Requiem Of A Failed Hero

Often the human senses they say are bound by limitations. Ultimate focus without an iota of distraction is impossible even for geniuses who are known for their focus on a particular thing among humans it is impossible for them to reach that point. That point that their senses abandon the world and transcend into a realm that is beyond human comprehension, where one’s perception is compared to that of a celestial.

The Realm of Focus, Samadhi is a deep state of meditation and absorption where the human’s consciousness merges with the object of their focus, leading to a state of profound unity and transcendence.

It is often described as a state of pure bliss, where the individual experiences a complete cessation of ordinary thought processes and enters a state of oneness with the divine or cosmic consciousness.

This realm is also said to be the natural dwelling place of higher beings like Asuras, Guardinals, and angels, should they decide to get serious. It was easy for them to enter into but is always achieved for the first time through intense concentration, rigorous spiritual practices, and mastery of their minds.

It allows them to go beyond the boundaries of the ego and experience a direct connection with the divine or cosmic reality. A realm of focused awareness and concentration that surpasses ordinary capabilities, enabling individuals to tap into profound spiritual insights and experiences.

That was the state that Raith was now in.

The ant king, once filled with unwarranted confidence, now quivered in the face of Raith’s overwhelming presence. It could no longer deny the magnitude of the situation, as the air itself seemed to compress, creating an oppressive force that weighed upon its trembling form.

“Kkiieeeeeekkk”

A high-pitched screech erupted from the ant king’s throat, a primal cry of fear that betrayed the humane appearance he was carrying.

With a burst of fiery energy, the ant king unleashed a torrent of flames, its hands thrust forward in a desperate attempt to regain control. The searing inferno surged forth, aimed at Raith with malicious intent.

“Stride of the wind god.”

Raith streaked across the expanse with unparalleled swiftness in an instant, tearing the air with a resounding sonic boom that separated the flames instantaneously.

The ant’s eyes widened at Raith’s sudden appearance before it could react–

“Heavenly Destruction… Devil Flash!”

With an imperceptible yet swift movement, Raith’s sword blazed forth, tracing a meticulously precise horizontal line across the ant’s neck as he gracefully strode past.

“Kkieeeeekkkk” The ant shrieked, holding its neck quickly and jumping as far away from Raith as possible.

‘His sword cut through my strong neck so easily! How?!’ His eyes shivered while he wandered in midair– halfway to landing.

“Waves Of Destruction”

WHAM!

Raith dashed forward at high speed carving out the ground in his wake and as the ant landed he was already in front of it, their forms were enveloped in a swirling of inky blackness that danced around both of them as Raith began to execute tortuous arcs, seamlessly transitioning between multiple directions.

Each strike was from a pivotal angle struck with unwavering accuracy, cleaving through the ant’s skin effortlessly and without impediment.

Raith’s relentless assault left the ant monster helpless, its attempts to defend itself futile against his perfect sword execution.

“Kkiieeeeeeekkkkk”

It screamed again, desperate to get out of the vortex that Raith had trapped it in, it threw its claws in a frenzy– was vexed it more was the fact that the deep wounds that were now scattered all over its body looked like they have come to stay.

‘Why?! Why?! Why?!!! Why can’t I regenerate like before!!’

“What have you done to meeee?!!!!”

The ant shouted but Raith did not respond, his strikes continued unabated, and the rhythmic sound of steel meeting flesh reverberated through the battlefield as the ants successfully blocked some and many escaped its claws or cut through it.

In a final slash, Raith’s sword Bal carved through the air with serene beauty, an exhibition of a perfect blend of strength and speed— the world seemed to hold its breath as the black blade connected with the ant’s neck.

Time appeared to slow, allowing the moment to unfold in exquisite detail. The moon’s gentle light illuminated the scene, casting a serene glow upon the battlefield.

Silently, the ant king’s head separated from its body, a spray of blood painting the air like an ethereal brushstroke. The severed head tumbled through the air, as its life force faded away.

The once formidable and proud creature, lifelessly crumbled to the ground.

Raith expunged a great deal of blood from his mouth as he jacked out of the state he was in, his pupils finding their way back to his eyes immediately.

His breathing slowly steadied and the message appeared in front of him.

[You have overpowered a serf of the ruler of pride]

[You have gained a Hubris Fragment]

A black stone rose from the ant and Raith grabbed it.

He looked at it.

“There’s nothing special about this though.” He mumbled and was about to put it into his inventory when he gave it a second thought and looked at it again.

[You are using Appraisal]

[Item Info]

Name: Hubris Fragment 𝒃𝒆𝙣𝒐𝒗𝙚𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝒎

Rarity: A

Description: A runestone with the skill of pride in it. You can obtain the skill by breaking the stone but once you break the stone your location will be available to the ruler of pride at all times.

‘Wow… As a ruler of greed, isn’t it abnormal that I should have a skill from another ruler’

[NORMALLY IT SHOULD BE]

[SIMPLY SPEAKING IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ONE MAN TO BEAR MORE THAN ONE SIN]

[SUCH MAN CAN BE CAPABLE OF WORLD DESTRUCTION BUT BEFORE THAT WILL HAPPEN SUCH A MAN WILL SELF-DESTRUCT]

[BUT WITH ME, IT IS POSSIBLE]

[OBTAININ HIS SKILL IS A FIRST STEP]

[THE MOMENT YOU HAVE THE SKILL OF PRIDE, YOU BECOME ELIGIBLE TO BE A RULER OF PRIDE— HENCE HE WILL COME FINDING YOU TO TAKE BACK WHAT IS HIS]

[DO YOU KNOW WHAT MAKES THE RULER OF GREED SO UNIQUE?]

[NO…? HIS GREEDY?]

[EXACTLY]

[WE SHALL COVET AND TAKE WHAT IS HIS]