Chapter 137: Strategic Retreat and Solo Ascent

The Aetherial Corruptors, their shadowy forms flickering, pressed their attack. Kael's initial command had sent his wives into action, showcasing their formidable power. Selene's lunar slashes, Evelyne's stellar explosions, Thalaria's thunderous strikes, Nysera's insidious hexes, and Valeria's nature's wrath tore through the corrupted beings. Kael himself, wielding his Shadow-Flame Broadsword with brutal efficiency, absorbed the void-essence of an alpha Corruptor with Abyssal Dominion, solidifying his unique mastery over such energies.

Vaelyss, still observing from above, nodded approvingly at Kael's display. "Efficient," she had remarked.

Yet, even as the last of the Corruptors dissipated, a cold, calculated decision solidified in Kael's mind. His wives, though incredibly powerful at the Heaven's Echo (Low Tier), lacked the raw, inherent resilience and specialized void-adaptation he possessed. His Nullfire Core provided potent resistance against foreign energies, his Phoenix Mantle allowed for rapid regeneration from even severe blows, and his Throne of Ascendancy ensured he could weather the mental assaults common in void-heavy environments. Most crucially, his direct connection to the System and the Sacred Dimension Pearl offered a unique sanctuary.

The Elder's outpost wasn't just a combat zone; it was a place of deep corruption and insidious environmental hazards. He needed to be able to push his limits without fearing for his Union's safety, and with Vaelyss here, he needed to make a profound statement of his individual capability.

"My Union," Kael spoke, his voice cutting through the lingering tension, addressing his wives. "This environment is far more corrosive and unpredictable than anticipated. And the true core of this mission requires precise, uninhibited action that could put you at unnecessary risk." He met each of their gazes, a subtle reassurance in his eyes. "Furthermore, this provides a prime opportunity for you to continue your uninterrupted cultivation. Inside the Sacred Dimension Pearl, you can amplify your growth without distraction or exposure to this void-essence."

His wives looked at him, surprise mingling with understanding. Aelisa, with her Heaven's Echo (Peak Rank), was certainly capable, but Kael knew his reasoning applied even to her in this uniquely hostile environment where a misstep could be disastrous.

"But Kael, we can fight," Thalaria began, a flicker of protest in her eyes.

"I know," Kael replied, his tone firm but gentle. "And you will, in due time. But this, for now, is a task best handled by those with specific immunities. I require you safe, growing stronger, not risking yourselves in an environment designed to wear down even the most formidable warriors." He couldn't explicitly state the 'buffs' he possessed, but the implicit meaning was clear. He had a unique resilience that they, despite their immense power, didn't share in the same measure for this specific threat. "This will also allow Empress Vaelyss to observe my personal 'methods' more directly."

He opened a shimmering portal with a thought, a small, discreet tear in reality leading into the serene, mana-rich expanses of the Sacred Dimension Pearl.

Selene, ever perceptive, nodded first. "As you command, Kael. Be careful." Her sisters followed, a silent acknowledgment of his tactical decision. With a final, shared glance, his five wives stepped through the shimmering portal, disappearing into the sanctuary of the Sacred Dimension Pearl. Emberfang and Vira, sensing their mistresses' departure, followed suit, leaving Kael standing alone with his two companions.

Vaelyss had watched the entire exchange, her expression unreadable. Her draconic guards remained stoic.

"An... interesting decision, Kael Viren," Vaelyss finally commented, her voice holding a new note of assessment. "To send your 'Union' away. You intend to face the Elder's outpost, a truly insidious stronghold, with only yourself and two of my guards? Such confidence, or perhaps... foolhardiness?"

"Neither, Empress," Kael replied, his chin raised, his gaze unwavering as he met her molten gold eyes. "Calculated action. My unique abilities are best utilized when unencumbered by concerns for others' safety in environments such as these. I assure you, the demonstration will be... thorough." The quest to make her his wife by her own will now seemed even more daunting with this new proximity, this heightened scrutiny. He had to be perfect.

Vaelyss's smile returned, a subtle, intriguing curve of her lips. "Very well. Lead on, Kael Viren. Let us see if your 'thorough demonstration' lives up to its promise." She gestured towards the massive, pulsing void fissure that marked the Elder's outpost.

With his Union now safely cultivating, Kael felt a strange mix of heightened focus and immense pressure. The mission, and the secret quest, now lay entirely on his shoulders. He activated Void-Walker's Intuition, enhancing his perception of the void energies, and stepped forward, his Shadow-Flame Broadsword already humming with latent power. The Sunken Voids of Xylos awaited.

STATUS OVERVIEW

KAEL VIREN

System Level: 56 | Realm: Heaven's Echo (Low Tier - Tier 1)

HP: 450,000/450,000 | Mana: 580,000/580,000

Sin Tier: Tyrant Rank

Key Stats: Str: 38,000 | Dex: 39,000 | Will: 25,000 | Charm: 28,000

Notable Skills/Traits: Abyssal Dominion (T1), Soul-Forged Armament (T1), Throne of Ascendancy, Verdant Sovereign's Heart (Mythic), Sacred Dimension Pearl (Upgraded)

System AI: Nexus (Online)

THE UNION

Selene, Evelyne, Thalaria, Nysera, Valeria, Aelisa: Currently within Sacred Dimension Pearl for safety and accelerated cultivation.

COMPANIONS

Emberfang: Infernal Flamebeast Cub (Tier 7/10) - Currently within Sacred Dimension Pearl.

Vira: Sky Serpent Hatchling (Tier 4/10) - Currently within Sacred Dimension Pearl.

CULTIVATION REALMS: THE GRAND PATH

Lower Realms:

Initiate

Essence Drawn

Veinwoven

Soulroot

Starforged

Sunbound

Moonglade

Skyshatter

Worldpiercer (9/9)

Higher Realms (Categorized: Low Tier (1-3), Mid Tier (4-6), Upper Tier (7-9), Peak (Tier 9 before next realm))

Heaven's Echo (Current Realm)

Low Tier (1/9)

Mid Tier (4-6)

Upper Tier (7-9)

Peak (Tier 9 before Celestiaflame)

Celestiaflame

Worldbreaker

Eternal Crown

Primordial Ascendant

Kael's Current Realm: Heaven's Echo (Low Tier — Tier 1)

Next Advancement: Heaven's Echo (Low Tier — Tier 2)

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