CHAPTER 304: THE VEIL OF GENEROSITY

"Well," Zephyr said thoughtfully, "First of all, we would need protection from the Abyss and its corruption. And then, like my friend mentioned, we don’t know the location of our destination. Therefore, we would need a map or some clue to navigate the paths that have probably been forgotten after thousands of years. And..." he glanced at the flickering Nexus Stone, "some means of safely transporting and concealing such an important relic."

"Astute observations, young Zamir," Ossian nodded approvingly. "Your tactical sense will serve you well. These are indeed the primary concerns that any wise traveler would face on such a journey. As for protection from the Abyss..."

He gestured toward the pedestal where the Nexus Stone continued its erratic pulsing.

"The Nexus Stone itself will be your greatest shield. Its presence will soften the destructive effects of the Abyssal forces. If others succumb to the whispers of madness for a few hours, you will be clear-headed and your heart impure. It is a beacon of pure order against the chaos you face. Protect it, and it will protect you in turn."

"And you, Zamir," he continued, his tone becoming serious. "As the stronger of the two, and one whose affinity aligns with the fabric of reality itself, this duty falls to you. You must be its bearer." The Nexus Stone pulsed, as if in agreement. "Moreover, not only will it guard you, but it will resonate with your space affinity, amplifying it. Your techniques become sharper, your understanding deepens."

"And most importantly..." he paused for emphasis, "it is the only compass that can guide you to your destination. As you approach the Forge of Dawn, its light will glow brighter, its pull more certain, leading you true where all other paths would lead you astray."

"...Hm." Zephyr nodded solemnly, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders like a mantle.

Hey, the old man is really shrewd, I thought, keeping my face neutral. He’s just handing over the one thing we are gonna ’get’ regardless, and he’s even calling it a "gift." He’s not actually giving us anything new.

As if he had heard my thoughts, or perhaps my skeptical glance was burning a hole in his skull, Ossian’s glowing eyes flickered to me. He made a sound like grinding stones, a deliberate cough.

"However," he intoned, "a shield is not enough. You will also require a blade."

The air shimmered, and suddenly a weapon materialized in his claw.

It was a saber, elegant and deadly, its blade made of pure, polished white bone, its edge shining with a light that was painful to look at directly. The guard was fashioned into the likeness of folded wings, and the hilt was wrapped in dark, petrified bone.

"This is the Dawnbreaker," Ossian said, his voice heavy with ancient memory, "forged from the remains of a mythical bone dragon in the early days of war. Its edge can cut through the Abyssal flesh as easily as morning mist, and its light burns away corruption with each blow."

He extended the weapon toward Zephyr, but his expression grew serious.

"However, like all weapons of power, it carries its own burden. Should you rely too heavily upon its strength, or should you take too many lives with its edge, the blade will begin to darken. And what darkens the blade... also darkens the soul of the wielder. Its burden is great as its gift. So, use it wisely, and only when necessary."

Zephyr accepted the weapon with reverent hands, and I could see the way his eyes widened as he felt its power.

But Ossian was not finished.

With another gesture, he summoned forth a scroll that seemed to be written in starlight itself, the characters shifting and dancing across its surface before suddenly shooting toward Zephyr’s forehead.

"The Void Step Codex," Ossian turned toward me while Zephyr started inheriting the art. "The ancient art of resonance teaches one to fold space itself, to step between distant points as easily as crossing a room. With his natural affinity and the Stone’s amplification, he should be able to master its basics in a matter of months rather than decades or ages."

Welp, since he already knows teleportation, it will be much easier, I think. And maybe he can teach it to me too! Or I can copy it using Affinity Resonance later.

"Wow, this must be a mythical technique!" I exclaimed, eyes wide with genuine admiration. "Perfect for running away easily when things get too dangerous."

Ossian’s violet eyes twitched slightly, but he nodded with what seemed like forced approval. "Your... strategic thinking continues to impress, young Lumin. Survival is indeed the first priority of any wise adventurer."

"You’re flattering me too much, Senior. By the way, is it possible to travel to other worlds with it as well?" I asked, tilting my head, curious. "Like, if we really need to escape really, really far?"

...Or more like return to our world if we ’coincidentally’ get teleported to the Abyss or other realms.

Ossian paused, considering the question carefully. "If one can truly master the art and ascend to greater heights... perhaps there is a chance. But it all depends on the understanding and strength of the user. Such applications require knowledge that most people cannot comprehend."

I nodded thoughtfully. So, we’ll have to wait then.

"Huf! Huf!"

A sudden gasp brought our attention back to Zephyr.

"Huf... Huf..."

He came back to reality with deep, ragged breaths, as if he had been running a marathon, sweat pouring from his forehead. The knowledge he had inherited seemed profound indeed, considering it left him visibly drained.

Zephyr caught his breath and raised his fists at Ossian in a formal gesture of gratitude. "Thank you for this incredible gift, esteemed guardian. I will not waste what you have bestowed upon me."

Good, good.

Ossian nodded, his gaze locking him down in assessment. Then he smiled in satisfaction.

"It is you who is impressive, young hero. To be able to comprehend so much so quickly... and reach a breakthrough point. My eyes didn’t lie. Keep cultivating with such dedication."

"Yes, Senior." Zephyr nodded solemnly, still somewhat overwhelmed by the experience.

Then Ossian raised his claw once more, and a small crystal vial appeared, filled with a swirling, murky liquid that seemed to contain captured starlight itself.

"This is the Essence of Ascension..."