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Chapter 3 - The Way Out Death, Vol.1, Untold Secretes. Chapter,3

We are the final remnants of an ancient lineage, the last of the Somakai. Our blood carries the secrets of ages, granting us bodies that endure the passage of time and the power to harness the energies of the cosmos, like the cultivators of old.

Yet, our unique bloodline has made us the target of relentless enemies. Our family possesses a rare and powerful physique known as the Chaos Body, granting us a lifespan far beyond that of ordinary humans. Though centuries have passed since a Chaos Body last emerged in our lineage, your father and I, along with the remnants of our family, have lived for eons—almost as old as the planet itself.

His uncle's voice quivered with sorrow, "Your mother—my sister—endured the unimaginable, losing all her children in that brutal war against the Outsiders. In their final, desperate moments, they fled our world, clutching you—the only Chaos Body to grace our family in thousands of years—as their last, fragile hope for our ancestors' legacy. 

He paused, his breath catching as if the weight of the past had seized his very soul. "We were once a family of power and prestige," he began, his voice laced with a feeling of sorrow that seemed to echo from the depths of his heart, "led by those whose wisdom was unmatched, and whose strength was feared by all. But we were betrayed—our trust shattered, our inheritance stolen. The wisdom of our ancestors, the lifeblood of our strength, was torn from us, and our family was scattered to the winds, left to fend for ourselves in a world that seeks our end. Now, we are hunted, our very existence hanging by a thread." Kaidrix's eyes widened, the gravity of his uncle's words sinking in with each breathless moment. His uncle's voice grew softer, laden with grief, "Your mother… my sister… she died to protect you, Kaidrix. She sacrificed everything so that you might live. You—the only Chaos Body to emerge in our bloodline after thousands of years—are the last hope for our family's legacy."

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Let me take you back to the very origins of our bloodline. It all began with our first ancestor, a figure enshrouded in myth and might—Nefelios, the inaugural Chaos Body of the Somakai family. Legends speak of his unparalleled prowess, a warrior who stood toe-to-toe with grandmasters, beings revered from afar, yet unreachable by most. His physique was formidable, his fists so powerful they could shatter the very fabric of space. He crafted the first Body Cultivation Technique, a marvel of martial prowess that rivaled the grandmasters' skills.

Though many benefited from his technique, it was originally designed for a Chaos Body like his own, making it nearly impossible for others to attain its highest potential. Nefelios himself, despite his extraordinary abilities, fell short of mastering the technique fully, achieving only the master level. His journey didn't end there. He waged wars against dark forces in what became known as the First Battle of Calamities, a time when humans were reduced to mere livestock for more powerful races. Nefelios emerged as a beacon of hope, a symbol of resistance and strength.

As his legend spread, new inheritances and knowledge flowed into the Centaurian realm. Some whispered that these came from the far reaches of outer space, expanding our understanding of human history and its boundless depths.

From ancient times, our lineage has persevered, even as much of our history has faded into the mists of time. Yet, the story we hold dear begins with Nefelios, a figure whose very existence rocked the foundations of the cultivation world. His unmatched abilities and life extended beyond the reach of ordinary men, cementing him as a living legend. He outlived all his peers, casting a shadow that spanned across the cosmos. Despite his extraordinary longevity, Nefelios's life was marked by profound struggles and sorrow. His death left an indelible mark on the universe, etched with the weight of his legends and the tragedies that accompanied them.

Ancestor Nefelios's most fervent desire was to achieve immortality; he was consumed by the dream of living forever. He ventured into every corner of the cosmos, his quest spanning realms both known and unknown. Despite his relentless efforts, immortality eluded him, leaving him to grapple with a sense of perpetual futility. Throughout his ceaseless pursuit, he amassed profound knowledge, yet the elusive Grand Master level remained beyond his grasp. In the end, he passed away beside the grave of his beloved wife, his heart weighed down by deep sorrow. In his final years, Nefelios was often seen inscribing ephemeral words in the air, which would vanish as soon as they appeared, a reflection of his fading hope. Though he had many enemies—some driven by envy of his power, others coveting his knowledge—none dared confront him directly, fearing the might of his unyielding spirit.

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Kaidrix, my son, our lineage is one of profound nobility, stretching back through the annals of millions of years. For eons, we have journeyed across the starry expanse of this boundless cosmos, driven by the quest for the elusive secret of immortality. Our ancestors dreamt of crafting a sanctuary where our descendants could escape the clutches of death and the burdens of mortal sorrow. Yet, despite their relentless pursuit and unyielding dedication, none have ever succeeded in realizing this dream. Still, the spirit of perseverance remains unbroken. Each new generation inherits the hopes and struggles of those who came before, striving to build upon the legacy forged by our forebears. Their dreams and efforts continue to illuminate our path, even in the face of daunting challenges.

Despite living for millennia and bearing a history that stretches across countless ages, we remain fundamentally human, and we cling to that essence with all our might. Throughout the ages, there have been tales of those who, in their desperate quest for immortality, sought to alter their very souls and bodies. These experiments, driven by a relentless ambition, often ended in sorrow and disaster. Some endeavored to transform themselves into demi-humans, others into devils, or even into hybrids of various races. While their strength may have surged and their powers expanded, none succeeded in truly becoming another race. Their attempts, though grand in scope, failed to achieve the ultimate transformation they sought.

Eventually, humanity came to understand that their quest for immortality was not a solitary endeavor. Ancient histories began to unveil that beings from even more distant epochs had also sought the elusive promise of eternal life. As the ages passed, the notion of transforming into other races gradually fell out of favor. It became painfully evident that immortality was nothing more than a myth—an illusory dream that eluded even the most tenacious seekers. No matter how long one lives or how many lifetimes one witnesses, death remains an inescapable reality. A prolonged existence, far from being a blessing, often brought with it a host of tragedies and burdens, turning the quest for eternal life into a profound and relentless nightmare for both the feeble and the mighty alike.

Despite these revelations, the yearning for longevity persists. People continue to chase the elusive promise of immortality, driven by an unquenchable desire to escape the finality of death. Their search is relentless, fueled by hope and desperation, as they strive to uncover a way to transcend the limits of mortal existence.

The Somakai family once thrived in a remote and resplendent corner of the starry sky known as Centaurus. This land, rich with verdant beauty and boundless energy, was perfect for our cultivation and prosperity. We lived in harmony, our days filled with the serenity and splendor of our homeland. But our peaceful existence was shattered when invaders from beyond our realm descended upon us. They claimed our lands as their own, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. While some native families of Centaurus managed to endure, many fell prey to internal strife and betrayal. Today, only a handful of families cling to their ancestral territories, their hopes of resurgence flickering like distant stars against the encroaching darkness.

These invaders hailed from a distant and ancient land, a place so far removed from our understanding that it seemed almost mythical. Their strength and cultivation abilities were beyond our wildest imaginations, surpassing anything we had ever known or encountered. While some of these invaders revealed snippets of their origins, the true nature of their power remained shrouded in enigma. Their presence was a dark, inscrutable force, casting long shadows over our world and leaving us with more questions than answers.

The people of Centaurus are renowned for their pride and warrior spirit, qualities deeply embedded in their very essence. They instinctively align with the strong and fiercely combat any who threaten their existence; this resolve is a fundamental part of their nature. Yet, the Outsiders came with a dark and sinister agenda. They viewed our family as little more than a resource, intent on harvesting our potent, energy-rich blood to bolster their own young. To them, we were not equals but mere commodities, unworthy of the respect and dignity that should be afforded to any living being. It was challenging to even categorize them fully as human; while some bore a semblance to us, others had horns and appeared radically different, marking them as alien and malevolent forces.

Eventually, it became clear that the Outsiders had targeted the Somakai family specifically because of our unique prowess in body cultivation. Tragically, our clan lacked the formidable warriors needed to mount a successful defense. Despite our courageous efforts, during which we succeeded in slaying thousands of them, the truth of our situation became undeniable: we were in decline, our future bleak. To make matters worse, other Centaurian families—long envious of our knowledge and inheritance—aligned themselves with the Outsiders, sealing our fate. We were driven from our ancestral lands, and forced into exile. As he recounted this heart-wrenching history, tears welled up in his eyes, tracing down his wrinkled cheeks and mingling with his beard before falling to the ground. The sight was deeply affecting for Kaidrix and his fiancée, the gravity of their loss and the weight of their heritage palpable in the room.

Amidst the tears and the agonizing recollection of watching loved ones fall one by one on the battlefield, he pressed on with his tale. The Outsiders perceived us as weak because our focus was on body cultivation rather than the broader practice of cultivation. Body cultivation, with its grueling physical demands and intense training, is far more brutal than other methods. Soul cultivation, by contrast, typically comes later in one's journey. Most of us possess single-element bodies, with only a rare few gifted with multi-element bodies that reveal extraordinary abilities from birth. Our clan has been in decline for decades, unable to produce strong offspring. Many sought greater power elsewhere, some meeting their end in the pursuit of immortality, while others were driven away or slain by the Outsiders.

My instincts tell me that these beings are not truly human; they belong to an evil race that preys upon and devastates other races for sustenance. They even consume their victims and use their blood to amplify their powers and knowledge. Driven by malice or delight in cruelty, they are often termed as demons. This designation commonly refers to a faction within the Jinn race that has forsaken righteousness and embraced malevolence. Though the Jinn as a whole are not inherently evil, they possess immense power, encompassing both heroes who combat darkness and those who have strayed from the light. Jinn has always existed alongside human societies, though most humans remain oblivious to their presence.

My son, there is much I yearn to share with you, but now is not the right time. We are not in a secure place, and this moment is not fitting for such revelations. You are well aware of our family's history and the fate that has befallen our lineage." He spoke with a gaze fixed upon the stars, his face etched with deep emotion and sorrow, his eyes searching a particular direction in the sky. "We are about to return to our homeland. Is there anything you wish to address here before we leave? This is your chance to decide.

Kaidrix nodded in agreement. His uncle continued, "Good. I will be training you personally. Our journey will be long, and returning here might become increasingly difficult. Traveling through space and time is a complex process that demands immense time and effort. The fabric of time and space shifts differently for us, and the places we leave behind will evolve continuously. Lives will be lived and lost, and we must be ready. Training is crucial, but even with the best preparation, moving between star regions requires a level of cultivation and power far beyond what you currently possess."

I can sense Valtor's grief. It seems you were quite playful in your childhood, and my sister, who loved you dearly, might not have disciplined you as she should have. Learning to focus now will be a challenge, but your talent is exceptional, especially with the Kratos (Chaos Body). If I were to say it's the greatest talent, I wouldn't be wrong. So, rest well, my son." He noticed Kaidrix's somber expression and sighed deeply. Placing a comforting hand on Kaidrix's shoulder, he left it there in silence, his eyes reflecting a deep, sorrowful longing. Finally, he spoke again, his voice heavy with emotion, "Lumina lost her mother, and I lost my wife. We have all suffered profound losses. You, too, lost your mother—my sister. These are precious things we can never reclaim.

Your father's whereabouts are currently unknown. I know it's incredibly hard for you, losing both of them. The pain and heartbreak are immense. But the times ahead will be even darker. If those of us who remain do not lift ourselves from our grief, work tirelessly, and rise to the challenge, we risk our destruction. We cannot avenge our loved ones or carry forward the light and hope of our ancestors if we remain stagnant. Please, my son, find the strength within yourself. We have a great deal of work ahead, and our survival depends on our resolve and focus.

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