Primordial Heir: Nine Stars

Nero descended from the sky into the crater to retrieve his sword, which bore slight dents—proof of the immense power behind the technique he had just executed. The blade still emanated an intense heat, a reminder of the fiery force he had unleashed.

Once he had reclaimed his sword, he swung it a few times to test its balance before jumping out of the crater. With the defeat of the two orcs, their score rose to 291, bringing them closer to the coveted 300 mark milestone.

Outside the crater, Nero canceled his flame wings and settled into a meditative position to recuperate before continuing their quest. Through his recent experiences, he had gained a deeper understanding of his physique. While he possessed power akin to that of a Red Knight, he sensed that there was still room for growth. A powerful physique meant a stronger core, and in his case, the second core could store more prana. This additional capacity would enable him to unleash more powerful techniques, allowing him to wield his Laws to their full potential. As someone capable of harnessing multiple Laws, possessing a formidable physique was paramount. He felt that while the rewards of his training would aid him, he could also temper himself through his own methods—perhaps refining his muscles and bones using his Law was an idea worth considering and testing later.

Meanwhile, having expended more than half of her prana, Khione also descended to the ground, entering a meditative state to recuperate. The two sat in meditation across from each other, separated by a distance of twenty-something meters. Each focused on their respective breathing techniques, and unbeknownst to them, nearly an hour slipped by before they finally stopped, having nearly fully recovered their prana.

”Let’s prepare some quick sandwiches to eat before departing,” Nero suggested, and Khione nodded in agreement, feeling the pangs of hunger.

They pulled out the essential items to make a simple yet delicious sandwich. Nero took out fresh bread, soft and crusty, and laid it on a flat surface. He then reached for slices of succulent turkey, placing them generously on one piece of bread. Next, he added crisp lettuce, its vibrant green color adding a refreshing crunch. Slices of ripe tomato followed, their juices glistening in the light, and finally, he drizzled a hint of mustard for a tangy kick.

Khione, meanwhile, prepared her sandwich with equal care, opting for a vegetarian option with layers of creamy avocado, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of pepper for flavor. The aroma of their ingredients mingled in the air, creating a tantalizing scent that made them both even hungrier.

Once assembled, they took a moment to admire their creations before taking their first bites in unison. The flavors exploded in their mouths: the savory turkey paired perfectly with the fresh crunch of lettuce and the sharpness of the mustard, while Khione’s avocado and cheese melded together harmoniously, creating a creamy, satisfying experience.

They ate in silence, enjoying the simple pleasure of their meal. Each bite was a reminder of their hard-fought progress, and as they savored their sandwiches, the camaraderie between them grew stronger, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges they had faced and the journey still ahead.

°°°°°

Meanwhile, in another location entirely, more than 100 kilometers away from the duo, another team was embroiled in battle: the princess’s team.

Elreth, holding her black spear wreathed in dark crimson flames, faced off against two orcs, each brandishing massive clubs. The air crackled with tension as the orcs snarled, their fierce roars echoing through the forest, a comical yet menacing battle cry. Their massive feet sank into the forest floor as they charged at Elreth, intent on crushing her into a mist of pulp.

In a nearby clearing, Lux was preoccupied, taking care of another monster, unaware of the intense showdown unfolding.

”Oink!!” the two orcs bellowed as they closed the distance, their clubs raised high, ready to deliver devastating blows. But Elreth was not one to be intimidated. Flames surged beneath her feet, propelling her forward in a burst of energy. With a graceful backflip, she soared above the lumbering brutes, her body twisting elegantly in the air.

As she descended, she thrust her spear downward, channeling her fire to generate a series of flame thrusts. The orcs, relying on instinct, swung their clubs to block the incoming attacks, but the flames licked at their defenses, leaving scorch marks on their weapons. Elreth landed deftly on her feet, a confident smirk gracing her lips as she prepared for the next exchange.

With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a barrage of flame-infused spear strikes, each thrust crackling with energy. The orcs responded in perfect sync, their brutish forms moving with surprising agility as they attempted to anticipate her moves. The clash of wood against metal echoed through the forest, a symphony of combat that resonated with the ferocity of their struggle.

Elreth danced amidst their attacks, her movements fluid and precise, each step choreographed like a deadly ballet. She employed her godly spear techniques, twirling and weaving through their strikes with the grace of a seasoned warrior. The dark crimson flames that enveloped her spear flickered and flared, casting an ominous glow as she pushed the limits of her Law of Fire.

The intensity of the fight escalated with each passing moment. Elreth felt her blood surge with adrenaline, her heart racing as she embraced the thrill of battle. The orcs, driven by brute strength, were relentless, but they could not match her speed and finesse. With every thrust and parry, Elreth began to overwhelm them, gradually breaking their defenses.

She executed a series of acrobatic maneuvers, flipping over one orc while simultaneously striking at the other. Her spear became an extension of her will, a fiery weapon that danced through the air, leaving trails of heat in its wake. The orcs struggled to keep pace, their injuries mounting as she found gaps in their defenses and exploited them mercilessly.

With a sudden burst of energy, Elreth spun in a wide arc, her spear trailing flames as she struck with precision. The first orc staggered back, a deep gash searing into its side, the dark crimson fire eating away at its flesh. The second orc, enraged by its companion’s injury, charged at her with a wild swing of its club, but Elreth was ready.

She ducked under the swing, rolling to the side and coming up behind the brute. With a swift, fluid motion, she thrust her spear into the orc’s back, the dark flames erupting from the wound as the beast let out a howl of agony. Elreth pulled her weapon free, flames leaping from the orc’s body as it collapsed to the ground, smoke rising from its charred flesh.

The remaining orc, now panicked and desperate, swung wildly, but Elreth’s calm demeanor only intensified as she toyed with her opponent. She danced just out of reach, taunting the creature as it swung clumsily. Elreth controlled the battlefield with her flames, creating walls of fire that forced the orc to maneuver in ways it was not accustomed to.

With each strike, the orc’s strength waned, and Elreth’s sadistic side began to emerge. She relished in the power she wielded, her laughter ringing out as she executed a series of rapid thrusts, each one finding its mark and leaving the orc increasingly battered. The forest around them bore witness to the ferocity of the duel, the ground scorched and charred from the flames and the struggle.

Finally, with one last, decisive maneuver, Elreth leaped high into the air, the dark flames swirling around her as she prepared for her finishing strike. With a fierce cry, she brought her spear down in a powerful arc, the flames erupting in a brilliant display of light as it connected with the orc, reducing it to nothing more than ash and smoke.

As the last remnants of the battle faded, Elreth stood amidst the devastation, sweat glistening on her brow. The thrill of victory coursed through her veins, and she reveled in the intensity of the fight, the will to toy with her prey.