Power of Runes Chapter 447: A Realm Disturbing Phenomenon (1)

Having attained Absolute Clarity, Ash proceeded to the subsequent phase: the compression of his will into a unified point. However, the will possesses a stubborn nature, resisting such forceful consolidation. During this intricate process, thoughts and emotions invariably surface, unconsciously permeating the surrounding environment like unseen ripples, carrying with them intent, pressure, and a palpable instability. This inherent volatility is precisely why undertaking the formation of a Seal alone is strongly advised; even the slightest tremor or interruption at this critical juncture can precipitate utter failure.

Within the confines of his consciousness, the ethereal mist that had been swirling began its migration towards the core. Initially sluggish, its movement soon accelerated, as though an unseen force had seized it, relentlessly drawing it inwards with an inescapable grip.

Two primary methods exist for the compression of one's will: either by exerting external pressure or by cultivating an internal, suction-like force. Ash elected the more arduous path. Yet, this more challenging route offered distinct advantages, promising a focal point of will far more stable and densely compacted than the alternative, thereby forging a core that was both stronger and more profoundly unbreakable.

As the nebulous clouds converged centrally, their density intensified, the available space contracting with alarming rapidity. Suddenly, without the slightest intimation, the pressure escalated to an agonizing, almost unbearable intensity. In the very next instant, an overwhelming and savage pain besieged Ash, his entire being convulsing uncontrollably, as if his very essence was being systematically obliterated.

A profound chill permeated his soul. Within his Soul Space, the quiescent dark sea was violently disrupted, erupting into a tempestuous chaos. Towering waves surged forth, crashing relentlessly against the Soul Tree, its branches quivering under the assault, sending chaotic ripples throughout the entirety of his inner sanctum. It was absolute pandemonium.

Ash's visage contorted, etched with the profound agony he was enduring. His breaths grew ragged, his control stretched to its absolute limit. Yet, despite the torment, he did not falter, nor did he cease the process for even a fleeting second. The swirling mists within his consciousness tightened into a ferocious spiral around the central nexus, drawing in an ever-increasing measure of his will, forcing it into that singular point. With each passing moment, he amplified the pressure, relentlessly pushing beyond his perceived boundaries. He was acutely aware that a single lapse in control would trigger a catastrophic collapse, potentially extinguishing his very existence in the ensuing backlash.

Eva, observing the unfolding events from within his Soul Space, sensed the burgeoning chaos. Though her own core resided safely within the Soul Library, shielded from the direct onslaught, she could still feel a residual essence seeping through – an unsettling presence that filled her with unease.

{Could these be....}

Her projected form, a silent witness to the ordeal, suddenly found itself sinking to its knees, trembling uncontrollably. Even this ethereal representation was susceptible to the intense emotional tide, as foreign thoughts began to intrude upon her mind and consciousness, making it an arduous task to maintain her composure. These were not her thoughts; they were his, fragmented and leaking, each carrying a peculiar weight, as if imbued with a sliver of his indomitable will that could no longer be contained.

Initially, these intrusive thoughts felt composed and measured, radiating a sense of familiarity that clearly indicated Ash had weathered such pain before and possessed the fortitude to persevere. There was no trace of panic in these mental emanations, only a quiet self-assurance forged through experience, as if he had navigated countless similar trials and emerged victorious each time.

However, the pressure did not remain constant. It steadily escalated, first gradually, then with sudden, overwhelming force. Concurrently, the nature of the pain underwent a transformation. The thoughts grew heavier, more deliberate, as if the very act of thinking now demanded immense effort. Eva's form shuddered as she felt this intensified sensation pass through her, the pain now carrying a depth that transcended mere suffering.

That particular thought did not convey fear but a subtle, insidious temptation, a siren call attempting to lure him away from his arduous task. For a solitary, suspended moment, everything seemed to hang in abeyance.

Then, without any forewarning, an image materialized within his mind. A face. .....Elysia.

The instant her likeness appeared, the entire dynamic shifted. The preceding hesitation evaporated instantly, supplanted by a sharp, burning intensity. The thoughts took on a harsher edge, infused with a potent anger now directed inward, at himself. Another surge of pain followed, more potent than any before, yet this time, it did not induce hesitation; rather, it served to further fuel the ferocity of his internal resolve. Fragments of memory flickered once more, indistinct and incomplete, yet possessing a discernible weight.

A fleeting smile. A presence that radiated warmth and undeniable reality.

The pressure continued its relentless ascent, the pain tearing through him unabated. Yet, his thoughts no longer wavered. They grew steadier, not serene as before, but resolute, as if tempered and sharpened by the immense pressure. The pain did not subside. If anything, it intensified. But the hesitation, that dangerous wavering, was utterly gone.

Swapped for something considerably more unyielding.

Ash continued to intensify the pressure, relentlessly focusing everything into that one solitary point without allowing it to waver even for a moment. After several more minutes elapsed, his will was finally compressed into a singular locus, radiating an intense white luminescence.

Although his eyes remained shut, his body was slick with perspiration from head to toe. His breaths were labored and uneven, his complexion having paled even further than before. A profound exhaustion permeated him, creating the sensation that he could succumb and fall into slumber at any instant.

Yet, Ash understood this was merely the commencement, and he did not falter. There remained a multitude of subsequent phases to be navigated.

The third stage of the Soul Flame's awakening involved the assimilation of a concept into the concentrated point of will, thereby imbuing his will with the inherent nature of his chosen concept.

He intended to leverage the theoretical framework employed in the infusion of Laws as the foundation for integrating the Rune of Harmony into his developing Will Orb.

It is a widely recognized principle that one cannot fully grasp the complete Laws of the universe prior to attaining divinity or celestial status. Consequently, infusing an entire Law into one's will is deemed unfeasible.

Instead, practitioners imbue their current level of comprehension regarding a specific Law into their will. As their understanding of the Law deepens over time, the potency of the Immortal Seal escalates in tandem with their growing insight.

Ash posited a similarity between the nature of Laws and Runes in this respect. Therefore, he resolved to adopt the same methodology, substituting Laws with Runes.

And this is precisely what he undertook.

Knowledge, thoughts, and perceptions pertaining to the Rune of Harmony began to be gradually assimilated into the Will Orb, merging within it in a meticulously controlled fashion. Ash did not precipitate this procedure; he proceeded with extreme deliberation, carefully guiding each element to avert any potential errors.

To his astonishment, the endeavor proved successful.

His Will Orb commenced absorbing these conceptual understandings. Visibly, even to the unaided eye, minuscule symbols started to materialize within his marble-sized Will Orb, forming gradually as if etched from its core.

The Rune of Harmony represented the pinnacle of Ash's comprehension among all his acquired Runes, standing at approximately 6%.

Consequently, this particular process demanded an extended duration compared to the norm.

This stage entailed no physical suffering, thus freeing Ash from that excruciating torment and allowing his body a measure of relaxation. However, another individual was still profoundly affected by the ordeal Ash had just weathered as if it were mere trifle.

Eva was breathing in ragged gasps, her entire being in a state of disarray. She felt her very soul tremble, for even though she had not personally endured the pain, she could vicariously perceive Ash's experience through his transmitted emotions and thoughts.

It was akin to witnessing profound torture for the first time, where even as a spectator, the body involuntarily tenses as if subjected to the same brutality.

It was precisely that kind of sensation, but magnified tenfold in intensity.

Nevertheless, Eva compelled herself to regain composure, stabilizing her respirations. She was adamant about not causing Ash the slightest disturbance.

The tumultuous surges within his Soul Space, mirroring the agitated waves of his inner dark sea, had not yet subsided. They continued to surge and crash as if the tempest were ongoing, merely held momentarily at bay.

Eva's fists tightened, a faint moisture welling in her eyes. She gazed towards the celestial expanse of her Soul Library, as if willing her unspoken words to somehow convey strength to Ash, urging him to persevere forward.

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