In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 93 Altar

What followed was grueling.

Each day, Michael was pushed to his limits. The training involved unlearning old habits, refining his swordsmanship, and adjusting his aura pathways. By the end of each session, he would collapse from exhaustion.

Alexander showed no mercy. Every day brought new challenges and pain, but Michael gritted his teeth and persevered.

After six months of intense training, Michael collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily. His body was drenched in sweat, his muscles trembling from strain.

Seeing that the training was complete, Alexander approached and offered his hand.

"It has been an honor to train you, my lord. You've accomplished in six months what most would take a year to achieve. Your talent is truly remarkable," Alexander said, his blue eyes glinting with pride.

Michael took his hand, a smile tugging at his lips.

"It's been an honor learning from you, Alexander."

Thanks to the training, Michael's aura no longer concentrated solely around his heart—it now flowed seamlessly through his entire body. He felt stronger, more in control than ever before. The aura, once requiring focused effort to summon, now came as naturally as breathing.

Michael knew this technique would turn the world upside down if it became widely known.

Alexander, sensing Michael's thoughts, spoke solemnly. "I have one request. Please promise me that the techniques I've taught you remain within your family. You are my final and greatest student, my lord."

Placing a hand over his chest, Michael bowed deeply. "I, Michael von Crassus, swear to carry your legacy as your sole successor."

Tears welled in Alexander's eyes. "Such an honor… Thank you, my lord. If you ever have children, bring them here. I'll ensure your lineage carries this legacy forward."

Michael nodded, gratitude evident in his expression. "Thank you, Alexander. I'll never forget this debt. But must you remain bound here forever?"

Alexander's wistful smile hinted at a deeper sorrow.

Bound by his contract with the goddess, Alexander sighed resignedly.

"I have no choice but to follow the goddess's will. Unless the gods descend again, I am tied to this place," he explained.

Michael placed a reassuring hand on Alexander's shoulder before pulling him into a firm embrace.

"I can't promise to visit often, but I'll make sure to drop by when I can. And when I do, you'll have to spar with me."

His hug radiated warmth and solace, and Alexander hesitated briefly before awkwardly patting Michael's back.

"...Of course, my lord. It would be my honor," Alexander replied, his voice tinged with emotion.

As they released each other, Michael took a step back, locking eyes with Alexander. The shared understanding and camaraderie built over six months of grueling training passed silently between them.

Turning toward the exit of the training ground, Michael began walking away. Alexander stood silently, watching Michael's retreating figure for a long moment.

"My new lord… may you remain strong and victorious always," he murmured to himself.

Emerging from the training ground, Michael was greeted by Lucrecia's familiar voice and welcoming smile.

"Welcome back, my lord. Was your training fruitful?"

"It was more than fruitful," Michael replied with a satisfied nod. "Where are the others?"

"They are resting, my lord. Would you like me to summon them?"

"That would be helpful, thank you."

With a slight tilt of her head, Lucrecia sent gray mist billowing outward. Before long, the mist began to dissipate, revealing Michael's companions one by one.

[Michael! You're finally back! This place is amazing!] Miaomiao exclaimed, her tail flicking excitedly. [The hot springs made my fur so soft! You have to feel it!]

She brushed her tail against Michael's leg, and he picked her up, stroking her back with a smile. Miaomiao purred contentedly until her eyes locked onto Marcus.

[Hiss! What are you staring at?]

[Nothing, nothing, sister… You're just treated so differently than me...] Marcus muttered, his crest drooping in dejection.

Their squabbling was interrupted by Alfred's arrival. Refreshed and relaxed, he gave Michael an approving look.

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"Back already? I see you've accomplished much," Alfred observed.

"Yes, though I can't share all the details, I've gained something invaluable," Michael replied with a meaningful smile.

"That's all that matters. Let's head back, then."

After exchanging farewells with Lucrecia, the group prepared to depart.

"Thank you for everything, Lucrecia. You're bound to this place as well, aren't you?" Michael asked.

Lucrecia's serene smile returned. "Yes, my lord. Like Alexander, I am tied here by my contract with the goddess."

"What will you do now that the storerooms are empty?"

"I will simply remain here. I can sleep in mist form when there's nothing to tend to, so please do not worry about me."

Michael placed a comforting hand on her slender shoulder and drew her into an embrace. Despite her missing limbs, she felt no different from any other person.

"Take care, Lucrecia. I'll visit when I can."

Her radiant smile, free of its usual melancholy, lit up her face.

"I will await your return, my lord."

Michael turned toward his companions, ready to leave, but Lucrecia called out to him.

"One moment, my lord. Your journey here was guided by the temple's cornerstone, correct? That cornerstone is part of a paired offering altar," she explained.

Michael looked back at her, intrigued.

"The paired altars were used to transport offerings to the goddess. Originally, both were on the surface, but it seems one was repurposed for the castle."

Lucrecia extended a tendril of mist toward the central hall.

"The other altar lies there. Even in our time, it was considered ancient and relied on the power of the volcano below. You can use it to travel to the other altar's location."

Michael's eyes lit up.

If the altar connected the castle and the temple, it could serve as a critical evacuation route for his family and people in times of crisis.

"We won't become sacrifices using this thing, will we?" Michael asked, half-joking.

Lucrecia's tone turned defensive. "Not at all, my lord. While you trained, I altered its function to ensure your safety. However, the altar still requires the spiritual energy of the deceased offerings to activate—only for the first use, of course."