Rearing Demons
Chapter 118: Glythoria

Chapter 118: Glythoria

[Congratulations!]

[Host has completed the Rite of the Hollow!]

[Warning!]

[Side Effects are as followed:]

[Increased Insanity | Whispers of the Damned | Warped Negative Emotions | Cyralim Plagued by the Damned | ... |]

[Host has lost connection to Zulmasharr and Afloria!]

[Must reach Rank 5 to return!]

[Host has earned title: Bringer of Death!]

[Danger: Glythoria’s inhabitants surpass your current power level!]

"What...?" Yur murmured softly as his consciousness stirred, surrounded by squishy leaves. The flurry of notifications echoed relentlessly in his mind before silence took over once more.

Slowly, Yur sat upright, feeling strangely whole again. He examined his hands—both intact, no missing limbs. Turning his head, relief surged as he found his wings undamaged. Reaching up, he touched his throat, feeling no lingering blade.

Standing, he stretched his neck gently. So, this is Glythoria?

He found himself atop an enormous tree, towering over a strange landscape painted in swirling shades of black, blue, and purple—dark yet oddly beautiful. Without his Eyes of Linger Glyphs, he would’ve been left utterly blind in the eerie gloom.

Zul, what exactly happened? He’d been unable to clearly absorb all the notifications earlier due to their overwhelming number upon exiting the blood cocoon.

[Host has entered Glythoria!]

[Extreme caution advised!]

"Helpful as always..." Yur sighed. Settling comfortably atop the massive tree, he focused inward. First, let me properly assess my condition.

As he reviewed the notifications swiftly, Yur sank deeper into his Cyralim, his spiritual core.

His eyes widened in surprise. Why didn’t I use Ashen Grasp during that fight? Amidst the recent chaos, he’d entirely forgotten the chains born from the Seed of the Orb. Though, in reality, would it even have changed anything?

Despite breaking through to Rank Three, Yur knew deep down he had never truly stood a chance against Julian. Even now, confident as he was, defeating an elite Rank Five—someone like Celis—still seemed like a distant dream.

A sudden, haunting sight caught his attention inside the Cyralim. Ethereal figures—millions of specters—drifted in restless agony, their ghostly wails resonating endlessly.

These countless damned souls came from the two kingdoms he’d destroyed. The death toll surpassed mere millions.

He felt no guilt; their deaths were necessary. It was simply the irritating side effects that grated on his nerves.

Zul, what exactly do these side effects entail?

[Host shall discover soon. Caution advised!]

Alright, I get it, Zul, Yur mentally groaned. Returning his focus outward, he shook his head, annoyed by Zul’s unhelpful repetition.

From atop the massive tree, Yur surveyed his new environment. Glythoria seemed composed of countless floating islands, suspended in a mysterious void whose depths defied his vision. The islands were entirely separate, nothing linking them visibly.

The gravity here weighed heavily upon him, significantly more oppressive than both Zulmasharr and Afloria. Fortunately, his strengthened body resisted the pressure, though the difference was unmistakable. Ordinary beings would likely struggle even to move.

With an agile leap, Yur descended, landing softly upon spongy terrain. Looking upward at the strange leaves above, curiosity took hold. He plucked one from a low branch and examined it. Its texture fleshy yet fruit-like. Crushing it gently, a vibrant blue liquid trickled onto his palm.

Instantly, swarms of Glythari danced frantically around his hand, tongues flickering greedily, drawn to the strange fluid. Yur’s frown deepened with annoyance as he swatted them away harshly.

"Enough already," he growled impatiently. "Zul, tell me clearly: how do I leave this damned place?" He attempted to activate his Eyes of Linger Glyphs, searching for an exit, yet found nothing. They detected only more Glythari.

[Return requires Rank 5, as previously mentioned.]

"Rank five?" Yur scowled, displeased. He’d only just achieved the third rank. Advancing two more ranks amid such peril sounded far from easy. Although he trusted in his strength, the bitter experience with Julian clarified his limitations.

"How exactly do I reach that level here?" Yur demanded irritably. "Fine, then, what’s the next ritual I need?"

[Host must discover the next ritual independently.]

"What?!" Yur exclaimed in disbelief, frustration flaring. "What do you mean? Aren’t you supposed to provide this?"

[System rituals require demons and humans. Glythoria contains neither; thus, existing rituals are invalid.]

"Then what exactly am I supposed to do?" Yur’s frustration grew, his voice laced with exasperation.

[I will provide cultivation details for humans and demons from Ranks 3 to 5, enabling host to devise an appropriate ritual.]

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Demon Cultivation

For demons, advancing to Rank 4 (Zorath) involves continuously consuming stronger demons, steadily refining and evolving their primal bodies until they achieve their ultimate primal form. This is their body’s physical peak, granting immense natural combat power.

To advance further to Rank 5 (Gralith), demons must continue consuming powerful prey until their bodies and bloodline awaken and reveal their own unique bloodline. This bloodline grants specialized abilities, making the demon’s powers more potent, unique, and terrifyingly effective in combat.

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Human Cultivation

To advance from Rank 3 (Ignited Core) to Rank 4 (Shining Core), a human must meditate deeply within their Cyralim, comprehending their internal essence until they refine and solidify it into a radiant, crystalline structure. This crystal serves as a stable and potent power source, greatly amplifying their abilities.

To progress from Rank 4 (Shining Core) to Rank 5 (Luminous Heart), the cultivator must shatter this crystalline orb intentionally, and use its fragments to form a new, even denser structure—an essence heart. This heart becomes a powerful core, brightly glowing with pure essence, marking a leap in control and power.

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Yur frowned deeply, absorbing this information. I’ve never cultivated like this before...

[Host cultivates uniquely, combining human and demon paths through rituals. Only a ritual integrating both will ensure successful advancement.]

Yur understood the implications. His Ashkavaal bloodline was intrinsically linked to rituals, necessitating progress along both human and demon paths. Still, clarity eluded him.

He sighed inwardly. Perhaps Mal’s memories hold the key. Mal’s experiences offered him additional perspectives and might clarify his next steps.

"First, let’s secure a safe place," Yur murmured thoughtfully, examining his surroundings cautiously.

Although quiet, danger could lurk unseen.

With difficulty, he spread his wings, straining against Glythoria’s oppressive gravity before finally ascending into the sky. After scouting for some time, he found his island relatively small, only a few kilometers across, mostly covered in strange trees and teeming Glythari.

After careful examination, Yur selected a secluded location nestled among ancient trees, shielded from obvious sight. He recognized his immediate priority was planning; he had much to learn before progressing.

Settling himself down in this hidden sanctuary, Yur closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

Only by uncovering his path forward would he regain control of his destiny once more.