This Beast-Tamer is a Little Strange

Chapter 500: Chapter 500: For Serena's Sake

Kain stared at the strange devices he had collected, now laid out in front of him on the stone platform.

Each one was covered in intricate patterns of faintly glowing sigils, but what was likely once a brilliant purple light was now barely flickering.

The chamber itself remained bathed in the soft, golden glow of its mysterious healing energy, but Kain's mind was elsewhere. He had hoped that simply placing the devices on the platform would reactivate them, but it was clear now that whatever golden energy was powering this room was not compatible with them. What they needed was likely the violet energy derived from the planet's core, but had been almost completely drained from the ruins over time.

Prismarin, perched beside Serena, watched with an unusually serious expression. "These objects likely ran on energy drawn from the core of this world," Kain explained to it, upon seeing it glaring at his inaction.

Kain knew that using its clones it had explored far more of the relic than he had, but he wasn't sure if it yet knew that the main power source used by this civilization was a fragment of the planet's core. "But after countless centuries, that energy has been reduced to almost nothing. And based on the condition of the platform we found them on, which were likely meant to replenish them, it is unlikely we'd find a suitable source to recharge them in this relic."

The Prismarin hopped closer, its luminous eyes narrowing as it examined the device in Kain's hand. "So, if we can recharge them, they might still be useful. But where are we going to get that kind of energy? That core your talking about has likely been long depleted, and we don't have access to anything like it."

Kain frowned, fingers tapping absently against the pommel of his spear. If these devices held answers—if they could somehow help Serena—he needed them to function. But without their original energy source, there was no way to power them up.

Unless…

His gaze flickered toward Serena. Her still, pale form lay undisturbed on the dais, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. Even with the golden light of the chamber working to heal her, she had not stirred once since he arrived.

Kain clenched his jaw. There was one other source of energy that might work. Using the energy contained in the core from Pangea itself. That same energy had activated to resist abyssal energy in the past, so Kain knew that it could be released from the planet, and perhaps harnessed in these machines. Although, the energy may not be exact same, it was the closest Kain could find to a substitute. Under these circumstances.

The thought sent a sharp wave of unease through him. This plan was risky. Pangea's core was tied to the planet's stability. If he drained too much of its energy, it could have serious consequences which was why he'd wanted to limit the number of beast-tamers he created using Pangea as a medium.

But as he looked at Serena, motionless and fragile in a way he had never seen before, hesitation turned into something else. A quiet, burning resolve.

Their numerous interactions over the past year, from shared missions, to taking care of Gabriel together, have brought them closer together. At the very least, Serena had played an instrumental role in his being able to figure out how to create beast-tamers, he can just think of this as a long overdue repayment.

He placed his hand on one of the devices that looked like it may be related to healing—a cube shaped device that resembled a rapid healing technology the Order possessed. Taking a steady breath and closing his eyes, he focused on the connection he shared with Pangea. He could feel the planet's core, a faint pulse of energy that resonated deep within him. It was a lighter violet than the energy depicted in the carvings, and what was emitted by that half-mechanical abomination he fought previously, but it was similar enough. He reached out with his spiritual energy, allowing it to flow through him and into the device.

At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the carvings on the device began to glow brighter, the dim purple light intensifying. Kain could feel the energy flowing from Pangea, through him, and into the device. It was a strange sensation, like a river of power coursing through his veins. But as the device began to fill, he could also feel the strain—not just on himself, but on Pangea.

The connection between Kain and his planet was deep, and he could sense the changes almost immediately. Many of the lush forests of Pangea began to wither, their vibrant green fading to a sickly brown.

The rivers, once teeming with life, grew still and stagnant as many of the mid-grade and above spiritual creatures fell into a lethargic state due to the sudden depletion of spiritual power on the planet's surface, leaving the planet's inhabitants feeling weaker, more vulnerable.

Those strongest on the planet, including Aurem who had increased rapidly in strength since he first hatched, fell into a deep hibernation. In an instant only the weaker creatures remained awake.

But that didn't mean those weaker creatures were well-off, earthquakes rumbled across the planet's surface, and tsunamis crashed against the shores, leaving destruction in their wake.

Kain's breath came in short bursts and the immense soul-deep pain he felt almost made him throw up on the spot, but he continued to channel the energy.

Every second took a toll on him, his body trembling with the effort. But he pushed through, determined to see this through. Finally, with a final surge of energy, the device was fully charged, its surface glowing with a bright, steady light.

Kain opened his eyes, his body trembling with exhaustion. He could feel the changes on Pangea, the planet's pain echoing through him. But strangely…he didn't regret his actions like he thought he would.

"It's done," Kain said, his voice hoarse. "The device is fully charged."

The Prismarin hopped closer, its luminous eyes wide with concern. Although it was curious how Kain had seemingly achieved the impossible, it didn't question his methods. "Kain… are you alright? You look… pale. And that was just one…"

Kain gritted his teeth. One device was powered, but it had come at a terrible cost. And he could only afford to do this maybe two more times before the damage became irreversible.

Prismarin, who had been watching him carefully, didn't need him to say anything to understand. "You can't do all of them, can you?"

"No," Kain admitted, his voice tight. "I can only power two more before things get too dangerous."

At the thought of doing this twice more, Kain almost felt as though he could feel Pangea cry out. Not in words, but in tremors beneath the surface, in the fading strength of the creatures that called it home. The cost was real, the damage irreversible.

Yet, when he looked at Serena, still motionless, he knew there had never been another choice.

Prismarin hopped closer, gaze fierce. "Then let's use it. Before it's too late."

Kain clenched his jaw, gripping the device. Before it's too late.