Shadow of the Abyss

Chapter 160: Recovery

As Altair had suspected, it had taken nearly six months for them to recover; despite being fed demon blood on a daily basis, their bodies were so battered, Thanatos claimed, that they should be dead. Still, they somehow managed to slowly recover despite the resources Zag and Thanatos harvested.

Thanatos had placed them on a tight, strict diet, forbidding any form of dual cultivation, claiming they'd only do more harm than good, and for a good reason, for when Altair looked at his stats, he understood why.

Altair Blackwood

Mana Circle: [Third Circle 74% → 99%]

Physique One: [First Vale Star Complete] [Second Vale Star Complete]

Physique Two: [Fallen Primordial]

Class: [Prince of the Vale Lv 61]

Strength: 201 → 301

Dexterity: 197 → 297

Constitution: 204 → 304

Wisdom: 220 → 320

Charisma: 172 → 272

Mana: 32 → 60

With his Mana Attribute practically doubling, he was sure that, in his weakened state, the flow of Mana in his withered meridian might rupture. Thanatos had even forbidden him from cultivating, though the Circle of Gluttony was continuously absorbing Mana. That became a bit of an issue. The most Altair was able to do was slow the rate at which he absorbed.

Reina, on the other hand, had gained so much from Altair aside from the Prince's physique. When he saw her stats, he turned green with jealousy as she not only acquired his physique but also his attributes.

Name: Reina of the Moon (Blackwood)

Mana Circle: [Third Circle 81% → 99%]

Physique One: [Fallen Primordial]

Physique Two: [First Vale Star Complete], [Second Vale Star Complete]

Class: [Blood Nephilim Lv 61 ]

Strength: 169 → 301

Dexterity: 65 → 297

Constitution: 93 → 304

"Next time, maybe sleep in your beds and not on the patio for all the world to see you, and I just might take you up on your offer." Said Zag, smiling, accepting her wrist. He closed his eyes, nodding. And did the same to Altair. "Good. Altair, I want you to not try to cure the remaining damage with the [Hands of Nirvana]. Let it heal naturally."

The Prince yawned. "Why?"

"Because our bodies are made up of experiences. The wounds you two-faced while deadly is something you might experience again. So why not experience it a hundred percent this time so your body knows what to do the next time it occurs? Because it will occur again. You've no idea how many times we've seen mortals trying to become gods enter into states just like you guys.

The body needs to learn to adapt. It needs to learn how to face similar types of situations. Not all injuries need Mana to recover. So unless you're in a life-and-death situation, let your body naturally recover. You never know. Perhaps you might gain something you never thought possible.

Now then, who's hungry? I can eat!"

"Ren can always eat!" The young lass exclaimed, hopping to her feet. "What do you—"

Cut short by the sudden horn in the distance, they frowned. "Shit... you two stay here. I'll deal with it. Seriously. I hate this realm." Said Zag, rushing out for battle.

Altair eyed him and donned his mask while Ren followed suit and began after Zag. They made sure to hide their auras as they stood stalled upon one of the tallest buildings within the village.

It was then they saw a three-headed demon brandishing two sabers as large as a greatsword in each hand. Tall as nearly eight feet, the demon stood facing Nia and Alyssa, while Olivia stood with an Arrow nock upon her bow, aimed dead at the demon.

"They've grown... They all look so much older," said Altair softly. "Quite a lot of people must've died. I don't see many recruits."

"Or they're all hiding or injured," Ren said, studying the three-headed demon. She frowned, feeling a sense of affinity to the demon. One that was never there before. Her scarlet eyes twinkled, and despite the distance, she spoke in a low hum voice.

"Leave."

The demon stiffened, lowering its twin sabers... it left as fast as it appeared. Gone out of sight.

"you... you can control demons," Said Altair, shocked.

Reina seemed surprised herself. "I didn't know." Her scarlet eyes shimmered playfulness. "Oh, this will be fun."

'Her eyes were golden for nearly a year. Would they be red for the entirety of this year as well?' Altair wondered.

The difference between the two Rens had been night and day. The Golden-eyed Ren was meek, sweet, with a somewhat valiant heart. The red-eyed Ren was bold, naughty, and cruel at times. She did whatever she wanted, so long as it never physically harmed Altair. Anything was fine in her book.

Though he wasn't sure which one he liked best. Golden-eyed Ren was easy to tease, but Scarlet eye Ren was all so wild. He could still recall three nights ago of him waking at the sudden pleasurable ache of something warm and wet. Altair had found Ren between his leg, her slender tongue wickedly dancing around his cock as she looked up at him with smiling eyes as devilish as her tongue.

He'd wanted to keep going, but Ren suddenly ran away, giggling. And a small game of cat and mouse stirred the cottage awake.

Thanatos, who'd been watching over Altair, making sure they weren't partaking in any funny business, was stirred awake from his nightly meditation.

"What do you have in mind?" Altair asked.

She grinned. "I'm just thinking about how I'd punish my enemies. Demons are just so profane you never know what they'll do. Shall we see what they'll do to laros? I'm curious if he's still alive. Teehee!"

Altair felt dread slithered down his spine. "Alright. Lets."