God of Mist

Chapter 3: Not Yet

A black mist enveloped Lucas followed by the appearance of small orbs that ignited black flames. These flames produced numerous runes that slithered over his body like snakes causing excruciating pain as if countless needles were piercing his skin.

The scene looked more like a heretical ritual than a mystical inheritance of power. Despite the excruciating pain Lucas knew he couldn't stop the process; to do so would mean certain death.

Gradually the runes faded and Lucas's body underwent a remarkable transformation. His muscles became more defined and his sweat cleansed his skin leaving it with a subtle glow.

"I made it" Lucas declared his voice reflecting a mixture of relief and exhaustion. He opened his eyes again and took a breath of relief.

Never before in his life had he felt such intense pain.

[Beginning Stage Primary Realm]

This was the realm and cultivation realm that Lucas now belonged to. Once devoid of qi and cultivation roots he had ascended to the lowest realm of this cultivation world.

"This is truly extraordinary. It's like a single rice seed multiplying into millions" he mused referring to the technique the black pearl had implanted in Lucas' mind.

Lucas' strength was strangely tied to his actions: it increased as he defeated evil and helped the virtuous. This was somewhat ironic considering that his cultivation path was supposedly aligned with dark diabolical forces.

Preia watching the scenario looked as if she had something to add.

However before Lucas could respond he sensed that his time in this strange dimension was coming to an end. He felt an overwhelming force pulling at his body as if dozens of chains were forcing him to leave.

When Lucas reopened his eyes he found himself back in familiar surroundings standing in front of the large gate that belonged to his wife's family.

To his surprise a figure stood before him - a beautiful girl looking down at him. This girl was none other than Luna his wife the daughter of the patriarch of the Stormwind family.

"Lucas are you okay?" Luna asked with a hint of concern. Despite her earlier display of frustration when she had slapped Lucas on the cheek at home there was an undeniable bond between them. A slight mischievous smile danced on Lucas' lips teasing the beautiful girl in front of him.

"Luna have you forgiven me?" he asked gently.

"No... you embarrassed me" Luna replied turning her face away. She puffed up her cheeks in mock annoyance stealing glances at Lucas with one eye.

Lucas adopting a more gentlemanly demeanor stood up and gently ran his hand through her hair. This unexpected gesture caused Luna's face to turn a deep shade of red clearly taken aback by his actions.

"I'm sorry" Lucas offered sincerely his words carrying weight and intent. The simplicity of his apology seemed to catch Luna off guard.

Luna shuffled her feet her actions betraying a shy consideration. She and Lucas had been friends since childhood their relationship orchestrated by their grandfathers. But despite the arrangement their shared history and long acquaintance added depth to their interactions.

After a moment of thought Luna finally spoke "I will accompany you to apologize to Father."

"Not yet..." Lucas replied a hint of determination in his voice.

Luna was surprised by his answer. Lucas had indeed caused a scandal at the wedding the night before an act that had embarrassed the Stromwind family. To her an apology seemed the only appropriate response.

"Why not?" she asked confusion and concern evident in her voice.

"Make no mistake I intend to return and make amends. But for now I have some pressing matters to attend to" Lucas explained his tone firm yet reassuring.

Luna who had known Lucas intimately for years noticed a distinct change in him. His eyes once clouded by the weight of disparaging rumors and a seemingly directionless life now sparkled with a newfound ambition and determination. It reminded her of her childhood when Lucas was full of passion and drive.

"I'll go first" Lucas announced turning his gaze to the horizon.

The morning sun cast a bright slightly yellowish glow across the sky signaling a new day full of possibilities. Lucas' desire to explore the world he had been reincarnated into was not without purpose. He wanted to understand the intricacies of this new realm and find his place within it.

With a light leap Lucas created a considerable distance between himself and his former location. Luna who was still standing near the large gate of the house was stunned. She had not expected that Lucas had managed to cultivate his abilities to such an extent in the midst of all the recent turmoil.