Arcane Era-Chapter 62: Arcane Ability

’It hurts...’

As Theo rose to his feet, watching as everyone around him shrank back in both fear and admiration, he was too engrossed by his own thoughts to care.

’This burning sensation... the heat that encircles my flesh... churning my insides... boiling my blood...’ He clenched his fist, trying his best to withhold a loud scream. ’... It hurts so much.’

Merely wielding the saber of light caused his body to experience heat, and after only thirty seconds, he would start burning up. If a minute passed, he would already have burn marks, and after two minutes, he would not be able to bear the intense heat that would have begun to melt his skin. However, this situation was different.

The burning light had become a part of him in a sense.

Not flesh... but not light either.

It felt like a mix of both—like his body had become fuel for the power that now coursed through him. It was painful, taking on the position of an Arcane Instrument, taking the Arcane Ability for himself.

Theo had never experienced this before, and it felt immensely unpleasant.

But—

’I definitely feel stronger.’ He said to himself. ’I can ignore the pain, and the stares. Instead, I should focus on the task at hand.’

Nothing had really changed.

His opponent was the Mercenary King, but he also had to put the Joker into consideration when he struck—since she had interrupted him the last time he had come so close to his target.

’The water gun Armament has been destroyed, leaving my bracelet and scarf as the only ones I have left.’ He sighed.

They were both Standard Grade, but thankfully the fiery light that covered his body had not burned them off. Armaments were quite durable, and it was trite that only Armaments—or, at least, objects imbued with Ne’sh—could destroy Armaments.

Arcane Abilities could also achieve the same results, but no Mortal—using their own power—could destroy one.

’I’m surprised my heat isn’t destroying them, considering the effect is from a Regal Grade Armament.’ He reasoned. ’Could it be that they’re being preserved because of my resonance with them? My Ne’sh is imbued in them, after all...’

Theo wasn’t an expert, so he couldn’t be sure. Besides, the sensations that assailed him at the moment—pain and power—couldn’t make him think straight. As much as agony kept coursing through him, he also felt delirious to an extent.

It was a miracle that he could still make coherent observations in his mind.

"I see... so I was correct in the end!" Gerald’s voice erupted into the air, interrupting Theo’s thoughts, and finally drawing the attention of everyone in the hall to him. "The Divine Ones were once Mortals! The proof is with this boy! That means by fulfilling my ambitions, I can transcend and become a Heavenly King of the Divine Court!"

Once the Mercenary Crew Members heard this, the awe in their hearts increased, and their initial state of shock and reverence towards Theo began to diminish. The Crew was as much a cult as it was a militia.

The Mercenary King not only served as their military head, but also their spiritual leader.

His goal of becoming a true king, ascending to the Divine Court, resonated with the Crew Members. The true followers of the King, members of the Mercenary Crew, would not only experience luxuries and wealth in life, but even in death they would be assured entry into the Heavenly Palace since their King would already be one of the Kings ruling the Divine Ones.

This belief was etched into them, and so, like zealots, they followed their King with immense loyalty and self-sacrificing intentions.

"Young lad, you are impressive... being able to use an Arcane Ability without the use of an Armament. I can see why Shen desires you so much. I will ask you one final time, join the Mercenary Crew and become a support for me to rule: in this world and the next."

"Shut the fuck up! I already have an employer." Theo growled in response.

Shen Ak’ashi smiled at this. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

Throughout Theo’s transformation, while his eyes glowed with joy, he never displayed an ounce of shock. It almost seemed he had already envisioned such an outcome, but how could that even be possible.

In contrast to Shen’s composure, Theo’s vulgar words came as a surprise to the other listeners, most of whom were not used to seeing their King be so disrespected. However, with the boy of light now elevated in their eyes—displaying signs of a Divine One—they could not fully express their vitriol.

Instead, they silently watched the exchange, expectant of the victorious triumph of their King.

After all, if Gerald could overcome this boy who seemed like the second coming of a Divine One, then wouldn’t that give more credibility to his words? Would that not mean that their Mercenary King could triumph the divine, transcending the hierarchy that bound Mortalkind... ultimately ascending to the state of divinehood.

If he won... he would be seen as no less than divine.

Gerald also understood this, so after bolstering the spirits of his men and offering Theo one final way out, he had no intention of holding back any longer.

Theo was a threat to his authority and legitimacy.

’For the sake of the future... for the sake of Conrad’s dreams, our revenge, and my ambition... he has to die.’

WHOOOOSH!

Gerald charged at Theo, expecting him to flinch or perhaps leap away, but much to his surprise, the boy also charged forward.

’Is he trying to attack me directly? How arrogant!’

No matter how powerful Theo had become, he was still only displaying the Arcane Ability of a Regal Grade Armament. He was also using his Ne’sh to fuel the ability, which meant he would soon run out of energy, and the effectiveness of the Ability could not match Gerald’s Imperial Grade Armaments.

Of course, Gerald had no intention of underestimating Theo.

After seeing how tricky this boy was in their last exchange, and now having more motivation to kill him, he no longer desired to play with his food. He still felt it was a loss to eliminate such a promising kid, but it couldn’t be helped.

Shen had brainwashed this brat too much! Undoing that was impossible.

Killing him would be an act of mercy.

Repeating these sentiments to himself, Gerald boosted his speed, swinging his massive broadsword towards Theo, also preparing another blow, which would undoubtedly burst Theo’s body into several pieces.

But—

SWISH!

At that last moment, Theo swiftly twisted his body, shifting to the side.

Then, he suddenly glided away—to the left of the Mercenary King. His speed was astounding, mixing the glorious speed that came from his glowing state with the power of his mobility-type Armament.

Naturally, Gerald reacted to this and flung his blade at him, watching as it rolled in the air. It gleamed dangerously, rushing towards Theo in an attempt to slice him in half.

However—

"Arghh!"

Theo thrust his arm forward, directing all his strength into the blow as it hit the tip of the blade broadsword.

The result?

BOOOM!!!