"Every Epoch, i.e. every ten thousand years, the Ruby Crystal Blossom will develop a core where its soul nurtures the natural energy and transforms itself into a plant monster.
It takes ten years for it to get full control over its body. Until then, it is just like any other monster without any consciousness on its own.
And this is where things get interesting. During the first six months, its soul will still be in its core and won't be integrated with the rest of its physical body. And if anyone managed to kill it and absorb the core completely, they can transform into their own Arcana spirit.
A Mono Arcana user will become a Twin Arcana user and a twin Arcana user will become a triple Arcana user. Of course, even in such a situation, one needs proper guidance or else, it will swallow the existing Arcana as it was a platinum grade spirit.
I think this is probably the reason those kids are here."
"I see this is the reason why you said I might have an extraordinary opportunity, today morning." Azzy continued to stare, this time, he de-eliminated the auras of the humans around it. A few people were standing around the flower, waiting for something to happen and it seemed like more people are flocking. He was also tempted to go there.
However, it seems like the Reaper is against it. "Earlier, I was only talking about this tent. As for the Ruby Crystal Blossom, don't even think about it. No matter what, you can't go there."
"Why?" Azzy frowned inwardly.
The Reaper gave a vague answer, "I'm not sure whether you will turn into a fortunate person or not, misfortune is sure to befall on you one way or another. That's why it's best to avoid it."
"Misfortune?" Azzy wondered whether it has something to do with the people flocking at the location. Maybe, the hidden clans sent their representatives to snatch it?
While Azzy was filled in thoughts, Claire opened her mouth, "Rael, let's go there."
"Hmm?" He returns to his senses and looks at his girlfriend.
Claire then said, "According to Agatha, my Arcana spirit, this kind of opportunity won't come again."
After explaining to him everything that he already knew, Claire commented, "I think Princess Sapphire and her friends were also for the red lotus because they knew of it."
"Uhh, maybe, it's better not to go." Azzy tried to stop her, giving various excuses. "See, there's Flora and Glenn with us and their safety is our responsibility. A treasure will attract the trouble. If it's a couple of them, I can protect you but if there are numerous enemies, those two kids will be the ones that will become casualties."
Upon hearing Azzy, Claire fell into thoughts. Agatha complained in Claire's head, "Your partner is too cautious even with such tremendous power. Anyway, let's leave the kids with him. I'm here to protect you. So, no worries even if you are alone."
Claire didn't like the idea of leaving Azzy alone but as Agatha mentioned how that lotus flower will only raise her potential and get closer to Azzy, Claire was tempted.
She expressed her wish of acquiring the Arcana to Azzy, to which the latter went into silence for a few seconds before warning her to be extra careful while dealing with the enemies. Grabbing her cheeks, he looked at her eyes and further added, "Don't hesitate to use a teleportation card to escape from there if you face a life-threatening danger."
"Of course, I know that. Don't worry about me." *muah* She leaned forward and gave a quick peck on his lips before rushing towards the east under Agatha's instructions.
Azzy stared at her back until she disappeared from his sight and returned to the tent, informing both of the girls about the situation.
Without Claire, the three of them resumed their hiking to complete the missions.
A little more than an hour passed away, Azzy, Glenn, and Flora reached their destination, the Yicru's peak.
*Clap* Clap*
"Flora, Glenn, we are here, get ready to dig." He spoke while handing them the shovels and pickaxes.
They knew that Azzy wasn't going to help because he's only there to look after them.
The two girls looked at each other and nodded.
They started to dig around to find the medicinal roots. Meanwhile, Azzy took a seat on the rock.
Although his sight was on these two little kids, his mind was completely on the red lotus. He was worried about Claire. Azzy doesn't know it yet but he started to care more about Claire's well-being and feelings, lately.
In his heart, her place was already above the likes of Barton, Avia, and his foster grandpa, and even Gideon. Unfortunately, there are two people she couldn't beat yet. One is Affea and the other is the Reaper.
"No, don't focus on that place. Under Agatha's care, Claire will be fine. Instead, use this time to increase your soul power, Azzy." He encouraged himself so as to not use aura sensing. Azzy was worried that he will leave right away to protect Claire if he senses her in danger. So, he doesn't want to think about the lotus or his girlfriend.
However, the Goddess of Fate had written something else for him.
Within a few minutes, Flora beat Glenn in finding a Yicru root, first by taking the help of Yeti, her Arcana which is kinda like a snow ape.
As Flora grinned, showing a victory symbol to Azzy, Glenn cutely puffed her cheeks and complained that it's unfair. After all, she's a healer and is a supportive type.
Azzy then told Flora to help Glenn in finding one.
Just as both of the kids turn around to resume the digging, all of a sudden, a bipedal monster popped up right in front of the rock where Azzy was sitting on the top.
It was scarlet in color from top to bottom with cute little eyes, nose, and mouth. Its body was barely two feet in height and looks like a cartoon character from the television.
However, above its head is a giant lotus the size of an average adult where its petals are in crystalline form and are glowing.
The monster was stunned as it saw Azzy. A look of panic clearly displayed on its face.
"Is this Ruby Crystal Blossom?" Azzy was taken aback.
"Did I mention that this plant monster is a terrible coward and likes to run away?" The Reaper's voice echoed in his head before an order was given, "it looks like the heavens are on your side. You encountered the situation where only one in every hundred futures that I have foreseen. Quickly, kill it and absorb the beast before it teleports."
"Eh? What are you saying?" Azzy was surprised at his order. After all, he possessed a Divine Grade spirit and there's also a mutated Celestial grade Arcana spirit too. He even had a Peak-rank-6 Skeleton snow wolf. Why would he need another Arcana and that too, a lower grade one?
Moreover, didn't his girlfriend wishes to acquire it? How could he steal after letting her go in search of this beast?
While Azzy was in his thoughts, the Reaper realized that he will only waste the time in convincing him. He decided to take action and explain, later.
As he took over Azzy's body, the little monster with giant hair is seen running away at a terrific speed.
Under the possession of the Reaper, Azzy let out soul energy and rapidly absorbed the natural energy around his arm.
The little monster had ten seconds until it can use teleportation. So far, 6 seconds passed away. Only four seconds left before it can escape.
But, Azzy turned out to be faster. As he raised his arm, a large arm made of energy manifested over his right arm, then, extended towards the monster.
Within just two seconds, he caught to the beast and pierced it, turning the monster into the corpse amid the gazes of the two little girls. While Flora felt amazed by Azzy's decisive actions and cheered for him when the energy arm caught the core and dragged back into his body, Glenn shivered in fear.
Everything happened in an instant.
Meanwhile, Azzy found himself in his mindscape where he saw the black lightning wolf is sleeping. Before he came out of his confusion, a scarlet sphere appeared out of thin air and is slowly taking the shape.
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