Chapter 1843 Disease
A week before the highly anticipated expedition, Emery set aside some private time to converse with his friend. "Chumo, I need to show you something."
"What is it?"
With a deliberate and measured gesture, Emery conjured a portal. However, this was no ordinary portal; it was the Khaos Gate, a gateway that opened into the newly formed garden-like sanctuary. Amidst the flourishing plant creatures in the serene space, a massive tentacled entity, Cthulhu, stood at the end of the cave-like room. The sight of the colossal creature left Chumo in a state of shock.
Cthulhu, the enigmatic guardian of Khaos, offered a rather ominous greeting.
<Who is this you brought to see me this time? He's too skinny for a snack.>
Emery quickly sought to clarify, "No, no, Cthulhu. This is my friend, and I wish for you to consider him as one of the Khaos Seeds."
Emery was well-informed that the Khaos Guardian held the ability to select any magus proficient in the arts of darkness as its Khaos Seed—a potential candidate to rise as the Khaos Champion.
Given the imminent and perilous expedition that loomed just days away, Emery had devised this plan to enhance the safety and security of his friends.
Taking a moment to converse with Chumo, Emery conveyed the intricacies of the Khaos Gate scenario. Although Chumo initially harbored some hesitations, his unwavering trust in Emery and the profound bond they shared ultimately compelled him to accept.
As Cthulhu, the ancient guardian initiated the process of probing Chumo's body, the extraordinary entity made an unexpected revelation that sent concern through the group. <Your friend is afflicted by a disease, a potent toxin>
This revelation pertained to the Nightwalker disease that had plagued Chumo for the past seven years, a mysterious ailment that rendered him powerless and subjected him to the toxin's possession for hours each day. It was a condition that had long eluded a proper cure, and its effects raised questions about Chumo's eligibility to become a Khaos Seed.
With furrowed brows, Emery, inquired, "Is this going to be a problem?"
Contrary to Emery's initial concern, Cthulhu's response was one of mirth.
<This is Zenonia's doing, isn't it? Do you know where she obtained the toxin from?>
Emery's eyes widened with realization as he connected the dots. "It's yours!!"
Cthulhu, his laughter resonating eerily, proceeded to divulge the enigmatic origins of the toxin. Through a series of experiments, it became evident that Cthulhu's toxin exhibited significant compatibility with the Nightwalker disease.
The guardian's toxin not only facilitated Chumo's regaining control over the Nightwalker ailment but also held the potential to amplify the Nightwalker transformation itself. With the assistance of Cthulhu, Emery saw the possibility of enhancing Chumo's Nightwalker medication and ultimately achieving a full cure for the ailment. The prospect of a complete recovery for Chumo, under the guardianship of Cthulhu, offered a ray of hope for the future.
This newfound knowledge only served to solidify Emery's confidence in his plan. Rather than merely designating Chumo as one of the Khaos Seeds, following in the footsteps of Morgana with Killgragah, Emery made an audacious request. He asked Cthulhu to remain within Chumo's body. This decision held the promise of not only strengthening Chumo but also offering a direct conduit for contact with Emery when the need arose. The prospect of assistance from Cthulhu was a powerful asset that could prove invaluable on their perilous expedition.
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As Chumo found himself ensnared by Hecate's relentless spirit skull spell, Cthulhu sprang into action, displaying his insatiable appetite for darkness by consuming the very souls within the spell. In a display of otherworldly power, Cthulhu channeled the Khaos energy into Chumo, igniting a profound transformation.
[Battle power increased exponentially]
Buoyed by the newfound strength channeled through the Khaos energy, Chumo executed a daring leap toward the unprepared female magus. Hecate, sensing the impending threat, promptly invoked a protective spell that enshrouded her in a radiant energy barrier. However, the unparalleled might endowed by the Khaos energy enabled Chumo's claws to slice through the barrier, delivering a powerful strike that left a deep wound on her shoulder.
Hecate, her composure faltering, locked eyes with Chumo, moments before another of Another's claws struck, inflicting further pain. Desperate to escape the relentless onslaught, she summoned a life-saving spell, narrowly evading Chumo's advances. Despite her best efforts, Chumo managed to stay in close pursuit, landing several more punishing strikes on her beleaguered form.
"Get the fuck away from me!!"
Just as Hecate appeared to be on the brink of a successful escape, Thrax loomed behind her, wielding his powerful glaives to inflict a grievous wound on her back. The force of his attack sent her sprawling to the ground, her body bearing the weight of severe injuries.
While Ashaka effectively prevented Triton from intervening, Klea seized the opportunity to act. She leaped into the fray and unleashed a potent [Thunderbolt] spell, a strike that finally incapacitated Hecate. The female magus lay defeated, her once-formidable powers overpowered by the collective strength and determination of the group.
With Hecate's defeat, both Triton and Heracles found themselves in a precarious position. Surrendering seemed the most prudent course of action, as escaping within the ruins would prove challenging, exposing them to the risk of capture by the enforcers.
Chumo, his once-bloodshot eyes gradually clearing as he managed to halt the Nightwalker transformation, turned to the group. He conveyed a message from Emery through the Khaos gate.
Upon receiving the message, the group reached a consensus on the course of action. In response, a tentacle emerged from Chumo's chest, reaching out to retrieve Hecate's incapacitated body. The sudden turn of events left the two Kronos magus bewildered.
Klea addressed the captives with a firm yet merciful tone. "We have no intention of causing harm to her. As for the two of you, you will assist us in exploring these ruins." The tables had turned, and the former adversaries now faced a different role in their shared quest on the expedition.
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