Yuki hesitated before putting a small, glowing orb into his outstretched hand. Azriel activated his [Eyes of Nighthawk] and peered into the swirling energy within. His expression shifted to one of surprise and quiet awe.
- Infinite Tempest Essence
- [Legendary]
- The essence of a kaiju that carries the power of a primordial storm is infused with the boundless power of wind, thunder, and lightning. It pulses with raw, untamed energy, capable of shaping both the wielder and the surroundings into manifestations of the storm's fury.
- Due to its potency, the Infinite Tempest Essence can cause a [Path Evolution] regardless of the path’s level.
“This is a Legendary Essence known as the Infinite Tempest,” Azriel said.
Yuki tilted her head, confused. “Is that important?”
Azriel handed the orb back to her, his mind already calculating. “It’s more than important. It’s rare and incredibly powerful.” He leaned forward. “Do you truly want to become stronger?”
“More than anything,” Yuki said, determination blazing in her eyes.
“What paths do you have?”
“[War Monk], [Sword Saint], and [Tracker],” she replied.
Azriel considered each option. Tracker isn’t relevant here. His eyes flicked back to Yuki as he thought of the stories he’d read in Tales of Astraquilla. One name stood out: Sarah Dayne, a [Sword Saint]; his great-grandfather Arthur spoke of her in high regard. If Sarah still lived, she’d be his grandfather’s age, but her legend remained vivid in his mind. Sarah Dayne grew up on an island nation with her father, a famous blacksmith named Link Dayne, who created her signature blade, Devouring Moon. One night, a notorious vampire pirate named Sevagoth raided their home to steal Link's sword. He brutally murdered Sarah's father in front of her and set the house ablaze, leaving Sarah for dead. She survived the attack, and with his great grandfather’s help, she was able to bring down Sevagoth and take back the sword he had stolen.
Sword Saints were like broken characters in a game, completely overpowered, unbalanced, and never patched. If Yuki had chosen that path, her power would have been immense, but strength without discipline was dangerous.
“[War Monk],” Azriel pronounced, his voice steady and firm. “It’s a formidable path, though perhaps not as glamorous as the [Sword Saint]. Still, it is steadfast, and one can rely on it. Absorb the essence and evolve that path.”
Yuki’s brow furrowed. “Are you sure? What if it doesn’t work?”
Azriel’s gaze never wavered. “If you want strength, you need to trust me. Do it.”
Taking a deep breath, Yuki pressed the orb to her chest. The essence dissolved into her, vanishing in a burst of light. For a moment, nothing happened. Yuki blinked. “What now?”
Her question trailed off, lost in the heavy silence around them, as her eyes slipped into a distant realm, rolling back almost as if she were in a trance. Slowly, her body began to ascend from the ground, weightless and ethereal, emanating a soft glow that flickered like candlelight. A mesmerizing swirl of energy enveloped her, akin to a tempest brewing in the heart of a storm, vibrant and alive.
Azriel stood captivated, his gaze fixed on her as the aura intensified, swirling in shades of deep blue and silver reminiscent of thunderclouds charged with electric potential. It felt familiar, almost nostalgic, but he couldn’t pin the memory. As he watched her rise, his heart raced with a mix of awe and trepidation, aware that he was witnessing something extraordinary and utterly beyond his understanding.
He stood there, weighing his options as he considered stepping in to help, but uncertainty held him back. It seemed wiser to let the situation unfold on its own, allowing events to take their natural course. A flicker of frustration crossed his face as he glanced toward the corner of his vision, where a stream of persistent red notifications flashed ominously from his locked status window. Each alert felt like a siren, urgent and demanding attention, yet the system had been locked in its update cycle for what seemed like hours. This seemingly endless process had left him in a state of unawareness, deprived of critical information that could influence his next move. He felt a growing anxiety as he struggled with the dual pressures of wanting to intervene and the nagging sense of vulnerability resulting from his technological limitations.
With a heavy, resigned sigh, Azriel lowered himself to the ground, settling into a cross-legged position. He closed his eyes gently, allowing the world around him to fade into a distant hum. Drawing in a deep breath, he began to center his thoughts, feeling the familiar warmth of energy pooling within him. He understood that if Yuki needed him, he must be ready to respond without hesitation. For the moment, however, all he could do was wait in the quiet stillness, honing his focus and preparing himself for whatever challenges lay ahead.
***
Yuki blinked as her vision swam, the sensation of floating giving way to solid ground beneath her feet. When she opened her eyes fully, she found herself standing on an island suspended in the sky. Wisps of cloud drifted lazily around the edges of the floating landmass, and the air crackled with a strange, electric energy.
She stood in front of an ancient and regal grand temple, its stone steps leading up to a set of towering doors. Immense azure-leafed trees surrounded the structure, its branches swaying gently despite the absence of any wind. Each leaf shimmered with an ethereal glow, casting soft blue light across the temple grounds.
Yuki’s gaze traveled upward, drawn to a single giant katana hovering in the tree's air. It was forged from pure lightning, and arcs of electricity danced along its blade. The weapon pulsed with energy, each crackle punctuating the silence like distant thunder.
“Where… am I?” she whispered, taking a cautious step forward. The ground beneath her feet felt solid, yet weightless, as though the island itself was part of the storm-filled sky.
A low rumble rolled across the landscape, reverberating through the ground beneath her feet, and Yuki instinctively looked up. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight before her. Towering overhead, the sky twisted and churned violently in a vortex of ominous dark clouds, each one heavier and more menacing than the last. Jagged flashes of lightning sliced through the gloom, momentarily illuminating the swirling chaos with a stark white light that contrasted sharply against the deepening shadows.
The storm raged with unrelenting ferocity, with winds howling like restless spirits. Yet, an inexplicable sense of serenity cocooned the island as if it existed in a bubble completely separate from the upheaval above. The air was thick with moisture, and the scent of rain mingled with the earthy aroma of the forest, creating a strange juxtaposition of turmoil and tranquility that left Yuki both awed and unsettled.
Yuki’s eyes darted around, fear and confusion evident on her face. She took a hesitant step forward, the howling winds tugging at her clothes. The sky rumbled ominously, and the storm’s fury seemed to press down on her.
Suddenly, Azriel appeared beside her, hands in his pockets, looking up at the storm. He let out a low whistle. “Now that’s a storm.”
Yuki jumped at his sudden presence, her voice shaky. “W-What is this? Where are we?”
Azriel glanced down at her, his expression calm. “We’re inside your soul. And that storm?” He nodded toward the swirling chaos above. “That’s the Essence. The Infinite Tempest.”
Yuki blinked, still processing what Azriel had just said. “Wait… inside my soul? What does that even mean?” Her voice quivered, equal parts confusion and disbelief.
Azriel shrugged casually, keeping his gaze on the raging storm. “Yeah, I decided to call it a soul realm. That makes sense, right? I had this run-in with a god once she tried to take control of me through my soul.” He smirked, tapping his temple. “Fought her off. Not something I’d recommend, but it worked out.”
Yuki's eyes grew impossibly large, a mix of disbelief and excitement flashing across her face. "A god?"
“Absolutely,” Azriel said, his voice steady and calm as if he were discussing the weather rather than the chaotic scene unfolding before them. He gestured toward the storm that roiled in the sky, a churning vortex of dark clouds illuminated sporadically by brilliant bolts of lightning that splintered the heavens. The air was thick with tension, a palpable energy that crackled like static before a storm, sending shivers down Yuki’s spine. The clouds twisted and turned, shifting shapes as if they were alive, a swirling mass that seemed to beckon the unwary closer. Each flash of lightning illuminated the landscape, revealing the gnarled trees that bent under the weight of the wind and the restless lake that mirrored the chaos above with choppy, angry waves. Thunder rumbled in the distance, a deep growl that echoed through the valley, warning of the storm's imminent arrival.
“What do I do with the storm?” Yuki asked frantically, hoping for the answer.
Azriel’s expression hardened, his voice steady. “This place is yours to command. And that storm?” He pointed with certainty, his gaze unwavering. “It’s woven into the very fabric of who you are now. Embrace it; you need to evolve your path.”
Yuki’s eyes followed his hand as he gestured toward the towering temple in the distance, framed by the twisting storm. “That’s your [War Monk] path,” he continued. “But it’s incomplete.”
She furrowed her brow. “Incomplete?”
Azriel nodded. “To unlock its full potential, you need to pull the storm from the sky. Infuse it into the temple. Merge the two, and you’ll truly begin to understand your power.” His gaze softened, but his tone remained firm. “You’ve got this, Tiny Tiger.”
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Yuki swallowed hard, staring at the roaring tempest above. Her fists clenched. Embrace it. She took a deep breath and stepped forward, determination burning in her eyes.
Yuki stood amidst the tumultuous winds, her heart racing as the storm raged above her, a symphony of chaos. She inhaled deeply, the crisp, charged air filling her lungs, and closed her eyes, allowing the howling gales to wash over her like a wild tide. She reached out not with her hands but with her very essence, her will igniting like a flame in the heart of the storm. Focus. Control it.
In her mind's eye, she envisioned the storm as a living being, a feral creature waiting to be tamed. She commanded the swirling clouds, picturing them bending to her might, imagining the crackling lightning shimmering in response to her intuition. Slowly, she opened her eyes, revealing iridescent azure light that flickered like the depths of the ocean, pulsing with power.
Above her, the storm roared defiantly, a cacophony of wind and thunder that echoed in the vast emptiness of the sky. But Yuki’s resolve was unshakeable, an unyielding force that flared brighter than the storm itself. With a sharp, decisive pull of her will, the dark, swirling clouds began their descent, reluctantly obeying her fervent call. Thunder crashed like a furious beast as lightning ripped through the sky, twisting and arching in a wild dance, surrendering to her command as the tumultuous tempest spiraled toward the ancient temple below.
As the storm’s energy fused with the temple, a surge of power rushed through her, and a glowing notification flashed in her vision:
[Path Evolution] completed. Congratulations, you are now a [Stormbound Ascetic]
- [Stormbound Ascetic]
-
- The Stormbound Ascetic is a martial artist who channels the infinite power of the primordial storm, blending physical prowess with elemental fury. They strike with the force of thunder, move with the speed of lightning, and endure with the resilience of a hurricane. Each blow carries the storm’s wrath, making them a living tempest on the battlefield.
- +25 to Strength, Agility, Willpower, and Awareness per Level
- +30 Presence
- +45 free points every time this path levels up.
- The Stormbound Ascetic is a martial artist who channels the infinite power of the primordial storm, blending physical prowess with elemental fury. They strike with the force of thunder, move with the speed of lightning, and endure with the resilience of a hurricane. Each blow carries the storm’s wrath, making them a living tempest on the battlefield.
- Stormbound Traits Unlocked
-
- Stormcaller: Gain increased power when fighting in storms or near large bodies of water.
- Cloudstep: Can walk on air for short distances, leaving behind a trail of static energy.
- Electric Surge: Gain increased power and speed when struck by lightning or electrical effects.
- Art Gained: Thunderclap Strike
- You slam your fist into the ground or directly into an enemy’s chest, generating a powerful shockwave that reverberates with the sound of thunder. The force travels outward, shaking the earth and sending foes sprawling backward. The air crackles with static as the deafening boom leaves enemies dazed, clutching their ears.
- This art’s damage scales with the wielder’s Strength attribute.
- Art Gained: Tempest Flurry
- Your body becomes a blur as you unleash a flurry of rapid strikes, each charged with elemental energy. Lightning crackles with every punch and kick while gusts of wind swirl around you, amplifying the speed of your movements. Each blow lands with precision, disorienting enemies and leaving them vulnerable to further attacks.
- This art’s damage scales with the wielder’s Strength and Agility attributes.
Yuki gasped, feeling the newfound strength coursing through her veins. Azriel, standing calmly beside her, gave a satisfied nod. Yuki gazed at the temple before her, its structure unlike anything she had ever seen. The architecture was both elegant and imposing, crafted from sleek, storm-worn stone that seemed to hum with an energy all its own. The walls of the temple were adorned with intricate carvings of swirling winds, lightning bolts, and figures in dynamic, combat-ready stances. At the center of it all stood a towering statue of a monk holding a katana aloft, its blade crackling with an ethereal storm. The air around it shimmered with static as if the very atmosphere was charged with power.
She realized that the temple was the path of the [Stormbound Ascetic], which seemed to pulse in time with the storm now suspended above them. Yuki could feel its power and weight pressing down on her. It was a physical manifestation of her will, now intertwined with the storm and her new path.
Azriel stood next to her, watching her closely. "This is your path, Yuki. The Stormbound Ascetic is where your training begins. The storm, your soul's storm, is now part of you. Your strength will grow so long as you keep fighting."
Yuki took a hesitant step forward, her heart pounding in her chest. The temple beckoned her, its energy calling her to step inside, to claim her newfound strength. She was no longer the girl who had fled through realms, running from a past she didn't understand. She was something more now. Something... stronger.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, she approached the ancient temple, its towering columns rising like sentinels against the stormy sky. Each step she took imbued her with a growing sense of purpose, her resolve solidifying with every heartbeat. This moment was not just an event; it was her destiny unfolding, a pivotal chapter in her evolution. The tempest that had once churned anxiety within her was no longer an adversary to dread; it was a force she could harness and a power she could command as she embraced the chaos around her.
***
Rhaeros, an ancient dragon with avian traits, bore wings that resembled the vast feathers of an owl, vast enough to blend seamlessly with the night sky. His eyes were keen, with otherworldly wisdom that spoke of centuries of study and mastery over magic. His long, white beard cascaded down like a silken waterfall, marking him as a dragon who had spent ages contemplating the mysteries of the universe.
Despite his power, he was gravely injured. His wings, once strong and graceful, were now torn and battered, with deep wounds that seeped magical energy into the air. Rhaeros could feel his life force waning, the once-immense aura of his being dimming with every passing moment. His mind was still sharp, though, and a single thought consumed him.
He needed to pass his power on. The time had come for him to find someone worthy of inheriting his knowledge and abilities, someone with the potential to carry on his legacy.
There was an astral presence of a potential candidate within reach. A maximum of a week away. He could feel it, a faint but undeniable pull of magic. It was his only hope. His wings would carry him there, even if it took every ounce of strength he had left.
With a final breath, Rhaeros pushed forward, the flicker of determination in his amber eyes never fading, even as his body faltered.
***
Azriel’s mind sharpened with concentration as he finally accessed his status menu. The flood of information lit up his vision. Notifications flickered like sparks, and he quickly scanned the various updates. His heart raced as he realized how much he had missed.
- Due to changes in your Nature, some Skills have become Traits
- Multiple Skill relating to your [Paths] have been moved to [Path Traits] due to the system being outdated
- Path Level Ups
-
- [Skybreaker] is now Level 15
-
- [Outworlder] is now Level 8
-
- [Wrathforged Empyrean] is now Level 16
-
-
- Attribute Points Allocated
-
-
-
- + 1,050 Free points
-
- Skill Updates
-
- New Skill Obtained: Bludgeoning Resistance
-
- Skills: Bludgeoning Resistance, Pierce Resistance, and Slash Resistance have combined!
-
-
- New Skill: Armored Skin
-
-
-
-
- Your body becomes resilient like hardened steel, drastically increasing your physical defenses. This ability fortifies your muscles and skin, reducing incoming damage from physical attacks and granting you temporary resistance to debilitating effects such as knockbacks and stuns.
-
-
- Skill Level Ups
-
- [Acting] is now Level 61
-
- [Firearm Mastery] is now Level 63
-
- [Make an Entrance] is now Level 5
-
- [Sword Mastery] is now Level 65
- Art Level Ups
-
- [Annihilation Bullet] is now Level 15
-
- [Planetary Impact] is now Level 12
-
- [Stun Bullet] is now Level 13
-
- [Void Grip] is now Level 12
-
- [Wrathful Blade] is now Level 20
-
-
- Iron Tier I Achieved +100 Strength, Willpower, and Presence
-
- Spell Level up
-
- [Astral Veil] is now Level 22
-
-
- Iron Tier I Achieved +100 Intellect, Awareness, and Presence
-
- New Title
-
- Divine Renegade
-
-
- The heavens sought to command you, but you chose your path. Your defiance reshapes destiny.
-
-
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- + 50 Intellect and Presence
-
-
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- Renegade’s Command: Allies within a certain radius gain a boost to their Presence and Willpower stats.
-
Azriel smiled as he examined the numerous changes around him. As the system's energy flooded in, he felt himself becoming even stronger. The thrill of leveling up was exhilarating, but he couldn't shake the unease about his actions from the night before regarding the Dodomeki that had attacked him. Why did I do that to the bodies? He wondered.
Azriel sensed that Yuki had completed her Path Evolution, and she gently lowered herself back onto her feet. He noticed that she appeared slightly taller now, and her white hair, highlighted by black stripes, gave her a tiger-like appearance. The stripes in her hair crackled with blue lightning. When Yuki opened her eyes, Azriel saw that her pupils were slit like a cat's, and her irises shimmered with blue lightning.
“How does your new powers feel?” Azriel asked with a grin.
“I feel amazing,” Yuki responded quickly. “I have so much energy I have no idea what to do with it.”
Azriel flicked his hand, and his gun blade appeared in his hand. He pointed at Yuki’s sword, which was on the ground after she had started her Path Evolution. Azriel made the come at me gesture. Yuki took the hint within an instant; she picked up and drew her sword in one fluid motion.
“Time to begin your training, Tiny Tiger. Show me what you got!”