and apprehension flashing across her face, her expression unreadable.
With calm determination, I respond, "You were giving off bloodlust it wasnt hard to find you."
Suddenly, Lukas bursts into laughter, a sound that echoes eerily through the air. Yet, beneath the surface of her mirth, I can sense the emptiness lurking within her.
I inquire steadily, "Whats so funny?"
Her laughter dies down, and her gaze sharpens. "Isnt it obvious, Ather? It was because I wanted you here. I'm the bait you fell for here." she replies with a blank expression, treated as if the truth were a taut thread ready to snap.
I steel myself, demanding, "Give me the artifact already."
As she stands her ground, she shakes her head seriously. "And you seriously think its going to be that easy? Youll have to defeat me in battle before you can even dream of having it," her blank expression remains, folding the tension tightly.
Keeping my composure, I plead, "Im asking nicely. Dont make me do this. Hand over the artifact, please?"
She smirks, resolute. "Youll have to take it off my dead corpse," she retorts, preparing for the confrontation. Suddenly, with swift precision, she lunges at me, throwing a powerful punch aimed directly at my jaw.
Instinctively, I sidestep her strike, narrowly avoiding the blow as it whips past me. The force behind her punch shatters absolute infinite dimensions of the The Hyperpleroma, creating ripples in reality.
"Hmm," Luka observes with intrigue, "Trying to change what you are, are you? Do you mind standing still youre delaying the inevitable." Her voice is monotonous, yet the underlying threat is palpable as she attempts to knee me in the jaw.
I shake my head firmly. "Not at all. Im becoming better thats what my master taught me." I pull back just in time, her knee narrowly missing me again, the shockwaves from her movements once more obliterating an absolute infinite number of The Hyperpleroma.
With a serious tone, she questions, "Youre not being serious about this, are you?" She swings a surprise elbow at my face.
Calmly, I duck beneath her strike, replying, "Oh, but I am. I promised myself I would never allow myself to cross that dark path ever again this is my way of atoning." My evasive maneuver allows her elbow to just barely miss my chin as it creates chaos in the fabric of reality.
Luka bursts into laughter again, "You seeking atonement? Dont make me laugh!" Her humor is cold, and unapologetic. With a swift motion, she executes a roundhouse kick aimed directly at my chest.
Bracing myself, I respond, "At least I am my true self, this is who I am deep down, unlike you. Your words are empty you dont even feel a thing, do you?" I raise my fists to block her attack, the sheer power of her strike disrupting an absolute infinite number of The Hyperpleroma once more.
Unfazed by my response, she counters, "So what?" In a swift motion, she spins around, directing a brutal kick to my side.
I evade again, flipping over her leg. "The difference between us is clear. You are the exact opposite of myself."
As she watches me narrowly escape, Luka demands, "Why wont you fight me?"
"Because I already told you," I reply steadily, "Im trying to be a better person."
Frustrated, she growls, "Just shut up and fight me!" In a burst of speed she instantly raises her hands in the air and suddenly
I say calmly what is this? I watch my right arm instantly get absolutely reduced to nothingness
Luka says with a blank expression oh this? my power is to manipulate any form of the Absolute Nothingness and any form of nothingness additional this absolute power can also reduce any anything to absolutely nothing, to make the the explanation easier, I can use absolute nothingness on absolutely everything without restrictions or limits.
I grit my teeth, "I was trying to avoid this, but youre just not giving me any choice here." I clutch my missing arm, pain shooting through my body from her strike.
"Lets see how you deal with this," she declares, leaping into the air. Her hands clench into fist as she spins in an impressive twirl as she aims a punch squarely for my gut.
I say calmly it seems like you dont have to touch me to activate your ability I say noticing my now missing gut absolutely get reduced to nothingness but just on time, I flip over her and, in one fluid motion, grab hold of her hand , pulling her forward into a forceful gut punch that sends her stumbling back through a absolute infinite number of the The Hyperpleroma
With a renewed sense of determination, Luka lashes out again, "Think you can dodge this one?" She brings her legs down in an attempt to crush me.
"Youre quite the obstacle, it looks like your just toying with now." I admit, gracefully backflipping away from her attack just in time.
"You cant dodge forever, I can end this whenever." She snaps as she swings she throws a barrage of punches, attempting to cover all escape routes.
"Thats exactly what Im counting on." I backflip over her attack, narrowly avoiding her attack.
"Seems like you need to follow certain conditions for this to work" she remarks with a blank expression, understanding something about my evasive maneuvers
"You catch on fast," I retort, grimacing as I clutch my missing leg. I watch as my leg gets absolutely reduced to nothingness reducing a absolute infinite number of the The Hyperpleroma in the process
With a blank expression, she announces, "Its over, Ather Vael." Her words hang heavy in the air as she raises her fingers ready to snap it, this time aiming to absolutely reduce me into nothingness, intent on delivering the final blow.
The world around me dissolves into darkness, a deep, consuming blackness. It is then that I find myself standing before Azor once again, but I quickly notice a remarkable change in his appearance this time, he looks even more striking. His piercing red eyes glimmer with an otherworldly intensity. Complementing this are his perfectly stylish hairstyle and chiseled jawline, giving him an almost regally alluring demeanor. However, his lower body remains shrouded in an enigmatic blur, a distortion that seems to hint at the chaos of his true nature.
"Oh, youve returned," he says, a trace of amusement in his voice. "Its been quite some time since we last crossed paths, but lets get down to business. I have a proposal for you I can bring you back to life under one condition."
I respond with a calm demeanor, my voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "What condition? Let me guess, youre going to demand more of my soul in exchange."
A wide grin spreads across Azors face, highlighting his sharp features. "Good! You already seem to know what I want," he says, extending his hand toward me, a gesture that feels both inviting and foreboding.
"I understand," I reply calmly, reaching out to shake his hand. In that moment, we seal the deal, a pact formed amid the swirling darkness.
The scene shifts back to Luka, who stands before me with an expression that is utterly devoid of emotion. "Its over, Ather Vael!" she declares defiantly as she brings her hands toward my head with lethal precision.
In an instant, a burst of black and neon crimson light shoots down from the heavens, engulfing the entirety of the The Hyperpleroma. The sheer force of the energy pushes Luka back from me, causing her to stumble slightly.
"What is happening?" she asks, her tone still as flat as her expression, a mixture of confusion and disbelief lining her voice.
I respond with a sense of calm authority, "This is my Absolute Pinnacle Axiom Ascendant." As the radiant light begins to wane, a swirling aura of black and neon crimson envelops my body, transforming me. My eyes darken to an abyssal shade, punctuated by the neon glow radiating from my form.
Inner thoughts I know I need to act swiftly I can feel my body being crushed under the intensity of the cosmic energy. "Its time to end this," I announce, raising my hands high above my head. As I do, I feel my limbs begin to tear apart from the immense pressure, blood oozing from my fingertips. Gathering the energy, I shape a massive sphere of divine light, its purity almost blinding.
"Eat this! Divine Collapse Lumina Cataclysm!" I shout as I hurl the ball of energy towards her with all my might.
Unfazed, Lukas expression remains impassive as she counters, "That just leaves Astral Collapse Silent Severance!" With a swift motion, she swings her hand in an intricate X shape, unleashing a formidable attack that sends an absolute nothingness that heads straight for my own.
The two colossal strikes collide, resulting in an explosion of unimaginable magnitude, obliterating countless realms within the The Hyperpleroma, each fragment cascading into the vastness of the void.
After the dust begins to settle, I ask with a sense of calm uncertainty, "Is it over?" My gaze pierces through the haze, searching for Luka.
She lies on the ground, bloodied and beaten, as her vacant stare meets mine. "You have defeated me," she admits in a defeated tone. "The artifact is yours. Take it, and do what you must. Kill me."
A melancholic resolve fills me. "No, I wont kill you. Im nothing like you not anymore…" I state firmly, rejecting the darkness she embodies.
Lukas eyes widen in horror at my words, filled with a mix of disbelief and contempt. "What a foolish decision. Youll come to regret this. But know this its not the last youll see of me. I will return… again and again…" Her voice trails off as she struggles to cling to consciousness, until finally, the weight of her injuries takes hold, and she succumbs to darkness.
"Maybe," I reply, steady in my resolve, "But this is the path I have chosen, and you can never take that choice away from me." As I turn away, the crimson droplets of blood coat my skin, a stark reminder of the battle I have fought. I make my way up the long, winding staircase, which seems to stretch into infinity.
At the top, I stand before the artifact, glimmering ominously upon the wall. With hesitance and reverence, I slowly reach out, prepared to claim my prize.
Suddenly, the ground beneath me shifts, and a pit of spikes opens up, revealing the trap that had been set for me.
"It seems shes more cunning than I anticipated," I realize, a prickling sensation of caution racing along my spine. Forgetting the sensation of impending danger and doubt, I leap out of the way with agility, narrowly avoiding the deadly spikes. As I regain my footing, the realization dawns on me that this time, I must remain vigilant. With a final surge of determination, I teleport back home, the weight of the past battle hanging heavy in the air around me.
To be continued...