Chapter 684 - Imbuing the Serene Light
There were two reasons for making our first expedition as the [Azure Sky Clan] a Great Spirit subjugation tour.
First, among the information and options available to us, the expected return was simply outstanding. It promised a significant power-up for me, obviously, but defeating a formidable enemy like a Great Spirit benefits all players.
There were the vast experience points to be gained, rare materials, and a large amount of currency. The latter's appeal might be debatable for some of our members, but the former was a universal draw.
In fact, it wasn't just me who obtained the 《Water Spirit's Blessing》; all the clan members who journeyed with me received it. And while the skill has a special effect on those with Water Magic Aptitude, it also bestows a general blessing on those without.
Specifically, a permanent increase in water magic resistance, plus an adaptation bonus for underwater actions. Whether it's frequently useful or not, it's not the kind of thing you'd be worse off having.
And, in parallel with that, there was another objective.
In Arcadia, Great Spirits are representative 'embodiments of elements'—in other words, they are beings with a particularly deep connection to 'magic'… which meant,
They were the perfect 'sustenance' to bestow upon my partner's [Anima].
"Geez, the Third Tier in just about half a year…"
"…Um, are you at a loss for words?"
And so, after dinner, I brought our invited guest, Nia, to the same pure white room as last time. We were in a training room inside the underground castle that served as Istia's wartime base. A total of five people had gathered.
Me, Nia, and Sora-san. And the remaining two were, of course—
"Oaaaii!? Yahoo, Nia-chan! It's beeeen sooooo loooong!!!!!"
"Whoa, wait a sec, sto—!?"
One of them, a redhead, took off the moment we appeared via teleport, tackling Nia, who was standing next to me, without a hint of hesitation or braking.
And then,
"Good evening."
"Hey, good evening. I'm counting on you again, senpais."
"Mm."
The other, a blue-head, pattered over to us, being a very good girl as always.
Well, we'll have endless things to talk about later anyway, so…
"Have you sorted things out?"
"Yes!"
I met Sora-san's gaze, the first time since we'd met up, and confirmed her enthusiastic reply. At the same time, I checked the ring emitting a faint light, already set upon the 'pedestal.'
And now, you two of the [Eastern Wings], let the weaving begin.
Let them spin the ritual incantation to imbue the third power into the peerless vessel, an Anima that has accumulated numerous great 'sustenances,' starting with the subjugation of that [White Throne].
◇◆◇◆◇
"'One.'" "'Two.'" "'Three.'" "'Four.'"
"'Linked.'"
"'Overlapped.'"
""'Weaving a truth.'""
I’ve only heard it a handful of times. My reaction each time is always the same: an indescribable sense of wonder… and along with it, an equally indescribable touch of fear.
It was more than the visual effects—the single giant crown shared between two people, the great wings shining red and blue.
"'A crown of thorns that drinks the light.'"
"'A severe frost that bites and tears.'"
""'The mingled breath is the ripple of a sea of stars.'""
""'World, hold your breath, and burn the moon and snow.'""
More than anything, it was their fused voices, so different from their usual selves,
Bringing down a mystery so heavy it was almost oppressive.
"'One of life, zero of demise, a kiss without warmth ignites meaning.'"
"'The distant, noble divine seat is an empty sky, so where is the death that was lost?'"
""'If there is no answer, then shine forth—to the beyond that will never freeze over.'""
"With these twin wings,"
"We draw forth here… Aaaand that means, okay, everyone, no moving for a bit!"
"It's going to get a little cold—ready, set…"
And yeah, it's the gap between these parts that makes me feel like I'm going to catch a cold.
And thus,
""《Zero Absolute: Star Sapphire, the Breath of Icy Eternity》—!""
What manifested was a trivial chill that filled the space. But as Mi-na had warned, it was a domain of enforced stillness that brought 'death' to anything that moved.
And the brilliantly shining blue star, likely the core of the spell, pulsed directly above the [Cradle of Sword-Craft], which sat on the pedestal…
"—Hnngh…"
The moment Ri-na's slightly clumsy finger-snap echoed. After scattering an unnatural presence that devoured all nearby life energy, it vanished without a sound.
Among the grand spells boasted by the [Eastern Wings], it was by far the quietest one. But my impression from seeing it firsthand was one of overwhelming power that could only be described as 'breathtaking.'
As Sora, Nia, and I, who had been watching from the side, remained silent,
"…So, that's the kind of magic it is, but do you think it worked?"
"Was it… imbued?"
The two little ones turned around, looking frankly not at all confident about the success of the ritual, despite being perfectly confident in their spellcasting.
This was because that grand 'ice' magic was a domain-type spell, so there was some question as to whether it could directly perform the task of 'imbuing power'…
"Sora."
"Wh-Y-yes…!"
I nudged my dazed partner on the shoulder, and a startled Sora-san pattered over. After a quick "It's okay, right?" to the two little ones to confirm it was safe to step inside the former domain, the girl reached her Anima—
"……, …………"
As if savoring the moment, she gently took it in her hand, slipped it on her finger, and…
"—《Erde Kreis, Ice Sword Ring》."
—the moment she chanted the words.
A dazzlingly brilliant 'white snow' attended her, dancing like countless flowers. And then, with a slightly dramatic flair, Sora-san turned back to us.
"Ehehe… The third one. I've received it, for sure."
With a smile that could melt the pervading chill, she declared this ritual 'complete.'
・《Zero Absolute: Star Sapphire, the Breath of Icy Eternity》
In simple terms, it's a 'move-and-you-die' spell where 'the more energy generated within the domain, the more life is stolen from the surroundings.' Furthermore, the manifested ice core usurps all energy, so anyone, anything, or any magic that steps into the domain is equally frozen in time and dissipates.
In other words, it's not just that you die if you move; if you try to move, you die without being able to move. Scary.
Also, the most lawless part of this grand magic is that the casters are not included among the targets of usurpation.