Arden celebration wasn't for long. As his gaze flickered to the system interface shimmering before him.

[New Life Signature Gained

Name: Lotusfang Aegis (Growth type)

Effect:

The user can manifest a crimson-golden barrier of energy resembling lotus petals that blooms outward upon activation. The barrier briefly absorbs or reflects incoming elemental attacks, converting part of the energy into fuel for Arden's own pool. Every third activation allows Arden to lash out with spectral lotus petals, biting back at attackers. Stronger when defending allies inside its radius, the barrier adapts to incoming threats, harmonizing with Arden's group's elemental affinities

Growth Path:

Stage II – Blooming Aegis: Expands into a dome that shields allies, with stronger absorption and partial reflection. Restores Arden's stamina or essence.

Stage III – Lotusfang Reversal: The shield blooms into spectral lotus fangs that defend and retaliate — absorbed attacks are reshaped into counterstrikes of flame, lightning, or wind depending on Arden's dominant affinity.

Arden's smile widened, a sharp gleam in his eyes. "A growth type… first time seeing one of these."

Rael glanced his way, still catching his breath. "Judging by your grin, you're thinking of something nasty."

"You'll see soon enough," Arden said, tucking away the glow of the interface. "Let's just say, next time something tries to bite us, I'll make sure it chokes on lotus petals."

Nyra exhaled, shaking her head at his cockiness, though the corner of her mouth betrayed a smirk.

Arden rested his blade on his shoulder, his tone light despite the battle's weight. "Alright, break's over. We still need that Lotus, and I'm not carrying any of you if you collapse."

Rael groaned, Nyra rolled her eyes, and Zephyra gave a low snort. Yet even in their exhaustion, the bond between them pulsed brighter than ever.

The pond was quiet now, broken only by the steam that hissed above the shattered body of the Leviathan. The glow at its depths was far from ordinary, a crimson light pulsed beneath the mist like the heartbeat of something alive.

The Crimson Aether Lotus drifted in the middle of the water, petals open and radiant. Each petal was etched with golden veins, shimmering with the raw essence that had fueled the beast.

Its fragrance was faint but heavy, and even a breath of it left the mind clearer, sharper.

Arden stepped forward, boots soaking into the edge of the pond. He studied it for a moment, then drew out a crystal flask inscribed with faint runes.

The others watched as he moved closer. Zephyra let out a low growl that rumbled across the pond, her golden eyes never leaving the Lotus. Arden's hand cut through the mist with deliberate calm, and when he touched the flower, the light bent into his flask. Petal by petal, its essence folded in, leaving behind only ripples in the water.

He corked it, weighing it in his palm before slipping it into his pouch. "And that's that," he said simply.

But silence never lasted long.

The clans, who had scattered during the fight, gathered once more. Their faces were drawn tight, a mix of disbelief and anger that they couldn't quite hide. What they had mocked as suicide had turned into victory, and worse, victory without them.

They exchanged glances, then one of their leaders stepped forward, forcing a smile. "Impressive work. With strength like yours, perhaps you'd consider joining our clan. Together, you'd go further than—"

"No," Arden cut him off before he could finish. His tone wasn't harsh, just final.

The smile faltered. Another spoke, sharper this time. "At least leave the Lotus. That treasure doesn't belong to a handful of nameless wanderers. It was born from this land, and all of us shed blood here."

Rael scoffed, folding his arms. "Funny, I didn't see any of you shedding blood when it mattered."

Nyra added quietly, "You only returned once the beast was already down."

The clansmen bristled, their words catching in their throats. Arden, however, hadn't moved. His expression stayed calm, almost indifferent, but there was a cold edge to his voice when he finally spoke.

"You want it?" His eyes sharpened as he released a surge of energy, pressing down on them like the weight of an ocean. It was the oppressive echo of Gleamcoil Reversal, sharp and suffocating, laced with the raw killing intent he'd honed in battle.

Their knees threatened to buckle. Breaths came shallow. None of them dared move.

"Then come and take it," he said flatly.

The stillness cracked when Zephyra rumbled beside him, flames leaking faintly between her teeth. Rael smirked, and Nyra's gaze was ice. The message was clear enough without more words.

Arden turned, as if the matter was already finished. "We're done here."

As the group began walking back toward the wagons, Rael threw one last mocking comment over his shoulder. "Careful not to choke on your pride. It looked heavy."

The clans stood frozen, unable to move until the party's presence had fully left. Only then did they find their voices again, shouting after them.

"Keep it for now! You've made enemies today!"

Their words fell flat, carried away with the mist. Arden didn't look back. Neither did any of his companions.

What lingered was not the sound of threats, but the names now etched into the hearts of every witness. The masked man. The beast with blue flames. The dual affinity users who fought like demons.

At the wagons, Boro rushed forward, his face a mix of awe and relief. "By the stars, you truly did it… you killed that monster. Arden, I don't know how to thank you."

Arden waved it off. "Don't. Just keeping your people and harvest safe. That's enough."

Boro shook his head. "No, you've done more than that. You've shown them strength none of us believed possible. And for that… I owe you."

Arden gave a faint smile, though his eyes stayed sharp. "Then repay me by keeping your part of the deal."

That earned a laugh from Rael, while Nyra shook her head in quiet amusement. Zephyra lowered her head close to Boro, a low growl echoing from her chest as though warning him to take Arden's words seriously.

With the wagons ready, they set off. Behind them, the clans still argued and cursed, but none dared follow. Ahead, the road awaited, and Arden's grip on his new prize tightened.

The fight was over, but the enemies made today would not forget.

A/N:

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