In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

[As the tomb's guardian, I wrestled with my duty, but for the continent's safety—and for my unborn child—I made my decision. I dismantled the protective barriers and brought the two divine remains here. As we pooled our strength, a traitor revealed their hand.]

Akhenaten's jaw clenched, his fury resonating throughout the cavern. The air itself seemed to vibrate with his anger, causing the walls to hum ominously. Even as a mere apparition, his power was palpable—a testament to his status as one of the ancient era's strongest beings.

[The traitor absorbed the power of the two divine remains and every fragment of the ancient gods we had gathered. We only realized what was happening far too late. We assumed the energy was being drawn into the magic circle, but by the time we discovered the truth, the power had already been stolen.]

The vibrations grew louder, and debris began falling from the ceiling. Akhenaten took a moment to compose himself, and the cavern stilled once more.

[Breaking our concentration could have caused a catastrophic backlash that would've annihilated us all. The traitor, having absorbed all the divine power, attacked us, disrupting the delicate balance of energy. We collapsed, coughing blood, while he escaped unscathed. Pursuing him was futile—we couldn't retrieve the stolen power. Absorbing that much divine energy should have caused countless backlashes, yet he showed no signs of strain. It was... unheard of.]

He sighed, his tone tinged with bitterness.

Michael felt a growing tension, his unease mirrored in Miaomiao's anxious gaze. The mention of absorbing divine power struck uncomfortably close to Michael's own abilities.

[We tried contacting the first team using the Whisper of Tears earrings,] Akhenaten continued. [But there was no response. When we reached their tomb, we found one earring left behind in its case.]

A single tear rolled down Akhenaten's ethereal face.

Miaomiao's voice trembled. [The first team... they were all killed, weren't they? That explains why so few artifacts from the ancient gods remain—they return to their original locations when their owners die.]

Akhenaten nodded silently.

[Exactly. With no time to confirm if the first team had succeeded, I resorted to an ancient soul-binding ritual.]

Miaomiao's eyes widened in shock. [So that's why everyone was positioned that way when they died!]

Akhenaten looked at her with a mix of sorrow and affection, his gaze softening as he beheld his granddaughter.

[Yes, it was painful to know I would never meet the child who was to be born, but we all agreed to give our lives. Not one of us hesitated,] Akhenaten said, his voice filled with solemn resolve.

Tears streamed down Miaomiao's small face. Sobbing, she turned to Michael and explained, [The soul-binding ritual... It requires a being of great power to willingly extract their own heart, offering their soul and magic as a sacrifice. It's the ultimate ritual, demanding the ultimate sacrifice...]

Her words broke off into uncontrollable sobs. If Akhenaten's account was true, then apart from the traitor, 149 of the continent's strongest beings had willingly sacrificed themselves for the survival of all.

Michael and the group bowed deeply toward Akhenaten and the remains scattered on the deck, their expressions filled with reverence.

[Through everyone's sacrifice, the ritual succeeded. We watched the magic circle activate as we passed away. There is no regret in that choice, only sorrow that I could not remain to protect you,] Akhenaten said, his gaze tender as he looked at Miaomiao.

She smiled back through her tears. [You're leaving soon, aren't you? If there's anything you'd like me to convey, please tell me. I'll make sure your message is delivered.]

Akhenaten beckoned her closer and whispered softly. Miaomiao's face lit up with a radiant smile. [Yes, I'll make sure to tell them, Grandfather.]

His expression composed, Akhenaten addressed the entire group.

[As the ritual's executor, I remained as this projection, but my comrades could not even leave their final words. I do not know if their descendants survive, but the only thing I can hope for now is vengeance.]

Michael hesitated. "It's been 25,000 years since those events. Even if you sought revenge, your target..."

Akhenaten shook his head, cutting Michael off. [At some point, I could no longer speak the traitor's name. After absorbing that much power, he ascended to godhood. His name is Lu*#%@.]

The end of the name was distorted, as though another force intervened. Ignoring it, Akhenaten continued. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire@@novelbin@@

[I do not know what religion he may have founded, but I trust you can uncover it. No faith built by such a being could be righteous. Destroy it. It will be a difficult path, but I ask this of you... even if it is only an effort. Will you swear to this?]

Michael thought of the Radiance Church, believed to have originated 15,000 years ago. Could it be that this betrayal dated back 25,000 years? He shook his head quickly. Until he had the strength, it was too dangerous to reveal hostility toward such an entity.

Miaomiao seemed to share his realization, exchanging a meaningful look with Michael. Together, they swore their pledge to Akhenaten.

Once again, fate seemed to bind them to a larger scheme. Was this destiny's cruel jest?

As the others made their vows, satisfaction spread across Akhenaten's face. From within his form, he produced a scroll.

[Here is a record of the comrades who perished with me and the artifacts of the ancient gods they carried. I've marked the locations of their tombs. While the methods to breach their defenses change constantly, knowing the locations will allow Nefertari and the Garetts to assist. Imagine, a tomb guardian encouraging grave-robbing! Hahaha! My granddaughter, absorb the remaining cores here and grow stronger.]

Pausing, Akhenaten turned to Michael with a serious expression.

[Should you find any descendants of my comrades and see them struggling, would you take care of them?]

Michael nodded confidently. [Of course. Seeing the descendants of such noble sacrifices suffer would be unacceptable. I'll do everything I can to help.]