God Ash: Remnants of the fallen.

He had drawn numerous magic circles, more than he could count, even.

Although a spatial anchor was not easy to create, it was not something he had little knowledge of.

The most difficult thing about it was aligning the spatial coordinates. The measurements made were according to the standard unit of the system, and the focal point was the position of the {Spatial Gate}.

The spatial anchor was created to tie down a mana signature the {Spatial Gate} could recognize.

Once the signature was sent out, the {Spatial Gate} would open up and created a rift that facilitated a {Spatial Jump}.

The design and concept of the {Spatial Gate} was based on his {Spatial Jump} skill, after all.

The spell itself was contained within a magic circle.

And the catalyst for this magic circle, was the tainted blood of the Devils.

Ordinarily, the blood of a Devil was sufficed with enough Devil Essence to kill a man.

But thanks to his unique constitution, Cain could endure it just fine with little to not hardships.

To make things even better, his body could even assimilate and convert any Devil Essence that got in into Demon Matter.

Cain focused on drawing out the lines and the runes.

Each one of them had meaning and was an integral part of the magic circle so even the smallest mistakes could be fatal.

Dealing with spatial magic was dangerous too, so errors were bound to cause mishaps, which usually unavoidably led to death.

He increased his focus more until the only thing that existed in this world was himself, his brush and the blank canvas that was the ground.

His fingers danced elegantly. Like an artist watching his graceful muse.

His lazer focus has turned into an absentminded fixation. In this state of heightened focus, his lines and curves seemed even smoother.

In a few minutes, a portion of the ground was covered in squiggly black lines and strange distorted shaped and symbols.

Mana gathered within the room, slowly becoming denser until a thin layer of fog materialized within the room.

This fog was a condensed form of mana that could only exist in places with high densities of mana, usually occuring naturally.

Cain didn't seem to realize this as he was too occupied drawing the magic circle.

Outside the room, Legarde stood leaning against the door, his eyes closed.

The sound of footsteps approaching caused his eyes to snap open.

"What are you doing here? Don't you have work to do?"

Julio chuckled wryly as he scratched his head,

"I just wanted to see how everything was going." He said.

Legarde narrowed his eyes and gave him a suspicious glare,

The lights in the dimly lit hallway flickered,

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Legarde asked.

Julio paused for a moment then shook his head,

"Not particularly..."

"So there is something? What is it? Spit it out. You aren't a youngster anymore so you shouldn't have any problems speaking your mind."

Julio raised his hands and chuckled nervously,

"As forceful as ever..."

He was silent for a while. Unable to resist Legarde's hard stare, he finally blurted out what was on his mind,

"Cain... What do you think of him?"

Legarde raised a brow,

"Is that what is bothering you?"

Julio nodded hesitantly.

Legarde shrugged,

"My opinion doesn't matter, does it?"

Julio pursed his lips,

"He... he defeated Arnach with a single blow."

The silence stretched out...

Like a shadow cast by the moon on a cold winter's night.

It was deafening.

Legarde frowned,

"Are you sure?"

Julio grimaced,

"There was no mistaking it. I wouldn't be here speaking to you if he hadn't done it, would I?"

"Do you expect me to believe that Arnach, a Tier 2, Level 250, Legendary Grade {Greater Flame Devil} the size of three buildings stacked together was defeated by him?"

Julio nodded seriously,

"With a single blow too."

Legarde scratched his head,

"I see."

Julio raised a brow,

"You believe me?"

The old warrior smiled wryly,

"How can I doubt you? I noticed the damned bastard's suppression fade away a while back so I assumed he was pulled back or something. I had no idea something like this had happened."

He frowned,

"Doesn't make it sound less unreasonable..."

Julio smiled wryly,

"I don't think there is anything reasonable about him."

Legarde turned to him,

"So? Why are you telling me this?"

Julio stepped closer, a sly look on his face as he whispered,

"We should try our best to get on his good side. Believe it or not, he is the kind of guy to be surrounded by beautiful women all the time, I tell you... If we are not persistent, I don't think our Mira will stand a chance."

At first, Legarde nodded thoughtfully. However, towards the end, his face darkened.

In mere moments, he was already reaching for his spear,

"I ought to cut you down right here and now!"

Julio hastily retreated,

"Think about it, old man!"

Watching Julio retreat, he clicked his tongue.

Turning towards the door,.a strange expression appeared on his face,

"Who are you, really..."

***

The hours passed by slowly.

The lines drawn with the Devil's blood pulsated with lights of alternating intensity.

A thick layer of mana blanketed the room. However, there was also another layer of energy within. A carpet of Devil Essence.

However, it was being siphoned away rather quickly into Cain's body.

Slowly, his eyes opened up.

Cain exhaled sharply.

He looked down.

The magic circle has been completed.

All that was left to do was deliver the finishing touches in the form of placing the mana cores at the nodes.

Any elemental mana shard would work, and since spatial elemental mana shards were rare and pricey, he decided to keep those and use others instead.

His fingers moved quickly, placing shiny orb after shiny orb into designated spots etched into the ground.

In less than a minute, a constellation was created on the dark floor.

The mana cores were the stars, and the magic circle was the fabric of reality.

Cain closed his eyes and let his will stretch forth.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then, the magic circle began to emit a faint glow.

The space within the room immediately became volatile.

Cain's hair whipped back Luke dark fabric caught in the wind.

A ferocious gale had appeared within the enclosed room.

Finally, a pulse of mana surged out of the magic circle, sending cracks through the walls and windows.

A stable spatial rift appeared right behind him a moment later.

Cain exhaled sharply once again, slowly opening his eyes.

It was a success...