Abyssal Awakening

Pulling her arm back, Alyss could see the spear crashing toward the arena.

If she punches too early, not enough power would gather. If she punches too late, the energy would disperse in every direction.

She had to time it just right so the energy was fully focused in one direction with the sole goal of destroying that spear.

Alyss wasn't sure if it was her focus reaching a level far beyond the usual but it felt as though time was slowing down.

The reactions of the crowd, the falling of the spear, everything was slow.

She could see the structure of the spear, the way the energy flowed through its form. How it maintains its shape and the connection between it and the caster.

She could see it all.

But it was different to Alice's energy sight. The strands of energy were blurry and hard to make out clearly. Instead, what she could see was the structural integrity of whatever she wanted to hit.

She could see exactly where the pressure was distributed, where she should hit.

A pulse of red flashed through the spear and Alyss understood that this was the weak spot. A single attack at this point would shatter the attack.

The hissing of flames erupted as the air began to emit crackling sounds around her fist.

Taking a single heavy step forward, Alyss held her breath and punched.

*BANG!!!

It was a simple motion.

Just a standard punch coated by an optimal amount of energy focusing on one spot and direction.

But as the punch collided with the spear, a blinding light erupted from the contact point. Cracks ripped through the spectral weapon, shattering its durability as a pulse of energy followed up, breaking it apart.

The destruction of the spear was so fast that neither Tristan nor Jianyu could comprehend what had just happened before an overwhelming force crashed against his body, sending a shock through his entire system and rendering him unconscious.

To outsiders who were perceiving time normally, it simply looked like Alyss threw out a punch that broke the spear and knocked Jianyu out.

Watching his body slam into the arena floor, a deep silence filled the spectator stands. Confused murmurs echoed out as Alyss glanced down at her fist and massaged her shoulder.

She needed more time to understand this perception of hers. To observe the structural integrity of an object and exploit it for her own benefit.

If she can master this power, she'll be able to break any equipment that someone has.

Resonance? Numbered equipment? She'll destroy them all. Hell, maybe she might even be able to break apart the equipment of Gods, the culmination of their myth and legends.

If she could replicate it like Enris's favourite weapon, she can break it.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

A smile appeared on Alyss's face as she understood that this was the next path she should embark on.

Alice can resolve any energy based attacks while she'll resolve the physical. As long as they can improve their coordination when switching out the control of their body, they'll be able to counter anything their opponents throw at them.

'I'll leave the rest to you.' Alyss smiled, feeling satisfied and wanting to theorise more about this new power.

Getting control back, Alice blinked as she wasn't sure what she should say. However, she was still in the middle of the arena and the timer didn't run out. It was her victory in the bet.

"Since you lot lost the bet, remember to visit the Crystal Drop Inn okay? Here's the location~" Alice quickly recovered and made a blood map in the air above her before making her way out.

With her sudden advertisement, the announcer also recovered and began to talk about the next fight.

Meanwhile, Alice took this chance to evacuate and get her earnings from the fight.

###

"You look like you're in a good mood." Tristan smiled helplessly as he and Arwen found Alice waiting outside the arena for them.

Arwen didn't hesitate to run up and hug Alice while Alice simply shrugged.

"Why wouldn't a girl be happy if she just earned a bunch of money? What about you? After the advertisement, it's safe to say that the other Inn owners know about you now. Plus, you'll be pretty busy tonight once everyone gets a taste of your beverages.

"Are you going to teach a part timer how to make the same drink?" Alice asked curiously since Tristan couldn't stay with Arwen all the time.

"The Church is sending over someone to help me look after Arwen when I'm not around. They'll be the new part timer so I'll teach them the recipes." Tristan replied as the three of them made their way back to the inn.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? With… you know, me in the picture." Alice raised an eyebrow.

Since he hid her existence from the Goddess, if she was to become vengeful, Arwen could be held as a hostage.

Naturally, Tristan understood where Alice was coming from. It wasn't an attempt to change his faith but rather out of concern.

Should the truth come to light, there's no doubt that Tristan will be punished.

"It's fine, the Goddess favours me and she knows that Arwen is important. And to put it bluntly, she's already a hostage." Tristan shook his head with a bitter smile.

With how important Arwen was to Tristan, the Goddess keeps an extra eye on her to make sure she's 'safe'. This could be both interpreted as goodwill and caution in the future.

"But I don't regret what I did and I never will. You helped Arwen get her voice back after all." Tristan stood proudly. The weight of his past was no longer crushing his spirit and Arwen was happier than ever.

"If you say so." Alice shrugged, finding him a little strange.

Thinking about it for a moment, Alice hesitated before letting out a small smile.

"If you ever need help with leaving this Church of yours, just give me the word. I'm pretty experienced in stopping divine beings. Remember when Solaris appeared at the port and disappeared right after?" She asked as he nodded.

Without saying anything, Alice simply made a shush motion with her finger over her lip as Tristan understood what she was insinuating.

"I'll keep your offer in mind." Tristan smiled.

He knows that Alice wouldn't give an offer like this without thinking it through.

As they made their way back, Arwen rolled up her sleeves with an excited look on her face.

"Aright! Listen up the two of you!" She stood on a table and grinned.

"After big sis Alice's performance at the arena, I'm sure that the Inn will get busy tonight! This is technically our first opening night since only big sis stumbled here so we have to be serious about it.

"Big brother will be doing the bar since he's the main attraction. I'll be taking care of the kitchen while big sis will be responsible for service!" Arwen declared as Alice pointed at herself.

"Huh? I'm involved?" Alice blinked her eyes in confusion.

"Of course! Fufu~ I think that a lot of them will be coming here to see big sis rather than the drinks." Arwen folded her arms with a nod.

"Ehhhh… but I was thinking of fighting more then le-"

"We'll give you free drinks for the entirety of tonight." Arwen interrupted.

She knew that giving Alice coins wouldn't work since Alice had plenty of Platina.

But the one thing that she learned with Alice staying over at their inn was the fact that Alice loves her alcohol.

So much so that it was practically irresistible for her!

Hearing the offer, Alice couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of saliva.

Even if it wasn't free drinks, Alice still wanted to drink the beverages that Tristan made. But free on top of everything? Hell the f*ck yes.

Wiping away her drool, Alice nodded her head.

"Alright. I'll help with service as long as I get free drinks while I'm on the job." Alice made a counteroffer.

"If you can still service customers while drinking then go for it big sis."

With an agreement made, they shook each other's hand as Tristan sighed and massaged his eyes.

However, it would be nice to have Alice helping since he was going to be busy at the bar. They needed an extra pair of hands for now.

As they prepared for each of their roles, the first customer soon came in as Alice greeted them with a smile.

"Welcome to Crystal Drop Inn, how may I help you today? Would you like some drinks from our bar, some food? Or maybe a room for the night?"

The duo that entered the inn were a pair of middle aged men who both had rough stubbles and loose casual outfits.

"Of course it's for a drink. Young lass, after you made a contract at the arena, how can we not come here to fulfil our side of the bargain?" One of them grinned as the other nodded his head in agreement.

"I see I see, a pair of gentlemen that honour their word. Please make your way to the bar." Alice nodded her head with smile.

Watching them sit down while Tristan handed them the menu, Alice welcomed the next few customers.

A few of them didn't think this was an Inn considering how extravagant the outside looked. In fact, they didn't even think it was going to be 'cheap'. Explore stories on empire

However, Alice reassured them that it was simply the owner's hobby to make the outside look this extravagant.

The sound of laughter and talking soon filled the Inn as Alice continued to work her shift… Then she got her hands on a drink.