Chapter 857: Astratis' Requests

...

After Izroth mentioned his lack of inventory space, while Astratis never heard of an "inventory", he could guess its functions based on Izroth's words alone. And, the Ancient Celestial Realm had something similar.

"The Call to the Void is a relic given to each celestial after they receive their title. Although you are not from our world, it is clear that ethos now flows through your body. That makes you one of us. And, based on your feats at the Fourth Heart of the World, it is only a matter of time before you receive your title. So, you can just think of it as an early gift." Astratis explained.

Izroth looked down at the palm of his hand at the metallic spherical object that was the size of a plum. He could sense faint traces of ethos flowing throughout the sphere and when he concentrated on that object, he felt as though his consciousness was being pulled into it.

'So, there are also items like this. It would be quite popular among the gathering professions.'

Name: Call to the Void(Relic)

Usage: Provides the user with a medium-sized subspace storage that can be accessed at their will.

Special Note: This item is destroyed upon usage. If the user is already in possession of subspace storage, this item will instead expand the preexisting storage.

The next moment, the metallic sphere broke into thousands of tiny fragments before entering Izroth's hand. There was no feeling of discomfort from the process; however, it would definitely be somewhat unnerving for those who experienced it for the first time.

〈System Alert: A new subspace storage has been detected.〉

〈System Alert: Expanding current subspace storage...〉

〈System Alert: Task complete. Your current subspace storage has been successfully expanded.〉

The entire process only took a few seconds, and by the end of it, Izroth noticed that his inventory space had increased by a little more than 50%!

'Oh? Even a ten percent or twenty percent increase would have been useful. To think it would expand my inventory space by this much. It looks like I won't be running out of inventory space again any time soon.'

Once he acquired more room in his inventory, Izroth placed the item bags inside without issue.

Now that one matter had been settled, Izroth was curious about something Astratis mentioned not long ago.

"A title? You mean it's possible for me to obtain one even though I'm not originally from this world?" Izroth inquired.

"Well, that's the thing," Astratis said with a helpless expression as he rubbed the back of his head in a frustrated manner.

He then continued, "This is the first time something like this has happened. But, there is no mistake that as long as ethos flows through one's veins, as long as the requirements are met, they should obtain a title."

"Requirements?"

"Yes. But, the problem is, while the requirements are not necessarily difficult to meet, they are also not so simple." Astratis sighed.

"Then, is there someone I have to meet to pass some sort of test?" Izroth asked.

"Titles are not given by anyone. It occurs naturally. Meaning, that when it is time to know, one will know. My title, Daughter of the Eternal Vow, is one I acquired the day I promised myself to my husband." Ierosni commented with a smile as her gaze landed on Astratis.

She then looked over at Izroth and said, "My husband obtained his title after being brought to hide within a thunderstorm that raged for seven days and seven nights during a more... Unforgiving time. But, a title and power are typically one. While it is true that we do not receive them until a later date, we are already given our titles at birth. It is simply that we have yet to discover them. That is why my husband is not entirely certain about what your outcome will be. After all, you are one who was not birthed by the Protogenos."

"I see. It is a unique case indeed." Izroth replied as he pondered Ierosni's words.

In Izroth's eyes, whether he received a title or not, it did not change things. Ultimately, he had gotten by without one just fine and would continue to do so if needed.

Nevertheless, he also would not mind an additional source of strength.

"Though I'm curious—why are some of your titles different in the beginning?" Izroth questioned.

Those like Astratis and Ierosni titles started with "Son" or "Daughter". Yet, there were celestials with titles that simply started with "Celestial". Did it have to do with their lineage and relation to Kyvernos?

"Hm? Ah, that. It just separates those who have grasped the true understanding of their title from those who are still walking the path of gaining insight. Once someone understands the core of their title, they become a true inheritor of that power." Astratis explained.

'A true inheritor, is it?'

...

A few moments later...

Izroth and Astratis continued their conversation.

Astratis spoke about his time in the Ancient Celestial Realm at a young age, while Izroth talked about a few of his adventures in the Mortal Realm.

Soon enough, the two were lost in conversation. Not wanting to disturb them, Ierosni excused herself and asked Sychia, as well as Hakros if they would like to accompany her.

Sychia understood Ierosni's intentions and decided to follow her. As for Hakros, Ierosni convinced him with a more straightforward method.

She heard of Hakros' great desire for battle from the celestials who were at the Fourth Heart of the World; therefore, she asked if he would like to visit their training area and perhaps spar against some of the other combat-crazed celestials.

Even though the war was over and most of the celestials were relaxing or celebrating, there were still those who knew that all troubles were not yet behind them. So, they did not halt their training.

In the end, how could Hakros refuse such a tempting offer? Needless to say, he accepted without hesitation!

But, Ierosni had another purpose for leaving the two alone. She knew her husband's temperament well. So, she decided to help him a bit.

Before Izroth knew it, only he and Astratis remained in the Inner Sanctuary.

Their conversation came to a brief pause as silence filled the room.

Izroth could feel the sudden shift in atmosphere and knew that Astratis must have had something on his mind. But, what is it that would cause him to hesitate this way?

"Izroth, the truth is that I did not ask you to visit me just to reward you and for casual conversation. I admit, making such a request in front of your companions proved rather difficult. But, now that it is just the two of us... Although it is shameful of me to do so, there are two things I wish to request from you. Will you hear me out?" Astratis said with a serious expression.

'So that's why he's been acting somewhat off.'

Izroth felt that something was off with Astratis for a while. Despite the free-willed nature of their conversation, Astratis' mind always seemed to be in another place. 

Judging from his reaction, he probably did not expect Sychia and Hakros to accompany Izroth. This made it more challenging for him to speak freely of his requests.

Naturally, Izroth did not owe Astratis nor the celestials anything. In fact, it could be said that they still owed him a great debt. Nonetheless, Izroth planned to establish long-term relations with the celestials. Therefore, as long as the requests were not too unreasonable, he had no reason to refuse.

"Sure. After all, didn't you say it yourself not too long ago? That I'm one of you. If that's the case, shouldn't we help each other out when we're in need?" Izroth said with a carefree smile.

Astratis was visibly moved by Izroth's words. He felt guilty making more requests of Izroth after all of his help; however, he had to set aside his personal feelings for the greater good. Still, his respect for Izroth had reached an even higher level—something he did not think possible.

"The first request has to do with the Ambrosia Wings in your possession. If possible, I would like to make a trade for some of them." Astratis stated.

He then continued, "Our relationship with the Ateleigos isn't the best right now. And, since they are in hiding after our clash with the pillars, finding them will not be easy. However, the Ambrosia Wings are crucial in the recovery of those who were severely injured. No matter the cost, I am willing-"

"Sure," Izroth replied, cutting Astratis off before he could finish speaking.

He then went on to say, "As long as it is a fair trade, I see no issue."

In the end, Izroth only needed a few Ambrosia Wings for what he had in mind. Giving some to Astratis in exchange for things of equal value was not at all a loss on his part.