Chapter 327
"The Power of Light is the 'nourishment' that our teachers give to each of us to strengthen ourselves."
Upon hearing this, Durandal fell silent, while Kiana blinked in confusion, "Really?"
"Before this, I couldn't have guaranteed it either, but now, through some means, I've confirmed it." Otto raised his hand above his head, and a dazzling light emanated from his palm, spreading throughout the entire central hall. "Don't worry, you will have ample time to verify the truth of this viewpoint in the battle to come."
As light, like water, enveloped the entire nave, the environment began to change drastically. The once simple and quiet church quickly vanished, replaced by a magnificent and opulent temple.
The headless statue was also transformed under the light. Its body suddenly expanded and finally transformed into a towering deity, and it once again had its own head—only this time, its appearance was exactly the same as Otto's.
"This is..." Kiana stared in astonishment at the scene before her. "How is this possible? This is the power of the teacher!"
What supported her judgment was not Otto's use of spatial power, but the pure Power of Light that filled this space, which suppressed the Herrscher authority within her.
This level of Power of Light is far beyond what Otto can control at present. Even if he theoretically possesses the powers of three Herrscher, it is impossible for him to instantly leap to Ai Yue's level.
"It only looks similar; it's actually far from the teacher's," Otto said with a light laugh. "Like I said, I used some tricks—but don't worry, since it achieved this effect, it means the teacher allowed it."
Otto had also transformed into a different form. His body was covered by a mutated white exoskeleton, as if he had grown strong and slender limbs. White wings folded from the back of his head forward, obscuring his face. Golden light transformed into a mysterious and complex divine halo behind him, making him look almost like a god.
However, in Kiana and Durandal's eyes, this exaggerated image became a synonym for bluffing, since they had both seen the real god—a young man with a gentle smile on his lips and wearing the same white coat year after year.
"Indeed, if you pay close attention, the difference is quite obvious," Kiana closed her eyes, quickly revealing a speechless expression. "I almost fell for your trick."
"However, we must not be careless." Durandal frowned at this moment. "Within this surging energy, there is still a trace of Mr. Ai Yue's true meaning—which means that we will be suppressed in terms of power level."
"That's inevitable, otherwise, with my combat skills, I'd probably be instantly killed, right?" Hearing Durandal's assessment, Otto smiled and nodded. "But don't worry, this state can only last for a limited time. Even if you can't defeat me, as long as you can hold out long enough, you can still achieve victory."
"So, how much you can learn from it depends on yourselves."
Durandal paused for a moment, choosing not to attack immediately, but instead bowed slightly to the other party. "Thank you."
Otto's ulterior motives were now clearly revealed – he hoped to use this method to promote the growth of the Kiana sisters and help them reach a higher level of strength.
Although Durandal didn't know how Otto had done it, she could tell from his statement that "this state has a limited duration" that beneath his seemingly calm exterior, he was clearly under pressure from immense power.
After all, it is the power of the gods, and even the slightest bit of it will feel as heavy as a mountain when it falls on a person.
"No need for thanks. As I said, this is my own selfish reason." Otto smiled, then suddenly said, "Do you know how big this world is?"
"You mean the universe?" Durandal glanced at Kiana and replied, "I've heard that the world we live in is actually only as big as our Solar System."
"Yes, this is the home our teacher created for us," Otto nodded, "And now, he guards this vast universe, watching over us as we grow."
"Everyone knows about these things," Kiana, somewhat confused, unsure of what Otto was trying to say. "What does this have to do with your personal motives?"
"Of course it matters, because our weakness has begun to become an obstacle for the teacher," Otto said bluntly. "Although the teacher doesn't care about such trivial matters, as a student, I cannot let this go unchecked."
"Ruoyi, if you can grow up faster, then you can share the burden with your teacher sooner."
Otto was unaware of the true extent of Ai Yue's power. He only knew that this small Solar System should not be the true stage for Ai Yue, and that Ai Yue had occasionally expressed his longing for the real universe during their conversations.
Ai Yue has been "living" on this planet because he can't let go of this nascent civilization.
Therefore, he wanted to find a way to resolve Ai Yue's concerns as much as possible.
However, Otto was unaware that Ai Yue was showing a helpless expression because of his feelings.
Everything that happened here naturally did not escape Ai Yue's eyes. After all, if he did not agree, even if Otto risked his life, he could not "steal" a single bit of power from him.
So Ai Yue was aware of Otto's farewell performance today—but he didn't expect his student to be so considerate of his teacher.
At that moment, he was watching the performance with Elysia in the Cocoon of Finality. When he heard Otto's words, Ai Yue felt Elysia cast a subtle glance at him. "You really have raised a good student, thinking of you so much."
"Objectively speaking, if Otto hadn't gone astray, he would indeed be a genius comparable to Dr. Mei," Ai Yue nodded, but with a somewhat strange expression. "But for some reason, I feel that your statement sounds a bit Yin and Yang."
"Because I was being Yin and Yang," Elysia laughed brightly, as if she had seen something amusing. "After all, it seems the other party has already done all your work."
Ai Yue looked hesitant, and in the end could only let out a long sigh.
Because Elysia was right—guiding Kiana and the others to grow through battle was exactly what he wanted to do when he replaced Kevin to carry out the "Stigmata Project".
But to my surprise, Otto has already started doing just that.
If I continue with my original plan, wouldn't that seem insincere?
"I was just joking, you're not going to start overthinking again, are you?" Elysia had clearly noticed the change in Ai Yue's expression and couldn't help but lean closer. "Ai Yue, don't go doing any crazy things just to be different, okay?"
"What are you saying? Do I look like that kind of person?" Ai Yue subtly avoided Elysia's gaze. "Watch the show, watch the show. Oh dear, Kiana's move is a bit too hasty."
"You..." Elysia glanced at Ai Yue speechlessly, then said nothing more. "Never mind, you always have your own ideas."
As she spoke, her attention was drawn to the battle, because, just as Ai Yue had said, Kiana did seem a little impatient during the fight.
However, this cannot be blamed on her. After all, they are currently at a disadvantage. If they cannot quickly turn the tide and continue to be suppressed, they obviously cannot hold out for long.
The reason they were at a disadvantage was mainly because...
"Sister?" As Kiana once again shielded Durandal from Otto's attack, she finally couldn't contain her doubts any longer. "What's wrong with you?"
Durandal has always been the most courageous and astute person on the battlefield. Her honed instincts and rich combat experience allow her to deal with almost any possible situation. She is always the one who takes the bullets for others; there is no reason for others to take the bullets for her.
But given her current somewhat absent-minded state, if Kiana doesn't help, she really doubts Durandal can actually escape.
However, Kiana's question went unanswered, because what reached her even faster than Durandal's words was an attack from Otto.
He had clearly noticed Durandal's unusual behavior, which was why he intensified his efforts and focused more attention on Durandal.
Faced with such a fierce attack, Kiana tried her best to resist, but she had to protect Durandal, so she could hardly exert her own power and could only passively take the hits.
If this continues, I'm afraid I'll collapse even sooner!
Feeling her power rapidly depleting, Kiana was getting anxious, but unable to find a way to break the cycle, she seemed to have nothing to do but grit her teeth and persevere.
His own power was suppressed by Ai Yue's power, and he could only exert five or six tenths of his power. In addition, with the power of the Herrscher of Binding that Otto himself possessed, he was left with nothing.
At this point, the only thing that can still unleash its full power is the Power of Light that originates from Ai Yue. Without the support of this power, Kiana would probably have already been defeated.
However, Kiana wasn't focusing much on the Power of Light; at this rate, she clearly wouldn't last long... Hmm?
Kiana struggled to resist while trying to find a way out, but suddenly sensed that something was wrong.
At this rate of exertion, I should have been exhausted long ago, so why am I still able to stand?
Although the power within my body had long since depleted, it seemed as if a trickle of water had not been completely cut off, just like... just like--
It's as if the power is responding to its own will to "not fall."
By the way, Otto just said that the Power of Light is the "nourishment," and the true seed is humanity itself?
The thought had barely crossed Kiana's mind when she suddenly felt the pressure on her body vanish in an instant.
A powerful yet warm force surged from behind her, gently enveloping her and blocking Otto's attack.
"You've worked hard, Kiana." A hand rested on Kiana's shoulder, pulling her back. "Now, watch me."
Kiana instinctively turned her head and saw Durandal looking at her with a gentle smile.
That smile, for a moment, reminded Kiana of Ai Yue.
What's going on?
Chapter Thirty-Eight: What brand of fertilizer is this? It's so potent!
What does Ai Yue look like when he uses his full strength?
In fact, Kiana didn't have an answer to this question either—not only her, but Kevin, Elysia, and the others also shook their heads as their first reaction when they heard the question.
However, this is not surprising, since so far, the only time that Ai Yue truly came close to exerting his full strength was when he rushed into the Imaginary Tree carrying the information of the entire Post-Civilization.
Apart from that, Ai Yue seemed to have never encountered anything that could truly put him in a desperate situation.
Therefore, Kiana's understanding of Ai Yue was limited to the state of the Radiant Giant encompassed the entire civilization. Although Ai Yue was struggling to move at that time, the aura emanating from him was so powerful that it was indescribable.
For a fleeting moment just now, Kiana actually sensed a similar aura emanating from Durandal.
Although the feeling only lasted for a moment, Kiana was certain that it was not a hallucination.
"Sister?" The girl quickly realized what she meant, her expression showing excitement. "Have you really comprehended something?"
"I'd say we've gained something," Durandal replied with a smile, then looked at Otto, "Your Excellency, you're right, we are indeed the seeds."
Throughout this process, Otto's offensive did not stop; in fact, it became even more ferocious than before. Yet, even so, he could not break through the power emanating from Durandal.
An invisible energy swirled around Durandal and the other girl, creating a safe zone even in this dangerous environment.
"Your talent is truly enviable, Bianca." Seeing that his current attacks could no longer cause any damage to Durandal, Otto couldn't help but sigh, "This is much faster than I expected."
"Isn't this exactly what you wanted to see?" Durandal smiled calmly. "As a successor, you've proven yourself so capable; surely you can share some of the responsibilities with the gods?"
"That depends on your performance from now on." Otto's figure floated upwards again. "Don't think that's all I'm capable of."
As Otto finished speaking, the colors of the entire environment suddenly changed.
Before this, the place was bathed in holy light. Even Otto's means of attack consisted of countless white, feather-like flying blades. What was clearly an ambush formation was transformed into a beautiful paradise.
Now, the white light gradually deepened, eventually turning into a purplish-black candlelight, dimming the surrounding environment. The pure white flying blades surrounding Otto also began to glow with an ominous deep purple light, as if conveying a sinister aura of angelic corruption.
"Wait, I don't quite understand yet, sister," Kiana quickly grabbed Durandal's sleeve as the battle was about to resume. "What are you two talking about?"
"Besides, the true connection between the Power of Light and ourselves," Durandal said with a smile, seeing Kiana still looking somewhat confused, she couldn't help but pat the other's head. "It's alright, Kiana. Just like His Holiness the Archbishop said, the rest can be understood in battle."
"Actually, you've already come to some realization, haven't you?"
After saying this, Durandal walked up to Otto, and the flying blade burning with purple flames flew straight towards her brow, but it quietly disintegrated when it was about twenty centimeters away from her.
Although it doesn't seem to have caused any damage, compared to the pure white flying blade that was previously blocked a meter away, it undoubtedly has a significantly exaggerated increase in power.
Even more remarkably, as Otto's offensive became more fluid, the distance between the flying blade and Durandal continued to shrink.
At first, it was kept at a distance of 20 centimeters, but in just a moment, that distance was reduced to 15 centimeters, then 10 centimeters, 5 centimeters...
Clearly, Otto is also trying to break through Durandal's new power through continuous attacks.
But his attempt didn't seem to go smoothly, because he wasn't the only one doing the same thing.
Just as the flying blade was about to break through the invisible defense around Durandal, the defensive distance, which had already been shortened to its limit, increased again. Almost instantly, it expanded from a distance of only a few centimeters to a distance of thirty centimeters.
Durandal, too, was analyzing the power wielded by Otto based on the intensity of his offensive.
This seemingly uneventful tug-of-war was actually a fierce battle between two people in secret.
Kiana stared blankly at the scene before her.
She wasn't the only one who felt lost.
What are they doing?
Elysia watched Durandal continue her leisurely walk towards Otto, a puzzled expression on her face. "I thought I was going to see an earth-shattering battle, but what is this? It's not exciting at all!"
"It's just the prelude, like a probing attack at the start of a battle. They're determining the 'characteristics' of the opponent's current power," Ai Yue said with a smile. "Don't worry, the big scene you're expecting should be here soon."
"That's good," Elysia smiled upon receiving the promise, then focused her attention back on their previous conversation. "So, could you explain the part about the Power of Light?"
"Why worry about this? You don't need it right now." Ai Yue raised an eyebrow, and seeing Elysia's eyes widen, he continued, "Okay, to put it simply... uh, it's pretty much what Otto said."
"The relationship between humanity and the Power of Light is like that between a seed and nutrients."
Elysia looked at him without replying, clearly wanting him to explain more clearly.
"There's no difference between nutrients, but seeds are all different. Even if they absorb the same nutrients, corn seeds won't grow into apples," Ai Yue said with a smile. "But as long as they can absorb enough nutrients, seeds have the opportunity to break through their limitations and grow as tall as mountains."
"I do know that the Power of Light can enable people to grow beyond their limits," Elysia nodded. "I also remember Kevin saying that everyone's ability to obtain power from light is different. Is that what you meant by 'characteristic'?"
"Pretty much, but rather than gaining power from light, it's more accurate to say that they absorb the Power of Light to transform their own 'will' into power." Ai Yue shrugged. "After all, humans can't directly control the Power of Light. All the power they use that is related to Power of Light is essentially a manifestation of their own will."
"And it is precisely because of this that as many different wills exist, as many different colors of light will be born."
"So, Kiana was like that just now?" Elysia recalled the scene she had just witnessed and suddenly realized, "She couldn't even stand up straight, but she didn't fall down because of this?"
"As long as the seed doesn't give up absorbing nutrients, the Power of Light will support it," Ai Yue nodded. "Unfortunately, this rule can only be used within the Solar System for now, and it's difficult to promote it on a large scale."
"No wonder it's described as seeds and nutrients; it's a very apt metaphor." Elysia ignored some of Ai Yue's strange remarks and stared at him absentmindedly. "I wonder what kind of brilliance I will unleash?"
"I can't say for sure exactly," Ai Yue smiled, "But as for the color, it's probably pink, right?"
"Of course, after all, it's their favorite color!" Elysia said with a smile, then her attention was drawn to the scene before her. "Ah, it looks like they're finally going to fight!"
As the two exchanged words, Durandal and Otto's confrontation finally entered the next stage. Golden light burst forth from her body, instantly shattering the flying blades that swarmed around her like mosquitoes into dust. When the light dissipated, a magnificent suit of armor appeared on her body.
Clearly, after gaining a certain understanding of Otto's power, Durandal decided to get serious.
At the same time, Otto abandoned his plan to use flying blades to harass Durandal. He realized that this level of offensive would be ineffective against Durandal, who was used to the battlefield. To put enough pressure on her, he would have to use his trump card.
Therefore, the flying blades surrounding Durandal stopped their meaningless attacks and instead began to gather and rotate in a regular pattern. Otto's power flowed through them, and they quickly formed a complex "magic circle" around Durandal.
That is the power of those Herrscher of Binding, a means of simulating the laws of the world through their own power.
The moment the magic circle was completed, Durandal felt her body suddenly become much heavier, and the golden armor on her body began to crumble. Clearly, under the influence of the Authority of Binding, her power was constantly weakening.