The Journey Beyond The Absolute
Ather Get Up!
I say, with a grim undertone, "Azor, do you have any idea where they might be hiding?"
Inside the confines of my mind, Azor responds with a hint of uncertainty, his voice echoing like a distant thunder. "Its difficult to pinpoint their exact location. Their position is really quite unknown. However, if Im close enough, I can detect their presencethough, right now, it seems like something is interfering with my senses. You might have to rely on your own instincts for this one."
I let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the task ahead pressing down on me. "Damn, it looks like Im really on my own for this one." Steeling myself, I close my eyes and attune myself to the sounds and energies of the world around me, trying to gather whatever threads of insight I can find.
Azor's voice resonates through my thoughts again, laced with curiosity. "What are you doing right now?"
I reply, my tone dark and determined, "You mentioned that you can only sense them when they're nearby, right? So, what if I try to track them through their killing intent instead? It's a risk I'm willing to take."
Azor's voice comes back, infused with a tone of reluctant admiration. "Sometimes I forget just how clever you are. This plan could indeed work, though we must act swiftly they'll likely catch on and take measures to thwart us."
"Very well," I concede, shutting my eyes tightly once more. After a brief moment of concentration, I finally feel a faint signature tingling at the fringes of my awareness. "I found it," I assert, my voice barely a whisper. "It's an energy emanating from levels far above the MetaPleroma. Now that I can perceive their energy signature and their lethal intent, I'm ready to teleport."
"Nice work, kid," Azor acknowledges in my mind, a note of pride illuminating his dark tone.
With renewed determination, I say, "And now comes the easy part," as I focus my energy and teleport directly to the castle where I believe they are holding Liora.
As I materialize on the other side, I take in my stark surroundings. "Azor," I whisper, curiosity piqued, "it's oddthe castle seems eerily quiet. Where are the guards? This could very well be a trap."
"I'm aware of that," I respond, my voice tinged with resolve. "But I can't simply leave Liora to her fate she needs my help. I refuse to abandon her."
"How noble of you," Azor observes, his words carrying both admiration and a hint of irony.
"Whatever," I reply dismissively, though my heart is steadfast. "If saving Liora means risking my life, then so be it." With newfound resolve, I push open the imposing gates of the castle.
"Just a word of caution," Azor warns, his tone grave, "you never know what could happen. Stay vigilant."
"I appreciate the headsup," I respond, stepping inside.
As my eyes adjust to the dim light, the sight before me chills me to the core. There hangs Liora, shackled and suspended from the ceiling, her body battered and bruised. Blood stains her skin, and the sight ignites a furnace of rage within me.
"Good God, she's in terrible shape," Azor states, concern coloring his dark voice. "But I trust you'll know how to handle this situation."
"Just what did they do to you?" I exclaim with deep anger, my heart racing as I rush towards her.
Though she tries to speak, her words are muffled by the tape covering her mouth.
"Are you alright?" I inquire fiercely as I rip away the tape, desperate to hear her voice.
As soon as the tape comes off, Liora breaks down, tears streaming down her cheeks as she throws her arms around me in a tight embrace. A wave of sorrow crashes over me at the sight of her pain.
"This is the first time I've seen her cry…" I say softly, instinctively running my hand over her head to comfort her. "I can only imagine what kind of horror you endured."
Suddenly, a chilling figure emerges from the shadowsVeylthor, his sinister grin spreading across his face. "You should've seen it. She was a bad girl, so we had to torture her."
Liora recoils in terror, her face stricken with fear as fresh tears spill down her cheeks.
"That's it!" I seethe, my anger boiling over. "You're going to pay for this!" My fists clench as I take a menacing step forward.
In a flash, Veylthor retaliates by throwing a punch at my gut, a blow that sends me crashing through an absolute infinite number of walls, the world around me blurring as I lose my grasp on reality for moments.
"Don't do this, Ather!" Liora cries out, her voice echoing in the chaos.
"Don't worry about me…" I manage to rasp, though my body aches from the sudden impact. "But seriously, what are these walls made of?" I clutch my now bleeding arm, anguish coursing through me.
Veylthor chuckles darkly, a sadistic glint in his eyes. "They're fused with the MetaPleroma and upgraded to the maximum level. Do you understand what that means? Each time you slam into a wall, it'll feel like your arm is shattering apart."
"Enough!" I roar, rising to my feet and fighting through the pain. "You're dead!" With a determined swing, I throw a punch aimed straight at his face, propelling him through yet another absolute infinite expanse of walls.
With unwavering confidence, Veylthor simply grins, tanking my attack as if it were nothing. "Here's something you likely didn't know, kid I possess Absolute Indestructibility, along with Absolute Invulnerability and Apex Omnipotence. You cannot harm me."
Absolute Indestructibility the ability to be immune to all forms of damage, whether spiritual or physical, it doesn't matter. The user is completely immune to any forms of damage. Essentially, this ability can't be nullified, removed, bypassed, or surpassed by any means. There are no restrictions or limitations to this ability.
Absolute Invulnerability the ability to be immune to any and all damage. Essentially, this ability can't be nullified, removed, bypassed, or surpassed by any means. Again, there are no limits or restrictions to this ability either.
Apex Omnipotence the ability to do anything possible, impossible, logical, and illogical, regardless of plane or hierarchy. Essentially, this ability can't be nullified, removed, bypassed, or surpassed by any means. Additionally, there's no restriction or limit to this ability.
"Just get out of here, Ather!" Liora cries out again, panic lacing her tone.
"Abandon you? No way! I have to push beyond the limits of this reality to invalidate your precious abilities," I respond, my determination unwavering.
Veylthor bursts into laughter, a sound filled with disdain. "That's impossible, kid! You'll never achieve that!"
"Please, Ather… just forget about me," Liora sobs. "Save yourself!"
"Have a little faith in me," I urge her, my heart pounding. "I still believe that I can win this!"
"Fool!" Veylthor mocks, his laughter echoing off the walls. "You seriously think you can triumph when the odds are completely against you? Zero chance!" With that, he unleashes another devastating punch to my gut, and I once again crash through a seemingly absolute infinite number of walls.
As I land, shock courses through me, and I find myself coughing up blood. "Man, you're tougher than I thought…" I mutter, feeling the searing pain radiate through my gut. "But now, it's my turn!" With a surge of adrenaline, I clutch my gut and launch a powerful roundhouse kick aimed at his legs, hoping to finally end this with one decisive blow.
Lioras eyes widened in horror as the realization hit her, sending a wave of dread coursing through her veins. "No... at this rate, Ather is going to die...!" The despair in her voice was palpable, creating an aching tension in the air as she cried out, unable to restrain her fear for the one she cared for deeply.
Veylthors expression mirrored her shock as he stared at the unfolding chaos with a malevolent grin, mocking Athers plight. "You bastard! Just face it it's completely useless here! Theres nothing you can do! Give it up and accept it youve lost!" He fell to his knees, seemingly unaffected by the turmoil around him, a cruel smirk playing on his lips as he reveled in the torment.
With a dark grin spreading across my face, I replied defiantly, "Ill never give up!" In a moment of ragefueled determination, I seized Veylthors arm, yanking him forward before unleashing a fierce punch into his gut. The force of the blow propelled him through what felt like an absolute infinite expanse of walls, a satisfying surge of adrenaline coursing through me. "Its payback time now!" I growled.
Amidst the chaos, Lioras voice broke through the din, her tears cascading down her cheeks. "Ather..." Her heartwrenching plea echoed in the air, filled with both hopelessness and fear.
Veylthor, still standing firm, lifted his chin with a grin that made my blood boil. "Is that all youve got?" he taunted, shrugging off my attack as if it were nothing while I struggled to contain my rising fury.
"No! Not even close!" I shouted, and launched another punch, this time aimed directly at his face. The impact sent him hurtling through what seemed like an absolute infinite of the walls, my anger intensifying with each strike.
Lioras voice was now a desperate whisper, her fear palpable as she pleaded, "Ather... its useless... here," her hopelessness echoing in the vast emptiness around us.
Veylthors disdainful laughter pierced my ears as he declared how pathetic the situation had become. "Its my turn now," he said, almost casually. Before I could react, he had mysteriously teleported in front of me, delivering a kick to my gut that felt like a sledgehammer, launching me through the absolute infinite number of walls of an expansive and lavish dining room within a grand castle. He followed up instantly, throwing a devastating punch that caused an agonizing jolt through my body, shattering my ribs and sending me soaring through the ceiling. I landed hard on the rooftop, the cold stone bruising my body further, blood seeping from the wounds I couldnt ignore.
With a disdainful look, Veylthor loomed over me, his expression oozing superiority. "What a waste of time," he scoffed, turning his back on me and walking away as if I were nothing more than a mere annoyance.
Struggling with every ounce of remaining strength, I weakly grasped at his legs. "Were not finished yet!" I rasped, refusing to surrender. I somehow managed to drag myself back to my feet, swaying unsteadily.
Lioras voice cut through the haze of pain as she spoke softly, "Ather... you can barely stand..." Her tears flowed freely, her heart aching for my suffering. "You dont have to push yourself for my sake..."
Veylthors eyes widened in disbelief, his shock evident. "How can you still be standing? Im sure that last attack finished you!" he exclaimed, astonished.
I clenched my fists, desperation fueling my resolve. "Because she feels like the first real friend Ive ever had... And Im not going to let go of that!" My voice dropped into a dark growl, growing ever more defiant. "And you made her cry. Ill never forgive you for that! I refuse to lose to you! I dont care how strong you are... I will win, no matter what!" With this renewed fervor, I threw another punch, this one aimed directly at his face, sending him crashing through an absolute infinite number of walls once more.
Liora watched in shock, her eyes wet with tears as she whispered my name, "Ather..."
Veylthors laugh echoed menacingly, a chilling reminder of the stakes. "What an adorable speech, but it won't matter! Im fighting for my own reasons too!"
As the scene shifted, a flashback flooded my mindmemories of deep loneliness and despair washed over me. I recalled the time I had been an outcast, treated like mere trash, unable to find a place to truly belong. I had felt like life had no meaning until she entered my life, illuminating the darkness that surrounded me.
Her voice rang out with authority and warmth, "How would you like to be my servant?" she asked with that sweet smile that held promise. "I see great potential in you. I need you."
Veylthor's expression morphed from shock to confusion, his voice tinged with betrayal. "You do...? No one in my life has ever needed me."
In that moment, everything shifted. She had not only needed my help she had given me a purpose, instilling in me a sense of belonging and empowerment that I had never known. I was eternally grateful to her, and that is why...
The flashback faded as Veylthors voice thundered back into the present. "Eat this!" he bellowed, launching a punishing blow toward my face. The sheer force sent me hurtling once more through the absolute infinite walls that surrounded us.
I cursed under my breath, "Damn you!" as I clutched my now bleeding nose, collapsing to the ground under the weight of my own body. The fight was slipping away from me, the darkness creeping in as fatigue threatened to pull me under.
Lioras voice became frantic, a cry of desperation as she shouted my name. "Ather... Its okay, you can let go..."
Veylthors dark grin widened as he taunted, "Is that all you have?" He was relentless, throwing a finishing blow at my unprotected face.
"I wont... never let go!" I yelled desperately, but the fatigue overwhelmed me. "Ugh... damn it all! I can't anymore! I'm too beat!" The crushing darkness finally enveloped me, pulling me into a void of unconsciousness.
Lioras eyes flared wide in panic as she saw me fall. "Ather, no! You have to get up! Ather!" she screamed in anguish, shaking my unresponsive body, her fear a palpable force in the air.
Veylthors laughter echoed ominously, taunting me even in my unconscious state. "Dont worry youll be joining him shortly!" he jeered, advancing slowly towards her with predatory intent.
"Liora!" I could hear her desperate cries as she screamed my name, pleading, "You have to get up! You have to keep fighting for my sake!" Tears streamed down her beautiful face as terror gripped her, fear consuming her heart.
Veylthor mocked her cries, his voice laced with evil mirth. "Its useless! He cant hear you..." With that, he callously grabbed her by the neck, leaving her gasping for breath and clinging to hope in a moment of complete despair.
Suddenly, as if summoned from another realm, a brilliant jetblack light bursts forth into the heavens, illuminating the entire sky with a profound darkness that seems to swallow the very essence of the world. As this otherworldly light begins to fade, I step forth from its glowing core. My hair shifts to an inky black, absorbing any remaining light, while my irises blaze with a vivid crimson, glowing like molten rubies against the backdrop of shadow. A dense black aura swirls around me, radiating an intense heat that seems to warp the very air itself as the oncebright light dissipates. Standing amidst the gloom, I gaze at the remnants of my tattered cloak, its ripped fabric a testament to the overwhelming power of my new form, revealing a physique that is both muscular and imposing, sculpted by battles long fought and won.
In that moment, our eyes lockmine meeting those of Veylthor, an expression of surprise flickering across his features. Before he has a chance to react, I move with blinding speed, appearing behind him in an instant. I gently grasp Liora, cradling her in my arms, and carefully set her down, ensuring her safety amidst the chaos.
Liora's eyes grow wide, a mix of shock and confusion washing over her as she stares at me. "You don't look like Ather. Who are you?" she asks, her voice trembling slightly.
A dark grin spreads across my lips as I respond, "For now, you may call me Azor. This body is mine now, and I intend to complete the mission that the foolish Ather failed to achieve."
Veylthor's expression morphs into one of disbelief. "When did you get behind me?" he exclaims, taken aback by my sudden appearance.
With a menacing calmness, I taunt him, "Come at me." I beckon him with a single finger, my thoughts racing. This body is significantly damaged from a fierce battle, and I surmise I have no more than three minutes to engage before this vessel reaches its limit. I need to finish this swiftly.
Liora, still visibly worried, asks, "Can this Azor fellow actually win?"
Annoyance creeping into his voice, Veylthor bristles. "How dare you!" In the blink of an eye, he lunges at me with a velocity that defies all known physical laws, unleashing a punch aimed directly at my face.
I scoff at his attempt, darkly commenting, "How pathetic." With effortless ease, I catch his fist with a single finger, halting his advance as if he were a mere child playing a game.
Liora gasps, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What!? He caught it so effortlessly!"
With a malicious grin, Veylthor acknowledges my strength. "As expected from an absolute god. But can you withstand this?" He summons his Apex Omnipotence, attempting to erase my very existence from reality.
I regard him with a disdainful expression. "Ah, I see youve heard of my title. But is that truly all you can muster?" I remain unaffected, standing firm against the assault as if it were a mere breeze.
Lioras stunned realization begins to form. "It makes sense now... the absolute god is a being described as having no equal from a million years ago. But how is he here? He should have perished long ago!"
Veylthors eyes widen further, panic beginning to seep through his facade. "You... monster!" In a desperate bid, he channels his Apex Omnipotence once again, this time attempting to erase my very concept from existence itself.
I scoff once more, my confidence unwavering. "Do you really believe that will work on someone like me?" Even this powerful attack fails to affect me, and I remain standing, undeterred and invincible.
Liora stares at me in awe. "Its incredible! Ive never seen a being overpower Apex Omnipotence like that before!"
With a grin, Veylthor contemplates his next move. "How interesting! Let's see if you can handle this." He conjures a world within which I do not exist, attempting to banish me to oblivion.
I erupt in laughter, shaking my head. "When will you learn? Nothing you conjure with your Apex Omnipotence can grasp the reality of my existence."
Liora watches in fascination, her expression a blend of admiration and disbelief. "Incredible! So, this is what an absolute god is truly capable of! It's extraordinary!"
Stunned by my defiance, Veylthor gasps, "Impossible!"
With a dark resolve, I declare, "Knowing that now brings me clarity. Its my turn." Without breaking a sweat, I flick my finger at him, and with that single motion, I bypass his absolute indestructibility and invulnerability, scattering him into pieces and obliterating the very walls around us, sending debris flying across the massive castle with blood splattering onto the oncepristine floor.
Liora watches, tears of joy streaming down her face as she absorbs the reality of the situation. "Incredible! I cant believe he bested him! I thought Apex Omnipotence would prove to be somewhat troublesome, but he treated Veylthor like a mere child! So this is what an absolute god can do!"
Yet, as the adrenaline of battle begins to fade, a dimming light fills my vision. "It looks like my time is up for now," I murmur, feeling the weight of unconsciousness tugging at me once more. I collapse, drifting into the abyss of darkness.
But before I hit the ground, Liora catches me, a teary smile curling her lips. "You... idiot," she whispers, cradling me gently in her arms as my consciousness slips away, leaving behind the chaos of the battle and the promise of what is yet to come.
To be continued...