SSS Void Ascension: I Devour All Elements

Killian returned his gaze to Ephraim, who still stood by the entrance like a resident security guard.

"Is your older brother in there?" he asked before entering.

Ephraim pulled the door, opening it wider and waiting for Killian to walk through. "He has been waiting and expected you to text him first."

"Why would I?" Killian asked.

He inhaled and exhaled, because the survival part of him wanted enough breath before walking into a possibly breathless place. He strolled past the door. "Your brother wanted me first."

"I don’t know either." Ephraim said, while closing the door. "He didn’t give you his phone number either."

Killian turned to the younger brother, watching him walk ahead. ’So he also knows that his older brother can be quite confusing?’

The chill air within the room snapped Killian from his thoughts and his focus returned to the room.

He caught sight of a carved glacier casually sitting within the dark training room. There was no gym equipment nor weaponry.

Just an empty large chilly room with Theodore standing in the middle of it. When Killian got closer, Theodore waved with a bright smile.

"Hey! You came!"

Hearing Theodore’s warm greeting caused the base of Killian’s palm to grow cold. He clenched his fists. "Hey..."

He then made enough distance between them.

"The boy is just happy. Do not be so dramatic, Killian," the Void said with obvious amusement.

’All I ask is that he sticks to one personality. And why do you take his side?’

Killian cleared his throat, digging his hands into his pockets. "So what do you want us to do?"

Theodore pushed his forearm towards his chest, cracking the bone connecting to his elbow. "Well, something a little rare. Do you know about the Realmcraft Technique."

Killian’s dim eyes lit up at the sound of that. His back straightened and he flexed his fingers slightly inside his pockets. "You want to practice that?"

"Yeah and it’s not my first time, so don’t worry. I have better control over it. I just think you have very good firepower so you stand a better chance to break out of my ’not very great’ Realmcraft."

Killian blinked once. His eyes remained on the ground as one question swam in his head. ’Why in goddess’ name would he think I want to get in there in the first place?’

Even if it were an amateurish Realmcraft, it was still someone else’s domain and within their domain, he was vulnerable and they were god.

"Does it have to be me?" He asked, looking at the other suitable option. Ephraim.

"Also, isn’t he having a match later today? It would be best if you practiced with him. No? Or is there something else you aren’t telling me."

Theodore’s brows lowered, forming a crease on his forehead. He glanced at his younger brother who just stood there like a mannequin.

"He trains by not doing much. He is confident in his speed and precision. I needed someone who will actually expand output hence I called you."

He could see that his reply didn’t satisfy Killian, as the gaze of suspicion was still on him.

Theodore lightly slapped his thigh in annoyance. "You and I have opposite elements, okay? And your fire output is immense. Is it really too much to ask?"

Killian looked away from Ephraim. "It’s not. I just wanted to know why you didn’t use your brother. It would be more convenient than asking me."

A heavy sigh escaped his lips, as he turned away from the brothers.

’I guess I just have to go along with it. If anything goes wrong, I will try to silence it.’

"You are a little too quick with that decision."

’Don’t underestimate my will to live.’

All skills initiated at the same time. Only three burning balls of flame floated above Killian. He shot his head up immediately they manifested, and his eyes expanded slowly.

Their intensity was weak.

The fire wasn’t burning as hot as it should. He lowered his head, becoming more aware of his surroundings.

The cold place wasn’t just the temperature but the state of the room. He stared at the ice glacier.

’It is eating away at the heat in the room. It might even be colder than the heat.’

And it was one mountain of glacier. If they were more, it would significantly weaken him.

’If I was using the Void, though. I would thrive in such a cold environment.’ Killian exhaled. "Start."

Theodore smirked, looking above his head. "Are those the fabled orbs of death? They are a little smaller than I thought. I don’t even feel the heat."

"Start." Killian repeated.

Theodore subtly rolled his eyes, murmuring. "Only A-Rank Wardens unlock such a skill so I was just asking."

"B-Rank unlock it these days too." Ephraim added. "I believe his older sister was one of those."

Killian stared at the two, wondering how they knew about Fire Wardens’ skills more than he did. He also knew he never actively checked for it.

"You must be one of a kind to unlock it as a C-Rank Warden, Killian. Too bad you never actually show your cards so people don’t know how good you are."

Killian debated repeating ’Start’ for the third time, or just listen to Theodore ramble. But his silence did the work for him as Theodore went quiet.

"You look like you’re sick of me."

"Shouldn’t I be? I haven’t had lunch yet." Killian took his hands out of his pockets. "Let’s get this over with, okay?"

Ephraim smiled, and took a step back. "I will officiate."

"It’s not that kind of match." Theodore clicked his tongue. "And Killian, if it does work, get out as soon as you can. Ephraim trapped himself last time."

Killian nodded once. "As long as you don’t try to kill me or anything. This can just end as a practice."

"Huh? Wait, do you—"

"Let’s get it over with, Theodore."

"Okay, okay, Sheesh."

Silence finally existed after the rumblings, calmly coexisting with the scent of the ocean filling the room.

Mana spread to the ends of the dark room. The mana spread across Killian’s skin, cold like slime and oil. It felt queasy and made his skin tightened.

""

Theodore whispered, and other words after it. His fingers lightly tapped the floor.