Achilles felt like his mind was buzzing with countless ideas and possibilities. In this moment, he stood watchful—his eyes tracking the slow approach of Titanfall Mountain as it neared the borders of his Kingdom of Neon.
He was also mindful of the procession of beings from the Magitech Colony Dynasty, whom he now led into Neon. An alliance was already beginning to form with their True Magitech.
In a world unraveling in chaos, he was moving with precision—taking every step necessary to prepare. He refused to be caught off guard when the time came.
Even now, with so much unfolding, he didn't forget what mattered most.
On the mountain's slope, the real Achilles stood with Rose, watching the massive structure crawl forward on movable roots that tore through the earth with graceful dominance. It was less than twenty miles away now—an awe-inspiring spectacle of motion and magnitude.
He glanced toward the ancient one beside them—Seraphelle, the Draconic Eidolarch—before taking Rose's hand and leading her away.
"You stay right here for now."
The Ancient One blinked, like a pet receiving a command from its master. Yet she didn't resist. No protest, no flare of wounded pride. Too much had changed too quickly.
Left alone, Seraphelle slowly took out a purple-gold fruit, examining it with quiet thoughtfulness before biting into it.
Meanwhile, Achilles led Rose away from the few hundred Titan Dwarves clustered nearby, murmuring among themselves as they too watched their mountain stir, only recently awakened.
A few pointed toward Achilles and Rose, whispers growing—
And then, in a flicker of brilliance, white flames wrapped around the two. In the next instant, they vanished.
When they reappeared, they stood before the entrance of a massive cave, waves of heat billowing outward.
A barrier of translucent crimson flame blocked the entrance, forming a radiant sigil—one even a Dharma Manifestation entity might spend hours trying to break through.
"Where are we now, Little Fatty?" Rose asked curiously.
Achilles lifted his hand and pressed it against the flaming door. For anyone else, it would be a challenge—but with his Primordial Forgemind IV, it was effortless. This barrier was linked to the authority of Titanfall's King.
"We're at a place called the Springs of Vashan," he said. "Newly crowned kings of the Titan Dwarves would be brought here to accept their role. It's a sacred ground. Inside, there's a spring filled with concentrated liquid Primordial Energy—perfect for cultivating power. With some nurturing and Limited Assimilation… we might just get you to Dharma Manifestation."
As he spoke, the flame barrier shimmered with blinding light, as if recognizing him as the mountain's rightful ruler. The oppressive heat ebbed, and Achilles took Rose's hand, stepping through.
She followed, a sweet smile blooming across her face.
Yes, even now—as alliances formed and ancient lineages awakened—the most important thing in his heart remained unchanged.
The most important thing was still Rose.
Every time he'd nurtured her, she'd surpassed expectation.
Before he even formed his own meridians, she'd formed hers—faster, and in greater numbers. She'd manifested more Ethereal Stars than him.
Now, both held nine solid stars.
But Achilles' power—fueled by his nine Primordium Evolutius Ethereal Selves—was beyond measurement. It far surpassed that of a newly initiated Dharma Manifestation due to his terrifying assimilations and rare qualities.
And what he could give Rose now… would push her past her current realm.
They were alone now. He stepped past the open barrier and, with a snap of his fingers, sealed it shut. Then, sweeping her off her feet, he carried her into the cave.
"You know, I could float, fly, even teleport there," Rose whispered, legs swaying playfully as she held his neck. "But you carrying me feels more magical than all of those."
Steam thickened around them, rising from deep within. Achilles smiled, still holding her close, as they reached the edge of a radiant spring—shining with molten hues of gold and blue.
The Spring of Vashan.
Mist curled upward. The air was so dense with energy that even a breath ignited one's blood, causing it to surge with vitality.
Achilles hovered, still carrying Rose, as they floated over the spring and descended into the glowing water.
This place overflowed with primordial energy—sealed and nurtured through the endless years of the Long Slumber.
Rose gasped as the raw power coursed around her.
Achilles, meanwhile, kept his body closed to it—his internal sea already more refined than this. He didn't need it.
But he did want it. A part of it. Enough to replicate the treasure and perhaps create something even more pristine.
'Assimilate!' he whispered silently as a portion of the Spring of Vashan surged into him.
Then, turning Rose to face him, he saw her—green eyes aflame, wet hair clinging to glowing skin, beauty that made the stars feel lacking.
"It's been so chaotic lately," he began, "I feel like we haven't had any time for—"
Before he could finish, Rose grabbed the front of his soaked Evolutius Suit and pulled him in, capturing his lips.
A few seconds passed before she let go, eyes hazy, breathless.
"I love listening to you talk," she whispered, "but now's not the time for talking."
Achilles nodded, his heart buzzing.
Mist thickened, cloaking their forms, as Biological Nurturing and Limited Assimilation began.
Neon's first Dharma Manifestation was being born!
Dharma Manifestation.
What did this realm beyond Ethereal Physiology truly represent?
It began when one absorbed their nine solid Ethereal Stars into their body—letting them course through their countless Meridians.
The more Meridians one had forged for their Ethereal Foundation, the stronger they became at Dharma Manifestation.
Many boasted 50, 60, or even 70 Meridians.
Rose had attained 81.
And Achilles…a staggering 360.
So, even though two beings might both be at Dharma Manifestation, their power could manifest in entirely different ways.
The type of Ethereal Physiology and Ethereal Star also shaped their strength, rooted in their innate ability.
Most Ethereal Selves were elemental. A rare few represented mythical beasts.
Dharma Manifestation itself was divided into three stages:
Most entities remained in the Land stage all their lives. Even someone like Judge Zerrion Draal was bound to it!