"You have done what few could," the Bloodcrown said. "You carry not just my power, but my will. Remember this—Bloodcrown is not a weapon for destruction; it is a shield, a promise to protect those you love. Wield it wisely, for its power comes with a price."
The Bloodcrown stepped forward, placing a hand on Asher's chest. A blazing mark appeared there—a crimson crown surrounded by intricate patterns symbolizing creation and unity. The mark pulsed with energy, signifying the completion of the inheritance.
"This is my gift to you, the Supreme Ability I created-The Bloodcrown of Eternity" the First Bloodcrown said. "May you succeed where I failed. Protect what you hold dear, and may your path lead to a brighter future."
The First Bloodcrown's form began to dissolve, his essence returning to the ether. "Thank you for granting me peace," his voice whispered as he disappeared completely.
Asher stood in silence, the mark on his chest glowing faintly. He clenched his fists, feeling the immense power coursing through him—the Bloodcrown lineage now his to wield.
When the space around him began to crumble, Asher's vision blurred, and he found himself back in the real world. Freya and Catherine were waiting, their expressions filled with curiosity and concern.
"Asher," Freya called out, stepping forward. "What happened?"
He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I've inherited the First Bloodcrown," he said, his voice calm. "And with it, the responsibility to protect what matters most."
Though his words were simple, they carried the weight of the legacy he had just embraced—a legacy that was actually part of a greater whole, and he now aimed to acquire the remaining fragments as well.
Though none of the other fragments exist on Volarisa; instead, they lie scattered across other worlds. I am too weak to travel to other worlds right now, he thought as his gaze shifted to Freya.
"I think we've had enough adventure here. Let's return," he said, his voice steady. Freya nodded in agreement.
Asher then looked at Catherine. "Do you want to come with us?" he asked, surprising her.
"Will you allow me to come to your world?" she asked cautiously, her uncertainty evident.
"I think you've lingered here long enough, and it was never your fate to remain in this place," he replied, his tone calm but firm. Turning to leave, he added, "Just come with us."
Freya watched the exchange closely, her mind racing. Just what is he thinking? she wondered.
'Did the legacy memories changed him?' she thought after all it's not new as whenever one inherits a legacy, the memories accompanied it gets inherited too, and it results in somewhat different behavior patterns in individuals, some matures, some ended up becoming evil or good depending on the legacy.
'but isn't it a good thing' she thought as she looked at Asher.
I don't know, but before, he would've simply dismissed Catherine entirely. He wouldn't have gone out of his way to ask her to come along, she mused, her thoughts circling back to his earlier behavior.
Perhaps the infusion of the First Bloodcrown's memories had influenced him. The legacy of an epic yet tragic existence might have begun to temper his once cold and distant personality, if only slightly.
Asher, not paying attention to anyone else, simply snapped his fingers. The Realm Gateway manifested once again, a swirling portal of cosmic energy. Catherine looked at it for a moment before stepping inside, following Asher. Freya entered shortly after, pausing to glance at Terence, who was now lying on a small bed.
She hesitated and finally asked, "What about Terence?"
Catherine shook her head, her expression calm but tinged with sadness. "She sleeps for sustained stretches of years due to her injuries. She only wakes up for two or three hours every decade. You were fortunate to arrive during one of those rare moments, or perhaps she woke sensing someone connected to her," Catherine explained.
Asher nodded thoughtfully at this revelation.
The three of them emerged from the portal into Asher's academy room. Freya looked around, taking in the environment with curiosity. "It's good to be back" she said taking a deep breath.
"this is your room in a Academy?" Catherine asked on the other hand.
"Yes, it's in the World Academy," Asher replied. "It's a powerful academy where only the most gifted are allowed to enter."
Catherine observed the room with mild interest. "We used to have such institutions too," she commented.
Asher glanced at her, curious. "Your world's laws are quite loose, which means it's a lower-level world compared to my world at its peak," Catherine added, her voice measured.
He frowned slightly at this. "Does that mean you're the strongest person here?"
Catherine shook her head, a small smile gracing her lips. "No, rather, I am quite weak here. The laws of this world are different, and I can't fully exert the strength I once had."
"Though I am peak of what you call Awakener ranks" She added.
Asher nodded at her explanation but silently wondered just how powerful Catherine might be in her own world at her full potential. As by being an peak of Awakener rank here means she is Ex ranker.
The Awakener rankings come after the Foundation ranks, and Asher is currently at the Silver stage. After Silver, he will progress through Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and finally the ultimate rank, Prismatic. Only upon reaching Prismatic will he truly awaken and ascend beyond the Foundation Ranks and reach the Awakener rank, which Catherine has already mastered, being at its peak.
However, Catherine, despite her mastery, is largely restrained in this world. The reason is that after the Awakener rank comes the Transcendent ranks, which include Epic and above powerhouses. Her power surpassed by this world's limitations, leaving her at peak of Awakener rank, while Asher's protector and maid, Emily, who is at the second stage of Transcendence: the Legendary rank, is more stronger than her.
Yet, there's a peculiar restriction—Asher cannot summon or use Emily's strength as he wishes. In contrast, he can likely utilize Catherine's abilities to some extent, even though her true strength remains suppressed.
"Though, as I learn and comprehend this world's rules, I will regain my powers," Catherine said, and Asher nodded in agreement.
He was about to respond when—
"Who could that be?" Freya wondered aloud. They had just returned, yet someone already knew they were back.
"I think I know," Asher thought, immediately remembering the beautiful Director of the Academy, Yulia Garcia. He walked to the door, not trying to conceal Catherine, knowing the Academy's sensors might have already detected her.
He also want her to live here, so he decided to take Academy help in this matter.
"You're back, and, as I said, Magnus are always a troublemaker," Yulia remarked crossing her hands as she stood at the doorway.
"What did I do wrong?" Asher asked, confused. His gaze lingered briefly on Yulia, who, dressed in the pristine white Academy uniform, looked absolutely stunning.
Yulia glanced past him, her sharp eyes locking onto Catherine. "She's the trouble you caused," Yulia said, her tone serious. "Bringing Dungeon inhabitants into the real world is dangerous. You don't know what repercussions that could have," she continued, stepping closer and holding out a document.
"I'm sorry, but I have to detain you until your case is cleared. It's for security reasons," Yulia stated as Catherine nodded, raising her hands willingly.
"At least you're not resisting like most of them," Yulia said as she cuffed Catherine, using enchanted bindings that sealed her magic and mana to prevent her from using them.
"And you Asher Magnus is also coming with me," Yulia added, her gaze turning to Asher.
"I didn't know there were such laws," Asher replied, sighing.
Yulia nodded. "You're still too inexperienced. Dungeons with people living in them are rare and usually found at higher levels—not ones you can access at your level." She fixed her gaze on Asher. "What Dungeon did you even go to?" she asked curiously.
"I don't know," Asher admitted. "It seemed to be a new one. When I checked, it came out as Platinum rank, so I went inside." He gestured toward Catherine. "That's where I found her—she was imprisoned by the boss of that Dungeon."
"So, you released her without investigating her story first?" Yulia questioned as she walked alongside him.
The other students in the Academy stared at Asher curiously, their attention drawn to the cuffs on Catherine. Whispers and speculations began circulating, but Asher ignored them entirely, remaining focused on his conversation with Yulia.
"I did investigate her story," he replied calmly. "Only after verifying it did I believe her."
Yulia raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by 'verifying'?"
Asher explained, "I have a skill called Blood Memory. It allows me to see a person's memories through their blood. People can lie, but their blood cannot."
Yulia nodded, processing his explanation. "Interesting. I'll have to check this skill of yours later," she said as they continued walking, her tone softening slightly, though her expression remained stern.