Infinite Mana In The Oasis

Deep within the labyrinthine passageways...

A portal shimmered, revealing a secluded dimension brimming with potent mana.

This hidden pocket dimension, known as the Hexers' Testing Grounds, was separated from the rest of Gilaahan, its diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests to expansive deserts and fiery volcanic regions. Created with meticulous care, each part of this dimension represented a distinct terrain, a challenge for the Rankers who ventured here in pursuit of the legendary Hex Gear that belonged to the Bear's Creed.

A serene valley unfolded before Eren's eyes, nestled within the embrace of towering mountain ranges. Its undulating landscape bore witness to the sculpting forces of nature, with rugged rocks giving rise to a labyrinth of intricately formed trenches and gentle hills.

A sparse veil of vegetation adorned the arid terrain, its existence a testament to resilience amidst desolation. In this secluded expanse, warm and dry winds waltzed through the air, leaving their mark on the surrounding atmosphere, a reminder of nature's ever-present touch.

This was familiar terrain to Eren, and his memory related to it was still fresh in his mind. After all, this was the terrain in which he had last fought with a wyvern and won, if only barely.

Kino, the guardian of the testing grounds, greeted Eren with a frown. "You've taken quite some time to come back," she remarked, her tone laden with dissatisfaction. Eren chuckled, acknowledging her statement.

"I... I couldn't help it, Kino. Let's just say I took a significant risk and paid the price for it," Eren sighed, his voice tinged with helplessness. However, he swiftly tried to change the course of the conversation, eager to inject enthusiasm into their exchange. "Haha. Never mind that. I'm here in Gilaahan now, with my original body, just as we discussed last time," he exclaimed with renewed vigor.

Kino, a homunculus and the caretaker of the Hexers' testing grounds possessed an eternal youthfulness, her captivating beauty undiminished by the passage of time.

Unsatisfied with Eren's evasive response, Kino probed further, demanding to know every detail of his journey since he had last departed the testing grounds. Helpless under her persistent questioning, Eren found himself obliged to recount his arduous history. As he finished, Kino regarded him with a hint of disbelief, her gaze seemingly questioning his very existence.

"Eren, toying with death is never a wise path to tread. While it's fortunate that only your synthetic body was destroyed in that incident and your soul returned to its original vessel, you must understand the dangers involved.

These things are unpredictable, and there's no telling what might go awry. I implore you not to risk your life so recklessly, for what good is a treasure if it costs you your sanity?"

Eren had initially prepared to defend his actions, ready to justify the calculated risk he had taken. However, upon reflection, he conceded, dropping his shoulders and closing his mouth, merely nodding in response to Kino's admonition.

He recognized that his gamble had teetered on the precipice of disaster, and it was through sheer luck that he emerged unscathed. Thus, he refrained from defending his choices, choosing instead to silently acknowledge Kino's wisdom.

Observing Eren's tacit agreement with her sentiments, Kino opted not to delve deeper into the subject. A faint sigh escaped her lips as she resolved to focus on the task at hand, aligning with Eren's purpose for being there.

"Kiamat," she uttered, her voice carrying a blend of command and reverence, summoning forth the wyvern that had once clashed with Eren.

In an abrupt spectacle, a colossal creature descended upon the ground not far from Eren's position. With a few mighty flaps of its wings, the beast gracefully transitioned onto all fours.

Standing at an impressive height of 5.5 meters when grounded, the wyvern stretched a formidable length of approximately 13 meters, tail excluded. Its hide boasted a thick, blood-red complexion, adorned with enigmatic black stripes resembling intricate runic markings upon closer inspection. Mighty wings sprouted from its front limbs, while its hind legs appeared comparatively shorter, each terminating in four menacing toes armed with razor-sharp, obsidian claws.

Sporting a draconic visage, the wyvern exuded an aura of menace, heightened by its rows of white and yellow teeth gleaming in the bright daylight. Occasional glimmers emanated from its yellow eyes, granting glimpses of its slitted, vertical pupils.

Though its sinewy frame lacked overt muscular definition, the creature's litheness belied its big stature, hinting at a remarkable agility concealed within.

Roar!

With a resounding draconic bellow that reverberated through the surroundings, the wyvern directed its piercing gaze towards Eren, its primal voice filling the air. Yet, amidst the thunderous roar, a discerning ear would detect the absence of a confrontational tone. Although the wyvern's formidable presence struck fear into the hearts of ordinary rankers, careful observation would reveal that it harbored no immediate intention to engage in combat.

"Um… Yeah. It's good to see you too, bud."

Eren replied calmly, his voice carrying a touch of nonchalance in the face of Tiamat's thunderous roar. Although his body trembled slightly in proximity to the majestic draconic beast, he had grown more composed since their last encounter, gaining mastery over his emotions.

Roar!

Tiamat bellowed once more, acknowledging Eren's greeting. Then, with graceful movements, the wyvern folded its colossal wings, retracted its serpentine neck, and lowered its massive form to the ground, assuming a restful posture. Its long tail coiled protectively around its body, a testament to the latent power it possessed.

"Are you prepared for the process?"

Kino inquired, her gaze fixed on Eren. He nodded in response, conveying his readiness. In the next instant, Kino raised her right hand and, with a flick of her wrist, summoned a complex runic array.

Her delicate, fairy-like wings propelled her into the air, bringing her to a position not far from Eren and Tiamat. This arrangement left the two of them as the sole occupants within the intricate web of runes. Two Array Eyes materialized, encircling Eren and Tiamat, and intricate patterns connected them, pulsating with an enigmatic power.

Spirit Contract!

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AN: Tiamat was first mentioned in chapter 214. Spirit Contract was first mentioned in chapter 222.