Chapter 163 – The Final Catalyst

Chapter 163: Chapter 163 – The Final Catalyst

The researchers spent most of the evening examining the Crimson Origin Heart. Even with their instruments operating at full capacity, they struggled to measure the energy contained within it. The core was considerably more advanced than the materials collected earlier, and its internal structure had developed several layers of energy compression.

By the following morning, Orion finally had an answer.

He summoned Azrael and Seraphina to the expedition’s main tent, where the Crimson Origin Heart floated inside a containment formation.

"Good news," he began. "The core is compatible with both your bloodlines. However, there’s something unusual about its composition."

Azrael examined the crystal. "What is it?"

"The creature’s core contains two distinct energy components. One is highly concentrated Origin energy, while the other is an Abyssal element that has developed alongside its bloodline. Your Aetherion bloodline can assimilate the latter, while Seraphina’s Genesis Bloom can extract and refine the Origin energy."

Seraphina looked at the crystal. "So we can both use it?"

"Yes, but not by absorbing the same portion. I’ve prepared a refinement formation that will separate the two components. Azrael will receive the Abyssal portion, while Seraphina will receive the purified Origin energy."

Azrael nodded. "When do we begin?"

"After the formation is ready. I don’t want either of you rushing this."

The researchers spent the next few hours arranging the formation inside the largest chamber of their temporary base. Two cultivation platforms were placed opposite each other, with the Crimson Origin Heart suspended between them. Several stabilizing crystals surrounded the platforms, and Orion personally inspected every connection.

Once everything was prepared, Azrael and Seraphina took their positions.

"Remember," Orion said, "the refinement will become increasingly difficult as the core releases its energy. If either of you experiences an unstable reaction, stop immediately. Your evolution progress is already high. There’s no reason to risk damaging your foundations."

The twins nodded.

Azrael placed Astraeus beside his platform and began circulating his energy. Seraphina spread her six wings, allowing her Genesis energy to flow into the formation.

Orion activated the central mechanism.

The Crimson Origin Heart began to spin.

A dense wave of energy filled the chamber, splitting into two streams. One was dark crimson, carrying the Abyssal nature of the defeated beast. The other was a brilliant silver-gold, containing the concentrated Origin energy accumulated inside its core.

Both streams entered their respective platforms.

Azrael immediately felt the pressure.

The Abyssal energy entered his body like molten metal, spreading through his internal channels and forcing his Aetherion bloodline to react. His core began absorbing it, but the foreign energy resisted assimilation. Crimson markings appeared briefly along his arms.

He clenched his fists.

"Come on..."

His Aetherion energy surged.

A black aura spread across his body as Oblivion began separating the unstable portions from the usable energy. The process was painful, but his control prevented the foreign power from damaging his foundation.

Across from him, Seraphina was undergoing a different transformation.

The purified Origin energy entered her Genesis Bloom core, causing her six wings to spread wider. Golden light flooded the chamber as her bloodline absorbed the energy. Her core expanded, and the energy circulating through her body became increasingly dense.

Unlike Azrael, she didn’t struggle against the incoming energy. Her challenge was controlling its concentration. The amount entering her body was enormous, and her Blooming Core had to refine it continuously to prevent an overload.

She raised both hands.

"Genesis Bloom!"

Golden flowers appeared around her platform. Their petals opened and released streams of light that circulated around her body, helping distribute the energy throughout her wings and core.

The formation began shaking.

Orion immediately strengthened the stabilizing runes.

"Keep going! You’re both close!"

Azrael felt something shift inside his core.

His Aetherion bloodline suddenly released a powerful pulse, drawing in the remaining Abyssal energy. The crimson markings on his arms disappeared, and the black aura surrounding him became noticeably denser.

His System opened.

Aetherion Bloodline Refinement Complete

Abyssal Adaptation: Enhanced

Physical Foundation: Further Strengthened

Evolution Progress: 87% → 91%

New Trait Acquired: Abyssal Resistance

Effect: Improves resistance against Abyssal energy, corruption, and hostile dark-elemental influences.

Azrael opened his eyes.

The change was immediate. His energy capacity had increased, and his body felt considerably stronger. Even the air around him seemed to respond to his presence.

Seraphina’s refinement reached its conclusion moments later.

Her wings shone brilliantly as the remaining Origin energy entered her core. The golden light surrounding her condensed before spreading through the chamber in a powerful wave.

Her System appeared.

Genesis Bloom Bloodline Refinement Complete

Blooming Core: Enhanced

Genesis Energy Capacity: Increased

Evolution Progress: 88% → 92%

New Trait Acquired: Origin Nourishment

Effect: Improves the absorption and refinement of natural Origin energy and strengthens the development of Genesis-based abilities.

Seraphina slowly lowered her hands.

Her wings folded behind her as she examined the notification.

"I’m at ninety-two percent!"

Azrael stood from his platform. "Ninety-one."

She smiled triumphantly. "Still ahead."

"You’re going to keep mentioning that, aren’t you?"

"Until you catch up."

Orion laughed as the researchers began shutting down the formation. Both twins had successfully absorbed their portions of the Crimson Origin Heart, and their evolution progress had increased considerably.

However, the System had not announced an evolution.

They were still in the Peak Mortal Origin Realm.

Orion examined their energy readings and nodded with satisfaction. "Your foundations are stable. You’ve both reached the point where a breakthrough attempt is possible, although I would prefer that you complete one more stage of preparation."

Azrael looked at him. "What remains?"

"Your cores have accumulated enough energy, but the Transcendent Origin Realm requires more than an increase in capacity. Your bodies and souls must withstand the transition. I want you to fight something that can challenge your current strength before attempting the breakthrough."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "You want us to fight another powerful monster?"

"Not just any monster. There are creatures in these mountains whose bodies have already begun developing Transcendent characteristics. Defeating one would give you valuable combat experience, and its core might provide another useful resource."

Azrael picked up Astraeus.

"Where can we find one?"

Orion brought up a map of the surrounding region. A large ravine appeared near the northern mountain range, marked with several warning symbols.

"The researchers detected a powerful creature living here. Its energy signature is considerably higher than the Crimson Ravager’s. We don’t know its exact level, but it is likely above forty."

Seraphina’s expression brightened.

"Now that sounds interesting."

Orion gave her a warning look. "Don’t underestimate it. A Level 40 monster can be dangerous even to experienced instructors."

Azrael nodded. "We’ll be careful."

The expedition began preparing immediately. The researchers would remain at the base while Orion accompanied the twins and four instructors to the northern ravine.

Before leaving, Azrael checked his System once more.

His progress stood at ninety-one percent.

Seraphina was at ninety-two.

Their bloodlines had strengthened, new traits had awakened, and their physical foundations were approaching the limits of the Mortal Origin Realm.

The next battle would determine whether they were ready to take the final step toward Transcendent Origin.

Azrael secured Astraeus across his back while Seraphina summoned her staff. Together, they left the camp and followed Orion toward the northern mountains.

Neither intended to return without making meaningful progress.

Strengthen the twins’ individual breakthroughsClarify the level and realm progressionReduce repetitive energy descriptions