Rearing Demons
Chapter 126: The Obelisk

Chapter 126: The Obelisk

Bolting through the dense forest, Yur watched as Sularin skillfully maneuvered past every obstacle with ease, unaffected by the oppressive gravity.

Although the volcano still appeared distant, Yur sensed that at Sularin’s current speed, reaching it wouldn’t be impossible.

"Where are you going?" Yur asked aloud, just as Sularin suddenly veered sharply to the right, heading in a completely different direction.

His question ignored, Yur soon found himself entering a large clearing.

What is that?

In the center of the clearing, the ground had no grass or trees—only a scorched, stone-like surface. Cracks spread across it like a spider’s web, small sparks occasionally flickering from within. At its center stood a single landmark, towering quietly above the charred earth.

An obelisk?

It resembled a stone pillar, slightly shorter than the surrounding trees, standing alone and leaning slightly to one side. Yur noticed tiny, luminous fireflies floating lazily around it.

He hopped off Sularin and cautiously stepped toward the obelisk. The instant his foot touched the charred surface, Yur heard a sharp sizzle. He quickly stepped back onto the grass, lifting his foot to see the sole burnt severely.

"Strange," he muttered, observing as his foot slowly regenerated. His body was extraordinarily strong, yet this island kept challenging him relentlessly.

Deciding to bypass the hazard, Yur flapped his wings and flew above the scorched area. However, the moment he crossed its boundary, an immense force violently pulled him downward.

BAM!

His body slammed onto the blistering ground, producing loud sizzling sounds. Yur immediately rolled back onto the grass, glancing down to see his chest and arms severely burned, raw flesh exposed from the intense heat.

Knitting his brows, frustration surged within him. The idea that everything in this realm exceeded his strength, blocking his path toward freedom, aggravated him deeply.

Closing his eyes, Yur pondered a different approach.

Flying is impossible, walking is out of the question—wait, what if I fight fire with fire?

The Flames of Incineration—an ability unique to him—ignited at his feet like fiery shoes. Instantly, the grass beneath vanished without even leaving ash behind.

With cautious confidence, Yur stepped onto the scorched earth again.

A loud hiss erupted as smoke rose beneath him, but his feet remained unharmed. Instead, the ground itself cracked and burned beneath his flames.

Good. Incineration is still potent.

He felt a moment of pride. Unlike Ritual Embedding—which had proven disappointing due to its inability to affect stronger beings—the Flames of Incineration had never failed him.

Slowly, step by step, Yur approached the obelisk. He briefly turned back to see Sularin comfortably grooming itself on the grass, utterly indifferent to his struggles.

Yur refocused on his goal. Surrounding the obelisk were numerous Glythari—unique ones he hadn’t encountered before. As he approached, he began capturing them using his runes.

[25/10998]

[26/10998]

...

[31/10998]

Gradually, the count increased. Eventually, Yur reached the obelisk, and the sizzling beneath his feet abruptly ceased.

The stone surrounding the obelisk was plain yet unsettling, emitting a silent power. Approaching closer, Yur was startled to find the obelisk utterly blank.

[Host is advised to inspect carefully using the Eyes of Linger Glyphs!]

Though he normally used his unique vision passively to detect Glythari, Yur knew that by focusing, he could see deeper truths, just as when he’d previously discovered the hidden portal.

He concentrated deeply, activating the eyes.

In an instant, everything around him vanished: the vibrant sky, dancing Glythari, even his own physical form, all disappeared. Only the obelisk remained, standing alone amidst absolute darkness, capturing his full attention.

Upon its previously blank surface, words slowly formed:

Obelisk of Brands

Yur’s eyes narrowed, but suddenly, his body moved on its own.

No! His mind screamed as he fought for control, but his hand continued toward the obelisk against his will. He felt helplessness surge, a sickening sensation of being reduced to a mere puppet.

Unable to resist, Yur’s hand touched the obelisk—and in an instant, he vanished.

————————————————————————

Back at the Fiend Devouring Sect, Luna sat cross-legged, her eyes closed as she concentrated on the three essences within her Cyralim.

She felt particularly drawn to the Azure Essence, the essence chosen by both Celis and the Azure Lord. Celis was the strongest disciple in the sect and, more impressively, among all Guardian sects. Meanwhile, the Azure Lord was undeniably the strongest Lord in all of Afloria.

If I can master this essence, maybe I can finally help Mom understand what’s happening with Dad.

Although Luna’s feelings toward her father had waned as she matured, her love and concern for her mother had only deepened. Her father had always felt distant, almost like a figure from stories she heard growing up. Her affection for him had gradually transformed into something abstract, akin to admiration rather than genuine love.

How can I truly love someone who was never there for me?

Yet her concern remained, anchored entirely in her mother’s emotions. Rose had endured unimaginable hardships. Memories of the slave camp still occasionally surfaced, tormenting Luna’s mind.

Her father was no hero or savior—he was simply a man who failed to protect them. It was Rose who had shouldered everything, sacrificing her own well-being for the sake of her daughter.

I will find out the truth. And if the worst is true... A sharp glint flickered through Luna’s eyes.

"Baby, what are you doing?" Rose’s gentle voice brought Luna back from her deep thoughts.

Turning around, Luna saw her mother standing behind her. Even now, despite Luna’s growth into a mature young woman, Rose still treated her like a child. It was understandable, Luna had been helpless and reliant on her for so long.

"I’m trying to understand the essences Celis gave me," Luna replied with a warm smile.

"That’s good." Rose nodded approvingly. "The stronger you become, the better you can protect yourself."

"And you," Luna quickly added.

Rose smiled softly. "Of course. Anyway, I plan to head down the mountain for a while. Staying up here is becoming a bit suffocating. I want to be around people for a bit."

Luna sighed inwardly. She knew exactly what her mother had been doing all these years—regularly descending the mountain, teaching new disciples about history, and desperately gathering information on Jin.

"I understand," Luna replied gently. She never opposed her mother’s actions, as long as Rose remained safe. Although it hurt to watch Rose tirelessly chase leads, Luna had entrusted Celis to handle the search for her father.

"I’ll be back soon," Rose assured, turning to leave the room.

Watching her mother’s departing figure, Luna’s gaze lingered thoughtfully, noticing something unusual.

Mom’s bag looks heavier than usual...

It wasn’t just filled with a few books like normal—it appeared much fuller.

It seemed prepared.

Purposeful.

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