Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 165

Chapter 165: Arriving II

As they reached the gate, the guards inspecting the incoming carriages asked for their IDs. After confirming their identities, they handed over a manor key, signifying their welcome and status.

Entering the city, Aiden, Chloe, and Loyd were greeted with a breathtaking sight. The buildings were unlike any they had seen in their kingdom—an intricate blend of mid-European and modern architecture, displaying both luxury and a comfortable environment. Aiden raised his brows in recognition. “They are like the houses in Celestaria,” he thought, noting the similarities to his homeland.

The streets were bustling with activity, filled with vendors, performers, and townsfolk going about their day. The air was vibrant with the sounds of commerce, laughter, and the occasional call of a street vendor. The city exuded a sense of prosperity and culture, with its well-maintained roads and beautifully designed buildings.

As they moved deeper into the city, they approached the central square, dominated by a grand statue of the Supreme King. The statue was lifelike, depicting a majestic figure seated on a throne, adorned with a magnificent crown, exuding an aura of authority and grace. The statue seemed to command respect, looking down upon the city as if overseeing its well-being.

“This is the reward for the winner of the Championship,” the old man explained, his eyes reflecting a mix of reverence and nostalgia as he gazed at the statue.

“Sir, have you ever won this championship?” Loyd asked, his curiosity piqued.

The old man shook his head. “No, I haven’t,” he replied, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. He then led them closer to the statue while ordering the carriage to move to the manor where Chloe could rest properly.

At the foot of the statue stood a golden stele, inscribed with names that gleamed in red gold. “This is the record of all the Champions,” the old man pointed out, indicating the names etched onto the golden stele.

“Try touching it,” the old man suggested. Loyd, intrigued, moved forward and touched one of the names.

Loyd felt puzzled as nothing seemed to happen immediately. He looked back at the old man, who shook his head and pointed upwards. Both Loyd and Aiden looked up and saw the statue transforming into another one. This time, it depicted a beautiful and dignified girl, standing proudly with her spirit beside her.

“This statue will remain for only one minute before it reverts back to this year’s Champion,” the old man explained.

Curious, Aiden used his Akashic eyes on the statue and stele, trying to uncover any hidden information. However, he found nothing of note.

[This is probably a high-level material product,] Nexus commented in Aiden’s mind.

Aiden nodded and followed the old man, noticing many other youngsters around him, each with eyes gleaming with ambition as they gazed at the statue. They all imagined themselves standing where the statue was, marking their place in history.

‘Hmm, I guess leaving a mark here won’t be a bad idea,’ Aiden thought, feeling a growing desire to participate and win the championship. The charged atmosphere around him unconsciously stirred his competitive spirit, reflecting the ancient wisdom that one’s environment can shape their actions and aspirations.

They continued to tour the city, moving from one part to another, each area offering new sights and experiences. The blend of cultures, the vibrant marketplace, and the majestic architecture painted a vivid picture of the city’s grandeur. By nightfall, they reached the manor that would be their residence.

Entering inside, they ate their dinner in quiet contemplation, each lost in their thoughts about the day and the upcoming test for the Five Kingdom Academy. The test was set to start tomorrow and would last for a week, determining the best among the participants.

Meanwhile, as the city settled into the calm of the night, the two figures who had been observing the incoming carriages made their way to the central manor. They approached a grand hall and knocked respectfully.

“Come in,” a voice signaled from inside. They entered to find an old man listening to a piano piece played by another companion. The hall was otherwise empty, the music filling the space with a serene melody.

After five minutes, when the performance ended, the old man opened his eyes and asked, “How’s this year’s batch of students?”

The two figures exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward and knelt. “There are a lot of talents this year. We spotted many Grade 9 and 8 spirits.”

The other one knelt as well, adding, “Apart from them, there were also many with lower ranks but possessing special spirits.”

The old man nodded, absorbing the information. “Very well. Prepare for tomorrow’s assessment. We need to ensure everything is in order.”

The two figures rose, bowing before they exited the hall to make the necessary preparations. The old man leaned back, deep in thought, as the anticipation for the upcoming tests grew. The city was on the brink of discovering its new champions, and the air was thick with potential and promise.

*****

As the next day begin.

Aiden, Chloe and Loyd got ready for today’s big day.

Old man acting as their guide lead them towards the central Colosseum.

“This is where the Assessments usually held ” Old man said and then as they reached near it, they saw a long line.

They too joined the line, here their status no longer mattering, now all of them are equal here.

Loyd looking ahead at the big Colosseum gazed back at Aiden and though, ‘ Nows my time to shine’

He clenched his hand and thought of future where he will trample, on Aiden and Chloe hugging him.

Aiden who saw the look in Loyd eyes shook his head ‘ Protagonist and their love for attraction ‘

Aiden just used his Akashic eyes and begin to inspect him.

****

Name : Loyd Warner

Race : Human

Age : 7 years

Spirit : Soul Devouring Dagger

1. Spirit Plunder : Ingest the spirit of victim and increase itself rank.

2. Ability Plunder : There is 10% chance of obtaining the skill of devoured spirit.

3. Sacrifice : Permanently sacrifice a ability and obtain power temporarily.

….

Stolen abilities :

Fast Foot

Steel wings strike

Wind Blade

Dark sphere

…..

Realm : Spirit apprentice (peak)

*****

Seeing his Status screen, especially his spirit, Aiden nodded ‘ worthy of an Protagonist spirit’

‘ Though, not good as mine’ Aiden thought and then kept using his Akashic sight and looked at others.

He saw many kinds of spirits from Grade 6 to Grade 9 and even few with ??? rank, indicating they are above Grade 9 spirits.

He looked at their spirits.

****

Illusionary Dream Butterfly

Rank: ????

Abilities:

Dreamlike Illusion: Creates vivid, almost tangible illusions that can confuse and manipulate the senses of those who perceive them. The illusions are so realistic that it becomes nearly impossible to distinguish them from reality.

Soul-ensnaring Charm: Emits an aura that captivates and controls the minds and souls of those within its influence, making them susceptible to suggestions and commands.

Death Illusion: Casts a vision of one’s deepest fears and their own death, causing paralyzing fear or even physical harm due to the intense psychological stress.

Dream Shaker: Distorts the boundary between dreams and reality, causing targets to lose their grasp on what is real and what is imagined. This can lead to disorientation and vulnerability.

********

White Annihilation Lion

Rank: ????

Abilities:

Roar of Extinction: Unleashes a devastating roar that can obliterate anything in its path. The sound waves are so powerful that they can cause structures to crumble and living beings to be torn apart.

Eyes of Majesty: Its gaze exudes an overwhelming aura of authority and dominance, compelling submission and fear in all who meet its eyes. Those who try to resist might find themselves paralyzed or driven to madness.

Steps of Destruction: Each step the lion takes causes tremors and seismic waves, shattering the ground and creating widespread destruction in its wake.

Presence of the King: Its mere presence radiates a force of absolute dominance and invulnerability, boosting its own strength and weakening the resolve and abilities of its enemies. It is the embodiment of an unchallenged ruler.

*****

Frost Titan

Rank: ????

Abilities:

Glacial Fist:

A powerful punch that encases anything it strikes in ice, freezing it instantly. The force of the punch can shatter mountains and create massive shockwaves.

Ice Fortress:

The Frost Titan can create an impenetrable fortress of ice around itself or its allies. This fortress is incredibly durable, capable of withstanding even the most powerful attacks.

Arctic Stomp:

By stomping on the ground, the Frost Titan can create massive ice quakes that spread frost and freezing temperatures over a wide area. This ability can immobilize enemies and create barriers of ice.

Frostbound Presence:

The mere presence of the Frost Titan lowers the temperature drastically, causing frost to form on the ground and in the air. This aura can slow down and weaken opponents, making it difficult for them to fight effectively.

*******

Crimson Basilisk

Rank: ????

Abilities:

Petrifying Gaze:

The Crimson Basilisk’s eyes have the power to turn any living being into stone with a single look. This ability can be focused on a single target or spread out to affect multiple enemies at once.

Blood Scales:

The scales of the Crimson Basilisk are not only incredibly tough but also exude a poisonous aura. Anyone who comes into contact with the scales risks being poisoned, and the scales can also regenerate by absorbing blood from fallen enemies.

Venomous Strike:

The Crimson Basilisk’s bite is laced with a potent venom that can paralyze and eventually kill its victims. The venom spreads rapidly through the bloodstream, causing intense pain and paralysis.

Serpent’s Curse:

This powerful curse can be cast on enemies, causing them to suffer from a variety of debilitating effects such as intense pain, hallucinations, and severe weakness. The curse can last for an extended period, making it a feared ability in combat.

*****

There were many more ,but only these felt troublesome to Aiden