CHAPTER 169: CHAPTER 169: FRIENDS

Chapter 169 – Friends

Kaden was truly delighted to see such a huge sum of origin cores. Master-ranked beast origin cores were not the only things inside—there were also Intermediate and Awakened origin cores, even one strange runic talisman, but more than that...

There were human origin cores. A lot of them.

Kaden frowned slightly when he saw this.

It’s true that humans can also absorb the origin of other humans—in fact, it’s more efficient to do so than using beast cores—but in most places, it was strictly forbidden to hunt your fellow humans for their origins.

So, the fact this dried corpse had so many of them meant that he was either in a place where things like this were normalized, or...

"A killer. An assassin or some sort," Kaden mused as he tilted his head.

But soon he shook his head and focused on the dried corpses, after all, he wasn’t in any situation to be picky about the origins he needed.

Looking at corpse, he noticed that its bones weren’t white, they were black and exuded a heavy scent of decay and corruption.

Kaden could guess that this was the after-effect of being so close to such a potent emanation of pure death energy for so long. He couldn’t help but grow greedy and chose to synthesize the bones into his own and at the same time, the black blood behind.

Yes, he would plunder all and make everything in this place his.

The process started, and this time, different from his synthesis with the half-scythe, Kaden felt an immensely sharp pain pierce through his very bones.

Cracking sounds echoed through the dark space illuminated by crimson flames as Kaden’s bones were being shattered and reconstructed at the same time, continuously.

Can you imagine all the bones in your body being broken at the same time? Can you imagine that pain?

Yes, that’s what he was going through. But it was not for no reason—as his bones were being recreated to be worthy of the Child of Death, of the one said to be its Herald.

After his bones were done, the black blood attacked. This time, there was no pain.

The black blood of death mixed seamlessly like a long-lost brother with the red tainted with subtle gold blood inside Kaden and the end result was a mesmerizing one. His blood became crimson red, with gold and black hues shining through it here and there. It became thick and heavy and released a very sweet scent.

Once the transformation was done, Kaden stayed on the cold floor for a moment, catching his breath as his head ran spiraling thoughts.

Today had been a hectic day.

Not only did he evolve his intent to True Intent, but he also obtained a powerful new trait and alongside that, a title. Then he obtained a space ring with hundreds of Master-ranked beast and human origin cores and went through deep transformations.

It was dangerous but...

"It was worth it," Kaden said with a beaming grin.

It’s moments like this that Kaden became even more aware that only through difficulties can you grow stronger. Only by challenging yourself and surpassing the fear that creeps into you every time can you grow and become the one you’re supposed to be.

There was no magic trick.

Only wit, courage, and determination.

His thoughts ran in dizzying circles, thinking about everything that had happened to him since he entered that forest and after this dungeon. He was filled with frustration and at some point even started doubting himself, but fortunately...

Kaden stopped his thoughts there, not willing to give that shadowy bastard any credit. But still...

’A friend, huh...’ he mused, as a smile, as soft as the reflecting moonlight on a lake’s surface, crept across his face.

’Now that I think about it... I don’t have any friends, do I?’

He only had his family and subordinates like Rory. So was he...

[You are hurting my feelings, Host.]

Death’s voice interrupted his thoughts briskly.

[I was your first friend in this world. The one who gave you hard quests with unfair penalties to make you move your ass. I was there, Host. I was there...] Death spoke, his voice holding the height of betrayal as his host forgot about him.

If someone didn’t know better, they would’ve believed his act but—

’Who do you think you’re trying to fool, Death?’ Kaden asked with a suppressed smile.

’But yes, you are right. How could I forget about you?’ he added in his mind, then slowly got up from the ground, stretching his whole body, making cracking sounds echo before a relieved and contented sigh escaped his mouth.

’You were the one who motivated me. You guided me. You made me partially who I am right now. I wouldn’t dare forget you. I’m not that ungrateful, right?’

[You are that ungrateful, Host.]

Kaden’s lips twitched. He wanted to be gentle and sweet, but Death didn’t know that so—

’Screw you, Death,’ he cursed him, then slowly started to walk toward the door that was now open, his firm and steady steps making the ground beneath him quiver subtly.

[See? That’s the ungratefulness I just mentioned, Host.]

Kaden shook his head and ignored Death but a subtle, suppressed smile was hung on his lips.

He did have a friend after all. And now...

He had two of them.

Kaden didn’t know if he was happy to have those two as friends but nevertheless,

’Friends...’

He thought again and this time, not able to keep himself from smiling.

...

Fokay — Forest of Eternal Sunshine, Golden Castle.

Inside her luxurious chamber painted in gold that shimmered like golden water on a dry land, Sora was sitting at her desk, facing a blank sheet of paper.

Since coming back from Asterion, she had tried to write her own music, her own song.

At the beginning, she was confident. Excitement burned in her chest like wildfire and her golden eyes shone like the rising sun. But now, after days of not being able to write a single line...

Sora’s entire expression was downcast. Looking at her, you’d think she had just buried her family under the soil. She was that pitiful. Her eyes, once bright, were now dulled, clouded with insecurities.

’Why? Why am I not able to write anything? ’she wondered. But no answer came.

She had never learned how to sing. She just had the habit of playing back the songs she liked. But now that she wanted to write a song... she was lost. And now, she became aware of the fact she might need someone to help her.

’But who? I cannot ask anyone for help. I cannot risk my secret being known to anyone else other than that bast—!’

Sora immediately stopped as a ridiculous thought popped into her head.

’He...he can help me, right? I mean...he has to. He owes me...he invaded my privacy and touched me with his filthy hands, right? He can, right?’ she asked herself repeatedly until—

"Yes he can! And he will!" Sora said with burning will, light starting to shine in her eyes again.

She was ready for anything to compose her own song. Just like how a swordsman is ready for anything to master his sword technique.

She was ready to do anything and that...

...even if it means going against her parents’ plans.

What a determined woman.

—End of Chapter 169—