Two years later, outside the wall along the coastline of the Sacred Continent. The war has stopped. The armies of both sides are, from a distance, looking at giant Kanoru fighting with two enemies. One is the same Skeleton Bird he defeated two years ago, and the other is a large mantis wearing black armour.
After he left the highest council two years ago, he was assigned here, and for the past two years, he has been here.
After he came, six months later, learning the language of the world, it came to challenge him again. Then they fought, but Kanoru found he could not defeat it. After six months, the Skeleton Bird was even slightly stronger. They fought for two days straight, but neither of them was able to defeat the other. So, both of them stopped fighting.
Before the Skeleton Bird left, it said, "Six months later, I will come again."
Kanoru knows that if his strength does not increase after six months, he will be defeated by the Skeleton Bird. He can connect the last rune with his already 99 connected runes, but then, as he has already created a new energy, he would not be able to participate in the war anymore.
Which would be putting the cart before the horse.
So, he has to find another way to increase his strength. The only way he thinks is to make the Grey energy stronger. He then remembers that the Grey energy is made from the six aspects of two elements. And when he added the three vibration aspect runes present in the fire element and two heat aspect runes present in the wind element, the power of Grey energy increased by 20%.
And these five runes are connected with the runes in the inner layer of Grey energy. So, he started disconnecting runes from the outer layer. He comprehended all six aspects present in the third element. Vibration aspects are found in all three elements, but cold aspects are missing in the fire element, and Infectious and Explosive aspects are missing in the water element.
Like the vibration, devouring, and heat. Fully comprehending one aspect formed five runes. So before the Skeleton Bird came for the second fight, Kanoru's Grey energy grew stronger with the inner layer containing 75 runes.
In the third fight, Kanoru only had a slight advantage, even if his strength increased by 50% because of the runes and refining of his body. Kanoru thought before the battle that he would dominate the Skeleton Bird as he had two years and six months ago. But it did not come to be.
He has only a slight advantage while fighting and communicating with the Skeleton Bird. Tier-1 is divided into four levels: Low, Intermediate, High, and Peak. Spirit Realm corresponds to the Low level of Tier-1, and those who connected 100 runes and did not form a new energy correspond to the Peak level of Tier-1.
The councillors' realm in the Nightmare World is called the Limit of Tier-1, as they completed one of the steps needed to break through Tier-2. But in this world, with the support of the world, the councillors can display the strength of a quasi Tier-2.
And in the Nightmare World, the Skeleton Bird's realm is quasi Tier-2. But coming to this world and being suppressed by the world, at first, she could only display the strength of Peak Tier-1. And now, after adapting to the rules of this world and some suppression being removed, she could display strength slightly weaker than the Limit of Tier-1.
After fighting this time for three days, they again stopped fighting, and the Skeleton Bird left with the promise that she would come again.
Kanoru did not know how much the Skeleton Bird's strength would increase the next time she came. And he cannot do anything about it. The only choice if he wants to remain undefeated is that he has to find a way to increase his strength. The way to increase his strength without connecting the hundredth rune is to find a way to increase the power of the Grey energy.
But he had already used the six intentions from the three elements and then thought of another way to increase his strength: to make his body stronger. So, while waiting for the Skeleton Bird, he tested methods to make his body stronger and used the Vibration, Heat, and Cold aspects, he created a body refining method.
So, now, after a year of the third fight, the Skeleton Bird attacked again. The Skeleton Bird again, and this time also the Skeleton Bird's strength increased slightly, but Kanoru, because of the body refining method, his strength also increased by 30% from the last time.
Because of this, the Skeleton Bird was no match for him, but a few moments later, after the start of the fight, another enemy attacked. He does not know what the enemy inside the phantasm looks like, but the enemy's phantasm is a giant mantis wearing black armour covering its upper chest.
The mantis's strength is the same as the Skeleton Bird's. Kanoru is no match against the two of them. But even if they are stronger than he, they cannot do anything to him. He has the support of the world and has an inexhaustible source of energy. They also adapt to the energy of the world, but their speed of absorbing the world's energy compared to Kanoru is like a snail crawling.
And during combat, that is a major drawback. So, Kanoru is aware they have to stop fighting after a few days, and a day has already passed. With Kanoru's strength, neither of them can kill him in a few days. And even if they have a method that can seriously injure him before they kill him, Kanoru can connect the 100th rune and become a councillor. Then he can directly kill them or seriously injure them in a short time.
And the agreement of councillors not participating in the war cannot be applied to him because his strength reached similar to that of a councillor during the fight. As he was overwhelmed by them and because of the pressure from them, his strength advanced. And without thinking, he attacked them, which caused their serious injury or death.
And they are also aware of this, so the Skeleton Bird and the mantis do not try to overwhelm him during their fight, always leaving room for him during their battle so that Kanoru can heal his injuries and recover his chakra.
Their fight went on for another two days, then the three stopped. Kanoru looks at them with his back facing the wall as the Skeleton Bird and the mantis's phantasms disappear. Their real bodies appear. Kanoru is already aware of the Skeleton Bird's real body—a humanoid vulture—and is surprised the mantis's real body is similar to a human with grey-colored skin, and then he notices the pointy ears like elves in Earth's fantasy books.
So, he subconsciously determines the name of the race of the mantis's real body as Grey Elf.
The vulture opens his mouth to speak, and as Kanoru is already aware of what he is going to say, he interrupts by raising his palm, "I know you will come again. And the next time, you will surely defeat me."
"As you cannot defeat me alone, you will bring another partner to defeat me."
The vulture looks at the Grey Elf for a moment and then turns to Kanoru, "I did not ask for his help. Next time, I will defeat you alone."
"If the battlefield were in the Nightmare World, you would be no match for me."
Kanoru rolls his eyes, "If we were the same age, then I would be able to kill you in a single strike."
The vulture does not refute, as Kanoru is right. While Kanoru's age is 76 years old, his age is 260 years old. In the Nightmare World, according to the rules of the world, the lifespan of Tier-1 is 1000 years.
But the Grey Elf replies for the vulture, "Then you would be dead."
Kanoru looks at the Grey Elf, "What do you mean?"
The Grey Elf: "The lifespan of Tier-1 in this world is 250 years. But because of injuries and damage during their lifetime that they are unable to heal, hardly anyone reaches 250 years and dies before that."
"And even if you do not consider this and live up to 250 years, then you will be dead. As Vogul's age is around 260 years."
Kanoru understands what the Grey Elf is saying, but what is the meaning of saying this? He replies to the vulture as a figure of speech and not a fact. So he says, "You do not understand a figure of speech."
The Grey Elf: "I am aware of figures of speech, but I am introducing you to the benefit of becoming a nightmare creature."
Kanoru does not answer and only stares at him with his eyebrows raised.
The Grey Elf: "Do not think surrender is not glorious. In this world, you can never break through Tier-2, and 180 years later, you will be no more. But with your talent, if you were born in a stronger world, you would be able to break through Tier-2 without any difficulty."
"If we did not invade, then what I said before would be your story. But now, with our invasion, if you surrender and become a nightmare creature, then you can see higher and gain more opportunities."
Kanoru replies, "Your third leader, Clown, sent the same invitation, but I did not agree then, and why do you think I will agree with you now?"
The Grey Elf simply smiles and turns back and flies away while the Vulture follows behind him.
The Vulture asks, "He must have taken an oath."
The Grey Elf replies, "I know, but the oath's guarantor is only an inferior world, and after conquering the world, the punishment from the oath would weaken, and with our methods, there are many ways to make the oath disappear."
The Vulture nods, "Yes, there are many ways to destroy an oath from an inferior world, but will the leaders be willing to pay the price for those methods for him?"
The Grey Elf replies, "I do not know about the other two leaders, but I heard the First Leader wants to take him as a disciple. So, you must have received the notification not to kill him."
The Culture says, surprised, "So that notification means this."
The Grey Elf stares at him and asks, "If it didn't mean that, what else would it mean?"
The Vulture sheepishly says, "I thought the notification meant he is stronger and would be difficult to kill. So, not to waste time on him."
The Grey Elf asks, "Then why did you go to fight with him again?"
The Vulture says, "You did not forget, after leaving this world, we all have to participate in the conquest of a middle-level world."
"Conquest of a middle-level world will be much more brutal. So, I went to that boy to spar with him."
"My energy level is already Tier-2. To break through Tier-2, my spirit or body has to reach quasi Tier-2. This can be accomplished by the blessing of the Nightmare Will we would get after the world is conquered and becomes part of the Nightmare Will."
"So, the only step left is the creation of a magic power. And sparring with a strong opponent would be helpful in the creation of my magic power."
The Grey Elf says, "Then next time when you come to him, bring me."
The Vulture asks," Are you certain the First leader wants to take him as her disciple?"
The Grey Elf says," I heard it from White."
Kanoru floats down and steps on the wall while staring at them, and keeps on staring at them until they disappear from his field of vision. Even after they left, the army of Greyrose Circus did not attack, as Kanoru was present on the wall. Their attack would be fruitless.
Only when Kanoru leaves will they attack, very well knowing that even if they defeat the army of this section of the wall, as this wall's section is guarded by Kanoru, with only them, they cannot win the war.
So, because of Kanoru, the Greyrose Circus's army here does not storm against the wall. They only launch small-scale attacks on the wall with their puppets and undead, as it does not matter to them how many of them die.
Kanoru hears Asuna's voice from beside him, "Are you ok?"
Kanoru shows his body with tears and blood on his clothes, but no injuries on him, as they were small injuries. They were healed in a minute. "Look, no injuries."
Asuna's mother also arrives on this wall and says, "Why didn't they send someone to heal you? Did they not know you were fighting against two?"
Asuna says, "No, when the mantis attacked, I already sent a message to the headquarters for help."
Because of Kanoru, everyone in the Spirit Realm came to check on Kanoru, as he was fighting against equally powerful opponents. Because of Kanoru, their enemy does not attack them like madness, while they do this to the other sections of the wall.
They all know this is possible because of Kanoru, and if anything happens to Kanoru, their good days would be finished. So, hearing that Kanoru was attacked by two powerful opponents, they even asked for help. The headquarters did not send anyone to help,
And this caused indignation among them. Some remarked angrily:
"We should launch a complaint against headquarters to the highest council."
"Yes, you are right."
"How can they do this? If anything happened to Mr. Kanoru..."
"I think they are jealous of the strength of Lord Kanoru."
"Yes, so young, Lord Kanoru reached this strength, and in no time, Lord Kanoru would become a Councillor and stand above them."
"I do not think they would do this at this time. It may be the work of a traitor."
"Madam Asuna's message may have been received by a traitor."
Kanoru was shocked hearing the speculation of the crowd gathered around him. To stop their growing imagination, Kanoru pulled the string of vibration aspects, and around him, he stopped hearing the crowd's voices. He did not close his ears, but stopped the sound from their mouths from travelling through the wind.
The crowd was shocked and frightened at first when they stopped hearing their voices and looked around to see who was responsible. Then some among the crowd stared at Kanoru, remembering that during some of his fights, when he released a devastating attack, no fluctuation of energy could be felt—not from the world, and not from Kanoru himself.
Kanoru said, "Everyone." Those who figured out that Kanoru was responsible for their silence did not show the same surprise and shock as the rest of the crowd. But the rest also understood, upon hearing Kanoru's voice, that it was he who had stopped the sounds from escaping their mouths. Yet they could hear the sound of their own and each other's heartbeats.
Seeing the crowd's attention on him, Kanoru said, "Headquarters had sent reinforcements, but I told them there was no need to come. So, please stop your imagination." After finishing, Kanoru flew and entered the pavilion on the tallest tower in a city near the wall. The pavilion could only be entered through flying.
After Kanoru entered the pavilion, his wives followed behind him.
Kanoru heard Mingzhu speaking, "You were taking an unnecessary risk."
Asuna said, "Yes, you should not have rejected help from headquarters and fought them alone."
"Are you not always reminding us not to take unnecessary risks?"
"But you started taking risks after discovering you could advance to the strength of a Councillor at any moment."
Mingzhu said, "They are from another world. They may have spells or magic weapons that could kill you before you're able to connect the hundredth rune."
Kanoru turned around and looked at their flushed faces. He said, "The fight was not serious. We were only sparring."
Upon hearing this, Mingzhu's anger took over. She remembered that during the fight, she saw Kanoru's arm sliced in half by the Mantis and even slammed to the ground by the claw of the Skeleton Bird. That moment gripped her heart with fear, and now he was saying it was only sparring.
She sarcastically said, "I did not know losing an arm and being slammed to the ground from the clouds is considered sparring."
Kanoru replied, "For me now, those injuries are nothing. The arm reattached itself the moment it was sliced in half, and being slammed to the ground wasn't serious. The Vulture caught me unprepared."
Kanoru remembered being slammed into the ground because he was unprepared for the Vulture's attack on the second day. The reason was that when the Grey Elves attacked, the Vulture didn't, but while he was fighting the Grey Elf, the Vulture suddenly attacked.
Mingzhu was going to retort, but then the sound of a horn was heard. Kanoru said, "Both of you should go." The sound of the horn meant the Greyrose Circus had started their attack. A single blow meant a normal attack. Only when it was blown three times simultaneously did it mean Kanoru needed to get involved.
Mingzhu snorted, "This is not finished," and flew out of the pavilion.
Kanoru looked at Asuna, who hadn't left, and asked, "Do you need something?"
Asuna asked, "Are you going to take over the two warzones beside this?"
Kanoru replied, "What can I do? Our numbers are fewer than theirs, and I am now the strongest under the Councillors."
Asuna said, "So you said yes."
Kanoru nodded, "Yeah, and I placed two clones on both warzones."
Asuna sighed upon hearing this, turned around, and left the pavilion.
Kanoru sat on the ground and began practising the body-refining method he created. The Vibration aspect combined the power of the Heat and Cold aspects to refine each of his cells.
He was a little short of practising the technique to perfection. This made him courageous enough to say yes when Elewyn asked him if he would also take over command of another two warzones. Once the technique was perfected, no Tier 1 cultivator could seriously injure him.
Kanoru closed his eyes as the three aspects together refined each of his cells. He gritted his teeth from the pain but did not stop. Each cell became tougher with every refinement, and his chakra also became more refined. The light blue colour of his chakra slowly faded, returning to its original white.
And as time ticks, it slowly began turning grey.
Time passed, and one day at dawn, rain clouds covered both the Sun and the Blood Moon's light from reaching the city. Everyone in the city was busy, providing support to the army fighting against the Greyrose Circus.
Suddenly, the Spirit Kings and Lords of both sides, who were engaged in battle, stopped as they looked toward the pavilion towering over the city. Then the Spirit Realm cultivators and everyone else around also looked toward it.
Everyone heard the sound of a heartbeat coming from the pavilion and then felt their own heartbeat matching its rhythm. Fear and awe gripped their hearts, and even with every method they tried, they could not break free from its influence.
Awe appeared on the faces of the people in the city, and fear on the faces of the Greyrose Circus army. They knew who was responsible, and the fear on their faces turned into horror. They couldn't control their bodies and felt as if their hearts were about to burst.
Then their fear became reality. Their hearts burst, and the heartbeat from the pavilion disappeared. Feeling their bodies return to normal, the Spirit Kings and some Spirit Lords from the Greyrose Circus fled in a hurry, while the rest died with their hearts shattered into fragments. Those who escaped had suppressed their hearts at the last moment but were still injured.
Inside the pavilion, Kanoru sat cross-legged, paying no attention that he had killed thousands in a single attack. He felt that when he completed the body refinement to perfection, he had created.
He sensed that he could make their hearts burst. So, he did it. And now he has another major thing requiring his attention.
He stares at his chakra gathered on his palm, now turned grey.
A question lingered in his mind: "How?"
How could three aspects turn his chakra similar to the grey energy?