"Those lingering doubts that ring in your mind beyond your control—I will put them to rest for good." Izroth stated as he took the item that hatched from the cocoon into his hand and stood to his feet.

He then walked over to the pool of liquid where Nova resided and stopped near the edge.

’This is the final step.’

Izroth lightly squeezed the palm of his hand that contained the item hatched from the cocoon as a mysterious energy converged into his hand and flowed into the item.

When that mysterious energy made its appearance, the atmosphere around Nova shifted as the mark of corruption seemed to sense its presence. And, upon doing so, it instinctively retreated deeper into depths of Nova’s body.

Aurie noticed the change in the mark of corruption’s behavior when Izroth used that mysterious energy and could not help but be shocked.

Whether it was legendary treasures, high quality life potions or high grade pills, the mark of corruption always held onto its domineering nature and would not even so much as flinch. It was as the mark of corruption knew that those things would be ineffective against it; therefore, it never responded.

But, this was the first time Aurie saw a visible reaction from the mark of corruption that almost resembled something she did not know was possible for it to comprehend.

"This reaction... It is behaving like it is terrified of something." Aurie thought to herself with furrowed brows.

"Commander Aurie, Captain Kalmesia—I will be completely defenseless while I am treating Lady Nova. And, although it is unlikely, the mark of corruption may try to launch a last strike when it realizes there is nowhere for it to go. During this time, you must not allow anything to interrupt me. Otherwise, it will be difficult to rid Lady Nova of this burden." Izroth explained calmly.

’I can’t deny its usefulness, but the downside is still rather troublesome. Nevertheless, it is something that cannot be disregarded when it comes to treating the mark of corruption.’

The source of Izroth’s defenseless state was tied to the mysterious energy he was channeling into the item that hatched from the cocoon—Celestial Energy.

Accessory Name: Resseki’s Flawless Armament(Soulbound)

Accessory Rank: Growth

Synchronization Rate: 44.79%

Celestial Energy: 100%

Accessory Skill: Celestial Intent(Active) - Allows the wearer to use the Seed of Celestial Energy for [10 minutes] that grants the following:

-The user is unable to defend during this time.

-The user can channel Celestial Energy throughout their body and discharge it. Any target(s) affected by Celestial Energy will undergo «State of Celestial Stasis» for [10 minutes]. The target(s) affected by «State of Celestial Stasis» cannot experience any form of beneficial changes to their state for the duration of this effect.

-The user’s attacks and skills reduce all healing and HP regeneration of a target by 100% for 5 seconds. This effect can stack up to any number of times and can only be removed upon death or by reaching the end of its duration.

-The user’s attacks and skills can adapt, dealing increased damage up to [225%] bonus pure damage and ignoring any obstructions or effects. If the user’s Synchronization Rate is too low, attacks will have a lower chance to adapt.

-??? [Synchronization Rate Insufficient]

-??? [Synchronization Rate Insufficient]

Cooldown: 24 hours

Special Note: The effects and strength of this item are determined by the Synchronization Rate it has with its wearer. The higher the Synchronization Rate, the greater the benefits it provides. The Synchronization Rate of this item can only be increased naturally over time by wearing it.

Resseki’s Flawless Armament was an item Izroth received after completing the quest Resseki & Kiren’s Challenge: Sword & Shield alongside Niflheim.

It was during that quest that Izroth learned of the shadahi’s true origins, as well as the existence of Celestial Energy.

There were not many things that could overcome the shadahi’s innate ability to adapt; however, Celestial Energy was one of them. Which is why when it came to treating the mark of corruption, Celestial Energy was a treasure more valuable than any in the Mortal Realm. After all, to his knowledge, there was only one other person capable of using Celestial Energy in the Mortal Realm and that was Niflheim.

When Izroth witnessed the mark of corruption’s attempt to embed itself deeper into Nova, he opened the palm of his hand, revealing a small translucent smooth object that was slightly bigger than a marble.

If one looked closely, within the center of the object were three cherry blossom petals forming a triangle—each of which glowed with its own source of energy of pink, light green and a mysterious deep blue.

These cherry blossom petals appeared to be suspended in a substance similar to the Immortal Nectar. However, rather than calling it a liquid, it behaved more like pure energy.

’Trying to hide? It’s no use.’

Izroth held his hand outward and dropped the item toward Nova. At the same time, he activated the Law of Wind and guided the small marble-like object to Nova’s lips.

Upon coming into contact with Nova’s lips, the object instantly dissolved and flowed into her body.

Rmmmmble!

The liquid in the pool became restless as the entire room shook violently.

Shrieeeeeeeeeeeeek!

An ear piercing screech erupted as a blinding light encompassed Nova.

...

A few seconds ago, outside the building...

"Elder Black Cloud, I just received news that the Breath of the Morning Spring will be arriving soon." Hidden Cloud informed.

"Hm... Very well. We will begin to prepare for its arrival so that the dispatched group can proceed immediately upon arrival. Though, it is a pity. I wanted to allow that child to spend as much time with the lady as possible. However, the health of the lady comes first. Hidden Cloud, prepare to escort our guests outside-" Verestiaa stated; however, she suddenly halted her words. And, without a second thought, she transformed into a cloud of black smoke and burst through the doors of building at a frightening speed.

"Elder-!" Hidden Cloud was taken aback by Verestiaa’s actions; however, they soon understood why Verestiaa was in such a rush.

Not long after Verestiaa went into the building, Hidden Cloud sensed the shift in natural energies as the building trembled.

The Nine Severed Room was supposed to completely isolate everything within its confines. The fact that they could visibly feel and see something happening to the building meant that trouble had somehow risen inside.

Craaaackle...!

"?!" Hidden Cloud’s gaze traveled to the skies above as they heard the sound of crackling thunder.

"What’s going on...?! Why did heavenly lightning appear in this place...?!" Hidden Cloud exclaimed as they looked on in disbelief.

Heavenly lightning only appeared when something was going against the laws of the world.

Hidden Cloud furrowed their brows.

"For whatever reason, the heavenly lightning has not fully formed. Regardless, the pressure it’s exuding is no joke. I’m sure everyone in Danaharpe can feel its presence. It’s only a matter of time before we have some visitors." Hidden Cloud uttered.

...

Meanwhile, inside the building...

Verestiaa sped through the building as a cloud of black smoke on a direct path to the room where Nova resided.

"The Nine Severed Room was shaken and the heavenly lightning made an appearance. Just what’s going on that caused such severe reactions? No... That matters not. I must prioritize the safety of the lady..!" Verestiaa said to herself.

As if sensing her approaching presence, the bundle of vines and branches that acted as a protective barrier opened well ahead of time, allowing Verestiaa to pass through without issue.

It had not been more than a couple of breaths since Verestiaa first entered the building and she had already reached her destination.

However, upon entry, Verestiaa did not know what to make of the sight before her eyes as well as the changes in the atmosphere.

"What is happening here..." Verestiaa’s gaze swept throughout the area as she tried to make sense of everything.

In the near distance, she saw Izroth, Aurie, and Kalmesia standing close to the pool of liquid where Nova rested. And, above that pool was a blinding light. Even though Verestiaa could not directly see Nova, she was able to sense her presence within that light.

"Lady Nova...!" Verestiaa quickly rushed forward toward the pool.

Aurie detected Verestiaa’s fast approaching presence and instantly moved to intercept her.

"Elder, please wait! You must not interrupt it!" Aurie shouted.

"Remove yourself from my path, young one!" Verestiaa warned.

Suddenly, a faint glow appeared in Aurie’s eyes. Seeing this, Verestiaa came to an abrupt halt. She transformed from a cloud of black smoke into her true appearance and stood a few steps away from Aurie.

"What are you trying to do? If this is a human joke, I am not amused, young one. Are you insane thinking to use that here?" Verestiaa questioned with a serious expression.

"If you leave me with no other choice, it is a risk I must take. All I ask is that you wait a bit longer, Elder. I will properly explain everything soon." Aurie stated firmly.

Verestiaa tightly clenched her fist and replied, "Good... I want to see how you explain this. Whatever happens to the lady, you must be prepared to face the consequences of your actions."

Aurie released an inward sigh of relief as the glow in her eyes faded.

"I apologize for my rudeness, Elder. Please bear with my selfish request." Aurie said.

Just now, she threatened to unleash her Dream Domain, which would have trapped all those within the vicinity in its confines.

Verestiaa was well aware of the Dream Domain’s existence and its power. While she did not know why Aurie was willing to go this far, there was no choice but to trust her in this uncertain situation.