In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

[This is the stone tomb of an ancient god. I served alongside Lord Akhenaten Memphis Sphinx to protect this site,] Garett replied.

Miaomiao, who had been sitting quietly on Michael's shoulder, suddenly leapt to the ground. Startled, Michael glanced at her, but her focus was locked on Garett.

[Akhenaten Memphis Sphinx? Did you truly serve him?] she asked, her usual playful tone entirely absent, replaced by an uncharacteristic gravity.

Noticing the tension, Michael decided to stay silent and observe their exchange.

[Indeed, we all served Lord Akhenaten. Do you know of him?] Garett inquired.

Miaomiao's eyes shimmered with sorrow. Michael, alarmed by her expression, tried to calm her, but she drew a deep breath and spoke in a trembling voice.

[Michael, Akhenaten Memphis Sphinx was my grandfather. He disappeared fifteen thousand years ago. Neither I nor my father ever had the chance to meet him. Do you have any idea what happened to him?]

Garett and the other gargoyles silently knelt again, their gestures conveying deep reverence as though they had finally met their rightful master.

[To think you are truly our master's descendant. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Nefertari. While guarding this tomb, a group of individuals arrived seeking Lord Akhenaten. After much deliberation, he left with them,] Garett explained.

Miaomiao's voice trembled as she asked, [Who were these people who came for my grandfather?]

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Garett took a moment to recall. [They were diverse—humans, dragons, the forest clans, and the earth clans. They mentioned a gathering of many races to discuss a matter of grave importance for the continent's survival.]

His eyes grew distant as he continued. [Lord Akhenaten left with them, instructing us to protect the tomb. Later, he returned with a new group. We wished to accompany him, but he deemed it too dangerous. He sealed us here and ventured inside. He never emerged. When the bond of his spirit was severed, we knew…]

Garett's voice trailed off, heavy with grief. Miaomiao turned to Michael, her face etched with sadness.

[He was the strongest of the Sphinx lineage. Something must have gone terribly wrong. Are you certain no one else emerged from the tomb?]

Garett nodded solemnly. [No one. We have waited here, sealed, for our master to return and awaken us. But none came out.]

The other gargoyles nodded in unison, their movements synchronized like a disciplined army.

Miaomiao looked back at Michael, determination burning in her eyes. [I must confirm my grandfather's fate. The core of the Sphinx cannot simply be left unclaimed. There must be a reason I was drawn here. It is his call for me to recover the core.]

Michael nodded, understanding the necessity of continuing their exploration. Relieved, Miaomiao resumed her questioning.

[Do you remember anything else?]

[After Lord Akhenaten and his companions entered the depths, there was a massive surge of mana. The ground shook briefly before the outer parts of the tomb were sealed. It was undoubtedly his sealing magic. He seemed to have blocked the path to the sea, but the reason remains unclear. Perhaps he simply wanted to ensure this place remained hidden,] Garett replied.

Miaomiao placed a paw on Michael's shoulder, her voice thoughtful. [Between the magic circle at the lake and this place, it seems the continent's strongest beings gathered to seal a volcano. If that volcano had erupted, the entire continent would have been affected. The body of an ancient god would have been an immense source of mana—a power they likely harnessed to activate the magic circle.]

Michael looked at her, intrigued. "A source of mana?"

Miaomiao nodded, her tone returning to its usual playful cadence as she explained. [Exactly. That's why our Sphinx clan guarded the tomb. So many invaders targeted these tombs that our numbers dwindled. Now, no other tombs remain.]

Michael's shoulders slumped at the revelation. Sensing his dismay, Miaomiao gently patted him with her paw.

[Don't lose hope. Ancient gods' tombs were always buried with vast treasures. Even a mundane item from that era would sell for a fortune. It's worth looking forward to,] she said, smiling as Michael's spirits visibly lifted.

[And remember, my grandfather took our family's heirloom with him. If we find him, we'll find the treasure too. Stay strong! Oh, and if I absorb his core, I'll become at least twice as powerful!]

The mention of the Sphinx heirloom and a stronger Miaomiao filled Michael with excitement. His mind raced with possibilities.

"Garett, do you know the layout of this place?" Michael asked.

Standing rigidly, Garett replied, [I do not know everything, but I am familiar with the general structure. Beyond the tomb lies a coastal cave where seawater flows in and out. I have not ventured further.]

Michael was astonished. "This place is connected to the sea?"

[Yes. It takes about two hours of flight from here to reach it. The tide flows in and out at intervals. Although I've never ventured outside, Lord Akhenaten often went there for fresh air. I suppose now he was visiting his family,] Garett said nonchalantly.

Michael was exhilarated by this unexpected revelation. He knew that beyond the Iron Valley's lake and mountain ranges lay the ocean, but the journey over the mountains took over five days and was fraught with high-level beasts.

If this passage could serve as a direct route to the sea, it would provide a significant strategic advantage. His mind swirled with plans involving maritime access.

Exchanging a glance with Miaomiao, Michael and the group took flight, heading toward the ancient god's tomb. Previously cautious in their approach, they now moved with purpose.@@novelbin@@

As Michael glanced at Miaomiao wiping her eyes with her paw, her face seemed even more somber.

[I thought knowing his fate would bring me peace, but my heart feels heavier. I don't even know how to explain this to my grandmother or father,] she confessed, her voice laden with sorrow.

Michael gently patted her back, wishing to console her but unsure of what to say. Moments like these reminded him of his emotional shortcomings. Despite his progress, there was still much to learn.

Seeing his concern, Miaomiao suddenly straightened and shouted confidently.

[Enough moping around! Let's stay strong!] Miaomiao suddenly shouted, her voice brimming with determination.