The Inner Odyssey

Chapter 45 Dread

Alden continued making his way through the forest.

He turned his thoughts towards what had happened after he leaned on the mysterious tablet.

It was a similar experience to his ascension, but also completely different.

The pain was another level as well.

If swallowing a beast core was akin to being oversaturated with a flood of mana, the stone stab had made it seem like an impregnable seal had been broken within his body. It was as if he had unlocked a hidden part of his self.

Naturally, the latter was much more painful, and the process took much longer.

Nonetheless, what Alden had gained justified the torture.

Probably.

He was not the type to enjoy undergoing such agony constantly, so he wasn't quite sure if it was worth it. Alden shuddered to imagine a time when he would find that level of pain tolerable.

'Hopefully, I never won't.'

Shaking his head, he focused on his recent transformation.

Thanks to the strange tablet, he had received two main boons.

The first was his body's newfound disposition to decay, and the second was a side effect of the former - a stronger and more durable physique. Alden had felt like his frame had become sturdier after the whole ordeal in the cavern, but until he fought against the Defiled Bear, he just didn't know by how much.

Coupled with the time he spent bettering his Skills, he was now better equipped to handle the horrors of the Apocalypse. It was still plenty dangerous, but at least he no longer needed to be as afraid.

Which...

Was almost priceless in a land filled with so much death.

'It's been a great help.'

He thought appreciatively.

No matter how small a blessing was, Alden was determined to be grateful for it. Asterons knew how much worse his situation could have been - he had got a small taste, after all, fatigued and on the brink of death a few times.

Getting rid of the grim thoughts, the young man continued his journey.

For now, he was just aimlessly wandering. But Alden was planning to head back to the Waterfall of Stars soon.

Alden scanned his surroundings idly, observing nature in all of its glory - the thick canopy, the towering trees, the different array of life and numerous ecosystems all existing together in chaotic harmony.

Honestly, he much preferred this over the ravine he had journeyed through to reach the Waterfall. Sure, the forest was creepy at times. But at least there was an almost endless space he could move in.

He also had more options for retreat.

Alden sighed.

He did not look forward to traversing the gorge again. However, the mystical lake was just too attractive, so he had no choice. The young man busied himself with his surroundings, ignoring how he no longer had any need to stay in this part of Nature's Grove.

After a while, Alden paused.

His expression turned bemused.

There, up ahead, the echo of a loud conversation streamed into his ears.

'What's going on?'

Alden wondered.

From afar, the voices were unintelligible. Slinking forward, he carefully inched towards the commotion.

He sent a burst of instructions for Ignia to remain silent through their bond. He didn't want Ignia to reveal their position - accidental or not -, like what happened with the three scouts.

She readily agreed, snapping her beak shut.

'Good girl.'

He praised her internally.

Then, he finally reached a vast bush - the commotion was taking place behind it.

Alden inhaled and calmed his nerves.

He had no reason to worry. After all, the metal disk was concealing his presence. He just had to make sure to remain out of a person's line of sight.

Mustering some courage, Alden entered the shrub and peeked through the other side.

And as soon as he did...

His face turned pale with dread.