Divine Emperor of DeathDivine Emperor of Death
"Don't be scared. I'm here with you."
Davis shot a look at Mystic Diviner Hailac and offered her a bit of encouragement.
He knew there might've been a bit of trauma left in her because she had been possessed once by darkness— Malediction Laws.
"Thank you." Mystic Diviner Hailac pursed her lips, "I'll keep my eyes wide with my karmic abilities."
"Good."
Davis nodded, "Follow my lead."
He extended his soul force into five tendrils and tied them over the wrists of Tia, Lea, Stella, Illumina, and Mystic Diviner Hailac, making sure that they didn't get lost. This level was famous for Sovereigns disappearing even as they were present in the sight of many others.
Here, he could feel the air was much heavier with an oppressive weight, the darkness curling around him in thick tendrils. It was unable to impede his vision, but he was sure that Mystic Diviner Hailac, who was the weakest among them, was finding it hard to even know what was left or right.
He knew her vision was probably completely dark.
When he tied his soul force around her wrist, he could feel her anxious emotions turn secure. Her rapidly beating heart calmed and turned stable.
Tia silently giggled as she looked at their exchange. She could still see, so she wasn't affected much.
The others followed Davis into the chasm as they continued on a declination.
As they walked, they encountered more magical beasts and spirits, but none of them tried to do something to them. After scanning for their strengths, they left or stood from afar and watched wearily. Even the people here who came to earn or comprehend Darkness Laws were all wary and did not try to communicate, maintaining distance or leaving the area altogether as there were multiple pathways to the chasm.
Soon, Davis and the others reached the end of the third level. None of them encountered anything strange other than some faint whispers echoing from the darkness.
Occasionally, their heart sped up, but with Davis in front of them, their Wills were secure, unaffected by those maddening sounds.
*Growl~~~*
Abruptly, a giant shadow emerged ahead. It was like a creature unlike any other, its massive form exuding a threatening menace.
Standing a height of eight meters, its muscular frame was sleek and imposing, its powerful legs rippling with strength as it moved with regal grace. Its coat was a deep midnight black, absorbing all light, making it blend seamlessly with the surrounding shadows. But upon closer look, faint streaks of violet ran along its fur, shimmering like the faint glow of distant stars in the night sky. Its fur looked as though it was made of the void itself, shifting subtly as if the darkness clung to it, enhancing its fearsome presence.
Furthermore, large, imposing wings extended from its back, their feathers black as pitch, with a dark, translucent sheen that made them appear almost spectral. These wings fluttered lightly, and the darkness almost parted before the creature.
Its eyes shone golden, a direct contrast to its black form that blended within the shadow. These eyes held a cold, bloodthirsty gaze, and their aura was one of territorial sovereignty. Its pupils were narrowed into tiny slits, focused with a predator's keen sense.
For some reason, it stopped halfway, sizing them up for a second or maybe a third time.
"Oh… it's the infamous King-Tier Dark Winged Tiger…."
Davis's expression turned both amused and curious as he saw this darkness-attributed magical beast.
It was said to be the king of the third level, having taken the lives of thousands of Sovereigns. If anyone were to encounter it, there was only one choice— to flee.
After all, a King-Tier Dark Winged Tiger's prowess can be three levels higher at the bare minimum. If one considered its darkness aspect, its prowess could go as much as four or five levels higher. Then, the darkness-attributed heaven and earth energy present here completely enhanced its prowess, making its prowess reach as much as five or even six levels higher.
No one knew its true strength.
If it encountered Autarchs, it would hide within the darkness. If it encountered Sovereigns, it appears to reap them of their lives.
It was like a boss beast at this level, making Davis intrigued. Nonetheless, he wasn't here to make a fuss.
"Will you give us entry to the fourth level? Or die?"
"You dare to be arrogant with that puny strength of yours, human?"
*Sizzle!~*
Abruptly, a purple-black flame wisp lit up in the cavern.
Its light abruptly scattered the darkness as the entire cavern abruptly flashed with a violet light. The Dark-Winged Tiger was instantly set ablaze before it could even growl or show even the slightest reaction. It burned to cinders.
Lea waved her hand and dispersed the flames, allowing a dark crystal core to be left behind. She gave the King-Tier Dark-Winger Tiger a swift death devoid of pain.
She pulled the king-tier dark crystal core with her soul force and grabbed it, looking closely at its ephemeral beauty before opening her mouth.
"Mingzhi would love this~ It's a pity we didn't bring her."
"Yeah, she's going to get angry if she hears that we came to a place like this that's too good to miss out on comprehending Darkness Laws." Davis wryly chuckled.
He could practically imagine Mingzhi giving him an ice-cold stare and fuming as she stomped her feet on the ground.
'Cute…'
Davis's heart longed for her. Having spent a lot of time with her recently, he missed her already. He smirked, knowing she achieved her goal of imprinting herself on him.
"From this moment on, be on full alert. One strike is all the entities inside the next level would need to end your lives."
He took a breath and continued forward, descending into the chasm once again as he made it to the fourth level.
Lea nodded lightly.
Tia and Mystic Diviner Hailac gulped. Illumina's heart shuddered. She cast a look at the king-tier dark crystal core in Lea's hands, feeling a wanton desire for it. She could tell it was good for her, but she forcefully suppressed her desire and continued moving forward.
They headed to the fourth level, instantly finding that the darkness crept up to them and affected their breathing as it tried to enter their pores.
The shadows here were tangible, thick like smoke, curling lazing towards them with each step. The walls exuded a faint hum as though the cavern was alive. It was as though they were in the stomach of a fiend.
Everyone could feel the oppressive aura.
Mystic Diviner Hailac almost had a panic attack, but a ray of light covered her soul like a protective barrier. It was warm and full of a sacred aura, making her turn to look at where the source was from before giving a grateful nod.
Davis smiled and looked at Tia. She was barely holding herself sane, but he felt it was good.
He would allow them to train here and withstand the darkness of this space with their own Wills, allowing them to temper their Wills and souls further.
On the other hand, he saw Lea still didn't have a problem. Feeling prideful, he reached out his hand and caressed her cheek as he made the veil hover, leaning to kiss her.
"…!?" Lea was shocked, but realizing that others practically couldn't see her, her cheeks turned red.
Inside, she was protesting as he had just told them to be careful and on full alert, but here he was, taking advantage of the situation. However, she couldn't emphasize how good this made her feel. At the very least, it made her feel fulfilled, making her remember Mingzhi's words.
The occasional naughtiness that accompanied them during their adventure wasn't so bad as she had thought with her conservative mind. In fact, it was endearing, even precious.