[Unconcious State]
Feldway's POV
My body ached—deep, gnawing pain that pulsed through every nerve. I expected difficulty, yes. But this? This surpassed any prediction I made. That vortex trap in the center… I got cocky. Too confident.
But more than the pain… that dream at the end. That vision. What was it? And what happened to my body the moment it ended? The last thing I recall is the sound of someone declaring my victory.
Still… the bigger mystery remains—who was that person in my dream?
It must've been some kind of mental interference. Magical influence, perhaps?
…No. That doesn't make sense. I analyzed that flame vortex thoroughly before it collapsed. There was no trace—none—of any magic capable of distorting the mind.
So then… what was it? Could it have been a subconscious awakening triggered by the stress of the battle?
…No. That doesn't explain the clarity. The specificity. It wasn't hallucination or delusion.
I combed through every data point I gathered from the fight, cross-referencing with everything I've absorbed regarding Ultimate Skills. Even when considering Obera's technique, Dino's capabilities, and every related sub-skill among the Primordials—none of them possessed anything close to that level of mental intrusion.
That leaves one possibility… and even then, only one Ultimate Skill I know of can do something like that—Michael's.
But I am it's one and only user…
So, what the hell was that?
"Wakey, wakey! You've had enough rest—time to get up and face the speech I've been preparing for so long!"
A voice interrupted me in my unconscious state.
As I opened my eyes slowly, vision blurred and aching, the sight of him greeted me.
Veldanava.
I had questions.
I immediately formed a direct thought-link with him.
'You didn't tell me you gifted them Ultimate Skills. I thought I had the advantage. Why did you give them that?'
'To make the fight more interesting,' Veldanava responded casually, 'But to be fair, I did give you an advantage too.'
'How exactly did I have any advantage?'
'You have complete authority over those who wield angelic Ultimate Skills. Obera. Dino. Their power bows to yours. That was my little gift to you.'
That… made sense. Regalia Dominion did activate against the golem. But I never intended to manipulate minds with it.
'I don't intend to use those mind-control features on conscious beings. It's not my style.'
Veldanava laughed. 'But you did use it on that golem. Smart move, by the way.'
'Wait… does the golem have a will of its own?'
I paused and reviewed what I knew. No real consciousness. It could only act upon commands. It felt pain, yes, but it wasn't aware in the way a living being was.
'Then it doesn't matter to me,' I concluded.
'Hmm… I see. Interesting mindset development,' Veldanava mused. 'But enough talk—it's time for my fabulous speech. And an extra announcement!'
The moment passed, and I cut the thought-link off. I sat up slowly. The pain was dull now. Manageable.
Dino and Obera were bowing before me. I didn't know what to make of that. I gave them a dismissive wave, unsure how to process their submission. Do they still hate me? Or was this genuine?
Still… something felt off. The atmosphere. The future itself felt like it had shifted. A path I didn't see before was opening—and I wasn't sure if I should be ready… or afraid.
Veldanava's POV
"And therefore—Feldway, as the result of your victory in this spectacular duel, I now grant you the title of Angelic Right Hand!"
Heh. What a title. That's the biggest promotion I've handed out since… well, since forever. Am I not the kindest Creator?
Feldway blinked. "What does that mean? Do I have to work with you directly or something?"
"Of course! Not just that—you're also the new second-in-command of the Primordial Angels!"
His expression shifted. He didn't seem to like the sound of it.
"Are they even okay with me being in that position?"
I turned to the six. "You heard him. What do you say?"
Zalario stepped forward. "We have no objections. Feldway has proven his strength. We look forward to serving with him."
The others nodded in unison. Loyalty? Maybe. Respect? Possibly. Fear? Definitely a factor.
I opened a new thought-link with Feldway. 'See? They respect you. You've earned this.'
His reply came with cold logic. 'They said the right words. But words are cheap. Respect is earned through understanding, and trust takes time. They don't know me. And I don't know them.'
Interesting. So he has grown, but he's still human at the core—too grounded in emotion, even if buried under layers of logic.
He's more dangerous than before.
'…Veldanava.'
'Nothing more. Just accept your position,' I snapped, then closed the link.
Back to the crowd.
"I have another announcement," I said. "But this colosseum isn't the right place for it. So—Abracadabra: Teleportina!"
To be continued…