Emery couldn't help but close his eyes and take a deep breath when he saw it. The notification he had been waiting for had finally arrived. Following its advent was the realization one month was all he had left. One month to finish everything he planned to accomplish.
As soon as the notification appeared in his mind, Killgragah immediately opened his usually closed eyes. The reason for that was obvious: the dragon knew what he just received.
"You're about to be recalled again, aren't you?" The dragon scoffed, "Huh! in one month for a year!!"
Killgragah once again mocked Emery: about how the Khaos Space had been open for him for almost four years by now, but he still hadn't reached rank 9. In the dragon's opinion, such speed of advancement was truly mediocre.
"This means I have to wait another year until you can open that door isn't it?
Looking at the closed door the dragon once again annoyed. This time, however, thanks to the fact Emery had been cultivating diligently and constantly for the last few months, the dragon was able to somewhat control its explosive temper.
"Cih!" Killgragah clicked his tongue. "I say, boy, just forget about that whatever academy and put all your focus in the Khaos Space!"
It seemed the dragon hadn't given up on his endeavor of convincing Emery to abandon the academy. Unfortunately for the dragon, the boy in his eyes wasn't that clueless kid anymore.
Spending one year in Khaos Space relentlessly cultivating might be beneficial to his cultivation speed, but the Magus Academy could give him access to many things - something that the dragon couldn't really give.
Emery's decision of returning to the academy was further strengthened by the fact he was an individual hailing from a lower world. Originating from such a low standing origin made his existence and ongoing presence in the Magus Academy very important.
Killgragah could sense Emery's determination. Hence, he decided not to bluff nor trick Emery to stay. Even so, the other party's determination didn't stop him from firing slight derision as usual.
The dragon snorted and flame came out of his nose, as if ridiculing his decision.
After a while, it then spoke, "Huh...! One year is actually a very short time for me, but I wonder if you will be returning at all."
Emery jerked his head toward Killgragah, as he was a little surprised by his words. This was one of those rare moments where the dragon would talk seriously, instead of just throwing complaints and curses here and there.
Therefore, Emery quickly gathered his full attention and asked, "Tell me what you think, Lord Killgragah. Share your vast wisdom with me."
The dragon's main concern for him was different from his last recall. Now that Emery had absorbed a large amount of Khaos energy, Emery wouldn't be able to deny his relation to the Master of Khaos. The relation between the two could be easily recognized.
"I have to admit your dual core is an impressive achievement. However, the stronger you become, the bigger the challenges you will have to face." The dragon then suddenly narrowed his eyes at Emery and said, "Unfortunately, you are too stupid! I really can't rest easy knowing there is a high chance you won't be back after this."
There was nothing new with what Killgragah said to him this time. However, what was interesting was the way the dragon said those words to him.
With a raised eyebrow colored in mischievousness, Emery looked at the dragon and smirked as he said, "Hoohh, Lord Killgragah... Is that concern I hear in your words? Are you really worried about me? wow!"
Entirely knowing Emery was teasing him, Killgragah ignored the former's antics and just returned to his usual slumber. This resulted in an awkward atmosphere which Emery had unknowingly made himself.
Emery revealed a wry smile at the dragon's apathetic response, but he didn't dawdle on the matter for a long time because he knew there was not much time left and that he had to quickly return to his training, making the last minute push toward the finish line.
Before he once again dived into the bottomless hole called cultivation, Emery checked his current stats through the symbol on his palm.
[Emery Ambrose]
[Battle Power: 99 (88)]
[Spirit Force: 890 (720)]
[Spirit Core of Darkness – Stage 5]
[Spirit Core of Nature - Stage 4]
[Fey Bloodline – Rank 4]
[Acolyte Rank: 8]
Four months. That was the time it took for Emery to gain 90 points in spirit force. Now, all he needed to do was gain the last ten to reach the new milestone.
Emery still chose to spend his remaining time in the Khaos Space with his routine. He was consistently absorbing the spirit energy in the surroundings in full concentration mode for six days straight, with one day breaks where he would practice his [Dao Divine Technique].
…
[Spirit force increased]
...
First week,
[Spirit force increased]
.
.
Second week,
[Spirit force increased]
.
.
Third week,
Emery finally reached the milestone precisely five days before the recall spell initiated.
[Spirit Force: 900]
[Congratulations, your nature core has been upgraded to stage 5!]
This was another qualitative improvement for Emery. An increase to his overall strength by multiplying the capability of nature core to another level. It was as if the sea inside him expanded once more, developing to a new far end of the horizon. Every wave within the sea pumped out a strong nature energy filled with vitality.
Emery could sense his nature core was already as strong as his dark core. Both cores were beating vigorously, overlapping each other, as if they didn't want to lose to the other.
He could also tell this was what he needed to push the [Dao Divine Technique] cultivation stage to the next level. He took a day to recall the feeling he experienced before and pushed the channel that connected the two cores, but found himself unsuccessful in the endeavor.
Emery was sure he only needed a little more, just a little more so the connection between the two cores strengthened even further. But, he decided to stop his training at this point, because he had something else to do.
Taking a deep breath as he opened his eyes, Emery stood up and then exited the Khaos Space. He immediately cast [Spatial Gate] the moment his feet touched the lush grasses in the Forbidden Forest.
The destination was no other than the Gaia Shrine.
When he arrived, Emery felt something different with his surroundings as he entered the shrine. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to find the reason for this phenomenon. A few moments later, he discovered why.
Thanks to his recent advancement of the stage 5 nature core, Emery found that each step he took in the shrine sparked a reaction to the Gaia energy existing around. A positive one.
Eyes focused on the figure in the pond, Emery this time was confident that he could finally cure the girl. He quickly entered the pond, placed both hands on top of her body and started casting the same spell he tried many times before.
[Nature Blessing]
The same sight of vine-like energy entering Morgana's body could once again be seen. This time, that energy went straight to her head seemingly without an ounce of hesitation.
Without further ado, Emery located the blockage in her brain and started trying to remove it in a careful yet precise manner. This time, the vine-like energy was strong enough to slowly but surely dissect the blockage.
After a few minutes, a look of joy appeared on Emery's face when he saw the blockage was finally gone.
"Morgana!"
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Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v..e.l,