A System That Beats Death

Although not potent enough to be lethal even if it had entered the bloodstream and not effective enough to afflict permanent detrimental effects, he was nevertheless intrigued by it. He was unable to recognize what poison was used but soon realized that it couldn't have been actual poison as it was similar to Hexiu's tendrils. During physical contact with the material, negative emotions would start to infect and infiltrate the mind. As for Atlas, he could perceive the negative emotions in a way as if it was not him being affected due to him being virtually immune to all mental alterations caused by foreign influences. That and incredible mental resilience. After all, those without fortitude would never last in a place where everyone worked against you in subtle ways while simultaneously pampering you like you were their cherished grandchild.

Hexiu's tendrils expressed spite and intense yearning for what others had while this one expressed intense obsession to the point that cannibalism of their target was even considered as a viable method of remaining in touch. For a person with no immunity to poison, it would have caused indefinite paralysis with zero chance of becoming unconscious and potentially even lead to the development of Stockholm Syndrome. It seemed as if this was how she attempted to persuade her Master.

"Lass, your strength can't even compare to mine", Atlas scoffed.

The strongest opponent he had faced was the Diabolic One but he had only succeeded due to assistance from everyone else that had been wronged by the Diabolic One. Their resentment remained and he was able to guide their vengeful souls towards their raison detre. In fact, he did not expect to be able to defeat the Dukes but had unexpectedly seemed to have received an immense buff before entering the World Breach. As for what happened during the 3 years before was incredibly hazy and he had requested for the System to elaborate on the error but received no response every time.

[Soul Supremacy: Are you hiding something from me?]

[System: Yes. You have been backed by an esteemed one. Would you like to fulfill their requests? ]

[Soul Supremacy: Oh? And what are they?]

[System: For you to be their personal chef, tailor, butler and potentially consort]

[Soul Supremacy: ....This lowly concubine does not dare personally serve the esteemed one]

The System nearly coughed up blood. Unlike Atlas, its memories were quite clear and that sarcastic statement reeked of hypocrisy from its omniscient perspective.

*Initializing 9%...16%...35%...72%*

*Archival Process Initiated*

*Encrypted Memory #12A329 Accessed*

|Upon Waking|

Feeling a gentle warmth c.a.r.e.s.s her head, she began to stir. As she did so, the warmth began to separate as if it was conscious of its disturbance. Instinctively, she held onto the source as if she was afraid it would disappear and leave her for eternity.

She then heard a chuckle and awoke to see Atlas smiling at her. As she had lost her previous momentum, she was no longer bold enough to continue taking the initiative and blushed heavily in embarrassment while averting her eyes as if that was the sole indicator of how she currently felt which was a heterogeneous mixture of rapturous euphoria, total disbelief, and intense satiation.

Not realizing that she was tightly gripping his hand and unwilling to let go, he then said, "Are you afraid I will leave?"

She subconsciously nodded and said at a barely audible volume, "I can't even feel my legs after that"

Hearing this, Atlas couldn't contain his amus.e.m.e.nt and mirthfully said, "You brought this upon yourself so you should prepare for worse", which made Kirei's face redder than a resplendent ruby.

Bedazzled by her pout, he then neared her ear and whispered, "Since, you can't walk. In which way do you want to be carried?"

"Bridal", she exclaimed excitedly.

"Speaking of brides, is a wedding necessary?", Atlas asked with a serious expression.

She considered it for a while before saying, "No" and shaking her head.

Slightly surprised, he couldn't help asking for the reason.

"I don't need the heavens to acknowledge our love", she said before pecking him on the cheek while in his arms.

___

*Encrypted Memory #12A332 Accessed*

|Too Compatible|

Upon departing a town, Kirei noticed Atlas had on a subtle expression that betrayed inner turmoil.

"What's wrong?", Kirei asked as the subtle expression remained even after returning home.

"How long has it been since your last menstrual cycle?"

"You want to use my menstrual blood for tempering?", Kirei stammered out in shock.

"I'm interested in that but I'm more concerned over why your cycle stopped"

"Oh....", Kirei responded sounding disappointed.

"It was a hassle so I disabled the function as it was completely unnecessary", she clarified.

"Host, it appears she also has the ability to toggle reproduction. Host should remain vigilant as she could be more powerful than you and merely feigning weakness"

"What makes you think that?"

"Unlike Host, she can instinctively and without assistance, disable the function which is indicative of her being a greater entity as genetic propagation is only pursued by those of inferior vessels and minimal lifespans. Speaking of greatness, Host's power has considerably increased after merging with )#)*@"

"What?", Atlas asked when the System was cut off.

$#*&@(($*(#&^

*Encrypted Memory Access Restricted*

*Transmission Forcefully Aborted*

_________

"Master still doubts me", Wuyue said in a despondent tone. Then with a determined look replacing her sorrow, she then charged forward. As she approached Guren, Nanling suddenly blocked her path with a raised sword.

Grimacing due to the interruption, she then raised her own sword and swung in a manner that seemed as if she was trying to swat a gnat instead of cutting a person down. As she was not taken seriously, Nanling did not require much effort to deflect the strike but was surprised at the amount of force that the female had been able to exert. She then realized that the female in front of her was at least on par with a Sword Sage like Guren.

"Are you not the one doubting your Master?", Nanling said to Wuyue who was still gritting her teeth.

"Are you the Sword Saintess that has been coveting Master?", Wuyue scowled.

"I am indeed the Sword Saintess but I have not heard of your Master", Nanling responded truthfully however with the inkling that something was slightly off.

"Lies!", Wuyue exclaimed before charging at Nanling.

Nanling swiftly created distance between her and Wuyue. Then with an eerily calm countenance, grasped her blade. Drawing her blade in a lightning fast manner, she flashed across the battlefield and struck Wuyue's sword. As Wuyue attempted to deflect the strike, the force of Nanling's blow, shattered the blade and reduced the length by at least half.

"Do you understand how lacking you are now?", Nanling stated in a solemn tone with the sword against Wuyue's neck.

Stunned from the loss of her first sword which had been Guren's first gift to her, she began to tremble in indignation. Nanling was slightly stunned when the female in front of her ignored her blade which was literally against the neck and actually started to cause bleeding due to her excessive movements. Unlike Zhuye and Hexiu, her eyes did not go blank. Instead, her eyes dilated and fumes which alarmed Nanling began to emit. Immediately, Nanling leapt backwards to create distance but Wuyue did not relent.

A pillar of darkness erupted, expanding to reach Nanling, and engulfed both of them. Nanling's dwarven sword then flew out of the darkness but did not travel far before Nanling seized it again. He could have attempted to stop the transformation or whatever ritual was being performed but he was not daunted by the consequences. In fact, he was anticipating it as unlike the 2 Sword Sages, the possession was more ingrained and therefore far more potent.