Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 124: Whispers of Void

There was always something dangerous in the vast universe—something beyond reason and scope. This concept was feared even across different worlds. Not just because of its threat, but because of the endless possibilities it carried.

This concept is...

"... The Void."

Kaiser breathed, staring blankly at the fifth function of the relic.

Information about the Void was rare even in the Solace Clan, and it was always treated with utmost caution. As someone who had personally dealt with a voidborne, he knew how twisted anything related to the void was.

’No wonder the previous owners went mad. They couldn’t withstand it.’

A smirk appeared on his lips. If the others couldn’t survive it, could he?

This question lit a spark of curiosity in his heart, turning his smile to something unhinged.

’All things considered, there might be interesting information within those whispers, no?’

He couldn’t deny that he was a bit excited by the possibilities presented by this relic.

’Perhaps I’ll just run mad like the others... who knows?’

He shrugged, a nonchalant smile on his face. He shifted his focus to the utility relic he had gotten.

[Drunken Treasure]

[Rank: Tier I Awakened Relic]

[Function 1: Turns water to fermented wine]

[Memory: "Filleth thou the drums with water, and thee shall reap wine."]

Reading through the memory, Kaiser’s expression turned weird. It sounded familiar, like something he had read in history books.

’Where did I read that...’

His brows furrowed, trying to remember clearly. However, his memory was foggy, and he couldn’t place a finger on it.

’Ugh, whatever!’

Pursing his lips, he turned his attention to the last relic—the pair of daggers.

[Deathstalkers]

[Rank: Tier II Awakened Relic]

[Function 2: Lethality doubles when used to exact revenge]

[Function 3: Constantly carries poison with varying effects]

[Memory: Revenge is the sweetest when served cold. It is venomous, consuming all that is involved. Forged into steel, revenge becomes a means]

Kaiser hummed, tilting his head. The concept of revenge was a bit foreign to him. After all, he had never had a reason to feel vengeful since he was born.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t been offended before, but he rarely felt the hot anger and desire for revenge. This was why he was feared, even by his fellow clansmen.

Kaiser never took ’revenge’ because of simmering anger or hatred, but simply because he believed it was the right thing to repay good or bad deeds.

"Anyway, the varying poison effect works for me."

He dismissed the interface, stood up, and left the house. It was high time he left the Stormveil Clan.

Stepping outside, he was surprised to see Vulpina standing right outside the gates. Putting on a neutral smile, he approached her with even steps.

"Your orange color looks dazzling."

The girl furrowed her brows. "Is that a compliment? What does orange even mean?"

Kaiser smoothly answered. "Orange defines self-confidence and pride. Quite noble and flashy."

There were so many other colors he wished to see in others, and also perhaps... himself.

"I see." Vulpina nodded, though the subtle twitch in her eyes explained her confusion. "You seem ready to leave."

She abruptly changed the topic, her eyes narrowed as she studied his stance.

"Hm." He nodded, gently touching his bangs. "This place is a little nice, but I’m very busy at the moment. Perhaps we might meet again."

Stretching out a hand, he offered her a handshake. The girl eyed his hand cautiously, but eventually shook his hand.

Immediately after, she led Kaiser to the other gate at the back of the city.

"From here, it’s just a few hours’ journey to the Northern Region." She said, stopping at the gates.

Kaiser stepped outside, his eyes sharp and focused. Without turning, he asked. "How dangerous?"

Vulpina shook her head. "Not dangerous, but if you’re unlucky..."

Kaiser didn’t say anything, but shrugged indifferently. It didn’t matter, as he’d always survive.

The catkin girl nodded and turned back, "Till we meet again."

Bam.

The gates closed shut behind her, cutting him off from the Stormveil territory.

The blue-haired boy stretched his arms, then summoned the Nullweave Carapace.

It bloomed onto his body like a flower, spreading from the breastplate to cover his whole body. The interlocking scale-like plates tightened around him like a second skin, its surface light-drinking.

As soon as it fully manifested, Kaiser heard a strange sound.

["Sh... #@ll crea#... eris? Fu...ll COUNTER!"]

The words were broken and almost inaudible. Only one word came through clearly—counter.

’Counter...?’

He squinted, feeling a slight migraine from hearing that voice. Thankfully, the Bone Whistle immediately restored his mental strength.

’Hah... so this is the knowledge of the void. It’s quite unsettling.’

Kaiser sighed, realizing this function was really complicated. He couldn’t really decipher anything from this whisper.

"Well, I’m going to hear more in the future, no?"

Some time later, he would regret saying this.

......

Just as Vulpina had said, the route wasn’t really dangerous. He only encountered a few Awakened Beasts which he easily killed and reaped their soul crystals.

It was only at the end of his journey that he encountered a slightly strong Nirad Creature.

"A minotaur?"

Kaiser frowned, confused. The creature stood on two legs like a man, though its body was sculpted like that of a bull. From its head, two horns twisted out, powerful and radiating force.

’It’s an Awakened Monster. I can handle it.’

Summoning the Deathstalkers, he canceled his stealth and attacked without hesitation.

Roar!

The creature roared, sensing ill intent directed at it. Turning around, it lowered its powerful head to stop his charge.

At the last moment, Kaiser flipped over its head, slashing at its back as he landed behind it.

The jagged blades tore into its flesh, carving a large wound on its tough skin. Just as he turned to deliver the finishing strike—beheading it, his mind was assaulted by a daunting whisper.

["All pos#**lity l—ds t! infin@#y, and li... is sil...e."]

He stumbled, feeling a sudden metaphysical weight slam into his mind. Before he could recover, the creature had turned around and delivered a powerful punch into his torso.

Bang!