Chapter 108: Ashen orb

The Serpent soul core was as tall as him, slightly floating above ground as if the soil isn't worthy of staining it's surface. Spherical in shape with pale mists gracefully dancing within, emitting gastly light. Like luminous smokes trapped inside an ethereal orb, flowing in tranquility all this years.

Zyro simply stand there, staring intently at the orb silently. Dumbstruck by its magnificence.

Although, he consumed one before. Zyro didn't get a chance to see the real thing. Unlike other things, Soul Cores are not physical objects created by natural or artificial process. It came from spiritual realms of living creatures, their tenacious will giving birth to this mystical spheres existence.

This is the first time he saw something from the soul, a exceptionally powerful soul at that. Somehow, just by being near it. His intuition was screaming at him to be wary, at the same time, it was inclined to break the core. The former was his pure instinctive response, on the other hand, the Soul Core seems to be compelling him spiritually, alluring his soul by its gifts.

It felt strange for one's soul to argue, which often happened in his mind and body. Most of the time, his thoughts are conflicted by a collection of reasons and ideas, which tangled onto each other. Leading to internal arguments before coming to conclusion. He also pushed his body to function beyond it's capabilities, ignoring the warnings it gave. Truthfully speaking, it's a miracle his still breathing.

In any case, his entire being is a total mess. Now, his quiet soul are about to be disturbed, as well.

The last time he consumed a Soul Core, an spiritual pain assaulted him, tormenting his soul before subsiding. That said, the core back then belonged to a gifted monstrosity - Blinker. Sure, Blinker is an exceptional beast. However, even Grick was dwarfed by the Serpent of Fog, let alone, Blinker.

Should he do it, or not?

He hesitated, considering the consequences of taking something of this magnitude. In fact, the Serpent frightened him, making him uncertain if his [Error] attributes could save his sanity upon devouring the ashen orb.

The Gricks power today let them reign over Foggy Ring. Aster, Argon and Helios were no less different. Zyro can't imagine how strong those Beasts are in their living days hundred of years ago. Still, they pale in comparison against the Great Serpent who took on an entire Empire, it's soul lasting even this day. Can his mortal soul handle it?

Furthermore, Soul Core from feral creatures aren't supposed to be devoured by peoples in the first place. Depter said it himself, no mortal last long upon consuming it's gift. No matter how strong of a challenger they might be, Soul Cores will eventually ruled their mind, turning them to savages themselves.

History taught them this, that's why the path of power through Soul Cores were banned. Treating it a taboo, an ascension to madness instead of valor.

Zyro just stood motionless for minutes, thinking. After a while, he sighed.

"Why did I even get here?"

He ask himself, reflecting back. Then, he sighed again. He came here in search of power, in hope of gaining strength of what the Serpent left behind.

Why? The answer is simple - Power. Didn't he strive to be powerful? To be strong enough to accomplish the impossible mission.

And additionally, weakness is greatest sin of all. He wouldn't have lost Pert if not for his inability to protect him in that critical moment. No, he simply lack the ability to do so.

Perhaps the Soul Core before him can grant him that. And not be stumped by others again.

The ashen orb appeared more alluring in his eyes, promising him solace in this wretched world.

'No risk no gain, I guess.'

The risk it poses is equivalent to the potential rewards, anyway. So yes, his willing to grab it no matter the cost.

Slowly walking forward, he stopped a few centimeters from the orb. It's luminous flowing fogs within luster in his cracked visor, lighting parts of his ragged, black armor.

Reaching forward, Zyro touches its flawlessly smooth surface. As clear and seemingly fragile as glass.

"I must say, I'm oddly lucky today."

Needless to say, his luck are rotten. Fortunately, it at least showed him enough grace in desperate times. Zyro didn't expect to find the Soul Core this quick in the vast sea of mists. Or did it find him instead by hovering? In any case, it's all the more reason to take this opportunity.

Bracing himself, he took a deep breath. Then...

His iron-clad fist slammed on the glassy surface, sounding thunderously in the silence of fogs. Nearby mists sway away from the impact, then slowly returned along the eerie silence.

Nothing changed for seconds, the Soul Core was unmoved and unscratched. Hinting the height of its creator former glory.

That's when it happened.

Crack.

Distorted silver lines began appearing of the perfect sphere, originating from the impact and crawling out steadily first, before becoming faster and faster. Eventually, the Soul Core was covered in crooked lines, cracking all over. A second later, it exploded.

Zyro involuntarily step back, but there's use backing down or running. For outrunning or defending from the essence of souls are impossible. Mystical smokes scattered around, before enveloping his visage whole, devouring him.

Embrace in the fog, a muffled scream resounded within. Zyro felt sick to his core, making him dizzy and weak. What torment him isn't physical or mental though, instead, something untouchable resting in his very being is being crushed by suffocating pressure. So much, it felt unbearable. His heart palpitates, as his breathing rise. Zyro's head felt like it was splitting in two, simply thinking is a struggle. Then, he began tasting blood. His senses were distorted, too. To the point he didn't know how long it had been.

More importantly... He perceived his entire body crumbling. As though it would spread out.

Zyro looked at his hands in horror.

A shaky breath came out from his mouth.

'Wha-what's happening to me?'

His armoured hands were turning into black mists, becoming little particles and floating out.

'Luck my ass, this is pure misfortune!'

Only when he recovered a bit of his senses did Zyro became aware of Aizra repeating warning.

[Oxygen level reaching critical point! Retreat immediately! Oxygen level reaching critical point! Retreat immediately!]

He cursed.

Shrouded of Night oxygen reserve are running out.

***

In a certain part of the Great Wall of Fog, a dark silhouette of someone appeared within it's murky ashen surface. Soon, the Fallen Knight emerge from the mists, his movements calm yet shaky. As soon as he came out, Zyro kneel and took off his whole helmet.

Argh...Cough! Cough!

He groaned heavily before coughing blood that spayed on the barren ground.

This journey in The Great Wall of Fog was a bountiful harvest both of treasures and pain. He got himself a relic-like booklet. Despite having no combat value, Legends Tales can potentially aid him in gathering important intelligence.

His short trip also made him filthy rich in no time. Sadly, his riches aren't with him. Because of the situation urgency, he was forced to abandon the heavy sack of coins for traveling speed. Thankfully, his sacrifice lead to his survival. And he could return to retrieve his wealth in the future, anyway.

Last and most importantly, Zyro received another Soul Core in his arsenal. From a really powerful creature at that! So did the torment of consuming it.

On the way here, he suffered from all sorts of agonizing symptoms as his soul was crushed by the Serpent core's weight. Even now, he still felt extremely sick. But it had already subsided to a manageable degree.

Is it worth it? For Zyro, yes. He merely got a glimpse of what ability it bestow, but that's already enough for him to rejoice. He saw endless potential in the Serpent gift, too much actually. With it, he would be able to challenge whatever leviathan lurking in the electrocuting lake and retrieve his starship.

Before all that, however, Zyro had to fully recover from the consequences of devouring such dreadful Soul Core.

Truth be told, he didn't empathize with Depter warning regarding the danger of beastial cores. Because his otherworldly soul presence caused it to be shunned by others, thus letting him took the gift without losing his sanity. But this time is different. The Serpent was a creature greater than the creators of Devine races, or perhaps the most horrifying beast that had walk this continent. Blinker may have failed scaring him, but the Serpent soul did not. He felt it, the feeling of something alien invading your consciousness within, wanting to take control of your body like a slithering snake devouring your mind. Just thinking back send chills running down his spine.

Fortunately, the Serpents soul core had weakened tremendously over millennia passing to sustain itself, so did it's the Serpent insidious will. It had declined enough for Zyro's alien soul to handle, albeit, barely.

In any case, he live through it. Even though his health is not in the best state in exchange. Zyro is recovering steadily. According to Aizra, he would be fine after resting a couple more days.

Blood dyed his mouth, crimson trails can also be seen flowing out from his nose.

For a while, he lay on his back, facing up. His weary eyes gazing at the towering wall above accompanied by the star filled sky.

Eventually, he groaned again as he stood up.

"Argh, Alone time is over, huh... It's been fun. Cough! Cough! Ah, sheet. I take that back... this is not fun at all."

Passing by a tree, Zyro stopped, lingered for a moment before taking out Broken Sword. For some reason, the blunt blade seemed different than usual. However, his unwell condition made it hard for him to care.

He shrugged, then carved a few letter on the bark.

"Here lies Golden Dawn"

After that, the Fallen Knight disappeared into shadowy woods. The Princess of Vampires, Scarlet, heir to the throne. Was waiting for him.

***

Little did he know that the person his expecting to meet was in extreme grief. Her broken hearth enabled her to stand as she kneel there in the woods, alone.

Around her were disfigured corpses of beasts she slaughtered and the dead Gricks those creatures are devouring earlier. However, it wasn't the Gricks alone. An young Aster blood was mixed in the foul odor permeating the air, and a certain young man blood.

She didn't want to believe the things she smelled.

But she can't deny the horrid sight right in front of her.

Sorrowful tears ran down her pale cheeks, as her pained gaze stared at a maimed head with pure black hair.