The Demon Monarch System

Chapter 558: New Generation's Emergence (I)

New Generation's Emergence (I)

It had been a gruesome fight, but Solomon emerged victoriously in the end. Sadly, the win could also be seen as a pyrrhic victory because the remnants of power circulating throughout Solomon's body gushed out relentlessly as his form quickly reverted to normal.

Even calling it normal was incorrect as hair appeared dull and brittle while his physique noticeably thinned, with his cheekbones protruding. At the same time, there was a listless color in Solomon's eyes when he unexpectedly bent over and vomited a huge mouthful of blood.

Following this regurgitation, the fluctuation in Solomon's aura became worrisome, so much so that Valerie immediately rushed to his side and offered support by leaning his head against her ample chest.

A soft warmth enveloped Solomon's cheek, but there was no change in his expression as his vision continued to dull. Eventually, his world went black. While he was still conscious, Solomon's body experienced such extensive damage that it could no longer maintain basic facilities such as his sight. Similarly, his hearing was filled with a droning ring that persisted no matter how much Solomon tried to focus.

As stated before, the repercussions of using the power of an Avatar were no laughing matter. Had this been Soren, he would have most likely breathed his last breath by now.

"Relax, Solomon, let me take care of you," Valeria said in a gentle tone while carefully rubbing his cheek. Her eyes became watery as she felt Solomon's heartbeat reduce to the point it seemed as if it wasn't beating.

Fwooom!

Suddenly, a portal opened beside Solomon, in which Xezos stepped out form. His appearance wasn't ideal either, as the arcane energy that typically surrounded his body was inactive. The only sign that he wasn't in danger was the fact his body remained the same.

"My friend, you need to rest," Xezos said while reaching his hand over Solomon's eyes. A subtle pulse of calming energy flowed from his hand and encased Solomon's mind, shielding it from further erosion.

"At most, he'll lose fifty of his abilities for some time. He truly pushed himself during that last attack, even compounding the Spiritualized Power," Xezos said with a heavy sigh. It pained him, but he understood that this was a required move. Brukti's retaliation was equally as fierce, so if he didn't make a drastic move, there was a significant chance that the attacks would neutralize each other.

"I know. I felt it," Valeria said in a voice similar to a hurt whisper. She exuded a dense steam collection soon transformed into a cloudy white color with a faint verdant gleam hidden inside. Similar to Soren and Solomon, swirling symbols appeared on Valerie's cheeks as she activated her version of Spiritualization.

Simply healing Solomon with a standard Seraphic Exchange wouldn't be enough to repair even a tenth of the damage Solomon suffered. Thus, Valerie decided to use the empowered version of it. While it came with a hefty cost, Valeria felt it was worth it.

Losing one of the Three Heavens was not on her agenda, especially after listening to Gideon's previous revelation. They would need all the firepower available if that situation transpired as Gideon foretold.

Once the swirling symbols solidified, Valeria laid Solomon down on his back and opened his robed, revealing a partially sunken chest. "You really did a number on yourself. From your previously perfect body to this debilitated state… Our Spirits are truly a mystical power."

A moment later, the aura surrounding Valeria moved to her hands as she pressed one over Solomon's heart and the other on his forehead. Solomon shuddered involuntarily because the feeling of Valerie's technique was pleasant after experiencing a world of unthinkable pain.

Silence filled the area as Soren walked up besides them and watched Valeria transfer her energy to Solomon. Despite the large influx, Solomon recovered at a languid pace. By the time she exhausted fifty percent of the Spiritualized Energy, Solomon's state had only become twenty percent better.

It was just as Xezos estimated. Even if Valerie exhausted herself completely, Solomon would only recover to fifty percent of his peak power. But, even half of his power was better than nothing.

Even Valerie's Spirit felt a reaction when she witnessed his partner's actions. "Does he mean this much to you?"

"Undoubtedly. Both of them mean a lot to me. Not only did we grow up together, becoming the closest of friends, but we've been through many difficult experiences together. Whether it be Solomon or Soren, I will always try my best to ensure that they are safe," Valeria replied with a focused expression.

Her expression grew pale, but the swirling symbols on her cheeks burned with a bright verdant gleam. Upon noticing the gleam, Valerie's Spirit expressed some shock underneath her veil.

"Are you… directly consuming some of your lifeforce to further refine your Spiritual Essence? Lady Valerie, I'm sure I've told you how dangerous that is. It's essentially using the weaker version of your Avatar power!"

"It's okay, Evalia. I'm well aware of the stipulations behind my actions. I just need Solomon to be awake and recover as much as possible. His active role triumphs my own."

Resolved in her actions, the healing aura surrounding Valerie's hands surged as Solomon's eyes slammed open with a coughing fit. His hazy gaze steadily recovered, allowing him to focus on Valeria's enchanting appearance. However, a pained frown appeared on his face causing him to soon grab her wrist.

There was no strength behind the grab so Valerie felt no discomfort, but she didn't find his actions unusual. It was almost as if he didn't wish for her to heal him like he had resigned himself to death.

"You didn't need to do this. Our opponent was already defeated. The larger battlefield should be left to those above us," Solomon muttered in a hoarse voice. Each word was a struggle because only the exterior had been dealt with, the major internal damage was still being treated.

"You're wrong. I did need to do this. I'm sure Sapphyr will want to see you at least one more time. So, hold on until you meet her again. Don't give up on life too early, ok?" Valerie smiled faintly as the shining symbols gradually faded up.

Upon fading, Valerie's body wavered, almost falling forward but Solomon extended his arm, bracing Valerie. "I will cherish the opportunity you've given to me. Now, it's your turn to rest."

Suddenly, Solomon stood up while turning his head towards the opposite side of the battlefield. Although Brukti was no longer the leader on the battlefield the war and carnage continued. A strong, indomitable was required to end the war completely.

"Let's ensure that many of these people make it home to be with their loved ones," Solomon said while exhaling. There was still some pain felt in his body, but he disregarded it as allowing the Terrors to create more Death Essence meant their earlier action could become useless.

However, before Solomon could make a move, Soren appeared beside him and pressed his hand on his shoulder. An overwhelming force caused Solomon to return to his seated position beside Valerie.

"You've done enough. Just relax; I will provide the aid needed on the battlefield."

Without waiting for Solomon's response, Soren dashed forward explosively, disappearing from their sight within seconds. Solomon could only smile wryly as he closed his eyes.

…

Meanwhile, another large event happened on the battlefield. Nadida stood in the center of the war, watching as an insane amount of bodies piled up on the battlefield. The sight disturbed and even infuriated Nadida, causing her to clench her fist in anger. She felt helpless because her singular existence felt inconsequential on this battlefield.

There were far too many Rank 4 Terror at the height of their rank present on the battlefield for her attempts to make a significant difference. She couldn't stop her legion from being torn to shred before the overwhelming sea of Terrors.

'This…this…. Why? Why am I so weak? I should be protecting those who offered their lives to pave the way for a bright future. But, here I am, helpless to preserve the lives of my comrades.'

Regardless of how strong her individual power was on a smaller battlefield, her current realm didn't allow for instantaneous movement, instant power build-up, or the ability to one-shot a Rank 4 Terror. So, unless she exhibited this power, Nadida was nothing more than a strong fighter in the war, not a pivotal character like the Three Heavens.

'Why aren't you here? You were stronger than all of us without even trying. After these ten years, I'm sure you've grown to some unimaginable state. So, why aren't you here to help us, Apollo? You promised…' Nadida sulked.

Just then, a feminine voice filled with pride as well as an oddly reassuring presence of power sounded within Nadida's mind. "Are you relying upon another person to solve an issue you should be capable of resolving yourself? Could it be I chose the wrong human to be representative? If this is the extent of your confidence then perhaps I should revoke your position as my envoy."

Nadida's eyes immediately widened as she had only heard this voice once before! It was her Spirit! Even now, she still didn't know their name or power for that matter. But, judging by her tone, it was evident that this Spirit should be relatively powerful.