The path of the Soul Emperor

Chapter 21

Alex's appearance had undergone a significant transformation.

His figure had grown slightly larger, his eyes now a mesmerizing starry purple with flecks of gold within.

His silver hair shimmered faintly as a purple aura encased him, radiating an undeniable power.

The combination of his abilities was staggering: a 100% boost from Arcane Mana Skin, a 50% boost from King's Fury, a 150% boost from his Orc Transformation, and the augmentation from his Soul Emperor skill, which elevated his base C- rank strength to C+. Together, these enhancements pushed him to the threshold of B- rank.

The overwhelming power coursing through him made Alex feel as though a single punch could shatter a mountain.

The enigmatic being, whose name remained unknown, observed Alex's rising aura with detached amusement.

"It took you all of three seconds to reach this level of power," he remarked.

"In that time, I could have killed you, eaten a meal, and still returned to my throne to resume my slumber."

Alex smirked. "Then why didn't you?"

The being responded without a word, moving so fast that he broke the sound barrier. In an instant, his sword was at Alex's throat.

Alex froze, his breath caught, as a Wind Veil manifested just in time to block the attack.

BOOOM!

A massive shockwave erupted, sending cracks racing through the throne room.

Kevin was flung out of the room and the pocket dimension entirely, coughing blood, as Alex used his Arcane Mana to form a hand and push him away to safety.

"This barrier... it's a problem," the being said coldly.

Alex had already leapt back, his gaze locked on the being. He sighed, fully aware of the risks involved in coming to this place.

[Level 100++]

'Are you telling me his level is above 100?' Alex thought.

[Yes, he's merely suppressing his power level.]

'Damn,' Alex cursed internally.

Without hesitation, he disappeared, reappearing behind the being in the blink of an eye.

His sword, engulfed in searing Arcane Mana resembling flames, slashed toward his foe.

Yet, the being blocked effortlessly, barely moving as he parried the strike with precision.

Alex darted around the room at blinding speeds, attacking from every angle, but the outcome was the same—every strike was blocked.

Shockwaves rippled through the air with each clash, yet the being's cold, red eyes followed Alex's every movement with unnerving calmness.

Alex's sword unleashed arcs of power, both large and small, each resembling crescents of energy.

But the being intercepted every one. "I exist in the same realm of power as you," he said, "but at its peak. And you still can't touch me."

In a flash, the being vanished, moving at speeds far beyond Alex's capability.

He reappeared, delivering a devastating kick to Alex, sending him crashing into the wall with a sickening thud.

Blood spilled from Alex's mouth as cracks spread from the point of impact, the throne room trembling under the force.

'Damn it… is the gap between B ranks really this vast?' Alex thought, despair creeping into his mind. He had assumed the being would suppress his power to match Alex's rank, but he hadn't considered the vast difference between B-, B, and B+. This being was at the peak of B+—and even that was with his power suppressed.

'My heart… it's slowing down,' Alex realized as he stared at the hole left in his chest from the kick. 'And I was just thinking about having a child with Stella...'

His thoughts wandered. 'I know somewhere in your heart, you still hate me for what I did to your father, Stella. And I'm not sorry for that... my dear.'

[Alex, your bloodline can't heal a wound of this magnitude,] Agnes, said.

[But there's hope. If we can find a compatible body for your soul within the next few months, you can be reborn. Otherwise, your soul will dissipate.]

'What are the chances of finding such a body?' Alex asked weakly.

[0.1%.]

'Great... getting my hopes up for nothing,' Alex thought before closing his eyes.

The being approached Alex's lifeless body, his expression unreadable. "You aren't even the Soul Emperor from before," he muttered, though his voice carried a strange reverence.

"But that doesn't matter. It was foretold that I would one day return this sword to you."

The being knelt by Alex's body. "Then now… use me well, Master. For what was mine is now yours." With those words, the being disappeared, leaving behind a black sword. The blade shimmered, taking on a silver hue as it fused into Alex's soul.

In an instant, an explosive energy erupted from Alex's body, healing all his wounds.

[Ding! The System has taken full authority,] a voice announced.

{You're removing all my authority?} Agnes protested.

[Ding! A new mission has been assigned.]

[Mission]

[Upgrade the system within four months.]

[Penalty: Death of the host.]

[Required Arcane Energy: 10,000 units to reach System Tier 2.]

{Isn't that harsh?} Agnes asked.

[Full authority has been returned to Agnes. However, any attempt to remove the mission will result in the host's death.]

{Can't you at least unseal my memories so I can help better?}

[The system lacks the authority to do so.]

{Then who does?} Agnes demanded.

The system went silent. Agnes sighed. [System, wake Alex up.]

Alex's eyes fluttered open, a dazed look on his face as he struggled to comprehend what had just happened