As Vastarael staggered, his knees buckling beneath him, he felt the world tilt, his vision swimming from the exhaustion that came crashing down after sealing the creature.
"Oh shit..."
Before he could hit the rubble-strewn ground, a burst of heat and light descended upon him.
Adelasta, streaking down like a meteor, caught him mid-fall. Her arms wrapped around him tightly. However, as she held him, her expression shifted. A flicker of realization crossed her icy features. She was still aflame, her golden-orange fire swirling around her body.
"Oh… right."
The inferno surrounding her body dimmed and receded, the golden flames shrinking until they disappeared entirely, leaving only faint embers glowing on her fingertips. She adjusted Vastarael's weight in her arms, her normally stoic expression softening just slightly as she scanned his face.
"You're fine, right?"
Vastarael blinked up at her, his body still heavy with fatigue.
"Yeah… yeah, I'm fine," he muttered, though his voice was raspy. His passive ability, Omniphage, was already kicking in, pulling energy from the surrounding area and repairing his drained reserves at an accelerated rate. He could feel his strength returning, slowly. "Just… give me a second."
Adelasta hovered for a moment, still holding him, before setting him down gently onto the broken street. Vastarael eased himself into a sitting position, leaning back against a chunk of fallen debris. His breathing was uneven, his chest rising and falling as he fought to steady himself.
His gaze drifted upward to the massive sapphire cube that hovered in the distance. It was colossal, easily dwarfing even the tallest buildings in the destroyed city. The cube shimmered with a faint, otherworldly glow, the chains wrapped tightly around it like serpents coiling around prey. The Control Circles on each face pulsed rhythmically, keeping the Overlord Rank Krepsuna imprisoned within its crystalline walls.
Despite his exhaustion, a sense of pride swelled within him as he stared at his handiwork. He had done it. Against all odds, he had sealed a mindless monster of immense power. He allowed himself a small, weary smile.
"If that thing wasn't just a brainless... if it had even a shred of intelligence, there's no way it would've submitted to a Third Star Control Circle. No way."
Adelasta, still standing nearby, crossed her arms and glanced at the sapphire cube as well.
"It doesn't matter. You made it work."
Vastarael chuckled softly, his breath hitching as the action strained his tired body.
"Yeah… I made it work," he repeated, the words tinged with disbelief. "Honestly, I didn't think I could pull it off."
Adelasta glanced at him out of the corner of her eye but didn't say anything. Instead, she let the silence linger for a moment before looking back at the cube.
The creature within was still thrashing, though its movements were sluggish now, its immense strength sapped by the sapphire prison and the Control Circles binding it.
He leaned his head back against the debris, closing his eyes for a brief moment. Omniphage was working faster than usual, drawing in energy from the ruined environment to replenish his essence reserves. Already, he could feel the fog in his mind clearing, his strength beginning to return in small increments.
But for now, he allowed himself to rest, even if just for a moment. His eyes opened again, drifting back to the sapphire cube. He couldn't help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. Sealing a Forgotten Rank Krepsuna was a very massive accomplishment.
He had chained a Krepsuna God.
Vastarael let out a soft, tired sigh as he pushed himself to his feet, brushing bits of rubble off his outfit. The moment he straightened up, his gaze flicked over to Adelasta and he noticed the way she stood there, arms crossed, with her default cold glare firmly in place. It wasn't menacing, it was just... her. But still, he tilted his head and raised a brow.
"Adelasta, how many times do I have to remind you? Drop the icy glare when you're with me. You're gonna scare off the nonexistent bystanders."
Adelasta blinked, her expression softening for a fraction of a second before her brows furrowed.
"I wasn't glaring," she muttered defensively, though she looked away.
"You were definitely glaring," Vastarael said, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Look, it's fine when you're trying to intimidate some beast or whatever, but when it's just me? Come on."
Adelasta scoffed lightly but didn't argue further, and Vastarael took that as a small victory.
He stretched his arms over his head, rolling his shoulders as if he hadn't just used up a ridiculous amount of essence to seal a Forgotten Rank Krepsuna. For a moment, his eyes flickered with a faint sapphire glow, his essence flaring briefly before settling again.
Adelasta's sharp eyes caught the glow immediately, and she narrowed them in confusion.
"Wait… What was that?"
"Oh, I'm fine now," he said casually, as if the last thirty minutes of hellish combat and massive energy expenditure hadn't just happened. "Two of my nine pseudo-cores are already filled."
Her eyes widened.
"What? That fast? How?"
Vastarael rubbed the back of his neck.
"Soul Energy," he explained simply. "The pseudo-cores are connected to my soul, so I just redirected some of my soul energy to refill them. The others though... that's connected to my body, so it'll be full by sundown."
Adelasta stared at him, her expression unreadable for a moment. But then her mouth opened slightly, and she said the first thing that came to mind:
"You're broken."
"Broken? Really?"
"Yes," she said flatly, her voice picking up that familiar sharpness. "Who uses their Soul Energy like it's pocket change?"
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I didn't have much of a choice, Adelasta. Besides, it's fine. I'm used to it."
"Used to it? How exactly does someone get used to draining their Soul Energy?"
Vastarael hesitated for a beat, his gaze flickering away briefly. Then, with a casual shrug, he said;
"I mean… I've kind of died eight times to get these pseudo-cores, so…"
Adelasta froze, her eyes widening again as his words sank in.
"You what?! You died? Eight times?!"
Before she could launch into a full interrogation, Vastarael raised his hands in mock surrender.
"Relax, relax," he said quickly. "It's not as bad as it sounds."
But Adelasta wasn't having it. She grabbed him by the front of his T-shirt and pulled him closer, her golden-orange eyes narrowing as she inspected him like she was looking for cracks or signs of damage.
"Not as bad as it sounds?" She snapped, her voice rising. "You died, Vastarael! That's not something you just shrug off like it's a bad nap!"
He sighed, clearly regretting his choice of words. "Adelasta, I'm fine—"
"You're not fine!"
"Uh…" Vastarael began, but she didn't give him a chance to finish.
"And don't 'uh' me. Nine times, Vastarael. Nine. Do you even value your life?"
"Yes," he said quickly, like a kid being scolded.
"Then why would you do something so stupid?"
"I had to," he replied, his tone slightly defensive.
"Had to? That's your excuse?"
"Yes."
"And you didn't think to mention this before now?"
"Yes—wait, no," he corrected himself, shaking his head.
Adelasta groaned in frustration, her grip on him not loosening in the slightest.
You're... reckless."
"Yes," Vastarael said again, his tone almost automatic at this point.
Adelasta glared at him again but this time it wasn't her usual cold, calculated glare. This one was filled with a mix of exasperation and genuine concern. She finally let go of him, but not before giving him one last piercing look.
"You're going to explain everything later," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Sure, when I implant the third part of my memories," Vastarael said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Everything," she emphasized.
"Yes," he said with a small, sheepish grin.
Adelasta rolled her eyes but didn't press further, at least not for now. She turned away, muttering something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like;
"Idiot."
Vastarael couldn't help but chuckle softly, despite the tension. He adjusted his coat and glanced at the massive sapphire cube again, a sense of pride washing over him once more. Yeah, he had a lot to explain, but for now, the immediate danger was over, and that was enough.
°°°°°°
The morning after the chaos unfolded, the Obsidian Runic Spire proved once again why it was considered one of the greatest creations of Spheraphase.
As if responding to the catastrophe, the spire's mechanisms kicked into action, restoring the destroyed streets, shattered buildings and uprooted settlements back to their pristine state. The runic designs on its surface pulsed faintly as they repaired the damage wrought by the battle. It was an awe-inspiring sight for the citizens who had only just begun to filter back into the city.
With the streets mended and the settlements intact, the people returned cautiously, their eyes wide with disbelief at the restored city. For hours, families wandered around, murmuring to each other as they inspected their homes, amazed at how everything was returned to how it had been. It was as if the battle had never happened, though the memory of it lingered heavily in their hearts.
Rumors began to spread like wildfire about the massive sapphire cube that had been placed in the Blank Floor of the spire. No one knew how exactly the beast had been imprisoned, but word of a "crystal prison" and a "mindless monster" spread rapidly.
Those who ventured near the monster to catch a glimpse returned pale and shaken, describing the sealed Forgotten Rank Krepsuna in whispers. For the citizens, the sight of the massive creature locked away in sapphire served as both a warning and a testament to the strength of their leader, Vastarael Richinaria.
By midday, the city began to buzz with hope. The streets were alive with talk of how their leader had vanquished the monster that could have destroyed them all. People gathered in small groups to share their gratitude and as the hours passed, an idea took hold among the citizens: this victory deserved a celebration.
Preparations for a party began almost immediately. The First Floor of the spire, a grand hall often used for gatherings and official events, was chosen as the venue. Insignia—the elite force sworn to Vastarael—took charge of the arrangements, working alongside the citizens to decorate the space. Banners bearing the insignia of the spire hung from the high ceilings and tables were laden with food, drinks, and gifts brought by the people to honor their leader and his team.
By evening, the First Floor was alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Citizens from all walks of life came together as they celebrated not only the defeat of the Krepsuna but also their survival and the restoration of their city. The Black Insignia Knights mingled with the people, their polished armor catching the warm glow of the chandeliers above as they shared stories of the battle and the leader they so deeply respected.
But while the First Floor was filled with noise and activity, the dining room on one of the upper floors was a much quieter scene. This space, reserved for the spire's leaders and their closest allies, offered a more intimate setting for those who had fought so hard to protect the city.
Vastarael sat at the head of the long dining table, his expression calm but his posture relaxed in a way that spoke of satisfaction. To his left sat Adelasta, who seemed to have softened her usual cold demeanor, though she still maintained her aloof aura, as if she couldn't let herself fully enjoy the moment.
Further down the table, Phaenora leaned back in her chair, twirling a strand of hair around her finger as she chatted animatedly with Ferris, Chainless and Peccavi, who looked far more at ease than usual.
Siranna's three children sat together at the other end, their youthful energy adding a lightness to the room. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the air: roasted meats, spiced stews, buttery loaves of bread and delicacies brought in by the citizens to show their appreciation.
"Here's to the man of the hour," Phaenora said suddenly, raising her glass and flashing a teasing grin at Vastarael."
Ferris snorted, shaking her head. "Don't be obnoxious, Miss Phaenora."
"What?" Phaenora replied, feigning innocence. "I'm just saying, our dear Vastarael deserves more credit. How many people can say they've sealed an Overlord Rank Krepsuna and restored a city in less than twenty-four hours?"
Vastarael chuckled softly, lifting his own glass in response. "Well, I wouldn't have done it without all of you. Adelasta softened it up, Ferris took out an eye, and Phaenora kept those minions off my back. Team effort."
Adelasta, who had been quietly cutting into her food, glanced up at him.
"Don't downplay your role," she said, her voice sharp but not unkind. "The Control Circles, the sapphire prison, that was all you. Don't act like it wasn't."
He smirked, setting his glass down.
"Fine. I'll take some credit. But only some."
Siranna chuckled, "You're too modest, Vastarael. It's one of your more endearing qualities, but sometimes I think it holds you back."
He shrugged, "I'll keep that in mind."
The rest of the dinner was filled with light conversation, laughter and the occasional teasing remark, mostly from Phaenora, who couldn't seem to help herself. Vastarael found himself smiling more than usual, the weight of the day's events lifting with every passing moment.
By the time dessert was served, everyone at the table seemed to have fully embraced the sense of victory and relief that filled the air. For Vastarael, it was a moment to savor. The battle had been grueling and the aftermath had demanded more from him than he had anticipated, but sitting here, surrounded by his allies and those he considered family, it all felt worth it.
As the night stretched on, the noise from the First Floor party continued to drift up to them, a reminder of the people who looked to him as their leader.
For the first time in a while, Vastarael allowed himself to feel not just pride, but also a quiet contentment. The city was safe, the people were happy and, for now, that was enough.