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2024-10-29 19:42:56“Where is it? I have the crown! I don’t see it!”
A ghastly and disturbing voice came from the mist as it edged closer and shot bullet-like projectiles.
Samuel used his power to protect himself and the others, but it worked only once or twice as he ended up getting hit. While holding his bleeding knee, he gritted his teeth and clenched his left fist.
He literally punched the air, causing a blast of golden light to expand and clash against the mist, momentarily pushing it back. Zeke did not sit idly by either, he used the distraction offered by Samuel to use ‘Voltage Zap’ then ‘Spark’.
The lightning bolt pierced through the mist, from which a grunt of pain could be heard. As for the immobile floating lightning orb, it absorbed what was left of its caster’s Aether then reacted aggressively the moment one of the projectiles struck it.
An uncontrollable and loud torrent of lightning bolts exploded fo
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Paths of Extinction Characters and History
Zeke OrlandAge: 17Height: 176 CmAppearance: An angular face, coal-like eyes, a short-bridged pointy nose, thin arching eyebrows, and barely noticeable signs of a growing mustache and beard. A usually unkempt raven-black hair and an average physique, neither too slim nor too fat. However, his recent and arduous physical training, coupled with the increase in his Agility and Strength stats were slowly but surely altering his body for the better.Trivia: Youngest son of Anthony Orland and Olivia Vyrsan, a quiet youth who had, over time, developed an inferiority complex due to his inability to use Aether, unlike his two older siblings. To make matters worse, his parents were extremely reproachful and did not show any love for him, instead, they cared about-face and the privileges of the gifted.It could be said that Zeke grew up without parental love. However, Edward Orland, his older and successful brother, cared a lot about him and spa
Paths of Extinction Chapter 14 Unexpected Visitors
“What is it that you want, Detective Vans?” A middle-aged woman with striking crimson hair and light make-up on her tired face was sitting opposite Samuel’s father. She was accompanied by her husband, a pale-faced man with narrowed sharp eyes and an angular face. Vans Valort stared at the couple with a deep frown. Even after stating his reason, the two were disinterested and showed no signs of worry. “I must urge you to look after your son. He could have died.” “Then he should avoid such shady places!” Snapped Olivia, her squeaky voice loud and attracting the attention of the other police officers. She and Anthony were wearing lab coats and reeked of a foul scent usually found in laboratories. “Even so, he might be traumatized after accidentally confronting the killer. His parents’ counsel would do him go-” “Mister Valort, your job is to catch criminals, not give lectures about parenting. Now, if you don’t have anything else to say, we must return to our work.” Anthony snorte
Paths of Extinction Chapter 15 The Tragic Fate
“What are you looking at? Want another beating?!”Julia hissed at the gloomy Rodrick, who was returned, at last. He was gloomily sitting in the back and glaring at Zeke’s back, his eyes burning from rage and hatred.What was worse than his defeat to Zeke was the beating he was subjected to by his father. He was yelled at and severely brutally punished. However, before he was allowed to return to school, he was healed of all visible injuries so as to not alert the school. Still, Rodrick blamed everything on Zeke but all he could do was remain silent and seethe with anger.“Don’t do anything stupid, Rodrick. You’ve lost and it’s time to move on.”Azmer, who sat next to him, solemnly whispered those words, but Rodrick snorted in response.“Move on? Now everyone is mocking me. That loser only got lucky!”“Rodrick…”Azmer tightly gripped his shoulder and l
Paths of Extinction Chapter 16 Remorse
“Mister Orland, I operate only within Erys.”“But the one behind it is a student here!”The old man looked back at the frustrated Zeke, neither replying nor reacting in any way. After a long silence, he leaned back and sighed, “You used to be a Defect, yes? You’re more likely to sympathize with other Defects and try to protect them. However, blaming someone without any proof could lead to dire consequences, Mister Orland.”“Without any proof? I was the one who attacked Amy in the park. I also saw her mother threaten Amelia’s parents and even ruin their restaurant.”Seeing the Dean, who refused to budge, Zeke angrily stomped the ground. “How about you check the disa
Paths of Extinction Chapter 17 Missing
The two crept closer to the warehouse and in less than a minute, they arrived at the half-open entrance. Zeke looked inside and saw a pale-faced Emilia kneeling on the ground, almost about to fall unconscious.Amy too, was frightened and tearful as she clung to her bodyguard.Amelia wasn’t there, instead, there were eviscerated bodies and the strong and nauseating stench of blood lingering in the air.‘She’s not here?’Even though Amelia was nowhere to be seen, Zeke did not remain in hiding for much longer. He pushed the creaking metal doors open.The moment the bodyguard turned around, he saw a thick bolt of lightning flying straight at him. He pushed Amy out of the way an
Paths of Extinction Chapter 18 Rune of Life
[User: Zeke Orland][Race: Human][Level 2 (27/30 EXP)][Strength: 47][Agility: 44][Aether: 28][Fortitude: 6][Paths: Martial Arts (1/12) inactive | Aether Voltage (22/22) active | Groundbreaker (1/32)][Skills: Fists of Fury(Proficiency 100%) - Aether Control(Proficiency 66%) - Voltage Zap(Proficiency 100%) - Spark (Proficiency 15%) - One-star Side-kick(Proficiency 92%) - Life Motus(Proficiency 35%) - Run of Life (Proficiency 1.5%) - Voltage Arrow (Proficiency 30%)][Available PE: 3]Zeke was inside his apartment, staring at his Status Window, though his mind was wandering elsewhere. His search for Amelia was, ultimately, fruitless even after confronting Amy. Although it felt satisfying to inflict the same pain she subjected others to, it still did not quell the uncontrollable rage swelling within him.Now more than ever, he understood the unfairness and misery of life, especially if one lacked the necessary power, literally or figuratively. “She’s dead. Dead.”He let out a heavy
Paths of Extinction Chapter 19 Becoming a Monster
As soon as Nayro signaled the beginning of the spar, Julia shot toward Zeke like a cannonball. Her impressive agility notwithstanding, she couldn’t reach him in time as Zeke used ‘Life Motus’ to teleport to her side and sweep horizontally with his left leg.He was certain it was going to hit, but Julia’s body blurred and spun in a strange way, allowing her to counter-attack with a swift punch.His leg and her fist clashed against each other, causing both to stagger, but it was clear he was weaker. He felt pain rushing through his leg, as if he hit something hard and unbreakable.The girl did not let him the time to rest as she leapt forward and delivered a cascading kick.Unwilling to resort to the flashy skills from the Aether Voltage Path, Zeke crossed his arms above his head and braced himself for the impact.Alas, Julia seemed to have ignored Nayro’s warning as she used enough strength to hurt the average student. Still, Zeke resisted the incoming kick for a second before his body
Paths of Extinction Chapter 20 The 'Circles'
“This type of behavior cannot continue, Zeke. You have been issued a warning.”“Sorry sir.”Zeke seemed apologetic, but the strict Christopher was uncaring, reproaching him with the usual stern voice.It was all due to Zeke’s unwarranted absence the day before. He didn’t attend any of the lessons and searched for Amelia all day. Unless it was for Health reasons, Erys spared no effort to punish those who skip classes. Then again, it depended on whose lessons someone skipped. For instance, Professor Nayro never complained about absentees and whatnot, preferring to focus on those eager to learn and train.In contrast, Christopher was someone who followed the rules to the letter, and even misconduct wouldn’t escape his notice or punishment.“Let’s begin the lesson. Page 150 ‘Proto Demons’.”Zeke was particularly fond of History and Theoretical Aether Manipulation, not only because Christopher was good at his job, but because those were amongst the handful of subjects that did not require
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- Paths of Extinction
Chapter 239 Sanctus Lucerna
“I and Hephradet personally studied it, but found nothing. Here you go.”Kleya handed back the strange item back to Zeke.“There’s no Aether or any other foreign energy inside. We couldn’t determine its purpose.”“I see. Thank you anyway.”“Don’t worry about it. You should rest more or else I’ll never hear the end of it from Jenny.”Zeke wryly smiled and nodded. His mother kept nagging him day and night, telling him to rest and not continuously wander around the castle checking on everyone and making sure there were no issues.His body was already healthy and he felt no odd disturbances or unexpected awakenings. Everything is as normal as it could be.Just as Kleya left the room, Jennifer came in. Behind her was a red-faced Celestia, which made Zeke frown.“Mom?”Surprisingly, Jennifer grabbed his ear and pulled him to the couch.“Did I not tell you to overdo it?”“W-what? I haven’t done anything!”“That’s not what she told me!”Celestia stood a distance away, her head lowered in emba
- Paths of Extinction
Chapter 238 Zeke and Azmer
“It’s still too early to assess everything, but… over 80% of the entire planet’s population died.” Kleya, whose eyes were a bit red and her face was filled with fatigue, sat across Zeke and Celestia. “And Her Majesty?” When she heard his question, Kleya lowered her head and held herself back from crying. “We… we think she died fighting the System. It’s no longer possible to return to the Unending Star, so we decided to acknowledge that Her Majesty was amongst those who had fallen there.” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. She… she died protecting what she believed in. Us. Not just the Witch Association but all of the Aether Planet.” Zeke sighed, feeling sorry when he saw Kleya like that. The Witch Queen was the pillar of the Witch Association, their respected leader. It was especially so for Kleya and the other 6-star Witches, excluding Jennifer. “A-anyway, the situation at the capital of the Nezulian Republic remains the same. We’re still looking for a way to cancel that Frost Spell cast
- Paths of Extinction
Chapter 237 The 5th User
“Huff… huff…” With a hand pressed against his hurting chest, Zeke dragged his tired feet toward the fallen copy. The copy’s head turned to look at him, its eyeballs, which looked as if they were to pop-out, were letting out the familiar yet incredibly dim crimson light. “We had completed our objective. There was nothing left for Us to do.” “That didn’t give you the right to wipe entire civilizations.” “You… wouldn’t understand, Zeke Orland.” Unlike earlier, the System spoke through the copy’s mouth. Its charred and cut lips moved in an unnatural way, but the voice was identical to Zeke’s. “We had succeeded. We had saved the world. Then, We understood that our creation, our existence was only for that purpose. That We were a tool destined to cease existing.” “...” “We could not tolerate that.” “So you manifested a will of your own?” In response to that, a self-deprecating laugh came from the copy. “After choosing our first User, we saw how the Races we were supposed to prote
- Paths of Extinction
Chapter 236 The Phoenix
While the Phoenix battled the System in the Cursed Plains of the Unending Star, Zeke’s fight against his copy continued.Things took a turn for the worst when the Crown was crushed and the System’s powers dramatically increased. Nevertheless, Zeke didn’t lose yet. His body was flung and then crashed into the ground, blood gushing out from his shoulder and back.Even then, he slowly stood up and grinned toward the System.“Still fighting the good fight.”The previously calm ‘copy’, or at least the System’s disembodied voice, grew agitated as Zeke refused to remain on the ground.“My will is not so easily broken.”[Voltage King]Zeke’s eyes shone with an azure light as his voltage grew silent and became white.[Divine Champion][Divine Sreyzhanian Arts]Just as he charged at the System again, its body suddenly turned stiff as if being immobilized by something.The item handed by Kayro Ol Zerg flashed from Zeke’s pocket.[Fist of Fury]Zeke’s fists, glowing orange and wrapped in condens
- Paths of Extinction
Chapter 235 The God's Spear
“What’s wrong? I thought you were invincible in your domain.”Zeke’s taunt had no effect, at least not at first. The System stood straight and looked down on its wounded body.“You know nothing of Us.”The copy raised its hand, and very soon, something familiar appeared.It was a tangible object of an odd-shape, but Zeke knew what it was. The Crown.“You will know what it is to be helpless and defeated, 5th user.”“You’re still talking?”Zeke let out a smile and charged forth, his fists wrapped by thick voltage.The System crushed the crown as the red voltage manifested and exploded in an uncontrollable manner.…“Is it done?”Julia Lopmore furrowed her brows as she looked at the enemy, whose body was crushed, burned, and almost unrecognisable. It wasn’t a body anymore, but a mass of flesh and poison.The silence lasted for a very short time as the Crown also appeared in reality.“Stop it!” Shouted Frederic as took out a blue bead, one with the same size and shape that Nicneven had pr
- Paths of Extinction
Chapter 234 All-out Fight
Xiao, with his spear in hand, actually deflected the Divine Thunder before safely landing on the ground.Several people appeared close to the Witch Queen. As she swept her eyes across the six people that unexpectedly showed up here.“Your Majesty, we’re here to lend a hand.” Frederic Whitefort smirked and looked at her as he muttered those words. He had brought along Azmer, Xiao, Celestia, Ava, and Julia Lopmore.“You… how ar-”“We can save that talk for later, eh?”Frederic motioned toward Zeke, who was standing there and staring back at them with a hollow expression.“As I’m the weakest of the bunch, I’ll just stay behind and offer assistance… as well as try to heal Her Majesty.”The Vagabond knelt next to Nicnteven and extended his hand towards her. He let out a warm and serene white light, which made her feel rejuvenated. It was Holy Magic, something which she didn’t know he could use.“Wouldn’t Zeke die if we tried to kill the System?” Asked Julia while furrowing her brows.“Not
- Paths of Extinction
Chapter 233 The Seat of Magic
Right after the destruction of the Heart of the Dead Ends, Zeke stood there, seemingly in a daze.The Witch Queen stared at him intensely, and when his eyes glowed with a crimson light, she immediately attacked.Jonathan roared and rushed as well, a creeping Darkness exploding from his hands.Nicneven struck out from afar, unleashing a blazing wave of flames, fused with a spinning thick beam of Ice-aspected energy.The Paths of Extinction System, which had taken control of Zeke’s body, retaliated with full-force as well.Dozens of thunderbolts erupted from Zeke’s raised hand, blasting Jonathan back and clashing with the Queen’s magic.“The Seat of Magic.” Muttered a voice that didn’t resemble Zeke albeit speaking from his mouth.It was emotionless and cold, one which no living being would be able to imitate.[Voltage Zap]Using such an elementary skill, the System shot innumerable bolts that arched in the air and concentrated on Nicneven.She jumped out of the way and performed a stra
- Paths of Extinction
Chapter 232 The End of the 2nd Cycle
“I know this is a lot to take in, Zeke Orland. But, I want you to trust me. Know that I have your best interest in heart and I wouldn’t have come unless necessary. I could’ve let you venture alone and complete your objective, after which you’ll be killed by your own System.”Zeke pointed his open hand toward the incoming shades.[Voltage King]A barrage of lightning bolts was unleashed, piercing through the shades and extinguishing them. They vaporised in an instant, leaving only a bit of red fog.The Dead Ends and the Paths of Extinction System, they both had that unique and ominous crimson light. However, Zeke thought it was just a coincidence.Now that the truth was revealed to him, he felt a bit lost. It wasn’t that much of a surprise that his System was dangerous or a threat as he had already suspected as much after learning about Edward Heart.Nevertheless, the fact that it was a tool from the very beginning did make him feel weak and clueless.An eerie silence flowed between Ze
- Paths of Extinction
Chapter 231 The Paths of Extinction System
Thanks to the thunderstorm Zeke had previously summoned, the three of them managed to reach and enter the Black Spike. Strangely enough, the entrance of the spire was fully-opened as if beckoning them inside. “This looks man-made.” “Because it is.” Answered Nicneven as she held the black katana with one hand and controlled five differently-colored elemental orb with the other. The interior of the black spike was empty but particularly eerie. Everything was black and except a spiralling staircase that led to the top, there was nothing else, not even the crimson fog. “Who made it?” “...” “Why do you refuse to tell me anything, Your Majesty? What is the Dead Ends? Who created it?” “You do not need to concern yourself with that. Just destroy the Hearts and everything will end.” Her immediate dismissal did irritate him, but he didn’t press her for answers he knew she wouldn’t give. “This is the final stretch. Jonathan, take the vanguard.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” Jonathan pushed bac
