Chapter 328 - Immense Danger?
Theo snapped out of his daze.
’What do you mean?’ he asked Feng. ’It seems like he’s successfully completed his breakthrough to me.’
Feng didn’t even hesitate.
’’That’s the thing,’’ it said. ’’This should be impossible!’’
Before Theo could even say a word, Feng hastily continued.
’’His own bloodline should’ve tried to attack his undead bloodline until the two eventually reached a balance... Instead, it’s as if he has complete control over both.’’
Silence fell between them.
Even Theo knew how strange that actually was.
Especially when he considered the violent outburst he’d seen during one of his previous breakthroughs.
’He’s always been a bit peculiar during breakthroughs,’ he finally said. ’Maybe that’s just what we’re seeing now—’
’’No,’’ Feng interrupted firmly. ’’If it is what I think it is... your friend has made a terrible mistake.’’
Theo’s expression shifted immediately.
Just by the tone of Feng’s voice, he knew his wind kirin wasn’t messing around.
’What mistake?’ he asked seriously.
Feng remained silent for several seconds.
’’There are very few ways two opposing bloodlines can exist in such perfect harmony,’’ it finally said. ’’Especially when one was forcefully introduced into the body.’’
Theo glanced towards Owen again.
The enormous golem was still waving his sledgehammer around in the distance, clearly having the time of his life.
’Then what happened?’
’’I cannot be certain without examining him,’’ Feng replied. ’’But there is one possibility.’’
Its voice became noticeably more serious.
’’The undead bloodline may no longer consider him an outsider.’’
Theo’s brows furrowed.
A bad feeling started spreading through his stomach instantly.
’What does that mean?’
’’It means that the relationship between his bloodlines has changed,’’ it replied without hesitation. ’’Whether it was through a ritual, oath, or contract. Something between him and the Skeleton King has happened.’’
Theo’s eyes slowly widened.
Deals are never without compromises from both sides.
He knew that damn well.
’’That is precisely what concerns me,’’ Feng said, its voice low. ’’With the wrong deal, he could easily be the reason this realm gets utterly destroyed.’’
Theo’s body stiffened in place, even his breathing halting.
’He can do what now?’ he questioned.
A moment of silence fell between them.
It was as if Feng wasn’t quite sure how to explain it either.
Finally, a quiet sigh echoed through Theo’s mind.
’’The connection between them could provide the Skeleton King with a path into this realm,’’ it said. ’’A path that normally wouldn’t exist.’’
Theo’s expression slowly began twisting.
Feng continued before he could respond.
’’And if the Skeleton King manages to enter this realm... there is no one here powerful enough to stop him.’’
Theo fell completely silent.
For several seconds, he simply stared at Owen in the distance.
The same thought continued running through his mind.
’He can do that?’
The Skeleton King had always seemed like some distant existence to him.
Something powerful, certainly, but also something that he wouldn’t get in touch with for many years.
Yet now...
’Owen could actually give him a way here?’
’’Don’t worry about it just yet,’’ Feng added. ’’It’ll all become clear after I examine him more closely.’’
Theo slowly nodded.
There was nothing he wanted to do more than push the thoughts out of his mind.
Just then, another deafening laugh echoed across the desert.
’’HAHAHA!’’
Theo snapped out of his thoughts.
Owen was already making his way towards them, the enormous rocks slowly crumbling away around him.
RUMBLE! RUMBLE!
Stone after stone collapsed onto the ground.
’’That was quite something!’’ he shouted. ’’Six fucking stories tall! You guys looked like ants!’’
Theo stared at him for a moment.
He truly didn’t know what to say after what Feng had just told him.
’’Yeah, yeah,’’ Jim replied beside him. ’’Keep showing off. Once I break through, you’ll be the ant.’’
Owen locked onto him with a wide smirk.
’’Sounds like someone’s a little jealous...’’ he teased.
Rolling his eyes, Jim began turning around.
But before he could even take half a step, a brown spike shot up in front of his foot.
THUD!
He face-planted straight into the sand.
’’Pff!’’ Jim spat out sand angrily. ’’What the fuck was that for?!!’’
Owen burst out laughing right away.
The others couldn’t help but shake their heads, amused.
It felt like a great burden had been lifted off all their shoulders.
Not only were they happy for Owen, but the chances they’d make it out had also increased significantly now.
Well... that’s how everyone except Theo felt.
’Is this close enough?’ he asked internally.
’’No,’’ Feng replied immediately. ’’You need to be much closer.’’
It paused for a moment.
’’It might just be better to do this at a later time... to give yourself some space to think as well. Rushing into reckless decisions due to emotions isn’t smart.’’
Theo nodded once more.
But... what was he even meant to do?
Regardless of whether Feng’s suspicions were right, Owen was still Owen.
And he would protect his best friend no matter what happened.
Theo let out a quiet sigh.
’’I’m heading back,’’ he said.
Iris glanced towards him with a raised eyebrow.
’’You’re not staying for Lucienne’s breakthrough?’’ she asked quietly.
Theo shook his head lightly.
’’No,’’ he replied. ’’There are some things I have to work on.’’
He wasn’t really in the mood to watch another breakthrough right now.
If anything, all he wanted to do was train until his mind was empty.
’’Alright then,’’ Iris said. ’’See you later.’’
Theo gave her a small smile.
’’See you.’’
With that, he turned around and began making his way back towards the open desert.
It didn’t take long before the others disappeared behind him.
Theo stretched his arms above his head as he walked.
’’Why does everything have to be so complex all the time?’’ he muttered out loud. ’’Can’t shit go well just once?’’
He let out another long sigh.
’’Whatever. Let’s make the most of the time we still have left here.’’
Lightning began crackling underneath his feet.
Theo raced across the desert, making sure he put enough distance between himself and the others.
As he finally slid to a halt, pitch-black mana wrapped itself around his hands.