The Invincible Full-Moon System Chapter 1766: Last of the Apparition

Kei Xun opened her glowing eyes, drawing a long, deep breath through her nose.

She remained seated in the tranquility of her sanctuary. It was a location that provided the specific serenity she required most.

Only a short while ago, she had joined the assembly of other Scions. Although a significant amount of time had passed since their last meeting, her presence wasn't for them; she had attended specifically to witness Rex undertake the initiation ritual. Just as she anticipated, Rex had not let her down.

He remained as dominant as ever, even when facing those formidable entities. It appeared as though nothing possessed the strength to break his spirit.

Regarding the trial from the Highseat of Invincibility itself, her anxiety had been too great to watch. While a certain number of Scions are ranked by their proximity to the throne, an immeasurable number of people perish before they even begin their ascent. Throughout her life, she had seen nearly ten thousand gifted individuals fail before they could truly become a Scion.

At this stage, she saw no point in observing. There was no joy for her in watching people be slaughtered or fail the examination.

Nevertheless, she sensed a shift in the atmosphere. The air within the sanctuary began to vibrate, and her heart skipped a beat in perfect synchronization. This sign brought a faint smile to her lips.

"He passed the test," Kei Xun thought to herself with a smile.

She sensed the birth of a new, mature Scion, and it could be none other than Rex. This should have been shocking, considering the trial was notoriously brutal, agonizing, and frequently soul-crushing. However, after getting to know Rex and observing his journey, she felt this outcome was only natural. It felt as though he was destined for greatness, making his success a foregone conclusion.

Despite her previous nerves, she had known deep down that he possessed the necessary qualities to succeed. "A new challenger from the Anger Stratum. Things are about to become very interesting."

Suddenly, Kei Xun’s attention snapped toward the heavens. Standing up, she moved to the edge of her platform and peered at the radiant sun as a fresh distortion appeared. This disturbance did not originate from Rex.

"Celestial energy...?" she whispered to herself, a visible frown marring her features.

At that exact moment, a shadow manifested in the center of the chamber behind her. The figure was massive, standing at least twelve feet tall with a staggering presence. It was a humanoid monstrosity. Both of its arms were shaped like gargantuan blades, and its head bore two massive horns. These horns were as large as its own torso, curving inward like a pair of cobras to form a heart shape.

"He’s been acknowledged."

"Yes, his transformation is palpable even from this distance," Kei Xun replied, slowly turning her body to face the visitor.

"I doubt you traveled here merely to deliver that news."

"I may not belong to the Sadness Stratum, but I have been monitoring your actions."

"Let me guess... you wish to inquire about what I know of him."

"You have a connection to him—and you have witnessed his history. Share your knowledge. I require confirmation that he will not interfere with my designs. A new Scion of the Anger Stratum is a complication. Another Scion for that Stratum is never a positive development."

"As I thought, you are becoming quite easy to read."

A soft laugh escaped Kei Xun, which clearly irritated the massive figure. Someone of her status shouldn't be speaking to him in such a condescending tone, yet he forced himself to remain composed. After all, she held the data he sought.

"I wouldn’t concern myself with him," Kei Xun said, turning fully to meet the figure's eyes. "His only concern is those close to him. So long as you stay away from his domain, you won't have to deal with him as an adversary."

"Understood. A lion cub remains a lion, regardless of age." Since he had no plans to intrude, the figure wasn't bothered. He likewise desired no hostiles entering his own territory.

"Do you intend to back him? Your master will not view that kindly," the figure remarked, his eyes scanning the chamber and noting the faint cracks appearing in the structure. "Especially since she has already dispatched her lapdog to discipline you."

"Why should I worry? It is your responsibility to ensure I am protected from prying eyes," Kei Xun said with a shrug.

The figure offered no verbal reply. He simply nodded, accepting the statement as valid, and prepared to depart. He had obtained his answers, which was sufficient. However, Kei Xun called out to stop him.

"Wait," she said, stepping off her platform to approach him. "Can you assist him?"

"Assist him?" The figure arched an eyebrow and glanced at the sky, realizing her intent. "He is perfectly capable of protecting himself. It isn't like you to play the guardian. Does he remind you of someone else?"

Kei Xun’s face tightened at the remark. It was a painful subject. She composed herself quickly, however. "That God is acting disgracefully. How many times has he interfered in the lower planes? I know he hasn't technically crossed the line, but he shouldn't be this obvious about it. Resistance must be shown. If not through strength, then at least through words."

The giant figure let out a dark chuckle. He understood her point. Not even the highest-ranking Scions had been harassed so relentlessly from their inception, forced to survive divine plots repeatedly before becoming a Blank. As she noted, he did have the power to intervene, but that power was restricted by ancient laws.

"You are aware of the regulations, Divine Saintess," the figure stated, resting a hand on her shoulder. His smile was bright as he dismissed her plea. "The First God is strictly off-limits. He is not our target, and that is final. We shall not speak of this again."

"But don't be discouraged," he added, turning to leave. "He is a difficult man to break, I can promise you that."

Swish—!

<Congratulations on passing the preliminary stage of Invincibility!>

<Evolution into a Blank is now commencing...>

<Main Quest: First Invincibility — Completed!>

<Calculating Rewards...>

Rex reached into the radiance, seeking to reclaim control over his physical form permanently. But instead of light, a wave of shadow rushed from behind and consumed him. Once his vision adjusted to the dark, the environment began to take shape. Rex quickly recognized his surroundings.

He was standing in a familiar living room. It was a house etched deeply into his mind, feeling as though he had been there only yesterday. Everything was exactly as he recalled. A small table meant for four people, a modest layout that felt warm, and an open kitchen from which delicious smells usually wafted. Rex remembered every detail. This was the home where his journey began.

Feeling a presence, Rex turned to find a young boy. It was his younger self from years ago, standing near the entrance, draped in shadow. However, at this moment, the child wasn't truly him—it was the Invincible Apparition. Rex smiled, finally understanding the truth of the situation.

"A Werewolf possesses an Inner Fang given by the Great Luna to warn them of their bloodlust and the coming full moon," Rex said, turning slowly to face the Apparition with a gentle expression. "But I only ever had you."

He took a slow step forward, signaling he meant no harm. On the contrary, he felt only affection for the intimidating child in the dark.

"I've spent so much time wondering... what is your true purpose? I was confused. Were you there to fuel my revenge? To prove I hadn't moved on? To remind me the scars would never fade? Or perhaps to force me to grow stronger through fear? But I see it now..."

Thud...

Rex stopped directly in front of the Invincible Apparition, meeting its fiery stare with a soft gaze. Anyone else would have run, as the child radiated lethal intent. But Rex saw no threat; he realized what the Apparition truly represented. He leaned down, placing his hands on his knees to look the entity in the eye.

"You aren't trying to destroy me. You aren't here to haunt or drive me," he said firmly. "You are here because you want me to accept you, don't you?"

After he had achieved his revenge by slaying Ruston, his primary motivation had vanished. He had found new reasons to grow powerful as enemies targeted those he loved. For a time, he had tried to leave the past behind to focus on a new future. He wanted to ensure no one else suffered like he had. But in doing so, he was trying to suppress who he used to be. This had become clear when he had to fix his soul with Elder Tilrith’s help. Rex had been subconsciously trying to erase his history.

Initially, the Apparition might have appeared to push him toward vengeance. But why return now? Was it simply because he was chosen as a Scion? No, the reason was more profound. His subconscious had brought the Apparition back as a defense mechanism. Refusing to accept his past would eventually lead to his downfall. It would be a fatal flaw, and his soul knew it. Thus, the Apparition returned.

Rex had already embraced his werewolf nature, no longer feeling shame for the primal instincts of the beast. There was no reason left to reject his own history.

"The truth is, you just didn't want to be forgotten, right?" Rex reached out and placed a hand on the Apparition’s head. "All that talk of breaking me was just your way of making me realize you are a part of me. A part that is also powerful."

The Apparition’s hostile gaze softened. It was a shocking sight, as Rex hadn't known the entity was capable of such an expression. It confirmed he was right.

"I hope this is our final meeting," the Invincible Apparition finally spoke. For the first time, its lips curled into a genuine smile—a glimpse of the innocent boy he had once been before the world turned dark. "Do not forget me."

"I won't," Rex nodded, watching as the boy's form began to dissolve into the shadows. A reddish light flowed from the Apparition into Rex’s core, handing over full control. "I will never ignore your anger again. I'll take this heat and use it to build a better future."

"I would like to see that," the Apparition’s voice echoed. "For now, I will stay with them. Don't die until your work is done."

"The longer I live, the more stories I'll have to tell them. I don't plan on dying anytime soon."

Back at the Tomb of Heroes.

Stelios and the members of the Silverstar Pack watched in stunned silence. Within the pillar of light—a solar beam so intense it vaporized the very ground—a silhouette stood firm. A reddish aura began to overwhelm the golden light. Rex blinked, returning to his senses.

"Now that I’ve embraced this rage, nothing can stop me..."

He turned his glowing eyes toward Stelios. "You lose."