My SSS-Rank Innate skill: Infinite Adaptation core

Great powers that had remained dormant for decades, or even centuries, would soon learn of it. However, nobody knew that something even more unexpected was about to take place within the Aureth Kingdom.

.....

Back in Forstholme, Nova woke up later that evening. By then, his father had already returned from the neighboring city. The family had dinner together and spent some time chatting before Nova left the house.

He made his way to the Duke’s estate, where he found Rieka and Asia busy preparing for the next day’s celebration.

Since Nova had already told them that he was going home to get some rest, neither of them complained about his absence.

The entire estate had been beautifully decorated. Maids and servants moved about with remarkable efficiency, while Theodore had even hired additional helpers from the city to make his precious daughter’s birthday as special as possible.

After arriving, Nova joined Rieka and Asia in the preparations. They had already finished dinner, so the three of them worked together for the next few hours.

Eventually, only a few minutes remained before Asia’s eighteenth birthday.

At that moment, everyone gathered inside a spacious yet empty chamber. A large stone platform stood at the center of the room.

Present inside were Theodore, Rodrick, Rieka, Asia, and Nova.

Nova took out the Genesis Heart Lotus and explained its purpose to Theodore and Rodrick. Since they were the only family Asia had left, he didn’t want them worrying unnecessarily.

Of course, Nova didn’t reveal that he had obtained the lotus from the System Store. Aside from showing that his strength far exceeded what someone his age should possess, he had never shared the truth about the System or his innate skill.

Instead, he explained that the Genesis Heart Lotus was a reward he had obtained after defeating a powerful A-Rank Dungeon Boss.

Although it was true that dungeons could reward extraordinary treasures, the value of this lotus was so immense that neither Theodore nor Rodrick found the explanation entirely convincing.

Even so, they also knew one thing.

Nova would never do anything that could endanger the woman he loved.

That alone was enough for them to place their trust in him.

The very fact that Nova and Rieka had been allowed into the Frost Family’s secret chamber—a place built generations ago specifically to safeguard the Blood Essence of the Divine Ice Phoenix—was proof of the immense trust Theodore placed in them.

As for Rodrick, that trust required no explanation. Having watched Nova grow over the years, he already regarded him as one of his own.

A few minutes later, the moment they had been waiting for finally arrived. As the clock struck midnight, Asia officially turned eighteen.

Theodore was the first to step forward. He gently embraced his daughter before placing a tender kiss on her forehead.

”Happy birthday, my precious daughter,” he said with a warm, loving smile.

”Thank you, Father,” Asia replied, returning his smile with one just as heartfelt.

Next, Rodrick stepped forward with a gentle grin. ”Happy birthday, Young Miss.”

”Thank you, Grandpa Rodrick,” Asia said gratefully.

Rieka was the next to congratulate her.

”Happy birthday, Asia.”

”Thank you, Rieka.”

The two shared a warm hug before stepping apart. Finally, it was Nova’s turn.

The moment their eyes met, Asia walked straight into his arms and hugged him tightly.

Nova smiled softly as he returned the embrace. ”Happy birthday, honey,” he said warmly, his voice filled with affection.

Asia slowly pulled back, her face glowing with happiness. ”Thank you,” she replied with a bright, joyful smile.

After the birthday wishes, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. Asia slowly walked to the raised platform at the center of the room and sat down cross-legged.

Placed before her was the vial containing the Blood Essence of the Divine Ice Phoenix. Nova stepped forward and handed her the Genesis Heart Lotus.

”Eat this first,” he said gently. ”I’ll stay right beside you. If anything goes wrong, I’ll be here.”

Asia nodded calmly before accepting the lotus.

She took a bite.

As expected of a Divine-grade treasure, the lotus had an unexpectedly delicate and refreshing taste. However, after finishing it, she didn’t feel any immediate changes within her body.

Taking a slow breath, Asia shifted her attention to the vial resting in front of her. She carefully picked it up. Before opening it, she glanced at Theodore.

Her father stood silently with his fists clenched, unable to hide the anxiety in his eyes.

Although he had agreed to let her proceed because it was the command left behind by the Divine Ice Phoenix herself, he couldn’t stop worrying about his only daughter.

Seeing his expression, Asia gave him a reassuring smile. She then turned toward Nova. He simply smiled back, his calm gaze filled with confidence and reassurance.

Drawing strength from the two people she trusted most, Asia slowly uncorked the vial.

A faint crimson glow escaped from within as an ancient, majestic aura spread through the chamber.

Without another moment of hesitation...She raised the vial to her lips. Then, in a single motion...she swallowed the Blood Essence of the Divine Ice Phoenix.

For a few seconds...Nothing happened.

Then, all at once, Asia felt a searing heat spread throughout her body. It was as if every inch of her insides had been set ablaze. The pain intensified with every passing second until it became unbearable.

”Aaaaaarrrghhhhhhhh!!”

Her agonizing scream echoed throughout the chamber. Nova instinctively took a step forward, only to be stopped by Liya’s sharp voice.

{Relax! Do you want her to die? If you interrupt the process now, she really will.}

Nova froze.

{This is a natural part of the bloodline awakening. Yes, the pain is unimaginable... but she won’t die. The Genesis Heart Lotus is already working. Look for yourself.}

Nova’s fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. His Abyssal Eyes couldn’t bear the sight of Asia suffering like this. Then he noticed it.

A gentle blue radiance had begun enveloping her body.

{The lotus is continuously repairing the damage. Every time the Blood Essence shatters her meridians, blood vessels, bones, or internal organs, the Genesis Heart Lotus restores them almost instantly. She won’t die, so calm yourself.}

{You know how strong her will is. She can endure this.}

Hearing Liya’s explanation, Nova forced himself to remain where he stood. Even so, watching Asia endure such unimaginable agony felt like torture.

Meanwhile, Asia’s screams only grew louder. Golden light began to radiate from her eyes as an overwhelming icy aura slowly erupted from her body.

Theodore’s eyes had already turned red.

Tears welled up in them as he watched his precious daughter suffer before him. Every instinct urged him to rush to her side, yet he knew that doing so would only endanger her life.

Beside him, Rieka bit her lip. Seeing someone she regarded as a sister endure such unbearable pain broke her heart.

Yet there was nothing any of them could do.

All they could do....was trust Asia’s resolve and wait for the Divine Blood Essence to complete its awakening.

The phenomenon continued for nearly an hour. Throughout that time, Asia’s agonizing screams echoed endlessly through the empty chamber.

Nova’s fists remained tightly clenched the entire time. Deep within his heart, he silently made a vow.’ One day... I will meet that Divine Ice Phoenix myself.

And when I do, I’ll give her a good spanking for making my Asia suffer through something this painful.’

At last, after what felt like an eternity, the screams came to an abrupt stop.

A brilliant golden radiance began to envelop Asia’s body, as it started floating in air , and it continued...growing brighter and brighter until her entire figure disappeared within the dazzling light.

All that remained visible was a magnificent golden glow illuminating the chamber.

No one spoke. Everyone waited anxiously, their eyes fixed on the radiant cocoon. Several minutes later, the golden light gradually began to fade as Asia’s figure settled on platform.

**

Thanks for reading....