The Battle In The Snow

Chapter 77 — Battle in the Snow

The forest erupted into chaos.

Blackridge warriors rushed forward from every direction, their weapons cutting through the falling snow.

Aether stepped into the attack.

His weapon collided with the first enemy's blade.

CLANG!

The man was thrown backward.

Aether didn't pursue him.

Another warrior attacked from the side.

Aether ducked beneath the blade.

Shadow Step.

His body vanished into the shadow beneath a tree.

A heartbeat later, he reappeared behind the attacker.

One strike.

The warrior collapsed.

[Blackridge Warrior defeated.]

[Origin Points gained: 20]

[Origin Points: 420 / 650]

Three more enemies surrounded Lyra.

She smiled.

"Finally."

Her blade flashed.

One enemy blocked.

Lyra twisted her wrist and kicked him backward.

Aria appeared beside her.

"Left."

"I saw him."

Their attacks landed almost simultaneously.

The enemy was knocked into the snow.

Seris remained slightly behind them, continuously releasing Life Essence.

The pale green energy spread across the battlefield, supporting their bodies and easing their injuries.

The wounded woman watched in disbelief.

"You people..."

Aether looked toward her.

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"Can you fight?"

She hesitated.

"A little."

"Then stay behind Seris."

She nodded.

The Blackridge commander stepped forward.

He was calm.

Unlike the soldiers around him, he didn't rush.

His sword was long and silver, its edge reflecting the cold light of the snow.

The system scanned him.

[Human detected.]

[Origin Awakening — Stage 7.]

[Potential: A.]

[Combat condition: Excellent.]

Aether's eyes narrowed slightly.

One stage higher.

The commander pointed his sword toward him.

"You killed our previous commander."

Aether's expression didn't change.

"He attacked me."

"You should have surrendered."

Aether laughed.

"You're giving me the same offer?"

The man's eyes became cold.

"I'm giving you a warning."

He disappeared.

BOOM!

Aether blocked the sword.

The impact pushed him several meters backward.

Snow exploded beneath his feet.

The commander immediately followed.

Aether attacked.

The sword blocked.

Aether attacked again.

Blocked.

The enemy countered.

Aether twisted aside.

A cut appeared across his sleeve.

Lyra looked over.

"Aether!"

"I'm fine."

The commander attacked again.

This time Aether didn't block.

Shadow Step.

He vanished.

The sword passed through empty air.

Aether appeared behind the commander.

The man turned immediately.

Their weapons collided.

CLANG!

Aether's arm went numb.

"You're strong."

"So are you."

The commander smiled.

"But you're still one stage below me."

Aether's eyes sharpened.

"That doesn't mean much."

He increased his Origin Energy output.

The battle became faster.

Snow exploded beneath their feet.

Trees were cut apart by stray attacks.

The commander suddenly changed his stance.

Aether recognized it.

A killing technique.

He waited.

The sword came straight toward his chest.

Shadow Step.

Aether disappeared.

The commander expected it.

He turned.

But Aether had already predicted the counter.

He reappeared above him.

BOOM!

Aether's weapon slammed into the commander's shoulder.

The man fell to one knee.

Aether landed.

He raised his weapon.

The commander suddenly threw a black sphere onto the ground.

Smoke exploded outward.

Aether's Origin Sense activated.

The world around him became clearer.

Even through the thick smoke, he could sense the commander's Origin Energy.

"Found you."

Aether stepped into the smoke.

The commander was already retreating toward the eastern cliffs.

Aether chased him.

The commander looked back.

His expression changed.

Aether was already within striking distance.

"Wait—"

Aether's weapon pierced his chest.

The commander froze.

Aether pulled his weapon free.

The man collapsed into the snow.

[Blackridge Commander defeated.]

[Origin Points gained: 50]

[Origin Points: 470 / 650]

Aether turned back.

The remaining Blackridge warriors had stopped fighting.

Their leader was dead.

Some dropped their weapons.

Others attempted to flee.

Aether didn't chase those who were no longer hostile.

He simply looked at them.

"Leave."

They ran.

Lyra approached him.

"You really weren't going to let him escape."

"No."

Aria smiled faintly.

"You've finally stopped giving your enemies second chances."

Aether looked at her.

"I learned."

Seris walked over and gently examined the cut on his sleeve.

"You're bleeding."

"It's nothing."

"That wasn't what I asked."

Aether glanced at her.

For a moment, he simply looked at her.

Then he allowed her to heal the shallow wound.

Lyra crossed her arms.

"You know, you're surprisingly obedient when Seris is treating you."

Seris's cheeks warmed.

Aether raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a complaint?"

"Maybe."

Aria chuckled.

The wounded woman slowly stepped forward.

"Thank you."

Aether nodded.

"What is your name?"

The girl tightened her grip around the glowing crystal.

"Sylvara."

She looked at the crystal.

"Blackridge has been chasing me because of this."

Aether studied the glowing object.

"Then let's find out why they wanted it."

Sylvara nodded.

The mountain wind grew stronger.

And somewhere beyond the snow-covered peaks—

another Origin Key was waiting.