"I don't trust you. On top of that, I loathe you."
I saw nothing but helplessness in the eyes of the kid before me.
"But we share the same feeling and goal," I said, kneeling down. "I'll just let the chain loose by accepting you just a slightest bit." I lifted his face with my right hand. "So, tell me—how can I become strong enough to protect him? Our brother."
The eyes of the child before lit up with awe of someone saved by a messiah when he was on the verge of death.
He smiled, and answered, "As you know, there are many ways to become stronger. It can be by training hard for years, or by having a talent the moment you're born. But for the likes of us..."
I smiled as I stood up, saying, "We have to force our way through."
The chains loosen just a little the moment I uttered those words. However, it looked like the child before me was completely released from the chains. But deep inside, I knew that it wasn't the case. I hadn't fully accepted him, and I didn't know when I will.
But one thing's for sure: If I can become stronger just by throwing away my pride, then I'll do it as much as I can to protect brother.
A blackish-crimson aura flared around him as he rose as the chains binding him broke before vanishing into nothingness, with a smile. "Damn right we are."
The child stood before me, completely unbounded by the chains which were now broken. The void lit up. It was now divided into parts: one that was dark and the other which was illuminated.
He smirked, standing on the dark side. "Let's go and tell the world who we are."
I smiled, feeling lighter than before as if the burden which I was carrying lighten up slightly. Standing on the illuminated side, I spread my arms towards the kid before me. "Come—myself."
The kid took a step or two towards me and held my hand. Then, the void disappeared. I was now regaining my consciousness, slowly, as I felt something within my heart which had been buried long ago.
The emotion which made me protect Kane to the point I become a monster of dark side. It was returning back. But this time, I wouldn't let it consume me. I would make peace with both of my dark and light side.
What a cheap price to pay to become strong.
I came to my senses, opening my eyes slowly, I slid off Aariz's back the moment I opened my eyes. I stood beside him.
Aariz turned to me. "You're finally awake, Leo." He heaved a sigh of relief. "Can you use your [Light Attribute] to wipe them out instantly? We can't use ours because of some reasons."
Don't worry. I can do it. I have to do it. Brother is waiting for me. I'll end it swiftly.
I materialized the sword Aariz gave me in my hand, walking towards the monsters, slowly.
"Hey! I've not taught you how to use it!"
[Second Awakening Complete.]
[Leo Aries Voidwalker can now use his Divine Power to some extent.]
[Leo Aries Voidwalker has unlocked some of his Divine Powers.]
[Opening Descendant's Information.]
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[Name: Leo Aries Voidwalker.
Age: 24 years old.
Compatible Attribute: Light.
Compatible Attribute Affinity: Dark.
Exclusive Skills: Martial Arts Lv. 5, Weapon Mastery Lv. 7, Patience Lv. 2, Sword Fighting Lv. 8, Mage Lv. 9.
Hidden Skills: Infinite Steps Lv. 30.
Divine Skills: Divine Sword Rain, Divine Barrier, Divine Blast, Divine Extinction Beam, Divine Void, Divine Dash.
Overall Stats: Physique Lv. 7, Strength Lv. 8, Agility Lv. 9, Magic Lv. 9.
Overall explanation: Leo Aries Voidwalker, who has awakened his 2nd form, is now strong enough to face off most of the dangerous enemies with ease. Leo Aries Voidwalker will continue to get stronger due to the possession of Light Attribute.]
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[Leo Aries Voidwalker has activated the power of his Compatible Attribute: "Light".]
The sword, which I held in my hand, glew with radiant golden light, streaked with white hues. White and golden wings, not so broad or large in size, spread from my back.
Perhaps, one day, I'll shine more brightly and spread my large wings wide once I become strong enough. But for now, what I've is enough.
Aariz blinked in disbelief. "You... When did you learn that?!"
Of course, he would be shocked because what I did was something I couldn't do without a proper training and instructions.
I glanced back at him with a smile. "I'll handle the rest as always, Aariz. Let's grab a bite after this like old times."
I don't know why I said this at that moment. It was probably because I gained a portion of my memories, which had become hazy, after I accepted my dark side a bit.
Regardless, I'd to focus at the task on hand. I turned my gaze to the Demonic Worms before me. They seemed to be somewhat scared of me.
The place where we were gave Demonic Worms a great advantage as they had more space to move freely and had holes every corner, so they could just pop out of nowhere. Furthermore, given their massive size, they were swift, and had intelligence as well.
Still, it didn't matter. All I had do is to slice them down, swiftly. I used my skill as I moved in a blur-like motion.
[Leo Aries Voidwalker has used the skill: "Infinite Steps Lv. 30".]
In the blink of an eyes, dozens of Demonic Wolves were cut down into pieces before me. I was the one who did that in the blink of an eye.
Now that I've awakened my 2nd form, enemies like them are no match for me.
I didn't stop to see them turning to ashes, I kept rushing towards the monsters who had come to hunt us down. Now the tables had turned. They were the ones who were being hunted down.
They were simply too slow for me, or rather I've had become so fast that they couldn't notice my presence or notice my attack.
One of the monsters attacked me instinctively, but I just dashed straight into its gapping maw and used another skill.
[Leo Aries Voidwalker has used the skill: "Divine Blast".]
Not only that monster, but the ones near it also got blown away and crumbled into dust within seconds with that blast.
I didn't expect it to be that strong.
I didn't stop there a second for admiration of what I'd accomplished. Maarij and Selene were still fighting, and Aariz was now just standing and watching it all happen with a smile of accomplishment. I'd to fight as well to put an end to this fight monsters.
I sensed the monsters attacking Selene and dashed towards her mid-air with a great speed and—
[Leo Aries Voidwalker has used the skill: "Divine Dash".]
I appeared behind her in a blur, and lifted up my illuminating sword, aiming at the monsters before me.
I don't know if it'll work, but guess I'll have to find it out myself.
"Get down!" I shouted. Selene obeyed without hesitation.
[Leo Aries Voidwalker has used the skill: "Divine Extinction Beam".]
The sword which illuminated in my hand began to roar with luminous energy. It seemed like it was roaring to be unleashed.
I then unleashed the luminous energy which had gathered on the blade of my sword as I rotated myself in a circle-like motion, completing a full circle. The monsters instantly vaporized upon coming in contact with the attack I unleashed. I then turned my gaze to Maarij who was turning the rest of them to ashes with ease.
[Leo Aries Voidwalker has used the skill: "Infinite Steps Lv. 30".]
I appeared above the monster Maarij was fighting and cut it down in half. I turned to the rest of the monsters who had just arrived on scene. But even though they were monsters, they knew that they shouldn't attack the enemy before them. They knew that they were no match for him, and so, they were trying to retreat the moment they get a chance for it.
Yes, that's right. They were now afraid of me—the one who had used his Divine Powers—and now, it was time to clean up.
Luckily, they were all gathered at one place. I could use that. One of the Divine Skills I unlocked after my 2nd awakening.
I raised my hand towards them.
[Leo Aries Voidwalker has used the skill: "Divine Void".]
A blackish void with radiant golden hues emerged out of thin air behind those monsters and began to devour them as I closed the fingers of my hand slowly, making a fist at the end.
They shrieked in pain. But it was of no use. I had to eliminate them, so I can reach where my brother was to save him. By the time my fingers curled up completely, making a fist, they were all devoured by the void behind them. None survived. Not a single one was left behind.
I lowered my hand as the void vanished, deactivated my power, and dematerialized the sword which I held.
[Leo Aries Voidwalker has deactivated the power of his Compatible Attribute: "Light".]
I turned to Maarij. "I'm sorry for not being awakened when this all happened."
I apologized sincerely, since it was somewhat my fault that we were dragged into this mess.
Maarij smiled and said, "Oh, come on. You don't need to apologize. Everything went smoothly."
"What do you mean...?" I got confused by what he said. What he meant by everything went smoothly? Before I could open my mouth to speak further, Maarij did.
"It was all my plan to awaken your 2nd form. It was going to take ages for you to awaken your 2nd form and get strong like you're now," he said with a smirk over his face which irritated me to my core once again.
"I ought to beat you, I believe," I said with an irritated expression on my face.
Selene and Aariz joined us as well shortly after. It seemed like none of them was hurt.
I'm confused whether or not trust them. Maarij, who claim to be the strongest, said that he needs our help. Just what the hell is going on. Is this all part of their plan?
"Congrats on awakening your 2nd form and recognizing me," said Aariz with a smile.
"He remember us now?" Maarij asked, confused.
"I guess, yeah."
No, I really don't know you guys. But welp, guess I'll just tell them.
"Nah, I don't remember you guys."
Aariz folded his arm and raised an eyebrow, "Then why did you say something like that a few minutes ago?"
"No clue," I shrugged. "It just came out. I don't know why, honestly."
Selene already sensed that things might become awkward between us, so without wasting a second, she spoke up.
"We don't have the luxury of wasting time here, do we?" She then turned to the path which led to the entrance of next floor. "We don't know what Kane, your brother, might be facing down there."
"You're right. We can't waste time here." I then joined Selene who was walking towards the path before us.
Aariz and Maarij exchanged glances as if to say, "Welp, let's hope Kane remember us." "Let's hope so."
They then joined us. Now, we were this close to enter the path, which was a maze actually, but then we heard faint footsteps, and stopped right there.
Another enemy? Things really are getting flashy today, I thought. It was natural for me to think like that, because ever since I boarded the subway train with Kane, things had been flashy.
We kept encountering new enemies and facing one challenge after another. And we were dealing with them one by one. Now, I didn't know whether or not the person who was coming towards was a enemy.
The footsteps become louder and clearer as a figure emerged from the shadows of maze where we had to go.
It was none other than Kane who was dragging a large heavy-looking case behind him which seemed like a chest.
Brother! So, you're safe! I felt relieved and happy that Kane was safe and sound. But what's with all the ridiculous chests you're dragging behind you...?
My relief turned into a disbelief as I realized he was dragging not one, but... six giant chests behind him.
Welp, I should've expected this from him this much...
"I'm glad you're safe, brother," I said with a smile, seeing him walking towards us safe and sound. I was dead worried about him until now, after all.
"Of course, I am," he replied as he looked at me with a warm smile.