Killed Me? Now I Have Your Power Chapter 429: Goal

Chapter 429 – Goal

With his eyes shut tight, Kaden's features remained contorted in agony, despite the absence of any real torment within the confines of Death's domain.

Yet, the sensation of his soul being torn apart by ruthless hands continued to haunt his thoughts, forcing involuntary tremors through his body.

That ghostly ache proved torturous, requiring several repetitions for his mind to grasp that it was merely a remnant of the past; that safety enveloped him now.

And luckily, an abundance of time existed for him in Death's realm.

Thus, he kept his eyes closed, steadying his breathing repeatedly, not aiming to erase the pain but to embrace it fully; to grow accustomed to its presence.

During this, Kaden reflected deeply on all the events unfolding since his return to Fokay.

Initially, his sole desire had been to locate Rea and uncover his uncle's motives for targeting her, ultimately safeguarding her, as that felt like the bare minimum he owed.

Through an unexpected turn, they crossed paths in Silver City and journeyed together toward this grim bridge stained with blood.

All of it unfolded in a blur, with Kaden swept along by forces beyond his control, toward a path he couldn't comprehend. A path dominated by a single thought in his head...

'...what exactly occupied my thoughts?' Kaden pondered hazily, questioning his true objective.

He suddenly saw how passive he'd been on this adventure, merely drifting with the currents without steering his own course.

He'd reacted to events rather than initiating them.

This was problematic. Extremely so.

While he intended to aid Rea in her scheme and seek vengeance against that Whimpering Saintess, these remained secondary pursuits he'd tackle only if circumstances allowed and chances arose.

Now, surrounded by utter quiet and with time frozen in place, Kaden's thoughts broke free from the world's chaotic grip.

He could finally delve deeper, clarifying his core purpose anew. Without it, he'd keep wandering aimlessly.

So, what drove him truly?

From the start, strength had been his aim, Kaden acknowledged. The power to shield himself, the might to defend loved ones, the force to rescue those he valued.

'Indeed... that's been my driving force,' he contemplated, floating gently in the boundless void of Death's domain, 'and my recent myth, The Burdened, hasn't altered that. Strength is essential to shoulder others' loads.'

Failing that, he'd crumble beneath their immense pressure.

This realization brought his bloodline and the fallen god of death back to the forefront of his mind.

Nocthar had urged him to collect every Aspect of the god to perfect his bloodline. Kaden hadn't welcomed the idea, uncertain of Nocthar's intentions, but now he recognized the necessity.

Not out of obedience to Nocthar. Rather, because completing his bloodline would propel him further, granting greater power.

'But pursuing them will draw the god's killers toward me and my kin.'

Such was the cost.

Now, Kaden questioned if the reward justified it. He lacked certainty, yet one entity could offer guidance.

"Speak to me, Death. Does the price demand too much?"

No elaboration was required. His initial and eternal ally understood the depths of his Host's mind and emotions.

[Every power demands a toll.] Death replied, his tone one Kaden had nearly forgotten. [You've learned that by now, haven't you?]

"Indeed."

[Moreover, the issue isn't solely about the power's worth against its cost, Host. It's about evading your destined path.]

"Explain that."

[Your bloodline lies fragmented in three parts, and those responsible sought total annihilation of the god's essence. Still, despite the split, vitality persists in you. One fragment could rise to unite all the Aspects.]

Death hesitated briefly, then added softly, [Much like yourself.]

"So you're saying..."

[They'll return to complete their task. You wouldn't want to face them while still fractured.]

Silence enveloped Kaden as Death's words echoed relentlessly in his consciousness, clarity washing over him.

In truth, choice had eluded him from the outset, hadn't it?

As always, he found himself thrust onto an unwanted trail, compelled to advance lest death claim him and peril threaten his family.

Time and again, and the exhaustion weighed heavily on Kaden.

Yet, his emotions held no sway over the reality. The path demanded traversal. But true to form, he'd navigate it on his terms.

With a deep breath, Kaden sorted his ideas, solidifying his immediate priorities.

Remaining for him were the second Half-Aspect of Death, the second Half-Aspect of War, and the complete Aspect of Blood.

He knew the Aspect of Death's location, held by The Witch. And thanks to Kol’Riku, Kaden was aware of her dungeon.

Regarding the Aspect of Blood, Kaden harbored a theory. The prime spot seemed the Ocean of Blood, near the River Kingdom, home to the Bloodborn clan.

This detail came from The Will ages ago, upon his ascension to Intermediate-rank status, and now Kaden grasped why it had been shared.

'Did It foresee all this from the start?'

Perhaps, or perhaps not. It changed nothing.

Only the War Aspect remained elusive. For the moment, its whereabouts escaped him. Still...

'Death and Blood. Those become my immediate targets, my guiding aim.'

Once secured, he doubted the War Aspect would stay hidden much longer.

And a cold insight struck Kaden: such pursuits might also pinpoint him for the god's slayers.

Nevertheless, 'No options. We press on. We handle necessities and confront what arises.'

Halting from terror would seal his and his family's fate.

With his next stop clear, Kaden shifted focus to the present crisis.

And then,

[You have died. To which moment do you desire revival?]

"Right before the battle begins. And regarding my request from him..."

Deep consideration proved unnecessary.

"...runes. Something related to runes. A trait, skill, knowledge—anything. Can you manage it?"

[Such precision will demand a steeper price.]

"Deduct it."

[Affirmative.]

Soon after,

[You fell to the Wisp of Consciousness of the Forbidden Alchemist.]

Kaden's mouth quirked at the notification.

[You have acquired a physical Constitution: Runic Body.]

[Runic Body: A form crafted for runes. Your flesh, sinews, and skeleton can bear runic carvings and trigger them freely. Your aptitude and insight into runes rank supreme.]

A gentle smile curved Kaden's lips, visions of endless possibilities flooding his mind. Yet, he still required the art of rune inscription.

Mastering that would unlock yet another avenue to amplify his strength.

Content, Kaden uttered:

"Bring me back, Death."

[Cost: 15000.]

—End of Chapter 429—