Defiance of the Fall

Ogras had no plans to come knocking at that bastard’s door again . Rez had nothing of use , and Ogras wasn’t interested in his teachings . If Ogras ever stepped into the Umbra’s domain , it would be to snuff out the soul remnant for the same reason there was no true inheritance . Couldn’t have some unreliable soul remnant know his secrets .

Either way , it was time for him to pave his own path .

He’d already acquired a new Cultivation Manual to replace the Grey World Mudra] in exchange for 2 C-grade Nexus Coins and a supreme material he got with the numerology book . It could take him much further , and it better accommodated his new broader path . There were only two problems with it , apart from not having been fully tuned to his path just yet .

The first was its exceedingly high requirements when it came to affinity . He passed the mark when it came to the Dao of Shadows , but his illusory affinity was not yet up to par . This Dreamgeist should solve that problem in one fell swoop .

The other problem was trickier . Altering the method to suit his unique constitution . But he had already made good headway in that department . The manual should already be workable , providing greater cultivation speeds , multipliers , and energy circulation than Grey World Mudra] . Any kinks he failed to work out could just be fixed with the final piece of his seal . Ogras could see his path widening , and the Shifting Dreamgeist was the key .

Suddenly , it didn’t seem so ugly . It was almost a bit cute .

Come here , you little rascal , - Ogras grinned as a pulse shook the proverbial spirit lock hidden in his chest .

Pain wracked Ogras’s body as it was remolded into an avatar based on his Ka’Zur Planeswalker and the Umbric Recluse . He hated this part , but it was hard to say no to the extra attributes the transformation provided .

The Dreamgeist shrieked upon spotting intruders , and a powerful purple glow radiated from its previously unfocused eyes . Its body faded , but the world suddenly turned black . A deathly swirl closed off the region while a pillar that elicited a primal dread rose from the ground . It was a good reminder . Most of the time , Zac seemed like an above-board and straightforward guy . Then he went and created something twisted like this . The guy had range .

The cage slowed the Dreamgeist’s shift but failed to cancel it . It was enough time for two shadowy tendrils to slap it away , leaving binding marks on its body . That was enough to tether the beast to the region , which the Dreamgeist realized . The whole cage flickered as hundreds of beasts appeared , each with a Hegemon’s strength .

Ogras didn’t bother with those things . The pillar behind him was already sending out a net of chains . The captured minions could shift in and out of reality after having been reforged by the Dreamgeist , but it was enough to keep them busy . Zac was in the thick of it , chains and blades dancing around him as he contained the beast tide .

Leaving the Dreamgeist exposed . Its ability to capture beasts and turn them into illusory dreams under its control was terrifying , but its own combat ability wasn’t anything special . With his buddy paving the path , the beast was ripe for the plucking .

You can only blame yourself for being too talented . Who asked you to toy with a whole coalition on your own? -

I give , - Thea panted , her heart full of reluctance .

Don’t look so glum . You’re making great strides on your technique , - Amanthi said as he removed his staff from her shoulder .

Not enough to leave even a cut on your kasaya , - Thea muttered as the two flew down to the ground .

You’re just a kid , and it takes time to build a temple that can withstand the test of the ages , - Amanthi smiled . - Besides , your variegated background left you with gaps that needed to be mended . You will improve even quicker now that you’ve found a more cohesive plan and some proper techniques . -

Thea nodded . She had to admit the Sangha was treating her exceedingly well in her position as a - guide . ’ The number of resources provided for her cultivation was nothing short of shocking , and she was allowed to peruse the enormous repository in the spacefaring pagoda freely . Body Tempering , Soul Strengthening , Intent Molding , all kinds of magical methods and skills she didn’t know existed .

All hers for the taking , should she desire them .

It felt generous to the point it was beyond suspicious , and she hadn’t dared touch anything for over a month . Thea still felt the whole situation surreal , but she had long since caved when it came to helping herself to the various amenities . There was obviously something weird going on , but she was just Thea Marshall , a random Early Hegemon with decent talent .