Power of Runes Chapter 440: The Blood That Refused

[Present]

"A normal shopkeeper, my foot!!"

Elizabeth scoffed sarcastically as the oppressive aura vanished, the atmosphere returning to normal as if no extraordinary event had occurred, though a subtle tension still lingered.

Ash found himself gasping for air once the commotion settled, his chest heaving as he sought to regain his footing. The Gravitational Singularity skill, after all, was a double-edged blade; had anyone else been in his position, they would have undoubtedly perished after employing such a technique.

It was solely due to his multiple healing abilities, coupled with the Rune of Life and Death, that he could recover so swiftly. So much so, in fact, that from an external perspective, it appeared as though he had been entirely unaffected.

Naturally, his formidable physique also played a crucial role, enabling him to withstand the strain until his recovery mechanisms fully engaged.

Ash continued to take rapid breaths, his physical form appearing utterly depleted, his posture slightly stooped as if the sheer exhaustion was finally taking its toll.

"Just who in the blazes are you..?"

Elizabeth inquired, her eyes gleaming with intense curiosity as she scrutinized him, not overlooking even the slightest shift in his expression.

As Ash met her gaze, a peculiar sense of revulsion stirred within him, an emotion that momentarily caught him off guard.

This reaction wasn't solely directed at her, but also at the charade he was maintaining, and more significantly, at the manner in which she was observing him.

It was as though she had stumbled upon something of immense value.

As if she had unearthed something exceedingly rare.

As if she had discovered a buried treasure.

In reality, Ash was far from drained; within mere moments, he had already returned to his prime condition. His recuperation rate was so astonishingly rapid that the weakness he displayed was nothing more than a carefully crafted illusion.

His intention was to appear vulnerable and extract answers from her, employing his usual cunning to play mind games, manipulate, and steer the situation to his advantage.

However, something within him now resisted this inclination.

His very essence seemed to push back, rejecting the notion of employing such tactics against someone standing before him in such a manner.

Confusion flickered across Ash's face for a brief instant.

Then, his mind surged into overdrive.

His thoughts sharpened, accelerating as the world around him appeared to decelerate, and he began to probe for the origin of this strange sensation within.

And upon discovering it, the source became remarkably clear.

It stood out unmistakably.

Like a beacon cutting through the darkness.

It was his blood.

His very blood was the fount of that nascent disgust.

Concurrently, as he identified the source, a piece of information materialized in his mind, integrating itself as though it had always resided there, awaiting recognition.

This revelation stemmed from his [Blood Memory] skill, a fact that astonished him. He had always believed this skill's function was solely to archive vast amounts of information, akin to a legacy for future generations, never anticipating the capacity to receive mnemonic echoes from his own blood.

As he processed this influx of data, Ash's mood darkened subtly, his expression growing somber as the underlying meaning became increasingly apparent with each passing second.

For according to these memories, while he had indeed inherited the abilities of the various beasts and bloodlines he had absorbed during his body's formation, along with those powers, something else had also been passed down from those diverse creatures.

Pride.

Arrogance.

Disdain.

Majesty.

Tyranny.

All these traits, characteristic of various proud, haughty, and regal races, now existed within him as intrinsically as his own strength.

Up until this point, these qualities had remained dormant, primarily because Ash had minimized his interactions with the outside world and had encountered few individuals post-transformation. Furthermore, with those close to him – Eric, Eva, and Snow – he had never felt such a stir.

Consequently, this was his inaugural experience of such an internal conflict.

And at this precise moment, his bloodline expressed disgust towards his actions, rejecting his attempt to feign weakness, a sentiment so potent it defied dismissal.

But this revelation ignited Ash's ire.

The thought resurfaced in his mind, heavier this time, accompanied by a potent urge to completely repudiate this feeling, to suppress and ignore it as if it had never arisen. After all, it made no sense to him that an intrinsic part of his being would dare to question his own conduct.

Ash's outward demeanor remained unchanged, but internally, his will mobilized instantly as he endeavored to quell this reaction, forcing the strange sense of disgust into submission under his control, pressing it down as though it were merely an unwelcome impulse.

Yet, it did not dissipate.

It offered resistance.

Not with force, not explosively, but with a steady, unyielding quality, akin to a silent presence that refused to be eradicated, irrespective of his attempts to push it away.

This caused his brow to furrow ever so slightly.

Because this was not how events were meant to unfold.

A dissonance within him persisted, not overpowering, but also not dissipating, serving as a constant reminder that a part of him resisted his intentions. Ash exhaled, his breathing steadying as he repositioned himself, his mind racing to comprehend the situation rather than simply dismiss it.

The more he concentrated, the clearer the truth became: this was not an external entity, nor was it separate from him. It was an intrinsic part of his being.

His bloodline, with its inherent pride, arrogance, majesty, and dominance, was reacting instinctively to his actions. It wasn't defiance, but rather an adherence to its own nature, irrespective of his agreement.

This intrinsic nature made it inherently difficult to suppress. It wasn't an external force that could be pushed away, but a fundamental aspect of his existence.

A subtle flicker crossed Ash’s eyes as this realization dawned. For a fleeting moment, his anger lingered, but it lost its sharp edge, transforming into something calmer and more controlled.

He refused to succumb to it, yet he couldn't entirely disregard it either.

Consequently, instead of forcefully suppressing it further, Ash chose to allow a sliver of it through while diligently restraining the majority. He kept the feeling in check, ensuring his mind remained clear and his focus returned to the present, his gaze slowly lifting once more.

When his eyes met Elizabeth’s, a subtle transformation was evident. It wasn't in his expression, but in the very way he regarded her.

It was as if, unconsciously, he had already begun to shed the pretense he had been maintaining.

"Do you have a hearing impairment? I introduced myself mere moments ago, or perhaps your memory is simply weak. How pathetic… tsk tsk tsk…"

Ash retorted, shaking his head and clicking his tongue. Elizabeth’s expression froze. The abrupt and unexpected shift caught her completely off guard for the second time, her thoughts momentarily halting as she tried to process the change in his demeanor.

Ash turned and resumed his seat, his movements fluid and unhurried, as if no significant event had just transpired. Unbeknownst to him, his very presence had subtly yet undeniably altered. His natural charisma radiated outwards like gentle waves, permeating the space and softly pressing against Elizabeth, even as she employed her will to resist this subtle influence.

"Leave. I do not welcome uninvited guests into my establishment, especially those who attack on sight!!"

His voice now carried a distinct edge, steady and firm, devoid of its earlier nonchalance. His gaze no longer lingered on her in the same manner, as if he had already lost interest in prolonging their interaction.

But Elizabeth’s eyes flared with a chilling coldness, a silent intensity that made the air in the room feel heavier the moment it appeared. Her gaze fixed on him, unwavering and without the slightest hint of hesitation.

"Aren't you simply too arrogant and self-absorbed? If you continue to act this way, you won't even realize when you're struck down dead."

Ash raised an eyebrow slightly, his expression barely shifting, as if her words had failed to impact him as intended. His voice remained calm, yet possessed a quiet sharpness as he replied, "Are you threatening me? What do you believe will happen when your esteemed associates learn that their Princess of the Transcendent Circle, who was just moments ago lauded as a role model for the younger generation, stormed into a shop and assaulted someone without a second thought?"

He leaned back slightly as he spoke, his tone steady and almost casual, yet each word landed with deliberate intent. "My shop is equipped with hidden recording devices. Even if I were to perish this very instant, the footage would still be disseminated throughout Eden. Your burgeoning fame would… BAM!!! burst like an overinflated balloon, taking the reputation of the Transcendent Circle down with it."

A brief pause ensued as his gaze remained locked onto her, unyielding.

"Just imagine it," he continued, his voice lowering slightly, imbued with a quiet gravity. "Angels seizing this opportunity to undermine the Transcendent Circle, and the populace gradually flocking to the Church of Light out of fear and doubt towards the Transcendents."

His eyes narrowed subtly, his words becoming more measured as if he intended for every syllable to resonate deeply.

"Who do you suppose will bear the blame?"

"Can you provide that answer for me… Miss Elizabeth."

Silence descended. A chilling and perilous silence enveloped the shop, pressing in from all sides as if the very air had stilled, awaiting the unfolding events.

***

A/N: My sincerest apologies, I penned this chapter in considerable haste! If disappointment is your inclination, then feel free to be disappointed; it is your fundamental right! However, I implore you, refrain from placing blame upon me.