Time. It was relentless, unceasing, and all-encompassing. No one could escape it, in life or in death. It was the one, undeniable truth that cared not for status, for cultivation level, or rank in the Cosmic Ascendance Spectrum. It was the very spine, the very foundation of this universe.

It wasn’t like access to it was limited to those with very high cultivation levels either. For example, members of the Midnight Inn had access to a time related bloodline even as mortals. They weren’t unique in that way, as countless powerful races had access to time related abilities.

Of course, just as Lex had stated, how much one could use time, as well as how they used it, would determine how powerful a tool it would be. Otherwise, if it was entirely overpowered and undefeatable, then there would hardly be anyone who didn’t use time. That also meant that the population of the universe would be less than 1% of what it was right now, because the slightest mistake in using time was more likely to kill the user than the target.

That didn’t change the fact that those brave, or foolish, enough to use time had a great advantage over others.

As Domination roared, bending the universe to its will, Giselle actually felt a burden placed on her. The fact that Lex’s very first attempt was already giving her a hard time was incredible, but even Domination was not immune to the waning of time.

Lex’s eyes sparkled, and he entered the state of Flow, just so that he could study time some more. Lex, too, had only unlocked time affinity, though now it was locked away in the seal in his forehead. That didn’t stop him from learning about time as he fought against it. It would be useful if he faced any such foes in the future.

Lex could try using one of his defensive techniques or Lawcrafts, but against time defense was the wrong move. He hadn’t created many offensive techniques, and Abaddon Inn was obviously no longer usable, so he had to be a little creative with the means available to him.

Instead of attacking with Domination, he instead used it in a new fashion, shaping a sword out of his aura, and then filled it with sword intent.

That was not how this was supposed to work, but since when had dragons cared about how the universe worked? They just did things. The sword traveled through Lex’s hands and stabbed into Giselle’s, clashing against the sandstorm of time that was eating away at him.

The suddenness of the attack took Giselle by surprise, as though it did not end her time attack, the sharpness of it cut through the attack and left a small, barely noticeable scratch on the back of her hand. It was so thin that not even a drop of blood could seep out, but it was an injury, nevertheless.

Giselle narrowed her eyes. That was a first. None of her opponents so far had been able to break through her time attack.

The fact that Lex could do this... do it so easily... Giselle sighed and pulled her hand back.

"Alright, you have proven yourself. I suppose I’ll get back to you when I’ve narrowed down the location of the Defiler we’re hunting."

Lex looked reluctantly as her hand left his... not because he enjoyed holding her hand. Nothing like that. No, it was because he wanted to study time some more. He had barely begun using his Flow state.

"Care to share any information on our target? His strength and abilities, for example," Lex asked.

"Earth Immortal ninth level - a very young Defiler who was recently born within the Origin realm. I’ve been tracking him for a long time, and finally got some news about his possible whereabouts. As for his abilities... other than the generic ones that all Defilers have, I cannot say for certain just yet."

Lex raised an eyebrow. He could sense a bit of a history there... but since Giselle chose not to mention the details, he didn’t ask just yet. He would get a chance in the future when they went hunting together.

"Is there any help you need from me?" Lex asked.

Giselle hesitated. Her instincts were to deny him. She was too used to being on her own, and not relying on others. It was usually better that way - not for herself, but for others. All those who got close to her ended up suffering.

That wasn’t a generic belief she had, it was a fact. Her history was way too messy, her enemies way too strong, her future way too uncertain. But time and time again, Lex had proven himself unordinary, so just maybe...

"Umm, I’m fine for everything else, but if you can help me find a talented weaponsmith who can take unusual requests, I’d be grateful. It would make our hunt for the Defiler much easier."

That wasn’t the kind of help she actually needed, but it was the only kind she was comfortable asking for right now. In truth, she didn’t even want to get Lex involved with the Defiler hunt, but he had already come to her asking for help in killing a Defiler, so...

"I already have one in mind," Lex said with a smile. "As it turns out, the reason I’m stuck here is because I’m working with him on a project. Once we get free, I’m sure he’d be happy to help you out."

Giselle nodded, and then got up. There wasn’t much else left to say, and since they had basically made an agreement, they didn’t need to seal off each others memories.

"I’ll get out of your hair now," she said. "I wouldn’t want you to keep your friend waiting."

Lex’s lip twitched. He couldn’t help but feel that there was a deeper meaning hidden in her words, but even if he understood what she meant, he feigned ignorance.

He was a simple, honest man. He couldn’t take the blame if other people kept misunderstanding his intentions.