His brow furrowed as he absorbed the shocking realization. The strange interaction between the death energy and the chaotic mana puzzled him.
It felt as if the death energy harbored a personal grudge against the elemental mana, strong enough that led it to consume and control the chaotic energy.
"Why…?" he muttered. "What is happening?"
He leaned back, the tremors in his body subsiding slightly as curiosity replaced his earlier pain.
Is it possible that death energy naturally opposed the elemental forces because it saw them as rivals for power? Or is it because of my past, where I forced the death energy into submission using lighting that gave it this unusual enmity against the mana?
A shiver ran down Julian's spine as he contemplated the realization. The death energy was far too strong and corruptive to the point that, if it was left unchecked in the past, it would have devoured his own mana without hesitation.
The shock in his eyes gradually gave way to a sly grin. His previous doubts about this corrupt energy faded as he whispered with a twisted satisfaction,
"Well, thank you, death energy. You saved me this time."
The process continued throughout the entire night as the death energy relentlessly consumed and reshaped the chaotic mana into a nourishing force that fortified Julian with newfound power.
The pain subsided gradually and as dawn began to break, Julian finally opened his eyes. His gaze was sharper, more focused, and his aura erupted around him with a chilling, bloody glow.
His aura slowly began to take shape resembling a massive, serpentine creature.
The snake-like creature was colossal, its scales shining with a reddish hue. Its eyes glowed a terrifying, blood red, and a distinct trident symbol was etched onto its forehead.
The sight was chilling, a terrifying embodiment of death and dominance, yet, somehow at the same time, it radiated a strange calmness.
Julian looked into the creature's eyes, feeling a deep connection with it. It was not just any creature but the one that reflected his newfound power.
He raised his hands, feeling the raw power surge through his body. A flicker of excitement sparked within him as he prepared to unleash his strength. But then, he shook his head with a short laugh.
"Maybe I should not," he muttered. "The world may not handle the power of an Arch Mage."
Exhaustion washed over him, and he wanted nothing more than to rest. He turned away from the place where the battle had taken place, and his gaze settled on his main castle in the distance.
The world began to heal again, and the mana increased stably, but the process was too slow. Even at the fastest rate possible, it would take a year or maybe two for everything to fully recover.
Julian walked back toward the castle gates, the remnants of his snake-like aura fading.
He slept for a couple of hours, and when he woke, the sun was already high in the purple sky. He stretched and teleported back to the outside world. After freshening up, he decided to take a walk around the castle, letting his thoughts wander.
"Maybe I should visit grandfather," he said, changing his path toward his grandparents' chambers.
He reached the door and knocked gently. "Grandma, it's me."
Gregoria's voice came from within. "Come in."
Julian entered the room and found Augustus still unconscious, lying peacefully on the large bed. His complexion had improved significantly, but it would take more time before he fully woke up.
Gregoria sat nearby at the table, her focus locked in a book. She looked up briefly and offered him a soft smile before returning her eyes to the pages.
Julian approached her with a sly grin and casually sat beside her. "Grandma, how are you?" he asked.
Gregoria looked up, momentarily surprised by the sudden question. "I am fine, Julian. Why do you ask?"
He shrugged with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, nothing. Just wondering if you feel lonely now that Grandpa is unconscious."
Gregoria's expression stiffened for a moment before she chuckled softly. "What a thing to say. You've always had a way of asking the strangest questions."
She put her book down and studied him closely. "But no, Julian, I'm not lonely. I have plenty to occupy my time."
He leaned slightly closer. "That's good. He paused lowering his voice into a teasing whisper, "Otherwise, you can always come to me to spend.....your time."
Gregoria's eyes widened in shock at his words. It wasn't just the sentence, it was the way he said it, layered with a meaning entirely different from what one might expect.
Her gaze met his, and what she saw wasn't the innocent playfulness she was used to. His eyes were intense, filled with hunger and unmistakable lust.
"Julian," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "how did you turn out like this?"
Julian chuckled, his tone both teasing and bold. "Well, I've always been like this, Grandma. I can't resist a beauty, even if it's... forbidden."
Gregoria's heart raced at his audacity, her face red with anger. "Julian," she said, her voice carrying a warning, "do remember who you are talking to."
But Julian remained unfazed. "You look even prettier when you're angry, Grandma," he teased.
Gregoria's voice rose, filled with authority and pride. "Shut up, Julian. We are not just anyone to be swayed by your charm. We have broken many hearts, commanded respect, and upheld our dignity," she declared proudly.
Her tone turned sharper and mocking as she continued. "But what would you know about pride? You have no pride, no shame, looking at your own mother, grandmother, and sisters with such... lust."
Julian threw his head back and laughed. "It's not just about looking, Grandma," he said with a sly grin. "I am confident that I can do... more."
Gregoria gave a mocking smile with a hint of defiance in her eyes. "You really think the world runs around you, don't you?" she taunted.
Julian leaned back. "Oh, are you challenging me, Grandma?"
She met his gaze with unwavering determination. "You don't want to play this game, Julian."
Julian's eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and hunger. "Oh, I do, Grandma. I do."
He locked his eyes with her as he boldly continued. "What will you do if I impregnate Mother?" he dared.
Gregoria's eyes widened in shock and her breath caught for a moment. But she quickly regained her composure as she shot back.
"What would I do, Julian?" she said. "Whatever you say."
She didn't agree because she liked the idea, but it was simply impossible. Although Julian was wild and untamed, would Regina, his own mother, agree to such an act? Would she ever stoop so low?
Her inner thoughts shifted rapidly, No. Never she answered herself.
She smiled victoriously, knowing well that no matter how reckless and bold he was, he couldn't make the impossible happen.
Julian chuckled as he leaned in closer, "Since I've dared such outrageous things, do you not dare say out loud what you would agree to?" His eyes shone with challenge.
Gregoria's gaze never wavered as she leaned in too, "Oh, I'll say it," she whispered. "I'll get on my knees, spread my legs, and do whatever you want me to do, my dear grandson."