CHAPTER 43: DECIPHERING ASTRAL VOID ART

Crimson Headquarters, Crimson Phoenix Squad Room:

"Captain left us, huh?" Emily muttered, still not over the news.

Just a little earlier, they had been fighting and laughing together. Yet, in an instant, they were separated.

"What do we do now?" Hector asked, uncertain what to do.

Their dream and goal had always followed Camilla’s will. If she told them to go right, they would never go left.

With such a demanding leader gone, he felt lost.

"We have more things to worry about. Who’s going to be our new Captain? Without a Void Warrior leading us, can we still keep our status?" Amber asked worriedly.

As Camilla’s right hand, her sudden departure left a gaping hole in their squad.

"Isn’t it obvious?" Hector pointed at Nash, who was busy with the virtual helmet.

"Nash?"

"Although he’s only been with us for a couple of years, he’s always been strong and reliable."

Hearing this, the two unconsciously nodded, looking at Nash with newfound resolution.

"It seems Captain Camilla didn’t leave us with nothing..."

---

Meanwhile, while Nash’s squadmates were busy discussing the future, he was focused on decoding the chip he had gotten from Elias.

Although Camilla and the twins’ departure still saddened him, it didn’t stop him from moving forward.

Life is about parting and progress—if one wants something, they must strive for it.

After a few hours, Nash finally cracked the security code of the Crimson Eye Astral Art.

[Loading Crimson Eye Astral Art...]

[Load Complete]

[Start Virtual Guidance?]

"Start..."

[Virtual Teacher booting up...]

[Scanning Genetic Makeup...]

[Error... Non-Arleanian Bloodline]

"Run another scan," Nash said with a smirk, expecting this result.

When he first attempted to activate the Crimson Eye Astral Art, he encountered the same issue.

After spending hours on it, Nash had already deciphered the security code, bypassing the genetic lock.

[Scanning Genetic Makeup...]

[Scan Complete]

[100% Pure Crimson Eye Physique]

[Complete Authority Unlocked.]

Countless confirmation messages flashed across the screen, granting him full access to the training chip.

Then, a preprogrammed Arleanian projection materialized before him.

"Hello, I’m Fin, your tutor."

"Nash," he replied, satisfied with his successful bypass.

Technology may have advanced beyond imagination, but its core principles remain unchanged.

Furthermore, compared to the Runic Symbols he was studying, this security code was child’s play.

Following its programming, Fin began explaining the fundamentals of Astral Void Arts.

Contrary to Nash’s understanding, an Astral Void Art functioned much like any other void training manual.

From pure physical exercises to basic void breathing techniques, they all belonged to the same category.

The difference?

While void breathing methods only allowed one to passively absorb void energy, an Astral Void Art was a specialized manual designed to actively channel void energy into the body.

This fundamental difference enabled a warrior to surpass the 100% saturation limit!

The Crimson Eye Astral Void Art was one such manual, capable of enhancing the body’s void saturation up to 300% and the Crimson Eyes up to 1000%!

Upon reaching 1000% void saturation, not only would their eyes be hailed as one of the most beautiful gems in Nova Sector, but they would also gain the ability to see the essence of the void itself.

"This is incredible," Nash thought, excitement flashing in his eyes.

Since he couldn’t see the flow of void energy, he was limited in controlling his physical body.

But if he could unlock this power, his entire Runic Module System would evolve!

Eager to understand the training process, Nash listened intently as Fin continued his explanation.

However, after a few hours of basic instruction, Nash’s expression darkened.

"I can’t train without Arleanian blood?!"

"I don’t know..." Fin responded, its database lacking a solution.

As a projection, Fin could only answer questions based on its programmed knowledge.

"Can you show me how a normal Crimson Eye functions?" Nash asked, frowning.

Since Fin only had data on the Crimson Void Art, Nash had to find a way around this obstacle on his own.

Through trial and Error, he meticulously studied the core principles behind the Crimson Eye.

And then, after hours of deep analysis, his eyes gleamed with realization.

"So that’s it!"

The Crimson Eye worked by tempering the eyes with void energy at 100% saturation.

However, even the most advanced Void Eye Training Manuals could only reach 70% saturation at best.

Fortunately, Nash had the Runic Space.

Adding a new Runic program to the training module system should do the trick.

"I need to settle things with the squad first..."

Since he couldn’t use Crimson Eye Astral Art just yet, Nash returned to reality, planning to settle the squad and exchange for a Void Eye Training Manual.

---

Crimson Phoenix Squad Room:

"Captain, you’re out!" The three greeted him with bright smiles.

"Captain?" Nash repeated in puzzlement.

"We’ve decided to elect you, Nash Navre, as the Captain of the Crimson Phoenix Squad. Are you willing?" Amber asked formally, looking at him with nervous anticipation.

Knowing Nash, who detested troublesome matters, they weren’t sure if he would agree.

But to their surprise—

"Since you said so, how can I let you down?" Nash sighed.

They had been friends for years. Even if he disliked responsibility, he could still guide them as their leader.

"That’s great!"

"Captain Nash!"

"Congratulations, Captain Nash!"

Feeling ecstatic, they cheered, calling his name over and over.

"Alright, enough of that. We still have a lot to do," Nash said, shaking his head.

"The missions?"

"Hmm. Be ready—we’ll be heading out soon."

---

Crimson Headquarters, Administrative Office:

Nash arrived at the Crimson Headquarters Administrative Office to report the change in leadership of the Crimson Phoenix Squad.

"The Captain of the Crimson Phoenix Squad left?!"

The Administrative Manager, Harold, muttered in shock.

Just yesterday, the squad had completed a perfect mission, yet now their Captain was gone?

"Where did she go? Did she report to the Crimson Gang before leaving?!"

"No, but the Leader should know," Nash replied.

"The Leader?"

Frowning, Harold quickly checked for any messages from Abner, the Crimson Gang’s leader.

Seeing nothing, he turned to Nash with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Are you sure?"

"Hmm." Nash nodded nonchalantly.

With a Tier 1 Scientist personally coming to Earth, how could the majestic leader of the Crimson Gang not be aware?

"Fine. But a squad can only be led by an Official Void Warrior; you’re not qualified." Harold snorted, displeased with Nash’s lack of respect.

"Then, shall I dissolve the Crimson Phoenix Squad?" Nash asked indifferently.

He only wanted to protect his friends, not serve the Crimson Gang.

Being a Captain or anything else wasn’t part of his plan.

If their squad was dissolved, maybe Nash could join another gang or organization—one where he could develop his skills and gain greater benefits.