A brief silence followed Ashen's last words.
Not the silence of hesitation, but the silence of calculation.
Korval watched him from atop his stone throne, eyes half-closed, as if observing a tool that had not yet been tested.
He finally spoke, his calm tone hiding cautious appreciation.
Korval said:
"You follow the Blood Refinement Path, not the Blood Shaman Path.
Because of that—"
He paused, as if weighing his words.
"—I currently have nothing you truly need."
Ashen's expression did not change.
No disappointment. No interest. Not even false curiosity.
But Korval continued, a faint smile forming that did not reach his eyes.
Korval said:
"However… would you like some spirit emerald stones?"
Ashen raised his head slightly.
His crimson eyes settled on Korval without the slightest ripple.
Ashen asked:
"What are they?"
The question was not curious.
It was dry.
The question of someone who only asks if there is a chance of benefit.
Korval interlaced his fingers and said:
"As you can tell, our kingdom bears the same name as these stones.
That is naturally due to their value.
As for what these stones are, and what their function is—"
Korval fell silent for a moment, as if searching for a suitable description, then continued:
"They are stones used in dozens of applications by Blood Shamans.
Condensers, ritual mediums, fuel for complex spells."
Then he added more clearly:
"Their true value depends on the will of the one using them."
"In their raw state, their most common use is absorbing them to slightly increase spiritual power…
But—"
He smiled meaningfully.
"—that means almost nothing to followers of the Blood Refinement Path."
Ashen did not react.
Ashen said:
"Show me."
It was not a request.
It was a calm command.
Korval gestured without turning his head.
Soldiers stepped forward carrying black stone chests.
The lids were opened, and a faint red-emerald glow spilled out.
The stones were beautiful…
But it was a sick beauty.
As if the light they emitted did not belong to this world.
Ashen looked at them coldly.
He activated his blood power.
Nothing happened.
The stones did not tremble.
They did not respond.
The feeling was closer to silent disdain.
As if his blood power was saying:
This is beneath me.
Korval spoke in a low voice, as if explaining more to himself than to Ashen:
"Followers of the Blood Refinement Path are monsters by nature.
Their blood power does not only nourish their bodies, but forms the foundation of their consciousness and soul.
Even your spiritual power is not separate… it is derived from the blood itself."
Then he added, with a trace of genuine regret:
"That is why… things capable of strengthening you are rare.
And they are rarely simple."
At that moment—
Something changed.
Not in Ashen's body.
But deeper.
In the sea of his consciousness, where the spiritual embryo resided—
It trembled.
Not with fear.
But with hunger.
Ashen's pupils widened for a fraction of a second.
Then—
It exploded.
A massive, raw, unrefined spiritual force burst out of his consciousness, so savage that the air itself screamed.
It was not a wave.
It was a mouth.
In a single instant, the stones were swallowed.
The chests—
Were emptied.
Dozens of chests became hollow containers, as if they had never held anything at all.
Some of those present stepped back instinctively.
Even the giant abomination slowly moved its head, its vertical eye narrowing and widening.
As for Ashen—
He remained standing.
He felt his spiritual embryo become heavier.
Denser.
Not a transformation—
But a small step on a road with no end.
Korval did not speak immediately.
For the first time in a long while—
His thoughts froze for a single heartbeat.
What a monster…
He said it internally, with rare sincerity.
How did he absorb such a quantity in a single moment?
But more importantly—
Isn't he a follower of the Blood Refinement Path?
The power of these stones should not meet the requirements of his blood.
Wait—
Don't tell me—
Is he planning to cultivate both paths together?
Ashen turned toward him.
Ashen said:
"I have some interest in these stones."
It was not a request.
It was a statement.
Korval let out a short, low laugh, closer to a tired exhale.
Korval said:
"Your interest… is expensive."
Then he added with blunt honesty:
"These stones are rare, even for our kingdom.
And our kingdom—"
He extended his hand slightly, as if pointing to everything around them.
"Was built on extracting them to reach what it is today."
"In fact, I have already given you a very generous amount, enough for an entire region for a month.
What I did not expect was your terrifying absorption power."
"Each stone is precious and represents massive assets for the kingdom.
So I cannot give you more…"
"But after we finish our invasion, and depending on the extent of your contribution,
we can discuss the matter again."
Silence fell once more.
But this time—
It was not the silence of balance.
It was the silence where everyone knew that something had gone beyond all calculations.