Episode 14: The Journey and Fantasy Battle

In the previous episode, we witnessed Yorian’s encounter with Omni Va, the ruler of the Realm of the Void, along with conflicts with Emperor Draven of Kontra and Ariana displaying her extraordinary strength, even consuming the soul of an assassin targeting Yorian.

Episode Summary:

This time, Yorian embarks on a quest to retrieve an ancient artifact, meets Princess Que Yanwe Lin, and participates in the grandest competition across the continent of Aerca, held at the mega colosseum built by Emperor Draven. What exciting adventures await Yorian in this episode?

Main Story:

I stood frozen, watching Ariana devour the assassin’s soul. I never thought she could act so mercilessly. My attention was quickly diverted by a strange accessory floating on her back.

“Sis, what’s that lightning-like thing floating behind you?” I asked, puzzled.

“Oh, this? It’s called &┉ҒȜǵȡæ¼⇜↔æ¼⍴б (Je'ikio), an ancient artifact from the mysterious ruins in the mountains bordering Kontra and Lontra,” Ariana explained.

“What’s its purpose?” I inquired with curiosity.

“Je'ikio adapts to its user, taking a form that reflects their attributes and nature. Mine, for example, appears as a metal frame with five lightning streaks, symbolizing strength, resilience, and attributes. It increases Quts and soul capacity by 20%, grants sonar senses with a 20-meter projection, enhances regeneration by 45%, and boosts attack and movement speed by 15%. Its abilities grow depending on training and compatibility,” Ariana elaborated.

“Interesting. Are there more of them?” I asked.

“Not for now, but there might still be two left. I placed seals to prevent others from finding them,” Ariana replied.

“Let’s go retrieve them while we still have time,” I suggested.

“Sure, brother,” she agreed.

We made our way to the Je’ikio ruins, starting from the capital of Kontra, Ranxara. With our cosmic attributes enhancing movement beyond normal constraints, we traveled 10,095.18 km in just a single minute — reaching speeds of approximately 605,780 km/h, which is only 0.0000561% the speed of light, but more than enough to tear through continents like paper.

Upon reaching the site, we encountered a cave shielded by a magical barrier. Ariana touched the barrier, and it shattered instantly. Inside, treasures like rare medicinal plants and precious minerals filled the space, but we pressed deeper into the cave. Monsters appeared, which Ariana burned effortlessly.

After an hour of exploration and collecting loot, we arrived at the treasure chamber, its entrance blocked by a massive stone door. Estimated to weigh 50 tons and as hard as diamond (Mohs 10), Ariana moved it with ease, shocking me.

“Why are you so hesitant, brother?” Ariana teased, pulling me forward.

“I’m cautious about traps,” I replied, scanning the surroundings.

“Relax. I’ve already cleared everything…” Ariana began but triggered a formation trap.

The trap activated, but it was weak. I inserted a random rune, disabling it. At the chamber’s center, two glowing lights rested atop a pillar.

“That’s Je’ikio! Grab it, quick!” Ariana exclaimed excitedly.

“Not so fast. I sense a powerful aura approaching,” I warned.

Moments later, a figure in Kontra imperial attire dashed into the room and seized both artifacts.

“Hey! Who are you to take what we’ve claimed?” I demanded.

“Oh, Yorian? If you want these, sacrifice your soul to heal Yoezi!” Draven roared before striking me.

“Brother!” Ariana shouted.

I wiped the blood from my lips and counterattacked with a mental blade. Draven responded in kind, clashing against me. Our collision shook the cave. Suddenly, troops from Ltiktra, led by Princess Que Yanwe Lin, entered. The soldiers, initially dismissive, soon realized the mental combat’s intensity.

Yanwe was overwhelmed by the fluctuations and nearly fainted, while Ariana staggered but remained standing. The soldiers retreated, but Draven’s power hurled me against the cave wall.

“You’re stronger than I expected…” I coughed, smirking.

“Show me your true strength!” Draven challenged.

Accepting, I combined Ariana’s elemental attributes with my Cosmic and Yin-Yang attributes, creating SGCD9A (Spiral Galactic Cosmic Destroyer 9 Attributes). The resulting attack heavily wounded Draven.

“You win this time, but not for long,” Draven said, retreating.

With SGCD9A destabilizing the cave, I chose to save Princess Yanwe, seeing an opportunity for future alliances. As I shielded her and Ariana from collapsing debris—estimated at 400 megatons—Ariana regained consciousness and assisted. Together, we escaped.

“Why save her? And where’s the artifact?” Ariana pouted.

“Relax. I grabbed it during the fight, and saving her might earn us a reward,” I explained.

Reluctantly, Ariana helped me seal the mountain (349.05 km²). I performed dual Xoak-level formations to heal Yanwe and bind the artifact to my body. The process drained me, requiring 160,000 Quts and intense focus. Despite the cold and exhaustion, I succeeded.

When Yanwe awoke in my arms, she slapped me, misinterpreting my intentions. Ariana defended me, scolding Yanwe for her ungratefulness. To pacify the situation, I gifted Yanwe a cloned artifact. Grateful, she offered a VVIP Royal Card and a mysterious map.

Returning to Ranxara, Ariana and Yanwe bickered endlessly, exhausting me further. The commotion escalated at our dormitory, drawing attention until officials intervened.

After resting briefly, I strolled through Ranxara Colosseum before dawn (3:30 ⇜↔☋$⍴б/Kso). Spotting an unused registration lane, I inquired and learned organizations could participate in the grand competition. Seeing an opportunity for Galquan Corp., I registered.

When asked about the organization’s size, I revealed its vast scope and resources, astounding the staff. Despite their skepticism, my answers satisfied them, and they approved my participation. Reading the form thoroughly, I signed it, ensuring every detail was correct. The journey ahead promised challenges, but I was ready to face them.

Form:

щ¨~≠Ї'юЙǈӮכ‎щ¨и_כ‎юЙ²ѿ»ƴ Ѡʬ²ѿщ¨፠≩

Ѡʬ⍴б⍡ļ "×:八ҒȜ и_ҒȜ⍡ļǢ>Ƒ∫ Ї'⍡ļƑ∫ȹð𐰂\ Æ#⍴бǓƵ¥ƣҒȜ"×æ¼"×æ¼⍴бȹð

∉ķƑ∫⍡ļ"×æ¼Ǣ>æ¼¥ƣƑ∫ȹð"× юЙȹð\⇋⍴б⍡ļǓƵƑ∫"×æ¼⍴бȹð

єå⊥Ǿ Ѡʬ³⇔ΩƔΩƔ »ƴƑ∫ǓƵҒȜυñ

,™⍴б⍡ļæ¼Ƒ∫ȹð ⑄(Ƒ∫𐰂\ǓƵҒȜ⍡ļ ፠≩⍴бȹð:八Ƒ∫ψ½

ξㄲ⊥Ǿ →⍙Ƒ∫"×ҒȜ ⍴б\⇋ ѵ.æ¼⍡ļ"×:八υñ

כ‎⍡ļƑ∫ȹð𐰂\æ¼Ƒ∫ק√ §⊆ »ƴ⍴б¦!Ƒ∫⍡ļæ¼☋$ єåξㄲʣㆎ⌄Я

ʣㆎ⊥Ǿ Ї'ҒȜȹð𐰂\ҒȜ⍡ļυñ

፠≩Ƒ∫ΩƔҒȜ

ȿō⊥Ǿ и_𐰂\𐰂\⍡ļҒȜ☋$☋$υñ

и_ҒȜ:八Ƒ∫ȹðυñ *Ҧ"×æ¼⇜↔"×⍡ļƑ∫

и_ҒȜ¦!æ¼ȹðυñ ¦!ҒȜȹðæ¼⍡ļ

и_ҒȜㅐ%³⇔υñ 十⊻ҒȜ⍴бæ¼⍡ļ

и_ҒȜψ½³⇔υñ 𐰂\⍴бҒȜȹð

Æ#⍴бǓƵ¥ƣҒȜ"×æ¼"×æ¼⍴бȹð →⍙ҒȜ"×Ƒ∫æ¼ΩƔ☋$

↑₀⊥Ǿ Æ#Ƒ∫"×ҒȜÁд⍴б⍡ļ十⊻ ⍴б\⇋ Æ#⍴бǓƵ¥ƣҒȜ"×æ¼"×æ¼⍴бȹðυñ

ƪʧ³⇔⍲Δæ¼

✶↕⊥Ǿ כ‎ҒȜƑ∫ǓƵ ⍴б⍡ļ юЙȹð𐰂\æ¼¦!æ¼𐰂\³⇔Ƒ∫ΩƔ ∉ķƑ∫⍡ļ"×æ¼Ǣ>æ¼¥ƣƑ∫"×æ¼⍴бȹðυñ

юЙȹð𐰂\æ¼¦!æ¼𐰂\³⇔Ƒ∫ΩƔ

万二⊥Ǿ ǈӮ¥ƣҒȜǢ>æ¼Ƒ∫ΩƔ щ¨ҒȜ⍲Δ³⇔æ¼⍡ļҒȜǓƵҒȜȹð"×☋$ Ҏҷæ¼\⇋ Ƒ∫ȹð十⊻{≥υñ

ǈӮæ¼ÁдȹðƑ∫"×³⇔⍡ļҒȜυñ

,™⍴б⍡ļæ¼Ƒ∫ȹð ⑄(Ƒ∫𐰂\ǓƵҒȜ⍡ļ ፠≩⍴бȹð:八Ƒ∫ψ½

After registering, I returned to the dormitory. My little sister, Ariana, who was in my room, startled me. I noticed her legs were slightly wet. Understanding my sister’s peculiar and impure nature, I silently chose to be patient with her antics, while she, as usual, teased me and invited me to bed.

"I’ll agree to what you want, but there’s a condition," I said, slyly trying to deceive her.

"What is it, big brother?" Ariana asked, falling for it.

"You see, we’ll be in different competition branches. You’ll represent the academy while I’ll represent my corporation. You’ll have to fight on your own. But, if you win, I’ll grant you whatever you want (Haha, I know she won’t refuse this)," I said while holding back laughter.

"Alright! I’ll crush them all!" Ariana said with enthusiasm and determination.

"Good. Let’s go; the tournament starts in 6 ƪʧæ¼⍡ļ⊂ĳ³⇔ (15 minutes in Earth time)," I said.

"Let’s go! I can’t wait to do this!" Ariana replied, blushing slightly.

We headed to Ranxara Colosseum, which spans an enormous 14.66 million square feet (1.36 square kilometers). Ariana, seeing the massive stadium for the first time, was amazed. The fusion of ancient art and modern design drew admiration from everyone who saw it. The themes of modern weaponry, soldiers, machinery, and more were seamlessly blended with intricate sculptures and carvings, creating a building that symbolized the amalgamation of Earth’s ancient technology and modern culture with Aerca’s local magic and traditions.

Curious, I approached someone to ask about its design.

"Where did you get this technology? (89% of this technology likely originates from RNL, but how did they acquire it?)" I asked.

"Yorian, do you think you’re the only one capable of creating something like this? Of course not. We can do it too," the person responded arrogantly.

Hearing such arrogant words irritated me, but I held my composure and continued walking with Ariana. Along the way, we witnessed the advanced development of the Kontra Empire, including humanoid robots greeting us as we walked. We finally reached the center of the colosseum, greeted by the deafening cheers of 1 million spectators.

Before the event started, the Kontra Emperor, Ran Draven, stood from his throne to deliver the opening speech for the largest event in Aerca’s history.

"Welcome, the finest Ѡʬ⍡ļ⍴б两/æ¼ΩƔㅐ% (Frozilx, or magicians and formators) of Aerca, to the greatest competition ever held! Today, you stand on the precipice of history. In this arena, only courage, strength, and spirit will lead you to victory. Show your determination, and prove you are the best of the best. Remember, eternal glory awaits those who face challenges without fear.

Fight with pride, for your honor, your clan, your academy, and the continent of Aerca! Let your names echo forever in the realms of triumph.

Let the tournament begin!"

"YES, YOUR MAJESTY, THE KONTRA EMPEROR!" the participants shouted while kneeling.

Draven noticed everyone kneeling except for me. Some soldiers and elders reprimanded me, but I ignored them. Some elders even tried to force me down with gravity, but I resisted, enduring with all my might. Eventually, I raised my hand in a salute of respect.

The elders were confused, but Draven understood that my gesture carried the same meaning as kneeling. Unwilling to delay the event further, Draven allowed it, and I was finally relieved from the oppressive gravity of the Ran clan elders.

Draven then took out scrolls containing the names of the participants. He spun it in a small whirlwind to draw names randomly, but it was obvious that he secretly held a preselected name in his hand.

To no one’s surprise, the name called out was mine. My opponent was a representative from Pavilion Nolkei named Nevi. This would be the first duel between two Frozilx. Each organization (including sects, pavilions, factions, and corporations), clans, or academies were allowed to showcase their skills and capabilities. Pavilion Nolkei proudly displayed their advanced technology, although 75% of it actually belonged to me.

They even claimed that the creations were entirely their own. Their arrogance stemmed from their frustration at my departure from Yungtanglian Academy, which was affiliated with their pavilion. If Yungtanglian fell, Pavilion Nolkei would lose a significant number of their top students, as their largest branch was located there.

"Displaying my work before me, huh? 75% of that is still mine, but now I’ll show you 100% of my creations!" I declared.

It was my turn to represent Galquan Corp. with its innovations. Calmly, I stepped forward, activating a wrist device connected to Paxtorovutra—the central command of my galaxy-spanning organization. Within seconds, quantum-entanglement technology sent commands across headquarters scattered throughout the galaxy.

Suddenly, wormholes opened in the skies above the Ranxara Colosseum. Advanced spacecraft appeared, traveling distances ranging from tens to millions of light-years in mere moments. The crowd was awestruck as one ship fired a high-energy laser into the air, leaving a plasma trail with space-time distortions that looked like shattered glass.

The combined laser strikes created shockwaves that sent winds exceeding 140 km/h through the colosseum, causing it to tremble. Spectators, including members of Pavilion Nolkei, were pale with disbelief.

But that wasn’t all. I dropped a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) from my hand. It hovered in midair, displaying its unique properties, only achievable at temperatures near absolute zero.

The arena erupted into murmurs. Scientists present were stunned by the implications of the material. Meanwhile, Yoezi, still half-dazed, whispered to Draven, "That... That’s the key to healing... He holds the answer."

I could feel Draven’s cold gaze directed at me, undoubtedly plotting something in response.

Ignoring the tension, I asked the referee to begin the match. Startled back to reality, the referee began the countdown. By the count of three, Nevi moved at lightning speed, aiming for my head.

"Junior, is that all you’ve got?" I taunted, stopping his attack effortlessly.

"What?! Should I go harder, Leader?" Nevi retorted.

Disappearing in an instant, he unleashed an even faster barrage of attacks. But with my Je’ikio’s sonar and projection capabilities, I could easily track his movements within 20 meters, dodging every strike.

"Leader of the Pavilion?! How is this possible?" he exclaimed.

"I told you-you’re weak, unworthy even to challenge me," I said dismissively.

Infuriated, Nevi began forming a formation using his pen.

"Formation duel?" I asked, pulling out my own formation pen.

Both of us started constructing formations, each trying to disrupt the other’s work. Eventually, Nevi completed his formation first, launching a high-voltage lightning strike at me. Calmly, I countered with a Moea-level formation (Tier 2), neutralizing his attack.

Enraged, Nevi escalated, creating multiple chaotic runes that caused tremors throughout the stadium. I grew wary of what he might unleash next.

Sure enough, the runes coalesced into lightning arrows aimed directly at me. Though I dodged many, their overwhelming number made it challenging to evade them all.

"You look overwhelmed, Leader. Hahaha!" Nevi taunted smugly.

"Don’t get too cocky, junior. My position as student council leader wasn’t just a title," I retorted.

I moved my pen with blinding speed, creating an Xoak-level formation in mere seconds, astonishing the onlookers. Ignoring their reactions, I focused entirely on my formation. Nevi, noticing my speed, panicked and launched another attack to disrupt me.

Though he succeeded in slightly damaging my formation, I quickly repaired it and completed it successfully. Taking to the air, I summoned a Y-shaped Stellar Engine.

Lifting a heavy, glowing mass—a neutron star—the Stellar Engine absorbed its energy through twin shadow-like apertures. The resulting relativistic jet was unleashed in a devastating blast, distorting space-time and creating an immense explosion.

The elders, recognizing the catastrophic potential, intervened to halt the attack before it escalated further. Despite their efforts, Nevi suffered severe burns, radiation exposure, and multiple fractures, ultimately conceding defeat. I was declared the winner.

After the match, Draven called for the selection of the next Frozilx duel between two female participants. The names drawn were Ariana and Xuen Xian, a student from Ranxue Academy, who enthusiastically challenged Ariana, unaware of the vast gap in their power.

"Hey, nerdy girl, hurry up," she taunted arrogantly.

"The referee hasn’t started the match yet, you fool," Ariana replied bluntly.

Laughter erupted from the audience at Ariana’s realistic remark, as the referee indeed hadn’t announced the start. Embarrassed by the mockery, Xuen demanded the referee begin quickly, but Ariana kept provoking her.

"She’s in charge, not you. Isn’t this the part where we showcase our powers first?" Ariana said, revealing two black Quts crystals, one purple, and one yellow.

Xuen, initially confident, immediately lost her composure upon realizing her level of 59 was no match for Ariana’s level 61. The audience was stunned, as two black Quts crystals were extremely rare for a student. Ignoring the spectators, Ariana urged the referee to start the match without delay.

As the countdown began, Xuen, in a fit of rage, launched a single Ice Lance imbued with her ice attribute toward Ariana. However, Ariana, wielding her Heicain Maoyoesu fire attribute, easily melted it.

Xuen was shocked, not expecting Ariana to possess a holy fire attribute like Heicain Maoyoesu. Unfazed by Xuen’s expression and the audience’s reaction, Ariana unleashed her ultimate attack, Plasma Beam, nearly incinerating Xuen before the elders intervened.

With a graceful spin and a flick of her long hair, Ariana declared to Xuen,
"How boring. This was a waste of time—completely unchallenging."

Proudly, Ariana walked toward me and said smugly,
"Keep your promise, brother~. You didn’t specify ‘win until the finals’ in our deal, did you? Hehe~."

"Darn, I forgot to mention that," I replied in defeat.

Before I could rest, Draven called my name again, shocking me as it had only been five minutes since my last match. Reluctantly, I complied, preferring to avoid unnecessary conflict.

I faced Ying Qi Zovof from Yungtanglian Academy, a substitute for me, wielding a lava attribute. As the countdown began, Zovof surprisingly activated a defensive technique, Firewall Fortress.

"Coward. You’ve got two red Quts crystals but are playing it safe with a firewall," I taunted.

"Shut up, traitor. Attack if you can," he retorted provocatively.

Wanting to end the fight quickly, I attacked with Relativistic Jet, knowing it would drain Zovof’s stamina due to the radiation. I continued the assault, confusing him as I appeared to be wasting my energy. However, Zovof soon noticed something unusual in his body—the faint sound of radiation.

Zovof dismissed the warning and counterattacked with Flame Spear Barrage. I activated Moea-tier Formation Shield and Force Gravity, neutralizing the attack.

Tired of dragging the fight, I used my cosmic attribute to amplify my Quts from 8.3 million to 132.8 million, boosting my level to 70.32—40 times stronger. With my enhanced power and Je'ikio, I unleashed my ultimate move, Yin Yang Cosmic Relativistic Jet.

The attack obliterated Zovof’s Firewall and flung him backward in a massive explosion. Despite sustaining severe burns and radiation injuries, Zovof survived thanks to the elders' intervention, though I was declared the victor.

Exhausted, I felt light-headed, but I quickly regained control. Just as I began to rest, Draven called my name once again, adding to my frustration.

My opponent, Que Gelc Hyca, confidently displayed his nine red Quts crystals, shocking the crowd.

"Power isn’t about the amount of Quts you have but how you use it," I said, boosting my Quts from 8.3 million to 415 million, reaching level 74.

Gelc unleashed Light Mirage, creating numerous clones indistinguishable from himself. However, using Je'ikio’s sonar senses, I identified the real Gelc and struck with Yin Yang Soul Shock, leaving him disoriented.

Seizing the opportunity, I landed a devastating White Hole Punch, sending him flying near the edge of the arena. Furious, Gelc retaliated with Radiant Slash, but I used my White Hole ability to deflect or misdirect the attacks, turning them against him.

"Should I use attributes or formations for my final attack?" I asked mockingly.

"Quit the chatter, old man. Just attack if you dare," Gelc sneered, activating a barrier.

Using Gravity and Negative Gravity, I shattered his shield and launched SGCD6A (Spiral Galactic Cosmic Destroyer 6 Attribute), causing a massive explosion. Gelc suffered severe injuries, with broken bones and an almost detached arm.

The elders intervened to save Gelc, and I was declared the winner, though I collapsed from unstable soul energy. Ariana carried me back to the dormitory, where I awoke to find her sleeping beside me. Feeling something strange about my body, I ignored it and returned to sleep, still fatigued.

Translate

27.12.24

Episode 14: The Journey and Fantasy Battle