The Invincible Full-Moon System Chapter 1892: Projection Body

Rex surveyed the scene before him.

He hadn't anticipated any particular outcome, having been entirely absorbed in achieving mastery over the three distinct layers of his power. His mind was a blank slate, which, in retrospect, proved to be the ideal condition. The appearance of a hole in the colossal pillar was an unexpected but welcome development.

"That perforation is remarkably clean," Rex remarked, examining it closely. "How could such a thing even happen?"

He was well aware of the inherently chaotic and destructive nature of his black lightning. Every lightning spell he employed, whether offensive or defensive, was imbued with formidable power. Even a simple protective barrier would crackle with stray sparks, capable of zapping anything that dared approach.

Yet, the hole was perfectly smooth and flawlessly round, devoid of any trace of the black lightning's volatile character.

"This is the only explanation I can conceive of," Rex stated, straightening up as a hypothesis began to form in his mind. However, he knew further experimentation was necessary for confirmation. "Let us direct our attention to the outermost layer now."

Rex sought out a secluded area, intending to sift through the skills obtained from the fallen adversaries. He also planned to review his skill tree for potential advancements.

With fifty Divine Upgrades at his disposal, he could permanently acquire a new ability from the skill tree. Nevertheless, he felt it would be a missed opportunity not to leverage the current situation to its fullest.

As anticipated from a treasure of transcendent rank, the Hall Anvil of Ages proved to be an extraordinary artifact.

Within the span of an hour, Rex transitioned from being unaware of the three layers comprising his lightning element to possessing near-complete proficiency in manipulating each one. The chamber's unique environment, combined with his Lunar Avidity, facilitated an astonishingly rapid mastery over these layers.

The chamber enhanced his perception of the subtle, hidden layers, while his Lunar Avidity allowed for more precise control over his arcane mana.

By the hour's end, he could successfully infuse more than half of his arcane mana into the outermost layer.

Infusing the outermost layer presented a significantly greater challenge than the second layer. The increased distance from the core meant the arcane mana became diffused and scattered, demanding heightened focus and mental fortitude to maintain control.

Despite the difficulties, Rex managed to achieve a viable infusion, though it was far from perfect.

Similar to the second layer, he couldn't channel every last drop of arcane mana.

However, he infused enough to discern the practical effects.

Rex gazed forward once more and unleashed his attack.

Blitz—!

His intent was to strike the massive pillar as he had done previously. Yet, the moment the Sharp Lightning Great Spell manifested, it didn't emerge as a single bolt but as a hundred tendrils of black, searing energy that writhed through the air, driven solely by destruction.

Like the branching roots of a tree, the lightning spread, engulfing a vast area.

Once the spectacle concluded, Rex lowered his arm and observed the results.

"Precisely as I suspected..." he murmured, noting the complete absence of any damage on the massive pillar or any other surface the lightning had touched. "Channeling arcane mana into the second layer greatly enhanced its penetration capability, while infusing the outer layer bolstered the element's inherent properties."

Rex's suspicions were confirmed by this outcome.

His initial use of Sharp Lightning had only managed to scar the surface of the massive pillar. The variant infused with the second layer had bored straight through it. The outer-layer variant, however, dissipated into a wide-reaching web of sparks, delivering significantly less concentrated force.

All the spells he had employed up to this point were the balanced, standard versions.

Now, however, he could specifically emphasize the unique strengths each spell offered.

"Let's verify if this is indeed the case."

Rex channeled arcane mana into both hands, directing each towards a separate massive pillar.

"Lightning Salvo!"

Crack—!

A slender lightning strike shot forth from each hand, impacting their respective pillars and leaving behind faint, lingering marks—residue that could serve as a catalyst for subsequent spells. On the left pillar, Rex infused the arcane mana into the outer layer. On the right, he focused it into the second layer, the core body of the element.

"Mystic Shock!"

Simultaneously, the lingering traces of lightning detonated.

The lightning on the right pillar seeped inward before erupting, shattering the lower section of the pillar. The impact on the left pillar caused the burst to bloom like a flower of lightning, spreading its destructive energy along the entire length of the pillar.

Simply mastering the manipulation of the three layers had already enabled him to imbue a single spell with two distinct strategic applications.

"I wonder if I am the first individual from the Mortal Realm to uncover this principle," Rex mused, stroking his chin. He quickly shook his head, recalling the existence of certain Supernatural races. "Seeing as Elementals exist back home, it's unlikely I'm the very first."

Despite his satisfaction with this significant progress, Rex recognized that he was still far from being able to effectively apply these newfound techniques in actual combat.

Achieving success required an excessive amount of mental concentration.

"I must train more—though I believe sufficient time has elapsed," Rex glanced toward the entrance, a dangerous spark igniting in his eyes. "Defeating three Godlings in a single day is likely his absolute limit, so I anticipated he would falter. He ought to realize the impossibility of it. Why has he not yet returned?"

Rex had anticipated Zev's return after vanquishing a single Godling, followed by a plea for an extension.

His prolonged absence has filled Rex with unease.

Zev possessed the option to return directly and report the situation to the Enforcers, but Rex had made provisions for that contingency as well. He understood the whip's immense value; thus, any attempt by Zev would result in its destruction.

A mutual annihilation, so to speak.

Considering Zev's profound attachment to the whip, its loss would undoubtedly shatter him.

"But before that..."

Rex raised his hand, and starlight spilled forth in shimmering particles, declaring, "Ultimate Spell: Master Clones."

It flowed seamlessly around his hand like ephemeral lunar wisps before cascading downwards, coalescing into an exact duplicate of himself. The clone opened its eyes, meeting Rex’s gaze, awaiting a directive. "Here," Rex produced the whip and entrusted it to the clone. "Venture forth. Strike one Gardener half to death, then thoroughly investigate the desolate section of the meadow."

Like a devoted subordinate, the clone accepted the whip and immediately departed the chamber.

His primary objective in arriving here was the Pale Defenders; however, a secondary purpose involved scrutinizing a particular area.

An area that had previously captured his attention and sparked his curiosity.

Currently, he stands within the domain of an immensely potent God. He was genuinely intrigued by the nature of the power capable of causing a segment of the Primordial Meadow to wither.

Rex resumed his seated posture upon the platform.

With the other matters addressed, he resolved to examine the available skill trees and, furthermore, the skills derivable from the cadavers of the Godlings he had eliminated within the warehouse—prior to resuming his training concerning this newly uncovered understanding of the elements.

A substantial, spherical interface materialized before him.

All the full moons were depicted, alongside their distinct proficiencies that he could potentially acquire.

Just then, as he was poised to delve into the Blood Moon skill tree, seeking suitable abilities that might aid him in confronting Kaiser, the luminous orbs at the core of each full moon section began to glow. A spark of recollection flashed in his eyes.

"Upon attaining the four-star Demigod divinity, the Order Skill shall evolve," Rex mused internally.

Previously, he had observed a subtle notification adjacent to the Order Skill.

It indicated that reaching the Four-star Demigod stage would trigger its metamorphosis into a superior iteration.

Rex was already content with regaining access to the Order Skill, recognizing that in the God Realm, every augmentation of strength was invaluable. However, witnessing its evolution into a higher form was an unexpected but welcome bonus.

Once the Order Skill completed its upgrade sequence and the luminescence subsided, he promptly selected one.

Specifically, the Blood Moon Order Skill.

However, before he could even ascertain the changes, another notification obscured his view.

<Notice: The user is currently unable to utilize the Blood Moon Order Skill.>

"Hmm? What is this?"

Rex proceeded to tap another Order Skill, the Banished Dark Moon Order Skill, but the result was identical.

<Notice: The user is currently unable to utilize the Blood Moon Order Skill.>

"System, what is the issue? I assumed the God Realm could accommodate any form of power."

<Affirmative, the God Realm, being a higher plane, imposes no limitations on power. The user's inability to employ the Order Skill and embody the persona of a specific Full Moon stems from a process requiring the harmonious integration of soul, mind, and body.>

<Only upon returning to the original vessel can the Order Skill be reactivated.>

Rex rubbed his face, having completely overlooked this critical detail.

Presently, the body he inhabits is merely a projection, a sturdy vessel capable of housing his soul. Although it appears identical to his original form, indistinguishable to the observer, it is fundamentally something different.

Both his consciousness and spirit reside within it, yet his true physical manifestation is absent.

This vessel cannot establish a proper connection with his mind and soul to foster the required harmony.

While this had not posed an issue in the Spirit Realm, it had now manifested as a significant obstacle.

"So, I'm without my Order Skill for now?" Rex inquired, his tone tinged with helplessness.

<Correct. As long as the user remains separated from their original body, the Order Skill remains inaccessible.>

"Understood." Rex exhaled deeply, accepting the unalterable reality. There was no point in succumbing to despair over something beyond his current capacity to rectify—unless he were to breach the veil separating him from the Mortal Realm. "Does this limitation impact anything else?"

<Attempting to control a second body entails the risk of suffering excessive damage, which could shatter the vessel and cause the user’s soul to disperse back to the Mortal Realm. It is not advisable to fixate on any signs of impending breakage.>

"Wait..." Rex's eyes widened. "So, I can't just kill myself to return to the Mortal Realm?"

Given that this secondary body serves to anchor his soul, his demise would result in his soul being sent back to the Mortal Realm. Once he had resolved the issues in the Mortal Realm, he could then make his return to the Primordial Meadow, albeit with enhanced preparations.

The notion seemed feasible.

However, the System promptly dissolved this hopeful fantasy.

<Negative. The user is prohibited from returning to the Mortal Realm through such means. The barrier erected by Kaiser of the Scarlet Garland would obliterate the user’s soul upon entry, leading to eternal demise. It is strongly recommended to dismantle the barrier before initiating any return attempt.>

"Right... it wasn't going to be a simple matter after all."

Rex let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Since Kaiser was aware of his presence in another realm, which prompted the attack on the pack, he would undoubtedly comprehend that Rex's soul and consciousness were separated from his primary body. Kaiser had certainly implemented measures to prevent any soul from exiting or entering the Mortal Realm.

Any soul daring to attempt such a maneuver would face immediate annihilation.

"Is there any method to circumvent this?"

<Does the user wish to acquire this information for 500,000 gold?>

"Oh? That's surprisingly affordable," Rex’s eyes gleamed with anticipation, harboring the hope that the method to bypass the barrier was far less complicated than he had imagined. "Purchase it, then. Enlighten me on how to get around it."

<Affirmative.>

<To circumvent the barrier, the user must accumulate sufficient divine strands to attain godhood and subsequently utilize them to create a small aperture through which the user’s soul can pass.>

"Damn it, as if gathering the necessary divine strands is a simple task," Rex swore, a vein pulsing ominously on his forehead. "I should have realized it was too inexpensive to be genuinely beneficial. Blast it," He gestured dismissively and exhaled forcefully through his nostrils. "Let's remain focused on the present task."