The Quake That Stirred the Depths
My clones had been searching tirelessly, but detecting anomalies across that vast ocean with just a few of them was incredibly difficult. I'd assumed that if such a massive sea beast left its habitat and approached land, there'd be some obvious major change. That was my mistake. Sensing shifts like the deep-sea floor bulging upward through a clone's vision was nearly impossible unless the change was abrupt. I was starting to suspect it might be rising gradually over centuries or even millennia, by the timeless reckoning of immortals, when I detected a massive migration of marine life.
Finding the origin of that migration wasn't easy either. Patiently continuing the search, I discovered a region from a certain point onward where no life existed at all. Something's here. But the area was too vast. While dealing with these deep-sea headaches, my daily life remained peaceful.
Most of my days were spent writing in the records. Now, I could handle other tasks while doing it. I'd read territory management reports or swing my sword a bit again lately. Not the brutish brawling Howard did with Argin, though. I mainly sparred with Jayke—it was like healthy exercise. I'd thought I'd reach Master level soon, but without desperation, breaking through that wall was harder than expected.
Evenings, I sometimes cooked myself. No one was surprised to see me in the kitchen anymore. They even welcomed it. Howard, despite appearances, didn't like meat dishes. Too much of it had made him sick of them. So lately, I did fish or vegetable recipes. The Akasha count's food stores surpassed even the imperial ones—probably the best on the continent. Countless ingredients airlifted from across the continent were preserved with magic. The chefs were talents I'd scouted for their skill, so the cuisine was top-notch. They loved learning from my unfamiliar methods. Another lavish dinner today. Eating ocean fish inland was luxury itself. When I first had sea fish shipped in, the head chef looked ready to bow to me.
"Still nothing from there?"
"Not easy finding the cause. Area's too big."
Howard asked casually during the meal.
"How about making them come to you?"
"Hm?"
"Stir up a ruckus or toss out some bait they'd bite. Wouldn't that work?"
It sounded plausible. Better than doing nothing, at least.
"Not bad. Feels like earning my keep for once."
Howard scowled at my reply.
"Think how much my personal lessons are worth in gold?"
"Dragon-brewed liquor doesn't translate to money either."
As we two inhuman types in human guises bickered childishly, my mind raced. Distance was the issue. The search area was far from land—not close to Akasha territory. About the distance to the western coast. Solo travel wouldn't drain my mana, but deep-sea pressure was the problem. It wasn't something to take lightly.
"Hmmm."
I let out a groan, and Howard eyed me suspiciously.
"Anyway, I'll be around a bit longer."
"No one's complaining. Stay as long as you want."
Come to think of it, how long was Howard's lifespan? As a beast, he'd live ages. No kin to compare, but Dragon Mountains' black drakes had centuries under their belts, so probably that.
After dinner, calculations continued. Figuring mana to reach the area and withstand deep-sea depths. Plus enough left to cause a stir. It was tight. I'd thought myself strong, but still so lacking. My time alive wasn't long—long by human standards, but newborn to Drakan. He'd said his scales changed color with each realm ascent: green to blue, blue to black, black to red, finally gold. History's tales of multiple dragons explained that. Absorbing Drakan's soul had raised my realm once. Still, insanely fast compared to him. How long to satisfy myself? Not short.
Feeling rushed, I decided to ease up. Future unknown, but no signs of imminent trouble. Next day, more calculations for deep-sea work while recording. No one batted an eye at me moving solo with magic pens in the Akasha manor. I'd increased their number lately. Adapting clone senses made it easier than expected.
Nearly a week passed like that. The deep sea stayed silent. The area I'd searched rivaled the Ether Empire's size. Life vanishing across that expanse felt like a vast underwater desert. No mass exodus like from Dragon Mountains after the deep-sea beast—just the ocean's sheer scale.
As I considered lunch, a sensation hit.
"Huh? Why now?"
From head to toe, something filled anew. Like rebirth—the feeling from before. My realm was rising. But why, doing nothing? Glancing around, I saw the magic pens still moving. Records. That had to be it. Nothing else fit. The current entry wasn't special. I'd filled plenty, but maybe a tenth of what needed writing. Still tons left. At this rate, realms might rise faster than thought.
Then the window shattered as Howard leaped in.
"What happened?!"
"..."
Sensing my ascent, he'd crashed through the third-floor window. Grateful for the concern, but first-world problems.
"Oh! Congrats."
Realizing nothing wrong, he laughed heartily.
"Thanks. You the only one who felt it?"
"Seems like."
Only Howard meant realm rises were another level. Or Grand Master territory. Footsteps approached fast—window shatter drew them. Master warriors' speed was intimidating alone. Door splintered as Jayke entered; Argin vaulted the window hole. Joseph followed Jayke.
"Nothing happened. Howard's prank."
I cut in before they spoke. Jayke and Joseph's cold stares hit Howard, full of blame though they'd never say it.
"Hahaha!"
Howard laughed it off. Argin's gaze differed—he'd seen Howard, mid-spar, erupt murderous intent and bolt.
After shooing the trio, Howard and I remained.
"You ever risen realms?"
"Not sure what you mean."
Beast King strength transcended normal realms anyway.
"Like being reborn. What I just felt."
"Hmm, three times?"
As expected. Howard's realm outranked mine. Anyway, I was stronger. Mana up, divine powers amplified. Time to move. This should handle deep-sea work.
Over late lunch, I mentioned heading to the western coast.
"Me?"
"Solo this time."
Howard wanted to tag, but no. Deep sea with him added constraints.
"Won't it be dangerous, my lord?"
I explained the recent event to Jayke's worry—broke a wall, hence Howard's entrance. Their faces paled at my added strength. They out-sworded me still, but knew I'd crush in real fights. Stronger now? Unimaginable. I looked twentyish human, after all.
"To serve you, we can't slack on training."
Jayke's words drew nods.
"Then spar with me, you two."
Howard's offer blanched them, but no refusal. Meal done, I teleported out.
Coast unchanged from last damage. Mana full, but I rested seated. If the cause hit mid-work, every drop mattered. Full prep.
Sipping alone, watching waves. Poetic vibe. I'd sought such leisure as human, but when did it fade? From the start? Post-crisis, rethink leisurely life.
Up. Time. Clones prepped. Pulling continental ones here left gaps elsewhere—necessary sacrifice. After dozen teleports over sea, mana sphere shield, then deep dive.
Pressure immense. But bearable now. Mana-heavy, so act fast, exit faster. Landed at presumed desert center. If something emerged, nearby. Could've used Dragon Breath uncharged, but no. Guardian's Wrath skybound, useless here. Strongest non-artifact spell it was.
Not weak. Excluding escape reserve, max mana to hands. Realm boost shocked at volume. Clones computed, converted to spell—slammed floor.
"Earthquake!"
Rumble! Floor quivered small, built to roar. Cracks spread. Pathetic vs. real quakes, but disaster wrought. Watching, seabed bulged, writhed upward. Then it burst out.