BXBX NOVEL Chapter 247: Acala's Voice
[Congratulations, User Cedric.] [Acala hopes that you continue working hard to increase your mastery of space laws.]
This was the message he received as soon as he woke up from his stupor.
Comprehending space laws was beyond his expectations; he only wanted to hone his skills even further when he secluded himself in the true Sword Communion Hall.
He never intended to chase after the space laws. Sure, he was gathering insights about it, but he didn't expect that the hints he accumulated from experiencing transmission from place to place were enough to let him understand the entry level to the concept law.
The Law Communion Sword said that it took him more than a month's worth of time to comprehend spatial manipulation, and this made sense to him because, from the additional insights he received, space laws were extremely complicated.
Even though he stepped into the first level out of four, what he understood from it barely scratches the surface.
Spatial manipulation doesn't just allow him to perform minor teleportations—like actual teleportations, not transmissions. In fact, teleportation was probably the simplest skill he could display using this law.
The concept of manipulating the very fabric of space goes way deeper than that, and even though he spent an additional month inside the Swore Communion Hall to confirm the things he comprehended, he's still far from mastering it.
However, even though he only glanced at the real profundity of space laws, a huge change happened to his perception.
Becoming aware of how space laws work caused his senses to adjust to them. Now, he could perceive the integrity of the space around him.
Space appeared to him as intersections of fine lines and dots. It's messy and difficult to make sense of. They twist and turn in mysterious ways, and every movement produces varying results. Beyond this, space is everywhere. It seems to contain every single thing within this world—this universe. It was too vast and too grand, and it felt overwhelming.
That's why Cedric felt momentarily dazed the moment he perceived the elements of space as soon as he left the hall.
As intimidating as it was, though, Cedric didn't feel scared of it. How can he see this as a massive canvas that's open for analysis? Cedric never lacked the confidence to achieve greater, grander things in his life. How can he retreat from this challenge?
But as much as he wanted to experiment out here, he had to restrain himself. His awareness of spatial elements exposed him to the real state of the world.
'Fragile. Why is it so fragile? '
This is what Cedric lamented as soon as he sensed the spatial integrity of Azure Terra; it may even go as far as the whole Prime Earth itself.
'No wonder why it's easy for the Demon Race to infiltrate this world despite the protection of Purgatory.' Cedric mused inwardly. 'Even I, in my current state, could easily poke a hole through space and take a peek at the outside world.'
'The spatial integrity of this world was too fragile. That's why our enemies kept coming back.'
Even with his minimal understanding of space laws, he could just tell that this was all too messy. The spatial integrity is in dire need of repair. He wouldn't be surprised if this was caused by the Demon Race too.
This fragility is why humans can't use teleportation devices outside of their homes. It's also the reason why they can't bring any items with an expanded space outside because those would just appear like a sore thumb—a bubble that can pop anytime by Demons, leaving a hole where they can send more of their people in to invade Prime Earth.
"Acala, am I the only one who comprehends space laws in this generation?" he asked.
[Yes, User Cedric.] Acala's response came quick. [In fact, it's only you within the last 100 years.]
Cedric's pupils were constricted upon hearing that response. Only him for the last 100 years? That can't be right?
He imagined all of the strong people he had met so far, and even those he had yet to meet. The Planar Travelers, and more importantly, the Star Travelers—none of them comprehended space laws at all. How could that be?
"Who was the last one, then?"
[Her name is Winona Featherington. She could be considered your senior being because she was the Void Sage. She died at 25 years old, about 117 years ago. She was forced into a corner and revealed her status as the Sage.]
[When the Demon Race learned of this, they spent a hefty price to assassinate her. Even more so when they learned that she has the power of space at her fingertips.]
[The Demon Kings, Wrath and Envy, were sent to ambush her. Unfortunately, they succeeded. But before she died, she entrusted her Magnum Opus to me for safekeeping. She knew that no matter what happened, she couldn't let it fall to the hands of the Demon Race, especially not Envy.]
[Seeing as you comprehended the same elements and laws that made her a grave threat to the Demon Race, I believe that her magnum opus would benefit you the most. Hence, I grant you the 『Aspect of Space』.]
From within Cedric's consciousness, a new aspect, Sigil, appeared. The moment it appeared, a wave of insights flooded his mind. Thousands of Cedric's thought chambers worked in unison to break down the information at a frightening speed, greatly minimizing the time it takes for him to recover from that sudden windfall.
[Do note that the Aspect Sigil of Space was far from complete.]
[Winona died prematurely; she was unable to complete her inheritance. Moreover, she was in her last breath when she passed this to me. Because of that, I'm afraid that this signature could only assist you in the Intermediate Stage of Space Laws. Beyond that, you're on your own.]
'That's more than enough.' Cedric replied mentally after releasing a turbid breath.
[Please be careful.]
[I know that I'm not the place to demand anything from you, but I...this world needs you. I know that I'm putting the weight of the world on your shoulders, and believe me, if only I could, I wouldn't. Unfortunately, we're running out of options and time. Thus, I can only rely on you.]
[I can guarantee your safety within this domain, but I know that you'd be forced to fight outside. Your plan is working. They still don't know that you and Derrek are the same person. They are hunting for Derrek and have almost completely forgotten about Cedric.]
[The earlier you reach the Intermediate Stage of Space Laws, the better. At that level, you'd be able to fix the spatial integrity of this world. Though, with your skills, I believe that soon you'll discover a way to heal this continent at the very least.]
[This continent represents 50% of my body. And if you could heal it, I'd be able to recover enough to start actively helping you as well. I have faith that you can achieve this with the help of your allies.]
[Once you reach the Planar Traveler Realm and achieve the Perfected Sage Physique, I will grant you a cloning skill that should help you with your future plans.]
[Beyond that, you're doing well, child. Extremely well. Your parents are extremely proud of what you've become, and they're cheering you on. Please don't be in a hurry to reunite with them. They completely understand that you still have a lot of work to do. They can wait, and in my embrace, they have all the time in the world to wait for you.]
The corners of Cedric's eyes stung as he listened to the last part.
What answered him wasn't the cold and emotionless AI of the system. He only wanted to ask a question earlier. He certainly didn't expect that Acala herself would respond to him.
It had to be known that she wouldn't respond to anyone, not even the High Marshals, unless it was completely necessary. In her current state, even this simple act taxes her immensely. The fact that she went out of her way to guide and reassure him speaks volumes about how valued he was.
Cedric took a deep breath, and somehow he felt that his old burdens and regrets were being lifted. He believed that Acala wouldn't lie to him. If she said that his deceased family was rooting for him, then it's the truth.
"Thanks," he whispered softly. "I'll do my best."
A firm resolve has taken root within him. If he hasn't been resolved to do everything in his power to achieve his goals before, then now he has.
"Cedric?"
He turned around and saw Erica standing behind him, wearing a worried expression. She lifted her delicate hand and caressed his face. He leaned to her touch as she asked:
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Cedric smiled and shook his head. He pulled her in and wrapped her in a tight hug, burying his face in her neck and inhaling her familiar scent.
"No, I'm good. Just feeling a bit nostalgic," he mumbled while basking in her presence.
"I see. Nostalgia is good," she replied with a smile. "Come, let's get you to bed. You've been working all day; you need rest."