Chapter 20 – Weaknesses and Legends
Adrian:
— His name is Samson. He embodies divine brute strength and the protection of the weak — Adrian said, recalling the deep, resonant memories left by his father's divine spirit.
A faint but powerful aura shimmered around him, like heat wavering over the horizon, as if the spirit still lingered, silently watching and guarding him.
Cordelia:
— Now that you've inherited that power, let's head back and rest. We need to recover our strength — she said firmly, stepping inside the wooden cabin. With practiced urgency, she grabbed a simple meal and ate quickly.
The warm aroma of roasted roots and dried meat mingled with the scent of old wood and herbs, filling the small space. Her hands moved deftly, driven by something more urgent than hunger.
Adrian:
— What's the hurry? — he asked, raising an eyebrow as he watched her devour the food with fierce determination.
Cordelia:
— The sooner we get to that place, the sooner we might find clues about my parents... maybe even find them — her voice was a mix of hope, desperation, and resolve as she finished the last bite and stood.
Adrian:
— Got it. Let's move.
Cordelia:
— Okay, packed and rested... time to go. Try to keep up! Divine Possession! — she shouted, her eyes flashing with radiant light as she surged forward at blinding speed, leaving a trail of glowing blue energy.
Adrian:
— Wait for me! I'm not falling behind this time! — he called out with a grin, his heart pounding with excitement as he chased after her.
Adrian:
— Got you! — he said, landing beside her mid-run, matching her pace with newfound power.
Cordelia:
— Looks like you've gotten stronger — she smirked, clearly impressed but trying not to show it too much.
Adrian:
— At this speed, how long until we reach the place on the map?
Cordelia:
— About three days at this pace — she replied, glancing at the worn map she treasured like a relic.
— Let's cover as much ground as possible before nightfall. When it gets too dark, we'll set camp.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with deep orange and golden hues, shadows stretched long between the trees.
Suddenly, the earth erupted as a massive insect-like creature burst forth, roaring with fury. Its eyes glowed red with madness, claws curved and deadly as it charged.
Adrian:
— What the hell is that?! — he shouted, barely dodging the creature's swipe.
Cordelia (dodging swiftly):
— Normal animals exposed to divine and demonic energy here mutate into mindless monsters.
Adrian:
— Got it. Then take this, giant bug!
Sonic Punch!
BOOM!
His punch landed square on the creature's head, shattering it into dust and dark ichor. The massive beast collapsed with a thunderous crash.
Cordelia:
— Let's keep moving. We're still far from our goal — she said, already sprinting forward.
Adrian:
— Right behind you! — he replied, wiping sweat from his brow as he caught up.
Twilight deepened, painting the sky in purples and fading blues, stars flickering to life like tiny beacons.
Cordelia:
— It's getting dark. Time to set up camp.
Adrian:
— Agreed.
Cordelia:
— Adrian, help me with this.
Adrian:
— Done. Everything's set — he said, securing the last wooden support, then scanning the shadows gathering beyond the trees.
Cordelia handed him a small cloth bundle of food.
Cordelia:
— Here.
Adrian:
— Thanks — he said warmly, touched by the gesture.
They sat beside the flickering campfire, its light dancing softly on Cordelia's face. Her expression softened, growing serious as she broke the silence.
Cordelia:
— Adrian, there's something important you need to know now that you've inherited a Heir's power.
Adrian:
— What is it?
Cordelia:
— We don't just inherit strength from divine spirits... we also inherit their weaknesses.
Some spirits' legends tell of a single flaw that leads to their downfall.
For example, one divine spirit is said to be invulnerable — except for one weak spot on his heel. Strike that, and he bleeds. One tiny flaw... that can mean death.
I knew that. That's why I asked for your spirit's name — she said, looking down.
Adrian:
— Thank you, Cordelia.
Cordelia:
— What...? — she looked up, confused by his sudden gratitude.
Adrian chuckled softly.
— I had no way of knowing. But you told me anyway — even if it meant exposing your own vulnerability. That shows trust.
So... thank you. — he offered her a sincere smile.
Cordelia:
— Idiot... — she muttered, lightly punching his shoulder, trying to hide the flush on her cheeks.
Adrian:
— What was that?!
Cordelia:
— Nothing! Go to sleep — she snapped, turning away with a pout and pulling her blanket over her head.
Adrian smiled and closed his eyes, the gentle sounds of wind and night creatures lulling him.
Adrian (whispering):
— Don't worry. I promise I'll bring your parents back.
Cordelia (whispering to the stars):
— Thank you...
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To all of you — thank you so much for supporting me this far.
I know I have much to improve, but I'm truly grateful to every one of you.
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Your support means the world — you're amazing!
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