The Inner Odyssey

Chapter 44 Content

Within Nature's Grove, a cloaked figure dashed through the forest, their steps light and swift.

Behind them, an abomination with an alarming aura gave chase, hot on their heels.

However, the figure's pace remained the same.

Unhurried.

It was as if they were taking a casual stroll instead of evading the maw of a harrowing Defiled.

Sitting atop the cloaked individual's shoulder was a pitch-black phoenix.

It seemed no larger than a fledgeling, though, upon a deeper glance, one would find it slowly growing.

Its intelligent yellow eyes scanned the Defiled, mirroring its owner's calmness.

After an interminable length of time, the figure suddenly stopped and whirled around.

'This place should be good enough.'

Alden thought.

He had come to a halt inside a small glade.

The abomination growled, slowly inching towards him.

It wouldn't have sensed him at all if he had the Runic Item active. Alas, that was currently within the confines of his Dimensional bracelet.

The young man decided against using it because he wanted to test himself.

Alden hadn't remained idle for the past month.

He wanted to see how much he had progressed during this time.

And he had the perfect way to do that:

Fight a Devil.

Others might call Alden crazy for daring to go up against one of its kind as an [Apprentice] - he had, after all, almost lost his life in his first encounter with one. However, after a certain point during his travels in the Wilderness, he discovered that the Beasts had become much too easy for him to handle.

Alden needed something stronger.

Faster.

More... dire.

Only then could he show maximum improvement.

And that...

That was the most important thing.

As he stared at the Defiled Bear snarling at him, Alden summoned a short sword.

He slowly got into position, tensing his knees slightly. Beneath the hood of the cloak, his lips threatened to curl into an enthusiastic grin.

With measured composure, Alden observed the Devil pause a fair distance away from him.

It was as if it was sizing him up.

The young man basked in the calm before the storm, savouring the temporary stillness.

Three...

Four...

Five...

Six...

Seven...

Eight.

Alden had not been lazy after leaving the Waterfall of Stars.

Every day, for the past month, he would push his mind to the limit, hoping to control another thread.

This was the result of his constant effort.

To a spectator, he now appeared like an eight-armed demon, ready to claim the Defiled's life. Alden, who had once been the prey, had now turned into the hunter.

He did not stop there, though.

As the shadowy tentacles chained the bear in place, he walked up and placed a palm on the Devil's chest.

Then he whispered:

"Be gone."

In response, the abomination's skin began to crumble. A low hissing sound resounded in the small glade.

Without circulating his mana, the Defiled slowly disintegrated under Alden's touch.

It was as if he had truly turned into the Abyss.

That said, there were a couple of limitations that inhibited Alden from using this facet of his power too much.

First, he had to touch the target with all five of his fingers and his whole palm - Alden had made a conscious effort to avoid wrapping his whole hand on the hilt of his sword.

Secondly, it was less effective than [Abyssal Entropy].

That was not to say it wasn't devastating. However, it certainly took longer, as evidenced by the fact that the bear was not dead yet.

If he had used his Magic Class, the Defiled would have already met its end.

As it was, though...

Alden was content to let the bear suffer a little.

'I'm not going crazy, right?'

He coughed and cleared his throat.

Alden began whistling a merry tune, conveniently ignoring how he wanted the abomination to be in more distress. Soon, the spark of life in the bear's eyes went out.

Just like that, a Devil had died by his own hands. Of course, if he hadn't used his decay, the fight would have been a lot more troublesome.

Alden whistled for Ignia to come down, and he quickly, and efficiently skinned the bear.

Then, he was on his merry way, a happy smile on his face.

Alden was content with his gains.