During Avrin's absence from Seleria, the Spectrals had busied themselves with the tournament. The city itself had been split into four sections in a simplified manner, having each section represent north, east, south, and west, with each region hosting a qualifying tournament separately.

When the tournament was announced, there were many Spectrals who grew excited at the prospect of being able to display their worth. However, there were others who hoped it would raise their prestige, while even more thought this was simply a test for either themselves or for some special criteria for the expedition. If one thing was certain, it's that all those who applied knew this event would be held repeatedly in the future.

The Spectral Participants knew that this tournament also held a hidden importance as the chance to travel to another world was only part of the reward. To stand above the rest, they must train, endure, and suffer, to prepare themselves against the other foes. Because of this, many Spectrals regretted not taking the chance to train under Asura, while those who did were condescendingly laughing or gloating with their head start.

Much planning and preparation were required; it took only a few hours for each location within the city to be reformed into proper tournament arenas thanks to the combined efforts of the Spectrals community. Because this was the first time such an event was being held, there were many setbacks. However, things were smoothed out by Erebus and Ailirion, leaving Kael to focus on other things.

With millions of Spectrals who qualified to want to prove themselves, Kael made the decision to limit the number of participants per tournament, accepting only the creme of the crop as they call it. Kael's decision on the strength needed to qualify were based on records of the Spectrals’ general improvement and breakthroughs; And by setting the minimum level required to qualify for the beginner stage, the number of participants was narrowed down significantly. This was important because a majority of the population had not even attained their first steps when it came to developing particles that could be utilized.

The Tournament was organized such that experts would only fight those on the same level, masters only those on the same level, grand masters and sages only on the same level, each being sent to the specified region. Kael didn't want to simply take those among the strongest but wanted to impress Avrin and the other purebloods by filtering out the talented Spectrals among the rest. As some had started before others, it wouldn't be fair to pass judgment from their level alone. After all, Kael knew that Dark Matter had too many unknowns and different applications. Many Spectrals would primary focus on specific abilities first then learn how to integrate these abilities into their tactics or combat styles. For example, there were some Spectrals who focused on utilizing dark matter bows, while others chose to instead focus on magic themed attacks such as the Void Sphere, and others chose to specialize in melee weapons or even their fists.

A few Spectrals even excelled in augmentation. Kael had spent quite a bit of time watching over many battles carefully even when he had put others in charge to act as referees. Other Spectrals, who hadn't made it into the tournament or were just curious, couldn't help but want to watch the battles out of entertainment or with the intent to learn their skills used so that they could be integrated into their skillset.

Seatings were not built around the shaped arenas; those who wanted to watch would have to make their seats 100 meters away. Each region had their fair share of an audience in the thousands, while those who didn't attend continued with their daily lives or had begun to train harder in hopes of making it into a new tournament should it ever occur again in the future.

Kael was currently in a nearby building, watching over the Southern Region’s Tournament semifinals match from a higher position. He could only sigh dejectedly as he wasn't pleased with the situation.

“-Despite my careful planning, there were still a lot of blunders…still, all I can do is learn from my mistakes. However, if I fall behind, then Amias will surpass me and become master’s right hand.-” Kael calmed himself using the semifinals as a learning experience for the future.

The Spectral city had grown greatly with the land being converted and rebuilt to house the many still homeless Spectrals. Constantly expanding and growing, it was not a difficult job, since, with their new powers, construction that would take years would be finished in weeks or days depending on the more skilled individuals.

Some Spectrals had taken interest in the art of architecture and thus decided to challenge themselves by creating their buildings. Most of these individuals were taught by Eitri and had fallen in love with his designs, but later many decided that simply mimicking Eitri’s work wasn't enough, so they decided to focus their paths not on improving their strength or metalsmithing but simply on discovering different styles. Because of this, many former master masons and other architects were able to recruit many new disciples of their own. Even better, these disciples were able to bring their new ideas and influences into the architecture-related professions, starting a new boon.

The Northern Territory was also very underdeveloped and dangerous compared to the rest of Seleria before the Rebirth, so construction and constant remodeling were also in great need for the newly settled Spectrals. Because of this, there were already plans to gradually expand throughout the Northern Continent and build more cities towns based on the architectural experiments that were being performed here. This is why Kael and the others were even more enthusiastic about spreading the word about the tournaments and the expeditions in the name of their Lord Monarch.

At the same time, the craftsmen were consequently forced to work harder and were able to improve their skills at a faster rate due to recent incidents. In fact, many of these Spectrals were only ecstatic. With the increase in population, arising a need for more workers, they were able to recruit many new disciples and test out many innovations, since not every person has the talent or desire for combat. Some only wished to live in peace. Among the various types of architects, there were many who had the mindset that while life was limited, their creations would be eternal. This was because, while their creations would last for a long time, they would contribute to a bigger picture and possibly add on to the heritage for the later generations.

This city was a perfect example of a self-sufficient society as no currency fueled the construction, only efforts of a working community. Within the eastern region, a total of 400 or so master level Spectrals had applied within four days. These number quickly dwindled to 50, and in another day and a half, the two master level opponents who remained in the grand finals were currently locked in fierce combat, a man, and a woman.

The woman focused on a unique form of Ranged combat, but interestingly enough, this was something she had obtained from the sphere of knowledge. Avrin hadn't taught the purebloods much about his world via Sphere of Knowledge. He simply didn't think much of the matter; instead, he had shared knowledge about ‘basic’ weapons and also various fields of science. However, information was withheld or regulated on some things such as the more technologically advanced weapons that Avrin was aware of.

However, the Spectrals who came from Medieval-like societies were still having trouble fully comprehending these bits of information. Although they wanted to take their strength and training seriously, there were issues of “How do I use this knowledge,” “How can I create a style just for me,” or “How to improve the path already chosen.”

Her bolt's were made of powerful magical wood known for condensing magical attacks, but the fletchings originated from enchanted feathers from different flying monsters, making this bolt's that much more dangerous. The bolt's’ shafts were somewhat unique as well due to the spirals crafted onto the shaft.

Then again, even without these bolt's, what made her stand out from others was her ability to fire bolts in different directions at a rapid pace, in addition to her triple Bolt shot which contained dark matter that was imbued with elemental powers. Among her other skills, another notable one was [Void Arrow], a skill possessing great penetrating power. Some reports even noted that she had another skill called [Reverse Lightning Arrow], an archer version of the dark lightning that was a result of hard work as well as trial and error when manipulating dark matter, While it required at least 3 powerful Void Arrows to be fused together each with lightning created by dark matter, each resulting arrow would possess explosive power, releasing a powerful blast of lightning upon impact.

The repeating crossbow was nothing over the top in design, similar to how those on earth looked. From the muzzle to the butt of the repeater it was forged with a high-quality metal with dark matter imbued into it to give it a purple glowing luster. The bow was crafted with a high-quality wood which was also imbued with dark matter for extra durability. The string itself was a bendable metal similar to the strings of guitars in shape, yet the durability had reached a significantly higher level. The repeater lacked a magazine and trigger because not only were the bolts created from dark matter, but they also required the use of the user’s divine sense to fire. Her attire along with the repeater bow was made by Arcane blacksmiths not one but three who had been taught by Eitri and were all undoubtedly at least of the Unique rarity level.

Even the shafts of bolts were made from a high-quality metal, but the most interesting part about these bolts were their uniquely spiraled heads for piercing power. For her to manifest such top quality bolts from the dark matter at a rapid speed meant her manifestation ability with nebula mist was top tier even among the higher ranked spectral, showing that she was one who diligently trained for combat.

In the end, the woman excelled in agility, so paired with two crossbows which used such strong bolts, one could understand why she chose to use them as main weapons

As for the tournaments and the practicality of her tactics among the Spectrals, teleportation was not used often as each use needed high levels of concentration and caused the disorientation of the senses from the instantaneous environmental changes. This would leave a slight gap or delay in reaction time, making either purebloods or rare talents the only ones who can use Divine Step with ease. Because of this, many Spectrals weren’t proficient in teleportation yet and were forced to rely on other means in combat.

Her opponent was armored to the teeth and bared the appearance of a juggernaut. Towering 7 feet tall with a bulky frame fashioned in exquisite armor also forged by spectral blacksmiths, his weapon of choice appeared to be a large flail with a long chain and enormous ball that seemed to weigh a ton. It had no discerning outer features such as spikes protruding from it, yet it emitted a dark decaying aura. The ball of the flail was indeed made of dark matter with its tricks.

“Stop running!!!!” The man roared out with great irritation. Swinging his flail sideways, he displayed his incredible strength and control as attacked while removing any openings for his opponent to take advantage. Also he had also developed the ability to change the length of the chains depending on the situation.

As the man swung his flail towards the woman, the flail shrieked as it seemingly split the wind. The woman wearing her dark brown hair down to her lower back in a tied fashion kept herself steady as she agility backflipped with only a half meter to spare, allowing her to barely avoid the attack. Although her opponent was only using brute force, she was still being pushed to her limits and knew that to underestimate her enemy would surely be a mistake.

The moment the ball missed its target, the man's eyes narrowed before he pulled it back by the chain, but surprisingly, the ball only moved back a meter before a large mass of nebula mist stopped it from moving any further. Suddenly, the chain itself began to stretch almost like a rubberband as the man continued to pull it back. The chain was emitting a strange purple glow, seemingly preparing something as he took advantage of his chain lengthening technique. Paired with the Nebula Mist already surging around both the man and his weapon, the man was making up for the attack missing by using it as the stepping stone for his next move. Wrapping the chains around his right forearm, the chain suddenly retracted with incredible speed. He jumped forward as the retracted chains propelled him towards the ball. By taking advantage of this momentum, he soon reached above the location of the ball, and moments later, he spun before kicking the ball itself, causing the nebula mist to disperse.

The force of this spinning kick that borrowed the momentum of his makeshift catapult caused the flail head to shoot towards the female at a rapid speed as if it were a meteor. At the same time, he managed to concentrate the accumulated nebula mist into the flail during the instance of the kick, borrowing the power of partial augmentation to further increase its power. Sending the flail shooting forward while emitting a deep purple glow. Although lengthy in explanation, this was done in mere seconds.

The woman who had landed and gained her balance quickly focused her eyes back on the man but had barely any time to see what had happened before she reflexively acted. Although her leather armor and protective gear gave her a boost in speed and protection, that apparently didn’t mean the same for her bow as cracks had already appeared. She quickly threw it to the side and chose to equip another one of her two crossbows. Taking into account everything, she shot several Void Spheres before firing several enchanted bolts in rapid fire motion.

With a dozen or so bolts nearing, they all suddenly shone and drew a purple electric current from the Void Spheres as they all seemed to amplify each other's prowess and continue towards the ball. Of course, as it smashed against the flail head, they landed throughout the side of the ball and exploded, causing the momentum of the ball to glide away to the right.

The man's brows furrowed “Shit…!” He quickly pulled back on the rubber-like chain to bring it back under control and began retrieving his flail. However, the explosion had caused dust and debris to scatter around and obscured his vision. For some reason, even his particles felt a bit chaotic, so as he pulled back on the ball, what he didn't realize was that the woman had rushed over and jumped onto the ball during its retrieval.

The winds generated from the flail head’s large mass and speed blew away the dust and was only 10 meters away before the man realized he had a hitchhiker kneeling down on the flail. Using a metallic-looking but wooden arrow surrounded with nebula mist to maintain her ride and balance on the ball, she gripped her crossbow in the other hand and aimed at him with a wide grin and a seductive teasing look. She taunted. “I'm so sorry!” You could practically hear the gloating and happiness within her voice. The next moment, from amidst her small laughter, the small sound of her firing her crossbow could be heard, and from the approaching bolts, one could hear an ominous sound that seemed almost like a wailing ghost wanting to curse a victim.

The man grumbled in annoyance before he then smirked. He wasn't nearly as helpless as she thought. “Oh yeah…” He chuckled before willing the ball she was on to scatter into a cloud of nebula mist. Within moments, the woman was stunned as she fell through and was caught by the nebula mist that quickly formed into shadow chains to bind her. The man then quickly raised his hand to try and block the strangely glowing green and black bolt. Augmenting his arm beneath the gauntlet and vambrace, he plans to block the bolt, but to his surprise, no reaction was felt as he seemingly punched through nothing.

“-Ilusión?-” He briefly considered this as the bolt suddenly vanished. However, before his thoughts or observations could continue, a loud explosion went off as the missing bolt smashed against his helmet. A cloud of darkness quickly spread over his body, causing his vision to cease and his limbs to weaken. Kael and some other experts were able to clearly see that the Elven Archer was able to apply Void Step onto the quickly moving bolt. Many were impressed or flabbergasted at her mastery of this unique technique within Pulsing Dragon style, especially those few from or related to the White Dragon Clan.

“You little-mn!!--” His words had been cut off as he kept waving his hand to remove the cursed mist. Soon, he also surged nebula mist to remove her attack. The crowd watching this situation weren't sure of what happened, but to them, seeing strong warriors fight seriously with something on the line made their blood boil with excitement. It had spurred many to train harder and even change their attitude towards neglecting combat training. Moreover, who would hate a good fight to watch during these busy times?

The Shadow Chains that sealed the woman began to crack as a purple light shone out, the chains shattering like glass before it turned into ash and dispersed into the wind. Not too afterward, the man finally removed the dark fog from his body and face as well. He was, of course, both shocked and at a loss because as soon as he reassessed his surroundings, he found that both his heavy armor and his weapon were ruined. The woman already discarded her first crossbow and held a new crossbow in her hands, aiming at him from 3 meters away with her smirk visible on her face.

The man's face twisted a little into an ugly look as his voice trembled with anger. “You damn cheater…ranged attacks are for cowards!” Although crossbows weren’t as powerful as arbalests, he knows that he won’t come off lightly if she fires another round of those dangerous bolts. The last one was just too dangerous and even ruined his armor.

“Kuh…Fine, I forfeit. I can't do much anyways…” With resignation, the man simply sighs and releases the remainder of his chains as he shakes his head. Either way, they were both practically guaranteed a spot in the expedition, since the tournament was more of test to single out the most suitable combatants preferable. Although with a lot less chance, even the weaker entries even have a slight chance depending on their performance and luck.

“The Eastern region’s champion is Lelina!” An official called out with a strong voice. The crowd which had been eager and excited erupted into a frenzied cheer, but clearly, the majority of the cheers were for those females who saw this woman as their idol and goal to reach. Not even the men who looked at Lelina in lustful ways could shout loud enough in cheer to make themselves noticed.

“Hmph…you think you're big and tough? That's the only thing that's big..” Giving a scornful smirk at the armored man, she taunted his pride after his comment and turned to walk away with a cold elegance, leaving her opponent stunned and seethed in anger almost as if he wanted to cry in unfairness.

“Really interesting weapons our kin use..” Ailirion was watching from a fair distance, glancing in curiosity. His particle stage was only a little higher then those two which made him somewhat shocked at how well they fought, but the battle itself was an eye opener for him. He had made sure to watch as many as he could to understand the different methods of combat the spectrals would use, and he had seen many as a result. Some would use whips or magic-themed techniques, others would wield weird objects that surely weren't meant for combat and just wanted to show off, while others, such as the northern region of the city’s champion, used two tomahawks with Avrin as his inspiration. After all, that person seems to admired the tales of Avrin’s major deeds, especially how he beheaded Orochi.

“I have much to learn…” Ailiron mumbled quietly to himself as his large human-shaped insect claw reached up to scratch under his chin. “I believe we all have much to learn and must continue our attempts in advancing. Otherwise, we will be overtaken by the newer generation or wiped out by our enemies.” A soft sounding middle aged voice sounded out as a robed figure made his way into the room of the building which oversaw this region's tournament. This figure was Erebus.

“Oh, Erebus, it's you…. I don't think it would be bad if we were overtaken. It just means there is new water to dilute the pool and make it more clear. We at the top can't hope to keep everything in check as we expand. We surely need more leaders.” Ailirion gave a quick glance towards Erebus before turning back to the tournament grounds. Although he can’t be completely sure, he believes that this is one of the greatest wishes that the Lord Monarch wishes for. He knows that no society can function on the incompetent.

Erebus gave an expressionless look as he watched over the chattering crowd as they dispersed. “You wouldn't find another who would love such a thing to happen, Ailirion. But think of the bigger picture, these are a few tournament winners who I wouldn't have trouble with defeating. Who knows what sort of goals they have for themselves and if they even want to be leaders. Without a true leader showing and giving directions, we are the ones that have to rely on our knowledge to guide the people….”

Ailirion's expression hardened as he spoke. “Erebus…what you're speaking is akin to blasphemy…He is our creator, our progenitor, and our God. Do you think just because he does not show himself and does not guide everyone in a constant manner that he doesn't care?…”

Erebus gave a slight sigh. “You are right. I apologize…” Deep in his heart, Erebus’s thoughts were nearly set in stone. He felt Avrin didn't seem to show much care for his people because he hadn't made himself visible often. Even if Avrin was busy, he could at least show himself to his people, reassure them and properly guide them, impart more wisdom and knowledge so that they can reach his heights, and fulfill his role as a god.

Although he hasn’t said or currently realize it, somewhere in a deep corner of his heart, he felt that he could do much better. He felt that he had proven himself to have the true ability for becoming a god exceeding the ability of Avrin and that everything should properly come under his rule. A strange array of emotions was growing within the ignorant Erebus’s heart, making him somewhat absentminded before being startled back to attention by Ailirion speaking to him.

“Do not apologize, but do not speak of such a thing again…!-” Ailirion's eyes lit up with excitement, and even Erebus’s face shook in surprise. A voice had sounded in their minds. “-I've returned. Come to the main chamber.-”

Avrin's voice had spoken to Erebus and Ailirion only as he had seen with his divine sense that all looked quite busy. They immediately began to make their way over towards the tower. Erebus had given Ailirion some consideration and hadn't divine stepped, or void stepped due to him not having exactly reached that level yet, so they had simply rushed over.

A full 5 minutes of rushing over from their location had them reach the large tower at the center of the city. Glancing up, Erebus looked at the towering building that seemed to near the heavens and Lord over the rest of the city. “-Maybe, I should tell him my concerns…no… If I do, he may see me as unfit…-” Erebus furrowed his brows before rushing forward towards the guarded entrance.

“Hah!... Lord Erebus, Lord Aileron, Welcome back!!” The two spectrals immediately greeted the two spectral pure bloods who simply nodded as to return the greeting before excitedly making their way up. This tower utilized the new system of transportation and was the only method to reach the top if one didn’t know how to Divine Step. Of course, this “new system” was a fusion of the elevator with the short-range teleportation magic circles based on the human royal palace.

Among some of the larger buildings, the architects have experimented with one of the innovations from their Lord Monarch and have created makeshift elevators. By connecting a prototype runic device to a series of pulleys, passengers could control the elevators by powering a magic tool within the elevator. As such, as long one has enough mana or dark matter, each elevator would reach their designated floor. They then just needed to access the magic circles on several floors to get towards one the more restricted areas, or depending on the elevator, they can use the hidden magic circle to teleport onto a normally inaccessible elevator that would take them to their destination. This was why there were several dozen elevators, each with a certain floor number, all of which were guarded by spectrals who took pride in their duty.

One of these nonmechanical elevators was, of course, more heavily guarded than the rest. It was the one that led to the top chamber. Not hesitating, they made their way forward and entered after receiving greetings from the guards.

“The Lord Monarch has returned; I know he will bring exciting news. What do you think, Erebus?” Ailirion looked over. Erebus had a slight smile on his face as he hid his conflicted side. “I also think he may have interesting news for us. Then again, he may simply be here to receive the tournament winners and Kael…” After speaking, he felt a little bitter but again hid it deep.

“Don't be the bearer of such negative thoughts, my friend. The Lord Monarch surely isn't a stingy individual and will impart wisdom and knowledge as he always does. He puts faith in our actions, and we are the leaders he has chosen.” Ailirion tried to comfort Erebus. He wasn't dumb and knew that Erebus still had lingering thoughts.

As they neared their destination, they heard a strange screeching sound of pain coming from the top of the towered building, which caused them both slight disorientation and fright. Erebus’s eyes grew stern as he Divine Stepped up ignoring Ailirion.

When he appeared in the top chamber, he turned and was shocked by sight. “You think I wouldn't notice you leeching mana from these lodes?…good…At least I know you things don't have intelligence…” Avrin was clutching the apparition’s neck with one hand and gripping one of its arms, while the apparition clutched Avrin's arm while struggling and screeching. “I know there are restrictions in place for those that can enter this protected region….screech and scream as much as you want..you're not going anywhere…you stupid little thing fell right into my trap…”

Avrin had an excited look on his face, and throughout his body, a slight distortion was noticeable. He was using his advanced rift particles to grip onto the creature and was happy to know that his recent mastery and improvement gave him an edge. He wasn't 100% certain, but if it didn't work out, he had planned to divine step it back into space with one of the lodes as a fail safe so to speak.

“What a fascinating thing…I'm sure you're not so dumb….if you behave … how about we communicate?… you like mana, right?…if you act properly, I will give you as much as you want. How’s that?!” Avrin, despite gripping and clutching the creature, was trying to bargain and communicate.

The creature screeched again for a moment. The mouth that had cracked open onto its featureless face which seemed somewhat demented suddenly calmed as the purple eye which was darting around rested on Avrin and shook with a little hesitation. Its mouth then closed and sealed up, and Avrin softly eased his grip.

However, before Avrin could open his mouth again, the apparition began to screech again as it wanted to try and get away in a fit of apparent fear. Before, Avrin couldn't harm it or the others, but things were different now. He was at least capable of capturing these phantom-like creatures, and as if sensing danger instinctively, the creature likely knew that Avrin could now harm it.

“Very well!” Avrin tightened his grip onto the creature once again. He then dragged it over towards a larger lucent crystal lode and let go of the creature's arm, allowing it to try and claw at hand gripping at its neck with little success in harming Avrin.

Avrin's free hand thrust over towards the lode and punched inside as he gripped onto a luminous lucent crystal that shone with radiance. He pulled it out and showed it to the creature as if wanting to tease it.

“See this?…” Avrin brought it in front of the creature yet out of its reach. Immediately, the creature shut its mouth and remained still and silent as its eye followed the lucent crystal as it motion left and right.

“M..master..what is…” Erebus was unable to remain quiet as he spoke. “Watch….this thing is something that gave me a little trouble before, but I believe with a bit of effort, it can be convinced and trained….” Before Avrin had arrived on Seleria, during the moment the creature had latched onto the lodestone, he had indeed not felt it with his divine sense.

However, this was planned. He knew he wouldn't be able to sense it if he was the same as before, but little did he expect for his Dark Matter Heart to start pulsing with a distorted light that invisibly engulfed a 5,000-kilometer radius within his Divine Sense. Without him knowing, dark matter variant particles started integrating into his Divine Sense which allowed Avrin to see what he had not been able to see before. Coupled with his enhanced spatial awareness, this was already bordering into a whole new type of sense imbued with distorted spatial properties.

Although it was likely in an incomplete form and would remain that way until he completely stepped into the Rift Stage, this improved sense’s power was now a saving grace against one of the dangers of the Phantom Domain. With it, he had discovered the creature before it even reached the lode. Not to mention, it’s presence had been made more obvious by the mana of the lode being siphoned away. Nevertheless, now that he had this chance in addition to his developing sense, he continued analyzing the apparition and felt that it was made up of a strange but barely familiar energy. He couldn't exactly put his finger on, but regardless, he had a plan to try and tame this one creature first.

“You want this…?…” The creature suddenly began clawing forward to try and snatch it out of Avrin's hand as its mouth opened again, yet instead of screeching, a mist emitted from its mouth that replaced drool.

“Calm down first….and then, I will give it to you, do you understand?….” Avrin carefully focused his gaze on it. A few moments later, the pulley elevator had reached the top and opened up with Ailirion rushing forward, yet a hand blocked his way. “Remain quiet for a moment…” Erebus whispered to the shocked Ailirion who glanced at him then at Avrin and the apparition before nodding.

The creature looked a bit impatient as it tried to claw at the lucent crystal a bit more. It acted as if the lucent crystal were a piece of the most delicious food and that it had been starving for years. It suddenly came to its senses as Avrin's words slowly entered its near formless mind. Unexpectedly and amazingly, Avrin then witnessed the apparition relax and raise one hand that trembled with hunger as if asking for the lucent crystal.

Avrin gave a wide darkened grin. This was what he had been wanting. He felt this was a step in a direction that was well worth where it would lead. He placed the lucent crystal in the creature’s trembling hand, and almost immediately, it brought the radiant crystal to its mouth and gobbled it up near instantly. The crystal didn’t even last for more than 3 seconds before apparently disappearing. Its hands then reached out again as it continued to tremble, showing it wanted more. Its purple eye glanced at Avrin, unblinking yet trembled with hunger.

“I'm going to give you this batch here….because I am a nice person. I will let you eat all of this. I can bring you more as long as you are nice to me and don't do bad things. Ok? Can you nod like this if you understand?” Avrin slowly nodded his head, and the creature also slowly nodded.

With this, he was able to confirm the presence of some form of sentience and intelligence among even the weakest of these apparitions. He also confirmed that they had some need or desire for any concentrated form of mana. Avrin then walked towards the smaller lode of Lucent crystals and cautiously let the creature go.

The apparition which had taken a more corporeal form due to the unique spatial distortions of Avrin’s reformed body glanced at him as it rubbed its neck. It looked very cautious of him, but as though remembering the taste of the Lucent crystals or succumbing to its instincts, it slowly approached the lode before latching its claws onto the surface and starting to drain mana.

Avrin continued to watch as he noticed a slight change within the apparition. Although he wasn’t sure, he noticed a greater presence emerging from the creature and could only guess that it was gaining more stability or strength. However, as he continued to watch, the apparition didn’t immediately reenter into the crystal lode and instead slowly shifted its gaze onto Ailirion and Erebus, revealing a sense of hunger within a pair of ominous eyes. Both Spectrals felt the insatiable hunger and quickly raised their guards, taking a step back by reflex.

“If you harm them…I will end you…understand?” Avrin said as he gave the creature a stern look while at the same time releasing a small Phantom Pulse to pressure the creature, accidentally creating specks of purple light within the surroundings that caused a great sense of dread to fill the room. Although he was trying to communicate with it, Avrin knew that this wasn’t a game and was extremely cautious. If he could find out more about this creature, more countermeasures could be made, but this did not mean that he would act carelessly or hesitate too much in his decision to kill.

The creature simply turned its head from the purebloods back to Avrin as it sensed the killing intent from his words. “…remember…show me kindness…I will return it back to you…now then, you are free to eat.” Avrin pointed towards the lode as he spoke again. The apparition then glanced over at the lode before its mouth opened. It could smell the mana, and this made it all the more hungry. No longer holding back, it soon started siphoning the mana from the Lucent crystals as a colorful gas was drawn from the lode and into its unnaturally wide mouth.

Avrin knew it would take awhile for this one creature to consume the lode as its ability seemed limited when within this protected region. He then carefully walked backward and willed a seat to turn for him before sitting down, glancing at the creature. He hadn't blinked once the entire time as if he didn't want to miss a second of the situation.

“Master…what exactly is that thing?” Ailirion couldn't help but speak up as the room had gone silent. He could sense a natural sense of fear and danger from this thing before him.

Avrin kept his gaze on the apparition but spoke up in reply. “This creature…I do not know what is exactly or where its kind comes from, but what I do know is that it becomes extremely dangerous when in packs and that concentrations of mana will no doubt draw its kind as they seem to feed off anything with infused with large amounts of mana.” Although he was not looking at them with his own eyes, Avrin could still “see” the tension and wariness shown by both Erebus and Ailirion as they cautiously moved towards him.

“Don’t worry too much. Alone, they are not too strong, and they are not able to enter into Seleria on their own. So, I can easily handle this one.” He could continue to watch the apparition, tapping his fingers of one hand onto the marvelous table. His other hand stroked his chin as a look of contemplation displayed on his face.

“However, as you can see, this thing appears to lack significant intelligence. It follows its instincts mostly, such as feeding off energy namely mana and is very hard even for me to detect in most cases. Alone it is weak, but if gathered in large numbers…they’ll Become so powerful that even I must flee from them or meet my end. At first, I thought of how I should go about exterminating them, but then, it occurred to me: Instead of trying to remove them, why not turn them into a powerful ally?.....” Removing the hand on his chin and waving towards the apparition, Avrin used use Divine Sense to secure it within an invisible barrier.

“As I said, they seem to be attracted to mana, and from how this one feasts on the lode, they seem to fanatically love mana. Therefore, I'll take the first step with this one. I will try to tame it and see how far I can go, and if it fails…well, I’ll suffer no loss one way or another.” He further explained. A grin spread on his face as he then faced Erebus and Ailirion.