Chapter 41: Covenanted Throne [2]
Across the entire Aethelgard, the clouds parted. The sun seemed to withdraw, its light dimming as if it, too, was waiting. The entire world felt as if it had shut down; silence fell, the wind stopped, even the sounds of nature faded into nothing.
Everyone was alerted, both mortals and Originators. All looked up to the sky, even those in seclusion had to emerge from their sanctuaries to witness what was happening.
Some tried to trace and divine the source of this phenomenon. It seemed as if the world was entering its doomsday.
But each attempt was met with severe backlash. Some even suffered a drop in their cultivation. Their expressions turned ugly as they stared into the unknown, powerless to comprehend what was unfolding.
From the shadows, a throne appeared, blurry but with some notable features.
As it materialized, Aethelgard seemed to shut down. Even though the sun hung silent in the sky, the world shook as if it was welcoming its arrival, a tremor that ran through the very bones of the earth.
It seemed to exist before the world was formed. Within it, one could almost see how the universe was created, a glimpse of the primordial chaos from which all things emerged.
Its size was contradictory, small yet vast, as if its height reached into infinity, stretching beyond the limits of mortal comprehension.
Seven cracks spread along its body, each one radiating a different aura that threw Aethelgard into chaos or obsession. The fissures pulsed with ancient light, whispering of desires long buried.
Every creature’s obsession was multiplied, some in a good way, others in a bad way. Mortals and weaker Originators had no resistance against it. Their hearts swelled with longing, their minds flooded with devotion.
Other Originators tried to defend against it, but they could not block all of it. The obsession encroached upon their hearts, seeping through their defenses like water through cracks in a dam.
The throne did not demand. It simply existed. And existence itself was enough to claim them.
Its appearance lasted only a brief second, but the entire Aethelgard had been turned upside down.
As it disappeared from the sky, creatures began to regain themselves. Surprisingly, they had no memories of what had happened.
They all seemed confused about why they were standing and looking up at the sky, not having any memories of the encounter with the throne.
Each returned to what they were doing as Aethelgard calmed down.
---
Meanwhile, at Lucien’s location, his parents and Seraphina also saw the throne that appeared for a split second.
The obsession didn’t affect them severely. And for Seraphina, she looked at this familiar throne, the same one she was seeing for the second time.
But she couldn’t remember where this familiar feeling came from. It tugged at something deep within her, yet remained just out of reach.
As it disappeared, the memories of its appearance faded from his parents’ minds. But Seraphina could still remember every encounter she had with it.
"Is he okay now? What caused him to grimace in pain?" Valyra asked worriedly, her mind beguiled with confusion. Her hands hovered over Lucien, unsure of what to do.
Lucien’s eyes were closed, his breathing steady, as if he was focused on something beyond their sight.
Seraphina looked at his parents in confusion, seeing how worried they were, it was as if they hadn’t noticed the appearance of the throne.
"Didn’t you remember what happened?" She asked, her voice carrying a hint of disbelief.
Valyra and David exchanged glances, their expressions blank.
"Remember what?" David asked, his brow furrowing. "We were just checking on Lucien. What else happened?"
Seraphina’s gaze flickered between them. They truly didn’t remember. The throne had appeared, massive, ancient, overwhelming, and yet it had already been erased from their minds like a dream upon waking.
She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it.
No.
She would keep it a secret. For now.
There should be a reason for this, and it seemed related to Lucien. She trusted her instincts.
Did that mean it was erased from everyone’s mind? She was sure with such a spectacular and domineering appearance, some or everyone in Aethelgard would have noticed.
And for Lucien’s parents not to remember anything, it might be the same for the others.
"Nothing," she said, her voice steady. "I was just making sure you were both paying attention."
Valyra’s worried gaze returned to Lucien, too consumed by her son’s condition to question further. "Lucien, can you hear me?"
David watched Seraphina for a moment longer, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he said nothing. He turned back to his son.
Seraphina’s gaze drifted to the sky.
The throne was gone. But she could still feel it, its presence lingering at the edges of her consciousness, like a whisper just beyond hearing.
---
Lucien couldn’t hear the outside world. He was in an endless starry sky. This wasn’t the problem.
There was a blurry throne before him. He felt curious, because he guessed this was the Covenanted Throne. But what was it all about?
Ding!
[The Covenanted Throne has awakened.]
[The Host’s soul is no longer a vessel — it is a seat of power. Obsession is no longer a force that acts upon the Host; it is a force the Host commands.]
[You have further awakened the special trait: Obsessive Sovereignty (Active).]
[You have gained the passive skill: Obsession Amplification.]
[All stat bonuses from Obsession Links are now multiplied by 3x.]
[You have gained the passive skill: Resonance Acceleration.]
[Obsession Resonance growth increased by 100%. Bonds deepen twice as fast through interaction, affection, and shared danger.]
[You have gained the active skill: Throne’s Call.]
[Once per day, bind a target with spectral chains. Immobilized for 10 seconds. Stats reduced by 50%. Requires a full day of rest before it can be used again.]
[You have gained the active skill: Devotion Surge.]
[Once per day, restore 100% HP and 100% MP from active Obsession Links. Requires a full day of rest before it can be used again.]
[You have gained the active skill: Covenanted Sanctuary.]
[Once per week, create a 50-meter domain of obsession. Stats +200%. Lasts 120 seconds. Allies gain 50% of the Host’s stat bonuses. Requires seven days of rest before it can be used again.]
[You have unlocked: Obsession Link Stabilization.]
[Obsession Links no longer decay over time. Once formed, a bond remains permanent, distance, time, and absence no longer weaken the connection.]
[You have unlocked: Phantom Yandere Legion (Full).]
[Summon spectral projections of all active wives for 120 seconds. Each projection deals 80% of her damage and has 60% of her HP. They fight alongside the Host with unwavering devotion. Requires half a day of rest before it can be used again.]
[You have unlocked: Covenanted Throne Origin.]
[The Host’s Origin Soul has fully awakened. The Dormant Origin Core has been shattered, and the Covenanted Throne now serves as the Host’s Main Origin Soul. All stats permanently increased by 50%. All active skills from the Covenanted Throne have their restrictions reduced by 30%. The Host now resonates with the very concept of obsession.]
Ding!
[Obsession Parameters Met. Beginning Awakening of Pillar of Obsession.]
---
At this moment, Seraphina, who was still contemplating the appearance of the throne, suddenly felt a heat from her heart. It was as if she was on fire.
ROAR!
A/N: The second Chapter will come a bit late. If you don’t understand something about the skills above, I am free to answer questions, but discussing in the Discord Server would be better.