David's eyelids fluttered open, heavy as if forged from the void itself. The world resolved slowly—the dim flicker of the oil lamp, the cracked walls of their small home, the cold concrete pressing against his back. Pain lingered in the room, a deep throb from the awakening, but it was overshadowed by a new, profound energy thrumming in his core. Black-silver lines, faint and fading, traced beneath his skin before sinking deeper, as if merging with his very soul.
Anna held him tightly, her arms a lifeline in the storm. Tears streaked her face, her breath coming in ragged gasps of relief.
"David… you're awake. Thank the heavens."
He tried to speak, but his throat was dry. Before he could gather his thoughts, a familiar presence stirred in his mind—weak, translucent, like a figure dissolving into mist.
The ethereal man appeared in his inner vision, his form flickering, edges blurring as if the void itself was reclaiming him.
Kid… you're back. Good. I don't have much time left.
David's heart clenched. "You're… fading."
Anna's voice cut in from the outside world. "David? Who are you talking to? What's happening?"
He forced his expression calm, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "It's nothing, Mom. I just… lost consciousness for a bit. The core's energy overwhelmed me. My head's spinning. I need a moment."
Anna searched his face, worry deepening. "You were muttering. Talking to someone. Tell me what's going on."
David sat up slowly, leaning against the wall to steady himself. "Really, it's the core. The Snake Tree energy—it hit harder than we thought. Pulled me under, like I blacked out. I'm fine now. Just need water and a minute to clear my head."
He reached for the flask in the corner, taking a slow sip, buying time. Anna watched him closely, but the exhaustion in her eyes and the relief of his awakening softened her insistence.
"Alright," she said finally, though doubt lingered. "But no more secrets like that. Rest. I'll make something to eat."
She busied herself with their sparse supplies, giving him space.
David closed his eyes briefly, turning inward.
She can't know yet, he thought. Not until I understand it myself. Not until it's safe.
The man's fading voice responded, faint but understanding.
Smart. Keep it close for now. She's strong, but knowledge like this draws wolves.
David nodded mentally. "Tell me what I need to know. Quickly."
The man's form wavered, his voice a threadbare whisper.
The Eternal Nether Void Physique is ever-growing. No true limits. It evolves endlessly, layer upon layer, from the primordial chaos where death and space were one.
David focused, absorbing every word.
At my peak, the man continued, pride tinged with regret, I could destroy universes with a wave of my hand. Realms crumbled into nothingness at my thought. Stars withered, space folded like cloth. I was a force that shook the heavens.
The scale staggered David.
But that power demanded everything, the man said softly. Resources beyond counting. Treasures that could empty immortal treasuries—void crystals from collapsed stars, necrotic essences from dead worlds, cores from ancient horrors long extinct. Even at my height, the physique's hunger outgrew what I could sustain. It left me weakened… just enough for betrayal to claim me.
A weary sigh.
Alas, that's the price. But for you—starting from the bottom of this withered universe, in a forgotten realm like yours—the demands begin small. And I've left you provisions.
"Provisions?" David thought urgently.
Two things sealed within the physique, using the last of my power.
First: resources essential for advancement. Crystals, elixirs, essences—enough to carry you far. They'll unlock as your power grows, tied to your breakthroughs. Don't expect instant leaps like in childish fantasies—no sudden godhood. It'll be steady, measured, giving you what you need when you're ready. No more, no less. Use it to build without drawing eyes too soon.
The man's form flickered stronger for a moment.
Second: something for much later. When you reach the Earth Immortal realm—far in your future—you'll gain access to it. It holds answers you'll want: who I truly was, my full story, my enemies. For now, it's sealed. Don't chase it. Focus on surviving.
David nodded inwardly.
And the abilities?
The physique has special techniques that advance with you, the man replied. The greatest awaken only in the Earth Immortal realm—world-shaking powers you can't comprehend yet. For now, as you stand in the mortal realms, it grants two foundational abilities.
First: Void Travel. You can traverse space, stepping from one point to another instantly. The energy cost scales with distance and the mass of what you carry—including yourself. Short hops within sight are cheap, almost negligible at your level. Crossing vast distances or carrying heavy loads will drain you deeply. Master it carefully; overuse in battle can leave you defenseless.
Second: Death Energy Consumption. You can absorb lingering death energy from the recently deceased—beasts, cultivators, or even plants wilting in your presence. The fresher the death, the richer the harvest. It accelerates healing, replenishes your reserves, and strengthens your physique over time. In combat, it turns fallen enemies into fuel, weakening surroundings while empowering you. But it requires focus; scattered energy dissipates quickly.
Master these. They'll grow with you.
The man's image wavered, transparency increasing.
That's all I can give. The rest… is yours.
David felt a pang of loss. "Wait—"
But the presence was slipping, the connection fraying.
Anna turned back, bowl in hand. "Better?"
He opened his eyes, forcing a nod. "Yeah. Much."
As the last traces of the ancient soul dissolved, David felt the physique settle fully—ever-growing, hungry, and now truly his.
The abyss within stirred, ready for the path ahead.
And in the fading echo, a final whisper:
Rise, David. Protect what's yours.
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