Chapter 3: Every Path Leads To Disaster
Rex found himself traversing through swirling currents of blue and red lights. Reality and dreams melded together, creating a chaotic collision. The surreal spectacle sent shivers down Rex's spine.
Eventually, a small gateway materialized, pulling Rex towards it with a powerful suction force. In an instant, reality warped before his eyes. Rex found himself in a desolate and arid area resembling a desert—a place far from welcoming.
Recalling his parents' words about the Asterion Realm being a safe haven in times of impending destruction, Rex couldn't help but notice the presence of eerie creatures and monstrosities within the barren landscape. His gaze drifted upwards, catching sight of a miniature version of the Skypit infused with Mirror energy. However, at just two years old, obtaining it was an impossible feat.
Suddenly, faint footsteps echoed from a distance, growing louder and clearer with each passing moment. Rex stood his ground, torn between staying and leaving. It could be his mother or father approaching—the glimmer of hope flickering within him.
But what if he left and his parents couldn't find him? The thought weighed heavily on Rex's mind.
Doubt and uncertainty swirled within Rex as a strange surge of power swept across the desert, causing him to take a step back in alarm. Three thunderous booms reverberated, and a figure hurtled towards Rex at an astonishing speed.
As the figure crashed into the ground, he raised his head to meet Rex's gaze. The little boy's eyes widened in recognition.
"Rex?"
Rex blinked, unable to find his voice.
"What are you doing here? Where's Mommy? No... you shouldn't be here, it's dangerous!" The fifteen-year-old boy exclaimed, fear clutching his heart.
Rex mustered a smile.
"Mummy and Daddy were attacked. I think our entire building was destroyed. Mommy told me to come to the Asterion Realm." Rex explained, causing Jake's eyes to widen further.
"T-the elite demons attacked? Oh no! Those elites are Envoys. Can they survive?"
Rex's smile persisted.
"Mummy and Daddy are powerful!"
Jake froze for a moment. Clearly, he was unaware. How could he expect a child to comprehend such matters? Optimism seemed to come naturally to Rex.
That's the conclusion Jake arrived at. But what if Rex's parents had borrowed powers?
The thought sent a shiver down Jake's spine. The idea of Rex becoming an orphan was too unsettling to fathom.
A sudden shriek shattered Jake's train of thought, prompting him to swiftly grab Rex and dodge a surprise attack from a terrifying monster—a colossal praying mantis. Its razor-sharp talons and blade-like appendages lashed at the air, delivering devastating blows.
Jake, a mere Mage, struggled to withstand the onslaught while ensuring Rex's safety. Rex, being a young child, hadn't yet acquired any abilities due to his age. However, he possessed a rare Nexus soul—a transformation that only a few humans had undergone. To achieve it, they had to study the Mirror energy above the Skypit and receive blessings from the gods.
But Rex possessed a Nexus without the need for blessings or awakening—making him an extraordinary anomaly.
Understanding the need to protect Rex, Jake marveled at the child's innate uniqueness. Rex was akin to a precious gem from the very beginning. The praying mantis screeched in frustration as it pounded the ground, unleashing a devastating shockwave. Jake summoned his aspect ability, Soul Gauge, drawing a triangular line in the air. Golden lines converged, forming a protective field that clashed with the mantis's attacks, resulting in a resounding clash that sent both forces reeling. Jake swiftly scooped up Rex and raced across the islands with inhuman speed, narrowly escaping the mantis's grasp.
After their narrow escape, Jake hesitated momentarily before deciding to open the Asterion gates, pulling Rex along with him.
***
The building lay in ruins, consumed by flames. Lives had been extinguished, reduced to ashes and dust. Among the residents of the vast structure and its apartments, only two souls remained—Rex and Jake.
Jake, being a neighbor, recognized Rex as his fellow survivor in the Asterion world. Rex's wide, innocent eyes gazed at Jake, demanding an explanation that he could barely articulate.
"Mummy and Daddy?" Rex's voice quivered, awaiting a response.
Jake flinched, slowly turning to meet those innocent eyes.
Should he tell Rex that they would return? No, the truth needed to be faced.
Jake let out a soft sigh.
"I'm sorry, Rex... Mummy and Daddy..."
Jake's voice trailed off, his exhalation filled with sorrow.
"Mummy and Daddy... they're... gone. They perished in the fire that consumed our home."
How does a two-year-old process the news of losing their parents?
"But they promised they would come back for me!"Rex's immediate response was a mix of anger and confusion. He angrily pushed Jake's hands away.
"They said they'd come back! How could they leave me?" Rex cried out, his muffled sobs drowned by Jake's fear of attracting the attention of the demon elites.
Realizing they were the only survivors, Jake knew they needed to find a new place to stay. He reached for his phone and dialed a number with trembling hands. Moments later, a connection was established.
.....
In the northern reach of Asia, a swirling mast of darkness was forged from an already corrupted soul who's corruption was spreading this vile darkness that shrouded the arena.
It was a corrupted Supreme-Druid.
A mirror soul was supposed to be free from all form of defilement, but somehow, that seed was planted in there.
The Supreme Druid in question is loosing his Sanity and awareness to humanity... he might even become a creature if the corruption leaves his soul and spreads to his body...
So, he had gathered Envoys to find the rarest Nexus soul. Only a Nexus that can rid the corruption in him.
A Nexus formed without been given an ability that transforms it.
"Sir, there's one rarest!"
One Envoy spoke and the Supreme Druid turned.
"Who? It shouldn't be too hard for you all right?"
The other Envoys laughed...
"It's just a Child, Rex Barclay... two years old, recently lost his parents in some elites invasion, now he's living in Texas with his brother... it seems."
The Supreme Druid sighed.
"Then we go for him right?"
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