Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1497 - 514: The True Knight (Part 3)

However, if they were to proceed with this, a location offering temporary safety was a necessity.

"Hmm? An underground river? A cavern?" Rein suddenly noticed that the previous combat had torn a massive crater into the earth. Now, a heavy torrent of water was surging upward from the depths.

With a quick thought, Rein plunged downward. Following a loud splash as he hit the water, he navigated a cramped tunnel for several seconds before surfacing in a space that looked like a subterranean grotto.

The area was filled with dark lakes and underground streams, though none were particularly vast. The air here felt significantly warmer than the world above; it appeared this void had been carved out by an ancient underwater volcanic eruption.

Rein performed a rapid sweep of the surroundings, spotting only small fish and no dangerous predators. Satisfied, he carefully laid Menia’s body out on the flat surface of a large, smooth stone.

Without delay, he began the process of separation.

"Argh!!!"

As Rein attempted to pull Menia’s spiritual essence and bloodline out—both of which had already reached a state of halfway fusion—a sensation like having his spine ripped out from the inside racked his entire nervous system.

A moment later, Rein successfully detached Menia’s translucent spiritual form and a pool of shimmering golden-red blood from his own being. He swiftly pressed them back into Menia’s mature and elegant physical frame.

"Whew~~"

Even though the procedure lasted only a few heartbeats, Rein’s brow was already soaked with perspiration, and a wave of exhaustion washed over him.

Such a reaction was expected, given he had just received an external "infusion." Returning everything to its rightful owner naturally left a sense of emptiness within him. However, because he had processed a massive amount of Divine Power Essence during the descent of the Nether Sea Goddess Hela, Rein still retained a substantial power boost.

Rein checked his system interface:

Spirit: 272 (Qualitative 61%)

"The qualitative rate has jumped from 34% to 61%. I have officially stepped into the late stage of the Dawn Wizard. Excellent."

Through the course of this single engagement, Rein had unexpectedly caught up to the power level of a veteran Imperial Guardian like the "Red Queen" Menia.

But before he could dwell on his progress, a low, feminine groan of pain drifted from the large rock beside him.

"Prince Menia, how are you feeling?" Rein asked, turning his head immediately to check on her.

"Rein, was the victory ours?" Menia asked, clutching her pale forehead. Her beautiful features were tight with a mix of lingering pain and exhaustion.

"We won."

Having just endured that same soul-shredding sensation himself, Rein understood the agony Menia was currently facing. Casting aside formal etiquette, he moved forward to support her.

Up close, Rein couldn't help but notice that Menia was truly striking. Usually, she suppressed her smiles to uphold her personal dignity and the authority of the Royal Family.

"Rein, I never expected you to topple the Nether Sea Goddess Hela so swiftly. And even after winning, you chose to restore my consciousness to my own body."

Menia stared into Rein’s eyes with a piercing gaze, as if trying to uncover his true nature.

After all, if ninety-nine percent of people were offered her Dragon Blood Essence and Consciousness Essence for a massive surge in power, they would have greedily kept it for themselves.

To choose to risk one's own strength just to separate her bloodline and consciousness again was almost unheard of.

Furthermore, this was only possible because Rein had ended the fight with the Nether Sea Goddess so quickly; had the battle dragged on, the fusion would have become permanent.

"Rein, by absorbing my spirit and bloodline, your power would have reached incredible heights."

"I appreciate the thought, Prince Menia, but I once heard a certain proverb."

"Oh?" Menia looked at him with genuine curiosity, clearly interested in his perspective.

"It is said that if a man loses his wealth, he has lost nothing; if he loses his strength, he has lost something; but if he loses his character, he has lost everything," Rein explained in a steady voice.

"Character, I see. I understand now, Rein. Whoever spoke those words must have been a true knight," Menia said, nodding with deep respect.

"And you are one as well!"

...