Chapter 153: Eternal Rebirth
Nox blinked his eyes a couple of times, trying to adjust to the intense light shining down on his face. He could vaguely make out the shadow of a woman's face staring at him, but with the light behind her, it was nearly impossible for him to discern her features—only the hair cascading down her face.
Despite that, the person had a very pleasant scent that Nox thought was familiar. It was reminiscent of jasmine and sandalwood, with a hint of lotus blossom. The scent was very intoxicating, and Nox thought he would never get bored of it.
Just then, before he could ask where he was, a familiar melodious voice rang out.
"When are you planning on using that skill, stupid Varsal? They're starting to believe you're actually gone."
Gradually, Nox became accustomed to the light and could make out more of the woman's features.
Her long, silken snow-white hair flowed gracefully over her shoulders, shimmering in the light. Her sparkling blue eyes were sharp, filled with both annoyance and amusement as she gazed down at him. There was an ethereal beauty about her, otherworldly yet undeniably powerful.
It took some moments for him to recognize the woman, as he had not seen her for five years, but Nox's thoughts eventually clicked into place. A glint of confusion shone in Nox's eyes as he stuttered:
"Tera." His tone sounded uncertain, as if he couldn't believe the goddess he had met in the pantheon of Mythical Beasts was standing in front of him. What had happened to him? What was he doing here? Nox felt there was a hole in his memory, as he couldn't actually remember what had brought him here.
"Ah, you're finally waking up," she said, folding her arms as a small smirk played on her lips. "Took you long enough."
Tera's smirk soon turned into a pout that nearly made Nox's heart tremble. That simple gesture could make virgin boys swoon. She said in a slightly soft voice:
"I thought you had forgotten me in all your worldly adventures... you didn't even come and check on me after awakening your class."
"Sigh, we're at this again," Nox thought, struggling to keep his gaze on the beautiful goddess who wore only a toga. All his hormones were acting up, and it took all his willpower not to pounce on the woman.
With slight difficulty, he managed to say, "I didn't forget about you. I... was just very busy in the past years. Also, how was I going to check on you? The last time I checked, the Pantheons of Mythical Beasts weren't located on the mortal plane."
"Hmm, that's true." Tera reasoned and nodded her head in understanding. "I know you must be confused and want to know the reason you're here... let me refresh your memory a little."
A few minutes later, Nox was seething with anger as he remembered what had led to his death.
"That girl... she really did kill me," he clenched his fists, the image of the red-skinned girl ingrained in his heart. If only he had been at full strength, Nox was certain he wouldn't be dead now.
As unbelievable as it sounded, Nox was truly dead at the moment. However, he displayed a frightening level of calmness, as if he was unbothered by the revelation.
Tera watched him closely, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity, as if testing how he would handle the revelation. "Yes, you're dead," she confirmed in a matter-of-fact tone, as if discussing the weather. "There are only two choices: either go through another circle of reincarnation, or you could use the skill you copied earlier."
"What skill?" Nox asked, hiding a grin on his face.
"Hmpf, don't act dumb, you scoundrel," Terra scoffed. "Did you think I didn't notice that you copied the elemental beast's regenerative skill during the fight?"
A few hours earlier...
"Finally, you decide to join!" Jack had exclaimed as he avoided a series of ice projectiles fired at him. His sword crackled with lightning as he jumped up, his blade flashing in the air and leaving a trail of lingering blue energy.
Jack's odachi bit into the hide of the elemental beast. Because that attack contained his full power, he managed to cause a small gash on the beast's arm. To Jack's frustration, before he could land back on his feet, the wound covered up as though it was merely a scar. The beast didn't even retaliate against his assailant and instead tried to get rid of the pest behind it.
"Damn it, this regenerative skill is so annoying," Jack had muttered through his teeth, frustration evident in his voice.
But behind him, Nox's eyes glowed with interest when he saw this skill.
He saw potential.
He saw opportunity.
He would regret it if he let a skill as powerful as this pass by.
With a powerful skill like this, wouldn't it mean he would be immortal?
In Eos, the reason Awakened put themselves in harm's way was that everyone was seeking immortality.
The higher one's level, the longer their lifespan.
With this skill, he would be closer to becoming an immortal.
Yes, at that moment, Nox had activated his skills.
[Mimicry Activated!]
[Target: Glaciator, Glacial Resilience successfully copied skill]
[Glacial Resilience (Ultimate Skill): The Yeti's body can regenerate rapidly when in cold environments, absorbing ice and frost to heal wounds and reinforce its defenses, making it nearly unkillable in freezing conditions. (No cooldown)]
[10x upgrade detected, new skill]
[Upgrading Glacial Resilience x10!]
[Ding! You've awakened Eternal Rebirth]
Eternal Rebirth Description (Ultimate Skill): Upon death, the user is resurrected with 100% health and all debuffs removed. Their physical and magical power is enhanced by 200% for 5 minutes after resurrection. In addition, they gain a temporary shield that absorbs 50% of all incoming damage for the same duration.
If the user is killed again during this time, they can trigger the resurrection once more within the 5-minute period.
Note: This skill can only be used once a year. If the user is killed after the first use, they'll be permanently dead.
Cooldown: 8,760 hours.
[Do you wish to keep this technique or bestow it to a pet?]
---
The present...
"So, are you going to use the skill?" Terra said. "In normal cases, you'd wake up instantly. However, it seems that cursed weapon did quite the damage to your soul, so you'll remain here for some time."
Nox nodded and activated [Eternal Rebirth]. Even though he wouldn't wake up instantly, he needed to assure the others that he was alive to stop them from crying.
----
Back in the small cottage, the atmosphere was still heavy with sorrow. Wendy's mind was filled with thoughts of how she would transport Nox's body back to the Cromwell Barony, but if she got there, what explanation could she give the Cromwells?
source-at-NovelFire
The couples, having experienced the feeling of losing a loved one, tried to console Wendy. While the couples were speaking to the white-haired girl, Thirteen, who was still bawling and looking at Nox's pale body, suddenly jumped up, his black eyes wide with shock.
Something strange was happening to Nox.
The panda's sudden reaction caught the attention of everyone. They all instinctively followed the panda's gaze, and their breath immediately quickened, their hearts starting to beat so loudly that one might think it would jump out of their chest.
Wendy's eyes immediately lit up. So did Asta's and Fluffington's.
"I-it's healing!" Wendy stammered, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and incredulity.
Before their eyes, a strand of blue light wove through the deep wound as if it were sewing it together. This was the same wound that the healer had failed to heal, now closing right in front of their eyes at a rapid pace.
A pulsing blue halo washed over Nox's body, and the once-pale skin began to look more radiant. When the lights subsided, they could see that Nox's skin had returned to its normal color; one could argue it was even more beautiful.
Nox's heart, which had stopped beating a few minutes earlier, was now beating in a slow, gentle rhythm again.
At the same time, the severed connection between Nox and his beast also returned.
A moment later, Thirteen, Fluffington, and Astralux heard the familiar, loving voice of their master in their heads.
"Guys... I'm fine."
----
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