The sight of the two was a mixture of astonishment and bewilderment — this wasn't normal.
"Yes, yes… it's impossible for you to use dragon breath naturally! You're not one of them. What you just unleashed was breath born from Aether — the same way magicians manipulate mana to cast their spells. Mutants have Aether, which they use in the same way."
"Alright, that makes sense so far," Rian replied. "It means you've truly reached the Radiance Phase, which means you can partially control Aether and transform it into anything you desire. Judging from those fiery breaths you unleashed, that much is certain."
"Hmmm… alright. But what about you?" Rian asked. "That drill you just used — I've never seen you use it before. Could it be…"
"Ahhhhh!" Both of them were completely stunned.
"Wait a moment, Rian — I'll try it again!"
At that moment, a gray aura flared up, wrapping Teel's entire body. That aura was pure Aether — forming in its first stage of control: Enhancement.
Just like knights enhance their bodies by releasing their internal energy, known as aura, Aether users release it to interact with their mutation and cloak themselves in a layer of Aether that strengthens their bodies and abilities.
However, this aura only enhances the body — nothing more. In this stage, the mutant cannot yet control Aether freely. That's why the Enhancement Phase is similar to that of knights. But the next phase is completely different — the Radiance Phase, where a mutant can focus the Aether, normally forming as an aura, into a single part of their body. That is the first true stage of Aether control.
A gray aura surrounded Teel's body; gray wings burst from his back. His eyes widened suddenly — now glowing with a faint purplish light. The aura around him began to concentrate toward his right hand. Feathers from his wings fell and swirled tightly around his hand, until — suddenly — the aura vanished completely.
All that remained was Teel, hovering with his gray wings, and his right hand transformed into something like a steel drill. Everything was working perfectly. The two companions confirmed that they had indeed reached this level of power. It was natural — they had endured countless trials across these mountains, from tribes of goblins and ogres to the strange chimera beasts that had attacked them.
So reaching this stage of power wasn't surprising. But as Teel prepared to try opening the gate, another person's thoughts were elsewhere — focused on someone far away.
Rian raised his hand toward the sky, looking at it with fierce determination. Then his fist clenched tightly.
"Yes… I've taken one more step toward you, Carlos."
"Hey, Rian! Stop your dramatic monologue and come help me open this damn door!"
"Haaaah… I'm coming!"
Both of them stood before the massive stone gate. There was a small circle engraved into the strange patterns on it — two smaller circles, one on each side. Each of them moved to one.
At the same time—
"Teel, are you ready?"
"Yes, I am. Let's begin."
A crimson aura burst from Rian, and a gray one from Teel. Both placed their hands upon the circles, and then the real work began. The Aether that had surrounded their bodies surged into the gate's markings.
A breathtaking scene unfolded — the Aether they injected spread through the strange lines and carvings of the gate, glowing brighter and brighter — until, suddenly, everything stopped.
Silence.
It was as if nothing had happened. The gate returned to its original state.
Both of them stood, stunned.
"Did… we fail?"
"Haah?" Rian looked at the gate in disbelief. "I don't know… let's try again."
He pushed against the gate — this time, it moved. The massive stone door finally shifted.
Joy spread across their faces. They pushed harder, opening it completely.
The sight behind the gate was one they knew too well — a sight they hated more than anything.
In an instant, their expressions of joy turned into rage, filled with murderous intent toward their sworn enemies.
---
It was a truly disgusting scene — massive capsules containing the corpses of deformed children.
The feeling was indescribable. Both of them were reminded of their own pasts, of when they had undergone the same experiment. It could have been them — dead and twisted like these poor souls.
But it seemed the enemy's team had long abandoned this place. It was completely deserted, devoid of any signs of life.
They began sweeping through the area, searching for anything useful — any clue that could lead them to their foe — but found nothing.
All they discovered was a medium-sized door before them.
Rian slammed it open — not just a push, but a furious outburst.
The night sky outside shimmered under a radiant moon, beautiful but meaningless to the two who were in no mood to admire it.
They finally stepped outside again, though this part of the mountains was unfamiliar. Still, judging from the terrain, they couldn't have gone too far.
The two made their way through the forest, venturing deeper and deeper into the area.
Suddenly, Rian stopped.
"Wait… I heard something."
"What is it?" Teel whispered.
"Keep your voice down. It feels like someone's watching us."
Teel grew more cautious, tightening his grip on his weapon.
"Alright. Move quietly — and don't lower your guard," Rian ordered.
They advanced carefully through the shadows — until Rian suddenly halted, scanning the trees.
"How long will you hide? Show yourself — or I'll come drag you out myself!"
A malicious laugh echoed through the dark forest. A shadow emerged from between the trees.
"So… you really exceeded my expectations, mutant. No wonder you crushed the soldiers I sent after you."
---
End of Chapter