Chapter 614 The Next Step (2)
Chapter 614 The Next Step (2)
Ashton's fangs sank deep into the behemoth's flesh, and he could feel the rush of power surging through his veins as he drank greedily from Krathos' life force. The exhilaration of consuming the blood of an S-grade being sent a thrill down his spine, and he relished the surge of strength that accompanied it.
Typically, the taste of monster blood left a bitter aftertaste, but as the crimson liquid flowed into his mouth, Ashton was taken aback by the unexpected sweetness. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced before, a delectable sensation that seemed to transcend mortal flavours.
At that moment, he realised it wasn't just the rarity of feasting upon a behemoth that made the blood exceptional. There was something inherently unique about Krathos' essence that set it apart from any other creature he had encountered.
Whatever the reason, Ashton couldn't deny the intoxicating allure of the blood flowing through his veins.
As he drank, Ashton could feel his powers surging, as if the essence of Krathos was infusing him with newfound abilities. The rush of energy was exhilarating, and he revelled in the sensation of being invincible, even for just a fleeting moment.
As Ashton's fangs pierced deeper into Krathos' flesh, an unexpected sensation washed over him. The blood that had tasted sweet moments ago now felt like an elixir, transporting him to a realm beyond the physical.
His vision blurred momentarily, and he felt as if he was floating between dimensions, untethered from time and space constraints. In that fleeting moment, he caught glimpses of a distant world, a place that resembled Earth but felt so foreign and distant.
The images flickered like fragments of a dream, revealing a scene of epic proportions. A battlefield stretched before him, filled with warriors from different races and species united in a common purpose. Ashton immediately recognised Krathos as one of the beings standing alongside the army.
Among them stood a figure with ashen skin and what appeared to be a snake around his neck, wielding a radiant trident with an air of command that demanded reverence.
Besides the warrior stood another figure, one with a metallic left arm that glinted in the dim light. The sight sent a jolt of recognition through Ashton, for the man bore an uncanny resemblance to himself. They were not mirror images, but the shared features were undeniable.
Ashton's mind raced with questions as he tried to comprehend the significance of the vision.
Who were these warriors, and what was the meaning behind their presence in his mind? It felt like he was witnessing a moment from a forgotten era, a memory buried deep within his subconscious.
Ashton's head pounded with excruciating pain as if an unseen force had torn his mind apart. He desperately tried to grasp the unfolding reality, but the images that bombarded him were too overwhelming to comprehend.
"What's happening to me?" he groaned, feeling like his existence was being ripped apart at the seams. He clutched his head with both hands, hoping to find some relief from the torment.
But as quickly as the visions had appeared, they began to slip away like sand through his fingers. His mind rebelled against the influx of unfamiliar memories and experiences, and he could feel himself losing control.
A strange scene played out before him just before he succumbed to the darkness. A minotaur-like creature, its pristine white fur contrasting with its powerful form, charged fearlessly towards a figure with ashen skin.
"Lord Shiva, Lord Deathless... I don't think it's safe for ungodly beings to be outside the World Tree's protection," the white minotaur, Nandi, spoke with reverence, addressing the enigmatic figures before him.
"Arnold," Shiva responded, his voice gentle as he turned his attention to the man with the metallic arm, Arnold.
"Don't worry. I'll instruct Talos to get everyone to safety." the man called Arnold nodded, and within a second, a humanoid robot appeared before him.
It was then everything disappeared from his eyes as someone grabbed him by his hand and tossed him aside.
"Not yet... you are too weak." the voice said before throwing him away.
'Too... weak...?'
The words echoed in Ashton's mind, the voices of these otherworldly beings resonating like distant memories. Their presence felt ancient, tied to forces far beyond his comprehension. The vision only offered a fleeting glimpse into their world, leaving him with more questions than answers.
Ashton wanted to know more about what was happening around him and what he witnessed. But it seemed that was all his mind could take as his vision got blank.
Ashton's grip on reality faltered, and he succumbed to unconsciousness again, only to awaken back in the present, his fangs buried in Krathos' flesh. The taste of the behemoth's blood still lingered, but now it was mingled with the lingering impressions of the vision.
"What just happened..."
Ashton's mind whirled with thoughts as he tried to make sense of the visions. Were they memories from a forgotten past or glimpses of an alternate reality? And most importantly, what role did he play in the grand tapestry of events? Who was the man who called him weak?
There were way too many questions inside his head and no answer.
But the immediate reality demanded Ashton's attention. The battle had left its mark on him and his companions, and they needed to regroup and recover. Flintmace and Vulcan stood by his side, their concern evident in their eyes.
"Ashton, are you alright?" Flintmace asked, his gruff voice filled with genuine concern.
Ashton shook his head, trying to steady himself. "I... I'm not sure. I saw something, a vision, but it was all too fleeting. It felt like another world, and there were beings, powerful beings. Shiva and Arnold..."
Vulcan chuckled, unable to resist making a joke. "Krathos' blood must have had some hidden surprises, eh? Or did you hit your head on that giant beast somewhere?"
Ashton glared at Vulcan, not amused by his attempt at humour. "This is serious, Vulcan. I saw something, and I don't know what it means. Shiva and Arnold seemed important, and a whole army behind them! Much bigger and stronger-"
"Did you hallucinate or something?" Vulcan chuckled. "Maybe we should try tasting Krathos' blood for ourselves and see what happens."
Flintmace shook his head and continued, "Let's go, Ashton. We need to interrogate that Priest too."