Chapter 822: Secrets of the Golden Key ( 2 )
At this point, Vale's Avatar knew that the original body was still in danger of being completely taken over by the Death God.
It was only with the help of the Dragons and with Vale's permission at the last moment that they were able to stop the corruption or possession from being completed.
However, according to the two Time Manipulators, the possession of the Death God may be unavoidable, but it was possible to trick it by transferring the possession attempt to a different vessel.
Indeed, aside from delaying the possession like what the Dragons had done, it was also possible to avoid the possession by finding a different vessel to replace the target, which was Vale in this case.
Needless to say, the vessel that could do this could only be found in the Celestial Prison Realm.
As a matter of fact, it was also one of the reasons why the Time Manipulators like them wanted to acquire the Golden Key.
There was a huge flaw in being a Time Manipulator. It was the fact that they could not manipulate the age of their physique!
Although they possess a god-like ability to control time, they had to, unfortunately, use it with a physique that was just barely above average Arcanists.
However, after learning that they could get a vessel or body that could help them achieve the apex, they all wanted to obtain this Golden Key!
As a matter of fact, Vale was already guessing that Mennena also wanted this vessel...
'We're not sure how many perfect vessels or apex bodies we could get in that realm... If it's only one, I have to use it to save my original body...' Vale thought.
Nonetheless, he didn't react too much after hearing Arch Fey's words.
His facial expression remained inscrutable beneath the shifting shadows that cloaked his form. Nonetheless, he decided to act in the end.
He moved as if he considered Mennena's words with a measured contemplation...
"You sound ambitious, Mennena..." The Avatar said as he confirmed that there were no other Mennena around. The one in front of him was the only Spirit of Mennena that could travel through the mirrors.
"You said that I will just waste the Golden Key's usage at this rate? Tell me more about it." Vale's Avatar said.
"Lord Shadow Immortal, I believe you want to use the Golden Key in order to find a perfect physique or body that will help you reach the level of a Paragon and completely become a deity... However, although the Celestial Prison Realm, where the Golden Key was connected, possessed said vessel or body, the Golden Key itself could actually unlock the hidden potential of your own physique." Mennena said.
"Oh?" Vale muttered as he affirmed that becoming a Paragon was equal to being a Deity. However, since he was considered an Uncrowned Paragon, it seemed that he already had the ability to become one but only lacked something in his physique.
'Interesting...' He mused.
"You suggest that the Golden Key holds the potential to unlock hidden aspects of my own physique?" Vale's Avatar inquired thoughtfully. His voice resonated with a sense of contemplation as he weighed Mennena's words carefully.
"Mennena, you propose an intriguing notion—that the Golden Key's true power lies not in its connection to the Celestial Prison Realm, but in its ability to enhance the innate abilities of its wielder..." Vale's Avatar mused, his gaze fixed upon the ethereal figure before him with a keen interest.
Mennena, her form radiating a faint aura of mystic energy, elaborated on her proposal with a sense of urgency.
"Indeed, Lord Shadow Immortal, the Golden Key harbors a potential far greater than mere access to external vessels or realms. Its true essence lies in the enhancement of one's own divine potential, a path to transcendence that may lead you to the pinnacle of deityhood..." she explained, her words carrying a weight of ancient wisdom and hidden truths.
Vale's Avatar considered Mennena's proposition for a moment.
His decision swayed between the allure of possible advancement that the key could grant and the risks inherent in such a journey to a different realm.
"Your words are tempting Arch Fey... However, while your offer may hold promise, the lure of the unknown beckons me to seek the mysteries of the Celestial Prison Realm..." Vale declared. His decision was made, and he embraced the uncertainty of his chosen path.
Shane then warned Mennena not to enter the castle again. He wanted to capture this creature, but Mennena was still very powerful. As a matter of fact, without the Temporal Formation Art, he would have trouble catching this creature.
Right now, he could tell that Jin and Giorgi were already reaching their limit.
With a final nod of dismissal, Vale released Mennena from her temporal confinement...
As the Time Manipulators dismantled the complex Temporal Formation Art that had ensnared the Arch Fey, a sense of liberation filled the room...
With Mennena's departure, Vale turned his attention to Aersus, a familiar Dragon that he had killed in the Mystic Soul Tower before.
To his surprise, however, he realized that Orden had already defeated Aersus!
***
Meanwhile, as Mennena returned to her Realm, a transformation unlike any other began to take hold of her once-majestic form.
The essence of her being felt like it had been tainted by the shadows of resentment. There was like a physical metamorphosis that twisted her once-lovely features into a visage of malevolence and darkness!
Her once-ethereal beauty was now marred by a sinister touch!
Her eyes, once pools of knowledge, now gleamed with a chilling intensity that hinted at the depths of her wrath.
The delicate curves of her face contorted into a sneer of contempt, while her once-flowing locks of iridescent light now coiled like serpents of shadow around her twisted form!
Her previous benevolent grace was gone. She no longer appears like a true Arch Fey of the Mirror Realm!
Instead, in its place stood a being of corruption and deceit...
As she surveyed her altered reflection in the mirror, a cruel smirk played upon her lips...
"That Shadow Immortal dares to spurn my generosity, does he?" Mennena's voice echoed...
"His arrogance shall be his downfall..."