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Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: Fight for The Celestial Aquatic Serpent (Part-1)

The fifth day on the Trial Island Theta began not with the gentle rise of the sun, but with a deep, resonating hum from Sebastian's Beast-Ring. The Stribane Tiger, now bound by a unique pact of mutual respect, was settling into its new home. Its presence was a powerful, silent promise of strength and loyalty. Sebastian and Kael, their bodies and minds refreshed from the night's rest, stood at the entrance of the Echospire Caverns, ready to delve deeper into its forgotten secrets.

Their exploration began with the temples, ancient structures carved into the side of the mountain. The air was cool and heavy, filled with a faint echo of forgotten chants. On the walls and pillars, Sebastian and Kael discovered a treasure trove of knowledge: texts and paintings depicting mythical Rune-Beasts long thought to be extinct.

Kael's gaze swept over a mural of a colossal dragon. "Hah, there are so many paintings here. It's like every painting has a story of its own."

"Yeah," Sebastian replied, his fingers tracing the delicate carvings of a faded script. His All-Seeing Eyes processed the runes and symbols with a speed that defied belief. "Sometimes there are deeper meanings hidden inside the ancient texts and paintings." He meticulously recorded every detail in a small leather-bound book for future reference, his mind already connecting these new pieces of lore to the vast knowledge base he had accumulated.

"My Lord, did you record everything?" Kael asked, his patience tested by the sheer volume of information.

"Yes, it's done," Sebastian said, closing the book. The knowledge contained within it was priceless, a map to the forgotten history of this world.

"Then let's move towards the mines," Kael suggested, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Although they are forgotten, still who knows, we might find some useful materials."

They ventured into the mines, a maze of winding tunnels and colossal caverns. Here, the echoes of the temple were replaced by the rhythmic dripping of water and the rustling of wild Rune-Beasts. They encountered many of these creatures and came across strange statues of beasts unknown to the world. But Sebastian had his Book of Beast Records, which imparted ancient knowledge, telling him about these mysterious creatures and their forgotten abilities.

For almost half a day, they delved deeper into the mines, gathering minerals and materials exclusively found in such conditions, slaying Rune-Beasts, and collecting their byproducts and eggs.

After finishing their comprehensive exploration of the Echospire Caverns, they sat under an old, gnarled tree outside the mines to take some much-needed rest.

"Who would call these mines forgotten?" Kael said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "There are so many materials available here."

"Hmm," Sebastian nodded in agreement. "We did obtain a large amount of precious materials here. Now that our job here is done, let's find a new ruin to explore and gather more materials."

He brought out the information Rune-scroll, its holographic map once again showing them the path forward. He scanned the ruins they had yet to visit, his gaze skipping over those he knew would be too crowded. After a while, a new location caught his eye, a place shrouded in mystery and accessible only at certain times.

[•Tidechant Altar

* Ruin No. 9

* Biome: Tidal Cavern

* Type: Sea Ritual Site

* Lore: Accessible only at low tide, this altar was used to appease Leviathans. Coral has grown over the sigils, but blood still stains the stone. ]

The journey to the Tidechant Altar was long but uneventful. They arrived at a desolate stretch of beach, where a gaping cave mouth revealed itself only because the tide had receded. The air was salty and damp, and the distant roar of the ocean was a constant presence. Without wasting a moment, they entered the cavern.

Just like before, they discovered numerous paintings and texts on the walls and pillars of the ruins. The carvings depicted ancient rituals, and the texts spoke of sea deities and monstrous leviathans. Sebastian was shocked to see that there were actually songs written on the pillars, melodies that seemed to hum with a strange, oceanic power. He quickly recorded these songs, his mind already wondering about their purpose.

After exploring the entire ruin and gathering materials, including precious Oceanic Jade, Sebastian and Kael went outside.

The moment they emerged from the cavern, they were met with a scene of utter chaos. On the beach, a fierce battle was raging. Students from the Sea folks Sovereign Territory were fighting desperately against a massive alliance of students from the Thalrevia Empire, Tenkai-no-Omikumi Empire, Tianxuan Daguo Empire, and Ayathaya Empire.

Sebastian and Kael quickly hid themselves behind a huge boulder, their Veil of the Silent Sentinel cloaks rendering them almost invisible against the gray stone.

"What the hell is happening here?" Kael whispered, his eyes wide.

"It seems new students are fighting for some reason," Sebastian replied, his gaze sharp as he analyzed the conflict.

"My Lord, doesn't this fight look one-sided?" Kael asked, gesturing towards the sheer numbers of the alliance.

"Yeah. I can see that," Sebastian confirmed. "On one side are the students from the Sea folks Sovereign Territory, but for the other side, we might have to check the information on the Rune-scroll."

"Then let's check, My Lord," Kael urged.

Sebastian brought out the scroll and began to sift through the data. "Hmm, according to the Rune-scroll, this fight is between students of the Sea folks Sovereign Territory against the students of the Thalrevia, Tenkai-no-Omikumi, Tianxuan Daguo, and Ayathaya Empires."

Kael's eyes widened further. "It seems the students of those four empires have formed an alliance to deal with the students of the Sea folks Sovereign Territory."

"Let me check their personal information for a bit," Sebastian said, his voice dropping as he focused. The scroll glowed, displaying a litany of names and abilities.

The Alliance consisted of,

• Princess Mikazuki Sayaka (Tenkai no Omikuni Empire)

* Rune-Beasts: Tier IV: Voidwhisper Kitsune, Geodex, Summitron Golem

* Talents: Guardian's Compassion (Mythical Tier), Shield of Light (Rare Tier)

• Prince Mikazuki Renjiro (Tenkai no Omikuni Empire)

* Rune-Beasts: Tier III: Pyrothoros Bull, Tier IV: Dewdrift Wyvern, Murakaze Warrior

* Talents: Sword Heart (Mythical Tier), Supersense (Rare Tier)

•Prince Long Yulin (Tianxuan Daguo Empire)

* Rune-Beasts: Tier III: Spellblaze Drake, Quartzstride, Tier IV: Caoyuanxiong Warrior, Dracozen

* Talents: Spear Saint Dragon Piercer (Mythical Tier), Eyes of Fire (Rare Tier)

• Princess Long Yuhua (Tianxuan Daguo Empire)

* Rune-Beasts: Tier IV: Verdanix, Verdanthorn Goliath, Bombooza

* Talents: Earth Protector's Sacred Domain (Mythical Tier), Earth Manipulation (Rare Tier)

• Prince Constantin Elias Von Albrechtstein (Thalrevia Empire)

* Rune-Beasts: Tier III: Glaceon Leopard, Spelldancer Deer, Tier IV: Astralion, Frostleo, Boulderback Tortoise

* Talents: Arthur's Round Table (Mythical Tier), Binding Chains (Rare Tier)

• Prince Sigismund Laurentias Von Albrechtstein (Thalrevia Empire)

* Rune-Beasts: Tier III: Aquamist Serpent, Skywhisper Sparrow, Tier IV: Aquaros Dragon

* Talents: Ziz's Dominion (Mythical Tier), Enhanced Hearing (Uncommon Tier)

• Prince Thakin Zeyar Thanaviraj (Ayathaya Empire)

* Rune-Beasts: Tier III: Lustraptor, Beamstag, Tier IV: Buildhorn Rhino, Santuario Giant

* Talents: Thotsakan Rage (Mythical Tier), Fire Resistance (Rare Tier)

• Princess Hasanda Yuwadi Thanaviraj (Ayathaya Empire)

* Rune-Beasts: Tier III: Lustraptor, Brightclaw Wolf, Tier IV: Fernback Tortoise

* Talents: Emerald Buddha Blessing (Mythical Tier), Weather Sight (Rare Tier)

While,The Defenders (Sea folks Sovereign territory) group consisted of,

• Princess Luafalemoe Talimafua

* Rune-Beasts: Tier III: Cloud Manta, Pelekan bird, Tier IV: Coral Giant Guardian, Turtle'oa, Tier V: Pearl Dragon, Scared stingray

* Talents: Sami Tele (Mythical Tier), Fa'aaloalo's Wisdom (Rare Tier)

• Prince Tavita Moanali'i Talimafua

* Rune-Beasts: Tier III: Wind Hawk, Tangarex, Tier IV: Armored warrior Shark, Vavau spirit, Tier V: Tsunami Serpant

* Talents: Galu Malosi (Mythical Tier), Madui'e's Grip (Rare Tier)

"Wow, what in the world are these informations," Kael gasped, utterly stunned. "Who would believe that these students from the Sea folks Sovereign Territory are hiding this much strength."

"Yeah, that's why people say 'don't judge a book by its cover'," Sebastian said, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sheer power of the Talimafua siblings.

"And although the Sea folks Sovereign Territory was allotted only five seats, who would have thought that they would send students with such terrifying strength," Kael added, his gaze fixed on Princess Luafalemoe's formidable list of Rune-Beasts.

"Yeah, and according to the information Rune-scroll, among the five students from Moananu Atua, Princess Luafalemoe Talimafua is the strongest," Sebastian said.

"Yes, My Lord. Information Rune-scroll says that Princess Luafalemoe Talimafua has two Tier V: Soul Sentinels while Prince Tavita Moanali'i Talimafua has one Tier V: Soul Sentinel," Kael reiterated, his voice filled with awe.

Sebastian let out a soft, dry laugh. "Hah, here I am trying to get my first Tier V: Soul Sentinel, while Princess Luafalemoe Talimafua already has two. Life truly is unfair. But why are they fighting for again?"

Kael, squinting, tried to make out the details of the battle. "My Lord, I think the students from Moananu Atua are trying to protect a Rune-Beast, while the students from the alliance are trying to capture it."

"What, a Rune-Beast?" Sebastian's interest was piqued. He quickly activated his All-Seeing Eyes to check just what kind of Rune-Beast could make a sovereign territory force to protect it and four empires to form an alliance to capture it. His eyes pierced through the magical chaos, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw the creature.

It was a Tier V: Seraphaquor.

Sebastian's Book of Beast Records immediately began to show him its details, its pages turning with a life of their own.

[ Seraphaquor (Mythical Beast – Celestial Aquatic Serpent)

* Tier: V - Soul Sentinel

* Rune Power Level: 1,847

* Bonding Difficulty: Veteran (9 Rune Requirements)

* Magical Resonance: Elite

* Rarity: Very Rare (2.3% encounter rate in deep crystal caverns)

* Size: 25-30 feet in length, 4 feet in diameter

* Weight: 3,200-4,500 pounds

* Appearance: A long, sinuous serpent covered in luminous opaline scales that shimmer like moonlight. It has six massive, semi-transparent wings feathered like an angel's, tipped with glowing runes. Its head resembles an Eastern dragon, with two silver horns and a flowing mane of liquid-like strands. Its eyes are pearl-white with no pupils, evoking a sense of purity and judgment. The tail splits into multiple ribbon-like fins, ending in a sharp, spear-like bone-fin.

* Unique Features:

- Halo Ring Crown: A halo made of crystallized water and celestial light floats above its head. It splits into multiple rings that orbit its body like divine shields during combat.

- Voice/Sound: Its voice is a mix of chimes and deep echoes. Its roar sounds like a tsunami crashing through a cathedral.

* Abilities:

- Tide of Benediction: Summons purifying tidal waves that cleanse corruption and heal allies.

- Judgment Cascade: Calls down pillars of holy water from the sky, devastating foes.

- Abyssal Baptism: Wraps an enemy in a water cocoon laced with divine energy, purging their sins or drowning them.

- Celestial Mirage: Scatters illusions of light to confuse enemies.

* Habitat: Dwells in the Sanctified Trench, a sacred underwater chasm, but can be found near seashores with high magical resonance.

* Temperament: Serene and Majestic, rarely aggressive unless provoked. Worshipped by the Sea folks as a divine judge and guardian. Also known as the Haloed Abyss. ]

"Holy shit," Sebastian breathed out, utterly captivated. "It's actually a Tier V: Seraphaquor."

"My Lord, do you know about this Rune-Beast?" Kael asked, bewildered by Sebastian's reaction.

"Quite well, actually," Sebastian replied, his gaze distant. "My mother, Philomena Stormwind, has one. Never thought I would see one here of all places."

"But why are the students from Moananu Atua so protective towards that Seraphaquor?" Kael asked, pointing to the injured beast they were all fighting over.

"Because for them, the Seraphaquor is a sacred Rune-Beast," Sebastian explained, his eyes still fixed on the fray. "The Sea folks worship them as the divine judge and guardian of balance. They call them the Haloed Abyss. To them, a creature like this is not just a Rune-Beast, but a living god."

"So what are we going to do now, My Lord?"

Sebastian's mind worked furiously. The stakes were astronomical. A Seraphaquor was not just a powerful Rune-Beast; it was a Mythical-grade creature with divine lineage. "Hmm," he said, observing the creature's struggles. "It seems the Seraphaquor is quite injured. For now, we will hide and see what happens between them." The time for action was not now, but when the battle reached its peak and the winner was too exhausted to fight another foe.

"Yes," Kael confirmed, hunkering down behind the boulder.

The battle on the beach was fierce, a brutal clash of elemental magic, steel, and a desperate defense. The combined might of four empires was a tidal wave of coordinated fury, but the Sea folks, though outnumbered, were fighting with the desperate fervor of those protecting a deity.

"Surrender the Haloed Abyss, and your lives will be spared!" Prince Constantin Elias Von Albrechtstein of Thalrevia Empire bellowed, his voice carrying over the crashing waves. His Tier IV: Astralion and Frostleo moved as one, a storm of celestial light and icy fury, tearing into the Sea folks' front line.

Princess Luafalemoe Talimafua stood firm, her face a mask of defiant resolve. "Never! The Haloed Abyss is a gift from the deep, not a prize for your greed! You will not defile our god!" She activated her Sami Tele (Mythical Tier) talent, a powerful psychic command that bolstered the defenses of her Rune-Beasts. Her Tier IV: Coral Giant Guardian, a massive golem made of living coral, raised its shield of enchanted shells, deflecting the light beams from the Astralion and absorbing the icy attacks of the Frostleo.

Prince Long Yulin, his Eyes of Fire (Rare Tier) talent allowing him to see the weak points in the Sea folks' defenses, charged forward with his Tier IV: Dracozen. "Your gods are nothing but myth! Their power will be ours!" The Dracozen, a drake wreathed in arcane fire, unleashed a torrent of scorching breath, aimed at Princess Luafalemoe's Tier IV: Turtle'oa, a massive sea turtle with an impenetrable shell.

Prince Tavita Moanali'i Talimafua, seeing the threat, activated his Galu Malosi (Mythical Tier) talent, a surge of mana that amplified the power of his water-based Rune-Beasts. His Tier V: Tsunami Serpant, a colossal aquatic snake, roared, and a massive wave of solid water rose from the ocean, crashing down on the front lines of the alliance, knocking many students and their Rune-Beasts off their feet.

The battle raged on. Prince Mikazuki Renjiro, his Sword Heart (Mythical Tier) talent enhancing his every move, dueled with his Tier IV: Murakaze Warrior against Prince Tavita's Tier IV: Armored warrior Shark. The shark, a fearsome beast with razor-sharp fins, moved with a speed that defied its size, its teeth snapping at the warrior's enchanted spear.

From the back, Princess Mikazuki Sayaka's Tier IV: Voidwhisper Kitsune weaved complex illusions, trying to confuse the Sea folks, while her Summitron Golem launched powerful energy blasts. Her Guardian's Compassion talent was a subtle presence on the battlefield, healing the minor injuries of her allies, making them a formidable fighting force.

Princess Long Yuhua's Tier IV: Verdanthorn Goliath slammed its massive, thorny fists into the ground, causing a series of localized earthquakes, while her Bombooza, a panda-like creature made of bamboo, launched explosive bamboo projectiles at the defenders.

Prince Thakin Zeyar Thanaviraj, his Thotsakan Rage (Mythical Tier) talent amplifying his physical strength, charged with his Tier IV: Buildhorn Rhino, a beast with a horn that glowed with powerful runes. They aimed straight for Princess Luafalemoe, a ferocious attack that was met by her loyal Tier V: Pearl Dragon, a serpent of shimmering scales and ethereal beauty. The dragon unleashed a powerful Tide of Benediction, a cleansing wave that washed over the rhino, purging its energy and momentarily stunning it.

The alliance was relentless. Prince Sigismund Laurentias Von Albrechtstein and his Tier IV: Aquaros Dragon launched a barrage of water-based attacks, and Princess Hasanda Yuwadi Thanaviraj, with her Emerald Buddha Blessing (Mythical Tier) talent, blessed her allies with a protective aura.

The Sea folks, though outnumbered, were not breaking. Princess Luafalemoe's Scared stingray (Fifth evolution form of Cloud Manta) used its powerful electricity to stun enemies, while her Pearl Dragon healed and cleansed the battlefield. Prince Tavita's Tsunami Serpant was a force of nature, its sheer power and size a counter to the alliance's numbers.

The battle reached a fever pitch, a spectacle of clashing magic and raw power, as Sebastian and Kael watched from the shadows. The very foundation of the island seemed to tremble under the assault. The alliance, with its superior numbers, was slowly gaining the upper hand, but the Sea folks were fighting with a ferocity that was born of faith.

The Seraphaquor, injured and exhausted, was trying its best to heal itself, its celestial light flickering as if on the verge of fading completely. The fate of the sacred beast, and of the students fighting for it, hung precariously in the balance. Sebastian knew that the time for him and Kael to make their move was rapidly approaching.

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