Unlimited Power - The Arcane Path 754 Chapter 750

"So, we are back to square one, huh," Leon stated. "That creature truly managed to deceive us."

It quickly became apparent to everyone that the monster wasn't merely absorbing matter to convert it into mana. Instead, the entity was in the process of constructing another lair, but on a scale exponentially larger—a size encompassing the entire universe. The mana concentration they had previously sensed paled in comparison to the immense power they were now experiencing. Leon had mused that memory energy might be more advantageous than mana, yet he remained uncertain if he possessed the capability to absorb matter and transform it into energy, as mana could. There was always the possibility that such an ability was exclusive to the system's creator, a notion Leon refused to accept. If that entity could achieve such a feat by absorbing the collective knowledge of countless sapient beings, then it stood to reason that anyone could, with sufficient training.

Despite the confirmation that its intended targets had survived the initial assault, the monster remained utterly immobile in its original position. Furthermore, the expanding layer of stellar energy behind them continued its relentless advance at a terrifying velocity.

"I understand now..." Leon uttered, a cold sweat beading on his forehead as he bit his lip. "This could be dire..."

"The entire encounter was merely a diversion, wasn't it?" Ilyana remarked. "We should have seized the opportunity to strike the monster before it could amass even more power... Though, it's far too late to dwell on that now."

"Did you perceive something, brother?" Amanda inquired.

"Indeed... I can now comprehend the creature's ultimate objective," Leon responded. "That outward layer of intense energy, resembling the surface of a sun, was never intended to be our end. It was merely the initial phase of its grand design to annihilate us completely."

"How does this entity plan to achieve that?" Hector questioned.

"It's straightforward... the system's creator intends to absorb all matter within the universe," Leon explained. "That constitutes the first stage. The second, and final, step involves eradicating our conceptual space with a force comparable to the Big Bang, or perhaps even exceeding it. Should that creature succeed in obliterating space itself, our existence within the physical realm would cease, returning us to the void—a state from which revival would be impossible."

"Obliterate... space?" Yuki frowned, his brow furrowed. "Is such a feat even conceivable?"

"I have performed a similar action in the past, albeit on a considerably smaller scale. That was how I successfully navigated Serene, the spirit of time's trial. Although my energy reserves were limited then, I managed to destroy an imaginary space measuring five hundred cubic meters. Currently, that expansive layer of energy, mimicking a sun's surface, serves two purposes: to absorb everything and to reach the very limits of this universe."

Astonishment widened everyone's eyes; they had never encountered anyone capable of manipulating space before. Now, their ultimate adversary was planning to reshape all of space and shatter the physical universe. If this wasn't the definition of a god-like foe, then nothing was.

"We are running perilously short on time," Ren stated gravely. "However, a sliver of it remains. Is your newly developed technique not yet ready, Leon? Perhaps you should reconsider your strategy and focus on creating something more straightforward."

"That is not feasible," Leon declared. "This technique I am developing will grant us the resilience to withstand anything the monster throws our way... it might even allow us to survive its ultimate attack. Initially, I found it hard to believe such a creature could achieve such a feat, but I had accounted for that possibility, which is precisely why I commanded my replica to forge the ultimate technique."

While everyone yearned to know the nature of this technique, the overwhelming fear of their impending doom, for what felt like the umpteenth time, rendered their curiosity secondary. Leon's closest confidants placed their faith in him, but the others harbored significant doubts. Consequently, they hesitated to press for details about something that might not be finalized before their potential end.

"Based on my past experiences, it appears our replicas will only complete their tasks at the absolute last possible moment," Leon remarked.

"Are you serious? I doubt my heart can endure such prolonged and intense suspense," Hector slumped, his shoulders drooping. "Can't you perhaps expedite the process?"

"I possess the capability, but I doubt it would prove beneficial," Leon replied. "This is the final confrontation, and in moments of such magnitude, miracles tend to manifest only at the precipice of despair."

Though Leon's words seemed like ramblings, they were quickly overshadowed as the very fabric of space around them began to thrum. Unbelievably, the colossal beast had amplified the velocity of its dimensions even further… its second phase of assault was imminent. Within the oppressive gloom of the monster's domain, a palpable dread crept through everyone as, without warning, even the air enclosed within their Mana Barriers started to resonate. For one fleeting instant, the vibrations ceased, and concurrently, the air within their personal shields vanished. The world around them pulsed with tremors, yet their breathable air did not return. A seed of panic began to sprout amongst Leon's companions.

"Remain calm!" Tyrselle's voice echoed through their minds via Telepathy. "Utilize your mana to replenish the air!"

However, in the very next moment, even Tyrselle's eyes widened in sheer astonishment. The void of space was starting to constrict, not from some external cosmic boundary, but from every singular point simultaneously. An intense wave of frigidness coursed through their beings… the very reality that underpinned their existence was being unmade, unraveling in a most unforeseen fashion. Leon had braced for something akin to a reverse Big Bang, but the monstrous entity afforded them no opportunity for a counter-maneuver. Even Leon and Ilyana succumbed to a creeping panic. Their time was rapidly expiring. Yet, precisely as Leon had foreseen, he, Ilyana, and Tyrselle received a flurry of notifications in their final moments.

Congratulations! You created the Arcane System!

Congratulations! You have learned the skill: Dragon Mode.

You obtained 01 status point.

Congratulations! You have learned the skill: Dragon Aura.

You obtained 01 status point.

Congratulations! You have learned the skill: Dragon Soul.

You obtained 01 status point.

Congratulations! You have learned the skill: Dragon Heart.

You obtained 01 status point.

Congratulations! You have learned the skill: Dragon's Rage.

You obtained 01 status point.

Congratulations! You have learned the skill: Dragon's Armor.

You obtained 01 status point.

Congratulations! You have learned the skill: Absolute Draconic Transformation.

You obtained 01 status point.