Chapter 75: Vitaliara
Chapter 75: Vitaliara
"A bit of craziness is necessary to survive in this world."
The beast continued to stare at him, its eyes wide with disbelief and a lingering sense of awe. It was clear that the creature was struggling to reconcile what it knew about the world with what it was seeing now—the magic circle, the reversed mana flow, the very idea that someone with reversed meridians could not only survive but also wield mana with such precision and power.
Lucavion continued, his voice taking on a more thoughtful tone. "You see, my condition— The Physique of the Requiverse —means that I operate outside the norms of what most people consider possible. For most, reversed meridians would be a death sentence, an inability to harness mana in any meaningful way. But for me, it's different."
He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "Because my mana flows in reverse, it doesn't adhere to the same principles that govern other people's mana. It's like swimming against the current—harder, yes, but it also means I can reach places others can't. My meridians, while reversed, still allow me to draw in and manipulate mana. It's just… a different process."
The beast blinked, its gaze shifting from Lucavion to the magic circle that still shimmered faintly between them. [But this circle… it's not just different. It feels… unnatural. Like it's defying the laws that govern this world.]
Lucavion nodded, acknowledging the creature's observation. "It is unnatural, at least by conventional standards. But that's exactly why it works for me. The rules that bind others don't bind me in the same way. When it comes to things like familiar contracts, the usual restrictions don't apply.
That's why this circle formed as it did—because my mana doesn't follow the typical paths, it created a new pathway, a new contract that bypasses those limitations."
The beast seemed to digest this information slowly, its gaze returning to Lucavion with a newfound respect. [So… your reversed meridians… they've turned what should be a curse into a… a gift?]
Lucavion tilted his head slightly, considering the question. "I suppose you could see it that way. It's definitely something that's set me apart and made me different. It's forced me to approach things in ways that others wouldn't even consider. And in that sense, yes, it's become a gift. But it's also a burden, one that requires constant adaptation and understanding."
He met the beast's eyes again, his expression serious. "But in this case, it's allowed me to do something that shouldn't have been possible. I was able to forge this bond with you, even though you were already bound to someone else. The fact that I can channel my master's mana and carry his legacy forward is all because of this unique condition.
It's what allowed us to connect, to overwrite the old contract and form a new one."
The beast seemed to take a deep breath, the weight of Lucavion's words settling over it like a heavy blanket. [But… how did you know it would work?] it asked, its voice tinged with lingering disbelief. [How could you be sure that this… this madness wouldn't kill you?]
Lucavion's smile returned, but it was a bit crazed.
"I did not know…..But, if the Master had wanted me to do something like this, then that would mean he had a reason for doing that. I just trusted his legacy."
[...]
The beast could not even say anything.
Was this boy really crazy, or was he that innocent? But as it looked into his eyes, he realized.
[You are both…..]
"Both of what?"
[Hahaha....To think I would be witnessing such a thing in my life….Even after losing Gerald….]
A hearty laugh echoed in Lucavion's ears.
[You're both crazy and innocent… Just like Gerald.]
Lucavion tilted his head slightly, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Both crazy and innocent?" he repeated, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I suppose that's not the worst combination."
The beast's eyes softened as it gazed at Lucavion, a sense of familiarity settling over it. [Yes… you're just like him. Like master, like the disciple, it seems.]
"I'll take that as a compliment," Lucavion said softly, his voice carrying a hint of the deep respect he felt for his master. "Gerald was the best man I've ever known. If I can be even a fraction of what he was, then I'll consider that a success."
The beast nodded slowly, its expression one of deep understanding. [He was one of a kind… but in you, I see the same spark, the same willingness to take risks, to believe in something greater than yourself. It's a rare quality… and it's what made Gerald so special.]
The beast continued. [Now that it has come to this, then I suppose I should meet my end as well.]
As the beast said that, the circle started shining further.
[I, Eternal Guardian of Life, Vitaliara,] the beast began, its voice resonating with power and solemnity, [hereby vow to stand by the side of my new contractor, Lucavion Thorne, until the end of time. I pledge my life, my power, and my very essence to protect and serve you. May our bond be unbreakable, forged in the fires of trust, and sealed by the laws of this world.]
As Vitaliara chanted the words, the magic circle responded, its runes and symbols glowing with an intensity that made the air around them hum with energy. The circle spun faster, the light within it growing until it was almost blinding. The entire cave seemed to pulse with the power of the vow, the very ground beneath Lucavion's feet trembling with the force of the contract being formed.
Lucavion felt the weight of the words settling into his soul, and he knew it was his turn. Taking a deep breath, he focused on the connection between them, letting the warmth of the bond fill him with strength and resolve.
"I, Lucavion," he began, his voice steady and filled with conviction, "accept the vow of Vitaliara, Eternal Guardian of Life. I pledge my life, my power, and my will to honor this bond, to protect and nurture it as long as I draw breath."
As the final words left his lips, the magic circle flared with a brilliant light, enveloping both Lucavion and Vitaliara in its glow.
The energy within the circle surged, binding their souls in a way that could never be undone.
The light from the circle gradually began to fade, the symbols and runes slowly dissolving into the air as the contract was completed. But the bond between them remained a constant presence in Lucavion's mind.
Vitaliara looked up at him, her eyes now glowing faintly with the remnants of the magic that had bound them. [It is done,] she said, her voice soft but filled with a quiet strength. [We are now bound, Lucavion.]
"I see…..So this is how he feels."
The moment he said that he turned to take a look at the cat beside him. She had started healing as soon as the contract was finished and Lucavion could feel his mana getting sucked.
[It really worked.]
Vitaliara mumbled, her voice echoing in Lucavion's head.
"So you were not that sure."
[How could I be? Do you think just by explaining all those things, you can make others believe?]
"I hoped so."
[You must be prepared then….for the future at least….Not everyone will believe your words.]
"I see….."
[Your condition…..Gerald might have known about it, but that is the first time I have heard about it before….that is why many people will not be aware of that either, most likely.]
Lucavion remained silent for a moment, processing Vitaliara's words. The bond between them was still settling, but he could already feel the effects—the subtle pull on his mana as it flowed into Vitaliara, aiding in her recovery. It was a strange sensation, but not unpleasant. It felt right, like a puzzle piece falling into place.
"I suppose you're right," Lucavion said softly, his gaze shifting to the horizon beyond the cave entrance. "Not everyone will believe me, and I can't expect them to. But that doesn't change what needs to be done."
Vitaliara nodded slowly, her eyes reflecting the quiet understanding between them. [Indeed. The world is full of skeptics, and those who walk a different path often face the harshest scrutiny. You must be ready for what is to come.}
Just as he was about to speak, Vitaliara's voice echoed in his mind again, this time more serious and probing. [But there's something I need to ask you, Lucavion. Something that has been bothering me since the moment you stepped into this place.]
Lucavion turned his full attention to her, sensing the shift in her tone. "What is it?" he asked, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity.
Vitaliara's eyes locked onto his, their glow intensifying slightly.
[Why do you have the energy of the abyss inside you?]
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