My Living Shadow System Devours To Make Me Stronger Chapter 1014 - 1016: Path Of Kings Carries Demon

His steps mirrored those of a lifeless soul, moving in the direct opposite of Abellona's path. Scorching tears cascaded down his face, yet he made no move to halt their flow.

Damon observed in quietude before slowly inclining his head.

'I was mistaken. He is not like me.'

Ashcroft's voice emerged without delay. 'He possesses a bravery far exceeding yours, and a foolishness to match. You harbor affection from afar, meticulously shielding yourself from potential pain. Mugu, however, does not. His love is absolute, consuming him entirely.'

Ashcroft paused.

'In that aspect, perhaps we share a similarity.'

Damon emitted a dry, hollow laugh. Such a peculiar commendation from one plotting to usurp his very being. Damon was already apprised of this and had enacted countermeasures. Speaking of his body, the presence of his shadow clone had vanished. As for the capsule within his shadow storage, he fervently hoped it remained intact.

Mugu traversed the land for days on end.

He ambled aimlessly until his limbs failed him, and he succumbed to exhaustion. A mushroom near his face caught his eye; he plucked it and consumed it. Damon harbored concerns of poison, but the mushroom proved harmless, merely acrid.

Throughout these days, Damon attempted to reassert control over Mugu but failed. Whatever was unfolding seemed irrevocably scripted.

Three days later, Mugu staggered into a town, his appearance haggard like a beggar's. His attire was soiled, and the sword he bore had lost its luster.

He settled beneath a patch of shade beside an unpaved thoroughfare, absorbing the snippets of conversation from passersby.

"The flea market has reopened. Someone angered a noble and had their head severed."

"Speaking of nobles, I heard the crown prince has taken a new wife."

"Truly? That makes it his fourth. Where did you glean such information?"

"From a traveling merchant."

"Let us hope she avoids the fate of the preceding three."

"Most assuredly. I heard her screams echoed throughout the night when the crown prince claimed her. Poor soul won't endure such brutality."

Mugu's shoulders quivered. His eyes widened in disbelief.

He lurched to his feet, attempting to cross the road, but a speeding carriage struck him, sending him sprawling. He was too enfeebled, too weary, too utterly shattered.

He lay by the roadside, the sun's relentless heat beating down upon him.

Tears seeped into the dust beneath him.

He remained motionless.

As dusk settled, the sunlight waned. A shadow fell over him. An elderly woman stood there, a basket of buns in hand. The aroma reached him before her voice did.

"Here now, young man. Have a bun."

Mugu offered no reply.

"It is futile. I have no reason to persist. Allow me to perish here, an insignificant nobody."

The old woman's brow furrowed gently. "I cannot accept that. One requires no grand reason to live. Even a nobody is still a person."

She pressed a bun towards his lips until he reluctantly took a bite.

"Tell me, what has plunged one so young into such despair?"

He chewed deliberately, swallowed, and let out a mirthless chuckle.

"My childhood beloved was taken by the crown prince. And I am powerless to intervene. I possess no strength. My existence is inconsequential. I can only harbor resentment, and my hatred is meaningless against formidable blades and imposing shields. I yearn to rescue her, yet I am incapable."

The old woman gently shook her head.

"There are no impossibilities."

Mugu gazed upon the darkening heavens as the initial stars emerged.

"Nobles meticulously train their knights in secrecy, ensuring individuals like myself can never ascend. We peasants are eternally indebted to them. We offer endlessly; they perpetually seize."

She regarded him for a prolonged moment.

"That state of affairs will not endure indefinitely. I once had a grandson. He met his end at the flea market mere days ago, solely because a noble took offense at his countenance."

She drew a breath.

"Shall I speak to you of a particular locale?"

Mugu turned his gaze towards her.

"Far across the vast ocean, upon the war-torn continent of Soltheon, beyond a perilous mountain teeming with monstrous entities, lies a city akin to paradise. A sanctuary of knowledge and renown. It is said that any who reach this city and dedicate themselves to learning can attain the status of a sage, a hero, or even a monarch. Such power transcends mortal limitations."

Mugu's eyes gleamed with renewed intensity.

She offered a faint smile.

"This place is not a mere fabrication. However, ordinary individuals cannot attain it. It is the path of sovereignty. Lysithara."

"Lysithara," Mugu echoed in a whisper.

She nodded.

"It is reputed that the city places no value on one's birthplace or paternal lineage. Only the fervent desire to acquire knowledge holds sway."

A tear traced a path down her wrinkled cheek.

"My grandson harbored a fervent wish to journey there. He yearned to reshape the world. But commoners are barred from undertaking such a pilgrimage. The route is fraught with monstrous beasts and ruthless bandits. Nobles obstruct the harbors, and no one dares traverse the sea without their explicit consent. A realm where nobility is earned is hardly a destination nobles wish for commoners to reach."

She sighed deeply.

"It is perhaps best to relinquish this pursuit. You may encounter another maiden. You can forge another existence. Procreate. You will only encounter further suffering if you cling to this unattainable aspiration."

Mugu's eyes began to radiate with a nascent light.Damon had never witnessed such an indomitable flame. "So what if she was taken?" Mugu declared softly. "I shall attain strength. I will rescue her." He rose from his seat. "I am heading to Lysithara." The ancient woman's eyes widened in astonishment. "It might be nothing but a myth." "I am heading to Lysithara." She observed him intently for a considerable period before slowly retrieving a folded parchment from her basket. A crudely drawn map was revealed. She then bestowed upon him some attire and a modest pouch of provisions. Two days later, as the first light of dawn broke, Mugu departed the settlement. He proceeded with his sword at his hip and the map clutched in his grasp. Unbeknownst to anyone in that era, this young man was destined to reach Lysithara. And the world would irrevocably change.