Apex Ethereal Physiology.
It was an unimaginable level of power to achieve just days after awakening, yet Achilles knew this was merely a step in the right direction.
In Ancient Times, such power had been enough to allow one to walk across the myriad Ancient Holy Lands without fear of death from the dangers lurking in the shadows.
That was what Apex Ethereal Physiology represented back then.
Achilles carefully observed as this immense power now radiated from Rose. He gently sent pulses of Evolutius Energy and Primordial Energy into her body as he softly asked:
It was a question he had asked her many times before and would likely ask her countless times in the future.
As soon as she heard his voice, her eyes fluttered open, releasing beams of verdant flames that danced across Achilles' skin harmlessly.
Her reply came with brilliance spilling from her lips.
"I feel… like a pampered Queen right now."
Her eyes gleamed like stars, and the aura she emitted was even more radiant.
She raised her hands, almost as if she were discovering new limbs. It was her way of coming to terms with the fact that she now had the power to distort gravity, among other abilities.
Rose could now control her own Planetary Forcefield I, facilitate World Healing I, and more!
And Achilles knew that as he increased the Echelon of her Assimilation in the future, she would unlock even grander qualities.
Achilles smiled as he gently released her hands, his voice calm.
"Get familiar with your new abilities," he said softly. "Things are going to get even crazier soon. I plan to empower a few others the way I empowered you, but none of them will come close to your level of power."
He paused, his expression growing somber as he thought of a gradually forming plan.
"The reason for all this is simple and complex at the same time. The Ancient Ones who will awaken soon won't be stopped by the Advanced Humans we're seeing now. Even if I empower a few more people, they will at least be able to handle the weaker Ancient Ones. You and I…" His voice trailed off, his gaze distant. "We can't be running everywhere to put out fires."
His eyes reflected the weight of everything that had to be done. It was crucial for him to obtain the power he needed.
To truly understand why his Father was killed.
Why his Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and all other Adrastia Emperor King were killed before- as it could not just simply be due to how powerful they were, right?!
He was the Ninth Adrastia Emperor King.
To stand against what was potentially coming, he had to assimilate as many things as possible.
Only then could he be confident to even look for answers. To try and understand the wonder behind Adrastia Emperor Kings.
He had to become inevitable!
Rose's voice was filled with affection as she continued. "Just tell me how I can help, even a little, with that burden you carry. As long as I can do that, I'll be happy."
Her wishes were simple.
"Don't worry," he assured her softly. "I won't do everything alone when you're right here beside me. For now, let's just prepare for what's coming."
His tone grew serious as he added, "And It looks like Luna is working quickly as she's already returning with a few others in tow."
Achilles turned his head, his gaze shifting beyond the isolated garden he had cultivated.
In the distance, a humming Warship approached again, carrying Luna. She descended from the vessel, her eyes immediately locking onto the vibrant, verdant-gold dome that enclosed the Territorial Domain III.
More Aerial Vessels followed closely behind, bringing with them the people Achilles had asked her to gather, and others whom she trusted.
As Rose's power stabilized, Achilles opened a small, rectangular doorway above the domain, allowing Luna to enter.
The moment she saw the garden and the radiant energy permeating the space, her eyes lit up.
Achilles could almost see the memory flashing in her mind- the last time something had occurred, she had fully awakened her Physiology of the Daughter of the Moon.
The empowerment was bound to be even more terrifying.
This was just the beginning.
Over time, as the Corruption of Existence cooled, Achilles would be able to assimilate even more of the singular object he had chosen for them. Their power would continue to scale, and in the future, perhaps…
Each of them would be strong enough to take on some truly powerful Ancient Ones alone!
Luna descended into the domain, her figure ethereal as a crescent moon supported her steps.
She took in the vibrant scene before her, her emotions tightly controlled to prevent any outburst. But when her senses finally landed on Rose…
Even the moon beneath her feet quaked and nearly shattered as she almost lost her balance.
She landed feebly on the ground, her eyes locked onto Rose and the solid star glowing above her.
The single word escaped her lips in a trembling whisper, as though even she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
The star above Rose wasn't an illusion, it was solid.
This could mean only one thing.
Another Apex Ethereal Physiology Master had risen within the Colony City of Neon.
How the hell was that even possible?!
As her mind raced to comprehend the impossible, her gaze automatically shifted to Achilles.
Her instincts…compelled her to pay respect.
Achilles met her gaze calmly.
He understood the surprise and confusion she must have felt.
The sheer impossibility of it all.
The misunderstandings that were bound to follow.
But none of that mattered now.
He beckoned her forward, and she walked toward him in a daze. Her arms were crossed over her chest as if to contain her emotions, but the moment she reached Achilles and Rose…
She fell to her knees.
Her voice trembled as she spoke, her tone filled with awe.
"Every time I think I've caught a glimpse of your power, I realize how little I truly know."
She bowed her head, her voice steady but humbled. "I thank you in advance for everything that is to come. I've gathered all the Advanced Humans you mentioned, along with a few others whose profiles I'll show you. If they meet your criteria… they'll be included."
Not too long ago, before she had given him the king's respect, Luna had asked if he could help carry the burden she bore. Ever since she had accepted the inheritance of the Daughter of the Moon, a deep fear had taken root within her- the fear that none of them would be ready for what was coming.
Achilles had accepted her respect and promised to lessen her burden.
Now, he intended to do just that by granting her a level of power beyond her imagination.
An Overseer of the Colony City of Neon knelt before him, and Achilles felt no unease.
In fact, it felt entirely natural.
Perhaps it was the burning blood of the Adrastia Emperor King flowing through his veins that made such drastic events feel…normal.
As if it was the most natural thing in the world to have an Ethereal Physiology Master, an Overseer, kneeling before him.
He sighed softly, his thoughts briefly touching on the Adrastia Emperor King Lineage he carried.
But now was not the time for reflection.
Achilles stepped forward, gently placing his hand on Luna's head.
A second Empowerment was about to begin for Luna.
Would be even more terrifying than her first!