There were barely any moments in my life where I felt envy from another. At this very moment, I slightly envied Senior Brother Farbauti for having the ability to study such a rare elemental law.
The universe itself is a product of chaos. The primordial fire from Muspelheim collided with the primordial ice from Niflheim, and from the chaos of the result, the universe was formed. Richard's title of Lord of Chaos came from this chaos.
The Chaos element allowed the cultivator to study and use any law they want. It remains the rarest affinity in the world, which is understandable because it wouldn't make sense if there were a considerable number who have it.
Using this law, Farbauti was able to move around Isle of Prisons without any struggle at all. Well, the unstable gravity could cause a problem, but not for someone as physically powerful as my Senior Brother.
"Impressive…" I mutter, then look at him and say, "Are you the only one that cultivates this law?"
"Alive? Yes. My brother was the same as I; he had a higher affinity and talent for it, in fact. But he is long gone. My son showed signs of it at birth, but they quickly faded."
His son is Loki, Frost Giant and King of the Jotun. I raise my eyebrows in surprise but decide to change the subject, "What's the situation there?"
He frowned, even more than usual, and replied, "There is a barrier around your body preventing me from entering."
Before I could reply, he received a glance from Richard, to which he quickly added, "I have destroyed it."
…
Isle of Prisons.
I woke up, my head feeling like it was going to explode. My eyes darted around to survey my surroundings. Whatever state I was in could wait until I made sure that I wasn't in immediate danger.
I find myself inside a circular hall covered in white. So, I am inside the base level of the Blade Tower on this island. I rose up with great difficulty and took small steps to the wooden door that leads outside.
Outside, Farbauti was standing guard with his back to the door. He had a double-bladed axe hanging on his armored back. The moment I opened the door, he slowly turned around and stated, "You are awake."
I nodded my head and asked, "How long have I been out?"
"Ten months."
I smile bitterly at his response. I was unconscious for ten months, and I still feel so weak. What in the world has happened to cause such a state?
Whatever it was, Farbauti didn't seem interested in finding out about what happened, or at the very least, it is not his place to question me, so he did not ask. Instead, he said, "You are currently weak. Rest well. Once you are in good condition, the test will begin."
I nodded and prepared to enter the tower before remembering that I could not absorb the energy due to the chaotic environment. "How am I supposed to rest when I can't absorb energy?"
"You are unlike me, so you are naturally suppressed by the environment here. However, there is still a way for you to absorb energy."
"And what is this method?" I ask, my eyebrow raised. However, he remained silent and turned back to look at the horizon. I can't say that I didn't expect this reaction. I let out a sigh of frustration and headed back inside.
I sat on the white floor and tried to think properly about this matter. Then I noticed that Pangu has been silent all this time, so I decided to check on him, "Pangu, are you okay?"
The sword hummed slightly, but it was a meek one. I dread the answer to the question that I am about to ask, "What happened to you, man?"
"I am… fine," he says, but the way his voice sounded told me that he was anything but fine. "That humanoid that entered your body tried to possess you and take control of your body.
"I managed to snuff it out in the end, but it cost me a lot. Orion, I will never be whole again. I had to sacrifice some of my essence; that is the price that I paid."
His words were filled with despair. His only wish was to be whole once again. Yet he sacrificed that in order to save my life… "Oh, Pangu…"
"You don't have to feel bad. I will still have a body, although I suspect that it won't be a stable one."
"Still, you didn't have to do that-"
"Of course I had to! What? Am I supposed to let you die when I was able to help? I did it because you are my friend, my closest one at that. So, what if I will be incomplete? At least I know that it isn't in vain, and it is your job to prove that!"
I felt warmth from his words and actions. This incident, despite its losses, created an inseparable bond between Pangu and me. And as he said, it is my job now to make sure that his sacrifice wasn't a waste. Determination and resolve glinted in my eyes as I said, "I swear I won't let you down."
--------------
Updated on: 26/11/2025