The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

The Battle of the Abyssal Shadow

Time had passed, and the inevitable day had arrived. Xavier would face his toughest opponent yet: the Grim Reaper of the Abyss. The tension was palpable, every second weighted with the enormity of what was to come.

Xavier adjusted his white-fang tiger mask in the preparation room, his breath steadying as he secured the last piece of his armor. He glanced at his weapons, their edges gleaming under the dim light, each a symbol of his resolve. Despite his efforts to calm himself, a flood of stress, anxiety, and worry coursed through his veins. His thoughts spiraled until a gentle knock on the door broke through his turmoil.

Ms. Lila, the ever-composed Battle Herald, entered, her voice a soothing anchor. "Your aunt is here to see you, Sir Klay Worthmore."

Xavier's brow furrowed briefly in confusion before recalling the charade. "Ah! Yes, please, let them in."

Ms. Lila nodded and stepped aside, allowing Anastasia and Alcmena to enter. Anastasia's poised demeanor and Alcmena's calm presence brought an air of warmth to the otherwise cold room.

"Are you ready for your fight, Young Master?" Anastasia's voice, light and encouraging, brightened the atmosphere.

Xavier hesitated, his nervousness evident. "I... I suppose I am."

Sensing his unease, Anastasia stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on his forehead. "Are you unwell, Young Master?" Her concern was genuine, her eyes searching his for an answer.

He shook his head, offering a faint smile. "I'm fine, Ms. Anastasia. Just a bit nervous, that's all."

"Nervous?" she echoed, her tone soft but probing.

Xavier nodded, his gaze dropping. Before he could elaborate, Alcmena, perched calmly on Anastasia's shoulder, interjected with measured words. "There's no need to be nervous, Xavier. You've made it this far. Stressing now will only cloud your mind."

Xavier's voice faltered as he responded, "I know, Master. But I can't shake this weight on my shoulders. Just being here, I question if I'll stand a chance or make a fool of myself in front of the crowd."

Anastasia knelt before him, her eyes meeting his crimson ones. Her voice was gentle, yet resolute. "Young Master, the outcome of this fight is not what defines you. Whether you win or lose, what matters is how you rise from it, how you grow."

Alcmena, now on Xavier's shoulder, chimed in. "Anastasia is right. The outcome won't diminish who you are. You are still the grandson of Saint Graviil, the 2nd Prince of Russia, and the son of Jonathan Ashford. More importantly, you are my cherished student, the vessel of the Dragon King of the Wyvern."

Xavier's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Their words lightened the crushing weight he had felt moments before. He smiled, gratitude filling his heart.

Alcmena broke the tender moment with a playful knock on Xavier's head. "Enough sentiment. Just know that I'll be joining you in this fight against Adam Durandal."

Xavier's eyes widened in surprise. "You're fighting with me, Master?"

"Yes," Alcmena confirmed, smirking.

Xavier's excitement was palpable, but Alcmena quickly tempered it. "Don't let this go to your head. Just because I'll be there doesn't mean you can act recklessly."

Chuckling, Xavier replied, "Alright, alright. I'll be careful."

Alcmena's tone turned serious. "And remember, there's something else to be even more mindful of: Core Corruption."

Xavier tilted his head, puzzled. "Core Corruption?"

Anastasia, remembering what it was, excitedly took over the explanation. "'Core Corruption', Young Master, occurs when one exceeds their limit of ethereal energy usage. Everyone gifted with ethereal abilities has a threshold for how much energy their body can safely channel. Pushing beyond that limit starts to damage the body and, eventually, the core itself."