The Core Keepers

After the first beast core, Null and Klein immediately crossed distances to find each of the other Core Keepers.

The Smoldering Lion of the Volcanic Peaks was ferocious in its environment, summoning rains of fire and lava while charging forwards to its own demise.

It put up more of a battle with its innate handling of the molten mofei and dynamic attacks that hurt on contact.

What was most dangerous about the Core Keepers was their ability to utilize their environments against opponents. 

Whenever Null planned to get in close, the Smoldering Lion would manipulate the surrounding lava to shield its way.

Afterwards, the Smoldering Lion took the opportunity to bite at him with a mofei infused jaw that manifested over its face.

It was inevitable though that the lion met its fate as Null's strength had surpassed what was conceivable by Mamon's standards.

Spirit energy may have indeed made up the basics of all matter, so mofei was simply another energy to be conquered and manhandled under Null's control.

Taking down the Smoldering Lion was as simple as throwing a punch though landing it was the harder aspect of things.

Its beast core was hot to the touch and reacted heavily when placed near the water-based beast core.

It seemed that the nature of the beast cores had reactive properties when around those of an opposing element. 

Still, Klein kept the two together to observe the peak response from the outwards reaction. 

Observing with his special vision, he saw the fire mofei of the fire-based beast core radiating and coming into contact with the water mofei of the water-based beast core and melding together to produce a violent force.

He figured that this force was a result of the two powers becoming an entirely new state like how electricity could turn into sound.

After settling the matter of the Smoldering Lion, Null and Klein were soon on to the next Core Keeper.

The Sonic Hawk of the Intrepid Skies utilized its insane speed and flight maneuvers to dodge and swiftly strike while almost unseen.

Its powerful shriek was ladled with mind shattering attributes that almost deafened the two upon first contact.

However, before the hawk could deliver a killing blow Null was able to foresee the movement of its trajectory and plainly end its flight.

The Giant Toad of the Murky Swamps put up even less of a fight thanks to its large size and slow movement.

It was too heavy to launch its body into the air so it could only hobble its way when realizing that Null was too powerful for it to face.

A swift squelch ended the beast with a punch to the head.

The Glistening Tortoise of the Peaceful Plains was renowned for its impenetrable defenses and it could utilize the rare light element to shine rays of light at its enemies.

It was similar to how a magnifying glass could focus sunlight to a single point to become dangerously hot.

Null took his time to deal with the tortoise as Klein was really interested in how light mofei could be manipulated.

Needless to say, the tortoise met its end the same as the other keepers due to Null's overwhelming strength; it could not take the soft force of the punch that riddled its insides no more than mush.

The Shady Ghost Bat of the Dark Caverns sharing a rare element was also played with because of its unique manipulation.

It could meld within shadows and move seamlessly throughout the area without making so much as a peep.

When it went for the kill to bite Null in half, it was met with a killer blow, leading to the last of the Core Keepers meeting its end under Null's fist.

Holding all of the cores together made for a wonderous sight as they shone with their unique lights based on their given elements.

Some had a combined nature as the basic elements were more readily able to react harmoniously instead of being volatile like the fire and water cores.

Something else that begat a raised brow from the two was the fact that the light and dark were one of the most harmonious of the cores.

Just like how Klein's skin was able to keep both elements in check and reinforce himself thusly.

Without wasting anymore time, Null and Klein gathered all of the cores— along with some materials from the bodies of the Core Keepers— and returned to Meita Village.

In total, they spent around three days from the moment the caravan arrived to the journey from Linomei.

Upon arriving at the village, the gates were opened, and the entire village came to welcome the two boys back.

"My son!" "Oh, my baby boy!"

The mother-father duo came and hugged Klein, ruffling his long hair while doing so.

The love Klein felt was palpable and he relished in what could be the last time seeing his parents of this life.

"You're finally back, eh," Theef and Barter's Ruler were among those that came to meet the child duo.

"I can sense that you have accomplished what you set out to do. The trip was worthwhile then I assume?" 

Barter's Ruler was the highest in terms of strength; while he was thought to be a mere advanced manipulator based on his metal manipulation, he had actually only awakened manipulation in order to connect with his Transcendent power.

"Well worth the trip," Klein smiled, "If only we had the time to sightsee on our journey across these magical lands. Alas, we must be on our way."

"Indeed." "You got that right!"

Null led the group to the center of the village, "We all thank you for your hospitality for all this time. It is with much gratitude that we shall leave this village and go beyond with Klein at our side!"

The solemn air of the village was broken with his next words, "We've got new worlds to venture and a heck of a lot of people to meet so don't miss us too much!"

"Get out of here already!"

"Humph. I'll miss everyone but you!"

"Hahaha!"

The village erupted in laughter as they called out Null for his brutal farewell.

"Let us depart!" The group left for the newly rebuilt ship.

---

"Woah!" Both Null and Klein were awestruck upon witnessing Theef's ship.

It was golden and deep silver aside from the remaining parts from before the accident.

Theef and Barter's Ruler had given it their all just like Null and Klein.

In total, the ship was upgraded and unlike its former raggedy shape.

The crew boarded the ship, and Null envisioned the star chart in his mind to guide them to the next planet.

Who knew what they would find after witnessing the ecosystem of Mamon.

After finding their way into outer space, Klein took a deep breath and tried to sense the mofei.

'Nothing...,' Klein tried and tried, but to no avial, 'There's no mofei outside of Mamon. What am I going to do?'

He shared the result with the rest of the crew and spoke dejectedly, "There's no mofei to manipulate outside Mamon."

"Relax man. Don't sweat the small stuff like that," Theef was the first to dispel his troubles.

"Yeah, it's not like I can't make some myself," Null freakishly abetted, creating a swirl of mofei from his finger.

"Hah," Klein sighed.

His greatest fear was realized, but with the people he was surrounded by, he could not help but feel relieved.

"You know what. I've got an idea for how to give you back your powers. I'll just need all of the beast cores you've gotten."

Null was relaying a sentiment from Ego as he told Klein the matter of the mofei.

"Really?!"

To be honest, Klein had not yet found out what use the beast cores would be for himself other than research materials.