Chapter 443 The Third Is The Charm
Chapter 443 The Third Is The Charm
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Aion and Vangel materialized in the heart of the Zaera Kingdom's capital, only to be greeted by a scene of utter devastation. The once-thriving city lay in ruins, its once-proud structures reduced to crumbling rubble. The air was thick with smoke and the acrid scent of destruction, a clear sign of the chaos that had occurred in the land.
As their eyes scanned the desolate landscape, they witnessed a nightmarish sight. Dark, menacing machines reminiscent of colossal spiders prowled the streets, their metallic limbs crushing everything in their path. With ruthless efficiency, they hunted down any survivors who dared to flee, leaving destruction and despair in their wake.
But the horror did not end there. Towering over the ruined city, monstrous Hydras, each reaching a staggering height of five hundred meters, slithered and writhed, their multiple heads hissing with venomous intent. These ancient beasts moved with an eerie grace, their massive forms casting long shadows over the ruined streets as they sought out any remaining signs of life.
Amidst the chaos and devastation, Aion and Vangel found themselves thrust into a battle against an overwhelming force of darkness. The once-vibrant capital had become a haunting battlefield, a battleground where survival seemed like an impossible dream. Their every step was accompanied by the deafening sounds of destruction and the desperate cries of those who had yet to be consumed by the nightmarish onslaught.
"Welcome to the kingdom of Aion, the cursed king of the time," Vengal said
"I guess I should have improved my land management skills," Aion shrugged. "The enemies didn't come after this, but they still built that metallic cage. Let me guess what they used fuel to build that… mana of the world. Am I right?"
"And the corpses of all living beings," Vangel replied. "Your friend Malon really picked a fight with the wrong enemies. They can control beings like this with a single thought. And I thought that I was getting ahead of myself with my powers."
As Aion delved into his own mind, he imagined a breathtaking panorama of worlds and realms that Malon might have encountered on his journey beyond the confines of their planet. The vistas that unfolded before Aion's mind's eye were nothing short of extraordinary, painting a vivid tapestry of diverse civilizations and awe-inspiring adversaries.
First, Aion glimpsed the remnants of ancient civilizations, their crumbling ruins telling tales of forgotten empires and mysterious powers. These time-worn structures stood as testaments to the ingenuity and cultural heritage of bygone eras. Each crumbling stone and faded mural held whispers of untold wisdom and lost secrets, beckoning seekers of knowledge to decipher their enigmatic messages.
Moving on, Aion's mind soared above vast landscapes inhabited by tribesmen deeply connected to their ancestral roots. These indigenous societies lived in harmony with nature, drawing strength from the land and the spirits that dwelled within it. Their rituals, traditions, and intricate tribal markings were woven into the fabric of their existence, reflecting their profound reverence for the natural world and their spiritual connection to the cosmic forces that shaped their lives.
Aion's imagination then revealed advanced societies where towering metropolises pierced the skies, pulsating with the vibrant energy of innovation and progress. In these futuristic realms, cutting-edge technology and scientific marvels were commonplace, enhancing the lives of their inhabitants and reshaping the very fabric of reality. Imposing skyscrapers, holographic displays, and sleek hovercrafts filled the bustling streets. At the same time, brilliant minds pushed the boundaries of knowledge and invention.
Yet, amidst the marvels of these civilizations, Aion's mind conjured visions of colossal beasts that roamed untamed realms, their immense forms inspiring both awe and trepidation. These towering creatures, some with scales, others with fur or feathers, embodied primal power and untamed beauty. From majestic dragons soaring through the skies to colossal sea serpents lurking in the depths of vast oceans, these creatures were awe-inspiring manifestations of nature's raw might.
"It seems that he found problems in the most dangerous ones," Aion muttered. "Anyway, I do not know what kind of power he had when that happened, but I suppose this battle will be a good workout before they show up again."
"Of all things that I really hate you for, I at least admire your willpower," Vangel declared. "It didn't matter the odds or the enemies… you always fought them."
"Naturally, I didn't die once in order to become a coward," Aion shrugged. "Those that stand in my way for no apparent reason won't kill themselves, so I have to help them with that. Well then, do you want to see me enraged, or do you want to trade some sword strikes with the tricks that I have in mind?"
"Whatever you decide is best for you," Vangel replied.
Vangel raised his sword, and he made that red and blue aura grow more intense, but at the same time, it began to lose its wild touch and decreased in size. It seemed that he learned a thing or two as well. Still, before he could make good use of that…
Aion harnessed the powers of time and space to his advantage. By unleashing Time Dilation, Spatial Expansion, and Spatial Shifting, everything around him seemed to slow down, giving him the upper hand. At that moment, he expanded his sword, extending his influence over the surrounding area.
With a swift and decisive motion, Aion made his sword appear as if out of thin air. It pierced through the fabric of reality, finding its mark with precision and impaling Vangel's chest. The impact was sudden and jarring, catching Vangel off guard and leaving him stunned.
"Good, I can combine three skills at the same time… but my body is getting number again," Aion thought. "I guess combining fourth will be too much…"
Vangel gasped in pain and disbelief, his face contorted with shock. The realization of his vulnerability washed over him, causing him to falter. The balance of power shifted in Aion's favor, marking a turning point in their confrontation.