CHAPTER 349: INHERITANCE

He paused deliberately, holding the staff horizontally before Orion, his golden eyes vibrant with pride and seriousness. "Naturally, you shall inherit my very own staff—Ruyi Jingu Bang."

Orion’s breath caught sharply, his heart racing despite his best efforts to remain composed. He stared at the legendary weapon, his eyes flashing with disbelief.

Gathering himself quickly, he hesitated and said carefully, "Isn’t this a bit... too simple? Your staff surely ranks among the most powerful artifacts, not merely in this Small Chiliocosm but across countless higher worlds."

Wukong burst into cheerful laughter, nodding approvingly. "Of course, for any other candidate, more arduous trials would await. But you are special, little one. You are the chosen heir of the Primordial Emperor himself. I trust that old ghost’s judgment enough to entrust my legacy directly to you."

Orion took a long, steadying breath, acknowledging silently that the Monkey King’s words made perfect sense given his unique lineage and connection to Echo. Still, Wukong’s playful grin widened suddenly, eyes sparkling mischievously.

"Since you clearly recognize me," Wukong teased lightly, "do you perhaps know the true purpose of my staff? What it was originally used for?"

Orion hesitated, recalling vague fragments of ancient legends he’d once encountered. "It... was used to measure the depth of the ocean and stabilize the tides of the Eastern Ocean," he answered carefully. "Originally, it rested within the palace of the Dragon King Ao Guang."

Wukong’s smile brightened considerably, nodding enthusiastically. "Exactly! And tell me, young one, what do you suppose might happen if you used this very staff to stabilize the spatial grid of this collapsing world?"

Orion’s eyes widened instantly in astonishment, comprehension dawning rapidly. "The staff... it can stabilize this entire world’s spatial integrity?"

Wukong chuckled warmly, spinning the golden staff. "Naturally. After becoming the Victorious Fighting Buddha, I improved it extensively. Its powers far exceed mere tidal control now."

Orion’s breath quickened, his mind rapidly racing with implications and possibilities. Yet Wukong’s playful expression shifted slightly, becoming surprisingly serious as he looked at Orion carefully.

"Now, the critical choice," Wukong declared softly, eyes solemn yet curious. "Will you sacrifice this priceless treasure to save this small, damaged world?"

Without even the slightest hesitation, Orion nodded resolutely. "Of course," he replied firmly.

The Monkey King smiled warmly, yet persisted, "Are you certain? You will lose this staff permanently by anchoring it to stabilize this place. Worlds like this one come and go infinitely in the vastness of even a Small Chiliocosm. My staff nearly rivals your Limitless System itself. Is this world truly worth such sacrifice?"

Orion fell quiet, deeply contemplating Wukong’s weighty words. Lumi remained silent in his consciousness, wisely allowing him to consider this monumental decision independently.

Countless thoughts raced through Orion’s mind: the devastated landscapes, hundreds of millions of innocent lives lost due to his battle, Duke Varian and the Lionkin King who had chosen dignity over despair. In his heart, he knew what had to be done.

Finally, he raised his gaze slowly, meeting Wukong’s expectant eyes calmly yet resolutely.

"This world faces destruction because of my presence and actions," Orion stated steadily, his voice clear, determined.

"If there’s even a chance for me to repair the damage and save it, then it’s my duty to do so. Please, Great Sage, allow me to use your staff to stabilize the space of this world."

Wukong’s lips curled upward in approval, his golden eyes shining brightly with pride and amusement. Without another word, he tossed the legendary Ruyi Jingu Bang casually toward Orion.

Instinctively, Orion reached out, bracing himself to receive the mighty weapon, but as soon as it touched his palms, his entire body buckled under its astronomical weight, nearly forcing him to the ground.

However, before Orion could collapse entirely, the staff suddenly grew impossibly light, settling comfortably within his grasp as if it had recognized him. Orion straightened himself cautiously, breathing deeply as confusion and relief crossed his face.

Wukong laughed cheerfully, pointing upward toward the chaotic spatial turbulence violently cracking across the shattered heavens. "Throw it into the spatial turbulence," he instructed with a playful voice. "It’ll stabilize the space on its own."

Orion paused, gazing deeply at the staff in his hands. Its golden surface shimmered brilliantly, etched with ancient runes, emanating warmth as if urging him forward.

Yet, in that moment, hesitation and doubt briefly clouded Orion’s expression, his mind swiftly reconsidering his earlier decision.

Could he really sacrifice something so precious, a weapon capable of rivaling the mythical Limitless System itself?

But then, Orion’s jaw tightened firmly, determination surging powerfully within him once more.

This world’s devastation was his responsibility, its survival his duty. Strengthening his grip decisively around the staff, he took a deep, steadying breath.

In one swift motion, Orion hurled the staff skyward, propelling it with all the might and determination he possessed.

The golden staff shot upward like a blazing meteor, effortlessly piercing through the violent spatial cracks that tore apart the heavens above.

Boom!

An explosion of golden brilliance erupted instantly, illuminating the devastated world in radiant splendor. Slowly, miraculously, the vicious spatial cracks began closing, reality healing itself under the staff’s mysterious power.

A sudden, cheerful clapping rang out from behind Orion, prompting him to turn sharply. Standing there was Wukong, applauding enthusiastically, his playful smile broader than ever, eyes filled with approval.

"Congratulations, young one," Wukong praised warmly. "You’ve passed my final trial."

Orion’s eyes widened sharply, shock and disbelief coloring his expression as he stared incredulously at the Monkey King. His mind rapidly processed Wukong’s words, struggling to comprehend their meaning fully.

Wukong chuckled lightly, clearly enjoying Orion’s astonished reaction. "You truly believe I’d let just anyone become my successor? This—was the true test—the final trial. And you passed magnificently."

Orion remained speechless for several long seconds, staring in disbelief before finally managing to speak, voice hesitant. "W-what would have happened if I’d chosen the staff for myself rather than using it to save this world?"

Wukong’s expression grew amused, eyes twinkling mischievously. "The staff would have dispersed into nothingness," he revealed calmly. "You would’ve gained nothing but bitter disappointment."

Orion inhaled sharply, fully understanding the implications of Wukong’s test. Trust and selflessness had truly been tested, and thankfully, he had not failed.

"Then what about the staff now?" Orion asked carefully, curiosity piqued. His gaze rose upward, observing the healed sky, searching for the staff that had seemingly vanished into the restored heavens.

Wukong followed Orion’s gaze, smiling lightly. "It was merely a replica," he confessed easily, his voice relaxed yet proud. "Do you really believe my true Ruyi Jingu Bang would be necessary to stabilize a mere small world’s spatial integrity? My real staff can stabilize the space of even a Great Chiliocosm effortlessly, let alone a mere small world like this."

Orion exhaled slowly, realization dawning on him. He had genuinely been fooled by Wukong’s talk of trust and his relationship with the Primordial Emperor, Echo.

Yet, despite the initial shock, Orion harbored no resentment. Rather, a deep sense of respect for Wukong’s cleverness and sincerity grew within him.

Wukong stepped forward then, his expression solemn and sincere. "Your decision today leads to my true legacy," he announced gently. "I hope that you’re the one destined to receive it."

With that, Wukong reached casually into his thick golden fur, carefully plucking out a single golden hair. Holding it gently, the hair transformed swiftly, morphing elegantly into a shimmering Golden Headband, radiant with a divine glow.

Orion’s eyes widened again, a trace of unease surfacing within him as he asked hesitantly, "Is that the fabled Golden Headband? Will I be bound by restrictions or forced to follow certain rules?"

Wukong shook his head with a chuckle, his expression calm. "No," he clarified, voice soothing yet firm. "This merely grants you access to the true legacy grounds of my inheritance. Now, Orion, stand tall and accept this."

Orion briefly glanced around the barren lands one final time, cracked ground, shattered mountains, ruins and devastation.

Although the spatial grid had stabilized, the scars upon this world remained evident, lingering as a painful reminder of his actions.

Orion decided internally to address this destruction eventually, but now, accepting Wukong’s legacy took precedence.