Ascension of the Nephilim

Chapter 120 - What It Means To Challenge Fate

The information was crucial. Kyros took the time to explain everything that he had learned and given detailed descriptions. Martha and Diana saw the fast sprint of Kyros while he was writing something on his notebook.

What was strange was that Kyros could retain his acrobatic skills in leaping from one rock and would easily scale or leap through obstacles while immersed in writing stuff in the notebook.

"Erm... Is he always like this?" Diana asked Martha.

"Lady Diana. I met him just a few days before you did. And this is the first time I see him do that."

"I-I see. Anyway, what did Kyros meant by calling you 'aunt'?"

"Oh right! I haven't had the chance to tell you. But Kyros is going to give me as a wife to your brother-in-law Aron."

"He did what?!" Diana was shocked.

"It was part of the deal. I serve him as part of his Coven and marry Branze Steele, and he spares my life."

"He was going to kill you?!"

"He's... very cruel and has terrifying darkness. You've seen his power and strength. He's definitely not normal."

"I can hear you, you know." Kyros sighed as he kept running.

"I didn't lie, Lord Kyros." Martha chuckled.

Kyros immersed himself in writing on his notebook as he spun and leaped over the edge of a cliff.

The two shook their head and followed.

Martha and Diana continued to discuss how they met and what circumstances Kyros made Martha join the Coven.

Back in the Temple, Branze and Aron continued to meditate on the Temple grounds. 

Petra had already returned to the Golem City after relaying everything to them. However, before he did, he was able to restore two percent of his life energy which brought tremendous joy to Petra. Branze later explained that Kyros had seen the notification when he was healed, and it would take him another 3 years before he can have another 2 percent restored.

Yet despite that, Petra had hope. If things continued, he would be back at his one hundred, especially since Branze and Aron's group were very strong and cunning in the battlefield.

Branze had spent the next few minutes trying to concentrate, but Aron kept singing the song that Petra taught Branze to sing to Diana when she returns.

"It's a love story, baby just say yeah!" Aron sang.

"I wish Kyros will also teach me a song to romance Martha Bowheart. I can't wait to meet her! I've always had a thing for girls with deep eyes..." Aron smiled with a dreamy expression,

Branze was cursing. He was used to his brother's antics and have perfected the ways of diving himself to his studies while Aron would rant off or make fun of Branze. But now, his comments were fresh and new.

One of the knights rushed up and brought in the notebook.

"My Lords! An important note from Lord Kyros!" The knight reported.

"It should be regarding that..." Branze stood up, recalling the odd event that occurred.

"Its so strange to have this sensation. I feel like my Warriors Instincts have evolved many folds!" Aron laughed.

The two looked at the words that Kyros wrote.

"Father, Uncle. Grandfather has grown stronger in his mastery over the ability called Fate Challenger. His improvements was so vast that he managed to subvert the plans that Fate had for us. Things have changed because of that. The Temple seemed to have detected it and has now granted the ability to everyone who are members of out Steele family. Originally, portions of that power have been passed on to the two of you. I just learned through the Temple that there are several Paths in being a Fate Challenger. To become one, you need to walk in the Path of Combat, the Path of Foresight and the Path of Molding. I have detailed each Path below."

"Combat, Foresight and Molding..." Branze read.

"So dad has all three of those Paths?" Aron asked.

"Yes. It makes sense. Both Kyros and dad have the full power of Fate Challenger. They have gained the ability of foresight. Looking back at how our old man would make his plans, he was always on the defensive."

"Right. And Kyros was on the offense. I guess since our dad met your freak of a son, he learned a thing or two from him." Aron nodded.

The pair continued to read Kyros's words.

"I've explained the details of each Path below. I've added my own insights as well. I'm sure each of you know where you have specialized. A portion of grandfather's power is in you. In fact, you could even have greater potential in Fate."

---

Path of Foresight

The ability to understand the mysteries of Fate. At the low level, the Path of Foresight allows the person to sense and discern the possible means how Fate will moves. The stronger the energy required to move Fate, the greater the impression of Fate's movement is. At higher levels, the Path of Foresight allows the person to take a glimpse at the Fate of cities, towns and kingdoms. There should be several stages or 'job classes' in this Path alone. My current stage is called 'Clairvoyant'.

Path of Molding

The ability to exceed the limits of Fate in terms of growth and potential. Those who walk on the Path of Molding are able to exceed the limits of their skill, knowledge, and wisdom that the Gods and Fallen has destined the world to have. Like Foresight, there should be several stages or 'job classes' in this Path alone. My current stage is called 'Empowerer'.

Path of Combat

The ability to suppress those who are more favored by Fate in the act of combat. When two people fight to kill each other, Fate's power works in that those who are more favored would usually win. This grants one combatant more 'luck' in the fight. The Path of Combat allows the challenger to decrease the level of luck. At higher levels, the Path of Combat allows the user to exceed the bodily limits that the Gods and Fallen has destined the world to have. My current stage is Protester.

Fate can see through our hearts and mind. This is how it can take a few steps ahead of us. Each time you reach a certain level in Fate Challenger, you gain more abilities. Right now, the active abilities I have are Temple Shroud, Mind Shroud and Heart Shroud. Make sure to have future conversations within the Temple to be protected from Fate's reach. Once you increase your levels in Fate Challenger, you should gain Heart Shroud and Mind Shroud. Grandfather ought to have both.

---

The pair read the description and was stunned.

"Why do I feel like we're getting more than what we can handle by using the Temple." Aron immediately commented.

"Gods and Fallens have cursed the Planes World... Or to be precise, it limited us?"

"Well, it does make sense. They have to control the rise of power one way or the other. But that is too far off. We'd need to be at the level of those in the Higher Planes to even have such discussion." Branze shook his head.

"I guess your right. In any case... I'm pretty sure that I have a form of Foresight and Combat. And you should have a massive amount of potential in Molding." Aron answered.

"Warriors instinct should be an ability from that. From what I gather, we already have three more potential Fate Challengers. Martha should have Foresight and Combat just like you. Diana ought to have Molding like me. Then there is that girl who was already able to sense the movement of Fate. She should be someone extremely skilled in Foresight. Do you know what that means for our future brother?"

"No."

"It means, we can soon become kings of our own right. Father has already brought us so far. And now, we have a freak who can do so much more than what our father did. And right now, we are slowly building a small team of Fate Challengers. Since this power is granted to the Steele Family, its bound to cause our family to rise."

"So I guess we can rule over the Planesworld soon?" Aron joked.

"No. I doubt it. Kyros didn't explain it. Maybe because I surpass him in Molding. But I feel that the kingdoms in the Midlands and on the Higher Planes have a form of Molding of their own. Fate favors them. This is why no Lowland kingdom has ever won over a Midland and no Midland has ever won in their challenges on the Higher Planes."

"What about the Dark Sea and the Nether regions?"

"I don't know. But I feel like they are cheating."

"Cheating? Or it could be devouring..." Aron thought for a bit.

Aron's answer made Branze raise an eyebrow.

"You are very insightful at times, dear brother." Branze smiled.

"It's just a feeling. When Kyros and I killed Zid Blood Blade, I could have sworn I felt this similar sensation. It was as if Fate was escaping him." 

"I really lack Foresight if something as simple as that confounded me."

"Those things are mysteries that not even the scholars of the Lowlands can answer. It's not simple."

"It is now that we have a path to success. We should not settle for any less other than constantly defeating Fate on every step we take. Father is clearly setting an example for us older folks. We shouldn't let my son do all the dirty work."

"Agreed."

"Since you lack Molding, I suggest you take a trip to the lizard's den again. There is nothing you can gain here in analyzing the way of the Paladin. Go and fight. My son's Fate power is Empowerer. This means the Path of Molding can affect others. You have to train in learning how to be what I have been to you and father."

"Ugh. You know teaching is my weakness. But I do need Fate Challenger. Alright. I'll do it." Aron nodded.

"Your Path in combat should protect you. But still, be careful. Keep in mind that our knights should now have a stronger sense of Fate. Help them improve that. This will be our challenge."

"What an interesting challenge. It seems that our rise as a family is near."

"It's not near. It's already here." Branze smiled as he held on to the message talisman and began to send his message to his grandfather.

In the fortress of Airom Vagt...

Mezal was now listening to the befriending gestures from various Viscounts and Barons.

Mezal offered a relatively easy solution to resolve his many conflicts with those who hated him. As the Viscounts and Barons that hated him were from different Kingdoms, Mezal offered friendly relations to the enemies of these Viscounts and Barons. That way, Mezal would still have a connection towards all Kingdoms but will only empower the groups that were enemies of his enemies.

The message reached Mezal, and Mezal secretly played it.

"Oh? So this is called Molding? Interesting. I was doing this as a precaution, but I can actually change their Fate? Then let me push Fate to favor these Viscounts!" Mezal couldn't help but reveal a bright smile as he looked on the several Viscount and Baron groups before him.

"I'm feeling generous today. What if... I offer to teach some of your young lords the path of a Force Paladin?" He smiled.

An eruption of cheers and requests filled the room.

Mezal could feel it. The Fate of these Viscounts and Barons was changing.