Chapter 22: A Spar with Lucy II
Lucy froze mid-attack. Something stirred within Jefel that even her Illusion Predator senses couldn't comprehend.
His body flickered—stretching, shrinking, vanishing, reappearing—yet somehow existing everywhere at once.
From the stands, Karth's eyes bulged. What the hell… is happening to him!?
Amy gripped her seat, her knuckles pale. Even Lark, usually unshaken, narrowed his eyes, sensing a danger that bent reason.
Tink—
[Microscopic Effect Awakening: 10%]
Warning: Body strain at maximum threshold.
Jefel's aura convulsed. Then the system's voice roared through his mind.
Tink—
[New Trait Emerged from Microscopic Awakening]
🔹 Atomic Modification Teleportation Unlocked
Trait Description: Atomic Modification Teleportation
– Atomic Disassembly: Break down body, weapons, or matter to atomic form.
– Perfect Reconstruction: Reassemble flawlessly at any chosen point.
– Selective Teleportation: Relocate individual body parts or weapons.
– Modification Layer: Atoms can be reforged mid-transit, altering density, material, or property.
– Silent Step: No sound, no light distortion—movement beyond perception.
Combat Applications flashed in his mind—shattering weapons mid-battle, phasing through barriers, reforging a weapon into something deadlier.
And then—
Tink—
[System Merging Illusion with Atomic Modification Teleportation…]
🌌 New Trait Unlocked: Mirage Atomis
Mirage Atomis Core:
– Phantom Disassembly: Illusory afterimages linger when scattering, acting as deadly decoys.
– Illusory Reconstruction: Reforms with multiple false selves, each seemingly real.
– Atomic Glamour: Cloak modifications behind illusions, disguising true attacks.
– Spectral Teleport: Reappear in overlapping mirages, sowing hesitation.
– Cosmic Deception: At peak mastery, scatter the entire battlefield into layered phantom realities.
The arena trembled. Jefel fragmented into glittering shards of light—thousands of illusory selves bursting across the space. Enemies would never know which was real.
Lucy's illusions dissolved like mist against a storm. Her predator instincts screamed—she could no longer track him.
Tink—
Parallel selves merged back into him. His aura shifted—burning yet unburning, visible yet invisible, holy yet unholy. A paradox embodied.
Tink—
[New Affinity: Space Acquired]
[Space integrated into Physique and Battle Arts.]
[New Physique Unlocked → Adaptation Omega Elemental Physique]
Jefel's aura vanished—no color, no weight. Yet every breath of it made the world itself tremble.
Lucy's illusions collapsed entirely. Her eyes widened. "My illusions… don't work on him anymore."
Tink—
Heart Tempering & Flow
– Refines emotions into willpower.
– Advanced mastery: Aura pressure may inspire allies or crush enemies.
Jefel's awareness expanded—deeper than sight, sharper than hearing. His vision pierced straight into their emotions.
Karth—loyalty laced with fear.
Amy—loyalty tangled with dread.
Lark—confusion battling with understanding.
Lucy—acknowledgment… and fear of death.
His gaze lingered on her, steady, unshaken. "I see it now," he whispered, his voice calm yet absolute.
Lucy staggered, her breath caught in her throat. Her instincts shrieked, louder than ever.
Jefel no longer stood as a challenger.
He stood as an existence that shouldn't yet walk this world.