The Labyrinth—
As the suffocating heat intensified within the chamber, the shadow began to recede... For the first time since its appearance, the beast took a step back.
Yui stood majestic, her hair swaying amidst the roaring flames of her swords, her heart burning with unbridled fury.
Yui (with suppressed rage):
"I will never forgive you... I won't let you hurt anyone else anymore!
The Forbidden Incantation: Swords of the Falling Sun."
The fiery swords, melted by an unbelievably high temperature, rotated around her at a colossal speed. Then, in an instant, they launched toward the beast at supersonic speed.
The beast, sensing the mortal peril:
"...I cannot evade this!"
Before it could even attempt to flee, the swords pierced through it all at once...
A cataclysmic explosion resonated through the labyrinth, causing the earth to violently tremble as plumes of flame surged upward, rising all the way to where Rio was.
At the Apex—Where Rio Sits
The sky above Rio suddenly ignited with a fiery red hue.
Rio, looking down:
"That assault... it is formidable..... Who unleashed it?"
The small dragon coiled around Rio's neck, letting out a low, quiet roar.
Rio (with a faint smile):
"...It appears humans are not weak after all, my friend."
The Labyrinth—After the Tempest
Yui collapsed onto her knees, utter exhaustion etched upon her features.
Zalarosa began to move slowly, pushing herself up while groaning in pain.
Zalarosa:
"...Yui... you did it..."
Yui (with a weary smile):
"And so did you...."
They embraced one another. Yet, in the background, amidst the rising pillars of smoke... another shadow materialized.
Within the Shadows—The Same Mysterious Figure from Before
He raised his hand, holding a black mirror within his grasp, through which he saw Rio's face as he smiled.
The Mysterious Figure:
"We shall meet soon... Rio Valerin, or rather, Your Highness the Prince."
Then, he vanished as though he had never existed.
At the Apex—Atop the Tree
Rio closed both of his eyes.
Rio (whispering to himself):
"Hazuki... and the Eye of Eternity... I need to comprehend everything. I cannot allow my powers to consume me."
[System Prompt: Update in Progress...]
[The Eye of Eternity – First Level: 'The Eye of the Soul -Reigan-']
Description:
This eye allows the user to perceive everything within their field of vision with absolute clarity from the front, back, and all directions, as well as the past. Furthermore, it dilates time for a duration of five seconds, allowing the user to identify the strengths and weaknesses in individuals, and perceive their soul and aura.
Weaknesses: None.
Rio:
"...This... is an entirely different level altogether. It is incredibly powerful."
He closed his eye and then slowly reopened it. A faint, golden aura diffused from around his eye, its golden hue radiating as if it were a miniature sun.
His pupil dilated slowly.
Within his eye, an ancient Roman sun manifested...
Encircled by intricate runes, akin to forgotten relics from an age of myths.
He gazed at the tree, beginning to see its aura, the pathways of power winding through it, and even its past.
Then, he stood up with excitement and clenched his fist. He descended into the labyrinth and took his seat within the chamber of the final gate inside the maze, waiting for someone to arrive.
Rio:
"The time to unveil my capabilities... begins now."
To be continued...