'A primordial?' Ethan's mind almost exploded when he heard that name.
Although he wasn't a great expert on primordials, he knew that they were beings that predated the very creation of the universe, and that it was their sacrifice that gave rise to mortal reality.
With his mind spinning rapidly, Ethan searched his memories for information that could help him understand the situation.
He knew about some Primordials, such as that of light, love, hate, hope and war, but he had never heard of a Primordial of corruption.
"Don't bother looking for my name in your memories; you won't find anything."
"My fellows erased my existence and my name from the outside world, claiming that my power was too profane, that my abilities did not harmonize with their divine creations and that only my death could purify their names of my degrading and empty existence."
Although Seraphar claimed that his hatred had already been erased, the anger still rose in his voice, causing the abyss to tremble.
Ethan was also affected and, forced to throw himself over the creature's snout, clung to its scales as the terror in his chest grew even greater.
Realizing what was happening, the primordial shut up and avoided Ethan's frightened gaze.
Ethan quickly regained his composure and once again stood up.
His mind was full of questions, but one stood out among all the others: "Why me? Why did you save me?"
Seraphar didn't answer for long minutes as he pondered what he could say.
His mind was much faster than the human mind and was capable of processing billions of possibilities at the same time. Even so, he just sighed.
"It doesn't matter, time's up." Seraphar cast a deep look in Ethan's direction.
"I rebuilt your body with my flesh and blood; therefore, remnants of my being are in you. Now, you are no more than a separate extension of me. What do you say we make a deal?"
Ethan returned the creature's deep gaze.
It all seemed so absurd in his mind, which could barely process everything he had just been through.
His hands were shaking, and his gaze searched the creature's pure eyes for a hint of what the deal would mean.
"I'll give you the chance of a fresh start," Seraphar spoke, using his mana to carry Ethan to the spear stuck in his chest.
"In return, one day you will return to this abyss and master the spirit that resides in this weapon."
Ethan hesitated as he looked at the golden spear.
Just being near that weapon was enough to make his heart sink, and he had the feeling that if it hadn't been for Seraphar's protection, that spear would have ripped him to shreds by now.
It was impossible not to be suspicious of a proposition like that, but Ethan was dead.
What other choice did he have? Spending eternity in that abyss was not a life he wanted to live and he doubted very much that Seraphar would help him without asking for anything in return.
Finally making up his mind, Ethan raised his head with determination in his eyes.
"I accept!" Ethan exclaimed, and the moment his voice fell, the abyss around him distorted, and his body was pulled by a mysterious force, being swallowed by darkness.
"Good... I hope to see you again soon," Seraphar smiled before closing his eyes and allowing darkness to take over the abyss once more.
Ethan woke up with the sun's warmth bathing his face and the melody of birds singing.
His head throbbed painfully as he tried to get up, barely able to keep his eyes open as his body gradually regained strength.
The memories of his encounter with that primordial being were flawed and cloudy, as if it were all just a strange dream.
The only thing that convinced him of its reality was the fact that he was there and his wounds had been healed.
Ethan thought, "Is this... a mana heart?" and brought his hand to the right side of his chest, feeling a second heartbeat next to his heart, radiating a powerful and invigorating energy.
As he contemplated his new body with a smile on his face, a voice appeared in Ethan's head.
"If you are hearing my voice, I believe you are already in your home world. From now on, we will no longer be able to communicate, so this will be the only message I will leave for you. Listen carefully.
My power, the power I have left for you, is not considered beautiful, pure, or honorable, and it is not a power that someone who desires a long life would want to have.
If discovered, this entire world will do everything in its power to ensure that you are dead.
I have left something that will help you understand how my power works, a system. Use it well, for it can be both your rise and your ruin."
"But... What system?" Ethan questioned inwardly, and even after long seconds, nothing happened after the voice in his head ceased.
At that moment, Ethan heard footsteps accompanied by the sharp whistle of a blade cutting through branches and bushes in his direction.
His eyes widened and he quickly turned toward the sound, without trying to hide his nakedness.
It was a young woman with short blue hair and green eyes, with a youthful and cute-looking face that was taken by surprise when she noticed Ethan's presence.
She was dressed in a dark cape and tight jumpsuit that highlighted her slender and tall silhouette with a thin waist, hips as wide as her shoulders, and breasts that fit well with her slim figure.
Her first reaction upon seeing Ethan was to try to get away as quickly as possible, but her body froze as soon as her gaze fell on Ethan's nakedness and her eyes scanned the young man's body, passing over his handsome face and down to his long weapon, which seemed to be semi-erect and pulsing with vitality in her direction.
The girl's eyes widened, her beautiful face was overcome by a vibrant blush, and she almost fell backward as she screamed in a shrill, feminine voice: "YOU DEGENERATE PIECE OF SHIT! I'LL KILL YOU!"